June 2016 - Vol 11 Issue 3

Co-op Hotline

Volume: 11, Issue 3 Southeastern IN REMC Member Newsletter June 2016

Office Hours What does the weather pattern have to do with your
electric usage?
7:30 AM to 4:30 PM (EST)
Monday through Friday by: Bryan K. Mathews, General Manager

Contact Information Great question, but let me start with asking you and with a big smile said, “where I live it is 50 below
some questions. Do you change your habits as it relates right now”. This, of course, brought me back to the
Local calls: 812-689-4111 to the weather? Do you wear short sleeve shirts in the reality that we live in a diverse nation and weather
Toll free: 800-737-4111 summer? Do you wear a heavy coat in the winter? Do patterns can be pleasant in one place and extreme in
FAX only: 812-689-6987 you put on a rain jacket on a rainy day as you head another.
To make a payment: 1-888-999-0762 outside? Does your mood ever change on a dreary
Call Before You Dig: 800-382-5544 day? So what does the weather pattern have to do with
E-mail: [email protected] your electric usage? The simple answer would be -
Website: www.seiremc.com I love to be outside on a nice sunny day. However, everything. On February 8, 2016 the temperature was
I personally have to watch out for the changes in the around 10°. To keep your house warm, your electric
Board of Directors season because of severe allergies and asthma. Many of furnace, heat pump, geothermal unit or another type of
you can relate to the changing seasons and most of us heating system had to work extra; using more energy.
Vince Moster - District 1 would not want it any different.
Brad Bentle - District 2 Just think; if we lived somewhere else, we would
David Smith - District 3 Thinking about weather patterns reminds me that I not have to build homes that stand up to temperatures
Carolyn Armstrong - District 4 spoke with a co-op director from one of the Hawaiian from 0° to 100° Fahrenheit. We would not have to
Melissa Menchhofer - District 5 Islands back in February during the National Rural build power plants that can produce enough power to
Mike Thieman - District 6 Electric Cooperative Association meeting and as we supply the energy needed to give us the comforts that
Darrell Smith - District 7 began discussing different types of energy sources, the others enjoy because of their weather patterns. We
Bonnie Boggs - District 8 director asked me why the midwestern states believe would not have to worry about the demands placed
Chris Schmaltz - District 9 coal is so important and why we were not pushing the upon the lines, equipment and workforce to provide
solar energy initiative? safe, reliable and reasonably priced energy to all
facebook.com/SEINREMC members, when needed, in the extreme temperature
I explained why all energy sources are important, changes.
twitter.com/SEIREMC including solar, and that not one source should be
singled out, at least where we live in Indiana, because I am glad I live in Indiana, but mindful that others
Publishing Information the different energy sources allow us to create a mix of do not share this same mind-set. I hope that our
energy sources to keep rates reasonable, and reliable. I representatives in Washington D.C. understand that all
Co-op Hotline is published then decided to ask what the weather pattern was on Americans are created equal, but all Americans do not
bimonthly for the members the island that the director was from, to gain a better live in perfect weather patterns.
of Southeastern Indiana Rural understanding of the different mind-set.
Electric Membership Corporation, Enjoy the mild temperature during this time of
a consumer owned utility, 712 The answer surprised me somewhat, since I am the year while you can, because we know that it will
South Buckeye Street, Osgood, an Indiana homegrown and have never been to the quickly change. As I mentioned before, I love the
Indiana 47037. Periodicals postage islands. The director happily answered that the normal sunny days, but thinking about the weather patterns
temperature is 60 to 78 year round and no heat is and the changing of the seasons reminds me that I also
paid at Seymour, IN needed due to the weather pattern. Quickly, I thought enjoy going outside when a light snow is falling from
of how great it would be to always have such nice the sky and listening to the very peaceful surroundings.
weather. Then another director from Alaska spoke up

Co-op Hotline, June 2016 - Page 1

Paperless Operation RoundUp©

Billing Program to Begin in July

Contest

Southeastern Indiana REMC is proud to report that we are one step closer to starting
the Operation RoundUp© program with our members. You may remember that we
started sharing information about the program and how it works earlier this year through
bill inserts, newsletter articles, and a presentation at our annual meeting, as well as our
website (www.seiremc.com) and social media channels.

As you know, the program funds are raised by co-op members rounding up their
monthly payments to the nearest dollar. We will officially start the program in July and
your donations will accumulate in the Southeastern Indiana REMC Community Fund.

One lucky Your board of directors appointed the following individuals to serve as trustees of
participant will the Southeastern Indiana REMC Community Fund: Keith Allhands, Steve Black, Judy
Copeland, Carla Elston, Mike Fledderman, Jerry Lamb, Barry Lauber, Keith Mathews,
win a and Owen Menchhofer.

Kindle Fire The Southeastern Indiana REMC Community Fund trustees met to review the Bylaws,
establish trustee terms, and elect officers. The results of the election are as follows: Owen
each quarter in Menchhofer, Chairman; Keith Allhands, Vice-Chairman; and Carla Elston, Secretary-
2016! Treasurer.

Sign-up for We anticipate the first distribution of funds to take place in January 2017. Community
Paperless groups and organizations are encouraged to submit an application for consideration. The
Billing TODAY! application and submission deadline date will be announced later this year. You may
visit our website for additional information about the program and timely updates as we
proceed to roll-out the Operation RoundUp© Program.

Q1 Winner: It makes a lot of cents to round up

John Ruehl Operation RoundUp© is a voluntary program and you may choose to opt-out at anytime. Beginning
in July, your electric bill will be rounded up to the next whole dollar amount. On average, you will only
Q2 Winner: contribute about 50 cents a month. That may not seem like much, but when over 26,000 Southeastern
Indiana REMC member accounts contribute, the pennies really add up. All funds will be managed by the
Will it be YOU? Southeastern Indiana REMC Community Fund and used to assist non-profit, charitable projects or causes

Q3 Winner: such as volunteer fire departments, children’s shelters and food banks.

Will it be YOU? Contact us at 800-737-4111 or visit our website at www.seiremc.com for more information.

Q4 Winner:

Will it be YOU?

Page 2 - Co-op Hotline, June 2016

We are prepared for Total
Home
summer storms Generator
Program
Summer is here, school is out and families are gearing up for a few months of fun and
relaxation. While summer brings much fun in the sun, it can also bring the occasional 22 kw Generac
severe storm. In the event of a power outage, you can trust that Southeastern Indiana
REMC is ready to respond. $4,700
Installed
The major cause of most power outages comes from damage to power lines due to Unit
falling trees and branches. We work year round – through right-of-way clearing – to
ensure power lines in our service territory stand little risk of being damaged by trees, $300
branches or other types of vegetation.
Maintenance
Despite our best efforts, during major storms, damage can occur to transmission Fee
stations, substations and power lines. When this happens, our first priority is to safely
restore power to as many members as possible in the shortest amount of time. Program
participants
We start by mobilizing our line crews and other critical staff. Every phone line available
is utilized to take your outage report calls. The big problems are handled first – like receive:
damage to transmission lines, which serve thousands of people. These problems must
be corrected before we can focus on other areas where more localized damage may have $50 credit
occurred.
each of the six
Southeastern Indiana REMC’s line crews inspect substations to determine if the months the REMC
problem starts there, or if there could be an issue down the line. If the root of the implements load
problem is at the substation, power can be restored to thousands of members. control measures

Next, line crews check the service lines that deliver power into neighborhoods and
communities. Line crews repair the damaged lines, restoring power to hundreds of
people. If you continue to experience an outage, there may be damage to a tap line
outside of your home or business. Make sure you notify your co-op so crews can inspect
these lines.

We will do our best to avoid power outages, but sometimes Mother Nature has other
plans. Be sure to check the co-op website at www.seiremc.com or Nixle by texting the
keyword REMC to 888777 on your smartphone for the latest updates during a power
outage.

Did you know that you can
reference the outage map
on our website to see the
location and the number
of outages we have at any
given time? See for yourself
at www.seiremc.com.

Co-op Hotline, June 2016 - Page 3

Statement of What’s in it for “we?”
Nondiscrimination

This institution is an One of the most attractive features of cooperatives is that we answer the popular
equal opportunity question, “What’s in it for me?” with “What’s in it for we!” Cooperatives are formed when
the market fails to offer a good or service, with decent quality, at an affordable price.
provider and Southeastern Indiana REMC was formed in 1939 because, when investor-owned utilities
employer. realized there was not enough profit to be made in our community, they refused to offer
electricity.
If you wish to
file a Civil Rights The founding members of Southeastern Indiana REMC went door to door to collect $5
program complaint in order to raise a portion of the original investment the co-op needed. Those “go-getters”
of discrimination, realized the only way to get electricity for me was to get it for we, the whole community.

complete the Cooperative ownership is in the hands of the people who use the co-op’s goods and the
USDA Program services (not investors), so not only do co-ops start out answering the question of “What’s
Discrimination in it for we?” – they continue to answer that question for as long as they exist.
Complaint Form,
found online at http:// These days, we often hear about companies that abandon their local communities
www.ascr.usda.gov/ and move overseas in search of cheaper labor. This negatively impacts the community
complaint_filing_ through job loss, decline in housing values and school closures. Because local residents
cust.html, or at any own a majority of cooperatives, they are less likely to leave their community. In fact, it
USDA office, or call would be impossible for Southeastern Indiana REMC to leave the communities we serve.
(866) 632-9992 to The co-op is a critical part of what makes the community a community.
request the form.
You may also write a The way co-ops continue to answer the question, “What’s in it for we?” is critical to
letter containing all their survival. It is imperative that we keep you – our members – as the primary focus.
of the information Keeping rates as low as possible is one major part of that focus, but ensuring that we
requested in the form. provide real value as your trusted energy advisor is also extremely important.
Send your completed
complaint form or By maintaining that focus with your help and support, we will continue to be able to
letter by mail to the serve the “me” and the “we” in our community long into the future.
U.S. Department
of Agriculture, Southeastern Indiana REMC Receives 2016 Best of Osgood Award
Director, Office Osgood Award Program Honors the Achievement
of Adjudication,
1400 Independence OSGOOD May 24, 2016 -- Various sources of information were implemented programs to generate
Avenue, S.W., Southeastern Indiana REMC has gathered and analyzed to choose the competitive advantages and long-
Washington, D.C. been selected for the 2016 Best winners in each category. The 2016 term value.
20250-9410, by fax of Osgood Award in the Utilities Osgood Award Program focuses on
(202) 690-7442 or category by the Osgood Award quality, not quantity. Winners are The Osgood Award Program was
e-mail at program. Program. determined based on the information established to recognize the best of
[email protected]. gathered both internally by the local businesses in our community.
Each year, the Osgood Award Osgood Award Program and data Our organization works exclusively
Page 4 - Co-op Hotline, June 2016 Program identifies companies that provided by third parties. with local business owners, trade
we believe have achieved exceptional groups, professional associations
marketing success in their local About Osgood Award Program and other business advertising and
community and business category. marketing groups. Our mission
These are local companies that The Osgood Award Program is an is to recognize the small business
enhance the positive image of small annual awards program honoring the community's contributions to the
business through service to their achievements and accomplishments U.S. economy.
customers and our community. These of local businesses throughout the
exceptional companies help make Osgood area. Recognition is given to SOURCE: Osgood Award Program
the Osgood area a great place to live, those companies that have shown the
work and play. ability to use their best practices and

The benefits of choosing an Southeastern
Indiana REMC
electric water heater Rebate Program

As expected, most people don’t think much about water heaters. They take for granted Electric Water Heaters
that they make it possible to have hot showers, clean dinner dishes and enjoy load upon
load of freshly laundered linens. The lonely water heater, tucked away in the basement or $50 to $400
a utility closet, is out of sight and out of mind.

There are times, however, when your attention turns to that most essential of appliances: All Electric Heat Pump
when an existing water heater breaks (“Brrr. That water is cold!”) or when building or and or Duel Fuel,
renovating a home. Central Air

At those times, a homeowner will make a decision that has consequences that persist $150 to $750
for a decade or two, maybe longer. Your water-heating choice will have implications for
energy efficiency, cost of use, the environment, safety and reliability. As a trusted energy Geothermal Heat Pump
advisor, Southeastern Indiana REMC can help you make the right decision.
$1,500

As a member of the cooperative, you might already know about many of the advantages HVAC systems for
and benefits of electric water heaters. First, electric water heaters are safe. There is no traditional or Modular
threat of carbon monoxide poisoning, combustion or explosion. Electric water heaters
are environmentally friendly and capable of using electricity generated from solar, wind, homes
hydro and other renewable sources.
$300 to $1,500

Electric water heaters are also easy to install, requiring no expensive gas lines, exhaust HVAC systems for mobile
flue or on-site fuel tanks. Compared to other fuels, the cost of electricity is stable. homes - Manufactured

In addition, electric water heaters are emerging as a building block of the future electric housing
grid. These formerly mundane units are evolving into smart appliances and energy
storage units that are helping the grid become more stable and more efficient. By heating $800 to $1,500
water when demand for electricity is low and storing the thermal energy for later use,
electric water heaters can save you money. Electric Heating System
Checkup
Not everyone acknowledges the superiority of electric water heaters. In the coming
months, you might see television commercials or other advertisements that will try to $50
sell you on the merits of propane water heaters. A propane marketing group is behind the
campaign, and there’s no telling what kind of claims they’ll make. The fact is that propane Professionally installed
is a fossil fuel, and prices tend to fluctuate wildly. If you install a propane heater today, Duct Sealing
you’ll live with the consequences and risks for years to come. That’s the inconvenient
truth. $250 to $500

If you have questions about water heater options or other energy efficiency needs, give Professionally installed
us a call at 800-737-4111. At Southeastern Indiana REMC, we’re here to be your trusted Attic Insulation
energy source.
$250 to $500

Southeastern Indiana REMC offers lots of online resources for our Download the
members. Visit our website today and learn more! Rebate Form at:
www.seiremc.com

Co-op Hotline, June 2016 - Page 5

Use caution near co-op equipment

As you find yourself spending more time outdoors this summer, Southeastern Indiana REMC reminds you to exercise
caution near electrical equipment maintained by the co-op.

Substations and power lines carry extremely high voltages, and if contact is accidentally made, the results can be
dangerous––or even deadly.

Never climb trees near power lines. If you make contact with a tree that is touching a power line, your body could
become the path of electricity from the line to the ground. If you encounter an animal trapped in a tree near power lines
or inside a substation, do not attempt to remove it––no matter how furry and cute! Call Southeastern Indiana REMC or
911 for assistance.

These days, we are seeing more remote-controlled toys, like drones and airplanes, which can be a great way to have
fun outdoors. But these gadgets also bring new safety concerns. Remote-controlled toys should never be flown near
power lines, substations or other electrical equipment.

Remember these safety tips when flying a remote-controlled toy:
• Keep a safe distance from electrical equipment when you fly. If contact is accidentally made with a power line or a

transformer inside a substation, many members of your community could be left without electricity.
• Keep the remote-controlled toy in sight at all times.
• Avoid flying if weather conditions are unfavorable. High winds could cause you to lose control of the remote-

controlled toy.
Here at Southeastern Indiana REMC, your safety is important to us. We hope you will share the message of electrical
safety so that you and others can enjoy plenty of summer days filled with fun! Visit www.seiremc.com for more electrical
safety tips.

Page 6 - Co-op Hotline, June 2016

Co-op Hotline, June 2016 - Page 7

P.O. Box 196 PRST STD
712 South Buckeye Street U.S. POSTAGE
Osgood, IN 47037
PAID
SEYMOUR, IN
PERMIT NO. 198

Receive emergency alerts from Southeastern
Indiana REMC by text message and e-mail

Sign Up Today
It’s Free & Easy!
Text REMC to 888777

Provide your zip code for location-specific alerts

Page 8 - Co-op Hotline, June 2016