September 2019 Newsletter

Up And Away: Heartland Power
linemen offered bucket truck rides

to adventurous event-goers.

A monthly publication for members of Heartland Power Cooperative | September 2019

Members Enjoy An End Of Summer Gathering

Thank You For Attending Our St. Ansgar Open House Event

Jon Leerar, Thank you to the nearly seven hundred cooperative members who attended our Open
CEO/General Manager House in St. Ansgar on Thursday, August 15th! It was great to see so many familiar faces as
we celebrated the move to our new location with a night of food, fun activities, and great
Congratulations to our conversations. We’re reminded time and time again how thankful we are for the dedicated
open house drawing support of our members. It’s a privilege to serve you.

winner, Robbie Tibbets We’d like to extend a special thanks to the Mitchell County Beef Producers for the excellent
from Osage. hamburgers, the Mitchell County Dairy Promotion Group for serving a variety of delicious ice
cream treats, and Mitchell County Public Health for providing health and wellness checks.
We are always thankful for the opportunity to partner with great organizations across our
local communities.

Take a moment to view a few photos from the Open House. If you were unable to attend,
please feel welcome to stop in for a look at the new location. We’d be glad to show you
around.

Grilled To Perfection: The Mitchell Arm Power: Guests
County Beef Producers served enjoyed a variety of
hamburgers for the event. activities, including this
arm pedal light display.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE UPCOMING The Value of Being A Generator Safety | p 4
CAPITAL CREDIT Member | p 3 Do you know how to
Open House Recap | The Board of Directors protect yourself and your
p2 RETIREMENT recently approved a appliances while using a
See more photos from our capital credit retirement. generator? Refresh your
Open House celebration Learn more inside. memory with these tips!
last month!

MONTHLY
CO-OP QUIZ

$25 Bill Credit Winner Above: The Lineman 360 Virtual
Reality goggles offered members
Becky Logemann of
Carpenter, Iowa. a unique perspective as they
“rode along” with a lineman
Last Month’s Answer during a transformer changeout.

If your vehicle comes in Our new location is located at 110 East
contact with a power line, Industrial Park Drive in St. Ansgar.
stay in the vehicle unless it
is on fire.

This Month’s Question
What is something
you learned or found
interesting in this month’s
newsletter?

Quiz Guidelines

Each member who sends in
the correct answer by the
20th of the month will be
entered in a drawing for a
$25 bill credit.

Mail or energy quiz answers
to energy@heartlandpower.
com.

2 | NEWS AND VIEWS: SEPTEMBER 2019

More Than A “Customer”

Capital Credit Retirement Planned For November

Karrie Pringnitz, As a member of Heartland Power Cooperative, you’re more than just a “customer.” You
Director of Finance have a voice in how the co-op operates! From voting for the local board of directors to
and Administration attending our annual meeting, there are many opportunities to get involved.

Cooperatives are also unique in the fact that they operate as not-for-profit organizations.
When we experience additional income over expenses - referred to as profits or margins
- at the end of the year, we allocate that extra money back to our owners in relation to
how much electricity each member used during the year. These funds are returned to you
over time as the board determines that it is financially feasible to do so.

We’re pleased to announce that the board recently approved a capital credit retirement
of over $487,000, planned for November 2019. Retirements include Heartland Power
issued capital credits from 2004 along with portions of Dairyland Power Cooperative
issued capital credits from 1990-1992.

Since the inception of Heartland Power in 1998, we’ve proudly returned nearly $9.8
Million in capital credits and over $1.5 Million in special refunds to our cooperative
members. Watch our newsletter for more information on this upcoming retirement.

Interested in running for the Board of Directors? Let us know! We will tell you when your district is up for election
and answer any questions you may have about the responsibilities and commitments of a director.

Thank you for attending our Open House!

[email protected] | www.heartlandpower.com | www.facebook.com/heartlandpower HEARTLAND POWER COOPERATIVE | 3

Is your electric service 10 Tips To Stay
ready for harvest? Safe With Portable
Generators
A new grain dryer, bin fan, motor,
or other ag equipment can add Dave Low,
significant additional load to Director of Operations
your service. If you are planning
to make (or have already made) We don’t think much about generators...until we need to use them, that is.
adjustments to your farming Keep these safety tips in mind and share them with anyone who may use a
operation, please contact the portable generator this year.
cooperative. We can check
your new load to see whether 1. Read and follow all manufacturer operating instructions to properly
you will need any additional ground the generator. Be sure you understand them before hooking up
service equipment to adequately the generator.
accommodate your expanded
electrical needs. 2. Maintain adequate ventilation because generators emit carbon
monoxide. It’s against fire code to operate a generator in your home,
We don’t want you to have garage or other enclosed building. Place it in a dry location outdoors.
insufficient power or cause
an outage during the rush of 3. Never plug a portable electric generator into a wall outlet or connect
harvest! directly to a home’s wiring. This can energize utility power lines and
injure you or others working nearby. Electrical back feed can also
Don’t wait. Be prepared damage the generator and home electrical equipment.
before the storm.
4. Turn off the generator and allow it to cool before refueling. Gasoline and
You can’t predict the weather, its vapors may ignite if they come in contact with hot components or an
but you can plan ahead to electrical spark. Store fuel in a properly designed container in a secure
effectively weather the storm. location away from the generator or other fuel burning appliances, such
as water heaters. Always have a fire extinguisher located nearby.
• Stock your pantry with a
three-day supply of non- 5. Protect your appliances. Turn off or disconnect all appliances and lights
perishable food and water. before you begin operating the portable generator. Once the generator
is running, turn your appliances on one at a time to avoid overloading
• Always have hygene supplies, the unit. Generators are for temporary usage, so prioritize your needs.
a well-stocked first aid kit,
and prescriptions. 6. Generators pose electrical risks, especially when operated in wet
conditions. Use a generator only when necessary when the weather
• Test your generator to ensure creates wet or moist conditions. Protect the generator by operating
it’s ready for an outage it under an open, canopy-like structure on a dry surface where water
scenario, and safetly store cannot form puddles or drain under it. Make sure your hands are dry.
extra fuel. Considering a
generator? Give us a call for 7. Keep children and pets away from portable generators at all times. Many
more information. generator components are hot enough to burn you during operation.

Visit www.heartlandpower.com for 8. Use proper extension cords. Use only safety-tested, shop-type electrical
more safety and outage preparedness cords designed and rated for heavier, outdoor use to connect appliances.
information. Many generators are equipped with twist-lock connects to reduce the
chance of accidental disconnections due to vibrations.

9. Before shutting down a generator, turn off and unplug all appliances and
equipment being powered by the generator.

10. Remember maintenance between uses. Drain the gasoline from the
generator while it is being stored. It’s also a good idea to inspect the
fuel and oil filters, spark plug, oil level and fuel quality and start the
generator on a regular basis before an emergency situation happens.

4 | NEWS AND VIEWS: SEPTEMBER 2019

[email protected] P| OwWwwE.hRearCtlOanOdpPowEeRr.AcoTmIV|Ew|ww5.

End of Seaon Checklist

Prepare Now For Colder Weather Ahead

The change of seasons is always a good time to intentionally check in on house-related
projects. Whether it’s testing smoke detectors or replacing air filters, we encourage you
to use this time to prepare for the upcoming home heating season.

Here are a few energy efficiency tips to get you started: switch ceiling fans to run in a

clockwise direction during cold-weather months, check all exterior doors and windows

for air leaks and add any necessary caulk or weather-stripping, invest in a programmable Director of Ron Gasteiger,
thermostat, and cover drafty windows with heavy-duty clear plastic. For more energy Member Services

efficiency tips, visit www.heartlandpower.com.

Maintaining Your HVAC System

Inspect the air filter and replace it at least four times a year.

Check the thermostat setting. A good starting point is 78
degrees in the summer and 68 degrees in the winter. A
programmable thermostat can save more by letting the
home’s temperature rise in the summer or fall in the winter
by a few degrees when the house in unoccupied.

Make sure the supply and return vents are open and not
blocked by furniture.

Keep your outdoor unit clean and make sure nothing blocks
air-flow to it.

For December’s recipe club, send in your Watermelon Raspberry
favorite holiday recipe!
Lemonade
Recipes can be mailed to our office or
emailed to [email protected] 6 c. watermelon cubes 1/3 c. sugar
by November 20th. Members with their 1/4 c. red raspberries 1/2 c. lemon juice
1 c. water
recipe published in the newsletter will
receive a $5 bill credit. Put watermelon, raspberries, and water into
blender. Blend until smooth. Strain through fine
6 | NEWS AND VIEWS: SEPTEMBER 2019 strainer into pitcher. Stir in sugar and lemon
juice until sugar is dissolved. Chill one hour. A
very refreshing drink for a hot summer day!

Submitted by Carol Zimmerman

Considering solar? Let us help.

Installing a solar array is a big decision! Take the following items into consideration as you check into options.

1 HOW A SOLAR SYSTEM MESHES WITH 4 USAGE PROFILES & SIZING SOLAR
YOUR COOPERATIVE’S SYSTEM SYSTEMS
Because the sun doesn’t always shine, When installing solar, it’s not just how much
consumers will still rely on the electric grid electricity you use over a given month, but also

unless they have power storage from a generator how and when you use it. We can help review

or battery. Each utility sets appropriate policies your energy profile to determine the size and

and rates for connecting solar systems to their type of system best suited to fit your needs and

lines. Please be sure to contact us and ask goals.

about rate structures, interconnection, safety 5 UPFRONT AND LONG-TERM COSTS
If you install a solar system, you will be
precautions, and other connection-related responsible for ongoing maintenance and
details in place to allocate costs fairly and keep
you, our linemen, and the public safe.

2 UNDERSTANDING YOUR ELECTRIC BILL repair costs for the life of the system. It pays to
Do you know how you are currently billed for
electricity? Are you taking advantage of our spend time figuring out all of the expenses you
electric heat rate? Check with us to see how may be responsible for including: installation,
interconnection costs, insurance, taxes, etc.

installing a solar system may effect the way you CO-OP SOLAR OPTIONS
are billed.

3 THE VALUE OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY IOWA CHOICE RENEWABLES
Adding insulation, sealing air leaks, and
upgrading to LED lighting are cost-effective ways www.iowachoicerenewables.com
to reduce your electric consumption and utility Did you know we offer on-site solar installations?
bill. Consider energy efficiency before installing
solar and you may be able to reduce the size of COMMUNITY SOLAR
PV system you purchase substantially.
Heartland Power’s community solar array is often the
preferred renewable energy option for co-op members.

[email protected] | www.heartlandpower.com | www.facebook.com/heartlandpower HEARTLAND POWER COOPERATIVE | 7

Providing members with safe, reliable,
affordable electricity and enhancing the
quality of life for members and their local
communities.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Office Hours 7:00 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. M- F

Thompson 216 Jackson St | P.O. Box 65
Thompson, IA 50478
641.584.2251 The Trading Place: Any Heartland Power member or employee may submit ads free
of charge. The members’ name, account number and phone number are required
St. Ansgar 605 East 4th St. | P.O. Box 70 for all ads. Ads will be printed for one month only. We will only accept two ads per
St. Ansgar, IA 50472
641.713.4965 member per month. No ads will be taken over the phone. Heartland Power reserves
the right to reject ads. Please submit your ad by mail or email. Deadline is the 20th of
Outage Reporting Thompson 641.584.2200
St. Ansgar 641.713.4646 the month prior to publication.

System Wide 888.417.3007 For Sale: 2011 Case IH Maxxum 140, For Sale: Farmall 450 gas tractor,
1780 hrs, self-leveling loader with T.A., N.F., fast hitch, hydraulic loader
Digging & Line Location Call 811 2 buckets, 16x16 power shift, extra with new cylinders and bucket, heat
clean, pre def tractor. Please call with houser & chains, straight metal, new
Website www.heartlandpower.com any questions. $69,500. 641-330- rubber. $4,700. Call 641-590-1314.
Email [email protected] 5714.
Facebook facebook.com/heartlandpower For Sale: Waterfall bedroom set – full
For Sale: Near new Char-Broil grill. size headboard & footboard, chest of
CEO/GENERAL MANAGER Jon Leerar Stainless steel, large LP, $125; solid drawers, vanity with bench, & desk.
oak and leather recliner - $50. 641- $125 OBO. Call 641-590-1314.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 641.736.2378 220-5018.
Richard Rosenberg, President 641.590.0049 For Sale: Small square bales of
Roger Solomonson, 641.590.4400 For Sale: Price reduced - 42 in. solid second cutting hay. Mostly grass with
641.220.0114 oak round pedestal style kitchen some alfalfa and clover mixed in. Not
Vice President 641.732.9420 table w/ four chairs. Nice set. $100 rained on. $5/each Osage, IA. Call
Mark Kingland, Treasurer 515.341.5444 OBO. Leave message. 641-398-2489. 641-832-8874.
Larry Tjaden, Secretary 641.732.4076
Gary Pearson 641.590.1416

Asst. Secretary-Treasurer
Roger Tjarks, DPC Director
Vince Morische, Director
Don Knudtson, Director

GOT For Sale: Jack Russel – Boston Terrier For Sale: Metal Top Table, 4 ½’ long
REBATES? puppies, 6 weeks old August 22nd, by 34, 30” high, 1 drawer on the end.
great with children, $250. 641-982- Orchard, IA. 641-732-3940.
Don’t forget to submit your 2019 4200.
rebate forms! For Sale: 5 horse electric motor and
Free: 3200 bu bin and 500 bu bin, transmission drive for PTO drive
Available rebates can you pick up 641-324-1137. auger. Call 641-420-0078.
be found online at
For Sale: Sequoyah Evergreen wood For Sale: Two Scattergrain Bin
www.heartlandpower.com/rebates. boiler. Includes new draft blower and Spreaders. Call 641-420-0070.
spare pump. $1800. 641-330-5082.

For Sale: 1850 Oliver Tractor, Gas,
wide front. $4800. 641-330-5082.