December Newsletter

A monthly publication for members of Heartland Power Cooperative | December 2015

Merry Christmas from Heartland Power Cooperative!

Thanksgiving has passed, the first snow has fallen, and before we know it, we’ll be waking
up to the joys and traditions of Christmas morning. It’s hard to believe another years is
winding to a close, but the celebrations at this year’s end allow us to cherish the memories
and accomplishments of the days behind us.

At Heartland Power, we too have memories and accomplishments to share in together. This
year has brought with it many milestones: some of which are easy to see, and some that
while they may not be noticeable from the outside, are equally important to the success of
the cooperative.

As you know, Heartland Power’s community solar array was completed this spring, and Jon Leerar,
went live on April 1. This opportunity for members to participate in a hassle-free, economi-
cally viable renewable energy option has been of great excitement! Not only that, but after
nine months of production, we’ve seen the array generate slightly better than projected, General Manager/CEO

another success as we continually strive to meet the needs of our members. While subscription sales have been good,
some units remain for those interested.

But solar isn’t the only excitement this year! On the lines, crews have been working hard to improve our system, increasing
reliability for members. Just this month, Highline Construction has been wrapping up a 64-mile FEMA Mitigation project,
and preparing to begin another 25 miles next year. Our own line crews have spent many hours inspecting and repairing
lines, trimming trees, installing new services and line upgrades, and will have replaced nearly 30 miles of line by the end of
the year.

Meter management may not be something we talk about every day, but it’s certainly another highlight when we look back
at the accomplishments of this year. Our staff has been hard at work updating meters in areas with unreliable communica-
tion to radio frequency (RF) equipment, saving time and allowing for more accurate and reliable data to allow us to better
respond to your needs.

In October, we launched SmartHub, an exciting hands-on tool for members to use as they take charge of their electric ac-
counts and usage. We’ve had great response to SmartHub and encourage you to give it a try!

These accomplishments would not have come to be without the quality work of our dedicated directors and employees.
A special “thank you” goes out to them for giving their best to serve the members of Heartland Power Cooperative. We
wouldn’t be celebrating these successes without them!

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS

Phyllis Alph • Brenda Anderson • Taylor Bruggeman • Randy Dieterich • Darrin Flury • Jim Foos • Justin Gasteiger
Ron Gasteiger • Mike Holstad • Mark Kingland • Jenny Kramersmeier • Jon Leerar • Dave Low • Vickie Maakestad
Vince Morische • Jay Muller • Gene Nelson • Tim Oldenkamp • Alex Ollendieck • Sheila Olson • Kevin Pannhoff

Pete Paulson • Gary Pearson • Brad Pecinovsky • Kari Porter • Karrie Pringnitz • Eric Rosenbaum
Richard Rosenberg • Becca Schwartz • Roger Solomonson • Larry Tjaden • Roger Tjarks

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE Space Heaters | p 4 Be a Winner| p 6

Smart Hub| p 3 Can space heaters really See how updating your

Save time with SmartHub! save you money? Find space Heartland Power contact

Members are enjoying easy heater tips and safety infor- information could make you

access to their energy and mation inside! a winner!

billing information!

TAKECOT-HOEP QUIZ Scholarships Available

$25 Credit Winner Heartland Power is pleased to again provide a $500 scholarship to a high school
student from each community in our service area. The scholarship is open to any
The lucky winner of last high school senior student in our service area. The parents do not have to be
month’s drawing for a Heartland Power members. Home schooled students’ applications will be includ-
$25 credit toward their ed with the high school district in which their residence is located.
electric bill was: Jon Van Sab- All entries must reach a Heartland Power office no later than February 1, 2016.
ben of Northwood. Applications can be found on our website at www.heartlandpower.com.

Last Month’s Answer 2015 Rebates Due December 31

Members enjoy Smart Hub If you have purchased and installed energy efficient equipment in 2015, make
for a variety of reasons! If sure to check if it qualifies for a rebate from Heartland Power! Rebate forms can
you’d like to see personalized be found on our website at www.heartlandpower.com. Please contact us with
information on your energy additional questions. Rebate forms, invoices, and any necessary Energy Star
use or review and compare labels must be submitted to Heartland Power by December 31, 2015.
billing history, visit our web-
site to sign up for this free Come get your calendars!
tool!
Heartland Power’s 2016 calendars are now available
This Month’s Question for you to pick up at our offices while quantities
last. The calendars are free of charge and the cover
To be entered for a chance to displays Chad Heggen’s winning photo from our
win a $25 bill credit, members photo contest. Thank you to each of our members
need to update their contact who submitted photos this year!
information by what date?

Quiz Guidelines

Each member who sends in
the right answer will have his/
her name put in a drawing.
The answer to the Co-op Quiz
may also be e-mailed to:
energy@heartlandpower.com.
The lucky winner will receive
a $25 credit toward the next
month’s electric bill. Answers
must be received by the 20th
of the month to be eligible.

Heartland Power Offices
will be closed Thursday,

December 24, Friday,
December 25, and Friday,
January 1 in celebration
of the Christmas and New

Years holidays.

Members Find Value in SmartHub
SmartHub Frequently Asked Questions:

What is SmartHub?
SmartHub is a tool that provides convenient account access and two-way commu-
nication to and from Heartland Power Cooperative on your computer, tablet or via
your mobile device. With SmartHub you can do the following with just a few clicks:
• Make a payment and access payment history
• Access your billing statement which can be printed
• Sign up for Automated Payment (ACH)
• Sign up and receive e-mail or text alert notifications Karrie Pringnitz,
• Contact Heartland Power with questions concerning your account
Director of Finance & Administrative Services

How do I sign up for SmartHub? This October, Heartland Power
If you already use E-Bill, you can login to SmartHub using the same e-mail launched SmartHub, a new tool
and password you have always used. As a new user you can sign up on
our website or at https://heartlandpower.smarthub.coop. To get started, available to Heartland Power
you will be required to enter your account number, last name or business members. We’ve had some great
name, and your e-mail address. Your account number can be found on your responses to the easy-to-access
monthly statement, or give us a call at 641-584-2251 and we will look it up information and billing options
for you.
How do I get the app for my phone? avaialble at your fingertips.
Look for SmartHub in your app store. (SmartHub is not case sensitive but Want more information? Review
must be all one word.) If duplicates appear the correct app is provided by our most frequently asked qustions,
our partner, National Information Solutions Cooperative. or give us a call. We’d be glad to
Do I have to change the way I pay my bill in order to use SmartHub?
No, you can take advantage of all the features of SmartHub and continue to help you out!
pay your bill as you currently do.
Can I make a payment on multiple accounts?
SmartHub allows you to make payments and view information on one or
more accounts.

CONTTRHIIBSUYTEIAORN’SS

How your change has changed lives this year. $6,000
FIRE DEPT.
Operation Round-Up funds are generated through a voluntary round-
ing up of cooperative members’ electric bills to the nearest dollar. This $5,045
change is used to assist worthy causes right here in our area. LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS

For those who opt to participate in the Operation Round-Up program, ACCID$2E,N70T0S
the rounding up results in an average donation of approximately $6.00
per year. If you would like to join this worthwhile program, just let us
know. We’d be glad to get you signed up!

Thanks to the generosity of our cooperative members, over $20,000 was ME$D6I,C9A00L
given back to our local communities this year!

QUITE THE PIGGY BANK!
Since its inception in 2003, Operation Round Up has donated $244,443.36 back to our local commu-
nities. Our “piggy bank” of pennies would weigh 131 times more than “Big Mac,” the winner of the
2015 Big Boar Contest at the Iowa State Fair!

Space Heater
tips & safety

As temperatures drop this winter, many will look for supplemental Ron Gasteiger,
heating sources for their homes. Space heaters can be a good alter-
native for those who want to warm one area of their home without Member Services Director
turning up the thermostat on the central heating system. Don’t be
fooled, however! When used in addition to normal heating prac- More home fires occur
tices, space heaters can end up costing you more in electricity use, during the cold winter
contrary to what space heater advertisements may claim. months than any other
An average space heater is 1500 watts, using 1.5 kW/hour. If it is left
on for 8 hours per day, multiplied by 30 days, that’s already a use time of year.
of 360 kW in one month. At our current electric rate of 9.6 cents,
running your space heater for just 8 hours per day can cost you over 32% of home heating
$35 a month in energy use. For a space heater running 24 hours a fires are caused by
day, the cost will be near an extra $100 per month. space heaters.
If you are planning to use a space heater in your home this winter,
remember to use it wisely, and review these tips to keep you, your 3 FEET RULE
family and your property safe.
Keep space heaters at
Purchasing a Space Heater least three feet away
from flammable mate-
MATERIALS - Parts like metal grating can be hot to the touch and may burn anyone who rials such as curtains,
gets too close. Make sure to purchase a heater that is cool to the touch and has guards over furniature, or beds.
the coils just in case little fingers get too close.
LOCATION - Where do you plan to put this space heater? Remember that space heaters
and moisture do not mix. If you plan to put one in your bathroom, make sure to purchase a
heater designed for bathroom use.
SPECIAL FEATURES - Consider purchasing a space heater that has an auto shutoff function if
tipped over. It could be a lifesaver.

Space Heater Safety

PLACE space heaters on a flat, level surface, away from high-traffic areas and three feet away
from flammable materials.
PLUG a space heater directly into an outlet and avoid using extension cords.
NEVER leave space heaters unattended or on while sleeping.
ONLY use space heaters with the certification label of a nationally recognized testing lab.
DON’T use a space heater if the plug is broken or the cord is frayed, worn, or damaged.

The Gift of Power The warmest gift you can give.
To: _______________________________ From: _________________________________

Address of Recipient ________________________________________________________

Certificate Amount $ _____________ Phone Number of Giver: ______________________

A special message will be printed on the bottom of the recipient’s next electric bill stating they have
received a gift and who it is from. If you have any questions, please feel free to call or stop by our office.

After completing, clip and return form and check to: Heartland Power Cooperative, PO Box 70, St. Ansgar, IA 50472

member
R E S O U R C E SHelping you pencil out your energy options.

Contact Heartland Power | Thompson 641-584-2251 | St.Ansgar 641-713-4965 | www.heartlandpower.com | energy@heartlandpower.com

There are countless options when it comes to renewable energy, and more options lead to
more questions. Should I install solar at my home? If so, how big of system will I need? Do I
need a new roof? How will this affect my homeowner’s insurance?

Or, maybe your dollar would be better spent making your home more energy efficient. If I
update my heating and cooling system or add insulation, could I install less panels? What if
I remodel or build an addition onto my house...can I add more panels then?

Mike Holstad, Questions just come along with the decision-making process. As your local cooperative
and energy experts, we are here to help you find the answers you need and information
Director of System Planning you can trust. That’s why Iowa’s electric cooperatives recently put together a collection of
on-site generation (referred to as distributed generation) handguides: sources of informa-
tion providing you with everything from questions to ask a prospective PV solar vendor to
renewable energy myths vs. facts.

These resources are available on our website at www.heartlandpower.com. Or, give us a
call and we’d be glad to send you a hard copy.

Available Resources

Top 10 Considerations Before Installing a Distributed Generation System
Questions to Ask a Prospective Solar PV Vendor
Distributed Generation: Glossary of Terms
Distributed Generation: Myths vs. Facts
Distributed Generation: FAQ

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CONTACWTHY

INFISOSORIMMPAOTRITAONNT

As you may have seen already, Heartland Power recently sent you a letter. En-
closed with that letter is a Contact Information Card that we are asking all mem-
bers to complete and return to the cooperative by the end of the year.

Dave Low, Many of our members have outdated information, especially phone numbers,
on record, so in effort to recieve as many returned cards as possible, we will be
Director of Operations awarding a $25 bill credit to one out of every 25 members who update their
contact information by December 31. Whether that be via returning the mailed
postcard, updating contact information online, or giving us a phone call, we will
make sure all participating members are included in these drawings.

Why is up-to-date contact information so important?

Between inspecting and repairing lines, trimming trees, and installing new services and upgrades, Heartland Power’s
linemen have been hard at work all year long. Much of their time is spent preparing our system for the high winds,
heavy snows, and ice storms that are oh so common here in northern Iowa and southern Minnesota.

In order to upgrade lines and equipment or safely complete tree tree trimmings, we frequently need to schedule short,
planned power interruptions. We like to call members prior to these planned outages, giving them the opportunity to
make other arrangements if necessary. Unfortunately, due to out-of-date contact information, many of our members
cannot be reached and recieve no prior warning.

By providing us with your contact information, you are allowing us to keep you
informed. Whether we have a planned outage to make you aware of, or a spe-
cific safety concern to bring to your attention, it is vital that we can reach
you if ever the need arises. So please, return the card, fill it out online,
or give us a call. If you believe your contact information is already up-to-
date, consider adding an e-mail address or additional phone number. If
we need to get in touch with you, the more options, the better.

What system improvements are next?

Overhanging branches and nearby trees are the most frequent cause
of power outages in our area, especially during storms with high winds
or heavy snows that cause limbs or trees to fall across lines. Much of this
trimming is done during the winter, so don’t be surprised if you see our
linemen in your area over the next couple of months. Please be under-
standing as we work to reduce the impact of major storms on our electric
system and keep areas near the lines safe.

Win a $25 Bill Credit

Update your contact information by December 31 for a chance to win a $25 bill credit. Either
return the card mailed to you, update your contact information online, or give us a call.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Truffles Submitted by Emily Weaver

6 Tbsp butter, softened 1/4 tsp salt In a large bown, beat butter and sugars until fluffy. Add milk,
1/2 cup brown sugar 1 1/4 cup flour vanilla and salt; then mix well. Add flour and mix until thorough-
1/4 cup sugar 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips ly blended. Mix in chocolate chips. Shape into balls (about 1
1 Tbsp milk or cream Almond bark teaspoon each). Place on wax paper and chill in the freezer for 15
1 tsp vanilla minutes. Dip in melted almond bark. Enjoy!

Fantasy Fudge Submitted by Laura Schmitz

3 cups sugar Combine sugar, margarine, and milk in a 2 quart pan and bring to a full rolling
3/4 cup margarine boil, stirring constantly. Continue boiling 5 minutes over medium heat, stirring
2/3 cup evaporated milk (5 1/3 fl. oz can) to prevent scorching. Remove from heat, stir in chocolate pieces until melted.
1 (12 oz) pkg. semi-sweet chocolate chips Add marshmallow creme, nuts, and vanilla. Beat until well blended. Pour into
1 (7 oz) marshmallow creme greased 13 x 9 inch pan. Cool at room temperature and cut into squares. Yum!
1 cup chopped nuts
1 teaspoon fudge

Lefse Submitted by Lucy Knutson

6 c. riced potatoes (use Russets) Cook and rice potatoes. Put in glass casserole dish. Drizzle
1/2 c. plus 1 T. Blue Bonnet margarine, melted melted margarine over riced potatoes. Gently work into pota-
2 c. flour (level) toes with spoon and cool several hours overnight. When cold,
3 T. sugar add sugar and flour and mix well. Form into logs and cut into
slices (keep slices in fridge until ready to roll out.) Roll out and
fry on lefse grill at 380 degrees. Stack between flour sack dish
towels and let cool before packaging.

Cheese Ball Submitted by Vera Nolt RECIPE CLUB

8 oz Cheese Whiz or grated Velveeta cheese 1 tsp. parsley flakes Each quarter we ask for differ-
16 oz cream cheese nuts or pecans ent types of recipes. For April’s
onion salt Recipe Club, we would like your
garlic salt favorite casserole dish. Recipes
seasoned salt can be mailed to our office or
1/2 tsp. worcestershire sauce emailed to energy@heartland-
power.com. Recipes must be
Mix all ingredients except nuts. Form into ball and roll in nuts. Serve recieved by March 20. Members
with crackers. with their recipe published in the
newsletter will receive a $5.00
bill credit.

Heartland Power’s Disconnected Service/Idle Service Policy

Services may be temporarily disconnected at a member’s request, however if the member requests the service
be reconnected within the next 15 months, they will be charged the minimum bill for the months the service
was disconnected and a $60 reconnect fee.
Services that are not connected at the end of the calendar you will be notified that they must pay a $48 fee to
have Heartland Power maintain the service in a state of readiness for the next calendar year. If the service is
reconnected during the next year, then the member will receive a $4 credit on their bill for each month that
service is active for the year. If the member elects not to pay the idle service charge, Heartland Power may re-
move the service at any time. Once the service line has been removed, removal costs and construction costs to
rebuild the service line may be charged to the member to reinstall the service.

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

St. Ansgar 605 East 4th St. | P.O. Box 70 The Trading Place...
St. Ansgar, IA 50472
641.713.4965 Heartland Power Cooperative publishes free ads as a service for our members with the fol-
lowing guidelines: Any Heartland Power member or employee may submit ads, the members’
Outage Reporting Thompson 641.584.2200 name, account number and phone number are required for all ads. Ads will be printed for one
St. Ansgar 641.713.4646
System Wide 888.417.3007 month only. We will only accept two ads per member per month. No ads will be taken over
the telephone. Heartland Power reserves the right to reject ads. Please mail your ad copy to
Digging & Line Location Call 811 Heartland Power Cooperative, PO Box 65, Thompson, Iowa 50478; or you can email your ad
to energy@heartlandpower.com. Deadline is the 20th of the month prior to publication. Ads
Website www.heartlandpower.com
Email energy@heartlandpower.com must contain a name, phone number, and brief description of the product for sale.
Facebook facebook.com/heartlandpower
Want to Hire: Someone to mow road ditch with For Sale: 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited
CEO/GENERAL MANAGER Jon Leerar batwing or sickle 3 times per year. 6 miles NW 4X4 - 5.7, Hemi, Auto., Air, Tilt, Cruise, Power
Forest City. Ph. 641-581-4500 or 641-430-5104. Windows, Locks, Mirrors & Seats, Memory
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 641.736.2378 For Sale: Magic chef 4 burner gas range. Like & Heated Seats, Am-Fm CD, DVD Player with
Richard Rosenberg, President 641.590.0049 new, use very little. $50.00 Call 641-832-8139 Headphones, Boston Premium Audio, Sun-
Roger Solomonson, 641.590.0093 For Sale: Orchard grass and clover mixed. Small roof, Roof Rack, Fog Lights, Adjustable Pedal,
641.220.0114 square bales. 641-228-3305. 131,500 Miles, Asking $ 10,975. Jeff Lewis 641-
Vice President 641.420.2990 For Sale: 1973 International 1066 tractor with 220-1549
Gene Nelson, Treasurer 515.341.5444 W.L. 42 Loader. Also, Bush Hog 3-point blade. For Sale: 2015 Hyundai Sante Fe Sport AWD
Larry Tjaden, Secretary 641.732.4076 Ronald Torkelson. 641-581-2412. – 2.4, 4 Cylinder, Auto., Air, Tilt, Cruise, Power
Gary Pearson 641.590.4400 For Sale: Lift chair for large person. Brown in Windows, Locks & Mirrors, Am-Fm CD, Steering
color. $650. Like new. Charles City. 641-228- Wheel Cruise, Radio & Phone, Buckets with
Asst. Secretary-Treasurer 7481. Center Console, Fold Down Rear Seats, Keyless
Roger Tjarks, DPC Director Entry, Alum. Wheels, 11,300 Miles, Blue, Gray/
Vince Morische, Director Gray Cloth Interior, Asking $21,499. Jeff Lewis
Mark Kingland, Director 641-220-1549

For Sale: Running gear and 2 – 8.25x20 tires on For Sale: 2006 Honda Pilot, EX. V6, Automatic.
rims. Northwood. Call 507-383-7269. North- Air, cruise, tilt. Power window, brakes, locks,
wood. steering, seat. Sun roof. AM/FM CD player.
For Sale: How about a goose for Christmas or Midnight blue with gray leather. Heated seats.
New Years Day? Get yours at River Valley Goose Running boards. Alloy wheels. 139k miles. 8
Farms, located on west side of New Haven. Call passenger. 4 wheel drive. Asking $6,500. Mark
319-430-4161. Jahnel 641.732.3678.
For Sale: 1946 Chevy 4 dr hard top. Power Notice: The THRIVE Experience is an 8 week
brakes, power steering, tilt wheel, 4 way power premium lifestyle plan, to help individuals
seat, auto dimmer, rear speaker, rear defrost, experience and reach peak physical and mental
needs restoring. Best offer. Call 641-732-3862 levels. You’re going to live, look, and feel Ultra
For Sale: Farmall H with loader, chains, heat Premium like never before! THRIVE by Le-Vel is
houser, 12 volt. $1000.00 Ray Erdahl – Lake something that’s hard to explain, and challeng-
Mills ph. 641-590-2176 ing to describe... it’s something that can only be
experienced. www.thrivewithkim6.Le-Vel.com
641-596-0030

Contact us for more information For Sale: 1999 GMC Sonoma Pickup 2.2 L, RWD, For Sale: 4 Shelf oak finish storage cabinet
on Heartland Power Community Auto. 170,000 miles, SLS package, $1850 Call $60.00, new this shelf sold for $130.00. 24”Wx-
641-228-7335 60”Hx15”D, excellent condition call 641-228-
Solar. There are still units For Sale: 1998 Dodge Ram 1500. V8, automatic. 2100.
available! Air, tilt. Power steering, brakes. AM/FM Cas- Free: Farm Cats to a good home. All colors,
sette. 4x2. 98k miles. Red with black cloth interi- litter trained, good hunters. Male, female, some
or. Asking $2,195. Mark Jahnel 641.732.3678. younger at about 3 months. 641-430-6684

For Sale: Nursing Uniforms. Name brands, good For Sale: Proform 745C5 treadmill. NordicTrack
condition, some new never worn. Sizes XL-2X. 5L720 recumbent bike. NordicTrack ASR 630
641-430-6600 eliptical. Call 641-926-5352.