SHENANDOAH VALLEY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

FREDERICK
City of
Winchester
SHENANDOAH VALLEY
ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
CLARKE
WARREN
SHENANDOAH
PAGE
ROCKINGHAM
HIGHLAND
AUGUSTA
SVEC OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED
IN OBSERVANCE OF
MEMORIAL DAY ON
MONDAY, MAY 25. HAVE A
SAFE AND HAPPY HOLIDAY!
SHENANDOAH VALLEY
ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
P.O. Box 236
147 Dinkel Avenue – Hwy. 257
Mt. Crawford, VA 22841-0236
800-234-SVEC (7832)
Office Hours: M-F, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
www.svec.coop
President & CEO
Myron D. Rummel
Board Chairman
Larry C. Howdyshell
Local Pages Editor
J. Michael Aulgur
Writer
Cammie Tutwiler
For all questions concerning advertising,
contact Cooperative Living
at 804-346-3344.
Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative is
an equal opportunity provider and employer.
18
with the President & CEO
Finding specific answers to questions
can be difficult sometimes. However,
when you have questions about your
Cooperative, we like to try to make it easy,
and offer more personal assistance when
possible. I’d like to take this opportunity
to address some of the recent questions
I’ve heard in this brief Q&A. It might not
answer all of the questions that you have,
but hopefully it will touch on a topic or
two about which you may have concerns.
Another good resource for questions
is our website, www.svec.coop. There
are several pages of good information,
including explanations of the seven
Cooperative Principles, energy-saving tips,
a link to Cooperative Living magazine,
and a tab to conveniently access your
account information.
Q: Why is it taking so long to receive my
bill and for my bill payment to get to the
payment center?
A: First, SVEC checked with the print
provider to make sure bills were being
provided to the United States Postal
Service (USPS) on the correct date. They
were. Then, we were informed that the
USPS has made changes to their service
standards and closed processing centers.
First-class mail used to take one to three
days for delivery, and it now takes more
than three days in some instances. We
have contacted our local congressman,
Bob Goodlatte, to see what can be done
regarding this situation. We will continue
seeking other solutions to the problem.
Q: Will I get extra time to pay my bill
since the mail system is having problems?
A: SVEC is one of the only companies
that bills for service after it has been
rendered. Think of it this way: Before you
leave the grocery store with a bag of
apples, you have to pay for them. With
Myron D. Rummel
SVEC President & CEO
your electric service, you utilize the
service before paying the bill. Essentially,
if the grocery store scenario was
equivalent to the Co-op way of billing,
you could eat the apples before buying
them. However, once the SVEC bill is
rendered, you have 20 days to pay it
before a late-payment fee is applied. After
30 days you will receive a second bill,
showing the previous balance if the first
bill is not paid. Five days after the second
billing that shows a previous balance, the
notice of pending termination is mailed.
You also have several other options to pay
your bill. Eazy Pay is an optional method
that allows the amount of your electric
bill to be automatically deducted from
your financial institution account. It’s
optional, secure, safe, and FREE ... no
worries about the mail!
You may also view your bill online,
print it, and mail it in; print it and bring
it in to your local district office; or pay
by credit card online (however, there is a
convenience fee due to the third-party
vendor).
Q: Why do you spend money on
Cooperative Living magazine?
A: First and foremost, the State
Corporation Commission recognizes
Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative
Cooperative Living as a valid way for us to
reach you with any regulatory changes.
Federal agencies also require legal notice
of various requirements and statements,
which is included. Each year, the Annual
Report is included in the magazine, as
well as the list of capital credits, and
numerous other important notices and
information. Published 10 times a year,
the magazine is a great method to share
energy-saving tips; community-centered
topics; and ways to be safe around
electricity in your homes and businesses.
The magazine is the result of pooled
resources, and the cost per issue is 49
cents — that includes all production,
printing, and postage to your door.
Q: Why has my bill been so high recently?
A: Based on our research of many of
the accounts that have contacted us
directly, these instances of higher-thanexpected bills appear to correlate to
recent periods of unusually low
temperatures. Usage often rises during
periods of very low temperatures because
heating systems have to work longer and
harder (adding hours of operation adds
kWh) to maintain the same indoor
temperature ... more electricity may be
required even if the member does not
adjust their thermostat. We offer members
a number of ideas to save money and
hold down costs. These include tips on
our website, www.svec.coop, and offered
by our consumer service representatives.
It is our hope that these can help
members better manage their usage and
control their household costs. However, if
a member has a question with regard to
their bill, we would encourage them to
contact the Cooperative.
not-for-profit member-owned cooperative.
Since the Cooperative does not operate to
make a profit, it only adjusts rates to
ensure that it continues to have the
revenues and resources necessary to
provide every member-owner with safe
and reliable electric service. Due to
inflation, increasing costs of doing
business, and other factors, the
Cooperative’s Board of Directors concluded
there was a need to adjust rates in order
to ensure the continued financial stability
of SVEC. Even with these rate adjustments,
the Cooperative continues to have among
the lowest electricity rates of any electric
utility in Virginia.
Q: Why has the Cooperative had recent
rate changes?
A: For the first time since 2001, SVEC
experienced changes to base rates in
2014. The Cooperative was able to go
almost 14 years without an increase,
because of economic factors in
conjunction with efficient and prudent
management. As you know, SVEC is a
Please know at SVEC, “We Exist to
Serve Our Member-Owners” — we will
provide you with reliable and safe electric
service; answer your questions, or find
the answers for them; and continue
working to keep the costs we are able to
manage as low as possible.
We are pleased to be of service to you,
your families, and your businesses.
Putting safety first this month – and throughout the year
It’s May — and Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative is
celebrating National Electrical Safety Month. While safety for our
member-owners is top priority year-round, Electrical Safety Month is
a time to acknowledge the importance of safety excellence.
This year, we’re focusing on electrical safety in the home.
Electricity is the cause of over 140,000 fires each year, resulting in
more than 500 deaths, 4,000 injuries and $1.6 billion in property
damage, according to Electrical Safety
Foundation International (ESFI).
There are many measures you can take to
ensure the safety of your loved ones. Use these
helpful tips from ESFI to safeguard your home.
In the kitchen
• Vacuum refrigerator coils every three
months to eliminate dirt buildup that can
reduce efficiency and create fire hazards.
• Ensure all countertop appliances are
located away from the sink.
• All appliance cords should be placed away
from hot surfaces. Pay particular attention
to cords around toasters, ovens and ranges.
Cords can be damaged by excess heat.
• The top and the area above the cooking
range should be free of combustibles, such as potholders and
plastic utensils. Storing these items on or near the range may
result in fires or burns.
Light the way to safety
• The wattage of the bulbs you use in your home should match the
May 2015
wattage indicated on the light fixture. Overheated fixtures can
lead to a fire.
• Check lamp cords to make sure they are in good condition — not
damaged or cracked. Do not attempt to repair damaged cords
yourself. Take any item with a damaged power cord to an
authorized repair center.
• Extension cords should not be used to provide power on a longterm or permanent basis. Have additional
receptacles installed by a professional to
provide power where needed.
Be prepared
• Nearly two-thirds of fire deaths result from
fires in homes without working smoke
alarms. Smoke alarms should be located
on every level of your home, inside each
bedroom and outside each sleeping area.
• Test smoke alarms every month. Batteries
should be replaced at least once a year —
or sooner if indicated in the manufacturers’
instructions. All smoke alarms should be
replaced at least every 10 years.
• Talk to your family about an emergency
plan in the event of a fire in your home. If
you have small children, include them in planning an emergency
escape route — they are more likely to remember the plan if they’re
involved in creating it.
Electrical safety awareness and education can save lives. For
more tips and information about electrical safety, visit www.esfi.org.
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SVEC Assigned Over $12 Million in Equity Ownership
The Cooperative’s consumers for 2014
will soon be rewarded with one of the
advantages of being an SVEC memberowner: Capital Credits. Capital Credits
are not received by consumers of all
utility companies. Capital Credits are one
of the benefits of being a member-owner
of a Cooperative.
By the middle of April, Shenandoah
Valley Electric Cooperative will have
mailed “Notices of Equity Allocation” to
its member-owners. Equity allocation is
the member-owner’s share of the
Cooperative’s margins, or revenues, after
all proper expenses for a given year.
The notices were mailed to memberowners who received electric service in
2014 and had Capital Credits assigned.
This represents the amount of equity
assigned to their accounts. The allocation
amount for each member-owner is based
on their total electric service billing
patronage with the Cooperative for the
year. The total dollar amount of owner
equity assigned for the fiscal year of 2014
was more than $12 million.
No allocations were made for less than
$15, therefore no allocation notices were
mailed with amounts less than $15 for 2014.
The amount of equity allocation for a
member-owner is determined by
multiplying their total electric service
revenue (“total patronage” on their equity
allocation notice) for the year by area
allocation percentage.
The Cooperative’s Bylaws (Article VII,
Section 2b) state that no capital credits
may be paid until authorized by the
Board of Directors. Before this can be
decided, the Board must determine that
the overall financial condition of the
Cooperative will not be adversely affected
and that all mortgage requirements are met.
If you, as a member-owner, receive an
allocation notice for 2014 or any prior
year, please keep the Cooperative informed
YOUR LOCAL PHONE NUMBERS
Augusta County
Staunton Office
941-0011 Ntelos
515-0011 Shentel
213-0022 Verizon
Frederick County
Winchester Office
450-0111
Highland County
468-0011
Page County
Luray Office
743-1100
Rockingham County
Dayton Office
434-2200
Shenandoah County
Mt. Jackson Office
477-1077
Warren County
635-1110
City of Winchester
450-0111
Corporate Headquarters Mt. Crawford Office 434-2200
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of any address changes. This will enable
the Co-op to issue you a check, or credit
to your bill, when the Board does approve
capital credit retirements (payment)
associated with your allocation.
Please call your local Shenandoah
Valley Electric Cooperative office if you
have any questions regarding your Equity
Allocation notice.
February SVEC Major Outages
FEB. 2
Ridgeview and Forest Springs areas
1,500 members out for ½ hour due to protective device
on sensitive setting to protect workers
FEB. 21 Crimora area
2,100 members out for 2 hours due to power supplier
FEB. 24 Briery Branch area
1,200 members out for 2.5 hours due to live tree off
of right of way
On May 22-23, The Waynesboro-Staunton Region Antique
Automobile Club of America is holding their Old Dominion Meet at the
Holiday Inn Staunton Conference Center, 152 Fairway Lane, Staunton,
Va. The show field and trailer parking are at the Augusta County
Government Center, 18 Government Center Lane, Verona, Va. For more
information, contact Alfred Meyer at 540-290-1356.
Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative
Surviving Auto Accidents Involving Power Lines
When you are in an auto accident, your
first instinct is to get out of the car. But in a
wreck with a power line, that could be a
fatal mistake. By getting out, you could
become the path to ground for electricity
and risk electrocution.
Whether it is an auto accident or any
other situation, always assume that a power
line has power running through it, even if it
has been knocked down. Never approach
a downed power line or attempt to move it.
If you’re in a wreck with a utility pole,
there are several things you should know:
• If you aren’t in immediate danger,
remain in the vehicle until help arrives.
Unless there is a threat of greater
danger — for example, the vehicle is
on fire or the vehicle comes to a stop
in the middle of the highway — you
are safer in than out.
• If there is pressing danger and
you must exit the vehicle, you
should follow very specific steps. With
the door open, prepare to jump out of
the vehicle. During the jump you must
make sure that no part of your body
or clothing is touching the vehicle and
ground at the same time. You may
need to remove long or loose-fitting
clothing. Make sure that you land with
your feet together. Once you land,
you should shuffle your feet away
from the car. Get at least 30 feet
away before you begin to walk
normally. This sounds silly, but it is your
best chance at avoiding electrocution.
• If you come across a vehicle
accident involving a power line,
stay clear and call 911. Do not
approach the vehicle, even if the
person is unable to exit and is in
imminent danger. If you do approach
the vehicle to help the individual, you
stand a chance of being electrocuted
and making an already bad situation
even worse. Keep other individuals
away from the car also.
PHOTO COURTESY OF MEDINA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
The electricity Shenandoah Valley
Electric Cooperative provides day-in and
day-out is a phenomenal resource, powering
our modern lifestyles in a safe, reliable and
affordable way. But electricity must be
respected. If safety isn’t made a priority,
what changes our lives for the better could
change them for the worse in an instant.
This article originally appeared in the March
2015 Medina Electric Cooperative issue of Texas
Co-op Power.
The Matthews Family
The Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax
Holiday is a recurring event, beginning
every year at 12:01 a.m. on May 25 and
ending at midnight on May 31.
In general, items that will be exempt
from the retail sales and use tax during
the Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax
Holiday are: generators costing $1,000 or
less, gas-powered chain saws with a
selling price of $350 or less, chain saw
accessories and other supplies costing
$60 or less, as specified in the guidelines,
will be exempt from the sales tax during
the holiday period.
Examples of exempt items include:
batteries (excluding automobile or boat
batteries); any portable self-powered light
sources, including flashlights, lanterns,
and glow sticks; portable self-powered
radios; two-way radios; and weather band
radios and NOAA weather radios.
The complete list can be found at:
www.tax.virginia.gov/sites/tax.virginia.
gov/files/media/documents/2014%20
qualifying%20items.pdf.
May 2015
The Matthews family looks forward
to the Annual Meeting of their
Cooperative every year.
At Shenandoah Valley Electric
Cooperative’s 2015 Annual Meeting,
several exciting things are happening.
The member-owners are electing their
board of directors, and learning about
the Cooperative’s business for the year.
Families can enjoy a delicious
barbecue dinner. Kids can learn about
safety and electricity, and have a good
time at the “Kids Zone” for children ages
5-10. There will also be door prizes and
gift certificates given. This year features
two grand prizes: two $500 credits on the winner’s electric bill.
Come to your Annual Meeting and take an active role in your Cooperative.
Only your local electric co-op makes every customer an owner of the
business. Unlike other electric utilities, your Co-op exists to make sure your
needs are always met, not to make a profit. And since every electric co-op is
locally owned and operated, your Co-op is always there with you, reinvesting in
your community.
21
Mt. Crawford Creamery
Story and photos by Cammie Tutwiler, SVEC Writer
O
Open Monday-Friday 10 a.m. -6 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
795 Old Bridgewater Road
Mt. Crawford, VA 22841
Guided Tours are free for schools,
civic groups, and churches, and any
larger group wanting a guided tour.
The type of tour varies depending on
the age of the group, and SOLs can
be covered if needed. Elementary
tours can be scheduled by contacting
Lauren at 828-3590 or emailing
[email protected]
with the subject “Elementary Tour.”
For older students and adults, contact
Nancy for a tour at 828-3590 or
email mtcrawfordcreamery@
gmail.com with the subject
“Adult Tour.”
ne might imagine that at the Mt.
Crawford Creamery the dairy
products would be fresh, and
that would be right! The milk is
processed in facilities only 40 feet from
where the cows are milked. As the
phrase on the home page of the website
states, “The whole process of milk
production on one farm!” The farm itself
is situated on approximately 70 acres,
tucked back off of Rte. 257 and
depending on the season, between 60
and 80 cows are milked, twice a day,
seven days a week. More than 2,200
gallons are then used for various
products, including whole milk,
2 percent milk, skim milk, chocolate
milk, buttermilk, cream, and butter.
HISTORY
In 1924, Thomas J. Will purchased
the land that is now the Mt. Crawford
Creamery. For the next 27 years he
operated it as a general livestock and
crop farm: raising cattle, growing hay,
and corn, with wheat as the cash crop.
In 1952 grandsons Melvin Will, Jr.,
and James L. Will purchased the farm
from Thomas and built a dairy farm,
selling their milk to Shenandoah’s Pride.
In 1979 Melvin suffered a severe
stroke, and his sons Kenneth and Frank
assumed the day-to-day operations of
the farm.
“This farm has been in our family for
almost 100 years, and it’s our home,”
Nancy Hill, Kenneth Will’s daughter and
office manager for the Creamery, said.
The Will Brothers continued
operations as a dairy farm and purchased
a second farm, Oakwood, in 1989.
Family members continued working
both farms until a succession of events
led up to the decision that in order to
continue farming, the family should start
processing and selling their own milk.
“We realized that in order for the
farm to be self-sufficient we would
have to change what we were doing,”
she said.
Ground was broken on the milkprocessing plant in 2012, and the
Creamery opened for business on
Saturday, May 11, 2013.
“We are pleased to offer to people of
the Shenandoah Valley, and beyond,
fresh milk produced by our family,
which has been in the community for
generations,” Hill said.
ON THE FARM
The cows are milked for the first time
between 4:30 and 5 a.m., and then again
at about 4 p.m.
Left: Kenny Will milks the cows. The tubes above carry the milk to processing.
Below: Frank Will and Emma the dog tend to calves.
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Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative
Fresh milk, buttermilk and cream butter are available at the Mt. Crawford Creamery store.
Also available for purchase is logo merchandise, as well as several Virginia’s Finest
Products. Kay Kibler (below) helps with the store at the Creamery.
“They are milked, and the milk is
then piped to the processing plant,” Hill
explained. “We process on Monday,
Wednesday, and Friday, and it takes 12
hours, including all of the steps, from
setting the plant up to sterilization when
we are finished.”
Distribution and delivery is done
Tuesday through Friday, from Lexington
to Luray. The Creamery has two
distributors, Standard Produce, which
distributes in Charlottesville and
Richmond, and Wholesome Foods,
which distributes in the northern
Shenandoah Valley and in Northern
Virginia.
“We offer a few seasonal products,
such as eggnog in the winter,” Hill said.
“We plan to start ice cream mix this
May 2015
summer, and have tentative plans to
have ice cream here this summer.”
She said that while they could
attempt to do more products, quality
over quantity has been their goal.
“We focus on a few products and do
them well instead of trying to do too
much with a lower quality,” Hill said.
She said the best season for the
Creamery is summer, when kids are
home from school and there are fairs
and lawn parties, where the milk is used
in fried-chicken batter.
and it keeps its animals out of the
North River, which runs along the
farm. In the mid-1980s it received a
conservation award from the
Chesapeake Bay Foundation for these
practices. It also uses plastic bottles,
which are easy to recycle.
“We are concerned about our
environment, and we do our best to
keep our animals healthy and the land
viable,” Hill said. “It’s how we make our
living. If we didn’t have good land, we
wouldn’t be able to survive.”
ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTICES
The Will Family Farm has been an
SVEC member since the Co-op started
bringing power to rural locations in 1936.
The Mt. Crawford Creamery
approaches concern for the environment
in a variety of ways: It practices crop
rotation, strip cropping on steep hills,
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