BENCO Electric Cooperative Link

CTV Adds 9 New Channels!
CTV added nine new channels in May. Have you found
them yet? Do a “rescan” of your TV stations that you pick up
with a UHF antenna.
Check out these new channels:
11.6 Justice Network: crime, investigation & safety
16.1 CTV: local access channel and weather updates
16.2 Tuff TV: reality TV, sports & hunting shows, movies
16.3 Heartland: Formerly the Nashville Network, country music & lifestyle
16.4 AMGTV: Old movies, home life, adventure, travel,
16.5 BizTV: Small business shows & news
20.1 Pursuit TV: hunting, fishing & outdoor recreation
35.1 Blue Highways: Bluegrass, folk, gospel & blues music related show
40.1 YouToo: Social TV network, video sharing, respond to show content
“By using digital compression CTV is able to add these nine
extra channels, which are standard definition,” stated Dave Sunderman, CTV general manager. “This is a low-cost way to add
channels and not increase the cost to our paying subscribers.”
CTV offers 30 channels on its three towers at Godhal, Jackson and Frost for $7 a month or $84 for an annual payment.
Plus, these nine channels were added for free — topping the
channel listing at 39. That’s only 18¢ a day for CTV!
“We are seeing people drop their satellite TV as its costs
increase switching to our CTV service,” Sunderman added. “All
you need is a UHF antenna. Point it to the closest tower. Then
call your local electric cooperative to sign up. It can be added
to your monthly electric bill for $7/month or if you are not a
cooperative member, you can pay annually $84 a year.”
I want to support CTV; sign me up!
______ Bill me $7 monthly on my electric bill.
______ I am not a member, enclosed is my annual payment
of $84 for one year of service.
Name ________________________________________
Address ______________________________________
City/state/zip __________________________________
Phone ________________________________________
Send sign-up form and payment to your electric cooperative.
Thank you for your support of CTV!
June 2015
Benco_JuneNewsletter.indd 1
Godahl & Frost Towers
2.1 TPT
Twin Cities PBS
2.2 TPT MN
Minnesota Public TV
2.3 TPT Life
2.4 TPT WX
Weather
4.1 WCCO 4
Minneapolis CBS
5.1 KSTP
Minneapolis ABC
5.2 KSTC
Independent
5.3 MeTV
Television Classics
5.4 Antenna TV Television Classics
5.6 ThisTV
MGM Movies
5.7 LWN
Live Well Network
9.1 KMSP
Minneapolis FOX
9.2 WFTC 29
Minneapolis UPN
9.3 Movies TV
Classic Movies
9.4 Bounce
African American (Godahl)
9.9 KMSP
Minneapolis FOX
11.4 KARE
Twin Cities NBC
11.5 KARE WX 24-hour weather
11.6 Justice Crime, investigation & safety
12.1 KEYC
Mankato CBS
12.2 FOX Mankato FOX
12.4 KEYC
Mankato CBS
12.5 FOX
Mankato FOX
16.1 CTV
local access & weather
16.2 Tuff TV
sports, hunting, movies
16.3 Heartland
country music & lifestyle
16.4 AMGTV
Old movies, home life, travel,
16.5 BizTV
Small business shows & news
20.1 Pursuit TV outdoor recreation
23.1 WUCW 23 The CW Twin Cities
23.2 getTV
Classic Movies
23.3 ZUUS
Country Network
24.1 Rev’n
Cars, boats, snowmobiles
31.1 Retro
Old shows
35.1 Blue Highways Bluegrass, folk, gospel 40.1YouToo
Social Television
41.1 ION TV
TV shows & movies
41.2 QUBO
Kids’ programming
41.3 ION Life
Wellness shows
41.4 SHOP
Products for sale
41.5 QVCH
Home Shopping
Home Shopping Network
41.6 HSN
45.1 Trinity Religious
45.2 Church Channel
45.3 Smile of a Child Religious for kids
45.4 Juce TV
Religious young adults, music
45.5 Enlace
Spanish
www.BENCO.coop
PRSRT STD
U.S. Postage
PAID
Mankato, MN 56001
Permit No. 47
Page 5
BENCO Electric Cooperative Link
P.O. Box 8
Mankato, MN 56002-0008
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Pohl Sub Completed
June 2015
Pohl Substation Back On
Use Your Generator Safely
Continued from page 4
repairs. Have a licensed electrician install the equipment necessary to safely
connect emergency generators to your home.
§ Always plug appliances directly into generators. Connecting the generator
to your home’s circuits or wiring must be done by a qualified, licensed
electrician who will install a transfer switch to prevent backfeeding.
§ Use heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords. Make sure extension cords
are free of cuts or tears and the plug has three prongs. Overloaded cords can
cause fires or equipment damage.
§ Check your generator manual for the proper procedure on whether to
ground your generator or not.
§ Never overload a generator. A portable generator should only be used when
necessary to power essential equipment or appliances.
§ Turn off all equipment powered by the generator before shutting it down.
§ Keep the generator dry. Operate it on a dry surface in a structure with
proper ventilation.
§ Always have a fully charged fire extinguisher nearby.
§ Never fuel a generator while it is operating.
§ Read and adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions for safe operation.
Never cut corners when it comes to safety.
We encourage you to protect the well-being and safety of your family during
outages, and safeguard those who come to your aid during emergency situations.
When we work together for safety, we all benefit.
June 2015
www.BENCO.coop
This newsletter is published monthly by
BENCO Electric Cooperative, PO Box 8,
Mankato, MN 56002-0008.
Office Hours: Mon -Fri - 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Phone: 387-7963 or 1-888-792-3626
Outages/After Hours: 387-7964 or
1-888-792-3626
Dave Sunderman - Member Services Manager
Kathy Gerber - Editor
Board of Directors:
Duane Ehrich - President - District 8
Scott Johnson - Vice President - District 9
Harvey Hesse - Secretary-District 5
Harlan Lanz - Treasurer - District 2, Coop Network Dir
Garfield Eckberg - District 1
Brad Leiding - District 3 - GRE Director
John Wells - District 4
Blake Meshke - District 6
Gary Stenzel - District 7
Wade Hensel - General Manager
John C (Chuck) Peterson - Attorney
Board Meetings: The last Thursday of each month
- members are welcome to contact directors with
items of interest or concerns in advance of the
meetings.
In September of 2014 a squirrel entered the Pohl Substation, located southeast of Mankato and managed to cause 1,600 BENCO
Electric members to lose power. Great River Energy (GRE) brought down their mobile substation, which is exactly what it sounds
like, a substation on the back of a semi trailer. The mobile substation was used until May 2015 when crews worked to switch over the
substation so it would be back-fed by the Decoria and Eagle Lake substations, while crews worked to install the new transformers and
test the equipment.
The substation was energized on May 14th while crews tested regulators, breakers and transformers to make sure the equipment was
working properly. Once crews knew the equipment was working load was switched back to the substation on May 18th. Many man
hours have been involved in this process from the initial power outage to getting it all up and running again, including pouring cement
pads, running wires to the new control house and testing of equipment.
Thanks to all our BENCO members that were affected by this outage and all the work that followed, for your patience and
understanding.
The Pohl Substation transformer being delivered.
Looking for a new,
affordable TV option?
Check out all the
available CTV channels
on page 5!
Page 6
5/30/15 11:25 AM
Minnesota Public Utilities
Commission Approves Alliant Acquisition
Southern Minnesota Energy Cooperative (SMEC) received
state regulatory approval to acquire Alliant Energy’s Minnesota electric service territory in a verbal decision on Thursday,
April 30, 2015, by the Minnesota Public Utility Commission
(MPUC). SMEC is the single point of contact for the purchase
of the territory in southern Minnesota by 12 electric cooperatives.
BENCO Electric Cooperative will be welcoming new members
in the Alliant Energy transaction. For BENCO the combined
territory would serve approximately 18,900 members, a 32
percent increase; The MPUC-approved acquisition will add
approximately 43,000 electric accounts to the systems of all of
the 12 SMEC member cooperatives combined.
While the MPUC approved the transaction, several steps remain and it could be months before the acquisition closes and
cooperatives welcome new members from Alliant Energy.
About Southern Minnesota Energy Cooperative
Southern Minnesota Energy Cooperative (SMEC) was formed
by 12 electric distribution cooperatives as a single point of
contact for the proposed purchase of electric service territory
in southern Minnesota from Alliant Energy. The 12 SMEC
member cooperatives are BENCO Electric Cooperative, Brown
County Rural Electrical Association, Federated Rural Electric,
Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services, Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative, Nobles Cooperative Electric, People’s Energy
Cooperative, Redwood Electric Cooperative, Sioux Valley
Energy, South Central Electric, Steele-Waseca Cooperative
Electric and Tri-County Electric Cooperative.
PCA Update
Actual PCA for May
$0.0203
Estimated PCA for June
$0.0292
Estimated PCA for July
$0.0311
The Power Cost Adjustment (PCA) is due to changes in the monthly
wholesale rate from our power supplier, Great River Energy (GRE).
June 2015
Benco_JuneNewsletter.indd 2
From the Board
Thursday, April 30, 2015
Duane Ehrich Presided
The board reviewed and approved:
• The minutes of the March 26 board meeting.
• The minutes of the April 10 special board meeting.
• The minutes of the April 11 organizational board
meeting.
• Capital Credits to estates totaling $2,466.01.
John Harrenstein reviewed the economic
development partnership between the City of North
Mankato and BENCO Electric. John reviewed the
past, present and future possibilities. John responded to
questions from the board.
The board set the next annual meeting for April 2,
2016 at the Verizon Wireless Civic Center, Mankato,
Minnesota.
Wade presented a CFC Integrity Fund Request and
the board approved a resolution requesting assistance
from the CFC Integrity Fund.
Robyn Jensen, RUS Field Representative, joined the
meeting to review with the board a RUS loan for the
acquisition of Alliant by BENCO Electric.
Robyn and Sandy reviewed the 10 year financial
forecast. The board reviewed and approved the Ten year
financial forecast.
Robyn and Sandy reviewed the request for financing
for the Alliant acquisition. The board reviewed and
approved a resolution requesting a guaranteed Federal
Financing Bank loan.
Wade reviewed a proposed change to Rate 12 to
remove a $25 credit when a member provides a phone
line. The board reviewed and approved the change.
The annual meeting was reviewed.
Wade updated the board on the Alliant Acquisition
status. The hearing for approval before the Minnesota
Public Utilities Commission was being held during this
board meeting.
Chuck reviewed recent legal work for the cooperative.
Directors’ reports were as follows:
Brad reported on the April GRE Board meeting.
Blake also reported as a guest to the board meeting. The
governance for Dakota Spirit AgEnergy was reviewed.
CTV directors reported additional channels will be
coming soon.
Harlan reported on Cooperative Network.
Directors attending reported on the MREA Day at
the Capitol.
www.BENCO.coop
How is Power Restored
Be Prepared for Severe Summer Weather
Page 2
You never know when a storm may hit, creating potential electrical hazards for your family. The best solution is to be prepared
ahead of time. This checklist will help keep your family safe year round.
Before the storm:
· Assemble a kit of essentials, like battery-operated flashlights and radios. Be prepared for the possibility of a prolonged outage
due to power line and electric equipment damage.
· Fill spare containers with water for washing, and keep a supply of bottled drinking water on hand. Maintain a supply of
non-perishable food items, along with a hand opener for canned food.
· During an outage, switch off lights and appliances to prevent overloading circuits and damaging appliances when power is
restored. Leave one lamp or switch on as a signal for when your power returns.
· Be sure to tune into your local weather station if you suspect severe weather is brewing. The National Weather Service warning
classification system states that a tornado or severe storm watch means that conditions are favorable for those weather conditions
forming. A warning means that dangerous weather conditions are developing and imminent.
· Lightning can travel up to ten miles away from a storm, so seek shelter as soon as you hear thunder.
After the storm:
· When venturing outside after a severe storm, stay away from downed power lines and be alert to the possibility that tree limbs
or debris may hide an electrical hazard. Assume that any dangling wires you encounter are electrical, and treat all downed or hanging power lines as if they are energized. Warn others to stay away and contact the electric utility.
· If you are driving and come upon a downed power line, stay in your vehicle, warn others to stay away and contact emergency
personnel or the electric utility. Also when driving, be careful at intersections where traffic lights may be out. Stop at all railroad
crossings, and treat road intersections with traffic signals as a four-way stop before proceeding with caution.
· Before re-entering storm-damaged buildings or rooms, be sure all electric and gas services are turned off. Never attempt to
turn off power at the breaker box if you must stand in water to do so. If you can’t reach your breaker box safely, call your electric
utility to shut off power at the meter.
· Never step into a flooded basement or other area if water is covering electrical outlets, appliances or cords. Be alert to any
electrical equipment that could be energized and in contact with water. Never touch electrical appliances, cords or wires while you
are wet or standing in water.
· When using a generator, follow all manufacturers’ recommendations to avoid tragedy. Keep the generator dry and never plug
it into a wall outlet or directly into the home’s wiring. This could inadvertently energize the utility lines and injure yourself or others working to restore power.
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Outage Update
Message
387-8888
Our goal is to restore power as quickly as possible
following a storm. This is how it’s done.
5
Transmission lines (1) bring power to our system from generation plants. BENCO does not
maintain transmission lines.
Substations (2) interface transmission line to BENCO’s main circuits. Substations must be
functioning before any other part of our system can carry power.
Main circuits (3) leave the substation and carry electric power throughout our service territory. Main circuits serve as the backbone
of our system. Taps and service wires leave main circuits to carry power to relatively small groups of members. There are very few
wires that are considered main circuits. Just because a line runs next to a major highway or subdivision doesn’t mean it is a main
circuit.
Taps (4) connect to main circuits and carry electricity out to smaller numbers of members. Repairs on taps begin after main circuits
are up and functioning.
Service wires (5) may attach to main circuits or taps and supply power to only one or two locations. Repairs to service wires come last.
Use Your Generator Safely
BENCO Electric Cooperative prides itself on an excellent record of providing power to its members, but when a storm strikes,
or an accident damages power lines, outages are inevitable. Here’s what to do when your lights go out:
1. Before you call us, check in different rooms of your house, various areas in your business establishment, or other
buildings on your farm. If the problem is on your equipment, it is your responsibility. Because of this, it is helpful
to know what is considered “your equipment” and what is ours. BENCO maintains everything up to the meter, including the lines, the transformer and the meter. The meter loop (i.e. fuses or circuit breakers on the pole) is your responsibility. Call a licensed electrician for service on lines and equipment that are your responsibility. Please
remember, if a crew is sent to your location for trouble with your equipment, there will be a service charge.
2. Are there fuses blown? Are they secure in their holders? Keep new fuses on hand and change them according to directions. Throw old fuses away.
3. If you have a circuit breaker system, are the breakers tripped? If they are, push the handle to the “off ” position before flipping it to the “Reset” position.
4. If your meter is on a pole, check both your service panel and any fuses or breakers which are located on the pole below the meter.
5. Check with your neighbors to see if their electricity is off, too. It is helpful to our crews if they know how many people are out of electricity.
The safety of you, our members, and our employees is a top
priority at BENCO Electric, especially during dangerous
times. When storms hit our area, we rush to your aid as soon
as weather conditions allow our lineworkers to travel and
make repairs safely.
Our line crews take necessary precautions before they work on downed power lines. First, they verify a circuit has been deenergized, and that proper switches are opened and tagged to isolate the circuit from the system. We place ground chains on the
circuit on both sides of workers to make sure the line cannot be energized while work’s being done. But even after these measures,
our workers’ lives remain in your hands.
BENCO Electric is proud of our outstanding safety record, but sometimes, no matter how many steps we take to keep
everyone safe, the very people we are there to help unknowingly put our lives and their own in danger.
Portable generators, widely used when power lines are down, can prove fatal to lineworkers and your neighbors when used
improperly.
A generator connected to a home’s wiring or plugged into a regular household outlet can cause backfeeding along power lines
and electrocute anyone who comes in contact with them even if the line seems dead. The 120 - 240 volts of alternate current will
become 7,200 volts of alternate current when it feeds back to the transformer. BENCO Electric employees are not the only ones
in danger when a portable generator is used improperly. Generator owners themselves may be at risk of electrocution, fire injury,
property damage, or carbon monoxide poisoning if they do not follow the necessary safety rules.
Portable generators can be very helpful to consumers during outages. But we urge you to follow these safety guidelines when
using one:
§ Never connect a generator directly to your home’s wiring unless your home has been wired for generator use. This can
cause backfeeding along power lines and electrocute anyone coming in contact with them, including lineworkers making
June 2015
June 2015
What to do When the Power Goes Out
www.BENCO.coop
Page 3
Continued on page 6
www.BENCO.coop
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5/30/15 11:25 AM