Above and beyond - Marlboro Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Transcription
Above and beyond - Marlboro Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Co-opConnection ® Above and beyond Electric co-op membership offers value far beyond affordable, reliable electricity ® Marlboro Electric Cooperative, we work hard to deliver safe, affordable, and reliable electricity to our 6,500 customers every day. But we don’t stop there. Because we’re a cooperative, we strive to do much more, to find ways of providing real value to you and the communities we serve. So what exactly does real value mean? Well, in some ways it’s basic, like connecting with a real, local person when you call our office, rather than just a recording. It could be finding a copy of South Carolina Living in your mailbox every month, which keeps you informed about co-op business and happenings in the Palmetto State. Or it’s getting the lights back on more quickly after a major weather event that has occurred, thanks to mutual-aid agreements that bring line crews in from other co-ops to help us restore power. Using your Co-op Connections Card to HERE AT 254 Hwy 15-401 Bypass East P.O. Box 1057 Bennettsville, SC 29512 General Information (843) 479-3855 (800) 922-9174 www.marlboroelectric.coop Office Hours 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Monday–Friday President/CEO William L. Fleming Chairman of the Board Sam P. “Bo” McInnis, Jr. Board of Trustees Eddie Gordon, District 1 Raymond Woodle, District 2 Charles R. ‘Ricky’ Smith, District 3 Melvin Carabo, District 4 John M. Alford, District 5 Sam P. “Bo” McInnis, Jr., District 6 Chairman Jeff Quick, District 7 Secretary/Treasurer W. Ronald Quick, District 8 Janelle Sauls, District 9 Vice-Chairman Attorney Doug Jennings Co-op News Editor Christy J. Overstreet email: cjoverstreet@ marlboroelectric.coop Mission Statement The focus of Marlboro Electric Cooperative, Inc. is to make electric energy available to its members at the lowest cost consistent with sound economic principle and management. Sam P. “Bo” McInnis Jr. Chairman A hot job Marlboro Electric crews constructed a pair of special new power poles to replace two existing poles that cross under a Duke-Progress Energy transmission line outside Bennettsville in August. Here, MEC’s Leroy Anderson attaches hardware to one of the new double-poled structures, working below three-phase lines that were “hot”—energized lines. Most triple three-phase lines are supported by single poles with double cross-arms. The new structures allowed MEC to lower the lines about 8 feet by placing all nine three-phase power lines, plus a neutral line, on a single cross-arm while keeping a safe distance below the high-voltage transmission lines seen in the background. MEC’s lines are still high enough to allow farmers’ combines to pass safely underneath. When the three circuits were transferred, wires were deenergized for safety reasons. However, MEC crews built the pole structure while lines were “hot” so service to hundreds of co-op members was not interrupted. SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | october 2013 | scliving.coop WALTER ALLREAD 4 receive discounts at local businesses and national retailers is a tangible benefit of being a Marlboro Electric member. October marks National Cooperative Month, when we take time to celebrate co-ops and talk about why our not-forprofit, consumer-owned business model is special. Offering our members real value—and working to improve the quality of life in the communities we serve—is just one way we set ourselves apart. To learn more about your cooperatives, visit marlboroelectric.coop. Marlboro News ‘Hidden’ co-ops help our co-op serve you better SOUTH CAROLINA’S 20 1 Aiken Electric Cooperative 2 Berkeley Electric Cooperative 3 Black River Electric Cooperative 4 Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative 5 Broad River Electric Cooperative 6 Coastal Electric Cooperative 7 Edisto Electric Cooperative 8 Fairfield Electric Cooperative 9 Horry Electric Cooperative 10 Laurens Electric Cooperative 11 Little River Electric Cooperative 12 Lynches River Electric Cooperative 13 Marlboro Electric Cooperative 14 Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative and CEO. ECSC (Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina, Inc.), located in Cayce, is the statewide service and trade association for S.C. electric cooperatives. ECSC provides member cooperatives with communications and legal services, personnel training, safety programs, and public and government relations. Serving on the ECSC Board of Trustees is Janelle Sauls, vice-chairman of 15 Newberry Electric Cooperative 16 Palmetto Electric Cooperative 17 Pee Dee Electric Cooperative 18 Santee Electric Cooperative 19 Tri-County Electric Cooperative 20 York Electric Cooperative MEC’s Board of Trustees, along with Bill Fleming, MEC’s president & CEO, who also serves as an executive committee member. SEDC (Southeastern Data Cooperative) helps MEC streamline and integrate its software systems for billing, accounting, engineering and operations. Based in Atlanta with 40 years of experience and serving more than 200 utilities, SEDC helps co-ops and utilities gain efficiencies and save money. Homeless is ‘Ruff, Ruff!’ CHRISTY OVERSTREET independent, locally owned electric distribution co-ops, including Marlboro Electric Cooperative (MEC), work together in good times—employees training together—and in bad times— helping one another, if needed, when major storms strike. Behind the scenes, the Cooperative Principle of Cooperation among Co-ops is evident with other cooperative organizations having our backs, too. The 20 electric cooperatives have the largest electric system in South Carolina, supplying power through 542 substations and more than 5,000 miles of power lines to more than 625,000 customers—reaching every county in the state. Electric cooperatives provide industry incentive rates, loan and grant programs to encourage job creation and energy-related services to ensure the highest power quality. Central Electric Power Cooperative, Inc., located in Columbia, provides total wholesale electric service to South Carolina’s 20 retail electric cooperatives serving more than 700,000 accounts since 1948. Central-affiliated co-ops also work together with the chief power source, state-owned utility Santee Cooper, through an economic development alliance, the South Carolina Power Team. Celebrating its 25th year in August, the S.C. Power Team has been involved with more than 600 industrial location or expansion projects in South Carolina. Representing MEC and serving on the Central Electric Board of Trustees is Charles R. “Ricky” Smith, an MEC Board of Trustees member, and MEC’s President & CEO William L. “Bill” Fleming, who also serves as secretary/treasurer of the Central Electric Board. CEE-US (Cooperative Electric Energy Utility Supply) is a supply cooperative jointly owned by S.C. electric co-ops. Based in West Columbia, CEE-US supplies low-cost materials so cooperatives can provide economical, dependable electric service to their customers. An affiliated company, Line Equipment Sales Company, maintains an inventory of lineman’s tools and equipment, conductors, transformers, meters, insulators and more. Line Equipment includes a rubber-goods testing facility, certified by the National Association of Independent Laboratories (NAIL), that tests items such as rubber gloves that MEC uses. Serving on the CEE-US Board of Trustees is Eddie Gordon, an MEC Board of Trustees member, and Bill Fleming, MEC’s president South Carolina’s 20 electric cooperatives Featured on pages 16B-C are our furry friends “Bubba” along with other tail-wagging and drooling models receiving “The Star Treatment.” scliving.coop | october 2013 | SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING 5 Marlboro County salutes industries ® and the community celebrated Industry Appreciation Day, the largest yet, on September 12. Industries, sponsors and major employers were recognized for their contributions by participating in a series of events: golf tournament, fishing, dove shoot, canoe trip, lunch and dinner. We salute the economic leaders in the community that help provide thousands of jobs to ensure success for a high quality of life in Marlboro County. Marlboro County Economic Development Partnership News Extra TOM JACKSON Bobby Hinson, a Marlboro Electric Co-op member, attempts the hole-in-one competition at Marlboro Country Club for a chance to win a vehicle. Canoe participants prepare to paddle and drift down the Pee Dee River. CHRISTY OVERSTREET CHRISTY OVERSTREET CHRISTY OVERSTREET Marlboro Extra Orlah King Getting hooked on Industry Appreciation Day events, this group went fishing at Red Bluff. Left to right: Jessica Sheppard, Kaye Quiestli, Johnathan Locklear, Elisabeth Kovac, Cody Hunt, Krystal Harris, Scott Anderson, Ray Williams and Matthew Bullard. Tom Jackson Co-op WIRE member Corina Esaw of Wallace Family Life Center enjoys her first canoe trip along with Janice Rozier. the lights came on’ Electric cooperatives across the country are celebrating their 75th anniversary. Aiken Electric Cooperative, formed in 1938, this year became the first of South Carolina’s 20 distribution co-ops to reach that milestone. Marlboro Electric Cooperative was organized in December 1939, and our system was energized September 3, 1940. We will mark our 75th anniversary in 2014. Leading up to the celebration, we’re interviewing co-op members and former employees who recall “when the lights came on.” Please let us know if you, or someone you know, might have bright memories of those days. And tell us if you have vintage appliances, electrical items, memorabilia or photographs from the early days of rural electrification. Contact Christy Overstreet at (843) 454-2872 or email [email protected]. scliving.coop | october 2013 | SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING 16A CHRISTY OVERSTREET William L. “Bill” Fleming, president & CEO of Marlboro Electric, was presented an award for his years of service on the Marlboro County Economic Development Hunters enjoy lunch at Marlboro Country Club until the dove shoot Partnership board by begins at Co-op member Billy Hinson’s cabin. Ron King, executive director, and Charles Paul Midgley, Jr., MCEDP board Remembering ‘when chairman. Many volunteers assist with the Industry Appreciation Day events. Left to right: Willa Johnson, Joan Johnakin and Phyllis Hagan registered guests for the Industry Appreciation dinner held at the Bennettsville Community Center. The Star Treatment “Work with me, doggie!” Milton Morris photographs Bubba, one of the pound pups at the Humane Society shelter. walter allread S.C. Living contributor lends his time, talents to aid local pet shelter Milton Morris often photographs typically don’t scratch themselves or drool, let alone work for kibble. But they aren’t half as much fun either—they seldom wag their tails. Morris, a regular contributor to South Carolina Living, recently donated his time and talents to benefit the Humane Society of Marlboro County, photographing 11 dogs at the animal shelter on Wallace Road. Their “glamour shots,” some shown at right, will also be published in the Marlboro Herald-Advocate THE MODELS and on the society’s Facebook page. Most importantly, they are being posted at PetFinder.com, says Kenny Hinson, Humane Society secretary. “It’s an incredible resource for organizations like ours,” says Hinson, an MEC member. The dogs won’t appear on their photographer’s website, MiltonMorris.com, although lovers of fine portraiture should check it out. S.C. Living readers know his work from several cover stories as well as a commemorative Honor Flight book, on sale at MEC, that features his portraits of 100 World War II veterans. Morris took the pooches’ portraits as a favor to MEC members Stephanie and Shawn Jones, who volunteer at the shelter along with their sister-in-law Renee Jones. Renee has a co-op connection, too: She works at neighboring Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. “They are three of our most dedicated volunteers,” Hinson notes. Morris says he was glad to help his shelter friends. And his subjects? “Dogs are great. They always know when we need a laugh!” Gina Milton Morris’ poochie portraits, including this one of Gina, are being posted at PetFinders.com, which Humane Society secretary Kenny Hinson says has found many a dog a home. “Strangely enough, we don’t have many adoptions in Marlboro County,” says Hinson, an MEC member. “In the past year, we’ve taken in 487 animals and 250 of those have gone to rescue organizations up north; 128 were adopted—and probably only 10 were to local residents.” Wouldn’t you like to make a friend like Phoenix? Join the Shelter Buddies! The program pairs long-term shelter dogs with volunteers who spend quality time with their furry friends, giving them TLC that is instantly repaid in wags and woofs. Phoenix Stephanie (left), Renee and Shawn Jones helped Morris pose, and dress, his “models.” Bubba CHRISTY OVERSTREET 16B Hansel The Humane Society of Marlboro County, which took over operations at the county pet shelter a year ago, relies on volunteers to help animals like Buster. There are plenty of tasks, from working in the cat room, washing food and water bowls or walking dogs. Rambo Buster Volunteer Renee Jones notes how, on a recent Sunday, all of the shelter’s dogs— including Rambo here—enjoyed a long walk. “They were worn out! That’s the quietest the shelter’s ever been. They loved it!” Jones says. It’s also good for volunteers, notes Jennifer Hyduke, Humane Society vice president. A few years ago, she lost 75–80 pounds over a few months by walking dogs twice a day. “I can recommend it!” she says. Volunteers can walk larger dogs to Lake Wallace and back, about a three-mile trip, or just take them on a half-mile course close to the shelter, which is great for smaller dogs—and for folks just starting an exercise regimen, she says. Patience and other shelter pets have a special friend in long-time volunteer Peggy Bishop (not pictured) who “comes faithfully every morning,” according to fellow Humane Society officer, Kenny Hinson. While few could match Bishop, who also serves as the society’s treasurer, anyone can help. “You can just come for an hour,” says Hinson, adding, “Bring a friend!” rs y Bruce Pets like Bruce spend a lot of time “behind bars” in the former county jail. “This building was not set up for this at all,” volunteer Shawn Jones says. Fortunately, the community is stepping up, he notes, with local businesses and individuals offering help. “One person has offered to donate some land. A concrete company offered to pour some concrete for us.” MILTON MORRIS Boy To learn more ways you can help the Humane Society with pets like Boy, access HumaneSocietyOfMarlboro.org, visit the shelter at 901 Wallace Road, Bennettsville, call (843) 479-3330, or email [email protected]. Patience Camilla scliving.coop | october 2013 | SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING 16C Nissan Leaf sparks curiosity around MEC’s area CHRISTY OVERSTREET BY CHRISTY J. OVERSTREET to a different beat in today’s world of cars with “cool” technology and rocking sound systems–“It’s electric.” Electric cars are popular, even with Marlboro Electric who borrowed a Nissan Leaf from Central Electric Power Cooperative, the wholesale electric provider to South Carolina’s electric cooperatives. The Leaf is one of 13 electric vehicle models currently on the market with more on the way. Aerodynamically designed, electric cars bring back memories of the movie “Back to the Future” or the cartoon “The Jetsons.” With the touch of a button, the car is ready, like a reallife, science fiction movie “Star Trek.” Touchscreens, navigation, back-up monitor, Bluetooth, and other state-of-the-art functions bring the future to the present. Community folks are interested and curious about the Leaf: What’s so ‘cool’ about an electric car? How does it work? What’s the cost? Does it go fast? Can you plug it in at home? We dance, sing and ride Marlboro Electric’s Network Administrator Ed Salley starts the Nissan Leaf with the simple touch of a button. in fuel savings with advantages including no oil changes, no tail pipe, and no transmission, therefore no emissions. Electric cars can reduce dependence on foreign oil vs. gas vehicles, helping automakers meet new fuel economy and emission standards for a cleaner environment. “Plugging-up” an electric car at home versus “filling up” at a gas station is another plus. The plug-in handle is similar to a gas pump hose and nozzle, but without the long spout. No more gas on your hands, smelling like gas or paying at the pump. Studies indicate the average American’s daily commute is less than 30 miles. The Leaf can travel more than 70 miles a charge and can reach up to 90 mph quickly in speed. Advantages of electric The Leaf is a 100 percent electric battery car with $8,500-per-year average 16D SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | october 2013 | scliving.coop Bennettsville Police Chief Larry McNeil was impressed with the Leaf. “I’m surprised at how quiet and smooth it runs, and the fact that it’s electric and reaches high speeds quickly. Some police departments in South Carolina already have electric vehicles, and I intend to mention it at a future City Council meeting,” McNeil commented. Innovation The Leaf’s costly 24 kwh lithium ion battery has an 8 year, 100,000-mile warranty and battery costs are decreasing. For emergencies, there is a three-year complimentary roadside assistance plan. A mini solar panel charges the Leaf’s electronics and a dashboard indicator shows the miles remaining and battery level, similar to gas tank gauges. Brake pads last longer in electric vehicles because the regenerative brake system converts energy during speed reduction into power stored in the car’s battery. In June, the Department of Energy introduced ‘eGallon’ which compares driving costs of an electric car traveling the same distance to an average car’s gallon of gasoline. The average gasoline price in S.C. is $3.45 per gallon; eGallon is $1.24, equaling a savings of $2.21 per mile or $35 for a tank of gas. The Nissan Leaf, a 100 percent electric car, is aerodynamically designed with new technology. Getting a charge South Carolina electric cooperatives coordinated with Plug-In Carolina to help motorists locate electric charging stations. More than 8,000 charging stations are available throughout the United States, including the Level 2 advanced charger in Marlboro Electric’s parking lot. By 2014, approximately 15,000 public charging stations will be available along major routes. Electric cars charged at home takes about 4 to 7 hours, so if it is charged overnight, it will be ready in the morning. Apps for electric cars like GreenCharge, an iOS application available for iPhone, iPad and iPods provides realtime charging information and driving data by syncing directly with a compatible electric vehicle. A charging timer can be remotely set from a mobile device, computer or smartphone with the CARWINGS app. Again, it’s ‘Back-to-the-future’, but in real time. Global events contribute to high gasoline prices, burdening Americans with uncertainty, especially Marlboro and Dillon counties with high unemployment rates. However, electric costs have been more stable the last 10 years than fluctuating gas prices. An electric car cost ranges from $25,000 to more than $100,000. The Energy Department and federal government are working to make electric vehicles as affordable as gas-powered vehicles by offering tax credits and other incentives for new qualified, plug-in hybrid vehicles. As American innovators develop the next generation of cars, cruise-in car shows will have a new addition to the antique car line-up—It’s “electric.”