Learn more at www.nnec.coop - Northern Neck Electric Cooperative
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Learn more at www.nnec.coop - Northern Neck Electric Cooperative
Northern Neck Electric Cooperative Looking for ways to trim costs in your household budget? Let our new online Bill Analyzer help! This suite of energy-saving tools now on our website will help you find ways to use energy more efficiently and reduce your cost. Learn more at www.nnec.coop NORTHERN NECK ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE NOTICE OF WHOLESALE RATE INCREASE 85 St. Johns Street P.O. Box 288 Warsaw, VA 22572-0288 804-333-3621 • 1-800-243-2860 www.nnec.coop This is to advise that due to a change in the wholesale rates from the Cooperative’s wholesale suppliers of power, the Cooperative’s charge for electricity will be increased by $0.00651 per kilowatt-hour. This adjustment in retail rates is in accordance with the Cooperative’s Wholesale Power Cost Adjustment Clause that is a part of the Cooperative’s retail rates on file with the State Corporation Commission. This adjustment will be effective with bills rendered on or after Jan. 1, 2015. This change is due to Old Dominion Electric Cooperative’s (ODEC) rate increase, which is a direct (pass-through) cost to NNEC’s members. This rate increase is due to: 1. last winter’s extreme cold weather that increased NNEC’s cost for using the Dominion Virginia Power transmission system (the cost of bringing electricity from the generation plants to NNEC’s service territory); and 2. Dominion Virginia Power upgrading that transmission system to provide improved reliability and to increase its physical and cybersecurity of those lines. Office Hours: M-F, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. President & CEO Greg W. White Local Pages Editor Andrew Packett Northern Neck Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer. 22 Northern Neck Electric Cooperative Best Wishes for a Safe, Happy and Healthy New Year from Directors, Management and Employees of Northern Neck Electric Cooperative NNEC board of directors, L-R, front row: Ralph E. Sutton, Elnora F. Tompkins and J. Steve Thomas, Sr. Back row: Hunter R. Greenlaw, Jr., A. Wayne Saunders, James A. Wise and Russell G. Brown. NNEC employees L-R, front row: Valerie Hinson, Jenny Hayes, Sheila Balderson, Vivian Diggs, Coty Dameron, Bette Millward, Jane Harcum, Pamela Davis, Carey Allen, Steven Minor; second row: Wayne Douglas, Brenda Kram, Gabrielle Dawson, Denise Sanders, Dawn Green, Chris Neale, Craig Loving, Shawn Coates, John Harhai, Mike Hyde, Mike Finerfrock, Bill Clark; third row: Hunter Beane, Mike Dunaway, Jim Moss, Greg White, Beverly Jewell, Casey Hayes, Tony O’Bier, Ricky Taylor, David Thomas, Scott Smith, Danny Delano, Delacy Dodson; fourth row: Steve Smith, David Jackson, Mike Winebarger, Harry Smith, Joey Gay, Richard McLendon, Marty Mothershead, Pat Henry, Randall Thompson, Keith Balderson, Andrew Packett, Leon Douglas; back row: Mark Evans, Greg Dove, Len Usual, Edward Courtney, Matthew Hathaway, Davin Brann, Will Schools, Keith Johnson, Derek Pierson, James Kelly, and B. J. Walker. Not pictured: Bobby Franklin. January 2015 23 High-School or Home-School Seniors Can Apply Now for 2015 VMDAEC Educational Scholarships A ny high-school or home-schooled senior graduating in 2015 whose parents or guardians are consumermembers of Northern Neck Electric Cooperative and whose primary residence is served by the cooperative is eligible to apply now for a $1,000 scholarship. Scholarships are awarded by the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives’ (VMDAEC) Educational Scholarship Foundation. An applicant must be entering his or her first semester at a college or technical/trade school in the fall of 2015. Scholarships must be used towards tuition, student fees, room and board or textbooks. The foundation selects scholarship recipients based on a combination of the following weighted criteria: financial need at 40 percent; academic achievement at 40 percent; personal statement at 20 percent. APPLICATION STEPS STEP 1. Complete the VMDAEC Educational Scholarship Application form using a computer. If there is no access to a computer, the form can be handwritten. Do not leave any sections blank. Failure to provide requested information will result in disqualification. Send the application electronically via email using the submit button in the lower right-hand corner of the form or scan it and email to [email protected] no later than midnight on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2015. STEP 2. Compile all documents listed below. Do not staple, paper clip, insert into binders or fold. Do not send any of these documents separately. Seal all documents in one envelope in the following sequence (from front to back): 1. Copy of application form (pages 1 & 2) – completed, signed and dated. 2. Copy of most recent electric bill for primary residence. 3. Personal Statement plus 2 copies. See directions under Personal Statement Section. 4. Copy of preliminary official high or home school transcript. If it is school policy, the transcript can be sealed in a separate envelope. 5. Copy of Standardized Test Scores (SAT and/or ACT). 6. Recommendation letter written by someone not related to applicant. 24 STEP 3. Submit the envelope containing the required documents to VMDAEC Educational Scholarship Selection Committee using one of two delivery options: • Mail – P.O. Box 2340, Glen Allen, VA 23058-2340 Postmark no later than midnight, Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2015 • Hand-deliver – 4201 Dominion Boulevard, Suite 101, Glen Allen, VA 23060 No later than 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2015 For the educational scholarship guidelines and application form, please go online to www.coopliving.com/ community/scholarship.htm or www.vmdaec.com. The scholarship application form uses form-submission features included in recent versions of the Adobe Acrobat Reader software. In order to fill out and submit the application form, please ensure that you have version 7.0 or later. There is a link on these two websites that will allow you to download and install the latest Acrobat Reader for PCs and Macs. In 2014, the VMDAEC Educational Scholarship Foundation received 364 applications from students in areas served by 15 electric cooperatives in Virginia, Maryland and Delaware. From these, the Foundation Board selected 55 applicants to receive Worth M. Hudson Scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each, four applicants to receive scholarships from the C. D Hypes Memorial Fund in the amount of $1,000 each, and two applicants to receive scholarships from the James C. Tennant Memorial Fund in the amount of $1,000 each for a total of 61 scholarships. Over the past 14 years, 470 students have received VMDAEC Educational Scholarship Foundation grants. For more information, visit www.vmdaec.com or www.co-opliving.com/ community/scholarship.htm or contact Pam Johnson, manager of continuing education and training, at pjohnson@ odec.com or (804) 968-7153. SAFETY CORNER Five tips for space heater safety by April Lollar, APR, CCC s temperatures drop this winter, many will look for supplemental heating sources for their homes. Space heaters can be a good alternative for those who want to warm one area of their home without turning up the thermostat on the central heating system. However, space heaters are also responsible for 32 percent of house fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association. If you are planning to use a space heater in your home this winter, review these tips from Northern Neck Electric Cooperative to keep you, your family and your property safe. Materials — What are the components of your space heater made of? Parts like metal grating can be hot to the touch and may burn anyone who gets too close. Make sure you purchase a heater that is cool to the touch and has guards over the coils just in case little fingers get too close. Placement — While it can be tempting to place a small heater on a shelf so it is not A in the way of pets and children, it is safest to leave the heater on a level floor on a nonflammable surface. Keeping the space heater on the floor can keep it from falling over, preventing fire hazards. Also, remember that space heaters and bathrooms are not a good combination, unless the heater is designed for bathroom use. Moisture can damage the heater. The most important rule about space heater placement is the 3-foot rule. Whether you are using the heater in the bedroom, living room or kitchen, space heaters should always be kept 3 feet away from flammable materials and out of the way of children and pets. Special Features — Does your space heater have an auto shutoff function if tipped over? Auto shutoff can be a lifesaver. If you currently own a space heater without auto shutoff, consider purchasing a heater with this important safety feature. Cords — You should never use an extension cord when plugging in a space heater as it can cause overheating. The Northern Neck Electric Cooperative WATCH your WAT T S How renters can fight the winter chill by Abby Berry A ccording to the U.S. Census Bureau, 33 percent of Americans lease their homes. Unfortunately, many lease agreements forbid major alterations to rental properties. But don’t worry, renters! Consider using these lowcost, energy-efficient tips from Northern Neck Electric Cooperative to improve the efficiency of your home this winter. HOT SAVINGS Heating the home typically makes up about 48 percent of your utility bill. Set your thermostat as low as is comfortable in the winter — Energy.gov recommends 68 degrees Fahrenheit to boost energy efficiency. During the winter months, take advantage of heat from sunlight. Open draperies and shades during the day to allow natural light to heat your home. Remember to close them in the evenings as the temperature drops and Did you know? BRIGHT IDEAS space heater should be plugged directly into a wall outlet, and should be the only thing plugged into the wall outlet. Also make sure cords aren’t in a high-traffic area so they are not a tripping hazard. Use — Never leave a heater unattended while in use. If you are leaving your home or going to bed, make sure to unplug the heater. Following these tips and making sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions can keep you safe this winter. November-December 2014 Lighting is one of the easiest places to start saving energy, and savings are not strictly limited to winter months. Try replacing a few of your most frequently used light bulbs with ENERGY STAR-qualified lights, and save more than $65 a year in energy costs. ENERGY STAR-qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) use 75 percent less energy and last several times longer than incandescent light bulbs, saving money on energy bills and replacement costs. Practicing energy-efficient habits is another great way to reduce energy use. Always turn off your lights when leaving a room. Caulk and seal windows to avoid air leaks. OTHER WAYS TO SAVE NRECA PHOTO April Lollar writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the Arlington, Va.based service organization for the nation’s 900plus consumerowned, not-for-profit electric cooperatives. mindful when using electronics at home. windowpanes become chilly. Unplug devices when not in use, and use Does your home have window airsmart power strips to save on energy use. conditioning units? This winter, remember To learn more ways to be energy efficient to insulate the units from the outside with around the home, visit www.nnec.coop or a tight-fitting cover, available at your local www.energy.gov. home improvement center or hardware store. This keeps heated air from escaping Abby Berry writes on consumer and outside. If desired, you can remove the cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric window unit during winter months to Cooperative Association, the Arlington, Va.-based prevent energy loss. service organization for the nation’s 900-plus consumer-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperatives. Another way to save on heating is to make sure your water heater is set at the lowest comfortable setting. Have you experienced scalding hot water when taking a shower? If so, it's Heating your home accounts for up to likely that your water heater is 48 percent of your utility bill. set too high — which is a waste of energy. Older models of A few tips to help you save: water tanks are often not insulated, which can be easily Clean or replace your furnace filter once a month (or as recommended). remedied by covering them with an insulating jacket. Leasing an older home or apartment? Odds are you have single-pane windows and old or missing caulk. Don’t let the winter chill seep indoors! Apply caulk around window frames, sashes and door panels to combat air leaks. Also, be Keep draperies and shades open during the day and closed at night. Visit www.energy.gov for more ways to save! 25 NNEC’s Tools to Stay Informed During a Power Outage D uring an outage NNEC has several methods for members to stay informed. The Outage Map online is easy to access at http://outages.nnec.coop/ with a new mobile website provided through Touchstone Energy Cooperatives. The website is compatible with iPhones and Droids. The Report Outages number is directly under NNEC’s logo for members to speed dial. The outage map shows the outages by county, the volume of outages in each location per a color chart, and the number of outages restored. Jim Moss, vice president of Operations, remarked on the importance of the outage map, “The outage map on our website provides a convenient way to quickly check for outages on the NNEC system. Even if your area is shown on the map, if you are without power we encourage you to call our outage-reporting number 866-NNEC OUT. More calls collected into our outage-management system will more accurately define our outage areas.” Facebook is another way to keep informed during major outages. NNEC includes its Facebook feed on its website at www.nnec.coop or go directly to www.facebook.com/ northernneckelectriccoop. Energy-saving tips, Beat the Peak alerts and other useful information is posted on Facebook. Follow NNEC on Twitter at https://twitter.com/NorthernNeckEC. NNEC tweets a link to the press releases on major outages to keep members informed. Press releases on major outages are also posted on NNEC’s website under News and Events. In order to better serve our members, NNEC has a dedicated outage number 1-866-NNEC OUT (866-663-2688). This number is only for outages and it is designed to handle several hundred calls at one time. This number allows NNEC members to report their outage information in a timely manner. Report an electricity outage or an emergency by calling toll-free 1-866-NNEC OUT (866-663-2688). If there is a high volume of calls for a large number of outages, please use the automated system. The automated system recognizes your telephone number and is programmed to report the outage based on the telephone number identification. Please make sure NNEC has your correct telephone number. During normal business hours, customer service representatives are available or all other inquiries by calling toll-free 1-800-243-2860 or locally 333-3621. Take the CHILL out of your Winter Electric BILL ➤ Keep your thermostat at 68 degrees. Save 3-5 percent for each degree the thermostat is lowered. ➤ Lower the water heater thermostat to 120 degrees and insulate all hot water pipes. Insulate the hot water tank. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions given in your owner’s manual. (Water heater jackets are not recommended for all models.) ➤ Install a programmable thermostat to lower the temperature when you’re sleeping or away. ➤ Run ceiling fans on reverse at the lowest speed to move warmer air at the ceiling down toward the living space. ➤ Caulk and weatherstrip openings such as cracks in walls, around windows, and where doors do not fit or close properly. Insulate electrical outlets and switches, they are an often overlooked source of energy loss from cold air. ➤ Open your blinds and curtains during the day. Allowing natural light in from the sun will warm the air. Remember to close the blinds and curtains at night. ➤ Close the doors and vents to rooms you don’t use daily. Keep them open if you use a 26 ➤ ➤ ➤ ➤ ➤ ➤ ➤ ➤ heat pump, because efficiency depends on proper air flow. Replace heating system air filters monthly. Check insulation levels in the attic, crawl space and basement. Add more if needed. Keep the fireplace damper closed when not in use. Use your oven sparingly. When you do use it, leave the oven door open after you are finished cooking to warm up the room. However, do not use your oven to heat your home — it will cost more than running your heating system and it is very dangerous. Use exhaust fans sparingly. Minimizing the use of these fans will keep the warm air inside, but use them during showers to avoid mold. Run your dishwasher and your clothes washer only when they are full. Keep the refrigerator door shut. Flannel bed sheets and extra covers keep you warm on cold winter nights without turning up the thermostat. NNEC understands that members are concerned about their electric bills. The Cooperative offers its members several payment options including Levelized Billing. Contact Customer Service at NNEC at 800-243-2860 or 804-333-3621. Sign up today at My Account, NNEC’s Member Portal, to use the interactive energy suite Analyze My Bill. This program uses the data you enter about your home to help you find ways to use energy more efficiently and reduce your cost. Analyze My Bill looks at your total energy footprint so you can achieve the maximum savings potential for your household. My Account also allows you to: • make payments online, manage your account and much more; • sign up for Automatic Bank Draft or credit card draft; • sign up for ebill; • sign up for daily or weekly electric use emails to monitor your daily use of electricity to conserve energy; • receive “Beat the Peak” alerts via email; • view payment history; • sign up for high energy use alerts when you use more than your established kilowatt-hours per month; and • sign up for Levelized Payment Plan. Visit NNEC’s website at www.nnec.coop to sign up for My Account and Analyze My Bill. Northern Neck Electric Cooperative Powering Up When an outage occurs, line crews work to pinpoint problems 1 High-Voltage Transmission Lines Transmission towers and cables that supply power to transmission substations (and thousands of consumers) rarely fail. But when damage occurs, these facilities must be repaired before other parts of the system can operate. 2 Distribution Substation Each substation serves hundreds or thousands of consumers. When a major outage occurs, line crews inspect substations to determine if problems stem from transmission lines feeding into the substation, the substation itself, or if problems exist down the line. 3 Main Distribution Lines If the problem cannot be isolated at a distribution substation, distribution lines are checked. These lines carry power to large groups of consumers in communities or housing developments. 5 Individual Homes If your home remains without power, the service line between a transformer and your residence may need to be repaired. Always call to report an outage to help line crews isolate these local issues. 4 Tap Lines If local outages persist, supply lines, called tap lines, are inspected. These lines deliver power to transformers, either mounted on poles or placed on pads for underground service, outside businesses, schools, and homes. When electricity goes out, most of us expect power will be restored within a few hours. But when a major storm causes widespread damage, longer outages may result. Co-op line crews work long, hard hours to restore service safely to the greatest number of consumers in the shortest time possible. Here’s what’s going on if you find yourself in the dark. Why Is My Electric Bill So High in Winter? inter is here. Electric bills go up when the temperatures go down! During the winter it is important for you to know why your electric bill is higher and to note ways to reduce your electricity usage. Here are a few items that might contribute to higher bills this time of year: W ➤ Less daylight results in using more lights. ➤ Water heaters use more electricity to heat colder water. ➤ Clothes cannot be dried outside in freezing weather. ➤ In the winter people are inside more watching television and playing video games. November-December 2014 ➤ The holiday season includes additional cooking and houseguests, parties and family gatherings. ➤ Colder temperatures outside require more household heating. The colder the outdoor temperature, the greater the heat loss from inside your home and the longer a heating system must operate to maintain a level of comfort. ➤ When the outside temperature is close to freezing, the auxiliary heat will come on automatically to maintain the desired temperature. Many thermostats have an indicator light that indicates when the auxiliary heat is in use. The auxiliary heat will also come on f e d when a person adjusts the thermostat more than 3 to 4 degrees up at a time. Most new homes have heat pumps; therefore cold temperatures will activate the auxiliary heat, resulting in much higher energy consumption and consequently a higher electric bill. 27 ANDREW PACKETT PHOTO Moonshine Memories by Andrew Packett, NNEC Writer R PHOTOS COURTESY OF ROBERT WATKINS Watkins with his book, Not Necessarily in Them Thar Hills, and models of stills used in the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula. He uses the models to explain the types of stills and the process of making moonshine in presentations to civic organizations and upon request. • Below: Confiscated moonshine lined up in mason jars. • Bottom: This still located and destroyed by Wakins used a 275-gallon oil drum to make moonshine. These drums are used for holding heating oil. Author’s Note: Almost 25 years ago I worked as a police officer and chief of police in Warsaw. I am fortunate to have worked with Bobby after most of his days of fighting the bootlegging industry were over. Bobby is a short man in height but tall in stature, as feisty as a bantam rooster, and complete with a full, colorful vocabulary. Bobby has a strong work ethic and integrity; two key characteristics for a good law enforcement officer. eflecting on the once-thriving moonshine industry in the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula, retired ABC agent Robert F. (Bobby) Watkins says, “Work and money were scarce for many families in our area. Bootleggers made moonshine to sell. Selling moonshine was meant to feed the family. Sometimes I would catch the whole family involved in making moonshine. It was a sin for them to drink it. “It was a cat-and-mouse game for the bootleggers and me. If I caught the bootleggers or they got away, there were no hard feelings. They were just trying to make a living. There was an unwritten law between the bootleggers and us; you don’t shoot at me and I won’t shoot at you. Keep in mind that a firearm within 100 yards of a still was another felony violation. “The biggest stills I located and destroyed used truck radiators to cool the steam. These radiators were very dirty. A big concern was the lead soldered joints in the radiators that could cause lead poisoning, blindness and such. The mash contains water, grain and sugar to ferment. The alcohol being distilled would dissolve some of the lead solder in the joints. That’s where you would get lead poisoning.” Watkins worked as a Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control agent for 38 years. Born in Warsaw with deep family ties to Tappahannock, Watkins worked mainly the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula region for almost 20 years confiscating moonshine, locating and destroying the stills making the liquor, and apprehending the bootleggers. Recently, Watkins published a collection of stories about his adventures chasing bootleggers, titled Not Necessarily in Them Thar Hills, a statement on the moonshine industry in the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula. This book is now in its fifth printing. The book is available on Amazon or by contacting Bobby Watkins, P.O. Box 397, Tappahannock, VA 22520, phone 804-443-3213. Northern Neck Electric Cooperative Cooperative Helping Hands Association Sponsors 5-Stand Sporting Clays Tournament T he Cooperative Helping Hands recently sponsored its Fourth Annual 5-Stand Sporting Clays Tournament. The tournament included five member teams with individual recognition for the three high guns (top shooters). The course consisted of shooting 10 rounds from five stations. Winners were the teams with the highest scores after completion. Congratulations to all winners and thank you to all who participated to make this event successful. Cooperative Helping Hands Association is the fundraising organization established by the Northern Neck Electric Cooperative employees to donate to local charities. 1st Place: Score –198 From left: Richard Haynie, Russell Haynie, Joey Gay, Richard McLendon and Carvel Whaley. High Gun Award From left: 1st – Russell Haynie – 47; 2nd – Richard Haynie – 46; 3rd – Joey Gay (pictured) & Marion James Packett – 39. 2nd Place: Score –140 From left: Glen Branich, Brian Oliff, Danny Allensworth, Trevor Johnson and Benny Johnson. Left: Emily Gay is congratulated by Denise Sanders on winning the raffle for the Browning Silver shotgun. Right: Denise Sanders and Dawn Green of NNEC’s Cooperative Helping Hands congratulate Richard Haynie on winning the $50 Walmart gift card. Special Thanks to: • Wood Preservers for the use of their facilities. • Peyton Motley, who helped with planning and running the tournament. • Essex Concrete • Tappahannock Walmart • The NNEC employees (members of the Cooperative Helping Hands Association) who helped plan and work the Sunday event. 3rd Place: Score –131 From left: Craig Brann, Marion James Packett, Curtis Packett, Jason Dameron and Wayne Medlin. 29
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