View NNEC`s pages in the July Co
Transcription
View NNEC`s pages in the July Co
Northern Neck Electric Cooperative You Deserve the Credit Members Receive $500,000 Capital Credit Refund N orthern Neck Electric Cooperative is making a capital credit refund to members and your refund is being credited to your July bill. You will notice a line item on your bill this month, “Capital Credit Refund,” with your share of this year’s refund shown as a credit that is subtracted from the total amount due for July. President and CEO Greg White remarked, “Retiring capital credits to members is one of our key cooperative principles at Northern Neck Electric Cooperative. Due to the favorable financial position, the NNEC board has decided to retire $500,000 in its general retirement of capital credits this year. In the midst of difficult times, it is encouraging for your Cooperative to be in a financial position to allocate this refund.” Crediting members’ accounts with the capital credit refund rather than NORTHERN NECK ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE 85 St. Johns Street P.O. Box 288 Warsaw, VA 22572-0288 804-333-3621 • 1-800-243-2860 www.nnec.coop issuing checks saves the cost of checks, envelopes, postage and handling. You benefit immediately by having your share of the refund credited to your bill and subtracting the costs of providing electric service for that month. These margins are allocated back to Cooperative members in the form of capital credits, based on the total of the members’ electric bills for the year. Your member-owned electric cooperative provides at-cost service to its members. The Cooperative’s year-end margins (referred to as “profits” by investor-owned utilities and other companies) are determined by taking the amount of money the Cooperative receives from its members during the year and subtracting the costs of providing electric service during that year. Office Hours: M-F, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. President & CEO Greg W. White Local Pages Editor Andrew Packett 18 Northern Neck Electric Cooperative 2013 Nominating Committee I n accordance with the Bylaws of the Cooperative, the Board of Directors appointed the following members to serve on the Nominating Committee for the nominations of two directors to serve for three-year terms. The members of the committee are: The Nominating Committee met on May 9, 2013, and nominated the following for three-year terms: Allen B. Coates, 7441 Passapatanzy Drive, King George, VA 22485 John A. Copley, 63 Springfield Lane, Fredericksburg, VA 22405 Stanley W. Dixon, 1631 Coles Point Road, Hague, VA 22469 Garland L. Forrester, P.O. Box 245, Lively, VA 22507 Albert R. Henry, 7528 Leedstown Road, Colonial Beach, VA 22443 William A. Martin, P.O. Box 43, Warsaw, VA 22572 Randall W. Packett, Jr., P.O. Box 66, Warsaw, VA 22572 Harold Ray Wilkins, 179 Walmsley Road, Callao, VA 22435 Ralph E. Sutton 2201 Chapel Way King George, VA 22485 Notice of Northern Neck Electric Cooperative Annual Meeting Thursday, Aug. 8, 2013 Dinner at 5 p.m. • Meeting at 7 p.m. Northumberland High School 201 Academic Lane Heathsville, Va. (near Claraville) The Annual Meeting of Northern Neck Electric Cooperative will be held at Northumberland High School in Heathsville, Va., Thursday, Aug. 8, 2013, at 7 p.m., pursuant to the resolution of the Board of Directors, for the following purposes: 1. To elect two directors for terms of three years; Russell G. Brown 637 Kennard Lane Warsaw, VA 22572 2. To receive reports of officers and president of the Cooperative; and 3. To transact any business that may properly come before said meeting, or any adjournment thereof. Elnora F. Tompkins, Secretary July 2013 19 Celebrating Co-op Independence July is the time we celebrate our nation’s independence. In the midst of apple pies and hot dogs, fireworks shows and parades, we can’t help but think about the independent streak that inspired groups of farmers around America’s countryside to band together and improve their quality of life. Aside from President Franklin Roosevelt’s promise of federal aid in the form of low-interest loans and engineering expertise, rural Americans didn’t have much help in bringing electricity to their homes. They pulled themselves up by their proverbial bootstraps and did it themselves. This independence not only tends to inspire cooperatives; it’s a guiding principle. The Fourth Cooperative Principle, “Autonomy and Independence,” means that no matter what contracts Northern Neck Electric Cooperative (NNEC) might enter into, it will always remain an independent entity. Each year, NNEC’s annual meeting becomes an independence celebration. You vote for candidates on the board of directors, and we discuss co-op business. We share a meal and have some fun. Electric cooperatives form a vast network across the country, from coast to coast. Co-op lines are strung in 47 states, serving 42 million people — a different world from 1935, when much of America remained dark. This Fourth of July, as we recognize the hard-fought war that created the United States, we’ll also tip our hats to NNEC founders, who beat incredible odds to make life better for themselves and their neighbors. 20 Two Area High School Seniors Earn Electric Co-op College Scholarships T wo high school seniors from the Northern Neck have received scholarships awarded by the Educational Scholarship Foundation of the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives (VMDAEC). The following students received VMDAEC scholarships: Hannah Morgan, a graduate of King George High School, has earned a Worth M. Hudson Scholarship in the amount of $1,000. Megan Parker, a graduate of Rappahannock High School, has earned a Worth M. Hudson Scholarship in the amount of $1,000. The scholarships were awarded based on a competitive screening process, with eligibility for consideration because their families are members of Northern Neck Electric Cooperative. Applicants must be entering their first semester of college, technical or trade school in the autumn of 2013. This year, the VMDAEC Educational Scholarship Foundation received 212 applications from students in areas served by electric cooperatives in Virginia, Maryland and Delaware. The Foundation is awarding 48 Worth M. Hudson Scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each and two C.D Hypes Memorial Scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each to a total of 50 high school seniors. Recipients were chosen based on financial need (40 percent), academic achievement (40 percent) and a personal statement (20 percent). The Foundation is funded through tax-deductible donations from individuals and VMDAEC cooperatives and proceeds from the Spring Round-Up Golf Tournament. The Worth M. Hudson Scholarships are named in honor of the first chair of the VMDAEC Educational Scholarship Foundation and former chair of the board of Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative in Chase City, Va. “We were able to award more $1,000 scholarships than last year thanks to donations from several VMDAEC member cooperatives that were matched by CoBank through their ‘Sharing Success’ Program,” said Roberta Harlowe, chair of VMDAEC’s Educational Services Committee who serves on the board of Central Virginia Electric Cooperative. CoBank is a national cooperative bank that provides loans and other financial services to rural power, water and communications providers in all 50 states. Since its inception in 2001, the Foundation has awarded 409 electric cooperative scholarships totaling $308,500. The number of scholarships awarded each year is based upon funds available and these grants can be used to pay for tuition, fees and books. Northern Neck Electric Cooperative SAFETY CORNER W hen the weather gets hot, we head outdoors for sun and fun. Keep in mind some tips from the Electrical Safety Foundation International to make sure everyone has a safe summer. Water and electricity don’t mix Summer is the season for swimming and boating, and awareness of electrical hazards around water can prevent deaths and injuries. Water and electricity don’t mix. • Sailboats often have masts of 30 feet or more, which are dangerous when they come into contact with overhead power lines. Look up as you get close to shore, and stay at least 10 feet away from overhead lines. Coming into contact with an energized power line causes serious and sometimes lethal electric shock. • Use covers on outdoor power outlets, especially near swimming pools. Keep cords and electrical devices away from the water, and never handle electrical items before you’ve dried off. • Use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) to help prevent electrocutions and electrical shock injuries. These devices interrupt the flow of power when they sense a surge. Portable GFCIs require no tools to install and are available at prices ranging from $12 to $30. Lightning and storms Lightning strikes are fatal in 10 percent of victims, and 70 percent suffer serious longterm effects, according to the National Weather Service. Because lightning can travel sideways for up to 10 miles, blue skies are not a sign of safety. If you hear thunder, take cover. • If weather conditions indicate a storm, stay inside — away from doors and windows — or seek shelter in a low-lying area away from trees and any metal, including sheds, clotheslines, poles, and fences. If you’re near water, stay as far away as possible. SOURCE: TOUCHSTONE ENERGY® COOPERATIVES SUMMER SAFETY TIPS As kids — and adults — head outdoors for fun in the sun, make sure your loved ones know safety basics about taking cover during storms, and keeping water and electricity far away from each other. • If you’re in a group, spread out — don’t stand close together. • Indoors, unplug electronics before the storm arrives, and don’t use corded phones. WATCH your WAT T S Tips to Save Energy and Keep Cool This Summer Raise your thermostat to 78°. If you are away from home for more than eight hours, raise the thermostat setting and you can expect to see up to a 3 percent savings on cooling costs for each degree of setback. This is the number one way to conserve energy. This will reduce the amount of energy used to cool your home while you’re away. You can learn more about your thermostat online by visiting the U.S. Department of Energy website. Keep shades closed when the air conditioner is on. Sunny windows account for 40 percent of unwanted heat and can make your air conditioner work two to three times harder. Check and clean filters. Cleaning and replacing air-conditioning filters monthly allows the system to run more efficiently. Clear attic vents. If the home has an attic fan, make sure it is functioning properly. Install ceiling fans and make sure they are blowing down. Don’t underestimate the importance of ceiling fans. Moving air over the body provides a cooling effect. The use of ceiling fans can mean savings of around 25 percent on cooling costs and can make the temperature seem 10 degrees cooler. Most fans have a switch to change the fan direction. Make sure ceiling fans are blowing downward (in a counter-clockwise direction) to send air past your body. Postpone activities that require hot water and large energy use – such as washing dishes or clothes – to early morning or late evening. This will keep from adding more heat and humidity to the home. Use the dishwasher and clothes washer late in the evening. When used during the day, these appliances produce additional heat, causing your air conditioner to work harder. Use cold water to wash dishes and clothes. This will save on water heating costs. Avoid using the stove if possible. Consider grilling outside instead. Unplug equipment not in use. Electric chargers, televisions and audio/video equipment use electricity and produce heat even when they are not in use. Running an older refrigerator can use up to three times the energy of a modern one. Unplug any appliance when it’s not in use. Turn off lights. Turn lights off when exiting a room. They add to the heat in the home. Consider replacing incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient compact florescent lights (CFLs). And remember to recycle CFLs whenever possible. July 2013 • Avoid plumbing — sinks, bathtubs, faucets. • Don’t forget about your pets. Doghouses are not safe from lightning, and chained animals are easy targets. • If your home is flooded during a storm, don’t turn on appliances or electronics until given the okay by an electrician. If there’s laying water, don’t go inside. The water could be energized. Working with large appliances If your air conditioner goes out, keep a few things in mind before you start poking around. Large appliances, such as air conditioners, are responsible for almost 20 percent of consumer-product electrocutions each year. • Understand your electrical system — know which fuse or circuit breaker controls each switch, light, and outlet. • Make sure circuits are turned off before starting work and take measures to ensure they’re not turned back on while working. • Use a circuit tester — always test before you touch. Find more safety tips at esfi.org. Source: Electrical Safety Foundation International 21 Eleventh Annual Golf Tournament T he employees of Northern Neck Electric Cooperative sponsored the 11th Annual Golf Tournament to benefit the Cooperative Helping Hands Association. The purpose of the Cooperative Helping Hands Association is to raise money to benefit local charitable organizations. Held on Saturday, May 4, 2013, at the Quinton Oaks Golf Course in Callao, Va., the tournament began with a luncheon followed by tee time at 1 p.m. Sixteen teams participated in the fourperson Captain’s Choice Modified Shotgun Tournament. Individuals and businesses in the community, vendors, and business associates of the Cooperative donated tee box signs, door prizes, prizes for the winning teams, food, beverages, printing, and other contributions. The employees of Northern Neck Electric Cooperative would like to thank everyone who helped to make this benefit golf tournament successful for the Cooperative Helping Hands Association. It was a great day of fun, good food, and fellowship to benefit local charities. $25 Walmart Gift Cards were given as prizes for, L-R: Longest Drive, Travis Stith; Closest to the Pin, Ryan Smosna; and Women’s Closest to the Pin, Donna Booth. 22 From top, L-R: 1st Flight and Hobbs Hole Golf Course Gift Certificate winners Marty Carter, Gary Hodges and Brad Smith display their etched tumblers. Not pictured: Ryan Baughan. • 2nd Flight and Quinton Oakes Golf Course Gift Certificate winners Steve Sanders, David Johnson, Craig Loving and John Hundley display their etched tumblers. • 3rd Flight and Quinton Oaks Golf Course Gift Certificate winners Tony Booth, Donna Booth, Harry Booth and Bob Bailey display their etched tumblers. Northern Neck Electric Cooperative The members of the Cooperative Helping Hands Association would like to extend sincere thanks to the following sponsors and participants who helped make our 11th Annual Golf Tournament successful. We would also like to thank everyone who purchased raffle tickets. TEE BOX SPONSORS Adams, Jenkins & Cheatham Al Pugh Distributing Co., Inc. Altec Austin Carey Drywall Big L Tire Bourne & Sons, Inc. Bradley Electro Sales Corp. Callao Supermarket Cintas Clements Tent Rentals Coggin Furniture, Inc. Colonial Ford Truck Sales, Inc. E.W. Beasley, Jr. Frederick Northup, Inc. Graybar Electric Company Greg & Carolyn White Harrington Industries Jimmy’s Auto Body & Glass JMD Construction Co., Inc. Lekson Associates Inc. Lenhorn Services Inc. MAP Enterprises, Inc. NNEC Board of Directors members Elnora Tompkins, Hunter Greenlaw, Jr., J. Steve Thomas, Sr., Russell G. Brown NNEC BJ Walker’s Crew NNEC Customer Service/IT Dept. NNEC Engineering Dept. NNEC Finance/Public Relations NNEC Operation Dept. NNEC Servicemen Northern Neck Chevrolet Northern Neck Transmission Partner Software Rappahannock Electric Co-op Real Media Inc. WNNT-FM Real Media Inc. WRAR FM Reliable Meter Service Ronnie Brann Logging & Excavating SILCO Truck Service Tappahannock-Warsaw Moose Lodge Transformer Maintenance & Service Union First Market Bank United Utility Supply Cooperative Utility Sales Associates, Inc. Vault Field Vineyards VMD Association of Electric Co-ops Wesco Distribution Wilkins Grocery Wood Preservers OTHER BUSINESSES THAT CONTRIBUTED Contributors for lunch and beverages include employees of Northern Neck Electric Cooperative Raffle Tickets provided by Barbour Printing Services Gators provided by James River Rappahannock Tractor Gift Bags provided by Northern Neck Electric Cooperative and Cooperative Helping Hands July 2013 Gift Certificate for Green Fees donated by Hobbs Hole Golf Course, Tappahannock, Va. Gift Certificates for Green Fees donated by Quinton Oaks Golf Course, Callao, Va. GOLF TEAMS 1. Marshall Brown, Jordan Brown, Matt Ritenbaugh, Ryan Smosna 2. Steve Williams, Roger Key, Tom Tinder, Dirk Farmer 3. Kent Farmer, Jack Reasor, Brian Reasor, Jim Coates 4. Michael Vanlandingham, Justin Vanlandingham, Tommy Vanlandingham, Robb Alexander 5. John Elliott, Bill Elliott, Barry Mohle, Macon Patterson 13. Greg White, Fred Pribble, Ted Throckmorton 6. Mike Quick, Mike Finerfrock, Brian Finerfrock, Kyle Finerfrock 14. Johnny Wilkins, Dave Driggs, Ken Lane, Robert Jones 7. Steve Waterfield, Tom Mcdonnell, Frank Hollomon, Johnny Lewis 15. Anthony Booth, Donna Booth, Harry Booth, Robert Bailey 8. Shawn Coates, Ken Gordon, Frankie Sanders, Warren Hayes 16. Brad Smith, Marty Carter, Ryan Baughan, Gary Hodges 9. David Graham, Glen Gillispie, Wayne Sheffield, Jeff Irby WINNER OF 50/50 RAFFLE Justin Self – $476 10. Ben Stith, Travis Stith, Larry Jones, Shane Burke 11. Craig Loving, David Johnson, Steve Sanders, John Hundley 12. Ralph Self, Edward Self, Curtis Nash, Mark Dodson BUSINESSES THAT DONATED DOOR PRIZES Allison’s Ace Hardware Allison’s Ace Hat and 2 Carpenter Pencils; Estwing Hammer and Carpenter Pencil; Allison’s Ace T-Shirt and 2 Carpenter Pencils Big L Tire 4 Computer Balances & Tire Rotation; 4 Computer Balances & Tire Rotation; 4 Computer Balances & Tire Rotation; 4 Computer Balances & Tire Rotation; 4 Computer Balances & Tire Rotation Callao Supply Water Hose & Adjustable Nozzle Set C.A.R.S. Free Oil Change Cutz & Beyond One Free Haircut Lottsburg Café $20 Gift Certificate Map Enterprises Inc. Map Enterprises Hat; $25 Lowe’s Gift Card Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative Camouflage Hat; Camouflage Hat; Camouflage Hat; Camouflage Hat; Navy Golf Hat; Pink Golf Hat/$25 Cracker Barrel Gift Card; Light Bulb Set; Light Bulb Set; Light Bulb Set/$25 AppleBee’s Gift Card; Light Bulb Set NAPA 3-pc. Plier Set; 4-pc. Snap Ring Pliers Set Nino’s Pizza 1 Large, 1 Topping Pizza Northern Neck Chevrolet Free State Inspection; Free Lube, Oil & Filter Change; Free Tire Rotation; Free Two-Wheel Alignment Northern Neck Electric Cooperative Navy Blue Hat; 3-pk. Golf Balls; 3-pk. Golf Balls; 3-pk. Golf Balls; Navy Blue Hat; 3-pk. Golf Balls with Bag; 3-pk. Golf Balls with Bag; Tervis Tumbler in Bag; Tervis Tumbler in Bag; Tervis Tumbler in Bag; Tervis Tumbler in Bag; Tervis Tumbler in Bag Old Dominion Electric Cooperative 3-pk. Golf Balls; 3-pk. Golf Balls; 3-pk. Golf Balls; 3-pk. Golf Balls/ Coca-Cola Clock; 3-pk. Golf Balls; 3-pk. Golf Balls; 3-pk. Golf Balls; 3-pk. Golf Balls; Golf Shirt; Golf Shirt R W’s Sport Shop Fishing Rod with Reel Southeastern Transformer Company 3-pk. Golf Balls; 3-pk. Golf Balls; 3-pk. Golf Balls; 3-pk. Golf Balls Tractor Supply LED Flashlight; Ranch Hand Multi-Purpose Tool Walmart Supercenter $25 Gift Card Warsaw Automotive One Free Oil Change Warsaw Handy Mart (BP) $25 Gift Card Wood Preservers Inc. One Pickup Load of Hardwood Mulch 23 Safety Tips for Portable, Standby Generators W hen Superstorm Sandy knocked out power to millions on the East Coast last fall, many of those affected turned to portable, standby generators to help keep food safe, lights on, and safety and medical equipment operating. The growing popularity of emergency generators has resulted in several million being placed in homes and small businesses across the nation. However, only a small percentage are hooked up or used correctly. SafeElectricity.org urges consumers to understand proper generator safety steps. “Generators can be a lifesaver for some and can improve the quality of life after a natural disaster such as a hurricane, tornado, or earthquake,” explains Molly Hall, executive director of the Safe Electricity program. “However, it’s critical that proper safety precautions be taken to prevent accidents that could affect you, a family member, neighbor, or utility lineworker.” Generators can be temporarily or Generate Safely permanently installed. A permanent generator is wired into a house by a qualified electrician using a transfer switch. This protects you, your neighbors, and repair crews from electricity backfeeding onto power lines. This can seriously injure anyone near those lines, especially co-op crews working to restore power. A temporary generator fired by gasoline or diesel fuel should not be attached to a circuit breaker, fuse, or outlet. The improper use of a standby generator can lead to injury or death. When using a generator, SafeElectricity.org urges you to follow these tips to keep you and your family safe: • Read and follow all manufacturer operating instructions to properly ground the generator. Be sure you understand them before starting it up. • Standby generators should have a transfer safety switch installed by a professional. Portable generators should never be plugged directly into Safe Generator Operation Keep this card in your home’s emergency kit or with your generator. • Never operate a generator in a confined area, such as a garage. Generators produce gases, including deadly carbon monoxide. They require proper ventilation. • Remember, 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. • Generators pose electrical risks, especially when operated in wet conditions. Use a generator only when necessary when the weather creates wet or moist conditions. Protect the generator by operating it under an open, canopy-like structure on a dry surface where water cannot form puddles or drain under it. Always ensure that your hands are dry before touching the generator. Never connect a standby generator into your home’s electrical system. There are only two safe ways to connect a standby generator to your equipment: • When you refuel the generator, make sure the engine is cool to prevent a fire, should the tank overflow. Stationary An approved generator transfer switch, which keeps Generator: your house circuits separate from the electric co-op, should be installed by a professional. • There should be nothing plugged into the generator when you turn it on. This prevents a surge from damaging your generator and appliances. Portable Plug appliances directly into the outlet Generator: provided on the generator. Set up and run your generator in a well-ventilated area outside the home. Make sure it’s out and away from your garage, doors, windows, and vents. The carbon monoxide generated is DEADLY. Use a heavy-duty extension cord to connect electric appliances to the outlet on the generator. Start the generator first BEFORE connecting appliances. Source: SafeElectricity.org Developed jointly by the Energy Education Council & Rural Electricity Resource Council 24 a home outlet or electrical system — use an extension cord to plug appliances into an outlet on the generator. • Be sure to keep children and pets away from the generator, which could burn them. For more safety information on the use of portable and standby generators and safety after a storm, go to SafeElectricity.org. Safe Electricity is the safety outreach program of the Energy Education Council, a non-profit organization with more than 400 electric cooperative members and many others who share the mission of educating the public about electrical safety and energy efficiency. Northern Neck Electric Cooperative MEMBERS CAN CHOOSE FROM TWO PAYMENT PLANS FOR THE GENERLINK™ COLLAR While NNEC strives to maintain a high level of service reliability, adverse weather conditions and other forces of nature can cause power outages. To aid cooperative members in coping with these situations, NNEC offers the GenerLink™ emergency transfer switch. The GenerLink™ switch provides a quick, easy and safe way for cooperative members to connect a portable generator to their home’s electrical system. The GenerLink™ switch: • is installed behind the electric meter with no rewiring of the member’s electrical system; • includes the interlocking power cord connection of the portable generator; for • detects when the generator is operating and automatically disconnects from NNEC’s distribution system, eliminating a dangerous backfeed; • can energize any appliance, up to the capacity of the generator, by use of the home breaker panel; and • can be used with compatible generators listed on www.generlink.com. NOTE: Generator is not included. Not all generators can be used with the GenerLink™ collar. The GenerLink™ emergency transfer switch is available in 30-amp or 40-amp models for single-phase services with a 200-amp or smaller meter base. Payment methods for the GenerLink™ switch include paying the total purchase price at once or paying half of the cost with three monthly installments on the remaining balance. Members must have a good credit record with NNEC and sign the GenerLink™ purchase form. Buy the GenerLink™ 40-amp, 9.5-kw switch installed with tax for $827.50 total, or on the installment plan you make a down payment of $433.75 with three monthly payments of $131.25. The 40-amp unit will accommodate up to a 10,000-watt generator. Buy the GenerLink™ 30-amp, 7.2-kw switch installed with tax for $712 total, or on the installment plan you make a down payment of $376 with three monthly payments of $112. The 30-amp unit will accommodate up to a 7,200-watt generator. For additional information or to have an emergency transfer switch installed on your service, contact Customer Service at 333-3621 or 800-243-2860. www.nnec.coop July 2013 25