• So u th

LANCASTER
2780 Coonpath Road NE
P.O. Box 250
Lancaster, OH 43130
740-653-4422
1-800-282-5064
CANAL WINCHESTER
10229 Busey Road
Canal Winchester, OH 43110
614-837-4351
1-800-524-0802
CIRCLEVILLE
2100 Chickasaw Drive
Circleville, OH 43113
740-474-6045
1-800-206-0745
HILLSBORO
110 Danville Pike
Hillsboro, OH 45133
937-393-3421
1-800-207-0020
BARNESVILLE
37801 Barnesville-Bethesda Rd.
Barnesville, OH 43713
740-425-4018
1-800-468-4717
OFFICE HOURS:
Monday through Friday
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
www.southcentralpower.com
Jim Brown selected
the 2007 Service Superstar
Jim Brown, Lancaster line supervisor, was named the 2007 Service
Superstar by the Power of Recognition Employee Committee.
South Central Power relied heavily on Brown to test processes associated with the QualComm technology.
“His work and persistence went a long way toward the Cooperative
offering better customer service,” says Cathy Bitler, vice president of
administration. She nominated Brown, citing the various ways his QualComm input is helping South Central Power.
Consumers may have noticed the “bubble” on many Co-op vehicles.
It’s QualComm satellite technology that increases the reliability of communication, improves the efficiency of outage restoration efforts and
enhances employee safety.
South Central Power can locate all of its vehicles that have the QualComm GPS units. By working in conjunction with Navigate, the Co-op’s
online map viewing program, vehicle locations are plotted on the Navigate maps. That improves the efficiency of dispatching line crews.
QualComm technology is installed on all of the line trucks, as well as
vehicles used by the line supervisors, meter technicians, field engineers,
energy advisors and the vegetation control and safety directors. Additionally, laptop computers were installed in the line supervisors’ trucks,
line trucks and other vehicles.
Brown was vital in testing QualComm’s capabilities and determining
how the Cooperative could benefit from the technology.
During emergencies, dispatchers and others who monitor QualComm
(Continued on page 26)
Keep This Number
When reporting an outage, an
automated outage reporting
system may answer your call.
It may ask for your 12-digit
account number to help locate
the outage site. This number is
found on your monthly bill. It’s
handy to write it down and
keep it near the phone.
Suggestions
Please send your Country Living
story ideas or comments to the
attention of Lisa R. Hooker at
South Central’s Lancaster
office.
Lancaster Line Supervisor Jim Brown (left) receives congratulations
and a $250 gift card of his choice from Operations Superintendent
Tim Malone.
Country Living/March 2008—25
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Offices
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Service
Superstar
(—continued from page 25)
exchanges from the field get valuable on-the-ground information
that can help with repairs.
During extended outages, a
mobile QualComm unit can be
connected to a laptop computer
loaded with territory maps. Both
pieces of equipment can be taken
into the field to gather information
that helps restore power faster.
Additionally, since the QualComm
devices can be used in a helicopter, Co-op employees can fly
over areas and use it to quickly
report problems difficult to locate
from the ground.
From a different perspective,
Bitler says Brown’s persistence
also allows the Co-op to test QualComm and see exactly what the
new program will look like on the
computers. That helps determine
that the data flow is correct for
employees using the system in the
field.
The Power of Recognition
program. It recognizes superior
customer service provided by Coop employees to consumers, as
well as fellow co-workers. A committee of South Central Power
employees selected Brown.
If you have an incident where
an employee has gone that extra
mile, we’d love to hear about it!
Call or drop a note to your local
South Central Power office. Or
send an e-mail through our Web
site at
www.southcentralpower.com.
Tell us the situation, the
employee name(s), the date and
your name and address.
Additionally, South Central
Power thanks the consumers who
took the time to call or send a note
or e-mail. We appreciate knowing
our employees made a difference.
While South Central Power
employees appreciate the compliments we receive, both formally
and informally, we also know
each day presents us with opportunities to do an even better job of
serving you, our member-owners.
26—Country Living/March 2008
Employees recognized by 2007
Power of Recognition program
D
uring 2007, the Cooperative received 144 letters and telephone calls regarding superior customer service provided by
92 employees. All five district offices were represented. The
Cooperative thanks each employee for their commitment to customer service and congratulates those who were commended
during the year.
Donna Ackers,
Canal Winchester (2)
Keith Addington, Hillsboro (2)
Tina Albrecht, Hillsboro
Chuck Ames, Lancaster
Cyndi Arledge, Lancaster
Sam Armstead, Lancaster
Liz Bainter, Lancaster (12)
John Barath, Barnesville (3)
Bob Beiter, Lancaster
Dan Benner, Hillsboro
Paul Blevins, Hillsboro
Brad Brewer, Circleville
Kevin Caro, Hillsboro
Barb Carruthers,
Canal Winchester
Charles Chafin,
Canal Winchester
Tonya Coleman, Lancaster
Terry Collins, Lancaster
John Cone, Canal Winchester (2)
Brian Cummings, Hillsboro
Jared Damron, Hillsboro
Clarence Davis, Lancaster
Dean Dillon, Barnesville
Jay Donahue, Lancaster
Bruce Duck, Lancaster
Emilie Dunnagan, Hillsboro
Rod Evans, Lancaster
Chuck Fisher, Canal Winchester
Bill Foltz, Lancaster (2)
Barb Forquer, Lancaster
Mary Ann Fulton, Hillsboro
Ed Gorza, Barnesville
Brad Graham, Circleville
Carl Graham, Barnesville (2)
James Graf, Canal Winchester
Bill Gray, Lancaster
Martha Harless,
Canal Winchester
Jason Harlow, Barnesville
Ricky Harper, Lancaster
Jayson Hedges, Circleville
Julie Heskett, Lancaster (4)
Kim Hoffman,
Canal Winchester (2)
Laura Holley, Canal Winchester
Lisa Hooker, Lancaster (5)
Brian Huff, Hillsboro
Gary Hughes, Lancaster (2)
Ted Kader, Canal Winchester (4)
Tom Lacey, Lancaster (2)
Matt Leist, Circleville
Jeff Lewis, Barnesville
Tracy Lewis, Hillsboro
Matt Liming, Circleville
Eric Love, Lancaster
Chuck Maloney, Barnesville
Larry Mayo, Lancaster
Chuck McAnespie,
Lancaster (2)
Lori McMahon,
Canal Winchester
Ben Messenger, Barnesville
Aaron Miller, Canal Winchester
Don Miller, Canal Winchester
Steve Mott, Lancaster
Yvonne Neuhart, Barnesville
Shelly Niemann, Lancaster
Chris Ortiz, Lancaster
Jan Palmer, Circleville
Lisa Queen, Circleville (2)
Joanie Reed, Lancaster
Billy Riffe, Canal Winchester (3)
Al Sears, Hillsboro
Kevin Seesholtz, Lancaster
Terry Sheppard, Lancaster (3)
Matt Shreyer, Lancaster
Bobby Smith, Circleville
Linda Smith, Lancaster (2)
Craig Snider, Lancaster
Melody Snider, Lancaster
Tim Steinbrink,
Canal Winchester (2)
Joe Sullivan, Lancaster
Rita Tate, Lancaster (2)
Jamie Thimmes, Lancaster (4)
Jason Thomas, Lancaster (2)
Brian Tucker, Lancaster
Donna Welch, Lancaster
Keith Wells, Barnesville (2)
Roxie White, Lancaster (2)
Jason Williams, Barnesville
Becky Wilmot, Lancaster (4)
Dan Wolford, Circleville (2)
Jeff Wood, Canal Winchester (2)
Mykela Wright, Lancaster (2)
Robert Wynkoop,
Canal Winchester
Mark Young, Lancaster
Getting a tax
refund ?
W
B
hile South Central Power’s automated outage reporting system
accepts either a telephone number or the outage reporting number, most consumers find it more convenient to use a phone number.
That’s only possible, though, if the customer calls the outage reporting number, 1-877-OUTAGES (1-877-688-2437) and the Cooperative
has an accurate phone number on record.
Outage calls made to a
local office may be picked
up by the automated outage reporting system, but
reporting by phone number works only when
1-877-OUTAGES is called.
Follow the automated
system’s verbal prompts
to report an outage.
Pressing any other keys
will not report the outage or connect you to a live person.
How it works. When the severity of an outage overwhelms the Coop’s telephone system, an automated system handles the overflow outage calls. Customers know they’ve entered the automated system when
a male recorded voice answers.
You’ll be asked if you’re calling to report blinking lights or a power
outage.
If the automated system matches the phone number with one in the
Co-op’s customer account data base, it will ask if the site of the telephone number also is the outage location.
If it is, you’ll be asked to confirm the address and if you are aware
of downed wires, trees or poles. The outage then is automatically
reported to South Central Power’s dispatchers.
If the the automated system cannot match the telephone number,
you’ll be asked to enter the 12-digit outage reporting number for the
outage site. You’ll then be asked for any additional outage information.
Multiple electric accounts. Customers with more than one location
on South Central Power electric lines should provide a single phone
number to be linked to all of the sites. The system then will prompt
you to select the outage location. Please contact the Co-op with the single telephone number you selected so it can be noted.
Medical conditions. If a medical condition is noted on a consumer’s
record, the system acknowledges it. A medical condition, however,
does not guarantee immediate power restoration. Such consumers
should have a plan on how to move the affected person to safety in the
event of an extended outage.
Please call your local South Central Power office with a telephone
number that corresponds to your home or business location. E-mail us
through the Web site or note the appropriate phone number on the
monthly bill stub that accompanies your payment.
Periodically, the Cooperative includes a special message on the
monthly electric bills of consumers who do not have phone numbers
on their account.
y now, many people
already know if they
are getting an income tax
refund from Uncle Sam.
If you are, consider
investing in a security system from South Central
Power.
There are various types
of wireless sensors to
choose from, depending on
your needs and home.
Most people choose a
combination of sensors to
monitor for intrusion, fire
and carbon monoxide.
Some customers also use a
sump pump sensor to
detect basement flooding.
All security systems
installed by South Central
Power are monitored 24hours-a-day. When an
alarm is activated, the system alerts you, family or
neighbors you designate,
and the appropriate safety
authorities.
The components are
economical and can be
customized for your home
or business.
The low monthly monitoring fee also covers normal wear and tear of your
system’s equipment.
Call South Central Power
and schedule a free visit.
There’s no obligation.
Security systems also
are available to people who
are not Co-op electric customers. If you know someone considering a system,
please have them call us at
1-800-282-5064 ext.
6153. We’re happy to
explain the options offered
by South Central Power.
Country Living/March 2008—27
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Correct customer telephone
numbers needed
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News Currents
Poison Prevention Week
The U.S. Consumer Product
Safety Commission (CPSC)
and the Poison Prevention
Week Council will observe
National Poison Prevention
Week, March 16-22.
Young children are curious.
Home is a place to learn and
explore. Exploring often
means putting objects in their
mouth, which puts them at
greater risk of unintentional
poisonings.
For young children who are
unable to read, a bottle of
orange-scented household
cleaner may be mistaken for
orange juice or the medicine
in the pill bottle looks a lot
like small candies.
To prevent unintentional
poisoning, CPSC recommends
the following safety steps:
• Keep all household chemicals and medicines locked up,
out of sight and out of reach.
• Close child-resistant
packages securely after use.
• Call 911 immediately in
case of poisoning, or call your
local poison prevention emergency number.
• When products are in use,
never let young children out
of your sight, even if you
must take them along to
answer the phone or doorbell.
• Keep items in original
containers with the original
labels. Read the label beforehand to understand the correct use and dosage.
• Do not put decorative
lamps and candles that contain lamp oil where children
can reach them. Lamp oil can
be very toxic if ingested by
young children.
• Always turn the light on
when giving or taking medicine. Check the dosage every
time.
• Avoid taking medicine in
front of children. Refer to
medicine as “medicine,” not
“candy.”
• Clean out the medicine
cabinet periodically and safely
dispose of unneeded and outdated medicines.
Think Of It As
The Gas Pedal In Your Car.
Unpredictable spring weather leads some people to turn
their thermostat up and down. But you know what happens
to your car when you constantly speed up and slow down.
You use more fuel. The same is
true with your heating and cooling system thermostat. So pick a
comfortable setting and forget it.
You’ll be comfortable, save money
and wear and tear on your equipment.
28—Country Living/March 2008
South Central Power will
be closed March 21 in
observance of Good Friday.
Clean filters often
The filter in your furnace or
heat pump protects the blower, heating coils and cooling
units from dirt and dust.
Changing or cleaning your
filters helps protect that critical equipment. Most filters
should be changed every few
months, so check yours periodically.
The filter usually is located
in a return air grille in the living space, or a main return
grille near or inside the unit
itself. The filter should slide
out easily. If you cannot locate
it, contact your heating and
cooling contractor for assistance.
Some inexpensive, disposable filters are made of fiberglass mounted on a cardboard
frame.
Other filters are washable,
and are made of plastic fibers
that often are blue in color.
Wash these with soap and
water outdoors or in the bathtub.
Today, many homes have
electronic air cleaners or other
high-efficiency filters
designed to provide a higher
level of indoor air cleaning.
Follow manufacturer’s cleaning guidelines.
Keeping your heating system’s filter clean will help
your system operate at peak
efficiency.