Join the SCEA Energy Tour...Page 4

Save with heat pumps...Page 5

Inside this issue:

Connecting our co-ops & members to a pro gres sive fu ture

Vol. 18, No. 4

April 2014

Ask yourself this question before starting any digging project more than 18 inches deep.

“If you have a home improvement or building project on the calendar, reach for the phone before you reach for the shovel,” said Joe Marthaler, Federated Rural Electric’s operations manager. “Contacting Gopher State One Call 48 hours in advance of excavating is a state law designed to protect underground utilities and the public’s safety.”

Gopher State One Call can be reached in one of two ways: online at www.gopherstateonecall.org/submit or by calling 1-800-252-1166.

“Gopher State One Call notifi es utility companies, which have underground cables/pipes near your dig site,” said Mark Anderson, South Central Electric’s operations man-ager. “The utility companies mark where their facilities are located with paint or fl ags or reply to Gopher State One Call if they do not have cable/pipes in the area.”

Then before digging you can check Gopher State One Call’s Positive Response site (www.gopherstateonecall.org/respond) to determine if each utility has visited your site or responded to your locate request. You can even view the facility operator’s response to your ticket number (www.gopherstateonecall.org/search).

“A locate is valid for 14 days from the excavation start date and time stated on the ticket, unless the excavator has

made previous arrangements with the utility companies to periodically verify, refresh or re-mark the site,” said Mike Heidemann, line superintendent for Brown County REA.

“After markings are made, diggers must maintain a mini-mum horizontal clearance of two feet between an unexposed utility and the cutting edge or point of any power-operated excavating or earth-moving equipment,” Marthaler added. For example, if the markings indicate a 6" pipe is buried, the hand dig zone is 54" wide (6" + 24" on each side of the mark). If excavation is required within the hand dig zone, the excavation must be performed with hand tools and without damage to the utility’s cable/pipes.

“If a utility line is exposed, it is the digger’s responsibil-ity to inspect and support it before backfi lling,” Anderson added.

“You must inspect utilities for any damage, which in-cludes the pulling or kinking of the utility line or damage to the protective coating or covering. If damage exists, notify the utility,” Heidemann said.

If you hit a utility line, evacuate everyone if you have created a dangerous situation. Then call 911. Plus, call the utility you hit and tell them what happened.

For more information visit www.gopherstateonecall.org.

1. Use white paint or stakes to mark the dig area2. What is your name, address and phone number?3. What type of work will you be doing? (i.e. planting

a tree, installation of fence, tiling or dig foundation.)4. What is the dig location’s address, city, county and

nearest intersecting street?5. At the dig location where will you dig? (i.e. east side

of house, within fi ve-foot radius of white stake.)6. When will you dig? (i.e. three days, next week)

Gopher State One Call preparationGopher State One Call preparation

Can you dig it?Can you dig it?

Connections — April 2014

As we celebrate winter’s departure, it’s time to pre-pare for more affordable heating and cooling bills. When is it time to kiss your

old heating or cooling system goodbye for something more effi cient?

Your electric co-op’s energy expert can help you with this decision. It depends on how old your existing heating and/or cooling system is and your goals.

Since the pain of high LP costs lingers, let’s look at the LP furnace. According to www.energystar.gov, if your furnace or boiler is more than 15 years old, consider going with a more effi cient Energy Star unit.

Another option is to keep that old LP furnace, but add an effi cient electric heating option to it. “The cheapest op-tion would be to add a 100 percent effi cient plenum heater, which would cost about $1,000 and keep that 60 percent effi cient LP furnace as backup,” stated the co-op’s energy expert. “Combined with our co-op’s Dual Fuel rates, that would be like getting $2 LP. The backup LP furnace would run when the electric heat is controlled by the co-op during peak times so you stay warm.”

If you want to take an even bigger step toward effi cient heating, go with an air source or ground source heat pump. “Air source heat pumps (ASHPs) cost about $1,000-$1,500 more than central air, but work year-round providing heating and cooling,” the co-op’s energy expert stated. “Now with this winter’s -20º days it would not have run, but with a warmer winter like last year, it did. ASHPs are 200 percent effi cient and provide heating closer to $1 LP. Meanwhile, ground source heat pumps are 400 percent effi cient, but start at $14,000 for installation. Yet, GSHPs work in -20º temperatures, which would be comparable to LP under $1. Ask about the co-op’s rebates too!”

2

Cooperative Alliance Partners Connections (USPS 010-456) is published month ly by Fed er at ed Rural Electric, 77100 US Hwy 71, Jackson, MN 56143. Sub scrip tions: Members $5 a year. Non mem bers $10 a year. Periodicals post age paid at Jackson, MN and additional mail ing of fi c es.

POSTMASTER: Send address chang es to Con nec tions, PO Box 69, Jack son MN 56143-0069. Printed by Livewire Printing, Jackson, on recycled paper with soy ink

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

This pub li ca tion focuses on CAP’s mem bers, pro grams and events. As this is the offi cial member pub li ca tion, member’s sto ry ideas, letters-to-the-editor and com ments are wel comed.

Andrea Christoffer, CCC, Editor“Owned by those it serves”

Connect ons

When is it time to bid your costly heating/cooling system goodbye?

Other factors to consider when upgrad-ing your heating system, according to www.energystar.gov:

• If some rooms in your home are too hot or too cold, improper equipment operations, duct problems or inadequate insulation could be the cause.

• If your equipment needs frequent repairs and your energy bills are going up, your heating or cooling equipment has become less effi cient.

• If your heating or cooling system is noisy, you could have an undersized duct system or a problem with the indoor coil of your cooling equipment.

Now on the fl ip side, let’s look at your existing cooling system and see if it’s time to upgrade that. The website energystar.gov states that if your heat pump or central air conditioner is more than 10 years old, consider replacing it with an Energy Star model. Installed correctly, these high-effi ciency units can save up to 20 percent on heat-ing and cooling costs. While most central air conditioners have an expected life of 15-20 years, replacing your old system will save energy, decrease your maintenance costs and provide a more comfortable environment.

If high cooling bills haunt you, check for air infi ltration from cracks in windows and doors. Next, check your ther-mostat setting. One more degree Fahrenheit over 24-hours saves 3 percent in energy consumption. So bumping your thermostat up from 70ºF to 73ºF will save up to 9 percent.

Right-sizing your air conditioner is also critical. An over-sized air conditioning system will short cycle — running the compressor often, but for short periods of time. This is ineffi cient and shortens the life of your compressor. Leave the sizing decision to professionals.

The national effi ciency standard for central air took effect in 1992, requiring a minimum SEER of 10. Many — Continued on Page 6

Hit the road HVAC! It might be time to send your old 1970s or 1980s heating/cooling system packing. New systems are more effi cient and switching to them can save you money.

Connections — April 2014

Bigger and better equipment makes it quicker to dig up fi elds for planting. Make use of the

time you save to potentially save your life, money and others’ inconvenience.

Be extra careful when working near powerline poles when out with farm equipment this spring.

Each season farmers damage electric poles and underground cabinet with machinery. If the pole or underground green cabinet is damaged, the farmer is responsible for the dam-age and is charged for the time and materials it takes to replace the equipment.

If you knock a pole over, keep away from downed power poles and damaged electric equipment. Downed lines and damaged electric equipment can still be charged with elec-tricity. If you come in contact with it, you could receive a severe shock.

If you are in a tractor entangled with downed lines, do not leave the tractor until the co-op’s linemen tell you it is safe. If the power line is energized and you step outside, your body becomes the path for electricity and death could be the result. Even if a power line is on the ground, potential exists for the area near your tractor to be energized. Stay inside unless there is the danger of fi re.

3

Plant crops, but spare the poles

Turn your relaxation up to a TENS!

Carry your own masseuse with you. The TENS Electronic Pulse massager gives you a powerful massage in a small package.

Getting a massage is as easy as one-two-three with

a TENS Electronic Pulse Massager. The device uses

high-frequency pulses to re-duce pain, stop stress, stimulate

nerves and muscles, plus relax anytime you feel the need.

No bigger than a remote control, the TENS Electronic Pulse Massager packs enough power for a massage, but can travel with you anywhere you go. Take it to the gym, on a trip or even to the offi ce. The device is small enough to fi t in your briefcase or purse. Just attach the pads to the troubled area and start your massage. It uses four AAA batteries, so an outlet is not required.

The TENS Electronic Pulse Massager’s buttons are clearly labelled with words like “shoulder,” “waist,” and “hands” to make using it easy.

Farm equipment damages poles each spring. Don’t let it cost you your life...or your wallet. It costs the responsible party approximately $700 to replace during business hours a single-phase pole like this hit by farm equipment. Take care when working the ground near power line poles this spring.

An LCD display shows exactly what program is being used, including the type of massage (massage, beat or knead) and the time left on the cycle.

The TENS Electronic Pulse Massager features fi ve auto-stimulation programs, adjustable speed and intensity, plus three selectable settings.

The TENS Electronic Pulse Massager is FDA-approved and designed with quality and durabil-ity in mind. However, if you have one of the following conditions, please consult with your physician before purchasing or using this de-

vice: any acute disease, tumor, infectious disease, pregnant, heart disease, high

fever, abnormal blood pressure, lack of skin sensation, an abnormal skin condition or any condition requiring the active supervision of a physician.

The TENS Electronic Pulse Mas-sager comes with a full parts and

labor warranty for 90 days.The device costs approximately $50 on Amazon.com.

If you must get out due to fi re, jump clear of the tractor without touching it and the ground at the same time. Then hop with your feet together until you are out of the danger zone. Hopping with your feet together prevents a voltage difference between them, which could give electricity a chance to fl ow through your body.

Connections — April 2014

SCEA water heater programSCEA’s peak

shave water heater program provides members with a Marathon water heater at a dis-counted price for participating in the load management program. The cost for water heaters

has been increased to $250. De-spite the increase, this is still a great value for SCEA members. SCEA pays the cost of the electri-cian to wire the water heater and radio control. The member pays any costs incurred by a plumber.Change in offi ce hours

Offi ce hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from October 1 to April 30.We need updated phone num-bers

If you have dropped your land-line and have a different phone number, please call our offi ce so we can update our records. If you have any additional phone num-bers we could call to reach you, please share those with us, as well.Do you need a new electrical

service or upgrade?

We a r e m a k i n g plans and

ordering material for this upcom-ing construction season. If you are planning to build and may need a new service or if you think you may need a service upgrade within the next year, please give us a call. The sooner we know, the sooner we can start planning.

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South CentralSouth Central

SummarySummary

Registration coupon for the Energy Tour July 21-23

First & last name(s) _____________________________________Address _____________________ City/zip __________________Location # _________________ Phone # ____________________How many are attending?_____________ Enclosed is my check for $80 per personAll rooms are nonsmoking

Send checks to South Central Electric Association, ATTN: Jim, PO Box 150, St. James MN 56981

SCEA’s energy tour is July 21-23.Members will travel by bus to the Beulah, North Dakota area to visit the

Antelope Valley Power Plant and Coteau Mine. Members will visit the Dakota Gasifi cation Plant where they can see the process of taking coal and changing it into a gas. Members will enjoy an evening river boat cruise on the Missouri River with a pizza dinner. The cost of the tour is $80 per person. The $80 includes two nights at the hotel, six meals and a cruise on the riverboat. Seats on the bus will be fi lled on a fi rst-come, fi rst-serve basis. An $80 per person deposit must accompany the coupon. If you return the coupon and the bus is already fi lled, your name will be kept on a standby list in case of a cancellation.

We have 25 seats available because we share a bus with Redwood Electric members. The fi nal tour schedule will not be available until early July.

Join South Central Electric’s 2014 Member Energy Tour

Help keep electric rates affordable...ACTION.COOP

Support your electric cooperative’s efforts to oppose costlygovernment regulations and mandates. Let your voice be heard

by joining others at ACTION.COOP

Connections — April 2014 5

An Energy Star air-source heat pump functions as an ef-fi cient central air conditioner, as well as a source of supple-mental heat. It can cool and heat your home, while using 72 percent less electricity than conventional air conditioners and furnaces.This is especially important considering heat-ing and cooling account for more than half the total energy consumed within a typical household.High effi ciency

You can save you up to 30 percent on your home cooling expenses by using an air-source heat pump instead of other conventional air conditioning units. They are also 200-400 percent more effi cient when it comes to home heating. This is possible because it uses advanced technology to transfer more energy than it consumes.Easy on the environment

These effi cient units cut down on the depletion of limited natural resources and their extended equipment life means less pollution associated with discarding old units or parts and manufacturing their replacements.A safe solution

Since air-source heat pumps operate without using an open fl ame, they don’t create any products of combustion such as carbon monoxide and other emissions. No need for venting — or worrying.Quality control

The heat provided by an air-source heat pump is more moderate in temperature than air from conventional fur-naces. As a result, the air rises more slowly, distributes more evenly and holds its moisture better. This makes for a bet-ter, more natural warmth for you and your family to enjoy.Adjusts automatically

An air-source heat pump works in tandem with your fos-sil fuel furnace for home heating. The pump automatically selects the most ideal balance between the two heating sources to constantly maintain the most effi ciently, ideal heating combination based on your desired indoor tem-perature. Visit with our energy expert.

The fundamental operation of an air-source heat pump is based on moving heat to and from the outdoor air. When you need to cool your home, it pulls the heat directly from your indoor air, which it then pumps outside. This process is reversed for the purposes of home heating. The pump doesn’t create heat, instead it harvests heat from outside air even as cold as 25 degrees, which it then transfers into your home so you can run your furnace less. In fact, with an air-source heat pump you may not need to run your furnace at all during the spring and autumn. A conventional furnace or other heat source is still necessary during the coldest days of the year.

Air-source heat pump owners can fl ip between heat-ing and cooling modes from the thermostat. The ability to switch between air conditioning and heating is made possible thanks to a special valve inside the pump. A pump also contains two sets of coils, a compressor and a fan to circulate the cooled or warmed air, not unlike your refrigerator. The ability for an air-source heat pump to switch between air conditioning and heating is made possible thanks to a reversing valve that changes the direction of refrigerant fl ow.

Save with heat pumps How heat pumps work

Typical home energy useHeating and cooling account for over half

of the total energy consumed by an average household.

54% Heating and cooling22% Electronics18% Water heating 6% Lighting

Heat is transferred from indoor air to the outside.

Outdoor warmth is transferred into the home.

COOLING

HEATING

Connections — April 2014

older central air achieved SEER ratings of only 6 or 7. The minimum SEER changed again in 2006 to 13 SEER for heat pumps. The co-op’s cooling rebates for central air and air source heats pumps start at 14.5 SEER.

If you have an old air conditioner with a 7 SEER effi -ciency, a new 14.5 SEER effi ciency unit will reduce your space cooling energy consumption by abut half.

If your air conditioner is under 10 years old, repairing components is better than replacing the entire unit. How-ever, if your unit is older than 10 years and if your plans include remaining in the home for the next fi ve years or longer, consider a total upgrade if your compressor fails. In that case choosing a heat pump can be a great way to go.

However, fully crunch the numbers if your older heat pump still works well. If your current unit is working and

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Subsidiaries allow your co-op to offer more than just electrical service. One such subsidiary is Carr’s Tree Service, which your electric co-op owns, along with other neighboring electric co-ops.

Carr’s Tree Service began in 1974 with a father and his sons. Located in Ottertail, it has now expanded to serve the majority of the state with offi ces in Ottertail, Owatonna/Faribault, St. Cloud/Anoka and Sleepy Eye. Carr’s Tree Service also works in eastern North and South Dakota, as well as northern Iowa and western Wisconsin.

A member of the International Society of Arboriculture and Tree Care Industry Association, Carr’s Tree Service has 14 ISA-certifi ed members on staff. Carr’s Tree Service prides itself in professional, customer-friendly service. They offer free estimates for the following jobs.Aerial basket trimming and removal

Most of Carr’s aerial baskets have the capability of reach-ing 50-55 feet and are capable of aiding in the removal of trees much taller.Hauling or chipping

Carr’s loader trucks consist of 20-foot boom arms and grapples, which can load both log and brush piles in a quick and effective manner. Brush chippers handle branches up to 20" in diameter. The wood chips can be used for mulching

around trees, plants and landscaped areas.Stump grinding

Stump grinding leaves a minimal mess and hole compared to a backhoe or other large equipment. Carr’s stump grinders vary in size and are capable of getting into hard to reach places. The stump grinders also leave minimal footprints on one’s yard. A new tree should not be planted in place of the old, because the old root system is still in place. Carr’s Tree Service will also contact the electric company to spot or identify underground wires in the vicinity.Hydro axing and brush mowing

Whether needing line clearance, lot clearing project or cutting a trail through the woods, two pieces of equipment can get the job done quickly and effi ciently.

These machines can handle material up to 10" in diameter and give the most rugged of territory a clean cut.Chemical application

From stumps to townships, to roadsides and rights-of-way, Carrs is a fully licensed applicator using environmentally tested and safe chemicals. Please contact us or inquire about any spray applications you may have.

If you need to have any trees trimmed away from pow-erlines, give your electric co-op a call. We will get Carr’s on the job when they are in the area. Proper tree trimming now prevents outages for members later.

Timber! Carr’s Tree Service helps co-op maintain lines

— Continued from Page 2 you upgrade to a 9 HSPF and 16+ SEER heat pump, you’d save $90-$110 a year or about 860-1,100 kWh a year. It may not be worth it yet in that case.

Does your home not have any duct work? Yet, you want summer cooling? Go with a ductless heat pump. One unit covers three to four rooms. New mini-split ductless heat pumps feature a wall mounted unit in each room with the compressor outdoors. It is more effi cient and pleasing than multiple window air conditioners. Ask about the co-op’s rebate too.

Visit your co-op’s energy expert or a Quality Install contractor listed on your co-op’s website. Contractors can help you calculate how much you would save by going with a newer, more effi cient heat pump.

Taking some action now can help prevent heating bill heartburn next year.

Prevent heating bill heartburn; just act now

Carr’s Tree Service will be operating at the following local electric co-ops during the these months:

Brown County Rural Electric Asso-ciation — April, June, July & August

Federated Rural Electric — July, August & September

South Central Electric Association — May, June & July

If you have trees in your powerlines, call your electric co-op today so you can be put on their to-do list. For personal tree projects not affecting powerlines call Carr’s Tree Service directly at 1-888-470-3355 or visit www.carrstreeservice.com to fi ll out an online form.

Connections — April 2014 7

Spice up your cooking! How do you like to use curry powder in your cooking? Send us these chick-en, shrimp or other recipes by April 25 to Ed i tor, Fed er at ed Ru ral Elec tric, PO Box 69, Jack son MN 56143-0069 or e-mail to christoffer@federatedrea.coop. Add your name and phone num ber. Thanks for sharing!

Hurry...Don’t worry! Share your curry recipes with us

Call before diggingCall before digging

Contact Go pher State One Call before doing any digging more than 12-inches deep — 48 hours before digging for foundations, trees, tiling and more. You can also register on www.gopherstate-onecall.org. Call a licensed elec-trician to locate the underground lines on your side of the meter.

1-800-252-1166

Chocolate Chip Cookies, by Laura Greiner, Truman

1 c. margarine 1 tsp. baking soda1 c. salad oil 1 tsp. cream of tartar1 c. brown sugar 3½ c. fl our1 c. white sugar 1 c. oatmeal2 tsp. vanilla 1c. coconut1 tsp. coconut fl avoring1 tsp. butter fl avoring1 egg 1 c. Rice Krispies 1 tsp. salt 1 c. mini choc. chipsBlend margarine and oil. Cream in sugars.

Add egg and fl avorings. Sift together fl our, salt, baking soda and cream of tartar. Add to creamed mixture. Stir in oatmeal, coconut, Rice Krispies and chocolate chips. Drop on lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake 350º for 12 minutes or until lightly browned.

Oatmeal Cake, by Marcia Clay, Truman1½ c. boiling water 1½ c. fl our1 c. quick cooking oatmeal 1 tsp. cinnamon½ c. butter ½ tsp. soda1 c. brown sugar ½ tsp. salt1 c. white sugar ½ tsp. vanilla2 eggsPour boiling water over oatmeal and let stand for 20 minutes. Cream butter with

sugars. Beat in eggs. Add sifted dry ingredients all at once. Add vanilla and beat well. Add oatmeal to mixture. Bake in 9x12" pan for 35 minutes at 350º. Frost while warm.

Frosting: ½ c. butter 1 c. brown sugar ½ c. evaporated milk1 c. coconut ½ c. chopped walnutsCombine butter, brown sugar and milk in saucepan. Boil 10 minutes, stirring con-

stantly. Add coconut and nuts. Beat well and spread on cake.

Coconut Delight by Patty Berlin, Heron Lake

14 oz. can coconut milk 3 T. Chia seeds3 T. sugar or honey 1½ tsp. vanillaMix all ingredients together and let set in

refrigerator overnight. Add fresh or frozen berries and any combination of fruit. The Chia seeds thicken it like a pudding.

You already know CFLs have brought quality, en-ergy-effi cient lighting to a new level. Now for the fi rst time you can save on both GE Energy Smart® CFLs and LEDs.

Due to the presence of mercury, CFLs must be recycled. In Minnesota it is illegal to place them directly in the garbage.

Up to $10 off on select, GE Energy Smart® LEDs at participating Walmart stores

Off select, GE Energy Smart® CFLs at participating Walmart stores

$2

All the difference

Promotion runs from April 1–August 31, 2014. To learn more visit www.energywisemn.com.

$10

As part of the lighting promotion, coop-erative members can also enter a sweep-stakes with a grand prize of a $500 energy credit. Details and participation informa-tion for the sweepstakes is available at www.energywisemn.com.

Save with lighting promotion

Connections — April 2014

S C E A h a s ERC loans available to

members that are looking to

complete ener-gy conservation projects.

Loans can be for a maxi-

mum $3,000 and 60-month

term at 5 percent. Funds can be used to fi nance: heat pumps (ground or air source), central air conditioning replacements lead-ing to energy savings, caulking, weather-stripping, windows (storm or thermal), attic ventilation fans, insulation and doors (storm or thermal). Labor costs can be included when an approved contractor is hired.

More information is available on our website www.southcentralelectric.com un-der the forms page or by calling SCEA at 507-375-3164.

8

Offi cial monthly newsletter

South Central Electric71176 Tiell Dr., PO Box 150, St. James, MN 56081-0150

(507) 375-3164E-mail address: sce@southcentralelectric.com

Web: www.southcentralelectric.comOffi ce hours: Monday through Friday

May 1 through September 30: 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.October 1 through April 30: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Ron Horman, General Man ag er

Board of DirectorsMark Sandberg, President

Bruce Falk, V. PresidentBrent Imker, Secretary

Richard Johnson, TreasurerRon Jorgenson, Director

Mike Miest, DirectorBrad Asendorf, Director

The Board meets the fourth Tues day of the month at South Central Elec tric’s build ing at 71176 Tiell, Dr., St. James, MN.

SCEA director and staff visit with area legislators

The Minnesota Rural Electric Association (MREA) held its annual day at the state capital March 11. Directors and employees from around the state visited St. Paul for the MREA Annual Meeting and spent one day looking at electric issues before the state legislature and visited the capital.

Some of the issues brought to the attention of legislators included top-ics on net metering, Renewable Energy Standards, stray voltage and the Conservation Improvement Program. SCEA is concerned with the added costs from state regulations and mandates put on electric cooperatives. These costs, of course, must be paid by the members. Another topic for SCEA area legislators is the pending purchase of Alliant’s Minnesota service territory by 12 electric cooperatives, including South Central Electric. While the transaction does not require any legislative action, SCEA wanted to update our area legislators on the planned purchase.

Brent Imker (left), director from Lamberton, and Ron Horman, General Manager, met with State Senator Julie Rosen during their visits in St. Paul.

Energy conservation loans available

Three montly plans with super fast 12 mpbs download and

3 mpbs upload: 10 GB $54.99 15 GB $79.99 25 GB $129.99

Dish-Internet costs $49w/2-year contract

Go to www.federatedrea.coop. Click on Exede or call 1-800-321-3520 to request an application from Federated Rural Electric, Jackson.