AUnion Power Cooperative n July 2015

Our offices will be closed Friday, July 3 for the Independence Day holiday

COOPERATIVE REVIEW

JULY 2015

Website Makeover! B

Hazard Trees C

Weather Insights D

Protect Electronics E

Carolina Waterfowl Rescue F

Co-op Connections G

ROW Crew Locations H

2015 College Scholarships Awarded

A s part of our commitment to community, Union Power Cooperative helps ease the

financial burden for deserving high school graduates in our service area. This year, the Cooperative is awarding six $1,000 college scholarships to students to help with the cost of attending a North Carolina university or community college. This year’s scholarship winners are Jaycie Almond, Jeremy Fehlman, Bethany Greene, William McDermott, Zoe Reep and Jacqueline Rodriguez-Rivera.

Jaycie is the daughter of Wesley and Jennifer Almond of Albemarle. She graduated from North Stanly High School with a 3.77 GPA and plans to attend Stanly Community College

to pursue an associate in arts and then attend a university to pursue a bachelor’s degree in special education. While in high school, Jaycie was a member of the National Honor Society, Junior Civitan Club, Spanish Club, and did volunteer work with the Special Olympics. She also participated in a Teaching Cadet program

through her high school that allowed her to work with K-2 special education students both individually and in groups.

Jeremy is the son of Jerry and Michelle Fehlman of Marshville. He graduated from Central Academy of Technology and Arts with a 4.48 GPA and plans to attend NC State University to major in computer

science. In high school, Jeremy was in the Beta Club, National Honor Society and Student Government. He was also active in school sports and demonstrated commitment to his community through volunteer work with his church and other organizations such as 4-H.

Bethany is the daughter of Jay and Karen Greene of Monroe. She graduated from Parkwood High School with a 4.54 GPA and plans to pursue

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July 2015 n Union Power CooperativeB

an associate’s degree in science at Central Piedmont Community College, attending the dental hygiene program. In high school, Bethany was in the Beta Club and National Honor Society. She also regularly volunteered in numerous community service activities and completed an internship in the dental offices of Dr. Randall Cline and Drs. Laxer, Long and Savage.

William is the son of Edward and Christina McDermott of Stanfield. He graduated from West Stanly High School with a 3.8 GPA and plans to

attend Stanly Community College in the fall. In high school, William was voted by the staff for outstanding achievement in his class, was the school’s announcer, and attained Eagle Scout with Boy Scouts of

America while making honors grades. His plans are to one day enjoy a career in radio or broadcasting.

Zoe is the daughter of Shawn and Debbie Reep of Monroe. She graduated from Union Academy with a 3.94 GPA and plans to attend NC

State University to major in pre-veterinary animal science. While in high school, Zoe was a member of the BETA Club, National Honor Society, Junior Civitan Club, and the National Thespian Society. She was also a member of the Union Academy Band, varsity swim team, and Girl Scouts of America. Zoe also enjoys volunteering with children as a camp counselor.

Jacqueline is the daughter of Ruth Rivera of Monroe. She graduated from Sun Valley High School with a 4.5 GPA and plans to attend UNC-

Charlotte in the fall. While in high school, Jacqueline was a member of the BETA Club, National Honor Society, Student Council, and the Diversity Club. She was also an active volunteer in her community through her church and other organizations.

Union Power is proud to offer scholarships to these six outstanding students and wishes them success as they pursue future goals.

Scholarship Winners

Each year applications are awarded based on 40% need; 30% scholastic achievement; and activities in school, civic, and community functions, and judged by a committee that is not affiliated with the Cooperative.

Be Watching for Website MakeoverComing soon - our website, union-power.com, will have a brand new look!

The new site will still have all the information you’re accustomed to with these benefits:

§ Find the info you want quickly and with fewer clicks

§ Easy to navigate from one section to another

§ Automatically adapts to the size of your viewer - pc, tablet, mobile phone or other mobile device

We are striving to continually improve the services that keep you connected 24/7. Watch for our new website coming soon!

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Union Power Cooperative n July 2015 C

Union Power is the only North Carolina electric cooperative to earn this honor by consistently meeting these Tree Line USA standards:

§ Training employees in quality tree-care practices

§ Educating the public about planting trees for energy conservation

§ Helping homeowners plant appropriate trees near utility lines

The Arbor Day Foundation has named Union Power a Tree Line USA Utility for the 10th consecutive year for

commitment to proper tree pruning, planting and care in our five-county service area.

Co-op Named Tree Line USA Utility for 10th Year

Hazard Trees: Outage Risks

Co-op personnel regularly inspect our system for trees that seriously threaten our power lines and, thus, our ability to provide safe and reliable

service. We occasionally find trees that are diseased, weak, dying, leaning, damaged or dead. These hazard trees outside the Cooperative’s rights-of-way have the potential to cause outages if they fall onto our system. When found, they are marked and then cut down to eliminate the threat to power lines.

Common Hazard Tree ProblemsIn our area, the pine tree is the biggest concern. Browning needles beginning at the tips and moving inward, shedding of bark and bark beetles are problem signs for these pine trees. Drought compounded with a mild winter stresses the trees where they cannot defend themselves against these beetles.

Fungus is another common ailment of trees. When a tree is plagued by any type of fungus, it is often a sign that the tree is not very healthy and is dealing with a previous disease or stress. Some tree fungi are short-lived, while others are long-term, chronic ailments. If you have a tree with fungus on its trunk, discuss the situation with a certified arborist, who can determine if and how to treat it.

How You Can HelpMembers can help by identifying and reporting these hazardous trees. If hazardous trees can be removed before they are fully dead, this helps ensure safety for members and our workers. It also maintains power reliability. There is no cost to members to have hazard trees cut down; however, removal of debris is the member’s responsibility.

If you see a hazard tree near power lines, please do not attempt to cut it down yourself. Call Union Power at 704-289-3145 and speak to one of our certified arborists, Wil Ortiz (ext. 3323) or Carrie Lorenz-Efird (ext. 3291).

Pictured at left: Wil Ortiz, Union Power’s manager of vegetation management, educates Poplin Elementary School third graders on proper tree planting procedures at Wise Acres Farm in Union County.

D

Loan Program

§ Fixed interest rate - currently 9%for term of loan

§ Maximum loan amount is $7,500

§ Maximum term 60 months

§ Apply loan payment to yourpower bill

How Do You Qualify?

§ Member’s account must be in yourname and a good payment history

§ Land must be deeded in yourname

§ Agree to a credit check

§ Down payment may be required.

C omfort and convenience are what today’s energy efficient heat pumps are all about! When it’s time to replace your old heating and cooling system, make the choice for a new energy-efficient electric heat pump

and take advantage of Union Power Cooperative’s financing program. Qualified applicants may finance a complete heat pump or dual-fuel hybrid heat pump system for an existing home.

We do not finance new construction residential, business or commercial systems.

Visit union-power.com to learn more or contact Energy Specialist, Steve Whitley at 800-922-6840, extension 3239 or via email at steve.whitley@union-power.com.

Temps Are RisingIs Your Heat Pump Ready?

Union Power Cooperative is proud to announce a groundbreaking new weather

application at your fingertips. Just go to union-power.com and Weather Insights will show you:

§ Your local 7-day forecast

§ Your estimated daily energy useeach day

§ The estimated costs to heat orcool a home in the Union Power service area each day

By clicking on $ Save Money and adjusting a “virtual thermostat,” you can view how much they can

potentially save. This interactive tool shows the precise dollar impact per degree by day.

“The weather and the thermostat setting can easily drive more than half of any home’s energy bill,” says Hal Setser, the Co-op’s vice president of marketing and energy services. “We want our members to have a tool that easily predicts how much their energy costs are affected by the changing weather and shows specific opportunities to save energy and money.”

Visit Weather Insights at union-power.com today to check the weather and “dollarize” your

thermostat setting. See just how changing a few degrees on your thermostat can save you lots of money!

It’s All About the Weather:New Website App Lets You See Weather’s Impact on Your Bill

July 2015 n Union Power Cooperative

Union Power Cooperative n July 2015 E

Surges Cause Costly DamagesIt only takes one strike of lightning to cause thousands of dollars of damage to sensitive electronic equipment, and it doesn’t even have to be a direct strike. Lightning is the most common culprit of surges in voltage levels, but accidents involving power poles or animals contacting power line equipment can also generate surges. These surges can damage or even destroy electronic devices. Computers, televisions, stereos, and fax machines are more sensitive to power fluctuations and more likely to be damaged.

Protect Your ElectronicsThe most effective thing to do when lightning approaches is to unplug your electronic devices. Obviously, this is not always a practical solution. The next best thing is to install surge protectors, which react instantly to the voltage surges and electronically block the damaging voltage from reaching your electronics.

Start with the BasicsSteve Whitley, Union Power’s energy specialist, believes an effective surge protection program begins with the basics. “If your home is protected at the beginning, we rarely have to offer any further surge protection support,” he explains. He adds, “We start with a grounding check, and then discuss the importance of having both a meter base arrester and high-quality plug-in surge protectors.”

PowerGuard®

Safeguard your sensitive electronics with PowerGuard® Surge Suppression Equipment. PowerGuard® uses two separate suppressors to step down surges, offering superior protection from both externally and internally generated power surges. PowerGuard® is high-quality equipment you can trust to do the job. For more details, call Energy Specialist Steve Whitley at 704-289-3145, extension 3239. Financing is available for Union Power Cooperative members.

PowerGuard® Protects Electronics

D o you know someone who may need a little extra help paying their electric bill? Our Power Bucks certificates allow you to purchase kilowatt-hours

of electricity for Union Power members, reducing the amount of their next month’s bill. When the member receives the next bill, it will show a credit for the amount of the Power Bucks you purchased for them. At your request, Union Power will also send a gift certificate to the member informing him or her of your gift.

To purchase Power Bucks...Simply call our customer service department at 704-289-3145 or 704-485-3335 and speak with a customer service representative, who will apply the Power Bucks credit to the member’s account of your choice.

§ Check or credit card payments can be made over the phone or at either of our offices at the time of your purchase. There is a $25 minimum purchase amount.

§ Please let our customer service representative know if you wish to send a Power Bucks certificate.

§ Power Bucks make a wonderful Christmas gift but are available throughout the year.

§ Brighten someone’s life by giving the gift of Power Bucks today.

Union Power Cooperative

Give the gift of power

Fact:

Lightning cost insurers $5,869 per claim in the U.S. last year!

For more information on how to protect your electronics with PowerGuard®, visit us atunion-power.com

July 2015 n Union Power CooperativeF

D riving by the property on Poplin Road in Union County, one might never

guess that it’s home to 600-800 sick, injured, and orphaned birds at any given time. Carolina Waterfowl Rescue (CWR) is a non-profit, all volunteer group with no paid staff that provides rescue and rehabilitation for these birds while increasing public awareness and appreciation for animals.

Run by Director Jennifer Gordon, a federally-licensed migratory bird rehabilitator, CWR works closely with local animal control agencies, law enforcement and other rescues and assists with oil spills, hoarding and criminal cases involving birds. With no state, federal or city funding coming in, CWR relies on donations and adoption fees to provide the funds needed for veterinary care, housing and food for the wildlife and domestic animals the organization takes in. Every cent is used to help the animals, and all donations are tax deductible.

How it All StartedNearly two decades ago, Gordon was a Union County resident working at the Carolina Raptor Center in Huntersville. “People nearby heard that I worked with birds and began bringing injured birds to my house.” As the birds kept coming, Jennifer made a decision – she started and completed the process to become a federally-licensed migratory bird rehabilitator. “This training prepared me to raise birds and to treat trauma. I eventually grew out of my garage and needed more space.” Thus, Carolina Waterfowl Rescue officially began 15 years ago in a rental property. CWR

moved to their current Poplin Road location in Indian Trail after a donor gave the house and the property to the organization three years ago. Recently, 300 acres in South Carolina was also donated, to be used as a much-needed natural release habitat, freeing up some space at the current location.

CWR ResidentsA variety of species of ducks and geese currently call CWR home but share the space with chickens, turkeys, herons, swans, quails, peacocks, pigeons, pheasants, seagulls, doves, cardinals, starlings and a number of other bird species. “On average, we get about 3,000 birds a year,” says Gordon. “Last year, we helped 3,500.” Volunteers in Atlanta, Alabama and California handle a minimum of 100 calls per day. “It isn’t unusual for us to get 4,500 requests in a month just through email, Facebook and texts.” Once, they took in about 300 birds in a two-week period. Another time, 450 birds suddenly needed care after being rescued from a hoarder case. “The farthest we’ve ever traveled for a rescue mission was to California where we saved 35 domesticated geese and ducks that had been left behind and were dying in the severe drought,” Gordon shares. It speaks volumes for the organization’s donors that within

This One’s for the Birds

Eight-year-old Haila Boyle feeds a whooper swan

Top Left: Mallard duck hatching

Top Right: CWR volunteer Melissa Reynard with Horatio the rooster, a CWR event bird

Bottom Left: CWR mascot, “Pringles” the goose, and friends enjoy his special cake at the recent 10th birthday party

Bottom Right: One-week-old cardinal gets a meal

Union Power Cooperative n July 2015 G

General Notice of Capital Credits Assignments for the Year 2014

This is to certify that by virtue of its having received revenues in excess of its operating expenses for and during the calendar year 2014, each person who was a member of this cooperative during the year 2014 has been credited, on the books of the cooperative, at its principal office in Monroe, with having furnished the cooperative capital in the amount of:

6.882% (this is the percent of member’s patronage during the calendar year of 2014)

The percent of credit above applies to revenues for electric service during the year, and represents the member’s share of the operating margin realized by the cooperative during the year. This amount has the same status as if it had been refunded to the member in cash and immediately returned by the member to the cooperative as member-furnished capital.

A capital credit cannot be redeemed for cash and it cannot be used as credit on a member’s electric power bill. It is issued subject to all the terms and conditions as contained in the cooperative’s bylaws, and rules and regulations, both as presently worded and as may hereafter be duly adopted or amended.

Examples: If your bills totaled $1,000 for the year 2014, your capital credit would be $68.82 ($1,000 x 0.06882); or if your bills totaled $1,500 for the year 2014, your capital credit would be $103.23 ($1,500 x 0.06882).

The co-op retains these funds, putting them to work to help keep rates lower, until the board of directors determines that they may be refunded.

two hours of posting the need for funds on Facebook, all expenses for that trip had been covered.

There isn’t downtime at CWR—Gordon and her volunteers are busy feeding, cleaning, and caring for sick and injured birds nearly around the clock. From incubators to the bird hospital, various pens and shelters, and the large pond on the property, there are birds in all stages of life and healing. “We couldn’t function without our volunteers,” she says. From all walks of life, volunteers come in a variety of ages and have a common love of animals.

When asked about the organization’s needs, Gordon responds, “Yes, expenses like food and vet care are sometimes overwhelming. Birds must be driven to the closest avian vet in Durham.” But the one need she mentions above all others is the funding to hire more staff. “It would be wonderful to have the ability to pay staff who could manage coordinating shifts and training of volunteers, and be available to help educate the public.”

You Can Be InvolvedThe organization is not generally open to the public, so Gordon encourages people to call if interested in volunteering. An exception is the upcoming workshop on July 11 at the Matthews Community Center that will provide classes on caring for reptiles, mammals, birds, as well as classes for those interested in volunteering and becoming licensed rehabilitators. “There is a great need for home-based rehabilitators,” says Gordon. “So many of our animals could benefit from more individualized care.” The facility was also open for a recent 10th birthday party for CWR’s mascot, “Pringles” the goose. Attendees enjoyed tours of the grounds, talking to CWR volunteers, and up close and personal time with the birds.

Learn more about CWR and how you can be involved by visiting carolinawaterfowlrescue.com or check out their Facebook page!

New Local Business Discounts

§ Advanta Clean - Monroe & Indian Trail - 704-256-4869 10% off whole house duct cleaning

§ Apex Exterminating – Waxhaw - 704-573-1197 $25 off initial pest service with a 1-year service contract

§ ServPro of Union County - Norwood - 704-764-3216 10% off duct cleaning

Nearly 110 local businesses are offering discounts to members through our Co-op Connections Card Program! Visit connections.coop to find these discounts and many more!

During the next month, you may see our tree-trimming crews in your neighborhood. ABC Professional Tree Services, Asplundh Tree Experts, and Carolina Tree Care will be working in Mecklenburg and Union counties:

Mecklenburg: Apple Mint Ct, Ashby Woods Dr, Atrium Way, Beaver Dam Ln, Beaver Stream Rd, Billiards Pond Ln, Birchhill Rd, Brandonwood Ln, Candalon Way, Chanson Pl, Clubhouse Ct, Foxcrest Dr, Golfview Ct, Hounds Run Dr, Idlewild Rd, Kale Ln, Keziah Rd, Lakeview Dr, Lebanon Rd, Matthews-Mint Hill Rd, Meadow Ln, Mullis Ln, Quail Ridge Dr, Rice Rd, Saddlewood Ln, Sam Newell Rd, Singletree Rd, Well Rd, Williams Rd, Windsor Chase Dr

Union: Baron Rd, Belle Grove Dr, Blackhorse Run Ct, Blackvine Dr, Bonds Grove Church Rd, Brigadoon Ln, Brisbin Dr, Broomes Old Mill Rd, Brown Ln, Burning Ridge Dr, Cannon Dr, Carol Ave, Coltsgate Rd, Cottage Creek Rd, Crane Rd, Crowell Ln, Dovewood Pl, E Independence Blvd, E Unionville Indian Trail Rd, Ennis Rd, First Ave, Gary Dr, Hembywood Dr, Hickory Ridge Dr, Hillcrest Church Rd, Hillcrest Circle, Independence Dr, Joe Kerr Rd, Kennedy Dr, Lochaven Rd, Maness Dr, Marvin School Rd, Matthews Indian Trail Rd, Merryvale Way, N Rocky River Rd, Newtown Rd, Oakland Ave, Oakspring Rd, Oconnel St, Old Mill Rd, Oscar Robinson Rd, Pacer Ln, Paula Ln, Pennigar Rd, Post Office Dr, Rea Rd, Reid Dairy Rd, Reid Rd, Ridge Rd, Roanoke Church Rd, Robinwood Ln, Rockwell Dr, Rose Dr, S Providence Rd, Scott Long Rd, Seafin Ct, Second Ave, Secrest Shortcut Rd, Sherin Ln, Smith Farm Rd, Spring Harvest Dr, Stinson Hartis Rd, Stockbridge Dr, Strand Dr, Suburban Ln, Summerled Way, Sunnyside Circle, Sustar Dr, Tee Top Ln, Third Ave, Tyson Rd, Plyler Rd, W Unionville Indian Trail Rd, West CJ Thomas Rd, Willis Long Rd, Winchester Rd, Wingard Rd, Woody Grove Rd

For more information about Union Power’s vegetation management program or tree trimming practices, please call 704-289-3145 and speak with Wil Ortiz (ext. 3323) or Carrie Lorenz-Efird (ext. 3291). Visit our website, union-power.com, for monthly right-of-way clearing updates.

Right-of-way Clearing

Union Power Cooperative provides safe and reliable power with exceptional value to more than 70,000 member accounts in Union, Stanly, Cabarrus, Mecklenburg, and Rowan counties.

Greg AndressExec. Vice President & General Manager

Carrie C. Stroud, CCCEditor

Rhonda Smith, CCCAssociate Editor

BOARD OF DIRECTORSB. L. Starnes, PresidentLee Roy Kirk, Jr., Vice PresidentJan Haigler, Secretary-TreasurerDent H. Turner, Jr., Asst. Secretary-TreasurerJuanita W. PoplinNeil W. Hasty, Jr.Carole P. JonesJim T. HartsellDavid G. HyattTom J. Caudle

Business Hours8 AM to 5 PM Monday–Friday704-289-3145 or 704-485-3335Toll-free: 1-800-922-6840union-power.com

24-Hour Outage Reporting Serviceand Account Information1-800-794-4423

Call Before DigNC One Call Center — Dial 811

SERVICE CHARGES:Security Deposit(charges vary)$0, $175, $375Connection Fee$25Late Payment Charge$5 or 1.5% of past due balance, if greaterReturned Check Fee$25

Meter Test $75 (refunded if not accurate)Dual Meter Comparison $50 (refunded if not accurate)Trip Charge$25 (checks or money orders only, no cash)

RECONNECT CHARGES:(collected in advance)

Normal Hours$50 (if called in before 4:00 PM)After Hours $100 (if called in after 4:00 PM)

Weekends and Holidays$100

CALL AND ASK US ABOUT THE ‘PAY YOUR WAY’ BILLING OPTION

Cooperative Review is published monthly by

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office, or call 866-632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter to us by mail at U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax 202-690-7442 or email at program.intake@usda.gov.