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VOLUME 2 , ISSUE 2
MARCH 2015
STEC Newsletter
MICROSOFT
Employee & STEC
BOD News
1
Manager’s
Message
2
Department News 3-11
Livestock Shows 12-13
STEC Scholarship
Winners
14
Trash pick up 15
STEC
Information
15
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
EMPLOYEE NEWS:
2/5/2015
Wally Summers, from the Engineering Department, went above and beyond
on Friday, January 30, 2015 by stopping and rendering aide to an accident
victim. Wally had just left the Sam Rayburn facility, and had pulled onto
HWY 87 going southbound, when a white Saturn rolled over and was
sliding upside down toward him. Wally immediately phoned 911, then as an
experienced first responder, proceeded to give aide to the female driver and
a child who was a passenger. Wally stabilized the woman and child until
medical personnel arrived. As of January 3, 2015 all involved in the
accident have been released from the hospital.
This accident should serve as a reminder to stay alert while we are out on
the roadways, and to always be prepared. Way to go Wally!
http://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/2015/jan/31/cuero-woman-
daughter-to-be-released-from-hospital/
A Resolution of Appreciation was approved for departing San Patricio Electric Cooperative
Director Leonard Jones.
Board Policy No. 108 – Board Committee Organization & Responsibilities was approved and
the committee membership and chairmen were ratified. The following Board Committees were
established:
Power Supply Committee, (John Herrera, Chair)
Power Delivery Committee, (Mark Rollans, Chair)
Finance & Audit Committee, (Barbara Miller, Chair)
Administrative & Operating Committee, (Gary Raybon, Chair)
Environmental Consultant Mike Nasi continued to update the Board on environmental issues.
The proposed STEC Retirement Program was approved.
A new Wholesale Power Supply Tariff, including a Wholesale Power Supply Service Schedule
and a Large Industrial Load Service Schedule, was approved by the Board.
Representatives from STEC and the member cooperatives attended the Legislative Rally in
Austin in February.
South Texas Electric Board of Director News:
Manager’s Message
In the words of baseball great, and often quoted sage, Yogi Berra, “If you don't know where you are going, you'll end up
someplace else.”
Any company worth its salt will have a vision statement and/or mission statement that identifies where the company is going or
its core purpose for existing. The company will also have specific goals that identify just how the company plans to achieve its
vision and fulfill its purpose.
STEC’s vision statement is, “South Texas Electric Cooperative is a cutting-edge Generation & Transmission Cooperative
and a leader in providing a diverse portfolio of affordable energy, a reliable power delivery system, and services
customized to the needs of the members.”
STEC’s mission statement is, “South Texas Electric Cooperative’s mission is to provide the infrastructure and services to
deliver reliable and economical electric power to a diversified membership.”
On January 8th, supervisors and managers from all STEC divisions met in the Board Room to engage in a goal setting process for
2015. Following an introductory presentation, distribution of materials, and a short sample goal setting exercise, each division
met separately with its Division Manager to discuss and develop division goals for 2015. Those initial goals were then vetted by
management, revised to conform with the cooperative’s overall goal structure, and incorporated into a STEC 2015 Goals
document.
The goals established through the goal setting process will guide our efforts over the rest of this year. All employees received a
copy of the final 2015 Goals document to better understand the corporate priorities that will influence where we devote our
resources this year.
I am very pleased with both the level and quality of participation on the part of all who attended the January 8 th goal setting
meeting. Management will be providing periodic updates on our progress in achieving our goals – both to employees and to the
Board of Directors.
I encourage each of you to familiarize yourself with STEC’s 2015 Goals. If you have any questions regarding any of the goals,
please do not hesitate to contact your Division Manager.
Accounting and Finance Power Delivery
Power Supply Corporate & Member Services
V OLUME 2 , ISSUE 2 P AGE 3
Accounting:
Accounting has been busy preparing for and dealing with the annual
independent audit of STEC’s financial statements. The closing of the
2014 year brings reporting requirements that, along with regular monthly
processes, keep activity level high this time of year. Testing is being
conducted regarding a planned change to a purchase order system that
our accounting software company produces that will interface more fully
with our other accounting modules.
Retail Services:
Cold Weather and High Bills
The CR Department has been
extra busy with an increase in
customer phone calls due to
higher bills. The colder
temperatures South Texas
experienced in January caused
member’s usage to increase
drastically. As temperatures
drop outside, more electricity is
used to maintain your constant
thermostat setting. With the use
of Smart Meter Texas
(https://www.smartmetertexas.c
om) and historical weather
websites like NOAA
(http://www.weather.gov/climat
e/index.php?wfo=crp) or
Weather Underground
(http://www.wunderground.com
/), we are able to demonstrate to
members how there is a direct
correlation between increased
daily temperatures and
increased daily usage. This
data helps members under-
stand higher winter bills.
Telephone Scams
**Please be aware and spread
the word, especially to any
elderly family members**
There has been an increase in
phone and door-to-door
scams. These scammers will
call or come to your door, and
tell you that if you do not
make a payment, your elec-
tricity will be disconnected.
They either ask for a payment
by credit/debit/check, or
direct you to purchase a
GreenDot card. Getting your
money back is difficult if not
impossible, and your electric
provider can do nothing to
help. If you receive a call
like this, please hang up and
call your electric provider at
the number listed on your bill
and inquire as to the
status of your account. Do not
give any financial information
by phone unless you have
initiated the call.
Congratulations!
Congratulations to all the
Victoria Livestock Show
competitors, especially Kyler
Ohrt! Kyler, the son of
Wendy and Clay Ohrt. He
received 1st place with his
Commercial Heifer Record
Book, 4th place with his
American Medium Weight
Steer, and 8th place with his
pen of Commercial Heifers.
The CR Department is very
proud of you!
STEC NEWSLETTER P AGE 4
Pearsall & Rayburn Technical Services:
The Pearsall tech services group finished up the final check out and commissioning of the Bevo Auto station tie with LCRA.
We have been working at the Cotulla station phase1 project doing commissioning and checkout of STEC and MEC station equipment.
We have also been working at the Hindes substation, dressing T1 and T2 transformers, and testing of the transformers. The majority
of work for Technical Services department at Rayburn is the continuation of new substation project installations. The Substation
Maintenance department spent time out at Amistad Hydro Power Plant installing a repaired transformer for IBWC.
|
Human Resources:
Human Resources has been preparing for the Leadership Skills for Managers and Supervisors training that will be
presented by Hal Wood, with Advisory Management Services, Inc. The training program will be held on March 30-31,
2015 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Victoria. A total of seventy STEC employees as well as some employees from our
coop members will be participating in this two day workshop.
A formal STEC Retirement Program has been implemented. Every STEC retiree will receive a $200 gift card to their
favorite restaurant, a plaque, an engraved watch, and a choice of three different reception options.
In the photo above cooling fins are being installed on the transformer at Amistad.
Carlos Maldonado, Anthony Maldonado, and Garland Hencerling dressing the
transformer.
Carlos Maldonado and Matt Carter are getting the last bushing ready for the
transformer.
Jose Ramirez operating the boom truck at
Hindes substation.
Carlos Maldonado, Anthony Maldonado, and Garland Hencerling continue to work on
dressing the T1 transformer at Hindes
substation.
V OLUME 2 , ISSUE 2 P AGE 5
System Operations
February brought a change to the SYSOP Department.
Chief System Operator Henry Wood retired after 34
years of service. Steve Bolle has accepted the position
of Chief System Operator. Steve began his career 33
years ago as a transmission lineman. He has 30 years
system operations experience, including 14 years as a
System Operator at STEC. Congratulations Steve!
Matthew Bernhard passed his NERC Certified System
Operator test, a major step toward assuming System
Operator duties. Way to go Matt!
SYSOP department with Henry on his last day.
Pictured left to right are:
Matt Bernhard, Adam Doelle, Melissa Reynolds,
Steve Bolle, Terry Vaughn,
Henry Wood, Allen Moeller, and Keith Hasting,
not pictured Brad Graham.
In picture above: Steve Bolle stands outside his new office as he begins his first day as
Chief System Operator.
STEC employees come stop by to wish Henry Wood well at his
retirement party.
STEC NEWSLETTER P AGE 6
STEC Engineers Participate in Victoria Education
Coalition Dream Big STEM Expo
On January 7-8, Tony Gigli, David Klimitchek,
and Dotty DiSanto spoke at the Dream Big
STEM Expo about careers in engineering. They
talked to twenty students at a time for about
fifteen minutes each about what engineers do.
Dotty spoke about the day to day engineering,
Tony talked about the daily plant operations,
and David Klimitchek spoke about the design of
transmission lines.
The purpose of the Dream Big STEM Expo is to
provide adult role models and experts in
various STEM fields who share success stories
and present various career opportunities so that
8th grade students are aware of educational
needs in order to obtain future employment, as
well as guide them as they work to develop their
Personal Achievement Plan toward a brighter
future.
The goals of the Dream Big STEM Expo are as
follows:
Connect student to possible STEM career
interests with opportunities in the Victoria
Economic region
Facilitate 9th grade transition by providing
a context for academic achievement and
provide motivation for and desire for
students
Provide outreach to students about the
opportunities available to them with infor-
mation on endorsement options, course
lists in VISD as well as college courses
that lead to a pathway in STEM fields
Inspire students to explore career
opportunities and make career and post-
secondary goals
Increase attendance and completion rates
of all students by connecting student to
courses, follow students and business and
industry mentors in their interest field
To give local companies an opportunity to
influence students in the areas of their
industry’s needs
Lanell Mantey, Executive Director of V.B. E. C,
said, “Approximately 1,200 students from VISD
and private schools attend the Dream Big Sci-
ence, Technology, Engineering, and Math Expo.
We want these students to have a smooth transi-
tion into high school and be able to start taking
courses that will provide the backbone to the
career pathways they feel most interested in
pursuing after graduation. We could not have
had such a great success without you! Thank
you for encouraging students to take their edu-
cation seriously and reach for their dreams!”
Mantey also stated, “This event came about
because so many of our students as well as our
parents did not know truly what options they
had available to them in careers in Victoria that
may not always require a 4-year degree, so we
felt we needed to showcase those careers. As
you know deciding on a career path at such a
young age is very difficult, but we knew that in
high school they could get some basic
experiences in those careers by taking courses
for FREE to see if this was the path they wanted
for the future.
STEC Engineers: Tony Gigli, David Klimitchek, and Dotty
DiSanto speak to students at the Dream Big STEM Expo.
David and Dotty answering questions from eighth graders after engineering
presentation.
V OLUME 2 , ISSUE 2 P AGE 7
Corporate and Member Services:
Rene Estraca implemented a new compliance internal spot check program as of January 2015. Two internal spot checks have been completed
and no potential violations were found.
Cory Hughston, Rene Lozano, Jimmy Johnson, Ricardo Ramirez attended their annual Security Commission Re-qualification Training.
Jimmy Johnson also attended the Associated Security Services and Investigators of Texas (ASSIST) annual convention to fulfil his continuing
education hours required for Security Managers.
Jessica Schwab is now certified as a “Visible Emissions Evaluator”. She completed and passed the Eastern Technical Associates Method 9
Smoke School for visible emissions on February 18 in Austin.
Pete Masiel and Brian Dippel attended the US Department of Labor OSHA “Safety for General Industry Supervisors” workshop at Blinn College
in Sealy Texas.
“Railroad Crossing Safety” was presented by Union Pacific Railroad during our March TEC Safety Meeting in Nursery.
We will soon have a New Purchase Order System. Thomas Laza has been working diligently to have it ready by the end of March.
Days without a Lost Time Accident as of March 10th, 2015:
Donna – 2985 days
Nursery – 336 days Pearsall – 283 days
Coming soon a new STEC Web Page!!! www.stec.org
Engineering:
Sam Hanke was hired in January and has filled the Engineering Assistant opening. Welcome aboard Sam!
Distribution Engineer, Randy Snider retired on Monday, March 16, 2015 after twenty years with South Texas Electric Cooperative.
We wish Randy and his family the best as he starts his retirement and appreciate all his help heading up the Golf tournament over his
years of service.
STEC NEWSLETTER P AGE 8
Transmission: Construction & Line crew
Line crew has added a new member to the roster. Joe Escondon came on board as a 1st period apprentice lineman. He started
February16. Jordan and Karrigan Landgrebe from the ROW crews just welcomed a new baby girl named Jubilee. Congratulations!!!
Construction crews were busy installing the safety sign and are in the process of getting the flag pole up at the Pearsall plant.
Pictured above is unit number 55 the new bucket truck that
has just been put into service.
Josh Bruno takes a stretch break as he
completes some 138kv rehab on the
Rayburn to Vanderbilt line.
V OLUME 2 , ISSUE 2 P AGE 9
Valley Office:
Please help us celebrate with David Perez’s (substation technician) family. His
daughter, Bryana Perez, and wife, Eva Guerra-Perez. Eva is also the coach of the
Edinburg High School’s Bobcat Cheerleaders. They have been named the 2015
National Cheerleaders Association’s “National Title Champions”, an honor bestowed
on the squad for the third year in a row! The EHS cheerleaders competed in the
NCA’s Small Intermediate Coed High School division competition and were also
awarded the Specialty Award for Best Stunts.
STEC NEWSLETTER P AGE 10
Generation:
STEC received the Greenhouse Gas Permit for the planned Red Gate
Plant north of Edinburg, TX on February 19th. After a 30-day waiting
period, STEC will be allowed to commence construction on the project.
The plant is scheduled to begin commercial operation approximately 13
months after the start of construction. After the start of construction
activities, STEC will begin hiring to fill permanent positions within the
plant. Currently there are a total of twenty-two positions vacant,
including twelve operators, six maintenance, three supervisory, and one
administrative position. Postings will be done internally as the
positions open. Additional placement for positions not filled internally
will be coordinated through the Texas Workforce Commission’s
Edinburg office. Please contact John Packard for additional
information.
Personnel at the Sam Rayburn Power Plant attended annual
Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) training classes conducted
by Foster Enterprises on February 2nd and 4th. The customized
course focuses on training operations and maintenance staff to
identify, handle and remediate hazardous materials and
chemicals. Employees are also taught how to select and use
personal protective equipment in a HAZMAT environment as
well as rules pertaining to proper transportation and storage of
hazardous materials. The course involves hands-on drills that
accurately simulate an actual hazardous materials release in
addition to the classroom instruction.
Personnel at the Pearsall Power Plant have been working on
8,000 running hour overhauls of several of the reciprocating
engines at the new Wärtsilä engine plant. The maintenance
interval is mainly composed of preventative checks and
inspections of various internal engine and external auxiliary
components and marks the half-way point to more major
maintenance conducted at 16,000 running hours. To date,
plant staff have completed 8,000 hour overhauls on 14 of the
24 engines and are currently working on the 15th engine.
Engines 19 through 24 in D-Hall are due for 12,000 hour
maintenance, which will begin after the 8,000 hour overhauls
are complete.
V OLUME 2 , ISSUE 2 P AGE 11
Wholesale Marketing:
As STEC has grown dramatically over the last few years, it has become an increasingly difficult
challenge to match resources to the growing load. STEC’s Wholesale Marketing Department has
begun preparations for the summer months, securing the necessary capacity and energy to meet our
expected peak demand. In addition to these activities, QSE operations staff have all successfully
completed Black Start Training coordinated by ERCOT.
In other personnel related news from the Wholesale Marketing Department:
Jay and Vicki Ohrt's daughter, Dallas, and Kafia Delgado's son, Jordan, each received a one-
time $1,000 STEC scholarship.
Jordan Delgado also recently received the highest rank in Boy Scouts, Eagle Scout.
Jason Andrews daughter, Grace, won Grand Champion of decorated cakes at the 2015 Cuero
Livestock show.
STEC NEWSLETTER P AGE 12
Congratulations to all local Livestock Show Participants!
Kyler Ohrt (pictured left), son of Wendy and Clay Ohrt participated in the Victoria livestock show that was held at the Victoria Community Center February 26th through March 1. Kyler placed first in
Record Book, eighth in Class 1 Commercial Heifers, and fourth in American Medium Weight Show
Steer. Pictured (left in bottom picture) is Kyler sitting on his steer “Poor Boy”.
Kaylynn Cowey (pictured left), daughter of Gary and Amanda Cowey participated in the Cuero Livestock show.
Kaylynn placed fifth and thirteenth with her hogs. She won
Grand Champion with her apple cinnamon rolls. Grand Champion with her lemon pie. First place on her nature
photo which allows her to advance to district. Kaylynn
placed first with her catch all photo and third place with her domestic animal photo. She also was Reserve Grand
Champion in personal accessories with her necklace.
Pictured left to right are: Emily and Kasi Bethke,
daughters of Doye and
Charlitte Bethke participat-
ed in the Victoria Livestock
Show in March. Emilee
placed twelfth in Class One Heifers and ninth in Record
Book. Kasi was sixth with
her Class 3 Heifers and Second with her Record
Book.
Kasi Bethke (pictured right) holding the Victoria Livestock Show
Scholarship that she received!!
Emilee Bethke posing with her
Heifers at the Victoria Livestock
V OLUME 2 , ISSUE 2 P AGE 13
Congratulations to all local Livestock Show Participants!
Jenny Marbach, 10 years old, showed Carcass pig,
Market Pig, Hampshire Breeeing Gilt, and a pen of
Commercial Heifers at the Victoria Livestock Show
auction.
Cameron Marbach age 15, showed
a Hampshire Breeding Gilt, a Mar-
ket hog, a Carcass hog, and a pen
of commercial heifers. He also
volunteered in the petting zoo
hosted by the Victoria West FFA.
Alyssa Marbach 15 years
won 5th place Broilers.
She also showed a pen of
commercial heifers,
carcass pig, and Duroc
Breeding Gilt.
Wyatt Andrews (pictured right), son of Jason and Christine
Andrews placed 8th and 11th with his goats at the Cuero
Livestock show.
Grace Andrews, daughter of Jason and Christine
Andrews won Best Decorated cake, 15th place in
rabbits, and 9th place in goats at the Cuero Livestock
show.
STEC NEWSLETTER P AGE 14
A lot of hard work was done by
many high school graduates to
prepare their application for the
2015 STEC Scholarship. This year,
the scholarship committee received
nine applications from the three
STEC locations. On Monday,
February 16, the committee met to
review and choose two recipients of
a $1000 college scholarship.
The members of the committee
were Shayne Dixon, Renee Estraca,
Hector Guerra, Diana Sanchez,
Aaron Spears and Karen Terry.
Diana was responsible for the
collection of the applications and
helping to make the review process
as anonymous as possible. After
reading and scoring each section of
each application, the two students
with the highest scores were chosen
as the winners. This year’s winners
of the 2015 STEC Scholarship are
Jordan Delgado and Dallas Ohrt.
Jordan Delgado is the son of Kafia
Delgado and Stanley Delgado, Jr.
And the winners are…………
STEC Scholarship committee representative Karen Terry
presents Jordan Delgado with his $1,000.00 check and
certificate. Jordan is the son of Kafia Delgado and Stanley
Delgado and will attend Victoria College.
The STEC Scholarship committee met on February
16 from 10:00 AM to 12:00PM to read through the
nine scholarship applications that were received
this year and decide on the two recipients for 2015.
He plans on attending Victoria
College to begin his studies in
Computer Science. Dallas Ohrt is
the daughter of Jay and Vicki Ohrt.
Dallas will be attending Victoria
College taking her basics as she
begins here career in Nursing.
STEC would like to congratulate
these winners and wish all the
applicants the best as they pursue
their goals.
Thank you for your continued
support of these and future students.
Dallas Ohrt is shown with her $1,000.00 STEC
Scholarship. Dallas is the daughter of Vicki and Jay Ohrt
and will attend Victoria College.
Mission Statement
STEC’s mission is to provide the infrastructure and services to deliver
reliable and economical electric power to a diversified membership.
Safety is Our Way of Life
WE ARE ON THE
WEB:
P. O. Box 119/2849 FM 447
Nursery, TX 77976
Adopt-A-Highway Trash Pick Up
On February 19, 2015, seventeen STEC employees and one spouse (Jenny Gifford) came out to participate in the trash pick up. Brian Dippel
held a short safety meeting so everyone participating would be aware of TXDOT’s rules and be extra safe with all the road construction going
on. Both the 3:30pm and 4:30pm shifts worked hard and collected 33 bags of trash!! This was the most employees we had participate in a
while so thank you all for your helping keeping our highway BEAUTIFUL and litter free! Elsa Wright with Waste Management dropped off
four donated tickets to get into to the Waste Management Two Steppers Booth at the Houston Rodeo BBQ Cook off that was held the last
weekend in February. Melissa Reynold’s name was drawn as the winner!!