norsk høstfest - mountrail-williams electric cooperative · norsk høstfest. for the past 16...

Mountrail-Williams Electric CooperativeNOVE

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14 WILLISTON577-3765

STANLEY628-2242

NEW TOWN627-3550

Your Touchstone Energy Cooperative







Your Touchstone Energy CooperativeWHITE

WHITE

Norsk HøstfestJessica Martin, MWEC public relations and communications coordinator, shows her Three

Amigos cookies.

In this issue: • Norsk Høstfest• Why does the power blink?• Electric Cooperative Youth

Tour seeks applicants• Meeting minutes … and more!

www.mwec.com MOUNTRAIL-WILLIAMS ELECTRIC NEWS , NOVEMBER 2014 C1

Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative

Each fall, the All Seasons Arena at the North Dakota State Fairgrounds in Minot becomes

home to Scandinavian culture and entertainment during the annual Norsk Høstfest.

For the past 16 years, the Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives, including your local electric cooperative, Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative (MWEC), have been a large sponsor for this cultural festival.

Touchstone Energy was founded in 1998, and the Touchstone Energy Cooperatives form an alliance of member-owned electric cooperatives. Touchstone Energy today represents 749 cooperatives in 46 states and MWEC supports the Touchstone Energy values of

innovation, accountability, integrity and commitment to community. This commitment to community brings us to the cooperatives’ involvement in Norsk Høstfest.

Ever since their inception, the Touchstone Energy Cooperatives in North Dakota have been a large contributor to Norsk Høstfest. They sponsor entertainment events, Copenhagen Hall, radio broadcasts, event buttons and free fresh cookies.

When you approach the Touchstone Energy booth, the smell of fresh cookies fi lls the air. Cookies are baked on site from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Approximately 15,000 t0 20,000 cookies are baked for this event.

Buttons are also available for free and each day, 20 button numbers are drawn for the chance to win prizes.

Each day, the Touchstone Energy booth gives away 4,000 buttons for an event total of 16,000 buttons. The buttons are designed by another

Norsk HøstfestBY JESSICA MARTIN

Two event participants enjoy specially made Three Amigos cookies.

Cindy Shattuck, Verendrye Electric Cooperative; Rick Drown, Dakota Gasification Company retiree; Jessica Martin, Mountrail-Williams; Sandee Michaelenko, Verendrye; Heidi Robbins, Burke-Divide Electric Cooperative; and Jennifer Holen, Basin Electric Power Cooperative, left to right, work at the Touchstone Energy booth during Norsk Høstfest.

C2 NOVEMBER 2014 , MOUNTRAIL-WILLIAMS ELECTRIC NEWS www.mwec.com


Touchstone Energy member, Basin Electric Power Cooperative. Many event participants collect the buttons from year to year.

The sponsorship of Copenhagen Hall gives Norsk Høstfest participants the opportunity to experience sidewalk cafes, the Artisan Village and continuous free entertainment. When you walk into Copenhagen Hall, you feel transported to a different time and place. You get the opportunity to watch booth members handcarve wood products. These products, including anything from jewelry boxes to wood chests, are available for purchase. You can

then walk into the stage area and enjoy free entertainment. This year, the free entertainment included Diamond Rio, Williams and Ree, and Jason D. Williams.

Touchstone Energy also sponsors the large entertainment events in the Great Hall of the Vikings. Entertainment this year included Bill Engvall, Merle Haggard, Josh Turner with special guest Danielle Bradbery, Daniel O’Donnell, BJ Thomas, Jennifer Nettles and many more. There is entertainment available for all ages.

Tens of thousands of people enjoy the festival yearly and MWEC is

proud to be a Touchstone Energy Cooperatives member. It is a great opportunity to get involved in the area communities. n

Grace Baker visits with Norsk Høstfest participants.

Kimberly Kranz, Basin Electric Power Cooperative; Sara Kittleson, Verendrye Electric; and Jessica Martin, Mountrail-Williams Electric, work at the Touchstone Energy booth.

facebook.com/

https://www.facebook.com/mwelectric

...and be entered to win this prize!


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We would like to thank all veterans for their service and acknowledge those veterans who are employed with

Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative.

Jeff KimberelyArmy artillery offi cer 1985-1993

Patrick TrotterArmy sergeant 2000-2006

Duane DeMarsArmy 1969-1971

Matt ElsberndMarine lance corporal 1997-2001

Roger StensakerNavy radarman second class 1965-1969

DeMarsTrotterKimberely

StensakerElsbernd

Thank you, veterans

DID YOU KNOW…There are multiple ways that

you can pay your bill, including:

• Call Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative’s (MWEC) IVR number directly at 1-888-472-8565. (Must have a PIN number. Contact our offi ce to verify if you have one.)

• Mail or drop off your payment.• Use our kiosks available at our Williston,

New Town and Stanley offi ce locations.• Go online to www.mwec.com and sign up

through SmartHub.• You can also sign up for electronic funds

transfer (EFT) and the payment will automatically be posted to your account from your bank account or debit/credit card. If you sign up for EFT, you will receive a one-time $10 credit per account number.

If you sign up for EFT from Oct. 1-Dec. 1, you will also be entered for a chance to win some MWEC gear.

Winners will be announced Dec 5.


• To enter the essay-writing contest, you must be a junior or senior in high school in the fall of 2014.

• You and your parents or guardian must be served by Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative.

• Essay is not to exceed two standard 8½- by 11-inch typewritten, double-spaced pages on this topic:

Many North Dakota electric cooperatives are or will soon be celebrating their 75th anniversaries. Describe how rural electrifi cation and rural electric cooperatives have contributed to the quality of life in North Dakota and your local community.

• Submit your essay in hard copy or electronic format to Mountrail-Williams Electric. Electronic submissions should conform to the two-page, double-spaced guideline described above. Include a cover page with your name, date of birth, school and grade in 2014, parent or guardian’s name, address and telephone number.

• The deadline is Jan. 31, 2014. Emailed entries should be directed to [email protected], and hard-copy entries mailed to: Youth Tour Essay Contest, Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative, 218 58th St. W.,P.O. Box 1346, Williston, ND 58802-1346.

• If you have a question, contact Mark Holter, Mountrail-Williams Electric, at the address listed above, or call 701-577-3765 during regular business hours.

• Submit your essay in hard copy or electronic

• The deadline is Jan. 31, 2014. Emailed entries

• If you have a question, contact Mark Holter,

ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE


• You and your parents or guardian must be served by

community.

• To enter the essay-writing contest, you must be a • To enter the essay-writing contest, you must be a junior or senior in high school in the fall of 2014.


• You and your parents or guardian must be served by

quality of life in North Dakota and your local quality of life in North Dakota and your local quality of life in North Dakota and your local quality of life in North Dakota and your local quality of life in North Dakota and your local quality of life in North Dakota and your local community.

CHECK IT OUT ATwww.ndyouthtour.com and www.youthtour.coop

HIGH SCHOOL JUNIORS & SENIORS

ELECTRIC COOPERATIVEELECTRIC COOPERATIVEELECTRIC COOPERATIVEELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

YOUTH TOUR



• If you have a question, contact Mark Holter, Mountrail-Williams Electric, at the address listed above, or call 701-577-3765 during regular business hours.business hours.

community.

• Submit your essay in hard copy or electronic • Submit your essay in hard copy or electronic format to Mountrail-Williams Electric. Electronic submissions should conform to the two-page,

• Submit your essay in hard copy or electronic • Submit your essay in hard copy or electronic • Submit your essay in hard copy or electronic • Submit your essay in hard copy or electronic • Submit your essay in hard copy or electronic • Submit your essay in hard copy or electronic • Submit your essay in hard copy or electronic • Submit your essay in hard copy or electronic • Submit your essay in hard copy or electronic

double-spaced guideline described above. Include a cover page with your name, date of birth, school a cover page with your name, date of birth, school and grade in 2014, parent or guardian’s name, address and telephone number.

• The deadline is Jan. 31, 2014. Emailed entries should be directed to [email protected], and should be directed to [email protected], and hard-copy entries mailed to: Youth Tour Essay Contest, Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative, 218 58th St. W.,P.O. Box 1346, Williston, ND 58802-1346.

• If you have a question, contact Mark Holter, Mountrail-Williams Electric, at the address listed above, or call 701-577-3765 during regular

• If you have a question, contact Mark Holter,

above, or call 701-577-3765 during regular business hours.business hours.

double-spaced guideline described above. Include a cover page with your name, date of birth, school

format to Mountrail-Williams Electric. Electronic submissions should conform to the two-page, double-spaced guideline described above. Include

• Submit your essay in hard copy or electronic • Submit your essay in hard copy or electronic format to Mountrail-Williams Electric. Electronic submissions should conform to the two-page, double-spaced guideline described above. Include a cover page with your name, date of birth, school and grade in 2014, parent or guardian’s name, address and telephone number.


• If you have a question, contact Mark Holter, Mountrail-Williams Electric, at the address listed above, or call 701-577-3765 during regular business hours.business hours.

• Submit your essay in hard copy or electronic format to Mountrail-Williams Electric. Electronic

a cover page with your name, date of birth, school

should be directed to [email protected], and hard-copy entries mailed to: Youth Tour Essay

• Submit your essay in hard copy or electronic format to Mountrail-Williams Electric. Electronic

double-spaced guideline described above. Include

address and telephone number.

• The deadline is Jan. 31, 2014. Emailed entries

a cover page with your name, date of birth, school and grade in 2014, parent or guardian’s name, address and telephone number.and grade in 2014, parent or guardian’s name,



• Essay is not to exceed two standard 8½- by 11-inch typewritten, double-spaced pages on this topic:

If you were asked to infl uence other students your age to become more actively involved in their electric cooperative — including attendance at the electric cooperative annual meeting — what would you tell them and why?


• The deadline is Jan. 30, 2015. Emailed entries should be directed to [email protected], and hard-copy entries mailed to: Youth Tour Essay Contest, Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative, 218 58th St. W., P.O. Box 1346, Williston, ND 58802-1346.

• If you have a question, contact Mark Holter, Mountrail-Williams Electric, at the address listed above, or call 701-577-3765 during regular business hours.

1. All-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., compliments of Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative.

2. A whole week to visit unforgettable historic monuments, museums and the U.S. Capitol.

3. A learning experience you’ll never forget.

TOP 3 REASONS TO ENTER THE ESSAY-WRITING CONTEST

June 13 to 19,

2015

June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June June 13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,13 to 19,

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WRITE A WINNING

ESSAY AND WIN A TRIP

OF A LIFETIME!

An all-expense-paid trip to

WASHINGTON, D.C.


It can be annoying. Waking in the morning to find a blinking “12:00” on your

digital alarm clock. Having to reset every digital clock in the house–microwave, answer-ing machine, alarm clocks and stove.

Usually, this state of “eter-nal midnight” is caused by a “blink” in the electrical system. While these “blinks” in our electricity can be a temporary aggravation, they are actually indicators that the electrical system is functioning properly.

These momentary power in-terruptions can occur anywhere along a power system – from the time electrons are gener-ated at a power plant to being shipped across transmission lines to substations, or during distribution from a substation to your home.

Blinks are created when a momentary fault occurs along a power line. Because electrical systems are designed for safety and efficiency, a device called an oil circuit recloser (OCR) acts as a breaker. The breaker usually opens because of a large, quick rise of electrical current. This large rise, called a fault condition, can occur when a tree branch touches a line, lightning strikes or a wire breaks.

When this happens, a relay senses the fault and tells the breaker to open, preventing the

flow of power to the problem site. After opening, the break-er quickly closes. The brief delay, which allows the fault to clear, usually lasts less than two seconds.

If the fault clears, every home or business that receives electricity off that power line has just experienced a blink. This could include hundreds of accounts if the breaker protects a transmission line or a substation.

If the disturbance on the line persists, the OCR will contin-ue to operate two more times, than remain open, resulting in a power outage.

This is actually a safety mechanism, protecting the system, cutting off power to the affected section of the line to isolate the problem until it can be repaired.

Blinks have always occurred in electrical systems, but have become more noticeable with more digital clocks in homes today.

Reducing the blink’s effects

Mountrail-Williams Elec-tric Cooperative takes steps to reduce the number of blinks across its power system, and there are measures you can take as well.

Tree trimming is probably the easiest and most common way

to reduce blinks, and one area where you can help. Make sure your co-op knows of any trees or limbs are located close to a power line and call them to trim the branches.

Meanwhile, you can reduce the frustration of blinks by purchasing an alarm clock equipped with a battery backup. This type of digital clock will keep the correct time and sound an alarm in case of a long-dura-tion outage, provided a charged battery is in place. As an added benefit, these devices only use the battery in the event of a power interruption.

Blinks affect all electrical equipment, not just digital clocks. An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) on your computer can help prevent information loss. The UPS incorporates surge suppres-sion technology with a battery backup and provides you some time to save whatever you were working on and exit your com-puter properly.

Mountrail-Williams Elec-tric Cooperative maintains its system for safety and reliability and works hard to identify and fix sources of service interrup-tions. Even though blinks will never disappear from the deliv-ery system, we can minimize the effects of the interruptions and the frequency with which they occur. n

Why does the power

blink


Many people turn to space heaters as a convenient source of warmth in winter

months. However, space heaters can be dangerous if not used properly.

Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative offers these tips for using your electric space heater safely:

• Keep the heater at least three feet from flammable items such as curtains, furniture or bedspreads.

• Select a space heater with a guard around the heating element.

• When buying a heater, choose one that has been tested and certified by a nationally recognized testing institution such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).

• Read and follow

the manufacturer’s operating instructions.

• Keep children and pets away from space heaters.

• Never leave a space heater unattended. Always unplug the heater when it is not in use.

• Never go to sleep with a space heater still operating.

• Never use or store flammable liquids near a space heater.

• Do not use a heater in a bathroom. Parts of the heater could be damaged by a high-moisture area.

• Keep heaters away from water to prevent electrocution.

• Do not use an extension cord or power strip with a space heater.

• Do not use the heater to dry clothes.

• Place the heater on a flat, level surface.

• Be sure the heater’s plug fits snugly in an outlet. The cord and plug may feel warm when operating since the unit draws so much power, but they should not feel hot. If they do, unplug the heater and have a qualified repair person check for problems.

• Unplug the heater by pulling the plug straight out from the outlet. Inspect the cord periodically. Do not use a heater with a damaged cord.

• Do not attempt to repair a broken heater yourself. It should be checked and repaired by a qualified appliance service center. n

Use your space heater safely


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MOUNTRAIL-WILLIAMS BOARD MINUTES

MOUNTRAIL-WILLIAMSELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

P.O. Box 1346Williston, N.D. 58802-1346

P.O. Box 129Stanley, N.D. 58784-0129

DIRECTORSRoger Sorenson ............................PresidentRobert Grant ........................ Vice PresidentBlaine Jorgenson ..........................TreasurerCheryl Hartsoch .............................. DirectorNick Haugen.................................... DirectorLarry Johnson .................................. DirectorWarren Bratvold.............................. DirectorAaron Lynne .................................... DirectorGarrett Lalim ................................... DirectorNeff, Eiken& Neff, PC ...........................Project AttorneyDale Haugen ...................General ManagerOFFICE PHONE NUMBERS:Williston .............................(701) 577-3765Stanley ...............................(701) 628-2242New Town ..........................(701) 627-3550WATS ..................................(800) 279-2667

Regular board meeting of Sept. 24, 2014

Directors present: Sorenson, Grant, Hartsoch, Lynne, Jorgenson, Haugen and Lalim. Bratvold joined at 10:20 a.m.

Directors absent: Johnson.Others present: General Manager

Haugen, in-house counsel Ellis and staff members.

The meeting was called to order at 8:40 a.m. at Lakeside State Bank boardroom in New Town. The agenda for the meeting was approved as presented and the minutes of the Aug. 27, 2014, meeting were approved as presented.

Attorney’s report: Leah Ellis gave the board a proposal from Crescent Point Energy to either lease, participate or not participate. The board agreed to accept a lease, subject to legal approval of the lease document. She also presented a resolution to allow Jay Lux to represent the cooperative at a property closing. The board approved the resolution.

Attorney Ellis also gave a presentation from the legal seminar she attended on behalf of the cooperative. She also discussed a recently decided Public Service Commission territorial case.

Meeting reports: Chairman Sorenson gave reports on RESCO, Upper Missouri Power Cooperative and Basin Electric Power Cooperative.

Director Grant provided an update on his meeting for the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives (NDAREC). He requested that Cheryl Hartsoch attend the next NDAREC board meeting as an alternate. The board approved a motion for Cheryl Hartsoch to attend.

Chairman Sorenson and Director Haugen reported on the Region 6 Cooperative Finance Corporation meeting.

Director Haugen, Chairman Sorenson and Manager Haugen gave reports on sessions from the Region 6 meeting.

Financial report: Jay Lux presented the financial and operating reports

for the year to date through Aug. 31. Operating revenues are $114,087,327, the cost of electric service is $92,768,444, operating margins are $21,318,883, and the total margins are $23,638,985. TIER is 3.63 and the equity level is 20.57 percent.

Work order closeouts: The board approved the following work order and special equipment closeouts:Work order closeout 526 $306,805.02Work order closeout 527 $253,196.83Work order closeout 528 $44,393.04Work order closeout 529 $309,389.09Work order closeout 530 $17,297,193.74Work order closeout 531 $5,734,122.67TOTALS: $23,945,100.39

Bill credit: The board discussed whether to and how the cooperative could structure a rebate program.

Capital credit retirements: The board approved the retirement of the following capital credit accounts:

Bernice Wolla estateClifford Price estateDonald Price estateRoberta High Elk estateManager’s report: Manager Haugen

presented the report from the Safety and Loss Control Committee. There were no lost-time accidents in the past month.

Chris Brostuen presented an update on a situation the cooperative has regarding a landowner issue with a constructed transmission line in Mountrail County.

Manager Haugen presented a report on a proposed health insurance trust fund.

Manager Haugen also brought a proposal to the board to sell a parcel of land the cooperative currently owns, but does not use. The board approved selling the parcel of land back to the previous family.

NERC: Manager Haugen discussed a cost-share agreement with Upper Missouri Power Cooperative for an employee to assist with compliance monitoring.

Manager Haugen discussed transformer maintenance at the gas plants. It required specialty equipment

and the issues are ongoing.MWEC building updates: The

contractor has started work on the parking garage. A portion of the old garage has been torn down. The road in front of the office is also under construction.

Manager Haugen presented a report on terminating a lease on a parcel of cooperative property that will become a substation in Mountrail County.

The board also discussed the potential of leasing new office space in Williston.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 1:15 p.m. n

Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative will be CLOSED on the following dates:Nov. 11 in observance of

Veterans Day

Nov. 27 in observance of Thanksgiving


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