in this issue:

Executive Message B

Director Retires C

Vampire Electronics D

Alert Notifications E

Meter Tampering F

Power of Membership G

Right-of-Way Clearing H

Photo at top: Union Power Cooperative Annual Membership Meeting, held in a local school gymnasium in the 1940s

Energy for Today, Power for Tomorrowreviewcooperative

let your voice be heardSix hundred pages, plus another 1,000 of supporting documents — that’s the length of the latest proposal from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It would amend the Clean Air Act (only 465 pages) to limit carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the power plants on which we rely today.

Besides the actual rule, a lot has been written about its legality, feasibility and complexity. But lost in the shuffle of these thousands of pages is the impact on people. How much will electric bills increase? Will manufacturers relocate? How many jobs will be lost? Which power plants will be forced to shut down?

Advocating for YouThese are difficult but important questions. At Union Power, we work hard to keep your electricity affordable and reliable. That’s why we’re asking the EPA for answers to these and many other questions.

We don’t want you to get lost in the shuffle. We put members first, and we advocate for you. We see you every month paying your bill at the office. We work with you. We know when times are tough. We often live next door.

After all, our board members and community leaders are one in the same. We’re as local as any organization, and we like it that way.

That’s why we keep reminding the bureaucrats in Washington, D.C., that the rules they write have an impact in the real

world — where we live. That’s why we’re encouraging everyone to take 30 seconds to sign up at www.tellEPAnc.com and tell the EPA we cannot afford these regulations.

Making a Difference TogetherPlease raise your voice. Don’t get lost in the shuffle. Together, we can tell the EPA that support for the environment and a true all-of-the-above energy policy are not mutually exclusive. Together we’ll remind regulators and lawmakers that the impact new rules and laws have on people should be their first thought, not their last.

With more than 900 electric cooperatives in the country backing us up, our voice can be heard. We have a great and positive story to tell. We can tell the story together. And it won’t even take 1,600 pages. Please take a moment to visit www.tellEPAnc.com today.

October 2014

Greg Andress Executive Vice President

and General Manager

executiveperspectiveAs we celebrate National Co-op Month in October, we’re reminded of all the benefits that cooperatives bring to our lives. Union Power is part of a family of more than 900 electric co-ops serving 42 million members in 47 states. In addition, we are one of nearly 30,000 cooperatives across the country — including food/agriculture co-ops, insurance companies, credit unions, health care and child care co-ops, hardware chains and worker co-ops. Cooperatives have played an important part in the history of our nation, and Union Power is proud to be part of that history. Though our membership has grown to more than 70,000 over the last seven decades, you are not just a number to us. We remain committed to providing you with the reliable and affordable service our members have always depended on. Our directors, employees and I look forward to celebrating the Co-op’s 75th anniversary with you at our October 4 Annual Membership Meeting at Wingate University!

Concern for Community through AwarenessThroughout the month of October, many of us anticipate seeing the oranges, reds and browns of the changing leaves. Pink has also become a color seen nearly everywhere in our communities during October. It is the official color of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the “annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease and to encourage people to take the steps to have a plan to detect the disease in its early stages,”

according to the website nationalbreastcancer.org. Many Union Power employees have had family members who have been personally affected by this disease. In line with our Seventh Cooperative Principle, “Concern for Community,” employees have brainstormed a special way to help bring awareness to the cause this year.

Pink Hard Hats, Positive MessageOur Union Power crews will be easy to spot as they go about their daily work — they’ll be wearing pink hard hats throughout the month of October. We hope these pink hard hats will serve as a visible reminder for women (and men if they have at-risk factors) to educate themselves on symptoms and signs, and talk to their healthcare providers about self-exams and annual clinical exams/screenings.

Sadly, breast cancer is the second leading cause of death among women, and there are over 2,100 diagnoses for men each year. The good news is that when breast cancer is detected early, in the localized stage, the 5-year survival rate is 98 percent. Anyone who has battled this disease or who has seen a loved one go through its devastating effects will verify that having an early detection plan is vitally important.

For more helpful information/facts about breast cancer and Breast Cancer Awareness, visit the Susan G. Komen official website, http://ww5.komen.org

Pictured left to right: Lineman Darren Davis, Crew Supervisor John Richardson, Lineman Justin Trull, Executive Vice President and General Manager Greg Andress, and Linemen Tim Laney and Zach Autry

October 2014 Union Power CooperativeB

Union Power announces the recent retirement of Director Rufus N.

Reid, who represented District VI, which includes portions of Cabarrus

County. Mr. Reid is retired from the Smith Trucking Company and

resides in the Concord area of Cabarrus County with his wife, Mildred.

He is a member of Reeves Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church.

Union Power’s Board President B. L. Starnes says, “On behalf of the members, Board, and staff of Union Power Cooperative, we sincerely thank Mr. Reid for his many years of faithful service to Union Power, and we wish him well.”

director rufus n. reid retires

In 1939, this was more than a pole. It was a symbol of determination. It spurred hope, cooperation and growth. And today, you can keep that spirit alive in your co-op by saving energy. Find out how at TogetherWeSave.com.

TOGETHERWESAVE.COM

BEHOLD A 40-FOOT STAKE IN THE GROUND.

Ever since Union Power was founded in 1939, we’ve been dedicated to providing safe, reliable and affordable power to you – our members. You can count on us, and we count on you! During National Co-op Month, we simply want to say thank you. Thanks for connecting with us, and thank you for your membership!

Union Power Cooperative October 2014 C

vampire electronicscould be draining home’s energy

Even at night, items such as microwaves, coffee makers, phones, computers, MP3 players, and power tool chargers are ALIVE, silently DRAINING your home of energy and money. Stop wasting money, and cut these “vampires” off at the source. Unplug fully charged battery-operated devices and plug appliances into power strips that can be switched off when not in use.

NEW! Check out our Vampire Losses Calculator! Visit union-power.com, Your Energy Advisor, for many more energy-saving calculators.

Don’t be afraid of the dark…dial 1-800-794-4423Our Outage Reporting System recognizes the phone number you are calling from. However, if that phone number does not match the phone number listed for your account, you will be instructed to enter additional information to help us identify the outage location. Please follow the steps below based on whether we have the correct phone number for your account in our system.

Outage location’s phone number IS NOT recognized:1. DIAL 1-800-794-4423 to report an outage.

2. PRESS 1.

3. ENTER phone number including the area code or the account number (located on the top left of your bill) for the outage location.

4. PRESS 1 to confirm your outage address.

5. PRESS 1 to give more details about the outage or hang up.

Outage location’s phone number IS recognized: 1. DIAL 1-800-794-4423 to report an outage.

2. PRESS 1.

3. PRESS 1 to confirm your outage address.

4. PRESS 1 to give more details regarding the outage or hang up.

October 2014 Union Power CooperativeD

Union Power Cooperative

Did you know that you can set up alert notifications to make you aware of high usage on your account? Our High Energy Usage Alert could come in handy if you have a heat pump or well pump malfunction that could drastically increase your monthly electric bill. No one wants a surprise like that!

Don’t Let Your Energy Usage “Creep Up” Without Knowing About ItWith the holidays and winter weather just around the corner, we all know that seasonal fluctuations in temperature and other things like hosting guests and cooking can increase electric bills. “The value of the High Energy Usage Alert is that it catches something you might normally miss — like that malfunctioning heat pump, before it runs your monthly electric bill sky high,” says Hal Setser, the Co-op’s vice president of marketing and energy services.

Daily Usage and DollarsThe High Energy Usage Alert notifies members when their daily energy usage exceeds the dollar amount that they have set up. “Members will need to be familiar with their monthly bills and how many kilowatt-hours (kWh) they use per month on average,” says Setser. “Once members know that amount, the next step is to calculate how much their daily usage equates in dollars

by dividing their average monthly bill amount by 30 to get the

average dollar cost per day.” Setser adds that it is important for members not to

set the threshold so close to the average usage that they might receive alerts too often. For example, a member whose average electric bill for the month is $150 pays approximately $5 per day for electricity. The Co-op recommends that this member set the dollar threshold for his notification alert at $7 to $8 (this is $2 to $3 more than the normal daily usage, or between 40 and 60 percent). “But it is important for each member to set the threshold amount calculated on the actual daily usage for his or her individual account,” Setser adds.

What Happens if I Receive an Alert?If high usage alert notifications are received consistently for a few days, and seasonal temperature fluctuations can be ruled out, it is time for the member to investigate further. These are the top three things that can typically cause a spike in usage and should be checked by a licensed technician: • Heating/cooling systems

• Electric water heaters

• Well pumps/water system leaks

Why not take time now to set up alert notifications on your account? You can select one or all four options - text, email, push and voice notifications.

Set Up Alerts from Smart Phones or Mobile Devices: • Download the UPC Mobile App by looking for our name, “Union Power Cooperative” or the app name “UPC Mobile” in the App Store or in the Android Market

• Once you’ve successfully installed the app on your device, enter your Union Power account number and password

• For Android devices: Click on the Account Info tab (first tab) to turn on Notifications. For IOS devices: Under Options, click on the Account Info tab (first tab) to turn on Notifications

• Click Customize to name/register your device

• Once you’ve done this, you will receive a “push” from any alert you have set up – you can also set up alerts for email, text message and voice by clicking on the Alerts tab

Union Power offers convenient tools such as our High Energy Usage Alert to help you save money and energy. Visit our website, union-power.com, and click on Your Energy Advisor for even more ways to save!

set up alert notifications to avoidunwanted ‘surprises’ on bills

Union Power Cooperative October 2014 E

October 2014 Union Power CooperativeF

meter tampering costs everyone!

Not Worth the Risk . . . • It is dangerous.

• It is stealing from fellow co-op members.

• It risks the lives of your neighbors, our co-op workers, and others.

• It can cause serious injury or death from electrocution, explosion, or fire.

Everyone PaysElectric use that goes unbilled and/or unpaid increases the cost of electricity for all paying members. If you suspect meter tampering in your area, please contact Union Power immediately at 704-289-3145 or 1-800-922-6840 to report it. All information can be given anonymously.

North Carolina law specifically prohibits altering, tampering with or bypassing electric meters. If meter tampering is proven, the Cooperative does prosecute.

Breaking a meter seal, opening a meter base, removing a meter or altering an entrance cable in any manner is ‘meter tampering.’ Meter tampering is extremely dangerous and can result in electrical shock or even death. It is also illegal, punishable by fines and/or imprisonment.

Halloween is a spooooky occasion, but just because it’s spooky doesn’t mean it can’t be safe. Here are a few “tricks” for keeping your little ghouls happy and safe!

Costume Care Tips: ■A light colored costume is ideal for visibility, but if that just isn’t the “look” this year, adhere some reflective tape to the trick-or-treat bag and the front and back of the costume.

■Be sure your child can see out of any masks they are wearing, and when possible, use face paint rather than a mask to prevent impaired vision.

■Make sure shoes and costumes fit properly, to prevent trips and falls.

■Only buy costumes and wigs that are flame retardant.

Trick-or-Treating: ■Young children should always be accompanied by an adult when trick-or-treating, but if they are older, be sure to review an acceptable route and establish a certain time to be home. Older children should also use the “buddy system.”

■Make sure your little monsters creep around on sidewalks, not the road and that they carry a flashlight.

■Remind children to look both ways for cars before crossing the street.

■Only approach houses that have their porch lights on.

■Check your child’s candy before they devour it, and throw away any opened candy.

A Trick-Proof HomeKeep your home safe for visitors, too. Pick up trip hazards and make sure the area is well lit. Restrain pets while there are trick-or-treaters out. Never leave a lit jack-o-lantern unattended, and consider using battery-powered “candles” to illuminate your jack-o-lantern. Have a safe and happy Halloween!

halloween safety

Union Power Cooperative October 2014 G

TRUTH BE TOLD, YOUR ELECTRICITY COMES FROM PEOPLE POWER.

Thankfully, there is one energysource that co-op members canalways depend on __ the hard-working dedication and efficiencyof your electric co-op linemen.Learn more about thepower of your co-opmembership at TogetherWeSave.com.

Visit us at union-power.com

Cooperative Review is published monthly by

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 $25Meter 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

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

Cabarrus: Atwater Dr, Barrier Georgeville Rd, Basswood Dr, Bost Cut Off Rd, Brush Arbor Rd. Cliffhaven Dr, Cold Springs Rd S, Crayton Rd, Edgefield Rd, England Rd, Faith Trail, Harbor Dr, Hartsell Rd, Heathcliff Rd, Heather Ln, Joe Bost Rd, Joyner Rd, Log Cabin Trail, Mallard Dr, Miami Church Rd, Miami Ln, Mine Springs Rd, Miner Rd, Mt Pleasant Rd S, Nugget Place, Point View Ct, Reed Mine Rd, Roundcliff Dr, Sanctuary Ridge Dr, Shore View Dr, Smith Rd, Swan Dr, Yellow Poplar Ln

Mecklenburg: Bridgewater Ln, Castleford Dr, Country Woods Dr, Creekside Dr, Cricket Ln, Cricket Ln, Dartford Ln, Davis Trace Dr, Deer Oak Ln, Four Oaks Ln, Hackamore Dr, Helena Circle, Horseback Circle, Idle Dr, Idlefield Ln, Idlewild Rd, Lawyers Rd, Lymington Ct, Mareshead Ln, Mills End Circle, Northern Red Oak Dr, Rothwell Dr, Ruth Haven Dr, Seaton Dr, Springwater Dr, Thompson Rd, Tracelake Dr, Waltham Pl, Windrow Ln

Union: Arant Rd, Arthur Dr, Balsam St, Belk Mill Rd, Bessant Dr, Beulah Church Rd, Beverly Dr, Blakeney Rd, Bobbie Ln,

Brittany Ct, Brookstone Trail, Brooktree Ln, Bud Plyler Rd, Burgess Helms Rd, Cheraw Rd, Clontz Taylor Rd, Courtland St, Cox Rd, Denise Dr, Dudley Rd, Effie Whitley Rd, Ervin Thomas Rd, Esther St, Etheridge St, Eubanks Rd, Executive Point Dr, Faith Church Rd, Frost Ct, Ginger Ln, Gum Ln, Hargette Rd, Haywood Rd, Helms Funderburke Rd, Hoover Ave, Iris St, Jack Davis Rd, Janes Ln, Jordan Dr, Jug Broome Rd, Kelly Autry Rd, Lake Charles Way, Lake Park Rd, Landsford Rd, Laney Rogers Rd, Lincoln Ct, Logan Circle, Lonnie D Aldridge Rd, Mangum Dairy Rd, Medlin Rd, Mt Pleasant Church Rd, Mullis Rd, Myers Rd, Old Pageland Marshville Rd, Old Pageland Monroe Rd, Olson Ln, Pageland Marshville Rd, Philadelphia Church Rd, Pigg Mattox Rd, Pine Ln, Rape Rd, Riggins Rd, Rocky River Rd N, Ruth St, Sara Hinson Rd, Secrest Shortcut Rd, Smith Town Rd, St Joseph Dr, Stack Rd, Sybil Ct, Trevor Simpson Dr, Truman St, Unionville Indian Trail Rd, Vann Sneed Rd, Wallace Branch Rd, Walters Mill Rd, Walters Rd, Willis Long Rd, Willoway Ln, Woodhaven 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

Our Energy Mix

New regulations proposed by the EPA threaten reliable, affordable power. Please join Union Power in taking a stand to keep electric bills affordable. Visit union-power.com and click on the Take Action link to leave a comment for the EPA, voicing your concern about the impact these new regulations will have on Americans. Ask your friends and neighbors to join us. Let’s tell Washington not to abandon an all-of-the-above energy approach and to keep electricity affordable! North Carolina’s goal is to send over 20,000 messages before October 16!

Emission-free nuclear power

56%

13%

12%

19%

Coal

Clean-burning natual gas

Renewables, hydro and marker purhases

PURCHASES