WHAT WE DO: CAREY BUTCHER ENJOYS THE VIEW AND BEING IN ‘CONTROL’ Page 3

‘TOp WORkpLACE’ STRATEGY INVOLVES fOCUS ON THREE DIffERENT AREAS Page 7

RELOCATING CUSTOMER SERVICES TO MS A MOVING EXpERIENCE WITH LOTS Of SUppORT Page 3

november / december 2012

Front row (from left): Jake Martin, Waidus Hughes, Bill Shafer, Mark Low and Paul Pfost. Back row (from left): Seth Green, Chad Friend, Jim Sommers, Corey Osborn, Don Adkins and Bill Runkel. Not pictured: Craig Crenshaw, Brian Hayes, Jared Heltsley, Chantz Horman and Don Huff.

Rescue Rangers!Volunteer first-responders at HSS trained to rescue

victims in confined-space and high-angle emergencies.

november december 2012

Around IpL

In case you missed it in the last issue of The Wire, a new Top Place to Work initiative was unveiled by

the Human Resources team on the HR Page, and a Twitter-like contest called “Transmitter” was introduced in this space.

While the Top Place to Work objective is a serious part of the worldwide Energizing AES effort, “Transmitter” is a way of having fun with the initiative. It’s a takeoff on the popular social media

tool, Twitter. With Transmitter, we asked IPL people to answer either one of the following questions in Twitter’s customary 140 characters or less:

1. What makes IPL a Top Place to Work?

2. What would make IPL a Top Place to Work?

We offered some Visa gift cards valued at $10 to $25 for the submissions, which we nicknamed “smitts” (think tweets).

On the plus side were a lot of comments that recognized the company for its wages and benefits, great co-workers, family-like atmosphere, superior customer service, volunteer opportunities and the H.T. Pritchard Park and its lodge at Eagle Valley.

On the “suggestion” side there were no demands for hot tubs in every

office, free daily massages or limo service to and from work. There were, however, requests for career development, more opportunities for advancement, a daycare center and better communication.

Based on content and creativity, the top three winning comments were chosen in each category. The first-place winner will receive a $25 Visa gift card, second-place a $20 card and third-place a $15 card.

Security guard Elden Hartman (GC) earned first place in the What Makes IPL a Top Place to Work category, primarily for his Twitter-like resourcefulness that enabled him to make the most impact in 142 characters or less with his “smitt.” Elden wrote:

“Hey tweeple: BME n IMO, IPL is kewl&fab. IPL cares 4 u & da comm. GR8 peeps&bosses@IPL. Wrkg@IPL is AAP. A1 POE. U-L B AAS@IPL. AFAIC, IPL is AWESO. BFN.”

(Interpretation: Hey Twitter people: Based on my experience and in my opinion, IPL is cool and fabulous. IPL cares for you and the community. Great people and bosses at IPL. Working at IPL is always a pleasure. The best place of employment. You’ll be alive & smiling @ IPL. As far as I’m concerned, IPL is awesome. Bye for now.)

Dan Burnett (PD) took second with another word-abbreviated smitt that went like this:

“Wrkd 4 jbs n 9 yrs be4 IPL&only intrvud 2 lern wht wnt on here. Fnd career w/xelnt pay+gr8 benfts+supr cowrkers. Dont evr wnt go bak othr wrld.”

Vicky Black (PD), who was inspired to write her heartfelt smitt after the recent experience she had here following the death of her father, finished third with these comments:

“The family relationship we have with r coworkers. They hurt when u hurt and r happy when ur happy. It’s from the heart.”

Belinda Wysner (IT), who thinks tweeting is a foreign language justifing a new Rosetta Stone edition, took top honors in the What Would Make IPL a Top Place to Work category with this appeal for a better mentoring program:

“Outta d8? Tis stressful to learn ropes w/o a mentor:/ Gd ol fashioned mentrng can m8 IPL gr8. We need 2 find r successors!”

Betty Gumerson (PD) took a practical, straightforward approach to earn second place with these suggestions:

“More equity between bosses/departments. Better tools n electronic infrastructure. No penny-wise-#-foolish spend.”

Bonnie McCullough (CS) took third place, coining a new phrase, “Fark,” in the process with this smitt:

“We need sumthin like a “Fark,” a program that assists with balancing family & work (Fark). Wht do we need 2 help us b the best employee? Ask us”

In addition to the six finalists, other IPL people who earned a $10 Visa gift card for being among the first from their buildings to smitt were:

• Diane Chestnut (FS) • Keith Gray (PD)• Jane Hammes (PD)• Rafael Nyautshi (CS)• Evelyn Pounds (PD)• Karen Sipes (FS)• Tammy Smith (PS)• Justin Sufan (CA)• Anthony Work (PD)

Thnx 2 evry 1 4 smitting. My spellcheck function will never be the same. ¬

–Zach Dunkin, editor

IPL historically has been a great company. We have outperformed the market in all the BTBsm categories including safety, price, customer satisfaction and reliability. But the factors affecting our business are changing . While we need to take pride in our accomplishments, relying on the attributes of the past may not lead to

future success. Some examples of our changing environment include:

• The largest construction program in almost 50 years• A regulatory strategy that must

accommodate our substantial cost increases• Customer expectations that

are increasing with the pace of technological advancements

These pressures force us to think about our company very differently. Our processes must be enhanced

to provide greater safety, reliability and productivity. We expect high performance, yet demand our people to make real time decisions to not risk safety or

damage to our equipment. IPL will remain successful if we create an open, trusting and collaborative environment. Using the AES Business Strategy framework, here is how our culture needs to evolve for us to fulfill our mission:• Teamwork: “We unite our

efforts for a common goal.” Speak candidly and respectfully with each other. This includes working horizontally across department boundaries, vertically with people at all levels of the organization and organizationally with other AES companies.• ClariTy: “I know what to do and why.”

Create a plan for all our work, communicate that plan and then execute it. Our plans should specify timelines/milestones, individual responsibilities, scope and budget.• Business agiliTy: “We see

opportunity, and we act quickly.” Act with decisiveness while having the courage to make tough decisions regarding operations, markets and people. In order to make the best

decisions quickly, this must be done with straightforward communication and transparency and without procrastination. Finding ways to be more efficient will create the capacity to meet our new challenges. • ownership & aCCounTaBiliTy:

“I deliver and am responsible.” Motivate people by allowing individuals and teams to take pride in their accomplishments. This happens when they are provided the responsibility and freedom to solve the problem independently. We need to execute our plan and then be accountable for the results. • markeT-FaCing: “We know what

our competitors do and our customers want.” See things outside the prism of our own prejudice and expectations and clearly understand issues through the eyes of our adversaries, customers and other stakeholders. This will help us develop innovative energy solutions in the communities we serve.

I have confidence in all our people to build on the success we have enjoyed in the past and realize our mission of improving lives by providing safe, reliable and sustainable energy solutions in the communities we serve. ¬

– Ken Zagzebski, President & CEO

Words from the Ceo

meeting the demands of our changing business

Ken Zagzebski, President & CEO

Zach Dunkin, editor

LightLy speaking

‘smitters’ texts tell what is gr8t about ipL and what could make it even gr8tr

Vote for the Top news sTories at ipl for 2012The year 2012 was another exciting year for IPL, filled with major events and success stories. What do you think was the event or story covered by The Wire or Headlines that created the biggest buzz around the company? You can make your opinion count by ranking the top stories from 1 to 10 from this list of nominations compiled by the Community Relations team. To assist you in your decision, you will find all of this year’s Headlines and Wires on the intranet by clicking on the “Newsletters” tab.Either clip this survey and send it to Zach Dunkin, Community Relations, EB or fill out the “Top 10 Stories for 2012 Survey” on the Internal Links of the IPL intranet. The voting deadline is Nov. 30. Final results will be published in the year-end roundup in the January-February edition of The Wire. rank stories from 1 to 10

AES Utilities executives host open meeting at Morris StreetAES rolls out new mission and business strategyAugust storms knock out 48,548 customers; restoration is completed in 43 hours Brian Hayes presents U.S. flag to IPL; IPL nominated for Freedom AwardCustomer Services Relocation Project begins Eagle Valley “ready reserve” plan is successfulEight IPL people honored on Values Day HR launches Top Place to Work initiativeHR hosts Career Development Open House at HSS and EVIPL receives EEI Emergency Assistance AwardIPL people honored with IPL President’s AwardsPower Delivery strives for VPP statusIPL enters partnership with Energizing IndianaIPL linemen help save lives of two area residents with CPRIPL United Way’s Superhero campaign raises record totalIPL awards $250,000 to The Mind Trust for the College Summit program at high schoolIPL awards Golden Eagle grants for eight environmental projectsKevin Crawford named Senior VP, Power SupplyLarge projects plan for replacement generation and MATS compliance moves forwardLine crews help restore power outages left by Hurricane Sandy Morris Street upgrades lobby, Safety Room and landscaping Nearly 400 volunteers help clean up Garfield Park, Pleasant Run Trail Greenway at IPL Day in the Parks New Power Supply organizational structure announced Power Tools program implementedSuper Bowl has impact on IPL operations ¬

3

ON THE MOVERelocating Customer Services to Morris Street will improve customer communications, bring team together

Moving the Customer Services team from the Electric Building into a new location on the second floor of the Morris Street Annex was like one of those classic slide puzzles. You know, the kind where there’s just one open square and the goal is to move the other 15 squares around to get all of them in order.

First, several office changes took place in early August within the engineering groups in the MS Administration Building to improve team functionality. Following these moves, in early September, the Fixed Asset team relocated to the EB fourth floor, which then allowed the Real Estate team and IT group to move to new offices at MS, clearing the space for CS.

“The Customer Service Relocation Project has created much excitement and anticipation as we prepare to welcome the CS team next spring,” said Keith Dunkel (PD), team leader, Facilities & Transportation. “Our IPL people have been presented with a lot of changes, and they have responded with great attitudes and cooperation.”

Construction on the new CS location is expected to start around the first of December. The goal is to have CS moved in and operating by spring of 2013.

The primary reason for the relocation is the necessity to replace an aging telephony (pronounced tuh-LEF-uh-nee) system by 2014, due to the lack of continued vendor support. Before implementing the new telephony system, a decision on the long-term location of CS was needed due to the capital investment necessary in upgrading the network infrastructure.

“We knew we needed a new telephone solution, but the big question was where we were going to put it,” said Leah Brown, director, Customer Services.

A seven-member, cross-functional APEX team analyzed all location options.

Originally, there were a dozen options, including using existing IPL sites, building or leasing a location, or even staying put. The choice was based on a comprehensive set of metrics that measured financial, operational productivity with CS and others, and employee satisfaction engagement with CS and others. The move to the Annex was the highest-scoring option.

Not only will the move help CS take advantage of superior technology, it will also unite the splintered team that exists at the EB. CS is now located on the first, second and sixth floors, in addition to having some team members at MS and the Customer Service Center facility on North Illinois Street.

Indianapolis-based Interactive Intelligence was chosen over four other vendors to install the new call center software. The “integrated solution” system best meets the needs of Call Center requirements and future functionality such as after-call surveys, virtual hold and skills-based routing.

The current “multiple solution” system handles Customer Services tools such as its IVR (automated system), Workforce Management Tool (for break and lunch

scheduling), recorder, routing program and vari-ous manual tracking problems. It is handled by various vendors, which makes it difficult and time-consuming when searching for the root cause of a problem or issue. With the single ven-dor, the integrated solution will eliminate that. “We tested multiple vendors’ functionality and this is the only solution that will allow us to make IVR changes quickly, easily and internally,” explained Leah. “This should not only reduce costs, but allow us to react to customers’ changing needs much easier without getting an external company involved.”The Interactive Intelligence solution could have been installed at the EB, but the network closets on all three floors would have required upgrading. At MS, only one CS-specific closet will be needed, which is easier for IT to manage and more reasonable for the company. Parking and dining at MS also will be impacted, and the strategy includes expanded parking and dining hours for the additional workforce.“We are in the process of creating 220 new parking spaces on the western side of our MS location adjacent to Division and Standard Streets,” said Keith. “The parking lot expansion will include additional perimeter fencing, lighting, and gated entrances and exits.”Traffic flow patterns will be adjusted so that employee vehicles and parking will be separated from IPL truck traffic and delivery vehicles. Landscaping for the new lot will complement the new addition and comply with all zoning requirements.Assuming the weather cooperates, the lot will be done before the end of the year. If not, it won’t be finished until the weather breaks, with a goal of April 1 to coincide with the completion of the building renovation for the CS team.Needless to say, the relocation of the CS team has and will continue to be an adjustment for IPL people. “Our goal from the start was to make this as easy as possible on everyone involved,” said Leah. “We thank everyone involved for their flexibility, their effort and the positive attitudes displayed to make these moves happen, in addition to staying on schedule.” ¬

What we do

There are days when Carey Butcher feels like he’s literally on top of the world. That’s when he can grab an extra minute away from making some adjustment with the flow monitor inside the scrubber stack at Harding Street Station to gaze out the window from 500-plus feet up and see the skyline of downtown Indianapolis.

“Nine out of 10 times I’m up there by myself, and I’m in my own world,” said Carey. “You can take a gander in any direction. It’s best on a clear day or after a rain has cleaned up the air. Even at 2 or 3 in the morning when all you see are twinkling lights. It’s nice.”

As a controls person, Carey must occasionally make the ascent up the FGD (flue gas desulfurization) or scrubber stack to check on the particulate monitor (PM). Carey is primarily responsible for monitoring the continuous emissions monitoring system (CEMS) to make certain HSS is in compliance with emission standards set by the EPA. The CEMS continuously collects, records and reports the required emissions data for all units and the FGD.

“First thing in the morning, I make sure all of our analyzers pass proper calibrations,” explained

Carey. “Each analyzer has pressure, temperature and vacuum readings, and we look for a split from the norm. If we see something happening, then we can work on it. It might not be at the alarm stage yet, but if we see a pattern that something is not right, we can jump on it and fix it, so we don’t have any down time.

“Once that’s done, I head out to each individual shack (seven in all). There we take daily readings. Once I get through all of the shacks, I can evaluate the most important thing to work on. If I notice something trending away, I can go to that particular stack and that particular analyzer and start troubleshooting to make it better.”

Carey had a solid background in CEMS before joining IPL nearly 10 years ago. He used to build CEMS and help put them in service.

“One of the best things about the job is working on the analyzers,” said Carey. “I like the whole system—the way we sample from the stacks, the way we bring it down to the analyzers. I like knowing that if I have something wrong I can fix it and make it right.”

The standard CEMS consists of a sample probe, filter, sample line, gas conditioning system, calibration gas system and a series of gas analyzers, which reflect the parameters being monitored. Typical monitored emissions include: sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen chloride, particulate matter, mercury, volatile organic compounds and oxygen. A small sample of flue gas is extracted by means of a pump into the CEMS via a sample probe. Air leakage caused by a worn pump diaphragm can produce incorrect readings. That’s just one example of a mechanical issue that needs to be repaired because, as Carey said, when the CEMS are not accurate, “we don’t run.” “We must always be monitoring,” he added. “If we don’t, permit-wise we have to shut down. That’s why we have a backup.”Occasionally, Carey even gets to peer out of his window on the world, which is a small perk. But ascending Units 5 and 6 in the middle of winter is a different story.“It’s cold,” he said. “Those stacks aren’t covered; you’re out in the elements. Even the elevator is outside. And those elevators are slow.” ¬

Each issue of The Wire features someone at IPL and information about his or her job. Send your nomination to editor.ipl@ aes.com.

Carey Butcher (HSS), Controls Person

improVemenTs Timeline

• 8/24/12 to 12/31/12 siTe improVemenTs (parking loT)

• 9/13/12 to 12/14/12 Design (CusTomer serViCes DepT.)

• 11/5/12 to 12/31/12 Demo phase (ms annex)

• 12/3/12 to 4/1/13 ConsTruCTion phase (CusTomer serViCes DepT.)

november december 2012

In left photo, Waidus Hughes trains for high-angle rescue; above, Bill Shafer and trainee Seth Green (trainee) drag Rescue Randy into the 60 Well House for confined-space exercise.

Rescue Randy is in trouble. He has fallen, and he really can’t get up.

It seems RR was checking out the well pump mechanicals and level indication devices in the pit of Harding Street Station’s 60 Well House and fell through the small, square opening in the floor. Unable to climb the ladder back to safety because of a pair of broken legs, Randy needs what is called a “confined-space rescue.”

Someone must climb down into the well, and face the physical challenge of moving Randy within the tight space below and back through the narrow opening. The rescuers must be prepared to render medical first aid and to stabilize Randy prior to extricating him from the space. They also face hazards related to air quality within the space.

this is a job for… rescue rangers!

Comic book superhero references aside, there is nothing funny about these rescue missions, and the volunteers who risk their lives to do them are serious about that mission. Rescue Rangers is a group of 16 HSS people trained in confined-space and high-angle rescue.

The team is taught to rescue workers injured in, as OSHA describes, “a space that has limited or restricted access of entry or exit, is large enough for a worker to enter and work in, but is not designed for continuous occupancy.”

Confined spaces are often narrow and constricting, preventing easy access by rescuers. They are usually either dark or poorly lit, requiring rescuers to provide their own light source. Examples would include the well space our victim Randy has tumbled into, plus

underground vaults, manholes, storage tanks and sewers.

High-angle rescue often involves retrieving someone from an area where a worker cannot rescue or evacuate alone due to an accident or unforeseen conditions. The rescue process usually requires ropes and related gear, such as pulleys and anchoring, belaying and friction-control devices, to lift the victim to safety. Examples of rescue situations might include helping victims off pipe racks, ledges, catwalks, cranes and water towers.

Rescue Rangers are considered the plant’s first responders in emergency situations. So, why not just call 911 and wait for the fire department?

“You shouldn’t rely on the fire department to be your only rescue team for a confined space rescue; they may not be available,” explained Chantz Horman, team leader, Generation.

Plus, it’s an OSHA requirement to have people who are properly trained and familiar with the space on site and readily available.

Petersburg has a team of 53 people trained in confined space and high-angle rescue, and Eagle Valley has a medical first responder team of five.

Chantz is a member of the team and coordinates its training activities. The team trains for two consecutive days at least three times a year, practicing on the challenges of the scenarios the group itself creates.

The pressing need to rescue someone from a confined-space is stressful and often leads to an ill-prepared rescue attempt, which can result in even more victims. While OSHA reports that confined-space accidents result in death one out of 10 times, 60 percent of those fatalities are among the would-be rescuers themselves.

Members of IPL’s rescue teams do not receive any extra pay for their service although there are opportunities for overtime. So, with such a high risk and no extra pay, why do they do it?

“That’s what my wife asked,” responded controls person Bill Runkel, who has volunteered since the team’s inception at the old Perry K facility. “I do it to help the guys I work with if the need would arise.

“I’ve never been in any ‘live’ situations with a confined-space or high-angle rescue, but I believe with the training I’ve been given, we as a group would be able to successfully rescue or assist someone in need.”

One of Bill’s favorite parts of the work is enjoying the camaraderie with the other team members.

Don Huff, a utility shift operator at HSS and a 20-year veteran of the rescue team, volunteers because he thinks it’s the right thing to do.

“I like being involved,” he added.

“What’s not to like,” offered Don Adkins, a seven-year member of the team and a former volunteer fireman. “I truly enjoy helping people, and the bond and friendships you build with your teammates while training is invaluable.

“Sure, there is some danger involved, but with the continuing training, modern safety and rescue equipment and the complete trust in your teammates, I feel most of the risk is mitigated.”

Of course, the aforementioned Randy was not a real person but a 6-foot-1, 165-pound manikin used repeatedly during training sessions. In August, the Rescue Rangers used a stretcher-like Stokes basket, ropes and a mechanical winch anchored above the

(continued on page 5)

Volunteer first-responders at HSS trained to rescue victims in confined-space and high-angle emergencies

energy FaCTabout 75 to 80 percent of discarded computers

from the U.s. wind up in asian countries, such as india and China, where recycling costs are

much lower. approximately half of the parts of a computer are recycled. the rest are dumped.

Source: Care2.com

Rescue Rangers!

In left photo, a pair of rangers utilize a mechanical winch to raise Rescue Randy on a stretcher-like apparatus called a Stokes basket from the well pit in 60 Well House. In lower right photo, Mark Low enters the small opening to the pit where Randy has fallen. In upper right photo, Corey Osborn demonstrates a knot technique to trainee Seth Green.

floor’s opening to lift Randy from the darkened depths of the well house.

The scenarios are all physically demanding, and in the event of a true emergency, the Rescue Team members would experience extreme mental and physical stress.

Due to the unique nature of confined space rescues, specialized equipment and protective clothing are necessary to perform a safe and successful rescue. Equipment may include a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), protective headgear and explosion-proof lighting to prevent igniting any gases. The rescuer may also wear a full-body harness with an attached safety line, especially if a vertical descent is required.

The team occasionally will use a real person—one of their own—in a practice exercise. For example, on a high-angle rescue one of the team members will be “staged” lying down on a lower level. Someone at the plant may have fallen to a lower level, and the only way to rescue a person is from above.

Using equipment possibly rigged from a high beam, a Ranger will drop down and “package” the victim and either bring him back up or lower him to a safer level.

In addition to the scenario training, the Rangers go through an annual, two-day review and re-certification meeting with HSE Integrated, a Canadian-based industrial safety services company. While on site, HSE trainers may work with the Rangers one day on ropes and then on the next day, see how well the team can pull a “victim” out of its 30-foot trailer equipped with maze in dark and smoky situations.

“These guys are trained to be quick on their feet and make sometimes life-saving decisions,” said Chantz. “When we practice, they often must use their own creativity.”

about rescue randyRescue Randy was developed by Simulaids, Inc., of Saugerties, N.Y., for

lifelike adult or juvenile victim handling, transportation and extrication training. Made of durable vinyl with 4,100-pound test plastic-coated cables, Randy features articulated joints and weight distribution according to human weight distribution charts.

He can be used in situations too hazardous or uncomfortable for human volunteers. He is used by the military, fire and police departments, safety teams and emergency personnel for rescue and extrication from pole-top, confined spaces, collapsed buildings, smoke rooms and ladder carry-down protocols.

Chantz Horman (HSS) met Randy on his first day at IPL about five years ago.

“He was sitting in this office the day I took this job,” Chantz recalled. “He was propped up in his chair with a harness on. I thought maybe I was in the wrong place.”

If you want one of your own, Randy retails for $1,223.

that’s not allThe Rescue Rangers team is just one of three rescue units at HSS, although you’ll see many of the same faces on all three teams (see lists below). The two other teams are the Haz/Mat team and Industrial Medical Technician (IMT) team. The plant in Petersburg has a similar setup.

The Haz/Mat team is trained to handle hazardous materials—dangerous goods in solid, liquid or gaseous form that can harm people, property and the environment.

IMTs, or medical first responders, are trained to provide out-of-hospital care in medical emergencies, ranging from first aid and basic life support to advanced life support.

Any IPL person can join these teams as long as he or she is trained properly, physically able to perform the rescues and passes HSE certification. ¬

By The numBers1.5 billion - the number of external power

adapters, also known as power supplies, currently in use to power small electronic

devices. that’s about five for every person. the total electricity flowing through all

types of power supplies makes up about 11 percent of the national electric bill.

Source: Care2.com

While OSHA reports that confined-space accidents result in death one out of

10 times, 60 percent of those fatalities are among the would-be rescuers themselves.

Confined-space/high- angle rescue team• Don Adkins• Craig Crenshaw (in-training)• Chad Friend• Seth Green (in-training)• Brian Hayes • Jared Heltsley• Chantz Horman • Don Huff•Waidus Hughes • Mark Low• Jake Martin• Corey Osborne• Paul Pfost • Bill Runkel• Bill Shafer• Jim Sommers

haz/mat team• Don Adkins• Gary Finchum• Jennifer Hatfield• Chantz Horman• Don Huff• Mark Low• Jake Martin• Marshall McConnell• Dave Murphy

imt team• Don Adkins• Phillip Brown• Robert Cullen• Ryan Hoffman• Mark Holbrook• Chantz Horman• Don Huff•Waidus Hughes• Ryan Jaynes• Daniel Layton• Mark Low• Marshall McConnell• Corey Osborne• Ronald Payton• Bill Runkel• Jim Sommers• Rick Willis

november december 2012

IpL family AlbumA United effortIn far left photo, Kevin Abel (PD) gets a hug on the shoulders from Spiderman during the United Way of Central Indiana campaign at ARL. The theme for this year’s drive was “The Superhero in You.” In left photo, campaign chairperson Connie Horwitz (FS, left) and campaign coordinator Karen Green (HR) prepare bananas for free banana splits and sundaes at EB. IPL people pledged more than $312,000, which was matched by another $300,000 from the company.

Preparing for collegeZac Elliot (CR) assists some George Washington Community High School seniors in filling out college application forms as part of IPL’s involvement in the College Summit program. Zac is one of several IPL volunteers offering mentoring and tutoring assistance on a monthly basis at the west side school. IPL awarded $250,000 to the program intended to improve college attendance rates through a curriculum offered at Washington.

Fun and games In right photo, a few members of the team that represented IPL in the annual Indiana Sports Corporation Corporate Challenge gather around Boltysm before heading out for a morning of runs, walks and athletic contests at Carroll Stadium on the IUPUI campus. In far right photo, Scott Barker (IT) and Angie Wyatt (IT) share a spirited moment before competing in the cycle event at the Major Taylor Velodrome.

Grade school makeoverIPL people joined other volunteers from Big Brothers and Sisters and Ingersoll Rand to make improvements to the buildings and grounds at IPL George Buck School 94 during the annual United Way Day of Caring. The volunteers added new paint and landscaping, weeded and repaired the school’s courtyard pond.

saFeTy FaCTsome advice for holiday outdoor lighting: Because

snow, water and debris can get into outdoor sockets and connectors, make sure outdoor lights are plugged into a

ground fault circuit interrupter outlet and extension cord plugs and connectors are elevated. Use insulated hooks to

hang lights; nails or screws can pierce the cable and become electrified. and be careful with ladders.

HR Connections

want to teach or learn? ipl supports energy education programs at ivy TechAs a founding member of the Indiana Energy Consortium, IPL continues to support the efforts of the Consortium in promoting the benefits of careers in energy, particularly in the Hoosier State. The nine-member consortium includes energy companies such as Citizens Gas, Duke Energy and Nipsco.In partnership with Ivy Tech Community College, the consortium has developed energy curricula for the school’s Energy Technology program and is seeking teachers from those in the energy industry who can share their skills and knowledge with students.Any IPL person interested in participating as an instructor for these classes should contact Don Flanagan in Human Resources at ext. 8994.The Energy Technology program offers three course tracks:• Lines Construction• Power Plant Operations• Gas DistributionAll three tracks are accepting students for the spring semester, Jan. 14-May 11, 2013. IPL encourages anyone interested in a career in energy or career advancement here at IPL to preview these educational options on IVY Tech’s website at www.ivytech.edu. ¬

As introduced in the September-October edition of The Wire, the “Top Place to Work” initiative is underway at IPL. As a part of becoming a “Top Place to Work,” the Human Resources team identified three areas it believes make IPL a great place to work.

HR labeled those areas Powerful Rewards, Powerful Careers and Powerful Life. Here’s a brief look at those three topics.

Powerful Rewards is a term many IPL people already should be familiar with. Powerful Rewards encompasses the compensation and benefits IPL people receive in exchange for their contributions to the company, as well as the performance and recognition given for a job well done. Compensation includes base wages, premium pay, incentive pay and long-term incentives. Benefits include the following:

• Medical, dental and vision insurance• Prescription drug plans• Flexible spending accounts• Life insurance• Spouse/dependent

life insurance• AD&D Insurance• Retirement plans

(pension, 401K, profit sharing)• Vacation and holiday pay

Powerful Careers is a new phrase HR will be using to describe the development and career opportunities IPL has to offer. This includes the following items:

• Tuition reimbursement• On-the-job learning and training• Attendance at outside seminars

and conferences• Access to virtual learning and

webinars• Leadership training• Apprenticeships• Succession planning• Internal job postings• Opportunities for job

advancement and promotionsPowerful Life is best described as work-life balance, a safe workplace, community involvement, workplace flexibility and wellness. In forthcoming issues of The Wire, HR will be highlighting these programs in more detail on this page. As a part of becoming a “Top Place to Work,” HR will be looking for ways to highlight its current programs, as well as add new features for IPL people. ¬

Becoming a ‘TOP WORKPLACE’ is a three-fold strategy

stress taking the jolly out of the holidays? try ‘progression relaxation’As the holiday season approaches, you may feel a sense of dread mixed in with all the excitement. Sometimes you get so frazzled by the end of December that it’s difficult to enjoy yourself. How can you find relief from holiday stress and still enjoy the season? Try progression relaxation.

Progressive relaxation teaches individuals to identify muscular tension in the major muscle groups and to relax these muscles consciously. The process involves the contraction and relaxation of each muscle group, progressing from head to toe. If done properly, these exercises will reduce pulse rate, blood pressure and respiration rate.

Take these steps to reach total relaxation. (Suggestion: If no one is there to read this script to you or two or more of you want to follow the instructions together, try recording this script and follow it that way.)

1. Sit in a comfortable position with your feet flat on the floor. Close your eyes and relax. Imagine yourself at the beach, lying in the sun. Feel the warmth of the sun on your skin and hear the waves as they gently roll to shore.

2. Wrinkle your forehead as tight as you can and feel the tension. Hold it. Now, let go and smooth it out. Now, frown and notice the strain spreading throughout your forehead. Let go. Allow your brow to become smooth again. Squint your eyes, closing them very tightly. Look for the tension. Relax your eyes. Keep them closed gently and comfortably. Now, clench your jaw, biting down hard. Relax. Press your tongue against the roof of your mouth. Feel the ache in the back of your mouth. Relax. Allow your lips to be slightly parted. Notice the difference between the tension and relaxation.

3. Press your head back and notice the tension in the back of your neck. Roll your head to the right and notice the changing locus of stress. Roll your head to the left. Relax. Let go of the tension. Bring your head forward, feeling the pressure in your throat and the back of your next. Relax, allowing your head to return to a comfortable position. Let the relaxation deepen. Now, shrug your shoulders, trying to touch them to your ears. Feel the tension. Now, relax and feel the tension leaving your shoulders, throat and neck. Your muscles should feel at zero.

4. Bend your elbows and tense your biceps as hard as you can. Observe the feeling of tightness. Relax and straighten out your arms. Let the tension leave your body. Picture it flowing down your arms, out of your fingertips. Clench your fists, tighter and tighter. Study the tension. Keep them clenched and notice the tension in your forearms and hands. Now relax. Let the tension exit your body. Feel the looseness in your hands and forearms.

5. Take a slow deep breath, filling your lungs with as much air as they can hold. Hold your breath and feel the tightness in your chest. Now exhale, releasing the tension, letting it flow out of your body. Feel how loose your chest is. Do this again, feeling the tension being drained from your body as you exhale. Next, tighten your stomach and hold it. Note the tension and relax. Place your hand on your stomach and breathe deeply into your stomach, pushing your hand up. Feel the contrast of relaxation as the air rushes out. Now arch your back, without straining. Keep the rest of your body as relaxed as possible. Focus on the tension in your lower back. Now relax. Your muscles should be at zero.

6. Tighten your rear end and thighs. Squeeze as tight as you can and hold it. Feel the tension in the back of your body. Now, let go and feel the tension leaving your body. Imagine it flowing down your legs and out of your body. Next, bend your knees and press your heels into the ground. Notice the tension in your hamstrings. Let go and relax. Feel the difference. Straighten your legs flat out in front of you. Point and curl your toes, feeling the tightness in your calves. Study the tension. Let go of the tension. Relax and smooth out the muscles. Now, bend your toes toward your face, creating tension in your shins. Hold the tension. Now let go. Feel the difference between the tension and the relaxation.

7. If there is anywhere you are still noticing tension, take a moment to relax it right now. Hold the tension briefly and relax. Feel the tension leaving your body. You should now feel at zero. There is no tension in your body, and you are totally relaxed.

8. Focus on your breathing now. Breathe in normally. Feel the air filling your lungs. Your breathing should be slow and rhythmic. Each time you exhale, say the word “relax” to yourself. Keep telling yourself to relax, and allow any remaining tension to leave your body.

Now, enjoy the holidays. ¬

What do you like most about your job? Safety lunch. What is the funniest or most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you? The most embarrassing thing was when my daughter vomited on a stranger, who was wearing a suit on a bus in Washington, D.C. She was little- maybe two years old. It was her grandfather’s fault. We didn’t know it, but he allowed her to stuff herself with candy right before we left. Funny now. Wasn’t so funny then.What is your favorite TV show, movie or book? “It Doesn’t Take a Hero” by H. Norman Schwarzkopf is my favorite book.

If you were a song, what would you be and why? “Peaches” by The Presidents of the United States of America because it’s very random,

just like I am.What is something that people may not know about you? Jimi Hendrix and I share birthdays—30 years apart. He was born November 27, 1942, and I was born on the same day in 1972.

For the next issue, Brad will ask these same questions of another IPL person. You could be next.

Brad White, HSS, station helper, junior

Know Your NeighborFive questions and answers about an IPL person you should know:

Trip to Japan

The Wire is published every other month for the people of Indianapolis Power & Light Company. Contribute your article ideas to The Wire Editor Zach Dunkin at editor.ipl@aes.com or by phone at (317) 261-8852.

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Send information about your favorite vacation spot in 150 words or less and photos to editor.ipl@aes.com.

Our Favorite Vacation: JapanThree years ago, I flew to Japan to meet my husband, John, while he was on a business trip. The Japanese people were incredibly gracious, hospi table and environmentally aware. We vi si ted the Nagoya Castle and the Toyota Museum, plus enjoyed the nightli fe the ci ty had to offer.While John was working during the day, I explored the

Toyohashi (Toyota City) to di scover everyday li fe. Kids rode bikes and wore uni forms to school. Men wore black suits to the office and, a t lunch, flooded the s treets to the local supermarkets to eat. I di scovered a monastery tucked away in the middle of thi s ci ty and s trolled i t, while enjoying the peace and tranquili ty i t offered.Restaurants were often tucked into corners in surpri sing

places. The menus were user-friendly because, while the i tem’s name looked like thi s 以前は長久手まで行, the menu had photos of the food. Or even better, the front windows often had a di splay of fake samples of food so you could decide what you wanted before entering. It was a culinary delight!

– Debbie Hubbard, PE, work scheduler for unit outages and major projects, Outage and Project Management

Our Favorite Vacation

Owner: Lisa Perry, CS, customer service representativePet’s name, age: Magic, 8, and Prissy, 2½Breed: PomeranianUnique specialties: Even though they are the same breed, they have different personalities. Magic, the black one, is laid back. Prissy, the tan and white one, is all over the place! They both enjoy taking daily walks and the attention they get from people when they are out. When they look at you, their faces have pom-pom smiles.

Send your pet photo with name, age, breed and its special trait to editor.ipl@aes.com.

My Favorite Pet

Send information on

your favorite restaurant

to editor.ipl@aes.com.

Ed Ross PD, project manager, Asset Management

Where do you like to dine out? Bonefish Grill, 4501 E. 82nd St., Indianapolis

What do you recommend to eat and why? I love the tilapia with the steamed vegetable medley. The fish is slightly firm, white and flaky, and it’s sweet tasting. It’s wood-grilled. They’ll do anything you want in preparing it. Sear it. Blacken it. I like it blackened with the lemon butter sauce. It’s healthy for you, too. And you have to have some key lime pie with the roasted pecan crust with some of their good coffee, of course.

What do you like about the place? I love the one on 82nd Street. It has a cozy atmosphere, and there’s not too much light in there. It’s a nice setting for four, preferably two. I’ll always ask for a booth away from the front where it’s quieter. It can get pretty busy so you’d better make reservations. The parking can get ugly, too, but they do have valet service.

Hours: 4 to 10 p.m., Monday-Friday, 4 to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Sunday

Website: www.bonefishgrill.com, 317.863.3474

My Favorite Table