www.toddwadena.coopOctober 2017

www.toddwadena.coopOctober 2017

Pine to Prairie NewsPine to Prairie News

Todd-Wadena lineworkers Jamie Line and Luke Wilhelmi were chosen to use their skills to help restore power for the members of Suwannee Valley Electric Cooperative (SVEC) in Live Oak, Florida. Line and Wilhelmi were joined by 12 other lineworkers from Minnesota electric cooperatives who all travelled to Florida through an ef-fort organized by the Minnesota Rural Electric Association (MREA).

The group of lineworkers left Minnesota on Sunday, September 10. After a long drive down south, they arrived at SVEC late in the afternoon on Tuesday. “As soon as we got there, we immediately went to work,” says

Todd-Wadena Linemen Help Restore Power in Florida

Line. “We were warned about some of the dangers we might face, they ran us through a few basics on their system and how they operate, and we were introduced to the people we’d be work-ing with.”

The linemen were impressed with both the organization and hospitality they encountered at the co-op. “They were awesome, you couldn’t ask for better people,” Line continues. “They would have breakfast ready for us bright and early when we got to the warehouse each morning. They packed lunches for us to eat during the day. Then they would have supper ready for us when we got back.”

For the entire week they were there, the linemen worked 16-hour days–some-times even longer depending on how much time it took to wrap up the final project for the day. Trevor, an electrical engineer with SVEC, stayed with the linemen the entire time and kept in communication with the co-op.

Line and Wilhelmi agree that one of the most amusing parts of their time in Florida was adjusting to the Florida lineworkers’ accents and trying to understand what exactly they were say-ing. They said the crews down south definitely have their own lingo, and the Southern drawl was so thick they could have used an interpreter.

“Cooperation Among Cooperatives” is one of the seven cooperative principles that guides the way Todd-Wadena Electric Cooperative makes decisions and operates as a co-op. When Hurricane Irma caused widespread damage this September, electric cooperatives in southern states reached out to fellow co-ops throughout the nation and requested assistance with massive storm restoration efforts.

(Linemen Help Restore Power is continued on page 3)

Lineworkers Luke Wilhelmi & Jamie Line

Highlights from the August 25th, 2017, regular board meeting:

– Lisa Graba-Meech presented the final Long Range Financial Forecast power point.

– Discussion was held about the historical debt limit, the current committed debt limit, the current outstanding debt, and the future debt estimates. A motion was approved to increase the corporate debt limit to $50 million.

– July financials were reviewed. July kWh sales were 11 percent under budget due to the MN Pipeline running less than budgeted. Other rate classes were ahead of budget. July kWh purchases were 10 percent under budget with demand two percent under budget. The July power cost expense was 16 percent under budget. YTD margins are $822,000 versus $641,00 budgeted. TIER is 2.37; Equity is 43.90.

– Brad Schmidt, RUS General Field Representative, reviewed the Form 300 Operations and Maintenance review. He then presented the RUS Loan Application, which was approved for $6.5 million.

– Attorney Dan Carlisle discussed the members’ forum on local democracy and provided board members with a variety of documents regarding the local democracy project. The members’ forum was scheduled for Tuesday, October 17 at 7 p.m. at the headquarters building.

– Tim Pavek reported that the member appreciation event went well this year. He also presented the Todd-Wadena Electric Cooperative/Great River Energy CIP program to the board.

– On the operations front, new services are forecasted to be around 70 by the end of the year. STAR is completing thermal imaging of TWEC’s substations. An underground construction project by Sylvan Shores will begin soon.

– Cooperative staff, along with STAR representative Lisa Tickhill, completed an emergency restoration table-top exercise. The exercise also served as a training opportunity for new cooperative employees.

– The GRE report noted that July margins and year-to-date margins are ahead of budget.

CEO’s Message

2

October is National Cooperative Month. National Cooperative Month provides us an opportunity to recognize our nation’s cooperatives and the cooperative business model. In the United States, there are approx-imately 30,000 co-ops serving nearly every business sector. In our area, we rely heavily on agricultural, food, and other cooperatives.

Our unique co-op business model is based on these seven coopera-tive principles:

1) Voluntary and Open Membership2) Democratic Member Control3) Members’ Economic Participation4) Autonomy and Independence5) Education, Training, and Information6) Cooperation Among Cooperatives7) Concern for Community

Everything we do here at Todd-Wadena Electric Cooperative is member-focused, with these seven cooperative principles in mind. Our mission statement “to responsibly provide utility services to our members” clearly states our member focus.

Rural electric cooperatives differ from both investor-owned and municipal utilities in several ways. Investor-owned utilities typically provide electricity in urban and suburban areas. Municipal utili-ties provide electric service within a city and the utility is owned by the city. Rural electric cooperatives provide electricity where investor-owned and municipal utilities do not—primarily in sparsely populated rural areas. Rural electric co-ops are also owned by the membership, with a democratically-elected board of directors that represents local priorities.

Please take some time this month to support your local coopera-tives and to help educate others about the importance and value of our nation’s cooperatives. Here at TWEC we will continue to work hard to be of great value to our members!

Robin DoegePresident/CEO

Robin Doege President/CEO

Celebrating the Cooperative Difference

Board Minutes

TWEC employees Jamie and Luke with lineworkers from other Minnesota cooperatives who went down to Florida to help with restoration.

Your Cooperative

The TWEC linemen spent most of their time cutting trees and helping put wire back up throughout the 4,300 miles of distribution lines maintained by the co-op. “The damage itself was similar to what we can experience around here,” Line report-ed. “A storm is a storm and power lines are power lines. However, the difference was that there was a lot of damage over a very large area.”

Working long hours in Florida’s intense heat and humidity, the linemen say they were motivated by the opportunity to help families in need. “Sometimes people would stop us on the road just to thank us. Others brought us Gatorade, water, or even jarred peanuts,” Wilhelmi says.

He continues, “Some of the people we were able to restore power for told us we were the first bucket truck they’d seen in seven or eight days. You can imagine they were pretty excited to see us!”

Todd-Wadena Linemen Help Restore Power in Florida(continued from first page)

Enviro-Fest 2017Over 480 students from area schools attended Todd County Soil & Water Conservation District’s Enviro–Fest on Thursday, September 21st. Enviro–Fest was held at Dale and Marie Katterhagen’s farm near Browerville.

Member services rep, Mary Williams, and area 6th graders play Energy Jeopardy.Operation

Round Up

grant recipient:

Todd County

Soil and Water

Conservation

District’s interactive

topography

demonstration.

3

*If a Marathon water heater does not fit in your home, call us for other options.

**Prices for new program enrollment only.

Standby power systems to provide peace of mind and keep your life uninterrupted.

✔ Intelligently powers your whole house

✔ Automatically starts when power goes out

✔ Runs on LP or natural gas

✔ By Briggs & Stratton — The Power Experts!

✔ Financing options available!

Now Available: Residential Standby Generator Systems

Briggs and Stratton is a trusted American-made brand, with a unique system that intelligently powers the whole home or business and automatically starts when the power goes out. Their patented DirectPower makes Briggs and Stratton generators easy to install by using a home’s existing wiring, saving time and material costs. Their exclusive Symphony II power management system allows the con-sumer to prioritize which appliances and parts of the home receive power first, unlike any competing generators, resulting in the ability to power an entire home using a smaller generator.

The Briggs and Stratton generators range from 12 kW to 20 kW, with pricing ranging from $4,800–$6,300. Call (218) 631–3120 or (800) 321-8932 to request more details.

Your Trusted Power Advisor

Our current stock of lower-priced water heaters won’t last forever!

Todd-Wadena’s off-peak water heating program uses electricity efficiently to save you money. The program includes a super-efficient Marathon* brand water heater and uses electricity during non-peak use times. With off-peak water heating, electricity to the water heater is controlled up to several hours when electric use — and the cost — is very high. By avoiding the use of non-essential electricity during peak times, the cooperative and its members save money.

Now is the Time to Update Your Water Heater

FOR MORE DETAILS, CALL (218) 631-3120 OR (800) 321- 8932!

4

For as long as stocks last, members who join Todd-Wadena’s off-peak program will receive an 85-gallon Marathon water heater, valued at over $800, for just $330**. Members who need more capacity, such as dairy operators, may purchase a 105-gallon Marathon water heater for $420**.

In addition, after a period of five years, you will receive monthly credits of $8 per month on your electric bill. These credits continue as long as you continue on the program (members who switch from gas to off-peak elec-tric or those undergoing new construction will begin

receiving the credits after just three years).

To qualify for the credits, your total household energy use monthly must be 500 kilowatt-

hours or greater.

Each year, some members are unable to pay their electric bill during cold weather months. If you can’t pay your electric bill, please call us. The Minnesota Cold Weather Rule was established to protect residential members from electrical service disconnection between October 15th and April 15th.

Cold Weather RuleCold Weather Rule protection is available if the following conditions exist:1) The disconnection would affect your main

heating source.2) You and TWEC agree on a payment plan.3) You have returned the Cold Weather Rule

Declaration Form to TWEC.

AVOID DISCONNECTION BETWEEN OCTOBER 15TH AND APRIL 15TH BY DOING THE FOLLOWING:

1. Set Up a Payment PlanIf you receive a disconnect notice on your bill, you must call and set up a mutually agreed upon monthly payment plan before the discon-nect date on the bill. This payment plan must be kept current to be protected by the Cold Weather Rule and avoid disconnection.

Easy Steps to Greater Efficiency Do you want to save money and electricity but have limited time, money, and patience? According to the Department of Energy, a “typical American family” spends nearly $2,000 per year on their home energy bills. Some of that money is wasted through leaky windows or ducts, old appliances, or inefficient heating and cooling systems. Luckily, there are several relatively easy ways to save energy without a substan-tial commitment of time and money.

Starting with the EnvelopeImproving the envelope of your home is a good place to start. Doors and windows may not close tightly or duct work can spring leaks, wasting cooled and heated air. By placing weather stripping and caulk around windows and doors, you can keep cool air inside during warm months and prevent chilly air from penetrating the indoors during colder months. Sealing gaps around piping, dryer vents, fans, and outlets also helps to seal the envelope and creates greater efficiency.

Increasing HVAC EfficiencyGiven that a large portion of your monthly energy bill goes toward heating and cooling your home, it makes sense to

ensure your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is performing at an optimal level. Checking, changing, or cleaning your filter extends the life of your HVAC system and saves you money.

Air filters prevent dust and allergens from clogging your HVAC system. However, a system’s air filter left allowed to collect too much dust can lead to reduced air flow in the home and up to 15 percent higher operating costs. A simple task like changing the filters on your HVAC system on a regular basis allows your unit to run more efficiently, keeping your house cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

Appliances & LightingAppliances and lighting account for about one-fifth of the total home energy use. When purchasing new appliances, look for the ENERGY STAR label, which designates efficiency. You can also conserve energy by turning off appliances and lights that are not in use. To see how much electricity individ-ual 120 volt appliances use, you can borrow a Kill-A-Watt meter from the cooperative. Stop by our office to check one out for a few days at no charge.

Replacing incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs can make a big difference in home efficiency and is one of the fastest ways to cut your energy bill. Known for their longevity and

efficiency, LED bulbs have an estimated operation-al lifespan of typically 10,000 to 20,000 hours—compared to 1,000 hours for a typical incandes-cent. According to the Department of Energy,

by replacing your home’s five most frequently used light bulbs with models that have earned the ENERGY STAR rating, you can save approximately

$75 annually.

Program Your Energy Savings Take a look at your programmable thermostat. When was the last time you checked to make sure it was programmed for the current season and family schedule? This is one of the best energy-saving tools at your fingertips. It enables you to fine tune the temperature during particular hours of the day. Many models allow you to differentiate between weekday and weekend sched-ules. Most models come with an override option so you can make manual adjust-ments without losing overall programming.

2. Return the Cold Weather Rule Declaration FormComplete the Cold Weather Rule Declaration form, and return to TWEC before the discon-nect due date on your bill. You may complete this form online at www. toddwadena.coop.

NOTE:The Cold Weather Rule does not forbid all winter disconnections. If you have a DISCONNECTION NOTICE on your bill between October 15th and April

15th, you must act before the disconnect due date on the bill.

Tips to Curb Your Energy Bill

5

Cooperative News

6

Todd-Wadena Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer. If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of

discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form (PDF), found online at www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the form. You

may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter to us by mail at U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442, or email

at program.intake@usda.gov.

Employee Spotlights

How I Serve the Co-op: I’ve had the good fortune to work at TWEC since I was 22 and will be retiring next year. I’ve held several posi-tions with the cooperative, including cashier/reception-ist, data entry, programming, payroll, HR, capital credits, and account billing. Now, as I transition to retirement, I am a part-time cashier/recep-tionist–the job I started with at the cooperative. Some members ask if I’m new here.I started working at TWEC in: July 1978Where I live: Clitherall Lake since 2016. From 1977-2016, we lived on a farm south of Bertha.Hometown/High School: Minneapolis- SouthwestFamily: My husband Rick and I were married in 1976. Our daughter Nicole and her husband John live in Becker, MN. She is a stay-at-home mom and they are expecting their tenth child. Our son Luke, his wife Tasha, and their three kids live near Bertha. Luke is a lineman for TWEC. Our son Jake, his wife Sarah, and four kids live by New York Mills. Jake is a lineman for Great River Energy.Hobbies: I enjoy redoing furniture, crafts, and garden-ing. I also enjoy spending time with my family and friends.

Peggy Wilhelmi

Job Title: LinemanHow I Serve the Co-op: I build, maintain, and repair power lines on our system.I started working at TWEC in: June 1999Where I live: Southwest of WadenaHometown/High School: Wadena-Deer Creek High SchoolEducation/Special Training or Certification: One year at Wadena TechPrior Experience: I worked part-time at Todd-Wadena for four years (1996-99)Family: My wife is Cari Grenier

Jon Grenier

The Todd-Wadena Electric Cooperative Board of Directors invites members to share comments regarding the adoption of the Local Democracy Distributed Generation rules contemplated within Minnesota Statute 216B.164. Draft rules are available on our website and copies will be avail-able at our headquarters at 550 Ash Avenue NE, Wadena, MN 56482. The members’ forum will be held at the Cooperative headquarters basement meeting room at 7:00 p.m. on October 17th, 2017 and is open to Todd-Wadena Electric Coopera-tive members only. If you are unable to attend the meeting on October 17th, you may submit com-ments by calling the Cooperative at (218) 631-3120 or by email at rdoege@toddwadena.coop.

Notice of Member ForumTuesday, October 17th, 2017, 7:00 p.m.

*PLEASE RSVP IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND BY CALLING OR EMAILING THE COOPERATIVE AT THE CONTACTS IDENTIFIED ABOVE.

Like us on Facebook and participate in co-op trivia!www.facebook.com/ToddWadenaElectricCooperative

Cooperative News

7

Do you know an organization that has made outstanding contributions to our community? Nominate them before November 1st!

Nominate a Worthy Organization for a $500 Award

This fall, Todd-Wadena Electric Cooperative is seeking nominations for the cooperative’s Touchstone Energy Community Award. The award recognizes community groups or businesses that have made significant contributions to the local community. The winning or-ganization will be presented with a plaque and a cash award of $500 for its cause.

Other Touchstone Energy Cooperatives will also be recognizing community volunteers in their local communities. All local winners contend for a statewide prize of $1,000, a beautiful award, and a hotel stay to be in attendance for the statewide award presentation.

There have been reports of members using third party payment systems to pay their electric bills. Todd-Wadena offers online account management through SmartHub. SmartHub uses the latest technology to help you manage your electric account 24/7 by computer or smartphone. Best of all, it’s FREE! Sign up by visiting www.toddwadena.coop, and clicking on the SmartHub logo.

SmartHub allows you to pay your bill, view your usage, manage your account, and more!

1. Provides 24/7 secure access to your account from a computer, tablet, or mobile phone.

2. Notifies you when a new electric bill has been generated and includes a link to your account for quick payment of your bill or to review your account information.

3. Allows you to pay electronically using your Visa or MasterCard or an electronic check transaction.

4. You can set up recurring automatic payments using your checking or savings accounts.

5. Displays posting of payments in real time, so you know your payment has been applied.

Ten reasons

you’ll love SmartHub:

6. Provides current and historical billing information and payment history.

7. Shows daily, weekly, and monthly electric usage in easy to understand graphics so you can match electric use to your bill.

8. Gives you the option to go paperless, if you choose.

9. Allows you to set up usage alerts.

10. Includes a FREE app for your smartphone or tablet. Simply search for “SmartHub” on either the Apple Store or Android Market. Once the app is open, type in “Todd-Wadena Electric Cooperative” as the power provider.

SmartHub is the Official Way to Pay

Eligibility: Organizations or individuals that have served a community need within the Todd and Wadena County service area are eligible.

Application Form: Print, complete, and submit the nomination form. Giving a description of the project, program, or event and the posi-tive impact it has brought to the community is required. Send additional pages, photos, etc., if necessary.

Deadline: Applications need to be received by Todd-Wadena Electric Cooperative on or before November 1st, 2017.

Questions: Contact Kallie Van De Venter at Todd-Wadena Electric Cooperative. Address: P.O. Box 431, Wadena, MN 56482. Phone: (218) 631-3120 or (800) 321-8932 Email: kvandeventer@toddwadena.coop

Todd-Wadena Electric CooperativeP.O. Box 431Wadena, MN 56482

A monthly publication for members and friends of

PRSRT STDU.S. Postage

PAIDDPC

Pine to Prairie News

www.facebook.com/ToddWadenaElectricCooperative

LOCAL ELECTRICAL INSPECTORSTodd County: Victor Clasemann (320) 732-6385Wadena County: Gary Zacharias (218) 631-1392District 5 (Todd County): Mark Hunter (320) 616-5574District 6 (Wadena County): Sheldon Monson (218) 631-5712

Before digging call:Gopher State One-Call811 or (800) 252-1166

Printed on recycled paper.

If your electric power goes out:First, make sure the problem is not on your side. (Members may be billed for service calls if the problem is caused by their own equipment.) Check fuses and circuit break-ers in your home and by the meter pole. (Call us for help, if necessary.)

Second, check with your neighbors to see if they have power. Then call Todd-Wadena to report the problem. Give your name and account number. Then report any tree branches, twisted wires, broken poles, and whether or not your neighbors are also out of power.

www.toddwadena.coop

Office Hours: 8:00am - 4:30pm Monday - Friday

Telephone: (218) 631-3120 or (800) 321-8932

Email: todd–wad@toddwadena.coop

Address: 550 Ash Avenue NE P.O. Box 431 Wadena, MN 56482

BOARD OF DIRECTORSMichael Thorson, ChairDale Adams, Vice ChairMarie Katterhagen, Secretary Gene Kern, TreasurerTom Brichacek, DirectorNorman Krause, DirectorMiles Kuschel, Director

Robin Doege, President/CEO

Pan A Day BarsIN THE KITCHEN

Would you like to see one of your recipes featured “In The Kitchen”? Please submit your recipe to todd-wad@toddwadena.coop, or mail it to TWEC, ‘In The Kitchen’, P.O. Box 431, Wadena, MN 56482. Please include your name, address, phone number, and your TWEC ac-count number. If your recipe is chosen, you will receive a $10 bill credit!

Bring the sugar and white syrup to a boil. Add the peanut butter and mix until smooth. Add the quick cook oatmeal to mixture. Pat into a 9x13 pan.

Make the topping by melt-ing the chocolate chips and the butterscotch chips in a double boiler. Add peanut butter to the mix. Frost bars.

; 1 cup white sugar ; 1 cup white syrup

; ½ bag chocolate chips ; ½ bag butterscotch chips ; 1 cup peanut butter

Sandy Smith of Staples, MN

; 1½ cups peanut butter ; 3½ cups quick cook oatmeal1.

2.