2015 annual meeting program and registration card · pdf fileannual meeting program and...

APRIL 2015 VOL 15 NO 12

2015 Annual Meeting

Program and Registration Card

Managerrsquos and Board Presidentrsquos report

2014 In Review A message to our members

powerfultogether We focus on keeping you

our members at the forefront of all we do We are always working as a cooperative on our membersrsquo behalf to proshyvide safe reliable high quality electric service for the best value This is YOUR cooperashytive To remain healthy and strong the cooperative needs continued active participashytion and support The annual meeting is one way that you can participate in your electric cooperative This is where you elect the board of direcshytors This year at the annual meeting there will be a vote on suggested changes to the bylaws that the H-D Board and cooperative attorney have reviewed and recommend for approval For details of these recommend changes see the

additional pages in this annual report This yearrsquos annual meeting will be held on April 18 2015 at the Hamlin Education Center located west of Hayti SD We invite all of you to come listen and ask about the business of your electric cooperative Besides participating in your cooperativersquos business itrsquos a great opportunity to visit with neighbors enjoy a noon meal and have a chance to win a door prize

Overall your cooperative remains financially solid In 2014 H-D Electric had revenue from electric sales of $896 million up from 2013rsquos revenue of $872 milshylion We ended the year with 30 new services from the previous year Electric sales increased to 952 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) up from 2013 sales of 947 milshylion kWhs

H-D strives to have a reliable system that you can count on This year we had an average of 3965 minshyutes of outage per consumer The majority of this time or 3055 minutes was the result of the December ice storm that hit Hamlin County particularly hard While we canrsquot control the weather we do control how we respond and once again our employees responded wonshyderfully with their hard and efficient work to restore

Matt Hotzler Manager

Bert rogness Board President

your electric service Weather certainly has a great effect on reliability so

does the general state of our poles and wires In 2014 we started the first year of our four-year work plan which defines distribution line projects needed for 2014 to 2017 This plan calls for $62 million in updates to our distribution system over the four years Rural Utilities Services or RUS agreed with our plan and after review and plan approval RUS approved loan funds for the projects In 2014 H-D Electric investment in line projects for the year was $148 million

In 2014 we asked our members to participate with us to send a message to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that we want to keep electricity affordshyable The EPArsquos proposed standard to limit carbon dishyoxide emissions from new coal power plants will require carbon dioxide capture technology that is costly and not viable on a commercial scale The EPA also proposed rules on carbon emissions from existing power plants that could raise the cost of your electricity dramatically We rolled out wwwactioncoop a website designed to help our members easily send a message to the EPA to help fight for reasonable rates Our members responded with 328 messages sent to the EPA with the message that reasonable rates are important to them

Our Member Services Department was also quite busy during 2014 The four-member department completed 923 various service orders including such items as electrical wiring water heater repairs irrigation and water heater control installations usage inquiries secondary wire repairs and heat meter connections Additionally member services personnel answered everyday questions about heating systems lighting and energy usage

In 2014 we competed a conversion of our accountshying software and started the conversion of customer records and billing software (scheduled for completion in mid-year 2015) This change was necessary to have a software platform that keeps up with utility technology changes Once the billing software is converted in 2015 there will be a new online program that it easier to use as well as available to members through an app for most smartphones or tablets

While there have been dramatic changes in some of the equipment and technology since your forefathers applied for memberships at $5 each to Hamlin Electric Association later to be renamed to H-D Electric Coshyoperative the goal to provide safe reliable and affordshyable electricity to you the member-owners remains the same

2 April 2015 bull Cooperative ConneCtions

(USPS No 018ndash905)

GENERAL MANAGER Matt Hotzler

HEADQUARTERS EMPLOYEES Annie Aberle ndash Finance and

Administration Manager Roger Cutshaw ndash Engineer Darren Matthies ndash Building Property

Worker Michelle Prins ndash Billing Clerk Heidi Brewer ndash Accounting Clerk Sharon Maas ndash ReceptionistCashier

OPERATIONS Troy Kwasniewski ndash Operations Manager Todd Sprang ndash Line Foreman Clear Lake Line Crew Pat Kirby ndash Lead Lineworker Joe Raml ndash Lineworker Josh Risty ndash Lineworker Nathan Sime ndash Lineworker Joel Reppe ndash Serviceman Hayti Line Crew Kevin Holida ndash Lead Lineworker Chris Stangl ndash Lineworker

MEMBER SERVICES Tom Lundberg ndash Member Services

Manager Tony Nielsen ndash Electrician Austin Olinger ndash Electrician Brian Cam ndash Apprentice Electrician

BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Bert Rogness ndash Astoria Vice President Terry Strohfus ndash Hazel Secretary Wayne TeKrony ndash Castlewood Treasurer Steven Hansen ndash Clear Lake Roxanne Bass ndash Castlewood Dale Williams ndash Estelline Alvin Kangas ndash Lake Norden Kevin DeBoer ndash Clear Lake Laurie Seefeldt ndash Revillo

HndashD ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS is publishedmonthly by HndashD Electric Cooperative Inc PO Box 1007 423 3rdAve S Clear Lake SD 57226ndash1007 for its members Families subscribe to HndashD Electric Cooperative Connections as part oftheir electric cooperative membership HndashD Electric CooperativeConnectionsrsquo purpose is to provide reliable helpful informationto electric cooperative members on matters pertaining to ruralelectrification and better rural living HndashD Electric Cooperative isan equal opportunity provider and employer

Subscription information Electric cooperative members devote50 cents from their monthly electric payments for a subscription Nonmember subscriptions are available for $12 annuallyPeriodicals Postage Paid at Clear Lake SD and at additionalmailing offices

POSTMASTER Send address changes to HndashD Electric CooperativeConnections PO Box 1007 Clear Lake SD 57226ndash1007 telephone(605) 874ndash2171 tollndashfree1ndash800ndash358ndash7233 fax (605) 874ndash8173endashmail infohndashdelectriccoop

Design assistance by SDREA and TDG Communications

Annual Meeting news

Notice of 2015 Annual Meeting of HndashD Electric

March 17 2015 Dear Member

The regular annual meeting of the members of H-D Electric Cooperative Inc will be held at the Hamlin Education Center Hayti South Dakota on the 18th day of April 2015 at 100 pm pursuant to the provisions of Section I Article VI of the Bylaws of said cooperative to take action upon the following matters

1 To elect Directors 2 Pass upon reports for the previous fiscal year 3 Transact such business as may come before the meeting REGISTRATION AND A NOON MEAL BEGINS AT 11 am Your registration card will be located on the back cover of this newsletter Please

cut it out sign and present card at the registration table Your registration card will entitle you to an Official Ballot the noon meal a registration gift and a chance to win a prize A number of $25 energy credits two $50 energy credits one $100 energy credit electric grills and many more wonderful prizes will be awarded You must be present to win

A special $500 cash credit to energy bill drawing will be held at the end of the program The entire membership is entered in this drawing You must be present to win

If you are disabled and need reasonable accommodation to have a full and equal enjoyment of this program please notify the business office at 605-874-2171 or 1-800-358-7233

Dated this 17th day of March 2015 Wayne TeKrony Secretary H-D ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC

Remember to bring the registration card on the back of this newsletter to the annual meeting

Come

to the

hndashD

eleCtriC

Condashop

AnnuAl

meeting

April 18 bull hAmlin educAtion center hAyti South dAkotA

Lunch 11 am bull Meeting 1 pm Update on HndashD electric Childrenrsquos program Win prizes prizes prizes registration card on the back of this magazine please cut and bring card to annual meeting

$500 credit to your Account drawing from entire membership must Be present to Win

Cooperative ConneCtions bull April 2015 3

SafetyTips

April Showers BringHydroplaning

What is hydroplaing Hydroplaning is when your vehicle slides or skids on a wet road surface Although it can happen on any wet surface it is the most dangerous during the first 10 minutes of a light rain Light rain mixes with the oily residue on the pavement and creates a slippery condition that can cause your vehicle to hydroplane It is

Did you know the refrigerator is one of the biggest energy hogs in your home Use these simple tips on how to keep your fridge running efficiently

bull REMEMBER TO COOL DOWN Warm food in the re-frigerator forces the appliance to adjust the temperature using more energy

bull A FULL FRIDGE IS A HAPPY FRIDGE When your refriger-ator and freezer are full the appliance runs more efficiently

bull KEEP IT CLEAN Remember to clean dust and dirt from the coils behind or underneath the refrigerator

bull TAKE COVER Uncovered food and liquids release mois-ture and force the compressor to work harder

Photo source General Electric

especially dangerous for vehicles driving faster than 35 miles per hour such a car in the merge lane heading on to a highway

How do you reduce the risk of hydroplaning You should always keep you tires properly inflated in accordance with the manufacturerrsquos specifications Make sure that your tires are rotated so that their tread wears evenly Replace old worn tires as needed Pay special attention and slow down when driving in inclement weather Leave extra space between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you in case you need to stop suddenly Adjust your traveling speed in accordance with the weather conditions If possible drive in lanes that are not flooded with water and stay clear of rain puddling in the roadway Do not engage cruise control in bad weather because it sets the acceleration automatically

What should you do if your vehicle starts to hydroplane If you feel your vehicle start to hydroplane do not panic The first thing to remember is to not brake or accelerate suddenly If you brake or accelerate suddenly it could cause your vehicle to spin out of control Look for an empty space in the road ahead and steer gently in that direction Ease off of the gas pedal slowly so that your wheels can regain contact with the roadway Drive safely

Source arifleetcom

Kidsrsquo Corner Safety Poster ldquoBe careful with electricity ndash it can shock yourdquo

Austin Waring 8 years old Austin is the son of Jeremy and Ramona Waring Colton SD They are members of Sioux Valley Energy Colman SD

Kids send your drawing with an electrical safety tip to your local electric cooperative (address found on Page 3) If your poster is published yoursquoll receive a prize All entries must include your name age mailing address and the names of your parents Colored drawings are encouraged

4 Apri l 2015 bull COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS

In medium bowl stir together all topping ingredients set aside Brush olive oil on both sides of bread slices place on baking sheet Bake at 400degF turning once for 7 minutes per side or until crisp and golden brown cool Spoon about 1 T topping on each toast round Makes about 24 appetizers

Nutritional information for 1 piece 68 calories 5g fat 1g saturated fat 2mg cholesterol 2g protein 6g carbohydrates 1g fiber 121mg sodium Pictured Courtesy of wwwporkbeinspiredcom

Bacon Lettuce and Tomato Bruschetta 1 (16 oz) can jellied

cranberry sauce 1 cup ketchup

3 T brown sugar 1 T lemon juice 72 pre-cooked meatballs

In large saucepan combine first 4 ingredients Cook stirring frequently until the cranberry sauce is melted Add meatballs and heat thru Mary Jessen Holabird

Yummy Fruit Dip 1 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese

softened 34 cup brown sugar

14 cup white sugar 1 tsp vanilla

Mix together all ingredients refrigerate Serve with fresh fruit

Shirley Dreher Clark

Graduation Punch 1 (6 oz) can orange juice 1 (6 oz) can lemonade 1 pkg orange koolaid 2 cups pineapple juice

2 quarts water 1 cup sugar 1 (64 oz) bottle ginger ale

Mix together all ingredients except ginger ale Add ginger ale just before serving

Jane Ham Rapid City

Cranberry Meatballs

Pineapple-Strawberry Smoothie 1 (20 oz) can pineapple

chunks 1 medium banana

1 cup pineapple juice 1 cup vanilla yogurt 12 cup strawberries

Combine all ingredients in blender Serve in chilled glasses

Stephanie Fossum Hudson

8 to 10 slices bacon crispy cooked and crumbled

3 to 4 roma tomatoes (plum) seeded and chopped about 1-13 cups

1 cup lettuce chopped 2 T fresh basil chopped 1 clove garlic minced

14 tsp salt 14 tsp black pepper 13 cup blue cheese or feta cheese

crumbled (optional) About 13 cup olive oil 1 (16 oz) pkg French bread cut in

14-inch slices

Please send your favorite casserole dairy and dessert recipes to your local electric cooperative (address found on page 3) Each recipe printed will be entered into a drawing for a prize in June 2015 All entries must include your name mailing address telephone number and cooperative name

23 cup milk 2 T instant cocoa mix

1 T instant coffee 13 cup vanilla ice cream

Mix milk cocoa mix and coffee in electric blender Add ice cream and blend until smooth

Rebecca Hauser Tripp

Mocha Cooler

Baked Brie with Jam 1 (8 oz) can crescent rolls 1 (8 oz) round Brie cheese

1 (18 oz) jar jam

Unroll dough on greased cookie sheet pat dough so perforations seal Place Brie in the middle of the crescent rolls Cover top of Brie with jam Press dough evenly around Briejam ndash try to seal completely Bake at 350degF for 20 to 30 minutes or until golden brown Cool 15 minutes Serve warm with assorted crackers We prefer raspberry

Mary Contz Hendricks MN

1 large Vidalia onion chopped 1 cup mayonnaise

1 cup grated Swiss Cheese

Mix together and place in baking dish Bake at 350degF for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly

Glenda Morton Sioux Falls

Vidalia Onion Dip

Sausage Dip 1 lb bulk sausage 1 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese

1 (10 oz) can Ro-Tel tomatoes with green chilies

Brown and drain sausage Add Ro-Tel and cream cheese Put in small crockpot and cook until hot stirring often Serve with chips or crackers

Amy Schoenfelder Cavour

RecipesReader

Appetizers amp Beverages

COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS bull Apr i l 2015 5

Annual Meeting Minutes

Unofficial Minutes of the 2014 Annual Meeting the 71st annual meeting of the members of H-D Electric Cooperative Inc was held at Deuel School Gymnasium Clear Lake Deuel County South Dakota on Saturday March 29 2014 at 100 orsquoclock pm pursuant to notice of meeting duly mailed to all members

The Chairman of the Board Mr Bert Rogness called the meeting to order at 100 orsquoclock pm following a dinner served to the members

Mr Bert Rogness chairman led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance

A video presentation of the National Anthem by Lee Greenwood was presented

The invocation was given by Rev Steve Maas a member of H-D Electric Cooperative Inc

The President of the board Mr Bert Rog-ness Chairman of the meeting reported that a quorum was present and the meeting was duly convened He acknowledged the presence of Bob Gayle an employee from East River Electric Power Cooperative Inc who is assisting with the video presentation and the electronics Also he introduced the new general manager for East River Electric Power Cooperative Mr Tom Boyko and the general manager for South Dakota Rural Electric Association Mr Ed Anderson

Mr Bert Rogness introduced the directors with the date each was first elected to the board In addition he introduced the manager Mr Matthew Hotzler and the project attorney Mr Dennis D Evenson

Mr Wayne TeKrony Secretary read the notice and proof of mailing for the annual meeting

Mr Bert Rogness asked for a motion to approve the minutes of the 2013 annual meeting as printed in the H-D Electric Cooperative Connec-tions On motion duly made seconded and car-ried the minutes of the 2013 annual meeting as printed in the H-D Electric Cooperative Connections were approvedA panel consisting of Mr Bert Rog-ness President Mr Matthew Hotzler manager and Mr Steve Hansen Treasurer presented a report with the aid of a power point presentation The report included financial information the coop had a record year in kWh sales with 2014 retirement of capital credits from years 1992 and 1993 brings the total to over $600000000

paid back to members in the form of capital credits and energy refunds the forecast for rate increase and the hope to keep the rates steady for 2014 wholesale power costs with a review of the percentage East River purchases from Basin and the percentage East River purchases from Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) the retirement of Jeff Nelson as the manager for East River Electric Power Cooperative Inc and the new manager for East River Electric Power Cooperative Inc Tom Boyko the new interim CEO Paul Sukut for Basin Electric Power Cooperative Inc a review of the core values for the cooperative integrity accountability innovation and community a review of the goals to maintain affordable electricity and keep the lights on for H-D Electric Cooperative Inc a review of the after hour calls routed through Basin the review of the Construc-tion Work Plan for the next four years a review of the legislative bill passed for railroad crossings information about the activities of South Dakota Rural Electric Association (SDREA) and informa-tion on the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) with the emphasis on the threats from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Mr Matthew Hotzler manager introduced the employees of H-D Electric Cooperative Inc

Mr Bert Rogness called for the motion to ac-cept the financial report as presented On motion duly made seconded and carried the financial report as published and as presented was ac-cepted and placed on file

Mr Bert Rogness chairman of the board introduced the nominating committee and intro-duced the project attorney Mr Dennis D Evenson to handle the election Mr Dennis D Evenson introduced Mr Calvin Musch to present the names of the candidates selected by the nominating com-mittee Mr Calvin Musch advised the membership that the following were the candidates selected by the nominating committee

District 3 ndash Wayne TeKrony District 4 ndash Darwin Mack and Laurie Seefeldt District 9 ndash Alvin Kangas

Mr Dennis D Evenson then asked if there

are any further nominations from the floor for a candidate from District 3 No further nominations being made Mr Evenson advised the membership that Mr Wayne TeKrony was elected as the director for District 3

Mr Dennis D Evenson introduced the candidates for District 4 Mr Darwin Mack and Ms Laurie Seefeldt Mr Evenson then asked if there were any further nominations for director from District 4 No further nominations being made Mr Evenson advised the membership that Mr Darwin Mack and Ms Laurie Seefeldt are the candidates for the election for District 4

Mr Dennis D Evenson asked if there were any further nominations for director from District 9 No further nominations being made Mr Evenson advised the membership that Mr Alvin Kangas was elected as the director for District 9

Mr Dennis D Evenson then advised the membership to cast their ballots for their choice of candidates for District 4 gave instructions to the staff to collect the ballots and to the credentials committee to proceed to the room chosen for counting the ballots

While the credentials committee retired to count the ballots the staff proceeded with the door prizes

The credentials committee provided the report on the election to Mr Bert Rogness chairman Mr Bert Rogness advised the members that Ms Laurie Seefeldt was elected as the director for District 4 and thanked the candidates for their participation in the election

Mr Bert Rogness asked if there was any old business or unfinished business No old business or unfinished business was presented

Mr Bert Rogness asked the members if there was any new business No new business being pre-sented and no further business coming on before the meeting on motion duly made seconded and carried the meeting was adjourned

Mr Bert Rogness then asked for the drawing from the general membership for the main door prize of $40000 The member was not present so for 2015 annual meeting the door prize will increase to $50000

The total attendance was 127 members


Irrigation

Seasonals

Commercial Churches Other

Farms

Taxes

Customer Service amp Sales

Interest amp Other

Depreciation

Operation amp Maintenance

Administrative

Power Cost

Financial statements

WHat We oWn assets as oF DeC 31 2014 stateMent oF inCoMe 2013 2014

Lines Office Building and Operating Equip $29037155 $30192926 Construction Work In Progress 403338 96846 Less Reserve for Depreciation (10423734) (11037471) total electric plant less depreciation $19016759 $19252301

CASH AND INVESTMENTS Cash on Hand $15778 $11541 Patronage Capital and

Investments in Related Organizations 4644427 4859762 Working Capital Member Loans

and Investments in Other Organizations 2079015 1684554 total cash and investments $6739220 $6555857

RECEIVABLES From Electric Consumers $989447 $887032 Interest and Others 64497 73368 total receivables $1053944 $960400 Material and Supplies $572806 $778315 Prepaid Insurance 56565 16492 Deferred Debits 538505 508269 total material and other Assets $1167876 $1303076 totAl oF WhAt We oWn $27977799 $28071634

WHat We oWe LiaBiLities as oF DeC 31 2014 2013 2014

Amount borrowed from RUS and CFC $31795985 $32795985 We paid back on Principal (12074995) (12900961) Advance payment to RUS (2671833) (2583170) total longndashterm debt 17049157 17311854

We Owe East River (Consumer Loans) 246716 187370 We Owe Consumers (Deposits) 23568 24954 Deferred Credits 924734 556543 Accounts Payable and Other Liabilities 966762 937690 total other liabilities $2161780 $1706557 totAl oF WhAt We oWe $19210937 $19018411 EQUITY Patronage Capital amp Other Equity 8766862 9053223 totAl liABilitieS And eQuity $27977799 $28071634

2014 revenue source

077 Other Operating Revenue 2518 Commercial 246 Irrigation 7159 Farms amp Residential

7159

077 246

2518

REVENUE FROM SALES OF SERVICES 2013 2014 Farms and Residential $6220383 $6417354 Commercial 2089259 2257497 Irrigation 338307 220255 Other Operating Revenue 75066 69093

revenue From electric Sales $8723015 $8964199 Margin Stabilization 192027 382580 totAl reVenue $8915042 $9346779

stateMent oF eXpense

COSTS TO SUPPLY SERVICES 2013 2014 Cost of Purchased Power $5453409 $5669221 Operation of Lines 447674 561786 Maintenance of Lines 446953 517683 Consumers Accounting amp Collecting 144510 174864 Customer Service Expense 143437 148769 Sales Expense 6080 3748 Other Administrative and General Expense 756813 813198 Depreciation 840502 855896 Taxes 151215 152225 Interest Expense 371051 407403 Other Misc Expense 14485 10930 totAl eXpenSeS $8776129 $9315723

MARGINS Operating Margins for the Year $138913 $31056 NonndashOperating Margins for the Year 201113 183564 G amp T Capital Credits and Other 379431 363697

totAl mArGinS For the yeAr $719457 $578317

2014 Financial Statements have not been audited

2014 expenses

873 Administrative amp General 919 Depreciation 1159 Operation amp Maintenance 6086 Power Cost

6086

351

163

449 873

919 1159

163 Taxes 351 Customer Accounting

Service amp Sales 449 Interest amp Other


Donrsquot Just Dig It Simple Call to 811 Can Save Money Lives

By Brenda Kle in jan

April may be known for its showers but itrsquos

also a month set aside to raise awareness for safe digging

According to the Common Ground Alliancersquos Damage Information Reporting Tool (DIRT) Report an underground utility line is damaged every six minutes because someone decided to dig but didnrsquot call 811 At that rate in a 24-hour-a-day society thatrsquos more than 87000 times in a year where people ndash someonersquos mother or father son or daughter ndash risked injury or costly damages

The 2013 DIRT Report found that nationwide there were an estimated 335000 events involving dig-ins to utilities The cause of those dig-ins were identified in about 75 percent of the situations reported in 2013

Of those events with causes listed half were due to insufficient excavation practices a quarter were because notification simply was not made and 16 percent were due to insufficient locating practices

The 2013 DIRT Report also noted that nationshywide occupants and farmers were the groups most likely not to call 811 prior to digging

Building a deck Planting a tree Installing a mailbox 811 is the new number you should call before you begin any digging project

The federally mandated national ldquoCall Before You Digrdquo number 811 was created to help protect you from unintentionally hitting underground utility lines while working on digging projects People digging often make risky assumptions about whether or not they should get their utility lines

marked due to concerns about project delays costs and previous calls about other projects

How does 811 worK When someone calls 811 in the United States

he or she is connected to the local one call center where a representative collects information about the callerrsquos planned dig site The one call center then communicates the information to the approprishyate utility companies which send professional utility locating technicians to identify and mark the approximate location of lines within a few days of the phone call Once lines have been marked the caller may dig safely around the marks

These assumptions can be life-threatening Every digging job requires a call ndash even small projects like planting trees or shrubs If you hit an underground utility line while digging you can harm yourself or those around you disrupt service to an entire neighborhood and potentially be responsible for fines and repair costs Homeowners often make risky assumptions about whether or not they should get their utility lines marked but every digging job requires a call ndash even small projects like planting trees and shrubs The depth of utility lines varies and there may be multiple utility lines in a comshymon area

Digging without calling can disrupt service to an entire neighborhood harm you and those around you and potentially result in fines and repair costs

Calling 811 before every digging job gets your underground utility lines marked for free and helps

prevent undesired consequences


Donrsquot Just Dig ItSimple Call to 811 Can Save Money Lives

More Than Half of Homeshyowners Put Themselves at Risk by Not Calling 811 A 2014 survey by the Common Ground Alliance found that 51 percent of American homeowners who planned to dig in 2014 for projects that included landscaping installing a fence or mailbox and building a deck or patio would put them selves and their communities at risk by not calling 811 to learn the approximate location of underground utilities

Digging without knowing the approximate location of underground utilities increases the likelihood of unintentional damage which can cause serious injuries service disruptions and repair costs

There are more than 100 billion feet of underground utilities in the United States according to data compiled by CGA from various industry groups That figure equates to more than one football fieldrsquos length (105 yards) of buried utilities for every man woman and child in the US

The 2014 survey also found that homeowners will call 811 for certain projects but not for all DIY landscape projects Homeowners will not call 811 for the following DIY projects

bull 84 percent ndash Planting shrubs (Editorrsquos Note bull 63 percent ndash Planting a tree 811 should be bull 61 percent ndash Installing a pole for a basketball goal called before bull 50 percent ndash Building a deck ALL of these bull 46 percent ndash Installing a fence activities)bull 45 percent ndash Digging a patio

The survey also identified top reasons why people do not plan to call 811 before digging Fifty-six percent said that they felt they already knew where utilities were buried on their property and 47 percent did not think they would dig deep enough to come in contact with utility lines despite the fact that utilities can sometimes be just a few inches below the surface due to erosion and other topography changes CGArsquos 1500 members the US Department of Transportation most governors and many mayors have proclaimed April as National Safe Digging Month as a way to bring extra attention to the issue and reduce the risk of unnecessary infrastrucshyture damage As part of National Safe Digging Month CGA encourages homeowners to take the following steps when planning a digging project this spring

bull Always call 811 a few days before digging regardless of the depth or familiarity with the property bull Plan ahead Call on Monday or Tuesday for work planned for an upcoming weekend

providing ample time for the approximate location of lines to be marked bull Confirm with your local one call center that all lines have been marked bull Learn what the various colors of paint and flags represent at wwwcall811comfaqs bull Consider moving the location of your project if it is near utility line markings bull If a contractor has been hired confirm that a call to 811 has been made Donrsquot allow

work to begin if the lines arenrsquot marked

CGA is a member-driven association of 1500 individuals organizations and sponsors in every facet of the underground utility industry Established in 2000 CGA is committed to saving lives and preventing damage to underground infrastructure by promoting effective damage prevention pracshytices CGA has established itself as the leading organization in an effort to reduce damages to underground facilities in North America through shared responsibility among all stakeholders For more information visit CGA on the web at wwwcommongroundalliancecom

Safe Digging Starts by Calling 811 From planting shrubs to building a fence many outdoor projects require digging This spring electric cooperatives and the Safe Electricity program (wwwsafeelectricityorg) remind you to call 811 before the shoveling begins This simple step could prevent serious injury or even save your life

ldquoOutdoor projects take planning and preparationrdquo says Molly Hall executive director of the Energy Education Council and its Safe Electricity program ldquoPart of that preparation is planning to avoid underground utilities and 811 helps both consumers and contractors to do thisrdquo

The 811 ldquoCall Before You Digrdquo number is a free national line that was created to help prevent people from coming into contact with underground utility lines during digging projects

When you call 811 routes you to your local electric co-oprsquos locating service Make sure to tell the operator where you plan to dig and what type of work you will be doing From there it takes a few business days for a professional to come mark your public utilities with flags or spray paint If you are in a rush to complete a project a few days might seem like a long wait However a small waiting period can spare you an injury that could take years of recovery

Even digging professionals can run into trouble with buried power lines

Tom Dickey a contractor for an underground utility provider in Auburn Ill learned the dangers of underground electricity years ago when he was on the job Dickey was asked to add a small task at the end of the workday ndash after his safety gear was already headed back to his shop in anshyother truck He made a decision that put time and efficiency above safety With one accidental slip he came in contact with lethal levels of electricity Fortunately Dickey survived but even years later he still copes with the pain

Even if you previously had utilities located by calling 811 it is best to call before every digging project Underground utility lines can shift and it is important to be certain of where they are

Cooperatives care about their membersrsquo safety and urge you to start all outdoor digging projects the safe waymdashby calling 811

For more information about 811 and electrical safety visit call811com and SafeElectricityorg

Safe Electricity is the safety outreach program of the Enshyergy Education Council a non-profit organization with more than 400 electric cooperative members and many others who share the mission of educating the public about electrical safety and energy efficiency


District 5Steven Hansenhas served on

Director news

2015 Director Candidate Profiles District 5 Steven Hansen has served on the H-D board of directors since 1988 and holds the office of treasurer He also represents H-D on the SDREA board of directors

Steve owns a cash grain and beef farm northwest of Clear Lake His son Ted and granddaughter Alexis are partners in the farm that was owned by Steversquos father and grandfather since 1915

Steve has four children and has been blessed with seven grandchildren

Steve sayrsquos ldquoI am a strong advocate for the cooperative form of business The REArsquos are facing many challenges in the future Among them are the higher costs of power brought on by the many new regulations that are being forced on our industry I want to do my part in posishytioning H-D to manage these challenges and to continue to be a valuable asset for its membersrdquo

District 7 Bert Rogness opshyerates a grain and livestock farm east of Astoria with his son Darin on the farm his great-grandfather homesteaded

since 2002 He has also served on the East River Electric Board since 2005 Bert is currently on the South Dakota Value Added Agriculture Developshyment Center board and is on the board of Blom Prairie Lutheran church in Toronto

Bert says ldquowith all the changes hapshypening nationwide in the utility indusshytry and with wholesale electric rates climbing I want to continue to keep H-D Electric a dependable provider of electricity and work to keep our rates competitiverdquo

District 8 Dale Williams and his wife MaryAnn live north of Estelline The farm has been in the family over 112 years They raise corn and soyshybeans and nearly half is irrigated

They have two sons whom they farm with and a daughter Eight grandchilshydren bless their lives

Dale has served on numerous boards and is currently serving on the H-D board He is a member at Grace Free Lutheran Church and a past deacon

About H-D Dale says ldquoIt has been challenging and rewarding serving on this board You have a coop that is comshymitted to serving you our owners with the best possible service we can provide

Youth news

SDREA Youth Excursion Are you a high school freshman sophomore or junior looking for some summer fun and your parents are members of H-D Electric Cooperative If so then you are invited to enter the drawing for this summerrsquos annul SDREA Youth Excursion

The winners will join teens from throughout the state for a three-day exciting and educational expense-paid excursion to North Dakota on July 28-30 2015 One attending teen quoted ldquoI had a fun time met new friends and even learned a little about electricityrdquo

Transportation lodging and meals are paid for by South Dakotarsquos electric cooperatives as part of their commitment to tomorrowrsquos cooperative lead-ers The funding for each participant also includes entertainment and sightseeing events Students are required to bring personal spending money

The excursion offers the opportunity to learn ldquoThe Story Behind the Switchrdquo and see how and where South Dakotarsquos electric cooperativesrsquo electricity is generated During the day students

will tour the Great Plains Synfuels Plant where coal byproducts are turned into synthetic natural gas the Freedom Coal Mine and Antelope Valley Station electric power plant Evenings will be spent swimming dancing and shopping with new friends from other rural electric cooperatives across the state

Students send in your name by May 6 2015 for a chance to go on this fun expense paid excur-sion If you have any questions please call H-D at 800-358-7233 or 874-2171 We look forward to hearing from you

SdreA youth eXcurSion Name _____________________

Parentrsquos Names _______________

City State Zip ________________

return by may 6 to h-d electricshypo Box 1007 clear lake Sd 57226shy

Working to keep your electric bills from Bert and his wife Address ____________________ Verna have four children and five grand- sky rocketing will be one of our top children priorities I will continue to do my best

Bert has served on the H-D board for you if you give me your vote Thank E-mail Address ________________ since 1997 and has been board President yourdquo

T-shirt Size __________________



Auditorrsquos report

Independent Auditorrsquos Report report on the Financial statements

We have audited the accompanying financial statements of H-D Electric Cooperative Inc which comprise the balance sheets as of December 31 2013 and 2012 and the related statements of operations and patronage capital and cash flows for the years then ended and the related notes to the financial statements

Managementrsquos responsibility for theFinancial statements

Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America this includes the design implementation and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement whether due to fraud or error

auditorrsquos responsibility Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these finanshy

cial statements based on our audits We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America and the standards applicable to financial audits contained in Government Auditing Standards issued by the Comptroller General of the United States Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements The procedures selected depend on the auditorrsquos judgment including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements whether due to fraud or error In making those risk assessments the auditor considshyers internal control relevant to the entityrsquos preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in order to design audit

mArk your cAlendAr ndash Attend your AnnuAl meetinGshy

April 18 bull Hayti

Hamlin Education Center

procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entityrsquos internal control Accordingly we express no such opinion An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of signifishycant accounting estimates made by management as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a reasonable basis for our audit opinion

opinion In our opinion the financial statements referred to above

present fairly in all material respects the financial position of as H-D Electric Cooperative Inc of December 31 2013 and 2012 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America

report issued in accordancewith Government auditing standards

In accordance with Government Auditing Standards we have also issued a report dated April 2 2014 on our considershyation of H-D Electric Cooperative Incrsquos internal control over financial reporting and our tests of its compliance with certain provisions of laws regulations contracts grant agreements and other matters The purpose of that report is to describe the scope of our testing of internal control over financial reporting and compliance and the results of that testing and not to proshyvide an opinion on the internal control over financial reporting or on compliance That report is an integral part of an audit performed in accordance with Government Auditing Standards in considering H-D Electric Cooperative Incrsquos internal control over financial reporting and compliance

Eide Bailly LLP April 2 2014 Sioux Falls South Dakota

Statistical Report January 2014 January 2015

Customers 3488 3519 Amount collected $948906 $883919 Average bill $27205 $25118 Average kilowattndashhour 3318 2993 Kilowattndashhours purchased 12321101 11128316 Kilowattndashhours sold 11574418 10532132


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Home Safe Home

By Lacey e Brown

sdsU extension Gerontology

F ie ld spec ia l ist

As adults look toward the future to envision

how they will spend their golden years they think about spending time with family or enjoying well-earned leisure They often envision spending those years in the home where they raised their children and spent their working years

One in five houses in South Dakota was built prior to 1940 Rural areas have higher rates of these homes (26 percent compared to 141 percent in more urban areas) This is important to consider as we plan for our retirement because older homes were not often constructed with accessibility in mind Accessibility refers to the ability to enter and use a building and its features by people with disshyabilities

Features of homes that pose challenges for people with disabilities

Multilevel steps to enter building Narrow doors and halls electrical outlets placed near the floor small bathrooms Poor lighting

Laundry room in the basement Lack of bedroom on main floor split level round door knobs Age and disease are two different processes

however older age does increase the chance of developing chronic disease or disability Adults who experience these challenges may find it difshyficult to remain in their home with modifying it Home modifications are an essential component of any retirement plan We are often concerned that home modifications will make our homes look like a nursing home Nothing could be further from the truth Modern contractors are very skilled at making home modifications for accessibility while maintaining visual appeal In fact grab bars can be disguised as towel rods or toilet paper dispensers The key is to evaluate our homes prior to the need for modification and include the cost of modificashytions in our retirement plans

See more at httpigroworghealthy-familiesaging should-home-modifications-be-part-of-our-retireshyment-plansthashTmIACqEpdpuf


Home Safe Home

Elements of Universal DesignHome Modification

By Chr ist ine A Pr i ce

ohio state Univers i ty extension

state spec ia l ist

Gerontology department of Human

development and Fami ly

sc ience

What is Universal Design Universal design is a worldwide movement that is based

on the idea that all environments and products should be usable by all people regardless of their ages sizes or abilities Because this movement applies to everyone the concept of universal design is known around the world as ldquodesign for allrdquo ldquoinclusive designrdquo and ldquolife-span designrdquo

An important component of universal design is the maintenance of aesthetics In other words to create something that is still ldquovisually pleasingrdquo to others despite being accessible to everyone Function does NOT have to sacrifice beauty As a result universally designed homes and public buildings can be just as beautiful and welcoming as any other design approach Increasingly experts are referring to the concept of universal design as the ldquowave of the futurerdquo It is the hope of universal design advocates that eventually all buildings homes and prodshyucts will be designed to meet the needs of everyone

Why Home Modification Whether you are building a new home or repairing or

renovating an existing home you too can incorporate through home modification characteristics of universal design Home modification can vary from building a new home with univershysally designed features to simple installation of lever door knobs on an older home to more complex structural changes in an existing home such as installing a walk-in shower or an accessible ramp The goal of home modification for existing homes is not to entirely redesign the home but to make a range of changes or repairs that result in your home being a comfortable user-friendly and safer place to live

Implementing universal design home modifications can result in a home that you can remain in as you age This conshycept is often referred to as ldquoaging in placerdquo The idea behind ldquoaging in placerdquo is to enable individuals to live independently in their homes for as long as possible The goal is to avoid having to relocate simply because onersquos home is too difficult to get around in

What are the Principles of Universal Design A group of universal design advocates from the Center for

universal design at North Carolina State University developed seven principles of universal design These principles can be applied to evaluate existing environments or products serve as guidelines in the development or renovation of existing environments and serve to educate consumers and professhysionals wanting to understand the characteristics of this design approach

Principle 1 equitable Use ndash The design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities

Principle 2 Flexibility in Use ndash The design accommoshydates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities

Principle 3 simple and Intuitive Use ndash Use of the deshysign is easy to understand regardless of the userrsquos experience knowledge language skills or current concentration level

Principle 4 Perceptible Information ndash The design

communicates necessary information effectively to the user regardless of ambient conditions of the userrsquos sensory abilities

Principle 5 Tolerance for error ndash The design minishymizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions

Principle 6 Low Physical effort ndash The design can be used efficiently and comfortably and with a minimum of fatigue

Principle 7 size and space for Approach and Use ndash Appropriate size and space is provided for approach reach manipulation and use regardless of the userrsquos body size posture or mobility

The American Association of Retired Persons provides a list of common challenges individuals encounter and some universal design features that may serve as possible solutions (wwwaarporguniversalhomesolutionshtml) Below are some examples

Limited Lifting or Flexibility bull Install lever faucet handles or single lever faucets that

are easy to turn bull Choose u-shaped drawer handles for cabinets and drawshy

ers that are easier to grasp bull Consider decorative grab bars in the shower or by the

toilet and tub to increase safety bull Replace standard light switches with rocker switches that

are easier to use

Limited Mobility bull Install a bathshower seat or tub with a transfer bench to

ease getting in and out of the bath bull Use transition wedges at door thresholds to avoid tripping bull Give sidewalks and driveways a textured surface to

increase traction and stability bull Use handrails on both sides of stairways

Limited Vision bull Purchase appliances with large print controls bull Install lighting near outside walkways stairs and

entrances bull Use nightlights where appropriate bull Install under-the-cabinet lights or task lighting over

kitchen counter work areas

Remember a home that has universal design features is a home that fits everyonersquos needs whether they are young or old short or tall with physical limitations or without

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Proposed Bylaw Changes The following proposed bylaw changes will be voted on by would like to cast their vote they may pick up a Mail Ballot at the members attending the 2015 H-D Electric Cooperative H-D Electricrsquos office located in Clear Lakeannual meeting Members may vote by mail on any matter except election

If a member is unable to attend the annual meeting and of a director in conjunction with a member meeting

proposal 1Article V ndash Section 5 proposal changes the

way that Directors may be nominated to run for a Board position This change will require all interested qualified members seeking to become a director (including a curshyrent Director seeking rendashelection) to take out a petishytion and have at least 15 members sign This proposed change eliminates having nominations done by a Director appointed nominating committee and eliminates nominashytions done from the floor at the annual meeting Article V ndash Section 5 Nominations Petitions

for Candidacy It shall be the duty of the Board of Direc-tors to appoint not less than sixty (60) nor more than ninety (90) days prior to the date of a meeting of the members at which directors are to be elected a Commit-tee on Nominations consisting of nine (9) members of the Cooperative who are not existing Cooperative em-ployees agents officers directors or known candidates for director who are not close relatives or members of the same household thereof and who are so selected that each of the Cooperativersquos Directorate Districts shall have representation thereon in proportion to the num-ber of authorized directors from or with respect to such District The Committee shall prepare and post at the principal office of the Cooperative at least thirtyndashfive (35) days prior to the meeting a list of nominee(s) for each Directorate District from or with respect to which a director must pursuant to this Article be elected at the meeting The committee may include as many nominees for any director to be elected from or with respect to any Directorate District as it deems desirable Any fifteen (15) or more members of the Cooperative acting together may make additional nominations in writing over their signatures listing their nominee(s) in like manner not less than twentyndashfive (25) days prior to the meeting and the Secretary shall post such nomi-nations at the same place where the list of nominations made by the Committee is posted The Secretary shall mail to the members with the notice of the meeting or separately but at least ten (10) days prior to the date of the meeting a statement of the names and addresses of all nominee(s) for each Directorate District from or with respect to which one or more directors must be elected showing clearly those nominated by the Committee and those nominated by petition if any The chairman at suchndashmeeting after all nominations so made have been duly announced shall call for additional no mina-tions from the floor and shall ascertain and announce after any nominations made from the floor the particu-lar Directorate District from or with respect to which any additional candidates have been nominated

Elections for positions on the Board of Directors are held at the annual meeting of members An individual may become a candidate for a board position by meet-ing the Qualifications of Section 4 of this Article V and by submitting to the Cooperative a written petition of candidacy signed by at least fifteen (15) members not

less than 25 days and not more than 75 days prior to the date of the annual meeting of members The secre-tary of the Cooperative shall verify that only members of the Cooperative have signed the candidate petitions Any petition so filed shall designate the name of the nominee the term for which nominated and the district to be served Specific procedures and instructions will be furnished to any interested member upon request

Notwithstanding the provisions contained in this Section failure to comply with any of such provisions shall not affect in any manner whatsoever the validity of any action taken by the Board of Directors after the election of directors

proposal 2Article V ndash Section 6 proposal updates the Dishy

rectorate Districts to reflect the townships that are not listed As the cooperative has grown there have been a few services added outside of the original footprint This is an update that adds missing townships to the selected Disshytricts to reflect the services out of the original identified townships The services that are located in the unlisted townships are currently considered part of the identified Districts In addition a change in the proposed timing of amendments is required to satisfy the proposed bylaw change of Article V Section V Section 6 directorate districts The terri-

tory served by the Cooperative shall be divided into nine Directorate Districts The districts herein provided for shall comprise the following territories District No 1 ndash Brandtford Township Oxford Township and Opdahl Township Hamlin County South Dakota and Kampeska Township Codington County South Dakota District No 2 ndash Hayti Township Florence Township and Castlewood Township Hamlin County South Dakota District No 3 ndash Hamlin Township and Dempster Township Hamlin County South Dakota and Hidewood Township Deuel County South Dakota District No 4 ndash Portland Town-ship Rome Township Goodwin Township and Havana Township Deuel County South Dakota Kranzburg Township Codington County South Dakota and Geor-gia Township Grant County South Dakota District No 5 Altamont Altamont Township Clear Lake Township and Brandt Township Deuel County South Dakota District No 6 ndash Lowe Township Antelope Valley Township Glen-wood Township and Herrick Township Deuel County South Dakota Adams Township Grant County South Dakota and Mehurin Township Lac Qui Parle County Minnesota District No 7 ndash Norden Township and Scandi-navia Township Deuel County South Dakota Oak Lake Township and Hendricks Township Brookings County South Dakota and Fortier Township Yellow Medicine County Minnesota District No 8 ndash Blom Township Grange Township Deuel County South Dakota and Estelline Township Hamlin County South Dakota and Argo Township Eureka Township and Preston Township Brookings County South Dakota District No 9 ndash Norden

Township Cleveland Township Dixon Township and Garfield Township Hamlin County South Dakota La-keton Township Brookings County South Dakota and Pleasant Township Clark County South Dakota Every year the Board of Directors not less than ninety (90) days prior to the first date on which the annual member meeting may be scheduled pursuant to these Bylaws to be held shall review the Districts and directorates and if determining that the Districts should be altered as to boundaries or number or that the number of District di-rectors should be increased or reduced so as to correct any substantially inequitable factors regarding the resi-dences of members the number of geographic location of Districts or the number of such directors shall ap-propriately amend these Bylaws accordingly and may after such amendments become effective appoint any additional directors if so provided for by such amend-ments and may appropriately fix their respective initial terms not to exceed three years The Board of Directors shall cause all such amendments and the names ad-dressees and initial terms of any such newly appointed additional directors to be noticed in writing to the mem-bers not less than ten (10) ninety (90) days prior to the date on which the Committee on Nominations for of the next annual member meeting shall first convene

After the date of the notice of amendments these Bylaws shall have been effectively amended accord-ingly except that such Districts andor the number of District directors may also be changed by amendment of these Bylaws by the members from time to time PROVIDED that any change so made by action of the Board shall be in full force and effect until at least the completion of the election of directors at the annual meeting of the members first thereafter held AND FUR-THER PROVIDED that no such amendment shall become effective so as to cause the vacancy of any director lsquos office prior to the time his term would normally expire unless he consents thereto in writing

proposal 3Article Vi ndash Section 3 proposal updates the

methods in which Board members can be notified of Directors meeting to include a variety of electronic methshyods Section 3 notice of directorsrsquo meetings

Written notice of the time place and purpose of any special meeting of the board of directors shall be deliv-ered to each director not less than five days previous unless by unanimous consent of the Board the five days is agreed to be waived

At the direction of the secretary or upon a default in duty by secretary by the president or the directors call-ing a meeting written notice shall be given personally by mail by fax by email by texting by Facebook by posting on the Cooperative website or other electronic transmission acceptable to the directors at the direction of the President or the Secretary or the persons call-


ing the meeting to each director If mailed such notice shall be deemed to be delivered when deposited in the United Sates mail addressed to the director at hisher address as it appears on the records of the Cooperative with postage prepaid If the notice is sent by fax such notice shall be delivered when sent by the fax machine utilized by the sender to the directors fax number as it appears on the records of the Cooperative If notice is sent by email such notice shall be deemed delivered when sent by the computer utilized by the sender to the directors email address as it appears on the record of the Cooperative If the notice is sent by text such notice shall be deemed delivered when sent to the directorrsquos cell telephone number as it appears on the records of the Cooperative If sent by Facebook transmission such notice shall be deemed delivered when entered on Face-book with notice to friends of the Cooperative Facebook account If sent by publication on the website or other electronic communication the notice shall deemed deliv-ered on entry on the electric communication acceptable to the director thereto either personally or by mail by or at the direction of the Secretary or upon a default in duty by the Secretary by the President or the direc-tors calling the meeting If mailed such notice shall be deemed to be delivered when deposited in the United States mail addressed to the director at his address as it appears on the records of the Cooperative with postage thereon prepaid

proposal 4 Article Vii ndash Section 9 proposal updates the

position title of the General Manager to replace Executive Vice President to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to reflect current trends Section 9 General manager executive Vice

president chief executive officer The Board of Di-rectors may appoint a General Manager who may be but who shall not be required to be a member of the Cooperative and who also may be designated Executive Vice President Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Such officer shall perform such duties as the Board of Directors may from time to time require and shall have such authority as the Board of Directors may from time to time vest in the position him

proposal 5 Article iX ndash Section 2 proposed change would

allow the board to set up a policy so that the Cooperative could retire former memberrsquos patronage early if the forshymer member desires The Board could set up a policy that would allow for early retirement for former members at a discounted rate such as net present value of the patronshyage capital the discounted amount would go into permashynent equity similar to estate retirements This allows the fair and equitable settlements of patronage accounts of former members and reduces the record keeping of the former members (Only the fourth of the six paragraphs is affected and shown) Section 2 patronage capital in connection

with Furnishing electric energy Notwithstanding any other provisions of these By-

laws the Board shall at its discretion have the power at any time upon the death of any patron who was a natu-ral person if the legal representative of his estate or his

heirs beneficiaries or assignees shall request in writing that the capital credited to any such patron be retired prior to the time such capital would otherwise be re-tired under the provisions of these Bylaws to retire such capital immediately upon such terms and conditions as the Board acting under policies of general application to situations of like kind and such legal representa-tives shall agree upon Similarly the Board may at its discretion have the power at any time upon a patron relinquishing service if former patron shall request in writing that the capital credited to any such patron be retired prior to the time such capital would other-wise be retired under the provisions of these Bylaws to retire such capital immediately upon such terms and conditions as the Board acting under policies of gen-eral application to situations of like kind and such pa-tron shall agree upon Any discounted amounts of the pre-payment may be used or retained as permanent unallocated equity or equitably allocated PROVIDED however that the financial conditions of the Cooperative will not be impaired thereby

proposal 6 Article IX ndash SECTION 3 proposed changes updates the

current bylaw to follow current state laws Section 3 unclaimed patronage capital As-

signed (a) Notwithstanding any other provisions of the

Byndashlaws if any patron or former patron fails to claim any cash retirement of capital credits or other payment from the Cooperative within three (3) years after pay-ment of the same has been made available to him by check mailed to him at his last address furnished by him to the Cooperative such failure shall be and constitutes an irrevocable assignment and gift by such member of such capital credit or other payments to the Cooperative

(b) Failure to claim any such payment within the meaning of this section shall include the failure of such patron or former patron to cash any check mailed to him by the Cooperative at the last address furnished by him to the Cooperative

(c) The assignment and gift provided for under this section shall become effective only upon the expiration of three (3) years from the date when such payment was made available to such patron or former patron without claim therefore and only after the further expiration of sixty (60) days six (6) months following the giving of a Notice by mail or publication that unless such payment is claimed within sixty (60) days six (6) months such gift to the Cooperative shall become effective

(d) The Notice by mail herein provided shall be one mailed by the Cooperative to such patron or former patron at the last known address If Notice by publica-tion is given such publication shall be one insertion in a newspaper circulated in the service area of the Coopera-tive In the event the address for the member on the book of the cooperative are known by the secretary to be incorrect then notice shall be published according to appropriate State Law

(e) The sixty (60) day period following the giving of such Notice either by mail or publication shall be deemed to terminate sixty (60) days after the mailing of publication of such Notice

The patrons of the Cooperative by dealing with the

Cooperative acknowledge that the terms and provisions of the Articles of Incorporation Articles of Conversion and By Laws shall constitute and be a contract between the Cooperative and each patron and both the Coop-erative and the patrons are bound by such contract as fully as though each patron had individually signed a separate instrument containing such terms and provi-sions The provisions of this article of the byndashlaws shall be called to the attention of each patron of the Coopera-tive by posting in a conspicuous place in the Coopera-tiversquos office

proposal 7 Article iX ndash Section 4 proposed change allows

the board by policy to determine in the best interest of the Cooperative if or how to allocate patronage earned through furnishing other services This could include amounts allocated to the Cooperative from other orgashynizations furnishing goods or services The exception is for organizations providing electric energy such as East River Electric Power Cooperative and Basin Electric Power Cooperative must continue to be allocated If policy ever determined that other services patronage would not be alshylocated then it would go to Cooperative permanent equity Section 4 patronage refunds in connection

with Furnishing other Services In the event that the Cooperative should engage in the business of fur-nishing goods or services other than electric energy all amounts received and receivable therefrom which are in excess of costs and expenses properly chargeable against the furnishing of such goods or services may be allocated annually and returned to the patrons of this Cooperative or may be used by the Cooperative as permanent nonndashallocated capital In addition all amounts allocated to the Cooperative from other or-ganizations that furnish services supplies or products other than electric energy to the Cooperative may be allocated annually and returned to the patrons of this Cooperative or may be used by the Cooperative as per-manent nonndashallocated capital The Board of Directors shall determine the method basis priority and order of retirement if any for all such amounts heretofore or hereafter allocated to the patrons of this Cooperative shall insofar as permitted by law be prorated annually on a patronage basis and returned to those patrons members and nonmembers alike from whom such amounts were obtained

proposal 8 Article Xii ndash Section 4 The proposed change

eliminates this section because REA (RUS) no longer reshyquires or wants written notice of any rate changes Section 4 change in rates Written notice

shall be given to the Administrator of the Rural Electri-fication Administration of the United States of America not less than ninety days prior to the date upon which any proposed change in the rates charged by the Coop-erative for electric energy becomes effective

proposal 9 General change ndash The bylaws contain a number of

references to gender specific terms such as his him he or she and we are asking for approval to change these instances to nonndashgender specific terms throughout the entire set of bylaws


Regional Dateline

Please cut and bring top half to annual meeting

2015 Annual Meeting Program 11 am Registration Reading of Notice and Proof of Mailing

Noon Meal Served Approval of Minutes of 2014 Annual Meeting Panel ndash 2014 In Review

1 pm Call to Order ndash Bert Rogness President Report of the Nominating Committee Pledge of Allegiance Voting Instructions National Anthem Unfinished Business Announcement of Quorum New Business Introduction of Directors and Manager Results of Election

Kids excused for special childrenrsquos activities

(ages 4-12)

ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC

April 18 bull Hayti SD Hamlin Education Center

RegistRation CaRd

(Signature of Member)

PHO

TO C

OU

RTES

Y O

F N

AJA

SH

RIN

E

To have your event listed on this page send complete information including date event place and contact to your local electric cooperative Include your name address and daytime telephone number

Voter Registration Form To be used only by

Churches Halls Public Entities Corporations or Partnerships Please present this form to

receive a ballot

(Name of Organization)

delegate and appoints

(Name of Voting Delegate) as the person authorized to vote onbehalf of the above entity at the2015 annual meeting of H-D ElectricCooperative Inc

(Signature of Secretary or Clerk)

March 18-22 State 8-ball Tournament Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Rapid City SD 605-394-4115

March 21-22 Farm Toy and Collectibles Show Aberdeen SD 605-225-4841

March 21-22 Spring Craft Show Watertown SD 605-882-1734

March 21-22 Curt Carter Gun Show Watertown SD 605-793-2347

March 27-29 Black Hills Home Show Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Rapid City SD 605-394-4115

March 28-29 Little Britches Rodeo Rapid City SD 605-341-7900 wwwcentralstatesfaircom

April 6 Shrine Circus Huron SD 605-225-4841

April 9-11 Shrine Circus Aberdeen SD 605-225-4841

April 9-11 Forks Corks and Kegs Food and Wine Festival Deadwood SD 605-578-1876 wwwdeadwoodorg

April 11 Spring Fling Home amp Garden Show Hot Springs SD 605-745-4140

April 11-12 Dakota Territory Gun Show Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Rapid City SD 605-394-4115

April 18 LATI Auto Club Car Show Watertown SD 605-882-5284

Managerrsquos and Board Presidentrsquos report

2014 In Review A message to our members

powerfultogether We focus on keeping you

our members at the forefront of all we do We are always working as a cooperative on our membersrsquo behalf to proshyvide safe reliable high quality electric service for the best value This is YOUR cooperashytive To remain healthy and strong the cooperative needs continued active participashytion and support The annual meeting is one way that you can participate in your electric cooperative This is where you elect the board of direcshytors This year at the annual meeting there will be a vote on suggested changes to the bylaws that the H-D Board and cooperative attorney have reviewed and recommend for approval For details of these recommend changes see the

additional pages in this annual report This yearrsquos annual meeting will be held on April 18 2015 at the Hamlin Education Center located west of Hayti SD We invite all of you to come listen and ask about the business of your electric cooperative Besides participating in your cooperativersquos business itrsquos a great opportunity to visit with neighbors enjoy a noon meal and have a chance to win a door prize

Overall your cooperative remains financially solid In 2014 H-D Electric had revenue from electric sales of $896 million up from 2013rsquos revenue of $872 milshylion We ended the year with 30 new services from the previous year Electric sales increased to 952 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) up from 2013 sales of 947 milshylion kWhs

H-D strives to have a reliable system that you can count on This year we had an average of 3965 minshyutes of outage per consumer The majority of this time or 3055 minutes was the result of the December ice storm that hit Hamlin County particularly hard While we canrsquot control the weather we do control how we respond and once again our employees responded wonshyderfully with their hard and efficient work to restore

Matt Hotzler Manager

Bert rogness Board President

your electric service Weather certainly has a great effect on reliability so

does the general state of our poles and wires In 2014 we started the first year of our four-year work plan which defines distribution line projects needed for 2014 to 2017 This plan calls for $62 million in updates to our distribution system over the four years Rural Utilities Services or RUS agreed with our plan and after review and plan approval RUS approved loan funds for the projects In 2014 H-D Electric investment in line projects for the year was $148 million

In 2014 we asked our members to participate with us to send a message to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that we want to keep electricity affordshyable The EPArsquos proposed standard to limit carbon dishyoxide emissions from new coal power plants will require carbon dioxide capture technology that is costly and not viable on a commercial scale The EPA also proposed rules on carbon emissions from existing power plants that could raise the cost of your electricity dramatically We rolled out wwwactioncoop a website designed to help our members easily send a message to the EPA to help fight for reasonable rates Our members responded with 328 messages sent to the EPA with the message that reasonable rates are important to them

Our Member Services Department was also quite busy during 2014 The four-member department completed 923 various service orders including such items as electrical wiring water heater repairs irrigation and water heater control installations usage inquiries secondary wire repairs and heat meter connections Additionally member services personnel answered everyday questions about heating systems lighting and energy usage

In 2014 we competed a conversion of our accountshying software and started the conversion of customer records and billing software (scheduled for completion in mid-year 2015) This change was necessary to have a software platform that keeps up with utility technology changes Once the billing software is converted in 2015 there will be a new online program that it easier to use as well as available to members through an app for most smartphones or tablets

While there have been dramatic changes in some of the equipment and technology since your forefathers applied for memberships at $5 each to Hamlin Electric Association later to be renamed to H-D Electric Coshyoperative the goal to provide safe reliable and affordshyable electricity to you the member-owners remains the same















Annual Meeting news










Come

to the

hndashD

eleCtriC

Condashop

AnnuAl

meeting





SafetyTips












Source arifleetcom



















Jane Ham Rapid City

Cranberry Meatballs











14-inch slices






Mocha Cooler


1 (18 oz) jar jam







Vidalia Onion Dip





RecipesReader





























Irrigation

Seasonals


Farms

Taxes


Interest amp Other

Depreciation


Administrative

Power Cost











2014 revenue source


7159

077 246

2518








2014 expenses


6086

351

163

449 873

919 1159













































Director news












Youth news









City State Zip ________________




T-shirt Size __________________












April 18 bull Hayti












Phot

o by

copyiS

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sdo

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Home Safe Home

By Lacey e Brown












Home Safe Home




state spec ia l ist



sc ience






















are easier to use








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o by

copyiS

tock

com

sdo

min

ick
















































Regional Dateline






(ages 4-12)



RegistRation CaRd


PHO

TO C

OU

RTES

Y O

F N

AJA

SH

RIN

E




receive a ballot






























Annual Meeting news










Come

to the

hndashD

eleCtriC

Condashop

AnnuAl

meeting





SafetyTips












Source arifleetcom



Kids send your drawing with an electrical safety tip to your local electric cooperative (address found on ) If your poster is published yoursquoll receive a prize All entries must include your name age mailing address and the names of your parents Colored drawings are encouraged
















Jane Ham Rapid City

Cranberry Meatballs











14-inch slices






Mocha Cooler


1 (18 oz) jar jam







Vidalia Onion Dip





RecipesReader





























Irrigation

Seasonals


Farms

Taxes


Interest amp Other

Depreciation


Administrative

Power Cost











2014 revenue source


7159

077 246

2518








2014 expenses


6086

351

163

449 873

919 1159













































Director news












Youth news









City State Zip ________________




T-shirt Size __________________












April 18 bull Hayti












Phot

o by

copyiS

tock

com

sdo

min

ick

Home Safe Home

By Lacey e Brown












Home Safe Home




state spec ia l ist



sc ience






















are easier to use








Phot

o by

copyiS

tock

com

sdo

min

ick
















































Regional Dateline






(ages 4-12)



RegistRation CaRd


PHO

TO C

OU

RTES

Y O

F N

AJA

SH

RIN

E




receive a ballot

















SafetyTips












Source arifleetcom



















Jane Ham Rapid City

Cranberry Meatballs











14-inch slices






Mocha Cooler


1 (18 oz) jar jam







Vidalia Onion Dip





RecipesReader





























Irrigation

Seasonals


Farms

Taxes


Interest amp Other

Depreciation


Administrative

Power Cost











2014 revenue source


7159

077 246

2518








2014 expenses


6086

351

163

449 873

919 1159













































Director news












Youth news









City State Zip ________________




T-shirt Size __________________












April 18 bull Hayti












Phot

o by

copyiS

tock

com

sdo

min

ick

Home Safe Home

By Lacey e Brown












Home Safe Home




state spec ia l ist



sc ience






















are easier to use








Phot

o by

copyiS

tock

com

sdo

min

ick
















































Regional Dateline






(ages 4-12)



RegistRation CaRd


PHO

TO C

OU

RTES

Y O

F N

AJA

SH

RIN

E




receive a ballot































Jane Ham Rapid City

Cranberry Meatballs











14-inch slices






Mocha Cooler


1 (18 oz) jar jam







Vidalia Onion Dip





RecipesReader





























Irrigation

Seasonals


Farms

Taxes


Interest amp Other

Depreciation


Administrative

Power Cost











2014 revenue source


7159

077 246

2518








2014 expenses


6086

351

163

449 873

919 1159













































Director news












Youth news









City State Zip ________________




T-shirt Size __________________












April 18 bull Hayti












Phot

o by

copyiS

tock

com

sdo

min

ick

Home Safe Home

By Lacey e Brown












Home Safe Home




state spec ia l ist



sc ience






















are easier to use








Phot

o by

copyiS

tock

com

sdo

min

ick
















































Regional Dateline






(ages 4-12)



RegistRation CaRd


PHO

TO C

OU

RTES

Y O

F N

AJA

SH

RIN

E




receive a ballot











































Irrigation

Seasonals


Farms

Taxes


Interest amp Other

Depreciation


Administrative

Power Cost











2014 revenue source


7159

077 246

2518








2014 expenses


6086

351

163

449 873

919 1159













































Director news












Youth news









City State Zip ________________




T-shirt Size __________________












April 18 bull Hayti












Phot

o by

copyiS

tock

com

sdo

min

ick

Home Safe Home

By Lacey e Brown












Home Safe Home




state spec ia l ist



sc ience






















are easier to use








Phot

o by

copyiS

tock

com

sdo

min

ick
















































Regional Dateline






(ages 4-12)



RegistRation CaRd


PHO

TO C

OU

RTES

Y O

F N

AJA

SH

RIN

E




receive a ballot


























































Director news












Youth news









City State Zip ________________




T-shirt Size __________________












April 18 bull Hayti












Phot

o by

copyiS

tock

com

sdo

min

ick

Home Safe Home

By Lacey e Brown












Home Safe Home




state spec ia l ist



sc ience






















are easier to use








Phot

o by

copyiS

tock

com

sdo

min

ick
















































Regional Dateline






(ages 4-12)



RegistRation CaRd


PHO

TO C

OU

RTES

Y O

F N

AJA

SH

RIN

E




receive a ballot


























April 18 bull Hayti












Phot

o by

copyiS

tock

com

sdo

min

ick

Home Safe Home

By Lacey e Brown












Home Safe Home




state spec ia l ist



sc ience






















are easier to use








Phot

o by

copyiS

tock

com

sdo

min

ick
















































Regional Dateline






(ages 4-12)



RegistRation CaRd


PHO

TO C

OU

RTES

Y O

F N

AJA

SH

RIN

E




receive a ballot

















Phot

o by

copyiS

tock

com

sdo

min

ick

Home Safe Home

By Lacey e Brown












Home Safe Home




state spec ia l ist



sc ience






















are easier to use








Phot

o by

copyiS

tock

com

sdo

min

ick
















































Regional Dateline






(ages 4-12)



RegistRation CaRd


PHO

TO C

OU

RTES

Y O

F N

AJA

SH

RIN

E




receive a ballot

















Home Safe Home




state spec ia l ist



sc ience






















are easier to use








Phot

o by

copyiS

tock

com

sdo

min

ick
















































Regional Dateline






(ages 4-12)



RegistRation CaRd


PHO

TO C

OU

RTES

Y O

F N

AJA

SH

RIN

E




receive a ballot































































Regional Dateline






(ages 4-12)



RegistRation CaRd


PHO

TO C

OU

RTES

Y O

F N

AJA

SH

RIN

E




receive a ballot

















2015 annual meeting program and registration card · pdf fileannual meeting program and...

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