December 2015 Share Package Utility Contacts

Pam Spettel, Blachly-Lane Electric Co-op, (541) 284-2147, spettelp@blachlylane.coop

Jeff Beaman, Central Electric Co-op, (541) 312-7753, jbeaman@cec.coop

Sharon Crisp, Copper Valley Electric Assoc., (907) 835-7005, crisp@cvea.org

Sabrina Owens, Escambia Electric Co-op, (850) 675-7433, sabrina@erec.com

Dave D’Avanzo, Lane Electric Co-op, (541) 284-0452, dave.davanzo@laneelectric.com

Christina Sawyer, Mt. Wheeler Power, (775) 289-8981, christinas@mwpower.org

Mark Sellers, Peace River Electric Co-op, (863) 767-4644, mark.sellers@preco.coop

Thomas Moore, Valley Electric Assoc., (775) 727-5312, tmoore@vea.coop

February 2016 Issuepages 1, 4-5 due...................................Dec. 23special projects due..............................Jan. 5 custom covers/color due...............Jan. 5mailing labels due... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jan. 8pages 8, 25, 28-29 due..........................Jan. 15page 32 due...........................................Jan. 19 camera-ready pages due.......................Jan. 19

March 2016 Issuepages 1, 4-5 due....................................Jan. 25 special projects due...............................Feb. 5custom covers/color due......................Feb. 5 mailing labels due................................Feb. 9pages 8, 25, 28-29 due.........................Feb. 16 page 32 due..........................................Feb. 17camera-ready pages due.....................Feb. 17

April 2016 Issuepages 1, 4-5 due..................................Feb. 25special projects due...............................Mar. 4 custom covers/color due.......................Mar. 4mailing labels due...............................Mar. 9 pages 8, 25, 28-29 due........................Mar. 14page 32 due.........................................Mar. 17camera-ready pages due.....................Mar. 17

May 2016 Issuepages 1, 4-5 due..................................Mar. 25special projects due................................Apr. 5 custom covers/color due.........................Apr. 5mailing labels due.................................Apr. 8pages 8, 25, 28-29 due..........................Apr. 15page 32 due...........................................Apr. 18camera-ready pages due.....................Apr. 18

June 2016 Issuepages 1, 4-5 due....................................Apr. 25 special projects due................................May 5custom covers/color due........................May 5mailing labels due................................May 9pages 8, 25, 28-29 due.........................May 16 page 32 due..........................................May 17camera-ready pages due.......................May 17

July 2016 Issuepages 1, 4-5 due...................................May 25special projects due................................June 6custom covers/color due......................June 6 mailing labels due................................June 9 pages 8, 25, 28-29 due.........................June 15page 32 due..........................................June 17 camera-ready pages due......................June 17

Ruralite Magazine 2016Schedule of Important Dates

A Heart-and-Soul Commitment

Community can be as simple as people living in a common area—or as emotion-ally complicated as knowing the people around you and feeling their pain in the midst of an unthinkable tragedy.

Following the mass shooting at Umpqua Community College in October, the staff at Douglas Electric Cooperative lived the latter. Employees at the utility based in Roseburg, Oregon, are con-nected through friends and neighbors to the nine students killed, the many others injured and the victims’ families.

“While we have our share of crew

members coaching sports teams and staff involved in many civic activities, the hor-rific massacre brought everyone together for one cause,” says Todd Munsey, mem-ber services director of Douglas Electric.

Pacific Power Regional Business Manager Diana Knous organized a com-munitywide effort to welcome students, faculty and staff back to campus.

“Our line crews and staff jumped at the opportunity to line both sides of Umpqua College Road with line trucks and American flags,” says Todd. “Alongside Pacific Power, Avista, Umpqua Dairy and many, many others, Douglas Electric Cooperative was proudly represented.

“One adjunct professor, the wife of a DEC employee, said it was difficult to drive and wave through the tears. She was fortunate to have not been on cam-pus the day of the shooting. A student and wife of one of our linemen, who was on campus that day, found it too difficult to return so soon. Since many more stu-dents returned on Tuesday, the decision was made to go out again to join an even larger crowd the following morning.”

The staff also shared a box filled with Love Rocks created by Ruralite staff.

The small stones decorated with color-ful bits of fabric and paint have been used to express support and buoy spirits since late 2013. They were created by grieving parents to commemorate the lives of their two daughters, who died in a tragic acci-dent in Forest Grove, Oregon.

“Many found their way into the hands of employees, members, friends, students and a permanent home on the UCC campus itself,” Todd says. “Love certainly knows no bounds, but it is incredible to witness how a little rock with a heart on it can melt people’s hearts. There are many melting hearts in Roseburg thanks to our friends at Ruralite.”

As integral parts of the communities they serve, publicly owned utilities and the employees who work there provide

not only emotional but economic support. Here are ways others give back.

Alaska Village Electric Cooperative, Anchorage, Alaska. AVEC provides donations to spring and fall cleanups, community events and festivals.

Barrow Utilities and Electric Cooperative Inc., Barrow, Alaska. BUECI donates $70,000 a year to local organiza-tions and individuals to support athletic, scholastic, cultural and safety activities.

Big Bend Electric Cooperative, Ritzville, Washington. The Caring Neighbors program has benefited schools, ambulance, fire, police, food banks and community organizations that help youth, seniors and those in need.

Blachly-Lane Electric Cooperative, Junction City, Oregon. Employees help homeless girls with bus tokens, haircuts, personal hygiene essentials and notes of encouragement, and raise money to help women and girls reach their potential.

Central Electric Cooperative, Redmond, Oregon. Employees partici-pated in the United Way Days of Caring at the BrightSide Animal Center; col-lected more than 321 cans and 98 boxes of food; and donated money to more than 50 community organizations.

Clatskanie PUD, Clatskanie, Oregon. Employees and directors collected 920 pounds of food and $2,500 in donations for local food banks. Through the Share Smiles by Giving project, employees donate toys for Christmas. Tickets to a concert were raffled to raise money for the PUD’s energy assistance program.

Consumers Power Inc., Philomath, Oregon. CPI donated its line truck and the labor of two employees to unload and place a propane generator at the Red Cross Alsea Community Emergency Shelter.

Coos-Curry Electric Cooperative, Port Orford, Oregon. Employees helped a shelter for battered and abused women and children, at AARP income tax filing events, an animal shelter and boat races.

United Electric Cooperative Inc. employees and members collect winter apparel to give to local chil-dren on a Mitten Tree in the Heyburn, Idaho, office. Photo courtesy of United Electric Cooperative

During the worst of times, strong community ties come to the forefront for a publicly owned utility

By Pam Blair

Power LinesEnergy News For Consumers

28 D E C E M B E R 2015

Golden Valley Electric Association, Fairbanks, Alaska. Employees donated 10 boxes of food and filled an SUV and truck full of gifts, including a mountain bike, for an adopted family. Employees also raised $53,995 for United Way.

Klickitat PUD, Goldendale, Washington. Through Operation Warm Heart—a year-round emergency energy assistance program funded by gifts from KPUD customers—he PUD has given more than $250,000 during the past decade to help hundreds of families in financial need.

Kotzebue Electric Association, Kotzebue, Alaska. KEA sponsors the Boys and Girls Club and a Little League team, the KEA Powerhouse. Power Plant Foreman Claude Wilson is involved with the Kotzebue Racing Association, and Project Engineer Matt Bergan was race marshal for the Kobuk 440 dog sled race.

Lassen Municipal Utility District, Susanville, California. LMUD helped the Lassen High Football Boosters Club replace a 35-year-old scoreboard with a state-of-the-art LED scoreboard, which will result in a significant energy savings.

Midstate Electric Cooperative, La Pine,

Oregon. Employees gave 34 pints in Red Cross blood drives at the co-op, and donated 498 pounds of food to the local food pantry. The co-op joined with com-munity organizations to present a health fair at the annual meeting, which was attended by more than 1,000 members.

Northern Lights Inc., Sagle, Idaho. NLI’s Community Trust provides funds from Operation Round Up—a program that allows members to make a tax-deductible donation by rounding up their monthly power bill to the next dollar—to local food banks along with hundreds of seed pack-ets so people can grow their own produce.

Northern Wasco County PUD, The Dalles, Oregon. NWCPUD awarded $46,442 in economic development grants during 2015 and matched customer donations to its Neighbor to Neighbor energy assistance program in the amount of $4,576 in the past 12 months.

Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative, Baker City, Oregon. Employees cook and serve food at the senior shelter and coordinate community improvement projects, which include installing donated exercise equip-ment along a pathway in Baker City.

Surprise Valley Electric, Alturas, California. SVE crews erect and decorate several Christmas trees, and staff donates food during the Christmas season and prepares gift baskets for needy families.

Tanner Electric Cooperative, North Bend, Washington. TEC offers three high school scholarships to graduating seniors; one $4,000 scholarship to an accredited lineman college; one annual scholarship to the NRECA Youth Tour to Washington, D.C.; and staff time and equipment to put up banners and deco-rations for community events.

Tillamook PUD, Tillamook, Oregon. The Tillamook PUD Family & Friends Relay For Life team raised $9,154 this year. During the past 16 years, PUD employees and families have raised nearly $84,000 for cancer research, education, advocacy and patient services.

United Electric Cooperative Inc., Heyburn, Idaho. UEC hosts a food drive to benefit local food banks and shelters. Last year, employees bought necessities for several retirement homes at Christmas.

Wasco Electric Cooperative, The Dalles, Oregon. WEC sponsors students to national and regional youth programs; buys 4-H animals at county fairs; sup-ports local scholarship programs; pro-vides community economic grants total-ing $7,500; and donates empty water bottles to the local animal shelter to help buy needed materials. n

Douglas Electric Cooperative line trucks joined others to welcome students back to class a week after a mass shooting. Above, Love Rocks were placed at the Umpqua Community College memorial.Photos by Bob Ferguson and Todd Munsey

D E C E M B E R 2015 29

8

Cut Your Utility Bills

To ask a question, write to James Dulley, Energy Report, 6906 Royalgreen Dr., Cincinnati, OH. 45244, or check his website, www.dulley.com.Copyright 2015, James Dulley

James Dulley

8 DECEMBER 2015

Room air flows through a wet wick inside this evap-orative humidifier to add moisture to the air. Photo courtesty of Kaz

Efficient Ways to Improve Indoor

Air Quality

Q: What are some efficient methods to improve indoor air quality during winter when doors and windows are closed?

A: If your family is used to having fresh air in the house, winter months can be a challenge. People often think the fil-ter on their heat pump will take care of indoor air quality. It does help remove particles from the air, but only the ones that stay suspended.

Central heating systems with efficient variable-speed blowers, which run slower and longer, will improve air quality.

Particles in the air are only one aspect of good air quality. The humidity level and other odorous and unhealthy chem-icals also play a role. Even though not all particles make it to the heat pump filter, you could try installing a high-quality pleated media filter. It will cost more than the 99-cent fiberglass one, but it is much more effective.

Room-size electronic air cleaners are effective for removing tiny particles that pop up when you plop down in a chair. They do not use much electricity and are quiet.

Although it sounds counterintuitive, vacuum cleaning often creates much smaller particle concentrations. If it smells like you just vacuumed when you are done, it is likely fine particles are leaking out of the vacuum cleaner. Think about installing a central vacuum, which vents outdoors, or buying a new portable vacuum with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) exhaust filter.

Keeping indoor air properly humidi-fied allows you to set your heat pump thermostat a few degrees lower and still be comfortable.

A heat pump-mounted central humidifier works well during cold weather, but may not run long enough to adequately humidify the air during milder weather.

Using several room humidifiers is effective. The ultrasonic and evaporative types are energy efficient.

Keep in mind there is not one ideal humidity level for every home. Typically, 30 to 50 percent relative humidity provides comfort and healthy indoor air. To avoid window condensa-tion in cold climates, it will likely have to be set lower as the outdoor tempera-ture drops.

During winter, the best way to reduce indoor chemical pollutants in the air is to use less of them. Try natural cleaners that are vinegar- and citrus-based, and reduce aerosol use.

Bringing fresh air into the house is necessary, and not always inefficient. Since the heat content of air is not high, opening several windows on a windy day can exhaust much of the stale, chemical-laden air. It only takes a cou-ple of minutes to freshen the air.

Another option is to have your HVAC contractor install a damper in the return duct. The damper is ducted through a filter and leads to the outside of your home. When running the bathroom fan or range hood, the negative pres-sure created will draw fresh air indoors. When there is no negative pressure, the damper stays closed.

The most efficient method to bring in filtered fresh air is a heat recovery ventilation system. The outgoing stale air transfers most of its heat—up to 80 percent—to the incoming cold fresh air, and vice versa during summer.

Most models have their own duct system. Window models—similar to a window air conditioner—are effective for a single room, and can be controlled by a timer or a humidity sensor.

If you have easy access to your attic, push away the attic floor insula-tion over the return air duct passages. Interior wall stud cavities are usually used for return air. If the attic floor sheathing is not sealed well over them, dirt from the attic can be sucked into the return ducts and energy will be wasted. Remember to seal any gaps with caulking and replace the insulation. n

Periodically clean off the collection unit to improve the efficiency of an electronic room air cleaner.Photo by James Dulley

D E C E M B E R 2015 25

Garrett Hylton is director of communications at Wells Rural Electric Co. in Wells, Nevada.

Public power utilities—cooperatives, municipals, mutuals and PUDs—have a responsibility not to stakeholders concerned with their return on invest-ment, but to the people they provide with electricity.

Being a member-owned utility, we at Wells Rural Electric Co. take that responsibility to heart.

As with other nonprofit utilities, our duty is pri-marily displayed by our mission to provide our members with reliable, affordable, cost-based elec-tricity. Whether our line crews are implementing the company’s thorough preventive maintenance pro-gram to make sure the electricity stays flowing, or we are advocating for the best interests our owners/members on the legislative level, cooperative employ-ees are focused on fulfilling the company mission.

While that remains our day-to-day priority, our responsibility extends much deeper than that. WREC is guided by “Concern for Community,” the seventh cooperative principle. Although munis, mutuals and PUDs are not co-ops, they follow the same principle when it comes to the communities they serve. This involves a wide range of activities and events, from fundraisers and financial assistance programs to barbecues and opportunities to save with efficiency programs.

One way WREC enriches the community is through our annual community rallies. Rather than holding a traditional annual meeting, we choose to sponsor community gatherings in conjunction with cooperative month and fall events at the four high schools in our service territory.

We get to share important information about WREC programs, but the primary focus of the events is to build community pride and support for local youth. These rallies are truly “cooperative” events as they help raise money for dozens of school and community groups.

This year, our third using the rally format, atten-dance was more than 2,400 people. For comparison, we sent out 4,103 ballots for this year’s board election.

Many electric utilities offer financial assistance programs to help during times of need. These include programs such as Operation Round Up, Operation Warm Heart, Neighbor to Neighbor and WREC’s Next Dollar Foundation—an organiza-tion that helps raise funds for lasting, substantive

projects in communities throughout our service territory. We ask owners to sign up to round their monthly electricity bills to the next dollar or make a fixed monthly donation that WREC matches with unclaimed capital credit funds. The funds stay within the donor’s community and are used for projects such as improving public buildings and facilities, installing lights on sports fields and offering grants for students looking to further their education.

Electric utilities have energy-efficiency incentives and conservation programs designed to help owners maximize their energy use and improve awareness of their energy consumption. We have partnered with Efficiency Services Group to develop rebate programs for improvements such as adding insula-tion and installing new windows. WREC and several other utilities also have contracted ESG to install light-emitting diode light bulbs and low-flow show-erheads in our owners’ homes at no cost to them.

In 2015, the home installations and our rebate program saved 2.29 million kilowatt-hours in our residential rate class. That translates to more than $150,000 in electric bill savings for our owners.

In addition to the incentives, we offer guidance to our owners applying for assistance through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. We have coordinated an energy assistance voucher program with local churches and organizations to identify people in our communities who need help paying their electricity bills.

While these programs and others may not be nec-essary to fulfill our core mission, they are central to our work culture and company morals. We embrace our ability to enrich the communities we serve.

Equally as important, our employees share WREC’s perspective and take their personal com-mitment to community to heart. Community involvement means employees serve in local gov-ernment, participate in and help organize local events and fundraisers, and coach youth sports teams, among many other roles. Along with taking pride in the electrical service they help provide at work, they invest in improving lives in the com-munities WREC serves. After all, we are all part of those communities, too. n

Invested in Our CommunitiesNonprofit utilities work to become part of the communities they serve

Voice BoxCommentary on Power Issues

Your electric bill includes more than the cost of the energy you use. The equip-ment, materials, technologies and people it takes to deliver service is a major part of the cost, too.

Electricity Grid More Than Poles and WiresYour facilities charge keeps the power flowing

The electrical system includes more than 45,500 power poles. They are inspected and maintained on a regular rotation and replaced when necessary, sometimes unexpectedly.

If you strung all of Central Electric’s 8,644 miles of electrical wire between New York and Los Angeles, you would make the trip three times.

It takes more than 18,700 transformers to convert the high-voltage electricity on our system to the voltage levels that power your homes and businesses.

28 D E C E M B E R 2015

During 2016, we will re-examine the best method for Central Electric to recover these and other costs. Our objective is fair treatment of all members.

To learn more about what is ahead for CEC’s facilities charge, go to www.cec.coop/facilities-charge-under-review.

Our crews undergo a collective 2,520 hours of safety and profes-sional training each year.

Building, operating and maintaining our system requires the use of 61 vehicles, many of them with specialized uses. A 27-ton line bed truck can cost as much as $400,000.

Each month, we experience about 9,500 unsuccessful cyberattacks against our network. Our information technology staff dedicates almost 1,250 hours a year to cybersecurity activities, protecting sensitive information and ensuring network reliability.

The co-op’s 24 substations are essential to moving electricity at different high-voltage levels across our distribution and transmission system.

Our customer service representatives assist members by fielding 92,000 office visits or telephone calls annually from CEC members. Our 24-hour support service takes another 13,000 calls annually.

D E C E M B E R 2015 29

4 d e c e m b e r 2015

Lane Electric members will see on average, a 5.7% increase, in their electric bills in January, which will reflect December’s energy use.

This decision comes as a result of two key items: the BPA rate increase you heard about earlier this year and a far warmer weather year than is normal. An increase in wholesale power costs contributes to a rate increase on your electric bill. That makes some sense. And, you’ve likely noticed how weather affects your power bill. Cooler summers mean less air conditioning. Warmer winters mean less heating. The result is fewer dollars paid to Lane Electric for electricity. On a very basic level, it works for you. For utilities like Lane Electric however, it’s quite the opposite.

The co-op bases its operations on the projected revenues it receives from members each month. These projections are developed via a detailed budget process that includes a weather component to establish revenue requirements for the coming year.

NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, has predicted that weather patterns for the coming year will be warmer and wetter (see adjacent map), which adds up to lower kilowatt-hour sales and smaller revenues being available to spread across system maintenance and provide safe and reliable electric service. The issue? Weather impacts electric sales. Lower sales equals less revenue. The co-op has fixed costs

it must pay for and power it must buy to sell to its members. The problem? Lower energy use. The result? Rates must increase to cover the costs of operating the co-op.

There’s two components to look at when considering a rate change. The energy charge and the basic charge (defined on the opposite page). The lower the basic charge, the higher the energy charge has to be for revenues necessary to cover the cost of the co-op’s operations. Conversely, the higher the basic charge, the lower the energy charge. Why? When the basic or “fixed” charge is set at the appropriate level, resulting revenues pay for the day-to-day costs of operating the co-op without having to “chase the weather” with energy sales - higher when it’s cold and lower when it’s warmer. Remember, the co-op has costs it has to pay whether or not it sells a single kilowatt-hour.

At the November board meeting, the Board agreed that the January increase would encompass both the basic charge and the rate per kilowatt-hour. Their decision to increase rates was in part, a response to the rate increase from the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) in 2015 and energy usage patterns declining with warmer than usual weather.

As such, on January 1, 2016, the cost per kilowatt-hour, November through April, will increase 1½% from 8.68¢ to 8.81¢ and the cost per kilowatt-hour, May through

November, will increase from 8.89¢ to 9.02¢. As well, the basic charge will increase from $18 to $24.50. The overall affect on a 1,500 kilowatt-hour electric bill, which is Lane Electric’s average member’s usage, will increase on average 5.7% which equates to $8.45 per month.

The actual increase will vary for each member based on the amount of energy they

actually use each month. While not all of the January increase is due

to the increase in BPA’s wholesale power rates earlier this year, it, and the warmer weather are significant contributors.

Lane Electric does not take this or any other rate increase lightly. The Board of Directors have committed to making sure the co-op maintains reliable service, is responsive to members’ needs, and remains financially sound. To do so however, comes at a cost and these costs cannot be absorbed by the co-op. They must be passed on to our members.

Be assured that we will continue to control our costs, operate in the most efficient manner possible, and provide you with reliable electric service at the lowest possible cost. We will also continue working with BPA to minimize future increases.

Detailed rate schedules are available at Lane Electric’s home page at www.laneelectric.com under the RATES link, then click on Rate Schedules. From there, you can view Lane Electric’s different rate schedules.

How LEC’s Residential kWh Costs CompareCost Comparison For 1,500 kilowatt-hours ONLY

Lane Electric $132.15

Statewide Average* $160.20

regional Average* $178.48

National Average* $193.95

Pacific Power $163.23

Portland General electric $163.69

*2015 data: U.S. Energy Administration

Examples Of Monthly Effect On Electric Bills (Including Basic Charge)Customer Class

Monthly Usage kWh

Demand(kW)

Present Rates

NewRates

DollarDifference

Percent Difference

residential 1,500 n/a $148.20 $156.65 $8.45 5.70%

commercial/Industrial 17,500 32 $1,536.25 $1,566.00 $29.75 1.94%

Electric Rates To Change January 1, 2016The Rates Shown Below Reflect A 5.7% Increase Effective With January Bills (December’s Energy Use)

Outlook_map_temp2015_2F_2000.jpg (JPEG Image, 2000 × 1561 pixels) - Scaled (40%)

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d e c e m b e r 2015 5

What is a Basic Charge? Whether you use one kilowatt-hour, 100 kilowatt-hours, or 1,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity, there are certain expenses that remain the same. These are called fixed costs. Fixed costs do not vary based

on the amount of electricity consumed. Included in a basic charge are taxes, poles, wires, equipment, trucks, labor and billing systems, all of which must be in place to make sure members receive safe, reliable electric service.

To make sure the recovery of these fixed costs isn’t fully dependent on solely kilowatt-hours sold, members’ bills include a basic charge to augment the energy or kilowatt-hour charge. With January bills, the basic charge will go from $18 to $24.50.

Basic charges are fixed monthly amounts that can vary based on the type and size of the electrical system components serving the member. different kinds of users require different configurations of lines, transformers and substations.

Outlook_map_temp2015_2F_2000.jpg (JPEG Image, 2000 × 1561 pixels) - Scaled (40%)

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Substations, trucks, poles, wires, transformers, meters, , etc., (the co-op’s property) and personnel are referred to as “plant”. The co-op finances its “plant” over 30 years and must make monthly payments whether or not a single kilowatt-hour is sold. These are called “fixed costs”.

Generally, vehicles (your property, or “plant”) are financed over extended periods of time like the co-op’s plant, and monthly payments must be made to the lending institution whether or not the car is driven a single mile. Your monthly car payment is a “fixed cost” just like the co-op’s fixed costs.

Fixed Cost Analogy...The basic charge simply pays for the co-op’s infrastructure so you can have electricity at your home 24/7 whether you use any or not. Your appliances then, “use” energy (kilowatt-hours) that are delivered to your home over the electric system. You are charged for the kilowatt-hours your appliances use. These charges are also a part of your electric bill.

Similarly, your car payment provides you with a vehicle (infrastructure) so you can come and go 24/7, if you choose to. If not, you still have a car payment. When you elect to “use” your car, the other costs begin to mount, adding to your “total car bill” for the month. Simply put, the more you drive, the higher your monthly car expense - just like your electric bill. It’s the same principle.

Then There’s The Usage Costs...

Additional information about the rate change has been provided on pages 8 and 32.

Lane Electric is still committed to energy efficiency, conservation, and weatherization programs for those who are interested in

reducing energy use and increasing the comfort levels in their homes. If you are interested in more information about our conservation programs, contact our Energy Services department or if you have other

questions, please feel free to contact Lane Electric at 541-484-1151.

How Rate Decisions Are MadeThe responsibility for changes in Lane electric rates resides with the cooperative’s board of directors. directors are elected to represent the best interests of the co-op. In accordance with Lec’s bylaws, rate-making is one of their major responsibilities.

The cooperative’s staff work with the bonneville Power Administration’s (bPA) staff during the rate case to try and minimize the magnitude of any rate increases. Staff then works with the board of directors to develop a conservative operating budget taking into consideration the timing and magnitude of the increase, based on bPA’s final announcement.

Given bPA’s most recent information, Lane electric will implement a 5.7% rate increase, on average, on January 1, 2016. This rate increase will allow Lane electric to achieve the level of revenue required to continue providing each member with safe and reliable electric service.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The rate change will take effect and show on your January, 2016 electric bills which be based on the energy you use during the month of december.

Maintenance, fuel, oil, repair bills, tires, insurance, etc. They all add up!

TVs, ovens, microwaves, electric heat, lights, refrigeration, air conditioning, etc. They all add up!

Whether a complex, capital intensive electric distribution system, or a passenger car for transportation, there arecosts for having them in place for use at our disposal. How they are used are different for each person.

A Simple Look At Fixed Costs And Usage Costs And How They Impact Us!

8 d e c e m b e r 2015

ELECTRIC RATES AS OF JANUARY 1, 2016(Rate Comparisons For Residential & Three-Phase Service Accounts)

Before 1/1/2016 Effective 1/1/2016

Basic Charge: Up to 50kW $28.00 $34.50 Over 50kW $73.00 $79.50

Demand Charge: First 50kW: No Charge No Charge (Over 50kW): $ 5.58/kW $ 6.50/kWEnergy Charge: 1st 10,000 kWh 9.81¢/kWh 9.96¢/kWh Next 50,000 kWh 7.03¢/kWh 7.14¢/kWh All kWh Over 50,000 5.36¢/kWh 5.44¢/kWh

Minimum Monthly Charge: Up to 50kW $36.00 $42.50 Over 50kW *See rate schedule GS-3 for additional details

GENERAL RESIDENTIAL ELECTRIC SERVICE GENERAL THREE-PHASE ELECTRIC SERVICE

Before 1/1/2016

Summer Rates

Basic Charge: $18.00Energy Charge:0-1500 kwh 8.89¢/kwh1501 and above: 9.65¢/kwh

Winter Rates

Basic Charge: $18.00Energy Charge:0-1500 kwh 8.68¢/kwh1501 and above: 9.43¢/kWh

Effective 1/1/2016

Summer Rates

Basic Charge: $24.50Energy Charge:0-1500 kwh 9.02¢/kwh1501 and above: 9.79¢/kwh

Winter Rates

Basic Charge: $24.50Energy Charge:0-1500 kwh 8.81¢/kwh1501 and above: 9.57¢/kWh

NOTE: Street and Area Lighting rates are calculated differently and the increase will vary based on the change in the Energy Charge • Even-Pay amounts will be adjusted accordingly • For information on how to reduce your electric bill, please contact Energy Services at 541-484-1151 • A definition of the “Basic Charge” is provided on the back of each monthly bill • Rate schedules are available in our office at 787 Bailey Hill Road in Eugene, or on our web site at www.laneelectric.com/rate-schedules.

LANE ELECTRIC’S ENERGY RATES TO INCREASE 5.7%, ON AVERAGE, WITH BILLS PRINTED IN JANUARYLane Electric’s members will see a $6.50 increase in the basic charge and a 1.5% increase, on average, in the cost of power for electric bills

received on or after January 1, 2016 (i.e. December’s usage). Wholesale power costs, which include energy and transmission charges, are Lane Electric’s single largest expense; costs that Lane Electric

has little control over. Almost one half of every dollar we collect from our members is spent on the energy we purchase on their behalf. Lane Electric understands the economic challenges that our members face and will continue working hard to control its costs by

operating safely and efficiently to provide the most reliable electric service possible. Below is a chart showing the change in the residential rate for both the summer and winter rates and General Three-Phase Electric Services.

EFFECT ON RESIDENTIAL ELECTRIC BILLS

Kilowatt-Hours1500 kWh1000 kWh1500 kWh2000 kWh2500 kWh3000 kWh3500 kWh

Before 1/1/201662.45$

106.90$151.35$

199.60$247.85$296.10$344.35 $

Effective 1/1/201669.60$114.70$

159.80$208.75$257.70$306.65$355.60$

Difference/Month7.15$

7.80$8.45$9.15$9.85$

10.55$11.25$

61.40$104.80$148.20$195.35$242.50$289.65$336.80$

Before 1/1/20167.15$

7.80$8.45$9.15$9.85$

10.55$11.25$

Difference/Month68.55$112.60$156.65$204.50$252.35$300.20$348.05$

Effective 1/1/2016

Summer Rates (May - October) Winter Rates (November - April)

Kilowatt-Hours1500 kWh1000 kWh1500 kWh2000 kWh2500 kWh3000 kWh3500 kWh

Electric Rates To Change January 1, 2016The Rates Shown Below Reflect A 5.7% Increase Effective With January Bills (December’s Energy Use)

The following chart compares the “before” and “after” effects of the rate change effective January 1, 2016. The new rate will be used to calculate your January electric bill using some or all of December’s energy usage. The amount of “December” energy used to calculate your bill will depend upon the when your meter is read during the month.

IMPORTANT TO NOTE AND UNDERSTAND:Meters read between the 5th and 10th of January will include approximately 3 weeks of December’s energy use and 1 week of January’s energy use.Meters read between the 11th and 15th of January will include approximately 2 weeks of December’s energy use and 2 weeks of January’s energy use. Meters read between the 17th and 25th of January will include approximately 1 week of December’s energy use and 3 week of January’s energy use.Meters read between the 28th and 31st of January will include a few days of December’s energy use with the remainder being January’s energy use.

Dear Members,Blachly-Lane’s purpose is to provide the electricity that keeps water hot, houses warm, lights on and machines running for more than 2,800 members and more than 3,600 meters. It is the time of year to reflect at how we have met that objective for 2015.

This year, we have collectively embraced the opportunities and confronted the challenges that lie ahead. Our accomplishments are the result of the determination of our board of directors to sup-port policies and actions that result in the delivery of quality service. They are the outcome of the hard work of our dedicated employees. They are a prod-uct of the persistent input of our members.

All of this year’s accomplishments have been done while achieving or exceeding our financial targets, and I am proud to share them with you.

Operations• Automated meter reading was installed to reli-

ably capture costs, increase organizational efficiency and maintain our system.

• Industrial area distribution lines were upgraded to maintain reliability.

• A mechanic, lineman and engineering/opera-tions coordinator were hired to conduct needed operational functions of the cooperative.

• Supervisory control and data acquisition was installed at Parker Substation to provide real-time access to substation controls and data to improve troubleshooting ability and increase service reliabil-ity to members.

• Facilities studies were conducted on the head-quarters building regarding federal Americans with Disabilities Act compliance objectives, seismic stan-dards, long-term deferred maintenance and struc-tural concerns.

• Alderwood Substation was bought to increase residential system reliability and reduce long-term cost.

Administration/Office• A comprehensive two-year strategic plan was

developed and implemented to coordinate all coop-erative activities to best serve members.

• Accounting Business Solutions workflow soft-ware was employed to improve interdepartmental coordination to best serve members.

• An office update was completed to expand work areas, increase employee safety and improve the member experience.

• An ADA options study was conducted.• BLEC deregistered with the Western Electricity

Coordinating Council and the North American Electric Reliability Corporation as a load-serving entity and distribution service provider, releasing us from the time and expense of reporting require-ments that did not apply to our system.

• Tracking was implemented of all member con-tacts for improved communication and member service.

Member Services and Communications• A member/public relations specialist was hired

to improve communication regarding co-op issues, plans, challenges and member programs.

• Use Ruralite—including custom articles and cover, color pages, and an electronic version to improve communications.

• The website was updated to improve the mem-ber experience in obtaining co-op information, and includes a member-only portal.

• Social media communications was improved to increase BLEC’s ability to reach members with co-op news.

• The energy-efficiency program was expanded and improved to help members reduce energy con-sumption and save money on bills.

• A prepay program is being developed to help members take charge of their energy use by eliminating deposits and penalties for late or nonpayment.

Through good planning, innovation and a strong commitment to our community, Blachly-Lane is posi-tioning itself well for the future. Thank you for your continued trust and confidence in us as your electric utility. We look forward to serving you in 2016.

Joe JarvisGeneral Manager

Looking Back, Planning Ahead

Blachly-Lane Electric

4 D E C E M B E R 2015

Above, front row from left, Kevin DeBates, Kris Myers, Jeff Youngblood-Lee and Kevin Bottensek. Back row from left, Ken Gast, Kevin Smith, Matt Smith, Jake Hendrickson and Ryan Garner.

Right, from left, Blachly-Lane board members Ernie Jacksch, Vice Chairman, District 1; Cheryl Haskell, Director, District 3; Cliff Kelley, Chairman, District 5; Marlene Northrup, Secretary/Treasurer, District 4; Curtis Short, Director, District 2.Photos by Jamie Hooper

D E C E M B E R 2015 5

Blachly-Lane Electric

Direct Installation ProgramAll Blachly-Lane residential members are eligible for free in-home conservation upgrades through our new direct install program. This program, funded by the Bonneville Power Administration, gives members immediate energy savings and rec-ommendations that can save you even more on future power bills.

The free upgrades include:• CFL and/or LED lightbulbs• High-performance showerheads/aerators• Advanced power strips• 30-point home energy assessment

2016 Rebate ProgramIn addition to the direct install program, the following home energy-efficiency measures are eligible for rebates:

• Heat pump water heaters* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $300 to $500• Energy Star clothes washers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $30 to $50• Ductless heat pumps* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $800 to $1,200• HVAC heat pumps* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $500 to $1,400• HVAC duct sealing*. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $200 to $250• LED fixtures, retrofits and lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10 per fixture/$4 per lamp • Manufactured home insulation* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $0.30 to $0.50 per sq. ft.• New Energy Star mobile home* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $850• Site-built home insulation*. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $0.25 to $0.60 per sq. ft.• Window replacement*. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3 per sq. ft.• Door replacement*. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $35

Call our Energy Efficiency Department at (888) 883-9879 for more rebate information or to schedule your free in-home conservation upgrades and home energy assessment.

*Measures must meet program qualifications and require pre-approval from Energy Efficiency Department. Call (888) 883-9879 before you buy.

Direct Installation Program Gives Members Instant Savings

As part of the direct install program ,energy-saving devices are installed in your home for free.

8 D E C E M B E R 2015

Copper Valley

In October, Copper Valley Electric Association joined coop-eratives in Alaska and across America to celebrate National Cooperative Month. Every October cooperatives are recognized for the qualities that make the business model unique; the Seven Cooperative Principles: voluntary and open membership, democratic member control, members’ economic participation, autonomy and independence, education, training, and informa-tion, cooperation among cooperatives, and concern for com-munity.

“Cooperatives are special,” says Sharon Crisp, CVEA Manager of Member Services. “We have an obligation to pro-vide reliable, affordable, and safe electricity, but we take that a step further. We also have a responsibility to support our mem-bers, enrich schools, and be involved in and enhance our com-munities.”

CVEA celebrated this year’s Cooperative Month with events throughout October that brought the cooperative and commu-nity together.

Co-op Month kicked off with an Open House and Com-munity Foundation Fundraiser on Thursday and Friday, October 1 and 2, in Glennallen and Valdez, respectively. Those who stopped by enjoyed a free hotdog lunch, free gifts, door prizes, and a chance to win a $50 and $350 CVEA energy cred-it. They also got the inside scoop on Allison Creek and were able to join the team in support of the Community Foundation. Dave Winney won the $350 credit in Valdez and Shannon Saavedra won in the Copper Basin. Renee Ernster, of Valdez,

and Coreen Palacios, of Glennallen, both won a $50 credit. The Co-op raised $390 in direct donations and another $552

was committed each year. Additionally, 31 people began round-ing up their bill. All the money raised helps support the CVEA Community Foundation, whose mission is to provide scholar-ships to students and contributions to local non-profit organi-zations in our communities.

In true cooperative spirit, CVEA and CV Telecom partnered on a successful week-long food drive, October 12-16. Thanks to members’ donations, your local Cooperatives were able to bring a large amount of non-perishable food items to the Food Bank in Valdez and the Pregnancy Center in Glennallen; giving both organizations the ability to provide extra assistance to their cli-ents as we head into winter.

People who brought food were rewarded with an entry into a drawing for a $100 CVEA or CVT credit. Valdez winners were Sheila Jordan and Linda Tousignant, and Copper Basin winners were Ethel Johnson and Roy Becker!

The 2015 Downtown Glennallen Halloween Spooktacular was a HUGE success on Friday, October 30. Approximately 130 kids, joined by their adult friends and family, hit the highway in search of candy and fun; and they found it, at close to 30 busi-nesses who participated in CVEA’s event.

This year CVEA stepped it up decking the halls and dressing up as Minions. Both offices offered up five candy stops, gave away a free gift, and had a Minion photo booth complete with a printed photo to take home. CVEA wasn’t alone as several busi-nesses went beyond candy and had fun decorations and activi-ties. In Glennallen, Crossroads Medical Center, along with local church groups, held a ‘trunk or treat’ and even had hotdogs.

The CVEA Valdez office saw approximately 500 kids on Thursday, October 29, as part of the downtown trick-or-treat event. Fun was had by all and CVEA was pleased to be a part of community businesses in creating a fun, safe, and easy to access trick or treating experience for kids young and old.

When CVEA employees weren’t handing out hotdogs or dressing up as Minions, they spent their lunch hour each week throughout the month of October processing recyclables at the Recycling Our Areas Resources Recycling Center in downtown Glennallen. Copper Basin employees generously donate their time to this cause each October during Co-op Month. Finally, CVEA held its annual Ruralite Cover Photo Contest. Winners

CVEA Celebrated Co-op Month In a Big Way This October

4 d e c e m b e r 2015 Copper Valley Electric

are announced on page 32 of this issue!!Congratulations to all CVEA winners and a huge thank

you to everyone who participated in the CVEA Co-op Month events this year. If you have questions, comments, or sugges-tions regarding Co-op Month or any other CVEA topic, pleasecontact Sharon Crisp, Manager of Member Services, at 822-5506, 835-7005, or email crisp@cvea.org. n

Opposite page, employees in the Glennallen office get into the Halloween Spooktacular spirit in the Minion themed photo booth

Top left, Erin, Liam, and Noah Stark enjoying Halloween fun at CVEA and Zak and Gray Odencrans enjoy the hotdog lunch during the Valdez Open House

Middle left, Copper Basin employees volunteer every week each October recy-cling goods at the ROAR recycling center in Glennallen

Bottom left, some of the non-perishable items collected in Valdez during the Co-op Month Food Drive

Left, Lindsay Malone and family pose for a photo at the CVEA Halloween event in Glennallen

Top right, the CVEA Valdez Minion crew

Middle right, Misty Rude drops off food from the Co-op Month food drive with Betty at the Copper Basin Pregnancy Center and CEO Duhamel talks to Copper Basin members about the Allison Creek Hydroelectric project at the Open House

Above, CVEA CEO John Duhamel and Nancy Heidelberg pose for a photo with Valdez member, Carol Crisp, at the Valdez Open House & Fundraiser

d e c e m b e r 2015 5www.cvea.org

Mt. Wheeler Power

By Mark Hayes

On Monday, August 3, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency finalized its rules regulat-ing greenhouse gas emissions from power plants, dubbed the Clean Power Plan.

The rules are designed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from power plants by 32 percent below levels recorded in 2005. But given its complexity and far-reaching nature, it might as well be called the National Energy Policy Regulation of 2015, because it will have significant consequences for how we gener-ate, distribute and use electricity for decades to come.

During the past two years, electric co-ops across the country have been working hard to ask the EPA to go back to the drawing board and develop a plan that is more achievable and affordable. Together, electric cooperative advocates submitted more than 1.2 million comments to the EPA regarding these rules. That is nearly 30 percent of all the comments EPA received from all interested groups.

More than 7,600 co-op members from Nevada and Utah asked the EPA to take a step back. Unfortunately, despite that effort, the EPA “put the pedal to the metal” and finalized the rules.

We asked co-op members to submit comments because the EPA’s rule will raise the price of electric-ity and potentially endanger the reliable power that we work hard to provide every day.

Despite claims from EPA, this rule will undoubt-edly increase monthly electric bills. It is not yet clear by how much, but the previous proposal had a national average increase of 10 percent in 2025, with some states seeing higher increases and other states seeing lower increases. That is 10 percent more than any inflation-adjusted, otherwise normal projections.

Part of the cost increases will come from prema-turely shutting down power plants that are in good working condition. Like any business, co-ops plan a specific life span for these assets and spread the costs throughout those decades to keep electricity afford-able for members.

If we are forced to shut down those plants early, then we not only lose that source of affordable power, but will have to buy replacement power from the

marketplace with less price-point predictability—and you, our members, will end up paying twice.

That is just not fair, especially since the Clean Air Act says the EPA is supposed to consider the “remaining useful life” of a power plant when setting standards.

The possibility of closing power plants also raises concerns about reliability. Plants are connected points on which electric grid operators rely for power. Without these assets, it will increase stress on the grid—especially during extreme weather events.

EPA expects co-ops and other utilities to make up the lost power with additional renewable resources, natural gas and energy efficiency. Each of these options is a good component of an overall energy mix, and co-ops across the country have been devel-oping new technologies to harness them. But each also has its disadvantages.

Co-ops make it a priority to balance all of their energy sources, along with helping consumers save money by conserving energy where possible. But the final rule will push us to transition to more renew-able resources and natural gas without consideration for the time needed to build the new infrastructure—natural gas pipelines and more electric transmission lines—needed to make those resources more realistic for co-op members in Nevada and Utah.

EPA is in uncharted waters with this incredibly complex scheme, and it is difficult to predict how the timeline will play out. Each state covered by the rules will have a few of years to submit a plan to the EPA demonstrating how the state will comply with the EPA mandate. Both Nevada’s and Utah’s plan will have a big effect on what electric co-ops, along with the other utilities in our state, will have to do and how much it will cost.

But rest assured: While that work is going on, we will continue to stand up for our members. We are fighting for you and have joined with co-ops from across the country in seeking legislative and legal remedies to protect your interests. n

Mark Hayes writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the Arlington, Va.-based service arm of the nation’s 900-plus consumer-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperatives.

EPA’s Clean Power Plan Will Negatively Affect Electric Co-ops

Be HeardYou can let Congress know you want them to repeal the Clean Power Plan by visiting www.action.coop/actionalerts.aspx.

4 D E C E M B E R 2015

Mt. Wheeler Power linemen work hard to keep your power flowing. New EPA rules could make that power more expensive for you.

D E C E M B E R 2015 5

Valley Electric Association, Inc.

Significant progress has been made on the expansion of the Valley Electric Association, Inc. (VEA) Pahrump campus.

The new Innovation, Engineering and Operations Center, for the cooperative’s operations, dispatch and engineering depart-ments is complete and work has begun on the remodel of the Member Services and Administration Building

Temporarily, members can pay their bills and meet with member-services employees in the Engineering building on the east side of the campus. Signs clearly mark where members need to go to conduct business with VEA.

After the Member Services and Administration Building ren-ovation is complete, member services will move back into the main building.

Then, work will begin to convert the Engineering Building into the Valley Conference Center, a fully equipped 6,600-square foot facility that will provide the community with a spacious venue for meetings, concerts and a wide variety of other events.

VEA also plans to use the facility for large, company-wide meetings and training sessions. n

The above diagram shows where members can park and pay their bills while construction is underway. Below, is an aerial view of the same space from 300 feet.

4 D E C E M B E R 2015

Valley Electric

Campus Project Progress: Member Services Has Temporarily Moved

Looking Ahead - Leading by Example

21

Engineering Building. When all the work is complete, this building will be the Valley Conference Center. But for now, this is where you go to pay your bill and talk to member services.

Member Services & Administration Building. This building is currently closed for remodeling. For in-person member services, please go to the the Engineering Building next door. The drive-up kiosk is still available.1 2

www.vea.coop D E C E M B E R 2015 5

Campus Project Milestones

Construction is now complete on the Innovation, Engineering and Operations Center.

Remodeling has begun on the Member Services and Administration Building.

While that remodel is underway, all member service functions, including in-person bill payment, will be handled from the Engineering Building on the east side of the VEA campus.

Member-services functions will move back to the Member Services and Administration Building when the remodel is complete.

Once member services returns to the Member Services and Administration Building, construction will begin to convert the Engineering Building into the Valley Conference Center. n

On the top left, the far west entrance to the VEA parking lot is blocked to allow for construction. On the bottom left, access is blocked on the other side however members can still use the drive-up to access the kiosk.

On the picture above VEA member services personnel and another kiosk are available to take payments and conduct other VEA business. VEA thanks all our members for their patience during this remodel.

You might think of water conservation as a concern most relevant during summer, when you water lawns, fill swimming pools, wash cars and irrigate crops.

While your water use may spike dur-ing warmer months, those seasonal activ-ities are not the biggest consumers of water in an average American household.

Everyday activities account for most of the water an average household uses.

Consider these year-round facts from the U.S. Geological Survey, as reported on the TXU Energy website:

• Flushing the toilet uses 1.2 to 1.6 gallons a flush for newer toilets, and 3 gallons for older styles, making the toilet the top way Americans use water.

• Washing a single load of clothes uses about 25 gallons of water if you have a newer machine and 40 gallons if your machine is older.

• Washing your hands or face and shaving your legs takes about 1 gallon of water for each activity.

• Brushing your teeth uses less than a gallon, but only if you turn off the tap while you brush.

• Washing dishes by hand takes 4 gal-lons a minute. By machine, it is about 20 gallons a load.

Many of those activities—washing your hands, dishes and clothes, for exam-ple—require electricity to heat the water. Conserving water and conserving energy go hand in hand.

Here are easy actions you can take to conserve water and energy this winter:

• Use an online water use calculator to see how much water your family uses.

• Use less hot water. Heating water can account for about a quarter of the electric bill for homes with electric water heaters. Wash clothes in cold water when possible. Use cold water to brush your teeth, and warm water with soap for hand washing. Turn off the tap while brushing.

• Use your dishwasher, rather than washing by hand. If you spend just 10

minutes washing dishes by hand, you will use 40 gallons of hot water. Running the dishwasher uses half that amount.

• Install low-flow showerheads. Showering accounts for nearly 17 per-cent of residential indoor water use—up to 40 gallons a day for an average fam-ily. Switching to a low-flow showerhead could save you 2,900 gallons of water a year. You will save even more water and energy if you shorten your shower.

• If you are remodeling, upgrade old toilets to modern low-flush toilets. If you are not in a position to replace older toilets, improve their efficiency with a simple—and old—trick. Place a brick in the tank. The brick displaces about half a gallon of water, reducing the amount needed per flush with minimal—if any—effect on the toilet’s flushing power.

Conserving water and energy is good for the environment and your wallet any time of year. Simple steps can help your family do both, regardless of the season. n

Conservation Applies to Winter Use, Too

A Word About Water

Simple tips save water, energy and money

Make Your Holidays Merry, Bright and SafeIt is time to decorate for the holidays. To play it safe, keep these tips in mind:hh As you unpack your electric decorations, carefully inspect them for cracked sockets, frayed wires and loose connections that could cause a shock or fire.hh If you buy new lights or other electric decorations, make sure they are approved by Underwriters Laboratory and are appropriate for the use you intend: indoors or outdoors.hh When decorating your home with lights, do not nail or staple through the light cords you are using. You could damage the wire or insulation, which

could lead to an electrical shock or fire. Fasten outdoor lights securely to trees, the house, walls or other firm support to protect them from wind damage. Wide staples that hold the cord without puncturing it will do the job.

hh Do not overload extension cords or allow them to run through water on the ground. Use extension cords approved for outdoor use when you decorate outside and use no more than three standard-size sets of lights per single extension cord.

hh Always turn off electrical lights and decorations before leaving home or going to bed.

Source: National Electrical Safety Foundation, www.nesf.org, and Consumer Product Safety Commission, www.cpsc.gov.

Escambia River

D E C E M B E R 2015 25

Operation Round Up, PRECO’s charitable foundation granted a total of $15,000 to two local Habitat for Humanity groups.

Arcadia-DeSoto Habitat for Humanity

Arcadia-DeSoto County Habitat for Humanity, Arcadia, Fla., received a grant of $10,000 to aid in the construction of a home for Angela Whidden, daughter, Xierria, 19, and son,

Corey, 14. Corey, now a teenager, suffered physical abuse as a baby when he was violently shaken by a family member. The abuse resulted in broken ribs, a damaged esophagus and permanent brain damage, leaving him legally blind and paraplegic.

Angela struggles to make ends meet. She applied several times for a home loan only to be turned down due to insufficient income.

“As a single parent, I almost thought owning a home would be impossible,” shares

Angela. “I decided to attend a [Habitat for Humanity] meeting and soon after was approved.”

Their three bedroom home, due to be completed by Christmas, will be built to energy efficient, Energy Star standards to help the family save money on energy costs. To assist Angela with Corey’s special needs, the home will contain a handicap accessible shower.

Angela has a deep-seated sense of gratitude for the opportunity to better the lives of her family. “Our lives are forever changed by a community built on love!” she exclaims.

Manatee Habitat for Humanity

Manatee County Habitat for Humanity, Bradenton, Fla., received $5,000 to help rehabilitate a donated property into an energy efficient home for a family living in substandard

conditions. Jennifer Ellis and 5-year-old son, Jordan, have been living with her parents, her sister and her sister’s four children.

Owning a home and providing a place for her child to grow up is Jennifer’s dream.  Jennifer, who has worked for several years at a local grocery store, finds it difficult being a single parent with only one income while trying to meet the needs of her child. 

The Habitat for Humanity program is not a give-away program. Jennifer is earning her home ownership through hard work, taking required homeownership classes and performing the “sweat equity” that’s required to acquire a home from Habitat.

“A Habitat home for my son and I means everything to me,” shares Jennifer. “A home of our own would mean a chance to have security which then would give us both a chance to prosper and succeed in all that we do for others.”

Operation Round Up

Funding for Operation Round Up is made possible through the generosity of PRECO’s member-consumers who voluntarily allow their electric bills to be rounded up to the next dollar for charitable purposes.

6 D E C E M B E R 2015 Peace River Electric Cooperative

(from left) Xierria, Angela and Corey anxiously await the completion of their home made possible by a grant from Operation Round Up.

Jennifer invests the sweat equity required to own a home through Habitat for Humanity.

Wondering how to afford your student’s college degree?

Consider a college scholarship from Operation Round Up!

Peace River Electric Cooperative’s charitable foundation – Operation Round Up – will begin accepting scholarship

applications in early January. Visit www.preco.coop.Available to PRECO members and their

dependent children.

Operation Round Up Builds Homes and Lives

15-0153_PREC_2015_Dec_FINAL.indd 8 11/11/15 10:19 AM