in this issue:

Turn Around Toys B

Annual Meeting Recap C

Dual Fuel Heat Pumps D

Home Energy Audit E

Co-op Connections Local Business Discounts F

Union Services G

Right-of-Way Clearing & Veteran’s Day Message H

Photo at top: The Cooperative’s headquarters office on Patton Avenue in Monroe, 1950

Energy for Today, Power for Tomorrowreviewcooperative

celebrating 75 yearsNearly 1,200 members were in attendance for the Co-op’s 75th Annual Membership Meeting on October 4 at Wingate University. Registered members enjoyed a complimentary breakfast and received capital credit checks if eligible. At our Health Fair, Novant Health provided cholesterol and blood sugar screenings, and Community Health Services offered flu shots for $30. Employees distributed more than 1,300 free LED bulbs and 1,000 special 75th anniversary mugs to registered members. A display in Austin Auditorium’s lobby provided information on a variety of member services and a digital presentation showed images of the Co-op’s history.

At the Kid’s Festival, DJ Jimmy Huntley entertained more than 100 children. Abigail Stewart, daughter of member Jill Stewart, was this year’s winner of a Kindle Fire.

Prior to the business meeting, the group Letters From Home provided entertainment in Austin Auditorium. The Forest Hills High School Navy JROTC kicked off the Business Meeting by presenting the colors, and after the Pledge of Allegiance, Wingate student Noel Reese sang the National Anthem.

Above: Members enjoyed a trip down “memory lane” with entertainment by Letters From Home

Left: Customer Service Representative Wanda Stegall registers a member

november 2014

Do you know someone who may need a little extra help paying their electric bill? Our Power Bucks certificates allow you to purchase kilowatt-hours of electricity for Union Power members, reducing the amount of their next month’s bill. When the member receives the next bill, it will show a credit for the amount of the Power Bucks you purchased for them. At your request, Union Power will also send a gift certificate to the member informing him or her of your gift.

To purchase Power Bucks...Simply call our customer service department at 704-289-3145 or 704-485-3335 and speak with a customer service representative, who will apply the Power Bucks credit to the member’s account of your choice. • Check or credit card payments can be made over the phone or at either of our offices at the time of your purchase. There is a $25 minimum purchase amount.

• Please let our customer service representative know if you wish to send a Power Bucks certificate.

Power Bucks make a wonderful Christmas gift but are available throughout the year.

Brighten someone’s life by giving the gift of Power Bucks today.

Dedicated to children in need, Turn Around Toys is a Christian non-profit organization that gathers, refurbishes and redistributes gently used toys. Founder and Executive Director Lynn Fitzgerald says, “Our

mission is to reach the unreachable, to give without condition and show the love of Jesus through gently used toys.”

Lynn believes in never underestimating the impact that a toy can have in a child’s life. Besides fostering social, emotional, muscle and speech development, there are times when a special toy brings the only comfort some children can find.

Local, National & International GivingIn addition to toys, the organization also provides books, new shoes and new bedding. “Since we started in 2008, we have served over 25,000 children in Union County, North Carolina, in South Carolina, and our ministry has spread nationally and internationally — specifically to the Grand Bahamas where we send Agape House boxes of toys and books three times a year.” (Another shipment is being sent in November).

Turn Around Toys is also building future relationships in Peru and Nicaragua with an additional program called RACE (Reaching Abandoned Children Everywhere). In these relationships, new bedding plus toys and books are donated to children in orphanages.

You Can Be InvolvedTurn Around Toys is funded by the community and provides opportunities for the community to be regularly involved. Last year, the organization sent 80+ Christmas boxes nationally to families in need. “We are projecting that number to double this year, so if you love to give back at Christmas time, please come help us fill and send boxes,” says Lynn.

To learn more about how you can get involved, visit turnaroundtoys.com, email turnaroundtoys@gmail.com or please call 704-380-0773. Donations of gently used toys are appreciated and welcomed all year.

Union Power Cooperative

Give the gift of power

turn around toysministry with a heart for children

november 2014 Union Power CooperativeB

The business meeting: • Members re-elected the following directors to serve three-year terms: Jan Haigler, – District V; Dent H. Turner – District I; and Tom J. Caudle – District II.

• Members viewed Union Power’s 75th Anniversary Video, which highlighted the history of the Co-op and featured our employees and many of our members, including Inez Byrum of Waxhaw; David Helms of Monroe; and Blake Lee of Monroe. This video may be viewed on union-power.com, by either clicking the link on the home page or the link on the About Us page.

• Cash door prizes totaling $2,500 were given out after the business meeting. Robbie Purser, son of Kim Purser of Indian Trail drew the door prizes, and the grand prize of $500 went to Judy Houston of Waxhaw. At 89 years of age, Needham Fowler of Monroe was the oldest man in attendance at the meeting; Mildred Hathcock was the oldest woman, at age 90.

The Co-op retired $5.5 million worth of capital credits to eligible members. Checks were issued to all members on our lines for 20 years or longer. Of those members, those in attendance at the meeting were handed a check and those unable to attend should have received a check in the mail. Members on our lines for less than 20 years and who signed up for and received service by the end of December 2013 may have seen a credit on their September or October electric bill.

Thanks to all our members who attended the Annual Meeting. Please join us again next year.

75th annual meeting...

Bright Ideas Early Bird Winner!Congratulations to Ann Jacob from New Town Elementary in Union County! She won a $100 gift card in the Bright Ideas Early Bird drawing.

Ms. Jacob was one of five winners selected at random from among 420 Early Bird applicants statewide this year. Her Bright Idea is called, “Lights, Camera, Action — Tragedies and Comedies of Ancient Greece.”

Union Power Cooperative november 2014 C

benefits of dual fuel heat pumpsHomeowners who are currently heating with gas or propane are increasingly opting for a dual fuel heat pump. This consists of an electric heat pump and gas furnace combined to form one heating system. The dual fuel system relies on the availability of both electricity and natural gas (or propane) to function. Dual fuel heat pumps are ideal where temperatures may drop below freezing in winter. Freezing temperatures tend to push down the performance of an electrical system. It also uses more electricity for heating. Therefore, a gas furnace comes in handy as a backup system, and this is where a dual fuel heating system comes into play. Below are five benefits of a dual fuel system.

EfficientBoth electric and gas-fuelled heating systems have their individual disadvantages. However, a dual system combines the best of both systems. This gives you a top-performing two-in-one heating and cooling system. You are spared from the shortfalls of either system, because where the electric pump begins to drop in performance, the gas furnace takes over. You will be spared the fluctuations or inadequacies otherwise predictable if only one system is in use. Your home will be sufficiently warmed and cooled as desired.

ComfortableA dual fuel system is convenient and comfortable to use. The condenser is placed outside the house, which helps keep noise levels at a minimum. Electricity is utilized for most of the time. No pollution is associated with electricity usage. It is a clean system to use for home heating and air conditioning needs.

VersatileWhere temperatures tend to be above freezing, an electric heat pump is best. However, in some cases, temperatures will drop below freezing. A gas furnace works best to deliver heating in extremely cold weather. The dual fuel heat pump is set up such that it will automatically switch to either mode as needed. Efficiency is maintained at an optimal level constantly. With a dual fuel system you are assured of year-round comfort.

Cost — EffectiveThe initial purchase cost of a dual fuel system may be slightly higher. This is because, essentially, you are purchasing two systems in one. But the efficiency of the system makes it a worthwhile investment. The system is set up such that the electric heat pump is utilized for a greater duration. This helps to keep costs manageable given that gas is more costly. Energy use is economical, which saves you on energy costs over the long run. A

dual fuel heat pump system spares you from having to install two systems separately. You are also likely to save when it comes to maintenance. It is more costly to have two separate systems serviced individually. Finally, a dual fuel heating system adds to the value of your home.

Environmentally FriendlyDual fuel heat pumps are an efficient set-up. Electricity is utilized for the greater portion of time, about 85 percent, and gas is used for the remaining 15 percent duration. A dual system helps in sustainable energy consumption and is an environmentally-friendly system to install in your home.

Source: doityourself.comnovember 2014 Union Power CooperativeD

Union Power Cooperative

It’s not that extra holiday cooking or those few strands of Christmas lights that cause drastic spikes in your electric bill (unless your house looks like Clark Griswold’s house in the movie, “Christmas Vacation”). But a malfunctioning heat pump or well pump could be the culprit. With our High Energy Usage Alert, you can catch abnornally high energy use on your account before it runs your monthly electric bill sky high.

You’re in ControlThe High Energy Usage Alert will notify you when your daily energy usage exceeds the dollar amount that you have set up. To calculate how much your daily usage is in dollars, divide your average bill amount by 30 (days) to get the average dollar cost per day. Then you’re ready to set your threshold.

Remember not to set the threshold so close to the average usage that you might receive alerts too often. For example, if your average electric bill for the month is $150, then you’re paying approximately $5 per day for electricity. In this case, the Co-op recommends setting the dollar threshold for your notification alert at $7 to $8 (this is $2 to $3 more than the normal daily usage, or between 40 and 60 percent). But it is important for each member to set the threshold amount calculated on the actual daily usage for his or her individual account.

When You Receive an AlertIf you receive high usage alert notifications consistently for a few days, and seasonal temperature fluctuations can be ruled out, you should investigate further. Check these top three things that can typically cause a spike in usage, and consider also having them checked by a licensed technician: • Heating/cooling systems

• Electric water heaters

• Well pumps/water system leaks

Set Up Alerts from Smart Phones or Mobile Devices: • Download the UPC Mobile App in the App Store or in the Android Market.

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

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

• Click Customize to name/register your device.

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

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

stay ‘alert’ — it can save you money

Union Power Cooperative november 2014 E

Be Connected... with Union Power’s Co-op Connections card, which adds value to you and your family. This free membership provides discounts of 10–85% on prescriptions at more than 70,000 pharmacies nationwide. It also offers you and your family valuable savings from participating businesses on medical services, online discounts, and many local businesses. Just present your card at any participating business to take advantage of the savings. You can also see ALL the discounts — local, national, and online businesses — go to union-power.com and click on the Co-op Connections card. Check our website regularly for newly added businesses.

Business Owners!Offer a discount to Co-op members, and we’ll advertise your business for FREE! For more information, visit union-power.com, Co-op Connections for Participating Businesses or call 704-220-0703 or 704-220-0714.

Ace Tile & Floor Design/Colortilewww.acefloors.com15% off reg. mosaic/borders,10% off in-stock flooring excluding clearance Indian Trail, NC 704-821-1446

Air Repair Mobile Tire Service10% Discount on Service Calls for Farm or Roadside Service. Mt. Pleasant, NC 704-791-0607

Albemarle Tae Kwon Doalbemarletkd.comNo Enrollment Fee & $10 off your first month of classes Albemarle, NC 704-982-4099

All-Around Consignments & Moreall-aroundconsignments.com15% off any 1 item purchased. Richfield, NC 704-850-4099

Alling’s Auto & Truck Repair, LLCWheel alignment $49.95 (most vehicles) Monroe, NC 704-635-8024

American Store & Lock #1storagecentres.comMove In Special $34.99 including a disk lock. Any size unit -1 month only. Indian Trail, NC 704-821-8663

Avon10% off any order of $25 or more Monroe, NC 7047649125

B&Z Auto Repairbandzautorepair.com10% off any repair $100 or more. $10 off any complete brake job. Indian Trail, NC 704-234-0334

Black’s Tire & Auto Servicewww.blackstire.com5% discount on Tires & Auto Service. Not good with any other discounts. Monroe, NC 704-283 2550

Black’s Tire & Auto Servicewww.blackstire.com5% discount on Tires & Auto Service. Not good with any other discounts. Monroe, NC 704-238-9720

Black’s Tire & Auto Servicewww.blackstire.com5% discount on Tires & Auto Service. Not good with any other discounts. Matthews, NC 704-847-9773

Butch’s Auto Parts - NAPA5% Off Purchase Oakboro, NC 704-485-8601

Carolinas Chiropractic & Spinal Rehabwww.carolinaschiropractic.comFree Ice Pack for all new patients - excludes Medicare and Medicaid. Waxhaw, NC 704243-1010

Cathy Burns Realty Groupwww.cathyburns.comFree Home Warranty up to $500 value when buying or selling home Waxhaw, NC 704-307-3839

Celebrating Homewww.celebratinghome.com/sites/175050% off Baked Apple Pie Candle(1) or Free Shipping on any bean pot purchase Concord, NC 704-456-9854

Charlotte Kennelscharlottekennels.com10% discount on all services Indian Trail, NC 704-821-1318

Chris Creations Face Painting10% Discount Richfield, NC 704-322-8028

Cody’s Lawn Care5% Off Yards of Senior Citizens Albemarle, NC 704-983-1919

Computer Visions, Inc.cvamerica.net10% off on residential on site service/free system clean or bring in repair Albemarle, NC 704-982-3001

Custom Doors, Inc.5% Off every purchase Albemarle, NC 704-982-2885

Detailing By Timcharlottedetailing.com10% off any service Indian Trail, NC 704-821-6994

Divine Custom Frame & 8 Legs Gallery15% discount on custom framing to all Union Power members. Waxhaw, NC 704-843-1662

Edible Arrangements - Monroeediblearrangements.com10% off entire order (including delivery charges) Monroe, NC 704-635-8761

Enterprise Fitness Centerenterpriseworkout.comLow monthly rate of $19.99 for basic membership Monroe, NC 704-289-4940

Extreme Icexicenter.comBuy 1 Get 1 FREE Skate Admission Indian Trail, NC 704-882-1830

Firestone Complete Auto Carefirestonecompleteautocare.comClick on ad for discounts which apply to all Charlotte area stores. Charlotte area locations, NC 704-847-355

Flynn’s Auto & Alignment, Inc.napalocator.com$5 off oil service,$10 off brake repair,$10 off fluid flushes Monroe, NC 704-283-1979

Ginny’s Consignment and Tanning Salon10% Off Items of Regular Price Oakboro, NC 704-485-4111

Graphical Creations, Inc.graphi-cal.comFREE initial needs analysis - $100 value. Stanfield, NC (704) 888-8870

Hess Tire and AutomotiveHessTires.comClick on ad for discounts. Monroe, NC 704-282-2285

Houston Pressure Washing Inc.noahsarkwater.com20% off service Monroe, NC 704-506-3521

Huneycutt’s Automotive10% off A/C Freon, 5% off Brake pads or shoes. Oakboro, NC 704-485-8152

Huneycutt’s Tire and TowingFree Flat Repair with purchase of new tires, Limit 1 per Set Oakboro, NC 704-485-3630

Interstate Supplies & Services, Inc.iss-go.com10% off parts order. In store purchases only. Stallings, NC 704-893-2878

Java’s Brewing Bakery & Cafejavasbrewingbakeryandcafe.comFree Muffin with purchase of Large Latte, Smoothie or Frozen Blended Drink Waxhaw, NC 704-243-1168

Jeff’s Oak Furniturejeffsoakfurniture.comReceive Additional 5% Off Purchase Oakboro, NC 704-485-8078

Kentucky Fried Chickenkfc.com10% off total orderIndian Trail, NC 704-821-5641

Kiddie Kare of Albemarlekiddiekareofalbelmarle.comFree Registration for New Child - $30 Value Albemarle, NC 704-982-2983

november 2014 Union Power CooperativeF

SaveWithUnion.com

Experts predict another cold, harsh winter.Is your home’s Heating system ready?Enjoy peace-of-mind knowing you won’t have surprise breakdowns.And, new high-e�ciency Trane® systems save energy and save money because they use less to operate, so your utilities will be lower.

Low monthly payments available NOW on new Trane® Heating systems.

Locust Ace Hardwarelocustacehardware.com$4 off one gallon of paint Locust, NC 704-888-0093

Locust Rock Store BBQBuy Pork Plate, Get (1) FREE Drink. $1.50 value, DIne in or Take Out Locust, NC 704-888-2022

Main Street MonogramsMainstreetmonograms@yahoo.comPurchase five full priced monograms and receive one FREE Wingate, NC 704-233-5393

Mary Kay - Donna Thibodeaumarykay.com/dthibodeau$70 in products for only $35;Free Facials, make-up tips & make-overs Waxhaw, NC 704-221-1088

Mary Kay - Suzanne Boggswww.marykay.com/suzanneboggsFree Makeovers Free Shipping Matthews, NC 704-882-3000

Mary Kay - Timmy Schragmarykay.com/timmyschragFree facials and consultations. Free Shipping Indian Land, SC 803-415-2336

Massage & Bodywork Therapistmtm.abmp.comFirst time clients receive 25% off. Waxhaw, NC 704-219-2655

McGuirt AdvertisingFrankAd.com10% to 25% discount off catalog price on promotional products Wingate, NC 704-507-3956

Metropolitan Child Development Center10% off Indian Trail, NC 704-821-1709

Michael Horne Florist15% discount with any $50 minimum purchase Wadesboro, NC 704-694-4000

Monroe Paint and Decorating Center, Inc.monroepaint.com$5 off per gallon on PPG Porter Paints with Co-op Connections Card Monroe, NC 704-283-4666

Music on Main,LLCmusiconmain.net15% Off Guitar Set-ups &String changes-Acoustic,Electric&Bass Guitars Albemarle, NC 704-322-3719

NC Financial Solutionsncfinancialsolutions.comFree Review,College,Retirement,Healthcare Reform, $300 Value Monroe, NC 704-289-7283

Oakridge Kennelsoakridge-kennels.comBuy One Nature Walk or Playtime and receive one FREE Monroe, NC 704-289-5828

Pawfection Pet Grooming$10 Off First Grooming - New Clients Only Richfield, NC 704-985-8459

Pierce Family Chiropractic10% off chiropractic services Monroe, NC (704) 282-9300

Pilot’s View Photographycaleb@pilotsviewphotography.com15% off aerial flight Albemarle, NC (704) 984-3135

Quality Tire10% off purchase of 4 new tires, with free repair and rotation Mt. Pleasant, NC 704-436-8466

Rossini’s Pizza Pasta and Subs5% off your total order. Indian Trail, NC 704-882-3343

Rotation Stationrotationstation@windstream.netAdditional 5% Off All Items Oakboro, NC 704-485-5957

Shear Magic Salon10% discount off all services for first time appointments Monroe, NC 704-289-5017

Southern AiresouthernaireHVAC.com$25 off any service call, $250 off new system installation Norwood, NC 704-474-2665

Stanly Cutlery & Guns10% off all knives; will pay sales tax on all guns. Locust, NC 704-781-0000

Stars BurgersStarsBurgers.com10% off any purchase Indian Trail, NC 704-231-8166

SubwayBuy any footlong or 6” sandwich and drink, get one 6” sandwich Charlotte, NC 704-549-8519 Indian Trail, NC 704-821-8734 Indian Trail, NC 704-882-0739 Indian Trail, NC 704-882-0433 Monroe, NC 704-283-0873 Monroe, NC 704-283-2577 Waxhaw, NC 704-243-3692

Sylvan Learning - Albemarlesylvanlearning.com5% Off Tuition, Free Registration ($50 Value), $100 off Skill Assessment Albemarle, NC 704-982-2288

The Carpenter’s Waythecarpentersway.org$100 discount (off minimum of one week’s labor services) Norwood, NC 704-425-8460

The Dawn of Designthedawnofdesign.com10% off all design, labor and fabrics New London, NC 704-794-2507

The Farmhousethefarmhouseatstarkeyfarms.com20% off entire purchase. Monroe, NC 704-579-1046

The LawnMower Shope10% off for Seniors Mt. Pleasant, NC 704-436-8685

The Renn’s Nesttherennsnest.com10% off purchases (a few exclusions apply) Monroe, NC 704-221-2154

The UPS Storetheupsstorelocal.com/368610% off any purchase. Monroe, NC 704-814-7730

Union Servicesunion-power.com/unionservices.aspx10%off HVAC or Electrical service call. Present card at time of call Monroe, NC 704-283-9047

Upper Cervical Health Centersuppercervicalcare.comFree Initial Consultation; 50% savings on Initial X-ray (if needed) Charlotte, NC 704-588-5560

Wiley Brothers Painting Company10% discount on service Indian Trail, NC (704) 488-3466

Union Power Cooperative november 2014 G

Cooperative Review is published monthly by

Union Power Cooperative provides safe and reliable power with exceptional value to more than 70,000 member accounts in Union, Stanly, Cabarrus, Mecklenburg, and Rowan counties.

Greg AndressExec. Vice President & General Manager

Carrie C. Stroud, CCCEditor

Rhonda Smith, CCCAssociate Editor

BOARD OF DIRECTORSB. L. Starnes, PresidentLee Roy Kirk, Jr., Vice PresidentJan Haigler, Secretary-TreasurerDent H. Turner, Jr., Asst. Secretary-TreasurerJuanita W. PoplinNeil W. Hasty, Jr.Carole P. JonesJim T. HartsellDavid G. HyattTom J. Caudle

Business Hours8 AM to 5 PM Monday–Friday704-289-3145 or 704-485-3335Toll-free: 1-800-922-6840union-power.com

24-Hour Outage Reporting Serviceand Account Information1-800-794-4423

Call Before DigNC One Call Center — Dial 811

SERVICE CHARGES:Security Deposit-charges vary $0, $175, $375Connection Fee $25Late Payment Charge $5 or 1.5% of past due balance, if greaterReturned Check Fee $25Meter Test $75 (refunded if not accurate)Dual Meter Comparison $50 (refunded if not accurate)Trip Charge $25 (checks or money orders only, no cash)

RECONNECT CHARGES:(collected in advance)Normal Hours $50 (if called in before 4:00 PM)After Hours $100 (if called in after 4:00 PM)Weekends and Holidays $100

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

Union: Arant Rd, Arthur Dr, Balsam St, Belk Mill Rd, Bessant Dr, Beulah Church Rd, Beverly Dr, Blakeney Rd, Bobbie Ln, Brittany Ct, Brookstone Trail, Brooktree Ln, Bud Plyler Rd, Burgess Helms Rd, Cane Creek Rd, Cheraw Rd, Clontz Taylor Rd, Courtland St, Cox Rd, Dudley Rd, Dudley Rd, Effie Whitley Rd, Ervin Thomas Rd, Etheridge St, Eubanks Rd, Faith Church Rd, Frost Ct, Ginger Ln, Gum Ln, Hargette Rd, HB Starnes Rd, Helms Funderburke Rd, Jack Davis Rd, Janes Ln, Jordan Dr, Jug Broome Rd, Kelly Autry Rd, Lake Park Rd, Lancaster Hwy, Landsford Rd, Laney Rogers Rd, Lincoln Ct,

Lonnie D Aldridge Rd, Mangum Dairy Rd, Medlin Rd, Mt Pleasant Church Rd, Mullis Rd, Nesbit Rd, Oakland Ave, Old Highway Rd, Old Pageland Marshville Rd, Old Pageland Monroe Rd, Olson Ln, Pageland Marshville Rd, Philadelphia Church Rd, Pigg Mattox Rd, Pine Ln, Rape Rd, Riggins Rd, Ruth St, S Potter Rd, Sara Hinson Rd, Secrest Shortcut Rd, Smith Town Rd, Stack Rd, Sybil Ct, Tom Greene Rd, Tom Starnes Rd, Trevor Simpson Dr, Truman St, Vann Sneed Rd, Wallace Branch Rd, Walters Mill Rd, Walters Rd, Whispering Hollow Ln, Woodhaven Rd

For more information about Union Power’s vegetation management program or tree trimming practices, please call 704-289-3145 and speak with Wil Ortiz (ext. 3323) or Carrie Lorenz-Efird (ext. 3291). Visit our website, union-power.com, for monthly right-of-way clearing updates.

right-of-way clearing

Union Power honors our members and the thousands of North Carolinians who have served or are currently serving as members of our Armed Forces.

The board and employees of the Cooperative salute your honor and courage. We thank you for your service. We remember with pride those who gave their all for our freedom.

honoring our veterans