Paycheck protection keeps Pioneer Electric on course American businesses of all kinds have felt the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic, and electric cooperatives are no exception. The financial health of any cooperative is tied to the wellbeing of its community. With a spike in unemployment and local businesses closing their doors, Pioneer Electric Cooperative saw a rise in unpaid electric bills. Such a loss of revenue is particularly damaging for rural electric cooperatives, where the fixed costs of bringing electricity to relatively few members are high. Fortunately, the federal Paycheck Protection Program helped businesses keep their workforce employed, and on May 14 the Small Business Administration clarified that electric cooperatives were eligible for this funding. As part of our mission to be good stewards of the members’ investment in this cooperative, Pioneer Electric took advantage of the PPP program. The funding we received helped us keep our workforce and maintain the reliable service our members expect.
Our hope is that it will also keep the cooperative on budget, ensuring rates do not rise and that we can return capital credits to members as scheduled. As of August 2020, Pioneer Electric has returned more than $9 million to our members, and the board plans to return in excess of $10 million more over the next 10 years. n
EXTENSION CORD SAFETY TIPS
An extension cord can be a useful resource to have around your home, but it’s one that should be used safely and with the proper precautions. Follow these simple safety tips when using an extension cord in or outside your home.
1
Never plug an extension cord into another extension cord.
6
Use GFCI protection when using extension cords outside.
2
Make sure you’re using the right type of extension cord for your project.
7
Don’t run an extension cord through water or snow.
3
Never use an inside extension cord outside, and vice versa.
8
Always inspect cords for damage before use.
4
Never alter a plug or force a plug to fit in an outlet.
9
Don’t cover an extension cord.
5
Use extension cords approved by an independent testing lab.
10
Only use extension cords temporarily.
If you find you’re using extension cords often, you might consider installing additional outlets in your home as a safety precaution. Alabama Living
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