WELCOME TO THE FALL ISSUE OF OUR EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER!
We hope the newsletter keeps you informed on employee and member updates. You will receive Between the Lines every three months. Each issue will feature employee anniversaries, birthdays, upcoming meetings and events, and more.
We want to hear from you!
Do you have information to include in the newsletter or ideas to improve communication? Send feedback, information, and photos to Jade at jadeg@butlerrural.coop.
Generator program launching November 1 PAGE 3 + 4 Butler Rural Community Solar PAGE 11
Reliable electricity is at risk if Ohio experiences extreme cold this winter
How
we’re helping members prepare
The reliability of the national electric grid is under pressure. Existing, reliable generation sources are being shut down prematurely and replaced with generation that’s intermittent in nature. The result is during extreme weather, the supply margins are tight and any event can put the reliability of the grid at risk.
During Winter Storm Elliott in 2022, 9 states to the south of us saw mandated rolling outages implemented to protect the integrity of the grid. We were lucky in Ohio and avoided such steps. I’m happy to report the cooperatives in Ohio have more generation than we have load. But we are all connected to the grid, which is operated as a market, and we could be impacted by regional generation shortages unrelated to our own generation portfolio.
What this means for the cooperative
The premature closing of reliable fossil-fuel power plants has narrowed the gap between the supply of available electricity and the ever-growing demand for power. When a winter storm drives even higher demand – and threatens supply at the same time – those charged with maintaining balance on the grid may require local utilities to reduce electricity use.
Butler Rural Electric Cooperative and Buckeye Power, our electric generation cooperative, will closely watch conditions and stay in constant contact with PJM, the regional authority that manages our portion of the electric grid. Butler Rural Electric Cooperative and Buckeye Power have a mandatory obligation to follow the reliability directives of PJM. If needed, rolling outages will impact all electric utility consumers, not only co-op members.
Keeping members informed
We’re doing everything we can to keep the lights on and want to help if conditions dictate otherwise. Butler Rural Electric Cooperative has developed a communication plan to keep members updated when rolling outages occur. We will clearly and quickly communicate with members using all available communication channels to keep them updated.
Standby generators and portable generator switches
In November, we’re introducing a generator program for members to purchase KOHLER standby generators through the cooperative. Similar to our geothermal program, the board of trustees has budgeted to offer low-interest loans to help members finance such a major investment. For those like me, who don’t have a need for a wholehome generator, or for those who don’t want to make that level of investment, we also offer the ability to purchase a behind-the-meter transfer switch called a Trifecta from Global Power Products. A Trifecta is a meter base mounted transfer switch with a cord to use with a portable generator to power parts of the home, like your sump pump and refrigerator. The cooperative will provide free installation for these switches.
Tom Wolfenbarger GENERAL MANAGER
Please see the next few pages to learn more about standby generators and portable generator switches. This new program does not indicate Ohio’s electric cooperatives have insufficient power generation or reliability issues. The program gives members the opportunity to prepare for outages the co-op has little control over.
Butler Rural Electric Cooperative can’t control the weather, but we’ll continue doing everything we can to provide members with reliable electric service, no matter what Mother Nature sends our way.
KOHLER Standby Generator + Trifecta Portable Generator Transfer
Switch
Butler Rural Electric Cooperative offers a program for members to purchase a KOHLER® standby generator or a Trifecta portable generator transfer switch. This program does not indicate Ohio’s electric cooperatives have insufficient power generation or reliability issues. The program gives members the opportunity to prepare for outages the co-op has little control over.
KOHLER STANDBY GENERATOR
Butler Rural Electric Cooperative offers a generator program for members to purchase a KOHLER standby generator through the cooperative. The cooperative’s board of trustees has budgeted to offer low-interest loans to help members finance such a major investment. Members can also purchase a KOHLER standby generator from the cooperative without receiving a loan if they choose.
A KOHLER standby generator is perfect for:
> Members who want to power their entire home, including critical hardwired systems like AC, heat, sump pumps, well pumps, security systems, and large appliances.
TRIFECTA PORTABLE GENERATOR TRANSFER SWITCH
For those who don’t have a need for a whole-home generator, or for those who don’t want to make that level of investment, we also offer the ability to purchase a behind-the-meter transfer switch called a Trifecta from Global Power Products. A Trifecta is a meter base mounted transfer switch with a cord to use with a portable generator to power parts of the home. The cooperative provides free installation for the switch.
A Trifecta portable generator transfer switch is perfect for:
> Members who want to power parts of their home, like sump pumps and refrigerators.
KOHLER STANDBY GENERATOR
Butler Rural Electric Cooperative offers qualifying residential members a loan of up to $20,000 for the purchase and installation of a new KOHLER standby generator with the convenience of having the loan payment payable with the monthly electric bill. The loan funds can cover labor, electric work, plumbing, and materials. To qualify for the loan, the member must purchase a KOHLER generator through Butler Rural Electric Cooperative. Members can also purchase a KOHLER standby generator from the cooperative without receiving a loan if they choose.
Generator
cost and size
The cost to purchase and install a KOHLER standby generator varies from location to location. If a member is interested in installing a standby generator, an employee from Butler Rural Electric Cooperative’s electrician services department will visit their home to perform a free site visit. Our electricians will work with the member to coordinate a location for the generator and verify clearance requirements. Employees from the cooperative’s engineering department will calculate a generator size for the home and will prepare a quote for the electric portion of the project. The member can choose the loan amount. Loan funds can cover labor, electric work, plumbing, and materials.
Power source
Standby generators have their own power source –either propane or natural gas. If the member does not have propane or natural gas at their home, Butler Rural Electric Cooperative can connect them with a company to install propane, LP line, and associated regulator.
TRIFECTA PORTABLE GENERATOR TRANSFER SWITCH
Butler Rural Electric Cooperative offers a safe and easy connection for portable generators. Members can protect what powers their home with a Trifecta manual transfer switch. A Trifecta is a meter base mounted transfer switch with a cord to use with a portable generator to power parts of the home, like a sump pump and refrigerator.
The cooperative provides free installation for these switches. Employees in our engineering department can calculate an appropriate size device for the home and what the member plans to power with the generator. Members must have their own portable generator to use this device – Butler Rural Electric Cooperative does not sell portable generators.
Price list
30 Amp Trifecta (TRI-23sx)
$750.63
LEARN MORE
40 Amp Surge Protection (TRI-24sx)
$883.75
Price includes 20 foot cable and taxes. Additional cable is available in 20 foot increments for an additional charge. Butler Rural Electric Cooperative can order a 50 Amp device if requested.
We are currently developing new web pages on our website for this program. Members can learn more at butlerrural.coop or call 513-867-4400 beginning November 1.
HAZARDS IN THE FIELD > WHAT TO LOOK FOR
It's important to report hazards in the field if you see something that looks off when you're outside the office, like when you're on your way home after work.
If you see something that could be dangerous, report it to Denis. One of our employees will inspect the problem and fix it if needed.
Report these problems even if you're unsure it's impacting an electric line or if you don't know if the electric line is in our territory. Doing so will keep our employees and the public safe.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Shown here is a broken crossarm brace. If you see this in our area, report it to Denis.
Employee anniversaries
OCTOBER
Mick Johnson
October 10 13 years
Missy Moore
October 17
30 years
Rhett Hughes
October 29 17 years
Noah Krall
October 23
5 years
NOVEMBER
Debbie Carley
November 9 37 years
Lisa Broermann
November 3 10 years
DECEMBER
Lori Maynard
December 1 16 years
Darlene Thompson
December 14 26 years
HOLIDAYHOMETOWNLIGHTS CONTEST
Members who deck their home for the holiday season could win Butler Rural Electric Cooperative’s NEW Hometown Holiday Lights Contest! One winner will receive a $50 bill credit and a giveaway basket. There are no special themes or guidelines – members are just asked to be creative and festive.
To enter, members can submit one photo of their home featuring this year’s lighting and decorations by sending Butler Rural Electric Cooperative a direct message through Facebook by December 15. Members must include their address in the message.
Voting is open to all and will take place on Butler Rural Electric Cooperative’s Facebook page December 16 through 19. The winner will be announced on Facebook December 20 and will be featured in February’s issue of Ohio Cooperative Living magazine.
The contest is open to residential members of Butler Rural Electric Cooperative. The entered display must be at an address that receives electricity from Butler Rural Electric Cooperative. One entry per member.
MEMBERS MUST SUBMIT ENTRIES BY DECEMBER 15
BUTLER RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
Employees assist in power restoration following Hurricane Helene
Ray Brunner, Steve Abrams, Mick Johnson, Noah Krall, and Andrew Straight assisted Broad River Electric Cooperative in Cowpens, South Carolina following extensive damage caused by Hurricane Helene. Hurricane Helene was a massive storm and the most destructive one for the Broad River service area since Hurricane Hugo in 1989.
Many lineworkers traveled from out of state to support the co-op's recovery efforts, including teams from Ohio, Maine, New York, and Florida.
Upcoming events
OCTOBER
COMMUNITY SERVICE
DAY
Shared Harvest Foodbank
October 8
1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
FLU SHOTS IN COMMUNITY ROOM
October 16
7:30 to 8:30 a.m.
BOARD MEETING
October 30
NOVEMBER
ANNUAL BENEFIT ENROLLMENT
November 5 through 15
EMPLOYEE MEETING
November 6
HOLIDAY HARVEST FOOD DRIVE BEGINS
November 15
NOMINATING COMMITTEE MEETING + BOARD CANDIDATE
INTERVIEWS
November 18
BOARD MEETING
November 27
OFFICE CLOSED FOR THANKSGIVING
November 28 + 29
DECEMBER
EMPLOYEE CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION
Hamilton Marriott
December 7
HOLIDAY HARVEST FOOD DRIVE ENDS
December 13
OFFICE CLOSED FOR CHRISTMAS
December 24 + 25
BOARD MEETING
December 27
Holiday Harvest FOOD DRIVE
Lend a helping hand to a neighbor in need this holiday season
Nov. 15 through Dec. 13
Employees can donate nonperishable items in the lobby and on the Holiday Harvest tables in the warehouse beginning Nov. 15.
Items are given to local food banks and churches to give to families in need.
Employees who are members will be entered to win a $50 bill credit for every 10 items donated! See the front desk to be entered into the drawing after you donate items.
Congratulations to Member Services
Representative Ryleigh Hollen and Dylan Persinger, who were married August 24.
Employee birthdays
OCTOBER
Andy Denny
October 3
Steve Abrams
October 14
Alyssa Maurits
October 24
Denis Armstead
October 25
Jade Guthrie
October 25
NOVEMBER
Daniel Chaney
November 5
Jake Harrison
November 13
Emily Bourne
November 27
Jeremy Hill
November 28
DECEMBER
Seth Fricke
December 12
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Employees can use up to eight hours in a year to participate in community volunteer efforts. Three of these hours will be used during our Community Day October 8. You can use the other five hours for the volunteer opportunities below:
Animal Adoption Foundation
Open Hands Food Pantry
TOPSS
Community service opportunities are posted in the break room by the bulletin board. Please sign up for a time slot and speak with your supervisor to ensure you have approval to be out of the office during that time. Once you sign up, we will verify the time slot you selected is still available with the organization. You will be notified once the date and time is confirmed.
Post your time volunteering during work hours (including travel time) to task AECS “community service” pay code.
Co-op welcomes past Youth Tour delegate for mentorship experience
Lily Spenceley is gaining hands-on experience at Butler Rural Electric Cooperative through service learning opportunities offered at Talawanda High School. Lily is enrolled in a leadership and career mentorship program and will receive credit for her learning experiences with the co-op. She will work with Community Relations Coordinator Andy Denny every Wednesday from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Lily is a senior at Talawanda High School and was a 2023 Butler Rural Electric Cooperative Youth Tour delegate. She will gain experience in the field of marketing and social media during her time at the co-op.
NEW COMMUNITY SOLAR PANELS AVAILABLE TO MEMBERS
The Butler Rural Community Solar program allows members to purchase subscriptions to solar panels. Subscribers support the benefits of solar energy without incurring upfront costs and without having solar panels located at their home. Generating energy with solar power creates no pollution or carbon dioxide emissions and is a clean and renewable energy source.
Our first community solar array is located on the corner of Lanes Mill and Stillwell Beckett roads across from our office. Construction for the 228 panel array was completed in February 2017. Our newest array was completed in July 2022 and is located in Findlay, Ohio. This larger array, built together with Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives, has 662 panels available for our members. These solar panels allow cooperative members to support the benefits of solar energy without the cost and hassle of installing solar panels at their homes.
Approximately 300 panels are now available to Butler Rural Electric Cooperative members. Marketing and Key Accounts Representative Alyssa Maurits has created a marketing campaign to subscribe these panels to members over the next few months.
It’s a fact, whether we like it or not, decisions made in Washington, D.C. and at our state capital impact us from how much we pay for electricity to what benefits we provide our employees. That’s why it is so important to elect and re-elect people who understand the concerns of America’s electric cooperatives.
About America’s Electric Cooperatives PAC
America’s Electric Cooperatives PAC is the federal political action committee (PAC) of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) and is backed by nearly 35,000 eligible employees, directors, and consumer-members across the country. It is truly a grassroots movement powered by thousands of contributors giving an average of $65 per year.
Please Join America’s Electric Cooperatives PAC!
Your PAC contribution builds our collective strength, which is grounded in the relationships between local electric co-ops, the communities they serve, and the candidates seeking to represent them. Join the thousands of co-op leaders who value political engagement and the role it plays in our collective success. For just a small amount a month, you can be sure your voice is heard in Washington, D.C.
Make PAC elections during annual benefit enrollment November 6 through 15.
Who Can Join America’s Electric Cooperatives PAC?
Eligible: Directors; salaried employees with policymaking, managerial, professional or supervisory responsibilities; and any consumermember of an electric co-op that belongs to NRECA.
Ineligible: Non-exempt hourly employees*; salaried foreman with direct supervision over hourly employees*; outside contractors, such as consultants or outside attorneys*; consumers of a public power district; and general public.
*If any of these are consumer members of an electric co-op that belongs to NRECA, they can join America’s Electric Cooperatives PAC. Employees who are ineligible to join AEC PAC can join OEC PAC. Speak with HR during annual benefit enrollment to learn more.
Contributions to the NRECA America’s Electric Cooperatives PAC are not tax deductible for federal income tax purposes. Contributions to America’s Electric Cooperatives PAC are voluntary and will be used for political purposes. You have the right to refuse to contribute without reprisal. Federal law prohibits contributions from foreign nationals who lack permanent resident status. Any contribution guidelines presented are merely suggestions. You are free to contribute more or less than the suggested amounts, or not at all. NRECA will not favor or disadvantage anyone by reason of the amount contributed or a decision not to contribute. For more information on the PAC, please contact your local cooperative or NRECA PAC team at 703-907-5799 or by email at pacteam@nreca.coop.
*Federal law requires us to use our best efforts to collect and report the name, mailing address, occupation and name of employer of individuals whose contributions exceed $200.
IT'S capital credits SEASON
Among the many differences cooperatives offer members, one big difference stands out this time of year — capital credits.
Unlike investor-owned utilities that maximize profits to pay shareholders, our not-for-profit cooperative provides electricity at cost. Members receive capital credits because they're owners of Butler Rural Electric Cooperative. Capital credits represent this ownership and are one of the most unique and rewarding benefits of being co-op members.
How capital credits work
At the end of each year, we subtract our operating expenses from the amount of money collected from members paying their electric bills. The money left is called margins. Margins are based on the amount members paid for electric service and are deposited into their capital credits account at the end of the year. Butler Rural Electric Cooperative uses allocated margins to build and maintain our electric infrastructure by purchasing materials and equipment like poles and wires. These funds serve a vital function and allow the cooperative to operate economically and effectively while investing in the infrastructure necessary to meet the needs of our members.
Butler Rural Electric Cooperative's board of trustees evaluates the financial stability of the co-op each year to determine if we can retire capital credits. When the co-op retires capital credits, we withdraw margins from members capital credits accounts and send them as a check or as a credit on their bill. The capital credits amount members receive is based on the amount they paid for electric service during the years of capital credits retirement.
Capital credits are an investment in Butler Rural Electric Cooperative. They allow the co-op to continue to provide safe, reliable, and affordable electric service.
We're retiring over $2 million in capital credits this year!
Next month, members who received electricity from Butler Rural Electric Cooperative in 2007 and/or 2023 may receive capital credits checks or credits on their electric bill.
Checks will be issued Nov. 12 and are mailed from St. Louis, MO. It may take up to a month for members to receive capital credits checks through the mail. If members chose to apply their capital credits to their electric bill, they will be applied Nov. 5
CAPITAL CREDITS NOTICES
Members will receive a variety of capital credits notices from us over the next few months. These notices are listed on the following pages.
APPLY CAPITAL CREDITS TO BILL EMAILS
These emails let members know they can apply capital credits to their electric bill instead of receiving a capital credits check. The email below will be sent to paperless members with capital credits over $20 October 4. We send similar emails to paperless members with capital credits less than $20 and paperless members who have chosen to apply their capital credits to their electric bill each year.
CAPITAL CREDITS CHECKS IN THE MAIL EMAILS
This email lets members know their capital credits check is in the mail. The email below is from 2023. It will be updated and sent to members receiving capital credits checks November 12.
CAPITAL CREDITS CHECKS INSERT – ACTIVE NON-PAC MEMBERS
The letter below is included with capital credits checks to active members who are not members of America's Electric Cooperative PAC, or AEC PAC. The letter asks members to consider investing a portion of their capital credits in AEC PAC to help protect the cooperative business model. Checks are mailed November 12.
Consider helping us preserve the cooperative business model, which gives you the benefit of capital credits checks, and help us hold down your energy costs by becoming part of America’s Electric Cooperatives PAC, or AEC PAC. Being part of the political process is key to maintaining our business model status as a cooperative, which ensures you continue receiving capital credits checks for years to come. It helps us continue to provide safe, reliable, and affordable electric service while holding down energy costs.
AEC PAC gives you, the member-owner, a voice on behalf of your cooperative. AEC PAC is our best tool to maintain the attention of decision makers, both in Ohio and Washington, D.C., who are working on issues and regulations affecting energy.
With your support, we can strengthen our political voice in Washington, D.C., and let legislators know their decisions directly impact you. For just $25 per year, or $2.08 per month, you can be part of the voice. We ask that you consider reinvesting a portion of your capital credits check to strengthen your voice and help preserve the cooperative business model. Fill out the form below and mail it to the cooperative’s office in the enclosed postage-paid envelope. If you wish to return a check with the form below, please make checks payable to Butler Rural Electric Cooperative.
Contributions to the NRECA America’s Electric Cooperatives PAC are not tax deductible for federal income tax purposes.
Contributions to America’s Electric Cooperatives PAC are voluntary and will be used for political purposes. You have the right to refuse to contribute without reprisal. Federal law prohibits contributions from foreign nationals who lack permanent resident status. Any contribution guidelines presented are merely suggestions. You are free to contribute more or less than the suggested amounts, or not at all. NRECA will not favor or disadvantage anyone by reason of the amount contributed or a decision not to contribute. For more information on the PAC, please contact your local cooperative or NRECA PAC team at 703-907-5799 or by email at pacteam@nreca.coop.
Yes! I want to participate in AEC PAC and authorize adding the following amount to my monthly bill:
PAC Member
$2.08 per month ($25 per year)
Century Club PAC Member
$8.03 per month ($100 per year)
President’s Club PAC Member
$41.60 per month ($500 per year)
Other amount
Organizations, businesses, and corporations are not eligible to participate in PAC. By filling out the form below, you confirm that your contribution has been made with non-corporate funds:
Name
Address
Account #
Signature
CAPITAL CREDITS CHECK INSERT – AEC PAC MEMBERS
The insert below is included with capital credits checks to active members who are members of AEC PAC. We also mail a similar insert to inactive (past) members. Checks are mailed November 13.
YOU GET THE CHECK.
As a member-owner of Butler Rural Electric Cooperative, you receive capital credits checks based on your past patronage.
Abiding by one of the Seven Cooperative Principles, Members’ Economic Participation, the board of trustees determines the retirement of capital credits to our members based on the cooperative’s financial stability. Capital credits are one of many differences that set cooperatives apart from other business models.
Your capital credits check is enclosed.
Thank you for your patronage and for your loyal support of Butler Rural Electric Cooperative.
Why you’re receiving a capital credits check:
Butler Rural Electric Cooperative is a not-for-profit organization owned by our member-consumers. The money to cover day-to-day operating costs comes directly from members paying their monthly electric bills.
At the end of the year, Butler Rural Electric Cooperative subtracts the cooperative’s operating expenses from the amount of money collected and the remaining balance is called the margin.
1 2
The margins left at the end of the year were allocated, or assigned, to your capital credits account based on your patronage. Your patronage is the amount of money you pay for your electric service each year.
Your capital credits account, similar to a bank account, is the accumulation of margins that were allocated to you based on your patronage. At the end of each year, the cooperative deposited your allocated patronage into your capital credits account.
This year, the cooperative withdrew margins from your capital credits account and sent them to you in the form of a check, based on the board of trustees’ decision to retire capital credits.
3 4 5
CAPITAL CREDITS – ZERO BALANCE COMMUNICATION
The postcard below is sent to past members who should have received their last capital credits check from us. This will be sent December 2.
You
should have received your last capital credits check from us.
As a previous member-owner of Butler Rural Electric Cooperative, you have been receiving capital credits checks based on your past patronage.
Abiding by one of the Seven Cooperative Principles, Members’ Economic Participation, the board of trustees determines the retirement of capital credits based on the cooperative’s financial stability. Capital credits are one of many differences that set cooperatives apart from other business models.
At this time, your capital credits account has been paid in full and you will no longer receive capital credits checks or statements from us. If you have not received your capital credits check, please contact the cooperative’s office by calling 513-867-4400 or 800-255-2732.
Promptly cashing the check is appreciated. Thank you for your support of Butler Rural Electric Cooperative.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
EMPLOYEE GROUP PHOTO NOVEMBER 6
We will take an employee group photo November 6 before our employee meeting. We will use this photo in marketing campaigns and in materials like our local pages in Ohio Cooperative Living magazine.
VIRTUAL ANNUAL MEETING APRIL 24
Our 2025 annual meeting with be virtual. We will reevaluate the annual meeting options and potential cost savings when planning the 2026 annual meeting.
Do you have information to include in the employee newsletter or ideas to improve communication? Send feedback, information, and photos to Jade at jadeg@butlerrural.coop.
Our mission
To be a dynamic, progressive organization guided by cooperative principles and to provide energy and other value-added services to its members. The cooperative will participate in its communities, providing leadership and support to improve the quality of life for all of its citizens.