82nd Annual Meeting
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M ay 2 0 1 9
inside... SAFETY May is Electrical Safety Month
Inland Power CEO Chad Jensen addresses members attending 82nd Annual Meeting.
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nland Power’s 2019 Annual Meeting was a success and we thank all of our members who attended our 82nd Annual Meeting on Saturday, March 30, 2019 at Northern Quest. The primary purpose of the annual meeting is the election of your board of trustees. Three trustees are elected every March on a rotating basis and each serve three year terms. This year, the members voted for trustees in Districts 2, 6 and our At Large Position A. Congratulations to Richard Ziehnert (District 2), James Kroll (District 6) and Kristina Bahr (At Large Position A) who were each re-elected to serve another three years on Inland’s board.
COMMUNITY 2019 Annual Meeting Highlights
is very different. In this world of digital transformation, Inland Power remains focused on our purpose - empowering our members.
EFFICIENCY Importance of Weatherization
Here are a few ways Inland Power is helping you:
In addition to the election, the annual meeting is a great avenue to learn what is occurring at your cooperative. Inland’s CEO, Chad Jensen, provided an update on the latest happenings at Inland.
Low Rates - At Inland, our single largest cost of doing business is our wholesale power costs from Bonneville Power Administration (BPA). Over one half of our costs go towards power supply and we continue to incur rising power costs from BPA. Inland and the board review rates annually and determine if adjustments are needed to cover our costs. As a nonprofit electric utility, our goal is to set rates as close to our actual costs as possible while maintaining sufficient cash reserves for equipment maintenance, infrastructure improvements and unforeseen events. There will be no rate increase this year.
During his address Chad began with a quick reflection on the foundation of the cooperative and the vision Inland’s three founding fathers had in 1937 to power communities and empower members to improve the quality of their lives. Our purpose and vision remains the same today, but the world we live in
Value - Chad also highlighted that our entire region benefits from our abundance of clean, low cost hydro power. The national average price for residential service is now 13.01 cents per kWh, whereas the Washington state average is 9.73 cents per kWh. Inland remains well below both of these with an (Continued Inside)
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lectricity plays many roles in our lives, from powering alarm clocks, cell phones and lighting, to running HVAC systems and appliances. No wonder we get so comfortable with its instant availability that when we flip a switch, we expect systems or devices to do their job. May is National Electrical Safety Month, and here at Inland Power, we think it’s a great time to look around your home and check for potential safety hazards. Remember, every electrical device has a purpose and a service lifespan. While we can extend their operations with maintenance and care, none of them are designed to last or work forever. When electricity is involved, failures can present electrical hazards that might be avoided with periodic inspections. Surge Protectors Power strips with surge protectors can help safeguard expensive equipment like
televisions, home entertainment systems and computer components from power spikes. Voltage spikes are measured in joules, and surge protectors are rated for the number of joules they can effectively absorb. That means if your surge protector is rated at 1,000 joules, it should be replaced when it hits or passes that limit. When the limit is reached, protection stops, and you’re left with a basic power strip. Extension Cords If you use extension cords regularly to connect devices and equipment to your wall outlets, you may live in an under wired home. With a growing number of electrical devices connecting your family, having enough outlets in just the right spots can be challenging. If an extension cord gets noticeably warm when in use, it could be undersized for the intended use. If it shows any signs of frayed, cracked or heat-damaged
insulation, it should be replaced. If the grounding prong is missing, crimped or loose, a grounded cord will not provide the protection designed into its performance. And always make sure that extension cords used in outdoor or potentially damp locations are rated for exterior use. Protect Yourself According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, approximately 51,000 electrical fires are reported each year in the United States, causing more than $1.3 billion in annual property damage. Electricity is an essential necessity for modern living, and Inland Power is committed to providing safe, reliable and affordable power to our members. We hope you’ll keep these electrical safety tips in mind so that you can note any potential hazards before damage occurs.
OUR
mission
IS OUR
(Annual Meeting Continued)
members.
– M I S S I O N S TAT E M E N T
Photo Highlights from the 82nd Annual Meeting
Importance of weatherization
More safety tips
average rate of 8.56 cents per kWh if we include the service availability charge and calculate the total cost for an average monthly usage of 1,500 kWh. At Inland Power, electricity continues to be a bargain as we strive to make improvements and be your valued cooperative. After over 80 years of service, Inland continues to be committed to our members and providing top quality service at competitive rates.
Inland member Don Newhall wins a TV during the door prize drawing.
Operation Roundup committee members Sandi McKee and Dennis Dvorak promote the program.
Never use electrical cords that feel warm to the touch or are damaged in any way.
By Lindsey Hobbs
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Inland members Jim and Ann Heidenreich win a TV during the Operation RoundUp drawing.
Inland staff (L to R) Tony Sawyer, Lindsey Hobbs and Todd Williams help answer member questions.
Inland board president Brian Slaybaugh addresses meeting attendees.
Your Co-op Connection | Get to know who works for you
pring, summer, fall or winter if your family is like mine you are always looking at the cost of bills and trying to figure out how to make them lower. Weatherization isn’t something to think about only in the winter months. Weatherization is a great way to weatherproof your home with various upgrades to prevent energy loss. From the cooling benefits of the air-conditioner to the coziness of the heating system, making sure your home is geared for maximum efficiency, ensures maximum comfort and less stress on your budget all yearlong. Weatherization has two major steps: sealing and insulating. Sealing your home will keep the outside elements out and
your inside air (your hard earned money) in. Insulation adds an extra layer of protection slowing down the dissipation of the heated or cooled air. These two steps can increase the efficiency of your home. An energy efficient home not only keeps your comfort levels ideal but can also save money (aka lower utility bills). Inland Power has incentives, provided by BPA, which can make the weatherization process more affordable. If interested in weatherizing your home, call Inland Power’s energy services representatives at 509789-1801. We would love to help you with information or even a complimentary energy audit to help you achieve true energy efficiency and home comforts.
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Frequently tripped circuit breakers and blown fuses are clear warning signs of faulty electrical wiring. Contact a licensed electrician for an inspection.
im Kroll has served as a trustee on Inland Power’s board since 2007. He lives in Colfax, Wash., and represents Inland Power’s sixth district. Jim also works at his family’s auto machine shop. “I enjoy interacting with our members,” Jim said. “I see people as an interesting collection of life experiences that are unique to them. Inland is a great place to wrestle with problems and move in directions that greatly help others.”
Jim Kroll
Jim and his wife Kathy have been married for more than 46 years. They enjoy watching Hallmark movies and going to the Oregon coast to walk on the beach while talking about life. The couple also enjoy interacting with their two daughters, one son-in-law and two grandchildren.
Inland Power Board of Trustees - District 6
VISIT INLANDPOWER.COM FOR MORE ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIPS
Only use light bulbs that meet (or are below) the maximum wattage listed on the lamp or fixture. Exceeding the maximum wattage can cause overheating and potential fire hazards.