Inland Power is my cooperative!
Big bang for your buck
September 2020
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Capital Credits - returning money to you!
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10110 W Hallett Rd. Spokane, WA 99224 MAIN OFFICE
(509) 747-7151 TOLL FREE
(800) 747-7151 BILLING QUESTIONS
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inside... Energy September is EV Month
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n today’s world, we expect the lights to turn on when we flip the switch and the coffeemaker to work each morning.
day life. We can see what we’re getting for our money and we pay the price for those services. In contrast, when we use electricity, we don’t necessarily “see” all that we’re getting for our money.
Because electricity is so abundant, we don’t think much about it. Since many But considering ELECTRICITY REMAINS of us have been what electricity GOOD VALUE spending more time A does for us, it’s a The cost of powering your home rises slowly when compared to other common expenses. Looking at price increases over the last at home over the tremendous value for five years, it’s easy to see electricity remains a good value! past few months, our quality of life as Average Annual Price Increase 2014-2019 Percent we have likely been well as our budgets. 4.0 3.7% using more energy. For comparison, 3.5 And yet, we still consider that 3.0% 3.0 2.6% expect an endless the average rent 2.5 supply of power with increase was nearly 2.0 uninterrupted service 1.5 4 percentover the 0.4% 24/7. The only time last five years. The 1.0 we really think about 0.5 cost of medical electricity is when care has increased 0 Rent Medical Care Education Electricity the power goes out 3 percent during U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics or perhaps when the Sources: this time, and Consumer Price Index monthly bill arrives. education was not too far behind at 2.6 percent. So, where did Given how electricity powers our modern electricity rank? Electricity increased by less lifestyle every day, it’s a great value – especially when compared to other common than half a percentage point, 0.4 percent. services and expenses. For example, think back to the cost of a gallon of gasoline 20 years ago. Consider the cost of groceries or a cup of your favorite specialty coffee from a few years back. In comparison, the cost of electricity has remained largely flat, unlike most other consumer goods. Most of us have a cell phone to stay connected and subscribe to cable channels so we can enjoy more viewing options. Many of us consider these necessities for modern
Your Cooperative Electricity is still a great value!
Safety Be ready for the storm Safety Safe hunting tips
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ou own Inland Power, which operates on a not-for-profit basis as a cooperative.
Inland Power provides the reliable service you expect and deserve as valued members of your co-op.
Our sole purpose is to deliver safe and reliable power to you at cost. All revenue exceeding the cost to provide electric service is allocated back to you in the form of capital credits. Once allocated, your capital credits are held by the cooperative as a resource to replace aging infrastructure, maintain reliability and operate your cooperative. This system keeps your rates low and your service reliable.
We recognize that the past few months have been challenging for many of our members and we are here to help. If you have questions about your account, please give us a call at (509) 789-4277. Inland Power is your electric cooperative and our sole purpose is to serve you and the needs of our community. That’s everyday value.
The amount of capital credits you are allocated each year is based on how much electricity you used during the previous year. In time, you will receive all your allocated capital credits. The cooperative’s board of trustees retires capital credits when finances allow, often on an annual basis. Portions of all vintage years are
retired each fall and may take up to 35 years to return all vintage year allocations to you. 2019 Allocation Starting in 2017, the board of trustees voted to allow members to receive their capital credit allocation payment early, but it must be equitable with those who wait for up to 35 years. In other words, $1 today is not the same as it will be 35 years from now. Therefore, any early payment must be discounted or reduced to a level that makes it equivalent to those members on a 35-year capital credit rotation. The 2019 discounted capital credit payout will be applied as a credit to your November bill. Any member who wishes to opt-out of the discounted payout program may submit their request by September 30, 2020 by returning the “Opt-Out Stub”
found on our website at inlandpower.com. By switching to the discounted payout method, members can participate in the benefit of being a cooperative member without having to wait 35 years for the full benefit. 1996-2017 Vintage Year Allocation For those members who have unpaid capital credits from years prior to 2017, or who opt-out of the discounted program and have current year capital credits, their capital credits will continue to be retired at the regular interval and paid to you as the board of trustees approves the payments every year. Please continue to look for your capital credit checks from vintage years which are typically mailed each December. If you have any questions, please visit inlandpower.com or call our member services department at (509) 789-4277.
OUR
mission
IS OUR
members.
– M I S S I O N S TAT E M E N T
Don’t get left out in the storm
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t’s a worst-case scenario. A major storm was predicted and this time, the predictions were right. Many power lines are down, and your electricity may be out for several days. You are low on everything––food, pet supplies, toilet paper, batteries, diapers and your medication.
with pain relievers, bandages and other medical essentials, and make sure your prescriptions are current. • Set aside basic household items you will need, including flashlights, batteries, a manual can opener and portable, battery-powered radio or TV. • Organize emergency supplies so they are together in an easily accessible location.
Imagine how you would feel in this situation. While you can’t predict which weather forecast will come true, you can During a prolonged outage plan ahead so when a severe weather event strikes, you have the tools and In the event of an outage, turn off resources to effectively weather the storm. appliances, TVs, computers and other sensitive electronics. This will help avert The Department of Homeland Security damage from a power surge and will also offers several resources to help you help prevent overloading the circuits prepare for major weather events and during power restoration. That said, do natural disasters. Visit www.ready.gov/ make-a-plan. Preparedness Actions and Items • Stock your pantry with a three-day supply of non-perishable food, such as canned goods, energy bars, peanut butter, powdered milk, instant coffee, water and other essentials (i.e., diapers and toiletries). • Confirm that you have adequate sanitation and hygiene supplies including towelettes, soap and hand sanitizer. • Ensure your First Aid kit is stocked
household generator, consider using LED holiday lights to illuminate a living area. A strand of 100 white lights draws little energy yet produces considerable light. Solar lights also work if they can receive some sunlight during the day for charging. During thunderstorms, the American Red Cross recommends avoiding electrical equipment and land-based telephones. Use battery-powered TVs and radios instead. Keep away from windows. Listen to local news or NOAA Weather Radio for emergency updates or check Inland Power’s website or your SmartHub app for restoration updates. After the storm, avoid downed power lines and walking through flooded areas where power lines could be submerged. Allow ample room for utility crews to safely perform their jobs – including on your property. Power in planning
leave one light on so you will know when power is restored. If utilizing a small
September is EV month There are different types of EVs. What’s right for you?
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ust as there are a variety of technologies available in conventional vehicles, electric vehicles (EVs) have different capabilities that can accommodate different drivers’ needs. A major feature of EVs is that drivers can plug them in to charge from an off-board electric power source. This distinguishes them from hybrid electric vehicles, which supplement an internal combustion engine with battery power but cannot be plugged in. There are two basic types of EVs: battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). In addition to charging from the electrical grid, both types are charged in part by regenerative braking, which generates electricity from some of the energy normally lost when braking. Which type of vehicle will fit your lifestyle depends on your needs and driving habits.
Your Co-op Connection | Getting to know who works for you
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Rick Luiten - Roving Journeyman Lineman
PHEVs use batteries to power an electric motor, plug into the electric grid to charge, and use a petroleum-based or alternative fuel to power the internal combustion engine. Some types of PHEVs are also called extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs). Most BEVs have all-electric ranges of 80 to 100 miles, while a few luxury models have ranges up to 250 miles. When the battery is depleted, it can take from 30 minutes (with fast charging) up to nearly a full day (with Level 1 charging) to recharge it, depending on the type of charger and battery. If this range is not sufficient, a PHEV may be a better choice. PHEVs run on electricity for shorter ranges (6 to 40 miles), then switch over to an internal combustion engine running on gasoline when the battery is depleted. The flexibility of PHEVs allows drivers to use electricity as often as possible while also being able to fuel up with gasoline if needed. Powering the vehicle with electricity from the grid reduces fuel costs, cuts petroleum consumption, and reduces tailpipe emissions compared with conventional vehicles. PHEVs could also use hydrogen in a fuel cell, biofuels, or other alternative fuels as a back-up instead of gasoline.
Advance planning for severe storms or other emergencies can reduce stress and anxiety caused by the weather event and can lessen the impact of the storm’s effects. Sign up for NOAA emergency alerts and warnings. Planning ahead can help you be ready for the next big storm in your area.
ick Luiten has been with Inland Power since 2001. Prior to joining Inland, he worked as a construction lineman and worked in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, California, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Alaska. “I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to work and serve the members in the same community that I live, work and play in,” Rick said. Outside of work, Rick enjoys spending time with his family in the great outdoors of the Pacific Northwest. He also loves volunteering with community events and charities.
BEVs are powered by one or more electric motors. They receive electricity by plugging into the grid and store it in batteries. They consume no petroleum-based fuel and produce no tailpipe emissions.
Source: Electric Power Research Institute
When purchasing an EV, it is always important to research to find the best option for you. Whether you are looking to fulfill your short-range driving needs or to drive longer distances, the large variety of EVs on the market offer options for everyone. To learn more about the multitude of EVs available, you can check out inlandpower.chooseev.com.
VISIT INLANDPOWER.COM FOR MORE ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIPS
Hunting safety Stay safe this hunting season This hunting season, Keep these safety tips in m ind as you enjoy the great outdoors.
Take notice of posted warning signs and keep clear of electrical equipment.
Do not shoot at or near power lines or insulators.
Know where power lines and equipment are located on the land where you hunt.
Be especially careful in wooded areas where power lines may not be as visible.
Do not place deer stands on or climb utility poles. Energized lines and equipment can conduct electricity to anyone who comes in contact with them, causing shock or electrocution.
Do not place decoys on power lines or other utility equipment. Any non-electrical equipment attached to a pole can pose an obstruction and serious hazards to our line crews.