July Light Reading

LightReading

inside...

YOUR COOPERATIVE

Support your community foundation

SAFETY

Driving in construction zones

CONSERVATION

Get your FREE smart thermostat before they are gone!

YOUR COOPERATIVE

Steps to restoring power

AVOID THE BIG GREEN BOX

Pad-mounted transformers, those big green utility boxes commonly seen around town, serve the purpose of lowering high voltage to standard household voltage used to power electronics, appliances and lighting. These transformers are not protected in the way overhead lines and substations are.

Inland Power crews need safe access for repairs and maintenance. Barriers such as landscaping and fencing should be kept clear of electrical equipment. While it may be tempting to “camouflage” transformers with landscaping, please remember

cooperative crews need at least 10-feet of clearance at the opening of a pad-mounted transformer and four-feet at the rear and sides of the housing. The distance allows crews to safely use tools required for working with energized equipment. It also ensures crews can move about safely should problems arise.

In many newer subdivisions and residential developments padmounted transformers are more common—and in many cases are located on residential property. Members should always use caution and keep a safe distance.

It’s also important to beware of the green box’s location when driving so it is not struck by a vehicle. While these transformers are safe, they do pose a risk when damaged. If you have a padmounted transformer that is damaged be sure to call (509) 789-4245 to report the damage.

Pad-mount transformers are connected to primary high voltage lines, and secondary lines can extend from the transform in several directions underground.

Remember this before planting shrubs or trees, setting fence posts, installing

How is your power restored?

Wedo our best to avoid them, but there’s no way around it — power outages occasionally happen.

For most Inland Power members, outages are rare and only last a few hours. But when natural disasters impact our area, extended outages are unavoidable.

So when the power goes out, how do Inland’s crews know where to start working? How do you know if your outage has been reported? We’ve got answers to these questions and more, and it all starts with a safe, efficient plan for power restoration.

When the lights go out and it’s safe for our crews to begin the restoration process, they start by repairing power lines and equipment that will restore power to the greatest number of people in the shortest time possible. This process typically begins with repairs to the larger main distribution lines that service a great number of homes and businesses. After those repairs are made, crews work

on tap lines, which deliver power to transformers, either mounted on utility poles (for above-ground service) or placed on pads (for underground service). Finally, individual service lines that run between the transformer and the home are repaired. We can’t control the weather, but we can prepare for it. Inland Power keeps a supply of extra utility poles, transformers and other equipment on hand so we can quickly get to work in the event of an outage. When widespread outages occur, multiple crews will be out in the field simultaneously working to repair damage at multiple locations. We also coordinate with nearby co-ops to bring in additional crews when necessary.

A proactive approach to maintenance helps minimize the chance of prolonged outages, which is why you see Inland crews periodically trimming trees and clearing

vegetation near rights-of-way. We love trees too, but it only takes one overgrown limb to knock out power for an entire neighborhood. Trimming improves power reliability for our entire community. In addition to managing vegetation, we regularly inspect utility poles, power lines and other critical equipment to maintain a more reliable system.

If you experience a power outage, don’t assume a neighbor reported it. It’s best to report the outage yourself, and we make it easy to do. The quickest way to report an outage is through our SmartHub app. You can also call our outage reporting number at 877-668-8243.

If you have a medical condition that requires electrical equipment, please let us know, and always have a backup plan in place. This plan could include a portable generator, extra medical supplies or moving to an alternate location until power is restored. If you plan to use a

The Steps to Restoring

Power

When a major outage occurs, our crews restore service to the greatest number of people in the shortest time possible – until everyone has power.

fail but must be repaired first.

After main line repairs are complete, we repair lines that serve individual homes and businesses.

1. High-Voltage Transmission Lines These lines carry large amounts of electricity. They rarely

2. Distribution Substations Crews inspect substations, which can serve hundreds or thousands of people.

3. Main Distribution Lines Main lines serve essential facilities like hospitals and larger communities.

4. Individual Homes and Businesses

Get your FREE smart thermostat

Construction zone safety

Be extra cautious when driving in construction zones

With summer upon us, road construction season is in full swing. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), over 700 fatalities occur in work zones each year. Use the following tips to keep yourself and construction workers safe this season.

nland Power is giving away smart thermostats to our members!

we continue to move toward energy conservation and savings, this great way to help heat and cool your home more efficiently.

super simple–Inland Power members whose homes are heated with an electric furnace (with or without a heat pump), are eligible for FREE Nest thermostat.

Through this exclusive offer, our smart thermostat rebate is applied

instantly so there’s no paperwork for you to fill out. Simply place your order and our fulfillment partner will ship your thermostat to your door. There is a limit of one free smart thermostat per qualifying address. Additionally, orders cannot be shipped to PO boxes.

To order your FREE Nest thermostat, head to inland.gpfulfillment.net .

As always, if you have any questions, contact your conservation team at (509) 789-1801 or email them at

Here are some reasons why a smart thermostat is right for you!

Remote control allows easy adjustment and monitoring from anywhere in the home or abroad.

If an issue is detected, Nest can send you an HVAC monitoring alert via email or a Google Home app notification. Nest provides you with a monthly energy report and similar features offer more

detailed tracking and savings options.

4. Using weather forecasts and HVAC system monitoring your smart thermostat learns how to best use heating and cooling sources.

5. Future integration: Through successful programs Nest can tap into potential future

Be sure to order your FREE Nest Thermostat while supplies last!

• First , check your route before entering the roadway. Avoid work zones where possible and use available detours.

• Second, stay focused. We should always keep our eyes on the road, but it’s especially important in construction zones. Be aware of signs that can indicate reduced speeds, lane changes and other important information. Avoid distractions like eating and cell phones. Reduced speeds are common in work zones. Slow down and keep an eye out for workers.

• Finally, keep your distance. Rearend crashes are especially common in work zones, so it is important to maintain some extra space between your vehicle and the one in front of you.

Please use these tips and drive

gettouch SUPPORT YOUR INLAND POWER COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Inland Power members have long been known for their generosity. From funding scholarships for our young members to rounding energy bills up to the nearest dollar to support those in need, the giving nature of our members is astounding.

The Inland Power Community Foundation, which is governed by a volunteer committee made up of Inland Power members, was created to generate and collect charitable donations to improve the quality of life for our community through individual, family and nonprofit organization donations.

The foundation provides funding for energy assistance, youth livestock support, scholarships and nonprofit organizations just to name a few. The committee reviews and discusses each application thoroughly to ensure the funds are distributed responsibly and that cooperative members receive priority.

While a great deal of support has been so graciously given, the need to support our members and communities remains.

If you are able and would like to give to the community foundation, you can select one of the giving options on your monthly electric bill. There are three ways to give to the foundation. You can round up your monthly bill to the nearest dollar, give a one-time fixed amount or a monthly fixed amount. For questions about the foundation or how to donate, call (509) 7894277 .

To learn more about how to apply for funding, head to inlandpower.com/ community-foundation .

We are so humbled by the generosity of our members and we sincerely thank you for