April 2016
Contents Volume 70, Number 4, April 2016
“The Rural Voice of Nebraska”
Staff
Editor Wayne Price
Editorial Assistant Tina Schweitzer Published by the
Visit us at www.nrea.org General Manager Troy Bredenkamp
President David Keener, Niobrara Electric Association, Inc. Vice President/Secretary Butch Gray, Cornhusker Public Power District.
Features
Bringing Electricity to the World
Volunteer linemen from rural electric utilities across the United States have answered the call to serve in Haiti, Guatemala and the Philippines. For many of the men, women and children who live in these remote areas, it was the first time they ever had electricity in their homes.
NREA Youth Energy Leadership Camp
The Rural Electric Nebraskan is printed by Quad Graphics, 2300 Brown Ave., Waseca, MN 56093. Form 3579 should be sent to the Rural Electric Nebraskan, Box 82048, Lincoln, NE 68501.
Periodicals postage paid at Lincoln, Neb. POSTMASTER: send address changes to the Rural Electric Nebraskan, 1244 K Street, Box 82048, Lincoln, NE 68501.
Publication numbers are USPS 071-630 and ISSN 0193-4937. Rates: $10 for one year; $15 for two years; $20 for three years, plus local and state tax.
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The NREA brings students from Nebraska and Wyoming together in July for Youth Energy Leadership Camp. The popular week-long camp is designed to give young people a better understanding of public power, electricity, power generation and the rural electric program.
Published monthly by the Nebraska Rural Electric Association, 1244 K Street, Box 82048, Lincoln, Nebraska 68501, (402) 475-4988.
Advertising in the Rural Electric Nebraskan does not imply endorsement for products by the Nebraska Rural Electric Association. Correspondence should be sent to Wayne Price, Editor, Rural Electric Nebraskan, Box 82048, Lincoln, NE 68501.
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Departments EDITOR’S PAGE
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SAFETY BRIEFS — Murphy
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CUT YOUR UTILITY BILLS by Pat Keegan
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RECIPES
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MARKETPLACE/CLASSIFIEDS
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On the cover Canoeing in the Middle Loup River is one of the recreational activities at the NREA Youth Energy Leadership Camp. See the related story on Page 12. Photograph by Wayne Price.
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Take time to thank a lineman on April 11 EDITOR’S PAGE
merica’s public power districts and electric cooperatives have designated the second Monday of April as National Lineman Appreciation Day. On April 11, 2016, the Nebraska Rural Electric Association and our 34 membersystems will honor the dedicated men who often work in challenging conditions to keep the lights on. We proudly recognize all electric linemen for the services they perform around the clock in dangerous conditions to keep power flowing and protect the public’s safety. “Our lineworkers are the first responders of our electric distribution system, and they work around the clock on high-voltage lines,” said Troy Bredenkamp, NREA general manager. “Conditions can be dangerous, but they power through to ensure reliable service for our members.” We proudly recognize all electric linemen for the services they perform around the clock in dangerous conditions to keep power flowing and protect the public’s safety. Electric linemen do not often receive the recognition they deserve. They work all hours of the day, often in hazardous conditions far from their families, going above and beyond to restore power to their communities. Our linemen, as well as linemen from across the nation, truly deserve this special day of recognition. To honor their linemen, a number of public power districts and electric cooperatives across Nebraska have plans to celebrate National Lineman Appreciation Day. At Custer Public Power District in Broken Bow, Neb., customers are encouraged to send in thank you notes. The office will serve a lunch to the linemen and recognize their wives and the sacrifices their families sometimes make for the call of duty. In York, Neb., Perennial Public Power District is hosting breakfast for their linemen before they head out for the day’s work. They’re also giving all employees a Matchbox-size bucket truck with the company logo. KBR Rural Public Power District in Ainsworth, Neb. places an ad in their local newspaper to honor the linemen. Many of the systems will also have a resolution passed by their board of directors
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to celebrate the day. From restoring power after a storm to building new lines to serve customers, Nebraska’s electric linemen are the face of public power in Nebraska. They play a vital role in serving customers around-the-clock with reliable and affordable electricity. They wake before the sun, pour steaming cups of coffee, and kiss their family goodbye. After swinging by the office to get the day’s orders, men climb into their trucks and head out. Our lineworkers form a solid team with one job: to deliver safe, reliable electricity. But that job can change in a million ways when rough weather steps in. We often take power—and the men and women who provide it—for granted. Let’s take a moment and stand in their boots. Linemen have to work safely, smart, and efficiently—all while 40 feet in the air wearing sturdy, thick rubber gloves. On a typical day, lineworkers maintain electrical distribution lines or build service to new homes and businesses in Nebraska. They have a lot on their plates. But when our dispatch center calls crews with a problem, everything else takes a backseat. There are times when linemen get called out in the middle of the night, any condition, rain, ice, snow. Power restoration takes precedence on a lineworker’s to-do list. These brave men are always on call. We have crews standing by to serve you 24 hours a day, in the middle of the night or wee hours of the morning, weekends and holidays. Can you imagine getting a call at 3 a.m. telling you to work outside during bad weather? Not many people are willing to face storms. Nebraska’s lineworkers face harsh elements daily, all to serve you. They don’t always get the recognition they deserve. Please take a moment on April 11 and join the Rural Electric Nebraskan in expressing your appreciation for their professional contributions in all kinds of weather conditions, day and night. Use #ThankaLineman to show your support for the men and women who light our lives.
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Keeping your lights on from 2,000 miles away by Zuraidah Hoffman
n 2015, 76 volunteer linemen from 20 different states represented America’s public power districts and electric cooperatives while traveling around the globe to bring light to rural communities. For many of the men, women and children who live in these areas, it was the first time they ever had electricity in their homes. This was also the first time children did not have to read by candlelight at night, and women could safely walk home under bright street lights. And for the first time, these communities could step out of subsistence living. Just like rural America did 75 years ago. Last year, when these volunteer linemen answered the call to serve in Haiti, Guatemala and the Philippines, their commitment to make a powerful difference in the global community also helped us keep our lights on here at home. As we look back to the harsh winter months when rural electric utility linemen were out in force to repair downed power lines, we
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are grateful. But we also want to thank them for their historic undertaking. No other industry in the U.S. sends its volunteer rank and file into remote corners of the developing world to make such a profound difference. When linemen worked in the mountains of Guatemala without modern equipment to install power lines, their legislative representatives in Washington, D.C., paid attention. When rural electric utilities nationwide banded together to ensure that our electricity remains affordable, our collective international work strengthened our base, and our voices were heard. When exhausted and proud linemen returned from Haiti after spending weeks with communities that have very little, their stories and newfound perspectives inspired many others to be like them. These volunteers became passionate and articulate ambassadors for their utilities, who are now looking for the next generation of hard working and dedicated
Rural Electric Nebraskan
Left: A Guatemalan woman enjoys electricity in her kitchen for the first time. Below: Volunteer electric utility linemen meet with members of a Guatemalan village. rural communities. For the 110 million people who have benefitted from our work, life has changed and improved through better education, personal security, healthcare, cleaner water and economic opportunity. And for us at home, these volunteer linemen are family and role models. Their dedication to local and international communities will help electric utilities communicate who we are and what we do to representatives in Washington, D.C. – because it all really starts with power.
members of the rural electric family. And when the volunteers returned from their travels with realizations that they have many things in common with the families in these small villages, they got a taste of what their grandparents must have experienced more than seven decades ago. Since 1962, NRECA
April 2016
International has provided people in developing countries with access to safe, reliable and affordable electricity. The NRECA International Foundation is the philanthropic arm of NRECA, and is supported solely through voluntary donations. More than 300 public power districts, electric cooperatives and many private
organizations contribute time, skills, money and materials to dozens of projects in Asia, Africa the Caribbean and Latin America. When help is needed, the Foundation recruits volunteers from rural electric utilities to lend their technical expertise for ongoing construction efforts for electric utilities, and extending power lines to
Zuraidah Hoffman writes on international consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the Arlington, Va.-based service arm of the nation’s 900-plus consumer-owned, not-forprofit public power districts and electric cooperatives.
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Unplug and take a break from technology by Meghaan Evans
am not the first, and I certainly won’t be the last to say this, but it is becoming more difficult to escape the pull of technology these days. As a society, we are becoming dependent on our devices for nearly everything we do. In fact, device dependence has become so severe, even leaders in the technology industry have started taking measures to wean themselves from their devices. Have you ever read a line of a book – or an email or a work document – and a minute later, you can’t remember it? Well, device dependence could be to blame. Your brain is like a muscle; after it is used, it needs time to recover. Without that time, it may not be able to “soak-up” and process the information it is receiving. Many of us go from one task to another, only taking a break to respond to a text, check Facebook or send a Tweet. But research has shown that using the time in between tasks to rest your brain can increase your cognitive abilities.
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Device dependence isn’t only detrimental to our cognitive development; it can also strain our relationships. Here are a few tips you and your family can use to keep device dependence at bay: • The next time you finish a task, instead of getting online or checking your phone, take a walk in a quiet place, or simply sit back and let your mind wander (some call this day dreaming, and it is actually a great way to rest your brain throughout the day). • Set up gadget-free zones throughout your home. It goes without saying that the dinner table should be one, but try creating a gadget-free zone in the bedroom or living room as well. • Many of us use our devices to listen to music, read books or even take notes during meetings. Try turning your device on airplane mode when using it for those purposes. If you need Wi-Fi or a mobile connection to perform these
tasks, disable all of your push notifications so that they don’t distract you from the task at hand. • You might be thinking there is no way you will be able to coax your kids to put down their devices. Here is a solution: start a contest in your family to see who can go the longest without checking their phone or playing a video game. Make the prize a fun treat to incentivize them to win! • When you are spending time with friends and family, put your device in another room so you are not tempted to check it if there is a lull in conversation. • On family vacations, make it a rule that devices can only be used to check-in with those who need to know how things are going. Stare up at the stars, not at your screens. We all need time to unplug and give our brains a break. By unplugging, you may even save on your electric bill. And don’t worry; Facebook will still be there when you return.
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America mobilizes for energy efficiency
Progress since the first Earth Day continues into the future. by Paul Wesslund pril 22 will mark the 45th celebration of Earth Day. The rallies and marches in the spring of 1970 called for more attention to protecting the environment. If you measure the success of that cause by greater energy efficiency, the results have been remarkable and the future holds great promise. Here are a few examples of increases in energy efficiency during the past decades: • The fuel economy of cars and other motor vehicles in the U.S. has improved from 12.2 miles per gallon in 1975 to 17.6 in 2013. You might think this would mean cars have lost some of their “giddyup,” but horsepower steadily increased during that time, and 0-60 mph acceleration went from 14 seconds to 8 seconds. • New light bulb technologies shine when it comes to using less energy. The Department of Energy says that from 2001 to 2010, lumens per watt rose from 45 to 58. That resulted in a 9 percent drop in the amount of electricity used for lighting during a decade when the number of bulbs increased 18 percent. • The Department of Energy’s Energy Star program of efficiency ratings for everything from appliances to buildings says people bought 5.2 billion Energy Star-rated products, saving $34 billion in energy bills since the program began in 1992. Here’s what experts predict for the future. • The Department of Energy reports that super-efficient lightemitting diode (LED) bulbs saved $1.8 billion in energy costs in 2013, and that $39 billion would be saved if all bulbs switched to LEDs.
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• A report from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy says “There are large and cost-effective energy efficiency opportunities that, by 2050, can collectively reduce energy use by 40 to 60 percent relative to current forecasts.” “The best is yet to come,” says Brian Sloboda, an energy expert with the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. Sloboda sees “amazing new technologies” that will continue the progress in energy efficiency. He cites lighting as an example of how far we’ve come and how far we can still go. Light bulb efficiency has skyrocketed in the last 20 years, from incandescent lights, to compact fluorescent lights (the curly CFL bulbs), to LEDs. A promising new technology, OLEDs—organic light emitting diodes, isn’t even a bulb, but lighting made of flexible material that can be applied to a variety of surfaces.
“Instead of having ceiling lights, the ceiling would actually be made of OLED material. During the day it looks like a regular ceiling, but at night the ceiling itself would glow,” says Sloboda. “Instead of having light poles or roadway lighting, you could actually make the OLED material into the roadway so the stripes on the road provide the lighting. It could completely change the way architects design our buildings.” The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEE) lists a variety of steps for a more efficient future. Those include better energy habits in our own lives, more efficient electronic equipment and smart systems (like thermostats) that adjust to your daily schedule. “If we aggressively pursue these efficiency opportunities,” says the ACEE, “we can roughly double the rate of efficiency improvement in the next 35 years relative to the past 35 and reduce energy use to half the current forecasts.”
Rural Electric Nebraskan
Attention High School Students
Join us at the
NREA Youth Energy Leadership Camp July 11 - 15, 2016
All Expenses Paid ach year member-systems of the Nebraska Rural Electric Association accept applications from high school students to attend the NREA Youth Energy Leadership Camp at the State 4-H Camp in the Halsey National Forest. The 2016 Youth Energy Camp will be held July 11 - 15. The popular week-long camp is set up to give young people a better understanding of public power, electricity, power generation and the rural electric program. Our goal is to offer a program that challenges participants educationally, recreationally and socially. The NREA Youth Energy Leadership Camp is established as an operating power district and provides a “hands-on” approach to memberowned businesses. The students will join other high school students from
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Nebraska and Wyoming, along with adult counselors and junior counselors. The adult counselors are employees of rural electric systems who donate their time and talents to the camp. The junior counselors are selected by their peers to return to next year’s camp. On the first day of camp, a board of directors is elected to oversee the operation of the newly formed electric power district. The board then chooses a general manager to oversee the committee activities and act as a liaison between the counselors and campers. Every participant has a role in the workings of the camp. Students can participate in the Ambassador competition or actively seek a position on the Board of Directors. Each student must also volunteer to serve on at least one of the committees
responsible for various aspects of the camp activities. There is even a talent show where the campers can show off their various talents. A highlight of the camp involves a tour of the Kingsley Hydro Station at Lake McConaughy and Gerald Gentleman Station, a coal-fired power plant at Sutherland, Neb. High school students who attend the energy camp may compete for a chance to participate in the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s Youth Tour in Washington, D.C. with expenses paid by the Nebraska Rural Electric Association. Three students are chosen as part of the Ambassador competition held during camp. The competition involves submitting an application at camp, presenting a self-introduction speech and delivering a five-minute speech on
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an assigned topic. Each camper votes for three candidates following the speech with the top male, top female and person with the next highest vote total becoming next year’s ambassadors. The top six finalists and ties are invited to return to next year’s Youth Energy Leadership Camp as junior counselors. Recreational activities include basketball, volleyball and canoeing. Camp expenses and transportation are provided by each sponsoring rural electric system. High school freshmen, sophomores and juniors whose families are customers of NREA member-systems may apply. For more information about attending Youth Energy Leadership Camp, send the form below to your rural electric provider.
April 2016
2016 Youth Energy Leadership Camp RSVP Form Name _________________________________________________
Age _______ Current Grade _______________________________
Address _______________________________________________
City __________________________ State _____ ZIP __________
Phone number (____)______________________________________
Name of parents or guardian ________________________________
Sponsoring rural electric system __________________________________________
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How plug-in electric vehicles compare to conventional vehicles he electric vehicle market is evolving and maturing. Although the concept of electrically-powered vehicles was pioneered over a century ago, only recently have they become a viable vehicle choice for most Americans. Since the launch of the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan LEAF in 2010, growth of the plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) market has been exponential with over 215,600 PEVs added to American roadways. Although PEVs still represent just a sliver (0.38 percent) of the total cars in the U.S., drivers’ attitudes towards electric vehicles are changing. A recent Consumer Reports study found that 60 percent of Americans would consider a PEV when making their next vehicle purchase. Electric vehicles are designed to either supplement an internal combustion engine (ICE) or eliminate the need for an ICE altogether. Electric vehicle system components generally include a battery for energy storage, electric motor for propulsion, mechanical transmission and power control system. A primary benefit of PEVs is that trips to the gas station are either vastly reduced or eliminated altogether. However, in lieu of gas refueling, PEVs need to be recharged by plugging into the electric grid.
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Electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) is the technical term for a PEV charging station. EVSE ensures that a safe and appropriate amount of electrical energy is delivered to the PEV from an electricity source. AC (alternating current) Level 1 charging infrastructure, which is used for most residential PEV charging, is minimal, involving just one cord that connects the PEV to an electrical outlet on a dedicated 110 Volt 15 or 20 Amp circuit. AC Level 2 and DC (direct current) Level 3 charging stations have more complex infrastructure requirements that can be costly, ranging from a minimum total cost of $650 to a maximum of $80,400 depending on the application. All-electric vehicles do not have conventional transmissions or petroleum-fueled engines—making maintenance and upkeep generally cheaper than for an ICE vehicle. One study found that the maintenance costs of PEVs are approximately 35 percent lower than those of comparable gasoline-powered vehicles. However, battery replacement can be very expensive should it be required before the end of the vehicle’s life. Pricing for the Nissan Leaf battery currently starts around $5,499. As Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) have internal combustion
engines, maintenance costs and regularity falls somewhere between all-electric and conventional vehicles. The Chevy Volt oil change interval is 30,000 miles, significantly extended over the 5,000-mile interval for ICE vehicles. The regenerative braking feature of PHEVs also reduces brake wear, and the PEV electrical system (battery, motor and associated electronics) typically requires minimal maintenance. Servicing PEVs can require specialized technical skills and tools, leaving PEV owners to rely on dealers for servicing. This may be unappealing for car owners who prefer to use a local mechanic or service their vehicle themselves. On average, the fuel cost per mile for an electrically-powered car is about one-third the cost of driving a gasoline-powered car. In some regions of the U.S., the total cost of owning a PEV is already lower than the total cost of a conventional vehicle. As PEV battery costs drop and charging infrastructure expands—it is likely that PEVs will become a mainstream vehicle choice for many Americans within the next few decades. PEVs offer fuel cost per mile savings for most drivers and can also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
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Safety tips to share with kids before they head outdoors SAFETY BRIEFS
hen the weather is nice, many children enjoy going outdoors to fly kites, climb trees, and play with their friends. While playing outdoors is a great pastime for kids, there are electrical hazards that children need to be aware of to keep them safe. Safe Electricity offers a variety of tips to share with children before they head outdoors. Stay away from pad mounted transformers. Pad mounted transformers are green metal boxes that contain the above ground portion of an underground electrical installation. These cabinets carry high voltages and are safe when locked, but they can be deadly if someone reaches inside. If you see one in your neighborhood that is open, call authorities and your utility immediately. Never enter an electrical substation for any reason. If a ball or other toy enters the fence surrounding the substation, call your utility for help. Substations hold deadly amounts of electricity and should only be entered by
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professionals. Always be aware of overhead power lines. Do not fly kites or model planes near power lines or electrical substations. A kite string can conduct electricity from an overhead line directly to the person on the ground. Be careful when using Mylar balloons for a party. These metallic coated balloons conduct electricity, so
never tie one to a child. If the balloon comes into contact with electricity, the child could receive a fatal shock. Ensure your children are protected from the electrical service connection to your home. Keep ladders or long poles stowed and away from youngsters who might be tempted to use them to reach the wires connected to your house. Also be aware of these lines around pools.
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Pool skimmers can be long enough to reach service connection lines. Under no circumstance should anyone climb trees near power lines. If branches are touching the wires, the tree could be energized. Even branches not touching power lines could become energized if a child’s weight is added. Storm fronts can move rapidly, and lightning can strike 10 miles in advance of a storm. Remember the rule of thumb from the National Weather Service, “when thunder roars, go indoors.” Make sure kids know that it is not safe to be outside during a storm. Teach children that water and electricity do not mix. Children should never play with or use electronics around water. Make sure GFCIs are installed anywhere electricity and water could meet to help prevent shocks. GFCIs detect and prevent dangerous situations where an electric shock could occur. Inform kids that the only objects
Warn children to leave electric cords alone to avoid a potentially deadly situation. that go into outlets are electric plugs. Sticking other items in an electric socket can lead to an electric shock or death. As a parent, you can help prevent this by having tamper resistant outlets (TROs) installed. A TRO has a shutter system that only accepts electric plugs. Another option
is to use simple outlet plugs, however these can be easily removed. Tell children that electric cords should be left alone. A curious child may put a cord into his or her mouth and could potentially suffer an electric burn. Additionally, kids should be taught to never pull a plug out of the socket by the cord. This could damage the cord. It is a good idea to leave cords out of sight so children are not tempted to play with them. Emphasize that electronics and their accessories have to be handled with care. Also advise kids to never stick fingers or objects into toasters or any other electrical appliance. Encourage younger children to ask for help when they want to use an electronic device. Include utility emergency numbers with other posted emergency phone numbers, and instruct children how to call for help in an emergency. For more information on electrical safety, visit SafeElectricity.org.
Nebraska Eye Doctor Helps Visually Impaired To See Advanced Technology Allows Many To See Better or Drive Again
Grandchildren as viewed by a person with Macular Degeneration
Same scene of Grandchildren as viewed iewed through telescope glasses.
For many patients with macular degeneration or other eye diseases, the loss of vision can signal the end of independence and the joy of life. Nebraska optometrist, Robert Stamm, prescribes miniature telescope glasses to help people who have reduced vision see better. “Some of my patients consider me their last chance for vision improvement” said Dr. Stamm, one of few doctors specially trained by
the International Academy of Low Vision Specialists. Imagine special glasses that can improve your vision enough to change your life. Custom designed telescope glasses are an optical technology that can give you back your independence. ³0\ MRE LV WR ¿JXUH RXW HYHU\WKKLQJ and anything possible to allow a person to see better” says Dr. Stamm.
Call For a Free Telephone Consultation n with Drr. Stamm and to schedulee an appointment.
Dr. Robert Stamm Low Vision Optometrist st
(877) 393-0025 5
www.NebraskaLowVisionDoctor.com April 2016
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CUT YOUR UTILITY BILLS
What you can learn from a home energy audit by Pat Keegan I keep hearing about home Q :energy audits. How do they work, and will they save me money? : You are smart to be thinking a home energy audit. Spending a few hundred dollars now can save you thousands of dollars over time. A home energy audit is a detailed assessment of your home that can give you a roadmap for future energy-related investments. An energy audit can meet different needs: • What efficiency investments will be most effective in reducing your energy bills? • Are areas of your home sometimes too hot or too cold? An energy audit can identify problem areas and solutions. • Are you considering a new furnace, air conditioner or rooftop solar system? An energy audit will help you “right-size” these systems and identify complementary measures that will help these large investments work most efficiently. • Are you considering selling your home? An energy audit can document your home’s efficiency to help improve its resale value. Online audit tools can give you a basic understanding of how your home compares to similar ones. However, a qualified and professional home energy auditor can use their experience and hightech tools to provide a thorough report of your home’s challenges and opportunities. A professional energy audit can range from a quick, visual walk-through of the home to a more comprehensive, more informative – but more expensive assessment.
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Energy audits require an examination of the building envelope (attic, floor, and exterior walls) and the energy systems in the home, such as the water heater, air conditioner and furnace. Follow the auditor during the inspection, and ask questions so you can understand where the problems are, what you
A blower door test during a home energy audit can help identify sources of air leakage. Photograph by Tõnu Mauring
can address yourself and where you may need further professional help. The auditor may analyze your recent energy bills to determine what your energy is used for and if use has recently changed. Finally, the auditor will ask about the energy use behaviors for those who live in the home. For example, is someone home all day, or does everyone leave for work and school? Ford Tupper, an energy auditor with The Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina noted, “The residents’ habits can make a big impact on the energy bill and can also be the hardest to change. If you go from being a household with two working adults to one with a new baby and an adult home most of the day, your energy use is going to go up.” An auditor may do some or all of the following tests: • Blower door test: Windows are often the suspected cause for air leaks in the home, but there are usually larger and less obvious sources; a blower door test measures how airtight your home is and identifies where the air leaks are. • Duct blaster: Ducts move the warm and cool air around your home; duct testing can measure whether your ducts are leaking. • Thermographic imaging: Seth Rosser, an energy advisor at United Cooperative Services in Texas shared, “Identifying where more insulation is needed is a key component in our energy audits—too little insulation will make a member use more energy than needed. Adding more can provide a quick return on investment.” Thermographic imaging is one way to identify where more insulation is needed. Infrared images show “cold” spots in a home’s envelope. • Health and safety testing: Energy auditors are also trained to spot safety problems, such as a missing smoke detector or an appliance that could cause carbon
Rural Electric Nebraskan
monoxide issues. Some auditors can also test your home for radon. Following the assessment of your home, the auditor will analyze the information and make recommendations on what systems could be upgraded or behavior changes you can make to reduce energy use and improve comfort. If you take action based on your auditor’s recommendations, you could lower your energy bill five to thirty percent, and perhaps even more! Your public power district or electric co-op may be able to help you get started with your energy audit. Some electric utilities even offer free audits or can provide you with a list of qualified energy auditors in the area. Be sure whoever you hire is willing to answer questions, and plan to be home during the audit—it is a great opportunity to learn what makes your home tick and how you can make it even better.
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Energy auditors inspect indoor and outdoor systems. Photograph provided by United Cooperative Services.
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Clogged, Backed—up Septic System…Can anything Restore It? DEAR DARRYL: My home is about 10 years old, and so is my septic system. I have always taken pride in keeping my home and property in top shape. In fact, my neighbors and I are always kidding each other about who keeps their home and yard nicest. Lately, however, I have had a horrible smell in my yard, and also in one of my bathrooms, coming from the shower drain. My grass is muddy and all the drains in my home are very slow.
Dear Darryl
My wife is on my back to make the bathroom stop smelling and as you can imagine, my neighbors are having a field day, kidding me about the mud pit and sewage stench in my yard. It’s humiliating. I called a plumber buddy of mine, who recommended pumping (and maybe even replacing) my septic system. But at the potential cost of thousands of dollars, I hate to explore that option. I tried the store bought, so called, Septic treatments out there, and they did Nothing to clear up my problem. Is there anything on the market I can pour or flush into my system that will restore it to normal, and keep it maintained? Clogged and Smelly – Bellevue, NE
April 2016
DEAR CLOGGED AND SMELLY: As a reader of my column, I am sure you are aware that I have a great deal of experience in this particular field. You will be glad to know that there IS a septic solution that will solve your back-up and effectively restore your entire system from interior piping throughout the septic system and even unclog the drain field as well. SeptiCleanse® Shock and Maintenance Programs deliver your system the fast active bacteria and enzymes needed to liquefy solid waste and free the clogs causing your back-up. This fast-acting bacteria multiplies within minutes of application and is specifically designed to withstand many of today’s anti-bacterial cleaners, soaps and detergents. It comes in dissolvable plastic packs, that you just flush down your toilets. It’s so cool. Plus, they actually Guarantee that it restores ANY system, no matter how bad the problem is. SeptiCleanse® Shock and Maintenance Programs are designed to work on any septic system regardless of design or age. From modern day systems to sand mounds, and systems installed generations ago, I have personally seen SeptiCleanse unclog and restore these systems in a matter of weeks. I highly recommend that you try it before spending any money on repairs. SeptiCleanse products are available online at www.septicleanse.com or you can order or learn more by calling toll free at 1-888-899-8345. If you use the promo code “NESEPT5”, you can get a free shock treatment, added to your order, which normally costs $169. So, make sure you use that code when you call or buy online.
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Down Home Recipes
Add a Healthy Twist to Your Favorite Foods f you are like most Americans, you might have lapsed a little on your New Year’s resolution to eat healthier. Getting back on track is easy and guilt-free, and can be done with just a few steps. Celebrity chef and registered dietitian Diane Henderiks offers three simple ways to help you get back on the right track and make sure you are eating the right foods: • Eliminate sugary drinks, like soda, as they don’t offer any nutritional value. • Identify ways to reduce the amount of food you eat, as we all tend to eat more than we need to. • Most importantly, limit the amount of carbohydrates you eat – this means trying to reduce the amounts of pastas, breads and sugars you are consuming – and focus on eating more fiber-rich vegetables, healthy fats and optimal protein. “It’s easy to transform your favorite meals into healthy, low-carb meals that are rich in flavors and will satisfy you,” Henderiks said. Henderiks has transformed some of her favorite meals into low-carb deliciousness for each meal of the day, including dessert, because you can still enjoy your favorite sweets and all of their great flavors with a few twists that make them healthier. Living a low-carb lifestyle can also be effective in helping you lose and keep off unwanted weight – just in time for spring. Source: Atkins.com
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Waldorf Chicken Salad in Lettuce Cups 1/4 1/2 1 1/2 1 2 1 1/4 1/4
1/2
cup Greek yogurt cup mayonnaise teaspoon rice wine vinegar teaspoon dry mustard teaspoon dried thyme pinch of salt freshly ground black pepper cups cooked, skinless chicken breast, coarsely chopped rib of celery, diced English cucumber, diced apple, washed, peeled and diced cup toasted, chopped walnuts
4 large Boston lettuce leaves, rinsed and patted dry 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese In medium mixing bowl, whisk together yogurt, mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, thyme, salt and pepper. Fold in chicken, celery, cucumber, apple and walnuts. Place 2 lettuce leaves on each plate and spoon 1/4 of chicken salad into each cup. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve.
Rural Electric Nebraskan
Reader Submitted Recipes
Luscious Lemon Squares Crust: 1/2 cup almond or hazelnut meal 1/2 cup coconut flour 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon pinch of salt 1 tablespoon natural sugar replacement 3 tablespoons melted butter 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
Filling: 1/4 cup coconut flour 2 tablespoons natural sugar replacement 4 large eggs 1/2 cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice
Heat oven to 350 F. Line 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper. To make crust, in large bowl, combine almond meal, coconut flour, cinnamon, salt and sweetener. Add melted butter and vanilla extract. Combine all ingredients together and press dough evenly into bottom of baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes, until lightly golden around edges. Remove from oven and set aside. To make filling, stir coconut flour and sweetener together. Whisk in eggs and lemon juice. Pour filling into crust and bake 1015 minutes, until golden around edges. Let cool at room temperature then refrigerate a minimum of 2 hours before cutting into squares.
Sara Lee Coffee Cake
Cake Ingredients: 1 package yellow cake mix 1 package instant vanilla pudding 3/4 cup oil 3/4 cup water 4 eggs 1 tablespoon butter extract 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 1/4 cup granulated sugar 3 teaspoons cinnamon Frosting Ingredients: 1 cup powdered sugar 2 tablespoons milk 1/2 teaspoon butter extract 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract Nuts, if desired
Preheat oven 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients together and beat well, at least 8 minutes. Pour 1/2 of the batter into a greased 9 X 13 inch pan. Sprinkle the top with 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 3 teaspoons of cinnamon. Pour on the rest of the batter. Bake 25 to 30 minutes. Frost.
Alice Schoene, Bertrand, Nebraska 2 2 2 1/2 1
Purple Pancakes
cups original pancake mix eggs tablespoons oil cup milk 8 oz. mixed berry yogurt smoothie
Combine all ingredients – use less milk for thicker pancakes or more milk for thinner pancakes. Pour slightly less than ¼ cup batter for each pancake onto lightly greased griddle. Turn when pancakes are bubbly and bottoms are golden brown.
Beth Bills, Orleans, Nebraska 1 1 3/4 1 1 1/2 4 1
Savory Sausage Brunch
package (12 oz.) pork sausage cups salad croutons package (8 oz.) shredded cheddar cheese cups plus ¼ cup milk eggs beaten can cream of mushroom soup
Crumble and brown pork sausage; drain. Spread croutons in 7x10 baking dish. Top with sausage and cheese. Combine 1 1/2 cups milk, eggs; pour over sausage. Cover and refrigerate 4–6 hours or overnight. Blend soup and 1/4 cup milk together; spread evenly over casserole. Bake in preheated 300 degree oven for 45 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
Vicki Erwin, Lincoln, Nebraska
January 2016
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