Rural Electric Nebraskan by Nebraska Rural Electric Association

February 2014

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Volume 68, Number 2, February 2014

“The Rural Voice of Nebraska”

Staff Editor Wayne Price Editorial Assistant Kathy Barkmeier Published by the

Visit us at www.nrea.org General Manager Troy Bredenkamp President Randy Papenhausen, Cedar-Knox Public Power District Vice President/Secretary Ron Jensen, Loup Valleys Rural Public Power District

Contents Features

Protecting Nebraska’s Water Resources Water resources must meet the needs for domestic, agricultural, environmental, municipal and industrial use in Nebraska. The Nebraska Water Balance Alliance (NEWBA) is becoming a place where people can come together to discuss and explore proactive strategies for a more resilient future water strategy.

Tightening the Net

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. The Rural Electric Nebraskan is printed by Quad Graphics, 660 Mayhew Lake Rd. NE, St. Cloud, MN 56304. 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.

February 2014

Threats to security—online and to the power grid—are real. Electric utilities of all types develop a process to shore up cyber defenses with help from the U.S. Department of Energy.

Treasurer David Keener, Niobrara Electric Association, Inc. Published monthly by the Nebraska Rural Electric Association, 1244 K Street, Box 82048, Lincoln, Nebraska 68501, (402) 475-4988.

Departments EDITOR’S PAGE

SAFETY BRIEFS — Murphy

CUT YOUR UTILITY BILLS by James Dulley

RECIPES

ADULT PEN PALS

MARKETPLACE/CLASSIFIEDS

On the cover Water management is the focus of the Nebraska Water Balance Alliance (NEWBA). See the related story on Page 6. Photograph by Wayne Price.

EDITOR’S PAGE

Make the switch to LED bulbs to save money f you’re anything like me, you are always looking for ways to save energy at home. I have made it my mission to save energy and money on my monthly electric bill whenever I can. That includes installing motion sensor activated light switches in a bathroom and laundry room, putting foam gaskets behind all the light switch and outlet wall plates on exterior walls, and replacing incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps. Recently I’ve started to replace CFLs with a more energy efficient option on the market, the light-emitting diode (LED) bulb. LEDs have a lifespan and electrical efficiency that is several times better than incandescent lamps, and significantly better than most fluorescent lamps, with some chips able to emit more than 100 lumens per watt. The biggest hurdle in making this switch is the cost of LEDs. A good quality LED can cost up around $15 to $20 per bulb. Fortunately, the cost of LEDs has been declining in recent months but when compared to the cost of incandescent bulbs, it can be a lot to swallow. A new incentive program, which started on January 1, 2014, can help put a little green back in your pocket. Nebraska Public Power District and its wholesale customer utilities began offering incentives to residential electric customers for the purchase and installation of light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs in 2014. Final provisions of the 2007 Energy Policy Act began phasing out the standard, 60-watt, incandescent light bulb as of January 1, 2014. The production and importation of the 100watt and 75-watt standard incandescent lamps have already been closed out over the past two years under the same policy.

by Wayne Price

Participating electric utilities will provide customers with a $5 account credit for each 60, 75, or 100-watt LED equivalent to the standard bulb they buy, with up to 10 credits available per residential account this year. Customers can purchase these LED lamps wherever they desire, but the package must be identified as Energy Star qualified. Customers must apply for an incentive within 90 days of the purchase date shown on the sales receipt. The Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star program encourages installation of LED lamps that use 75 to 80 percent less energy than equivalent incandescent light bulbs and have a rated life that is 25 to 50 times longer. LEDs do not contain mercury, which eliminates some disposal concerns. LED lamps offer additional advantages over compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), which have long been touted as energy-efficient alternatives to standard light bulbs. LEDs illuminate instantly when their power switch is turned on. Their light output is not diminished in cold weather. In fact, LEDs last longer in cold areas. LEDs offer a variety of color temperatures that allow customers to match the appearance of standard incandescent bulbs or the bright white of most office environments. NPPD and its wholesale customer utilities are contributing approximately $100,000 toward this campaign which will run through the end of December 2014. To receive the incentive, customers must submit a completed program application along with a copy of their sales receipt to their local electric utility. Stop by the office of your local electric utility to pick up a brochure containing the program’s application form.

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OPPD’s Fort Calhoun Station reenergizing in 2014 maha Public Power District’s Fort Calhoun Station is starting the process of creating electricity with nuclear energy. Reenergizing the station has been a long journey for OPPD and its customer-owners since the power plant shut down for normal refueling in early April 2011. Missouri River flooding prevented the station from restarting that summer and longstanding technical issues that needed to be addressed kept it offline until now. “The last several years have been challenging for OPPD and our customers as we worked to bring this plant back online,” said OPPD President and CEO Gary Gates. “I’m extremely proud of the extensive effort that went into the successful and safe restart of this plant. All of the employees at OPPD have sacrificed much to get to today. Our employees have worked incredibly long hours over many months to see repairs and improvements through to fruition. I thank them, their families and all OPPD employees for pulling together and making this happen.” During the course of the recovery, employees spent over eight million person-hours, completing over 69,000 work tasks that were required by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). The reenergizing of Fort Calhoun Station restores 478 megawatts of clean, carbon-free power to OPPD’s diverse portfolio of fuels. Fort Calhoun Station will provide reliable, carbonfree electricity day or night, in windy or calm situations. Gates points out that the money invested in the plant to bring it online means better protection from flooding, better protection from debris blown by tornadoes and other high winds, stronger steam and high pressure lines, enhanced barriers to radiation inside the plant and numerous other upgrades to operating and safety systems. “We now have a power plant with

February 2014

Fort Calhoun Station, a 478.6 megawatt nuclear power plant, is located on the west bank of the Missouri River about 19 miles north of Omaha. Photograph provided by Omaha Public Power District significant major upgrades to numerous vital systems,” said Gates. “This sets us up well to run through the term of our operating license.” Major changes to the plant’s equipment and processes and procedures were overseen by the country’s top nuclear operator, Exelon Generation. OPPD hired Exelon Generation in 2012 to run the plant with the experience it has garnered running the nation’s largest commercial nuclear fleet. “Our people have learned new and better ways of doing things,” said Gates. “Their experience in operating the plant for approximately 38 years was a great asset in making these improvements. We appreciate the patience and support of our customers as we improved our plant and our processes. With these changes, the public and our employees can be assured Fort Calhoun Station is now safer than ever.” The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission increased its oversight of the plant in 2011 and has verified the changes at the plant with

thousands of hours of inspections over the months. It gave OPPD permission to restart December 17, 2013. Even though Fort Calhoun Station is back online, it will remain under increased NRC oversight under the Inspection Manual Chapter 0350 process for an undetermined length of time, with public reporting sessions held periodically, as has been done in the past. OPPD began the process of starting the reactor on December 17. Once the reactor has been started, operators will slowly increase reactor power and check equipment until all systems are ready to put electricity on the grid. After that, the reactor power will increase with a number of stops along the way for further checks. This is normal for a nuclear power plant that is restarting. Like most nuclear power plants, Fort Calhoun Station is designed to operate for approximately 18 months before it needs to shut down again to replace fuel that has spent its energy in creating electricity.

Protecting Nebraska’s

Water Resources Listening to ag producers, giving them a forum to share information by Marsha Banzhaf & Lorre McKeone

he Nebraska Water Balance Alliance (NEWBA) has completed a second year of Water for Generations demonstration projects aimed at showing farmers how technology can help them with their water management strategy. One NEWBA project uses weather stations, evapotranspiration gauges (ET), flow meters and soil moisture sensors in Nebraska fields from Gering to Loomis. The goal is to provide “real time” daily measurements of water that is being applied by the irrigation system, used by the crop, and available in the soil to help producers make the best use of limited irrigation water. “Farmers are sometimes skeptical about using technology like water sensors and ET gauges. They

hesitate because of the initial cost or they aren’t sure if they can trust the data. Our demonstration project shows that these tools really do provide valuable information to producers,” says NEWBA’s president, Roric Paulman. “There is no doubt in my mind that if we present what we have learned, it will change the way we look at water management in the future,” says Ted Tietjen. Tietjen has served as the project director for the past two years. “Irrigators are common sense people, innovative and hard-working; many of the innovations in irrigation systems and farm equipment have come from Nebraska growers. As they are faced with ever-increasing regulations, they have an opportunity in NEWBA to put

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forward different and perhaps Working together for longbetter solutions to their term solutions common problem,” explains Demonstration projects are Don Kraus, general manager just one of the ways that of Central Nebraska Public NEWBA is working to Power & Irrigation District. encourage better water “The Alliance’s strength is in This management. their approach, where growers organization is becoming a work collaboratively to place where people can come determine water management together to discuss and explore strategies to reduce on-farm proactive strategies for a more water use.” resilient future water strategy. The demonstration project is NEWBA is a learning also tracking the movement of organization. Monthly board nitrogen in the soil. Irrigation meetings, which are open to and precipitation push the public, include time for nitrogen and other nutrients presentations from water down through the soil. Ideally, experts and leaders. NEWBA nitrogen should be deposited also hosts semi-annual Water in the plant’s root zone where Summits that showcase it can be fully utilized by the promising strategies and crop. It is important to avoid encourage discussion to excess watering that could discover how to partner in new push the nitrogen below the ways. roots and potentially cause “NEWBA is a non-profit groundwater contamination. organization with no vested A second NEWBA Water for David Lankford of Earthtec explains how technol- water interests. We promote Generations project is using ogy is giving producers real time information that solutions that safeguard our variable rate irrigation will help them make critical decisions about their economy and quality of life,” technology to help farmers crops. Lankford has also assisted with the NEWBA explains Lorre McKeone, the recognize and avoid study of nitrate movement in the soil profile. group’s communications overwatering. Traditional coordinator. “We know that pivot irrigation systems apply Opposite: Nebraska Rural Electric Association long-term solutions can only water at a flat rate over the members are concerned about the way that water come through better entire field. Farmers naturally policy could affect Nebraska’s rural economy. Larry understanding and set up their irrigation schedule Umberger (center) of Midwest Electric Cooperative cooperation. NEWBA provides based on the driest, most Corporation and Tim Lindahl (right) of Wheat Belt a place where constructive challenging parts of the field. PPD share ideas and information with others at- conversations can occur and In a field with variable soil tending a Nebraska Water Balance Alliance Sum- promising strategies can be types and elevations this mit. advanced.” means some parts will receive The conversations at more water than needed. New variable rate technology NEWBA meetings encompass different perspectives. There allows producers to slow down the pivot over lighter soils are ag producers who take a grassroots approach to saving to apply more water and speed up to put on less water in water on their individual farms and adapting practices to heavier soils. This study is designed to promote adoption cope with restrictions on water use. Researchers and of variable rate technology by demonstrating how farmers academics share technical data from studies across the can reduce total water and energy costs while state. Natural Resource District employees explain the maintaining yields by better placement of the water in rules they are required to follow and the assistance they line with what the soil needs. offer to landowners. Agricultural technology providers offer Bill Marek, a Cropmetrics irrigation specialist, tools that provide the site specific data that producers need explains, “Growers don’t want to over-irrigate but with in their decision making process. Electric utilities are only a flat rate solution they have no other alternative. concerned about rural economies and the customers they Growers are a bright breed and will make decisions to serve. With such a diverse group, you might expect conflict optimize crop production. With a technology advantage but instead you see a strong interest in working together that allows for a different amount of water to meet the for a common goal. soil variability the result is a natural cutting back…not an ‘allocated’ cut back via regulation.” Please turn to page 8

February 2014

Water Resources From page 7 NEWBA’s chairman, Roric Paulman, agrees. “This organization fulfills a vital role. It can be the time and the place to express ideas and concepts that will continue to keep Nebraska in the forefront of sustainability.” “We invite people with practical ideas and strategies to join in a collaborative effort to find the best solutions for everyone. This positive, proactive, ‘win-win’ approach is attracting many solution-minded leaders with good ideas,” McKeone explains. The solutions that the Nebraska Water Balance Alliance seeks are comprehensive and practical. They need to meet a variety of needs across the state. This is a challenge because of the diversity in the state. Although precipitation amounts vary from 14 inches per year in the Panhandle to over 30 inches per year in the southeast corner of the state, precipitation provides Nebraska with over 90 million acre-feet (MAF) of average annually renewable water supply. Unfortunately, this supply also varies from about 60MAF to over 140MAF annually, on a statewide basis, causing additional water challenges. Water resources must meet the needs for domestic, agricultural, environmental, municipal and industrial use. In addition to these requirements, plans also need to be in place for dealing with normal years as well as floods and drought conditions. Solutions also need to be practical to implement and also sustainable for years to come More resilient water strategies pertain not only to agricultural impact and the environment, but also to the local and statewide economy. “NEWBA is important to electric utilities because of economics,” explains Larry Umberger, general manager of Midwest Electric Cooperative Corporation in Grant, Nebraska. “We need to find ways to

NEWBA events encourage the sharing of information and idea. Bill Marek (center) of CropMetrics explains potential water and energy savings gained through variable rate irrigation technology. keep our rural communities viable. All the businesses in our service area are ag related.” Umberger believes that helping farmers save input costs through better water management will help them maximize profits and preserve resources for future generations. “Over time, NEWBA has been refined with a better focus on what it believes is important and what the group is likely to accomplish,” offers Frank Kwapnioski, an advisor from H2Options Engineering. “NEWBA can’t be all things to all people, so we must focus on the best use of time and resources.” He says the group’s focus has evolved over time from simply trying to change the dialogue about water management to a more grassroots approach of identifying and encouraging more efficient water management practices. “This message has generated financial support from forward thinking leaders in banking, co-ops,

ag businesses, producers, power districts and concerned citizens. Our Water for Generations projects have been cooperative efforts between growers, vendors, natural resource districts, crop consultants, rural electric utilities, the University of Nebraska Extension and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. These varied interests provide not only in-kind and financial support but also wide ranging perspectives and expertise that help us move to a new level,” says McKeone. McKeone emphasizes that the strength of the organization is grounded in broad-based support and involvement. NEWBA’s supporters can donate to the group’s 501c6 fund, which is dedicated to promoting solutions. A second entity, the Water Balance Foundation, has been established as a 501c3 organization for tax deductible contributions. The foundation funds are used for research and education.

Check out the NEWBA website: www.nebraskawaterbalance.com Rural Electric Nebraskan

NPPD introduces online “wind watch” feature an you watch the wind? With a new feature on Nebraska Public Power District’s website, you can. Simply visit www.nppd.com/wind. The feature shows the prior five days’ performance of the wind facilities NPPD relies upon to generate electricity for Nebraskans. One chart shows the collective contribution of NPPD’s current wind resources; a second graph allows visitors to select one or more individual farm(s) to view its performance. “Because wind generation is a variable resource, we add it to our mix when it is available,” said President and CEO Pat Pope. “Visitors to the site will see how much electricity the farms have generated at various hours throughout the previous five days. They will see hours when the farms have generated to their capacity, as well as other times when we have to rely upon our other power plants to meet customers’ electrical load.” Location can make a difference. For instance, visitors may find the wind was blowing strong at Ainsworth, while at the same time generating very little electricity at the Steele Flats facility in the southeast corner of the state. “Wind farms can play a valuable role in generating electricity,” said Pope, “yet we promise our customers

February 2014

reliability – ensuring electricity is available around the clock. Every hospital, industry, and homeowner deserves that, which means we must use other fuels like nuclear, coal, and natural gas, too.” NPPD owns and operates a wind

farm outside of Ainsworth and purchases the output from six other wind farms located in Nebraska, owned and operated by private developers. Since 1998, NPPD has been investing in wind generation, and by the end of 2014, an eighth wind farm will be added to NPPD’s portfolio, bringing the utility within 45 megawatts of its goal to generate 10 percent of its electricity with renewable generation by 2020. “We have steadily pursued our goal while respecting the investments our customers have made in our entire fleet of power plants, including Cooper Nuclear Station, three hydropower plants, the combined-cycle facility near Beatrice, and our two fossil units, which generate more than half of the electricity our customers use every day,” said Pope.

Strong winds can cause power lines that gallop alloping power lines may sound ridiculous, but they really do occur and can be very dangerous. The most common cause of galloping lines is ice that builds up on one side of a power line as a result of strong winds. This buildup creates an airfoil, which changes the flow of air around the normally round line. This change in air flow can cause the power line to start to bounce. These lines can bounce and buck enough to hit another line, damage themselves enough to cause a power outage, or even fall to the ground. Once galloping starts, there is not much a power company can do to alleviate it until winds die down. This is why many power lines have objects, like twisted wire or round or angular pieces of metal attached to the line. These are devices placed on power lines to help reduce the galloping of lines and prevent potential danger. If you encounter galloping lines,

stay away, warn others to stay away, and contact your utility. In addition to the possibility of power outages, there is a danger of the lines or other electrical equipment breaking loose and falling and of ice being dislodged from the lines and falling to the ground. The Safe Electricity program urges you to pay attention to and be aware of weather forecasts so that you can be prepared and not get caught off guard by a wind storm and to keep the following safety tips in mind after a windstorm: • When you see power lines on the ground, stay away, warn others to stay away, and contact the electric utility or 911. Lines do not have to be arcing or sparking to be live. • Any utility wire, including telephone or cable lines which are sagging or down, could be in contact with an energized power line also making them dangerous. So stay away from all lines.

• Be alert to the possibility that tree limbs or debris may hide an electrical hazard. Downed power lines can energize objects around it, such as chain link fences and metal culverts. • Keep in mind that a line that is “dead” could still become energized during power restoration efforts or improper use of generators. • Never drive over a downed line. It could cause poles or other equipment to come crashing down. • If you are in a car that has come in contact with a downed power line, stay in your vehicle. Wait until the utility crew has arrived and deenergized the line. Warn others not to approach the car. Only exit the car in the case of fire; and, in doing so, be sure to jump out and away from the car with both feet together. Then hop away while continuing to keep both feet together. Source: SafeElectricity.org. Photograph by Lisa Wurtele, Perennial PPD.

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Tightening the Net Rural electric utilities innovate to secure members’ digital data by B. Denise Hawkins

midst continuing cyber threats from crafty computer hackers, public power districts and electric cooperatives are mounting sturdy defenses to safeguard members’ digital data and ensure reliable power delivery. Utilities are bulking up cyber security with tools from the Cooperative Research Network (CRN), the research arm of the Arlington, Va.-

based National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). CRN’s Guide to Developing a Risk Mitigation and Cyber Security Plan and supporting documents, released in 2011 with funding support from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), helps utilities of all types develop a process to shore up cyber defenses. Three innovations promise to advance cyber security efforts: pattern recognition software, an update of CRN’s revolutionary Guide, and securing data.

Cyber Cooperation Most home and business computer networks use a firewall— a virtual barrier or hardware—to protect linked computers from hackers, viruses, and other virtual invaders. Utilities use firewalls to secure systems, too. But sophisticated cyber threats make firewalls an aging technology. “Firewalls are less able to provide the level of security we require,” shares CRN Program Manager Maurice Martin. “We want to make sure that our co-ops have the tools they

Rural Electric Nebraskan

need to work securely.” To meet the challenge, CRN’s developing a way to replace firewalls with a security tool that monitors computer network traffic. The system memorizes the normal pattern of operation. When the system detects an abnormal pattern (a possible intrusion), it sounds an alarm. A DOE grant of $3.6 million, with an additional $1.1 million from CRN and partner Honeywell Corp., funds the research. Allies such as Pacific Northwest National Laboratories, Carnegie Mellon University, and Cigital Inc. will work with CRN to develop the cyber security tool. “We’ll combine high-level functionality with an easy-to-use platform,” predicts Craig Miller, chief scientist at CRN. “The system will simplify cyber security management for small utilities with limited resources.”

Evolving Guidance CRN’s Guide to Developing a Risk Mitigation and Cyber Security Plan and accompanying template help utilities of all sizes craft a cyber-security plan. The cooperatively-developed resources, free for any utility, have been downloaded more than 8,000 times. Large and small utilities across America and in countries as far away as India and Italy use the Guide. “The content and ideas were important to share,” explains Martin. The Guide and tools were developed as part of a $68 million DOE smart grid grant three years ago. But responding to emerging cyber threats is not a one-time effort. It requires constant education, awareness, and vigilance. New resources—products, services, and educational tools—are on the way. Expected early this year, an updated Guide will work in harmony with new cyber security initiatives from the DOE. Securing Data Threats to security—online and to the power grid—are real. Hackers take pride in undermining computer

February 2014

Above: Public power districts and electric cooperatives have partners and allies in the war on cyber security. Researchers like those at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) are working with NRECA. In 2013, these PNNL researchers took part in the GridEx II national cyber security drill. Photograph provided by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Opposite: Forget calculators. The U.S. Department of Energy has a Computational Sciences Center that performs world-class computational science research—a helpful tool when calculating cyber security risks and creating tools to thwart would-be hackers. Dr. Steven Hammond examines a computer stack in the NREL data center. Photograph by Pat Corkery, National Renewable Energy Laboratory systems and finding a system’s Achilles’ heel. But thanks to innovative cloud computing, utilities are discovering ways to work together to strengthen rural electric utility security and upgrade IT architecture. “NRECA turned to the Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC) for its solid understanding of the smart grid marketplace and how new technologies can be used to benefit the consumer member at the end of the line,” explains Martin. That project aims to shore up technologies that capture, store, and secure data and information. Once completed, this work will benefit public power districts, electric cooperatives and their members. SAIC is producing a series of reports to help

utilities fully implement the smart grid. The reports will evaluate IT developments (cloud computing, new types of databases, and more) with an eye toward how such developments can support the rural electric utilities and even solve their needs. The goal? SAIC will map out an “IT architecture” to explain how the tools fit together to maximize reliability, customer service, and cyber security. All utilities are vulnerable to digital invasions. But a continually evolving set of cyber security resources and innovations should help keep public power districts, electric cooperatives and their members a step ahead of the “bad guys.” Sources: Cooperative Research Network

Steps to make your home office more efficient lmost a quarter of employed Americans do some or all of their work from a home office, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. If you have a home office, there are steps that can be taken to make your office more energy efficient and to help you save money on electric bills. Start by making your computer more energy efficient by utilizing the energy saving settings on it. For example, make your computer go into sleep mode when it is not in use instead of using a screen saver. You can also use a power strip or a smart strip to prevent electronics from drawing electricity when not in use. Plug in all electronics in your office—including your computer, printer, chargers, etc.—into a power strip, and simply switch off the electric current when you have finished working. Similar to power strips, smart strips offer energy efficiency to your home but are set apart because of the

ways they conserve energy. Smart strips automatically cut off the electric current to electronics. According to EnergyStar.gov, there are three main types of smart power strips: • Timer-equipped power strips are controlled by programmable timers, so all electronics plugged into the strip can be shut off at a designated time. • Occupancy sensing power strips detect active use of a device and shut it down after a specific period of time if unused. • Current sensing power strips have the ability to cut or add power to a device as it senses when a device is powered off or on. Other energy efficient steps include: • Checking your lighting fixtures. Make sure that the bulbs being used match the wattage of your fixture(s) and/or lamp(s). Replace traditional incandescent bulbs with more energy efficient compact florescent light

bulbs (CFLs) or light emitting diode bulbs (LEDs). • Closing window blinds or draps in the summer to keep the room cool, and leaving them open in the winter to let the heat from the sun to warm up the room. • Operating the ceiling fan at low speed in the clockwise direction during cold, winter months and in the counterclockwise direction during the summer. With your ceiling fan properly in use, you can adjust your thermostat by a few degrees and still remain comfortable. • Making sure nothing in your home office is covering vents. This allows for continued air flow and reduces the work for the furnace or air conditioning unit. • Using electronics with the Energy Star label. Most Energy Star endorsed products draw smaller than average amounts of electricity when not in use or turned off. For more information on energy efficiency, visit EnergyEdCouncil.org.

Rural Electric Nebraskan

Still time to shop for health insurance in the Health Insurance Marketplace…Shop Today for Peace of Mind

February 2014

Nanette Foster Reilly Consortium Administrator Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, (CMS) Kansas City Regional Office for this help. With nearly half of all Marketplaceeligible uninsured young adults able to get coverage at $50 or less per month, the health care law is delivering the quality, affordable coverage people are looking for. It is important for consumers to know that starting in 2014 the law says that individuals of all ages, including children, must have minimum essential health coverage, qualify for an exemption, or make a shared responsibility payment when filing their federal income tax return. Consumers need to know that an accident causing a broken limb can cost upwards of $7500 and a 3-day hospital stay can cost thousands of dollars, out of pocket, without health insurance. In some cases, emergency health care costs could unnecessarily bankrupt individuals and families. Health insurance coverage through the Marketplace can be peace of mind.

• You can also find in–person help from certified assisters in your area. Go to LocalHelp.HealthCare.gov and enter your zip code or city and state. Initial enrollment runs through March 31, 2014. Be sure to make your first month’s premium payment after you have enrolled in a health plan, and check directly with your plan to ensure that your application for coverage is complete and when it becomes effective. Finally, please educate yourself and others about the health insurance marketplace and what it can offer you or others you know who may not have quality affordable health insurance; it could be peace of mind for years to come.

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hanks to the Affordable Care Act, about 85 percent of Americans who already have health insurance are seeing their benefits and coverage better protected and seeing enhanced benefits. For example, insurance companies can no longer impose life time limits on your health insurance benefits so your insurance company can’t stop paying their share once you hit a certain dollar amount. At least 80 percent of your premium dollar now has to be directed to pay for your health care benefits, and not overhead, such as salaries and bonuses for insurance company executives. If less than 80 percent is used for health care benefits, your insurance company will owe you a rebate at the end of the year. Also young adults up to the age of 26 can stay on their parent’s insurance. These are just a few examples of the benefits of the Affordable Care Act law, since it was implemented in 2010. For uninsured Americans, roughly 15 percent of the nation’s population, they will finally gain access to quality, affordable healthcare from private health insurance companies. Initial enrollment began October 1, through a new way to shop for health insurance. The Health Insurance Marketplace gives Americans who are uninsured, or who buy their own coverage, a whole new way to shop for coverage. All private health insurance plans that operate in the Marketplace are required to cover a comprehensive set of benefits, including physician visits, preventive care, hospital stays, and prescriptions. Discrimination based on gender and pre-existing conditions is banned. And many individuals and families will qualify for a break on their monthly premium and other out of pocket costs, depending on their income, through advanced tax credits or through cost-sharing reductions. Be sure to include your income on your application to find out if you qualify

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SAFETY BRIEFS

Take care not to overload electrical outlets ount how many things in your living room need power. It likely includes a TV, DVR, Cable and/or satellite box, a game system, lamps, maybe a computer, speakers…so many things that there is probably at least one power strip being used to get power to everything. Many older homes were just not built for all of the electrical needs that we have today, and overloaded outlets and power strips can result in fires, costly damage, and the loss of life. Molly Hall, executive director of the Safe Electricity program explains, “Many older homes were just not built for all of the electrical needs that we have today. That is why it is so important to make sure electric outlets are not overloaded.” According to the U.S. Fire Administration, electrical fires in homes claim 280 lives every year, injure 1000 more, and cause over 1 billion dollars in damage. That is why the Safe Electricity program is reminding consumers to be careful not to overload their outlets. To help ensure the safety of your home and family, make sure that you: • Do not plug more than one major

appliance into an outlet at a time. • If an outlet is not working, have an electrician check it out. It may be an indicator of unsafe wiring. • Have a professional install more outlets on the proper circuits where they are needed. • Check for loose-fitting plugs. Replace missing or broken wall plates so wiring and components are not exposed.

• Make sure there is an escape plan and that all members of the household practice it often. It can be very tempting to add another plug to an outlet or power strip, but fight the urge to find ways to plug additional devices into an outlet. As an alternative, unplug a device—or two—before plugging in a new one. Source: Safe Electricty.org.

Rural Electric Nebraskan

OVER THE YEARS, WE’VE SEEN THE USES FOR ELECTRICITY CHANGE. BUT ITS VALUE HASN’T. If you question the value of electricity, consider its role in your daily life. From the comforts and conveniences of home to the time-saving tools at work, electricity is vital to how we live. In 1952, Tri-State was formed as a consumer-owned power provider with the mission of delivering reliable, affordable electricity throughout the rural West. Today, we generate and transmit electricity to our 44-member co-ops who, in turn, serve more than 1.5 million people across a 200,000 square-mile territory. Collectively, we know we’re delivering more than electricity. We’re delivering quality of life.

www.tristate.coop

Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association • P.O. Box 33695 • Denver, CO 80233 • Wholesale power supplier to 44 electric cooperatives in Colorado, New Mexico, Nebraska and Wyoming.

CUT YOUR UTILITY BILLS

Bake up energy savings with these tips by James Dulley

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m updating my kitchen appliQ :ances. I am a bit of a chef, so I want efficient tools. What are the best appliances for cooks? Can you share a few energy-efficient cooking tips? If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a frequent cook, you A :consume a lot of energy. The major energy user is the refrigerator. Odds are if you prepare a lot of food, you have a large refrigerator and open it often. Place commonly used items (milk, butter, etc.) near the front of your fridge. Keep the fridge fairly full; use water jugs if needed. In addition to selecting efficient cooking appliances, there are simple tips to cut your energy use. Keep in mind cooking tips change from winter to summer. During winter, the heat and humidity from cooking help warm your house and reduce the heating load on your furnace or heat pump. During summer, this same heat makes your air conditioner run more, increasing electric bills. When installing kitchen appliances, locate them properly. The cooking range and oven should not be directly next to the refrigerator. Their heat makes the refrigerator compressor run longer. Also, don't put the range or oven under a window; a breeze can carry away heat before it gets into your pots and pans. The most efficient electric range heating elements are induction units. These elements produce magnetic energy which warms magnetic (usually iron and steel) pots and pans. If there is no utensil on an induction element, the element does not get hot. Induction elements provide heating control almost as precise as gas burners.

Induction elements offer an energy advantage: nearly all of the energy goes into the pot or pan to heat food. With a regular resistance element, the heat transfers from the range top to the base of the pot. A lot of heat is lost to the air, never getting to the food.

Above: Use microwave oven for cooking smaller amounts of food. Photograph provided by Amana Below: The pot should fit the heating element and it should be covered when boiling water. Photograph by James Dulley

Since you do not always want to use magnetic cooking dishes, your range should have only one or two induction elements. The others should be standard resistance or halogen. Halogen elements heat up faster, but are not as efficient. Opt for different

sizes, then match the size of the pot to the element size for less heat loss. When it comes to ovens, electric is preferred by most professionals. It holds more even heat than gas for baking. Another advantage, especially during summer, is that electric does not introduce extra moisture to your house. Extra moisture means more work (and energy use) for your air conditioner. When gas or propane burns, the basic products of combustion are water and carbon dioxide. A convection oven saves energy as compared to a standard oven. Even though the small air circulation fan uses some electricity in a convection oven, they cook so much faster that there is significant overall savings. Not all foods roast and bake well in the convection mode, so you will not be able to use it for everything. Choose a self-cleaning oven model because they often have heavier wall insulation needed for the super high cleaning temperature. Want great energy savings in the kitchen? Use small countertop appliances when possible. For example, a small toaster oven, especially one with a convection option, uses significantly less electricity than large oven elements. This is true even though the large oven has more wall insulation. Countertop electric woks, rice cookers, etc. are other good examples. During summer, use them outdoors to reduce indoor heat. Microwave ovens are still the most efficient appliance for cooking individual food items. They run on lower wattage and offer short cook times. If you are cooking larger quantities of food, a large oven remains the best choice. Plan your baking to make similar-baking-temperature foods simultaneously or consecutively while the oven is hot.

Send inquiries to James Dulley, Rural Electric Nebraskan, 6906 Royalgreen Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45244 or visit www.dulley.com.

Rural Electric Nebraskan

Breakthrough technology converts phone calls to captions.

New amplified phone lets you hear AND see the conversation. Do you get discouraged when you hear your telephone ring? Do you avoid using your phone because hearing difficulties make it hard to understand the person on the other end of the line? For many Americans the telephone conversation – once an important part of everyday life – has become a thing of the past. Because they can’t understand what is said to them on the phone, they’re often cut off from friends, family, doctors and caregivers. Now, thanks to innovative technology there is finally a better way.

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A simple idea… made possible “For years I avoided phone calls because I couldn’t understand the caller… with sophisticated technology. If now I don’t miss a thing!” Finally… a phone you can you have trouble understanding a use again. The Captioning Telephone is also packed call, the Captioning Telephone can change your life. with features to help make phone calls easier. The During a phone call the words spoken to you appear keypad has large, easy to use buttons. You get on the phone’s screen – similar to closed captioning adjustable volume amplification along with the on TV. So when you make or receive a call, the words ability to save captions for review later. It even has an spoken to you are not only amplified by the phone, answering machine that provides you with the captions but scroll across the phone so you can listen while of each message. reading everything that’s said to you. Each call is routed through a call center, where computer technology – See for yourself with our exclusive home trial. Try the aided by a live representative – generates immediate Captioning Telephone in your own home and if voice-to-text translations. The captioning is real-time, you are not completely amazed, simply return it within accurate and readable. Your conversation is private 60-days for a refund of the product purchase price. It and the captioning service doesn’t cost you a penny. even comes with a 5-year warranty. Captioned Telephone Service (CTS) is regulated and funded by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and is designed exclusively for individuals with hearing loss. In order to use CTS in your home, you Call now for our special introductory price! must have standard telephone service and high-speed Call now Toll-Free Internet connectivity where the phone will be used. Federal law prohibits anyone but registered users with hearing loss from using IP Captioned Telephones with Please mention promotion code 51372. the captions turned on. Callers do not need special equipment or a captioning phone in order to speak The Captioning Telephone is intended for use by people with hearing loss. In purchasing a Captioning Telephone, you acknowledge that it will be used by someone who cannot hear with you. well over a traditional phone.

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RECIPES

Sausage Strata Brown 1 lb. sausage. Drain Fat. Stir in 1 t. prepared mustard and 6 slices of fresh bread (cubed) Add: 1/2 can cheese soup (condensed) Combine and add: 3 eggs, 1 1/4 cup milk or 3/4 cup canned milk, dash pepper and nutmeg, 1 t. Worchestershire sauce, 1/2 cup shredded cheese on top (if can soup not used). Bake at 260 degrees in electric skillet or on top of stove.

M. Elinor Lofquist, Elwood, Nebraska

Pizza Meatloaf

Italian Beef and Bean Stew 2 pounds beef Stew Meat, cut into 1-inch pieces 1 package (12 to 14 ounces) dried bean soup mix with seasoning packet 1 can (14 to 14-1/2 ounces) readyto-serve beef broth 1 cup water 1/2 cup sun-dried tomato pesto sauce or spread Cover beans with water in large bowl. Cover and soak overnight in refrigerator. Reserve seasoning packet. Drain beans; rinse and pick over to remove any grit or shriveled and broken beans. Place beans, beef, broth, water and contents of seasoning packet in 4-1/2 to 5-1/2quart slow cooker. Cover and cook on HIGH 5 to 6 hours or on LOW 6 to 7 hours, or until beans are tender and beef is fork-tender. (No stirring is necessary during cooking.) Stir in pesto; mix well. Season with salt and pepper, as desired. Serve topped with additional pesto, if desired.

2 lbs. hamburger or 1 lb. hamburger and 1 lb. sausage 2 eggs 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon sugar 3 slices of bread, torn up

1 small onion, chopped 1/2 cup parmesan cheese Topping: Mozzarella cheese 1 small can tomato sauce

Mix the first seven ingredients until well blended. Pat and press into loaf shape in a 9 x 13 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 to 50 minutes. Remove from oven and spoon out any extra grease in pan. Cover with tomato sauce and top with mozzarella cheese. Bake an additional 25 to 30 minutes. Let set 15 minutes before cutting.

Ronnette Preister, Columbus, Nebraska

60 Minute Cinnamon Rolls 1/2 cup very warm milk 1 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons sugar 1 package fast acting dry yeast 1 egg 3 tablespoons shortening

2 1/2 cups flour 3 tablespoons melted butter 1 tablespoon cinnamon 3 tablespoons brown sugar 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar 1 tsp. vanilla

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Combine milk, salt, sugar, yeast, beaten egg, shortening, flour and knead till smooth and elastic. Roll out into a 12x17 rectangle and spread with half of the remaining butter/cinnamon/brown sugar/powdered sugar/vanilla mixture. Roll up the long way and cut into 12 slices. Place in a 9 inch round pan. Let rise for 25-30 minutes or till doubled. Bake 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes. While still warm, frost with the remaining cinnamon mixture.

Lana Gosch, Amherst, Nebraska

Recipe provided by the Nebraska Beef Council 20

Rural Electric Nebraskan

FEB- 1: 74-year-old looking for a gentle lady in the 50s, good health, NS/ND, no pets. I like going to town, mechanics and mowing lawns, watching TV, playing games on computer, and am honest. Please send photo. FEB- 2: DWF, NS, late 50s, long dark hair, brown eyes, 5â&#x20AC;&#x2122;7â&#x20AC;?, 145 lbs, from central Nebraska, cowgirl/farm gal is looking for a 50-60s, NS, farmer/rancher to enjoy life and good times. I love horses, rodeos, trail rides, camping, fishing, county fairs, concerts, C/W & old rock & roll music, dancing, kids, and animals. Photo & phone number please. To appear in print The Rural Electric Nebraskan Adult Pen Pal Service is exclusively for member-readers ages 18 and over. To be considered for use, submissions must: (1) Identify rural electric system providing magazine; (2) Include $6 to cover mail forwarding costs; (3) Be 25 words or fewer; (4) Include full name and mailing address (will not be used in magazine); and (5) Be first person, submitted directly by person to receive responses. Acceptance, editing and issue scheduling is at editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s discretion. Address all submissions to Rural Electric Nebraskan Adult Pen Pal Service, P.O. Box 82048, Lincoln, NE 68501. All responses received by the Adult Pen Pal Service are routed directly, postage paid, to the response number assigned to each submission.

DWF, 27, ND, SW FEB- 4: Nebraska, mother of 2 boys, enjoys outdoors, camping, family. Seeking SWM, honest, mature, 28 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 35, has similar interest. Send recent picture. FEB- 5: DWM, NS, 70, semi-retired, tall, healthy country fellow from midNebraska. Looking for slim to medium partner to have fun and do things with like dancing, sight-seeing etc. Send a photo. FEB- 6: DWM, 66, NS, from central Nebraska. Have farming and ranch interest, like most sports and short trips. Looking for a lady 50s â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 60s, NS, with similar interest. Send photo and phone please.

FEB- 3: SWM, 29, looking for a loving, caring, honest, hard working woman. I enjoy family, friends, boating, 4-wheeler riding, small town farm life, and working around my acreage. Please write, send photo and phone number.

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To write To respond to one of the adult pen pal requests, write letter, place in envelope, seal and affix first class postage. Address to full, correct response #, c/o Rural Electric Nebraskan Adult Pen Pal Service, P.O. Box 82048, Lincoln, NE 68501. Your letter will be forwarded unopened. Do not send money or additional postage; forwarding is prepaid. Enclose your full mailing address for return correspondence. Once again . . . it is very important that all responses carry the full response numberâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;both month and numberâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;to be properly forwarded. Abbreviation Code

YLVLW XV DW

C â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Christian; C/W â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Country-western; D â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Divorced; F â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Female; M â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Male; NS â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Non-Smoker; ND â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Non-Drinker; R&R â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Rock and roll; S â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Single; W â&#x20AC;&#x201D; White; Wid â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Widowed

February 2014

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N7036 12 for $3.89 24 for $7.69 48 for $14.99 96 for $27.99

A car carefree refrree nat naturalizer! urralizer!

HOW MANY

25 25

Item # DESCRIPTION N7036 N5022 N6214 N6607 N6877 N7948 —

Creeping Red Sedum G. C. Daylilies Hardy Pecans Q. Strawberries Rose of Sharon Thuja Green Giant Giant Robinson Strawberries

COST

FREE

“Thank y you” ou” Gif Gift ftt FREE with a $1 $10 0 or order! der!

ROSE ROSE OF OF S SHARON HARON H HEDGE EDGE A ffriendly riendly ffence ence tthat hat b blooms looms a allll ssummer! ummer! Delightful blossoms of red, white, or purple each summer in a lifetime fence of natural beauty. These hardy shrubs will grow naturally to 5-10′ for an informal privacy screen or can be trimmed for a neat colorful hedge. Bursts into brilliant bloom in mid-summer and continues to flower through fall. Order today and receive 1-2′ shrubs. Our choice of colors.

N6877 (30′) (30 6 for $4.29 (60′) 12 for $8.49 (120′) 24 for $16.69 (240′) 48 for $32.39

4.95 4 95 Shipping & Processing $_______ SUBTOTAL $_______ $ IL Residents add 6.25% Sales Tax $_______ $ TOTAL ENCLOSED OR CHARGED $_______ ❒ Check or Money Order enclosed. ❒ Mastercard ❒ VISA Credit Card # _________________________ Expiration Date _______________________ Signature ____________________________