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Volume 67, Number 7, July 2013
“The Rural Voice of Nebraska”
Staff Editor Wayne Price Editorial Assistant Kathy Barkmeier
Published by the Visit us at www.nrea.org
Contents Features
Catching Copper Crooks
6
The rising number of copper thefts in recent years means public power districts and electric co-ops must get both tough and creative in fighting copper crime. Security at substations ranges from simple game cameras to sophisticated alert systems integrated with a utility’s dispatch computer.
General Manager Troy Bredenkamp President Gary Dill, Roosevelt Public Power District Vice President/Secretary Randy Papenhausen, Cedar-Knox Public Power District
Wind Talkers Like any resource, wind has pluses and minuses when it comes to generating electricity. Magen Howard, a consumer and cooperative affairs writer for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, points out the pros and cons to wind power.
Treasurer Ron Jensen, Loup Valleys Rural Public Power District 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. 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.
July 2013
12
Departments EDITOR’S PAGE
4
SAFETY BRIEFS — Murphy
16
CUT YOUR UTILITY BILLS by James Dulley
18
RECIPES
20
ADULT PEN PALS
21
MARKETPLACE/CLASSIFIEDS
22
On the cover Public power districts and electric cooperatives are getting creative to catch copper thieves. See the related story on page 6. Photograph by Wayne Price.
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EDITOR’S PAGE
Join the fight against copper theft in Nebraska etal theft continues to plague elecon the federal level aims to improve tracking tric utilities in Nebraska and all and impose stiffer penalties; most states have over America. It is a crime that entoughened metal theft laws over the past few dangers lives and can result in thousands of years as well. dollars in damages ultimately paid for by Thieves may not understand that they are you—the electric consumer. risking their lives by taking copper from utilIn the past few years the price of copper has ity poles or substations, where high transmisskyrocketed, shooting up by 500 percent at sion voltage is stepped down to a lower some points. Following a short decline in current for distribution lines. The Nebraska 2009, it has remained strong at $3.40 per Rural Electric Association urges you to follow pound. these guidelines to guard against electrical Thieves are attracted to copper wire as an dangers and prevent copper theft. easy source of cash, stealing it from a variety • Never enter or touch equipment inside a of sources and selling it substation; stay away for scrap. They often from power lines and climb power poles, scale anything touching a substation or storeyard power line. fences, and break into • If you notice anybuildings to steal the thing unusual with elecprecious metal—almost tric facilities, such as an always endangering open substation gate, themselves and others open equipment, or in the process. hanging wire, contact Stealing copper might your rural electric utility seem like a quick way to immediately. make a few dollars to a • If you see anyone would-be thief, but it’s around electric substaillegal, it’s costly, and it’s tions or electric facilities not worth a life. Workother than public power ing with electricity and district or electric cooperany metal is a danger- An electrical panel in a substation was ative personnel, call the ous combination, even burned when ground wire near a voltage police. for employees that are regulator was cut by a suspected metal • Install motion-sentrained and using the thief. Photograph provided by Georgia sor lights on the outside proper equipment. Transmission Corporation of your house, out-buildThieves who enter a ings and business to substation or climb a power pole to steal copdeter possible thieves. per and survive are incredibly lucky. They are • Store tools and wire cutters in a secure lorisking their life for a few bucks. cation, and never leave them out while you are Because of the surge in copper theft in reaway. cent years many public power districts and • If you work in construction, do not leave electric cooperatives have begun to stamp any wires or plumbing unattended or leave copper and aluminum wire with an identifiloose wire at the job site, especially overnight. cation number to deter theft. Stolen wire is • Help spread the word about the deadly conusually sold for scrap at recycling centers for sequences that can result from trying to steal cash. Even though many states, including Necopper or aluminum wire. braska, have laws requiring recycling centers Help prevent these thefts. If you notice anyto keep records of transactions, catching these thing unusual, call your local electric utility immediately. If you see anyone other than utilcopper criminals can be difficult. Without ity personnel or contractors around substaidentifying marks, stolen wire is hard to track tions or other electric facilities, call the police. and rarely recovered. Legislation introduced
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by Wayne Price
4
Rural Electric Nebraskan
GUEST EDITORIAL
The Building of America ew realize or appreciate the efforts our forefathers put forth to make America what it is today. But if we take time to look, one can easily see incredible engineering feats all around us. In the energy industry, we are proud when customers overlook us as part of their everyday lives. That means we are doing our job to provide them reliable and affordable electricity. Consider the following four examples and learn why future investment and innovation remains so important. Erie Canal: Without modern equipment or power, the 350-mile long Erie Canal was constructed in just eight years and completed in 1825. Using only human and animal labor plus lots of innovation the most valuable canal to that date was built from the shores of Lake Erie at Buffalo to the Hudson River at Albany. This project opened western New York and the Great Lakes region to ship flour and tons of other products to hundreds of thousands of people, and New York became the most important port in the U. S. overnight. Transcontinental Railroad: A story of innovation and gritty determination, ingenious entrepreneurs, brilliant engineers and armies of workers labored relentlessly to build a railroad connecting the United States from east to west. In 1862, the Pacific Railroad Act chartered the task to build a transcontinental railroad. Over the next seven years, two companies raced toward each other from Sacramento, California, on the East and Omaha, Nebraska to the West, struggling against great risks, before they met at Promontory, Utah, on May 10, 1869. Within 10 years of its completion, the railroad shipped $50 million worth of freight coast to coast every year. Just as it opened the markets
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of the west coast and Asia to the east, it brought products of eastern industry to a growing population west of the Mississippi. The railroad ensured a production boom, as industry mined the vast resources of the middle and western continent for use in production. Interstate Highway System: Planning for what is now known as the Dwight D. Eisenhower National System of Interstate and Defense Highways, commonly called "The Interstate System," began in the late 1930's. The Interstate System has been called the Greatest Public Works Project in History. From the day President Eisenhower signed the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956, the Interstate System has been a part of our culture, and an integral part of the American way of life. President Eisenhower considered it one of the most important achievements of his two terms in office, and historians agree. Today the Interstate System totals 42,794 miles. Electric Grid: Serving as the pulse of the economy, most would agree one of the greatest inventions of all time is electricity. But did you know that without an electric grid, electricity would have only limited value? An electrical grid is an interconnected network for delivering electricity from power plants to consumers. It consists of 1) generating stations that produce electrical power, 2) high-voltage transmission lines that carry power from distant sources to demand centers, and 3) distribution lines that connect individual customers. Early on, all energy was produced near the customers requiring that energy. As such, most electric utilities got their start primarily as isolated systems serving a specific service territory without connection
Gary Westphal General Manager Butler Public Power District to other utilities. Today, a complex grid of redundant transmission networks carry electricity across longer distances and utilities continue seeking ways to benefit from pooling their resources. By working together, utilities can help cover a growing demand for electricity while also providing backup power supply options. As part of this integrated transmission network, electricity is capable of flowing over long distances until reaching its end point, which is typically a wholesale customer that purchases this energy and sells it over the local distribution network. On arrival at this local network, or substation, the power is “stepped down� from a transmission level (high) voltage to a distribution level (lower) voltage. As it exits the substation, it enters the distribution wiring. Finally, upon arrival at the service location, the power is stepped down again from the distribution voltage to the required service voltage(s) to serve individual customers. In 1992, Congress, which had sucPlease turn to page 15
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Catching Copper Crooks Public power districts and electric cooperatives get creative to stop metal thieves by Magen Howard t’s a crazy way to make a quick buck, when you figure that $10 worth of stolen copper can lead to serious injury or death. But thieves involved in a copper heist from a substation owned by CedarKnox Public Power District in Hartington, Neb., somehow escaped harm, says General Manager Dan Leise. “We recently had some copper stolen from a substation that we were dismantling and moving to a new location,” Leise notes. “Some of the transformer and regulator jumpers were on a pile within the fence waiting to be taken to the new location when during the weekend, someone cut a hole in the back of the fence and made off with the copper and some brass connectors.” But with metal theft, it’s not just the crook who potentially suffers—all electric consumers do. “Even someone who manages to get away with only $100 worth of copper, he or she could cause thousands of dollars in damage to co-op equipment, which is eventually repaid by consumer-members through rates,” notes Maurice Martin, a program manager specializing in generation and transmission for the Cooperative Research Network (CRN), the research and development arm of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. “Thieves, for their part, stand an in-
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Rural Electric Nebraskan
48
credible risk for burns, electrocution, or even death, and when they tamper with equipment, they leave behind safety hazards for co-op employees who make repairs. There’s also the potential for power outages to consumers served by a vandalized substation or stretch of line.” In 2008 alone, copper theft cost electric utilities more than $60 million, according to a study by the Electrical Safety Foundation International. According to Leise, the copper and connectors will probably cost Cedar-Knox PPD in the neighborhood of $1,000 to replace but is probably only worth $100-$200 as scrap. While criminals seldom make a lot of money off of stolen scrap metal, copper theft continues to rise. The price of copper has skyrocketed in the past decade, urged on by international demand. The sluggish economic recovery and even drug use means some people look to stripping copper wire as a quick way to make a buck. “When metal prices go up, you see a corresponding rise in copper theft,” Martin explains. “Substations have large amounts of extractable copper, so they’re especially vulnerable.”
But technology alone won’t stop metal theft. Public power districts and electric co-ops often rely on the alertness of their consumer-members to catch perpetrators in the act. “There’s no substitute for a good, old-fashioned neighborhood watch,” emphasizes Sloboda. “Electric utilities do their best, but it’s important for consumer-members to keep their eyes peeled for suspicious behavior.” Some rural electric utilities are rewarding members who report copper crime. Northwest Rural Public Power District, headquartered in Hay Springs, Neb., and Tri-State G & T, located in Denver, Colo., are offering a $10,000 reward to anyone who furnishes evidence sufficient for the arrest and conviction of any person or persons guilty of vandalism and theft in the Hay Springs Sub-Station. Rural electric utilities are also going on the offensive by launching awareness campaigns, reinforcing that metal theft not only kills, but also equals higher costs for everyone.
States that have laws dealing with copper theft from electric utilities.
Laying down the law In February, legislation was reintroduced at the federal level that would make metal theft a crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison, a fine, or both. KBR RPPD recently had an inciIt would also require sellers to show Fighting back dent in a substation that resulted in The uptick in occurrences means public proof that they own or are authorized power districts and electric co-ops must $23,000 in damages. One person to sell the metal, and recyclers would was caught and one got away. The get both tough and creative in fighting need to have “a reasonable basis to becopper crime. Security at substations thieves got their pickup stuck, then lieve” that the documentation is valid. went back to Valentine, Neb. and ranges from simple game cameras to soDealers found in violation would face a stole another vehicle to pull their phisticated alert systems integrated civil penalty of up to $10,000. truck out and got that one stuck. with a utility’s dispatch computer. Forty-eight states already have metal They ended up doing this several One intrusion-spotting technique emtheft laws, including Nebraska, which ploys vibration sensors. “When the earth times. By the morning when a KBR says anyone who damages or destroys is moving and nobody’s supposed to be RPPD lineman got to the sub there an machine, appliance, facility or appawere 5 vehicles stuck around the at that substation, you have a pretty ratus owned by a public power supplier substation plus a bag of copper hidgood idea that a pickup truck or carload that is used for generating electricity den in the bushes. Photograph proof troublemakers has arrived,” remarks will be guilty of a Class IV felony. State vided by KBR RPPD Brian Sloboda, CRN senior program law also requires any sale of copper or manager. “The motion triggers an autocatalytic converters that exceeds $100 matic alarm that also alerts law enforcement.” must be made by check and sent by United States mail. Other technologies are less obvious, such as tiny dots the “There’s no one solution to metal theft,” Martin consize of a grain of sand containing a laser-etched numerical cludes. “A combination of tougher laws, smart prevention code that’s sprayed onto copper cable. If the copper is tactics, and observant consumer-members is necessary to stolen and brought to a scrap dealer, the recycler can shine prevent this activity.” a blacklight on it, see the code, and know who legally owns Sources: Cooperative Research Network, RE Magazine, it. ECT.coop
July 2013
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Cool Roof Creates Cool House by Brian Sloboda
ost homeowners dread the thought of roof replacement or repair. But by installing a “cool” roof you can save money—and energy—for little to no additional cost and effort. Cool roofs reflect the sun using materials that have a special coating. During summer, they stay 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than traditional construction. Because these roofs maintain a lower temperature, less energy is needed to cool the space beneath them. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), cool roofs trim cooling loads by up to 15 percent. This not only cuts electric bills, but also extends roof life, reduces wear on cooling systems, and leads to more comfortable indoor temperatures— especially in houses with limited insulation or no air-conditioning at all. Before purchasing a cool roof, consider adding insulation to your attic or crawl space because it remains affordable and provides year-round energy savings. For ceilings and roofs, R-30 to R-60 is usually sufficient, depending on climate. DOE offers a calculator that helps determine the insulation you need based on your Zip code at www.ornl.gov/~roofs/Zip/ZipHome.ht ml. In addition, consider installing attic vents—continuous peak, soffit,
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or turbine—especially if you’re replacing your roof. This shrinks heat transfer to living spaces. For more information on insulation and attic vent selection, visit EnergySavers.gov. If you decide to go with a cool roof, research the type of roofing you want and how much protection you need for your area. The coolness of a roof is
determined by two properties: solar reflectance and thermal emittance. Solar reflectance simply equates to the amount of solar radiation reflected, while thermal emittance spells out how efficiently the roof cools itself by re-radiating that heat. The combination of these two properties, called the solar reflectance index (SRI), is typically shown as a rating from 0-1. Higher ratings mean increased reflectivity and emissivity. Cool roofs boast an SRI of up to 0.85, while a conventional roof may only rate 0.05. Cool roofs work best in sunny, warm climates where daily temperatures average above 80 degrees Fahrenheit for at least three months
of the year. In northern, colder regions the opportunity for energy savings may not be as large because there are fewer cooling degree-days. But there’s no disadvantage in choosing a cool roof in those places because your attic should already be well-insulated. Here are common cool roof options for residences: Tiles. Roof tiles made of clay, slate, or concrete have low reflectivity and high emittance and are naturally cool roofs. Cool-colored coatings or glazes can be applied to the tiles to boost reflectivity and waterproofing. You can apply a cool coating onsite or purchase pre-coated tiles, which don’t cost much more than regular tiles and are offered in traditional colors, such as brown, green, and terra cotta. Shingles. Cool asphalt shingles are made with specially coated granules. Unlike tiles, however, cool-colored coatings are not normally recommended for shingles. Wood shakes are naturally cool roofs if they are kept bare and not stained with darker colors. Metal. Unpainted metal is naturally reflective but has very poor thermal emittance. It’s a good candidate for cool coatings, either applied in the field or at the factory. The main cost of installing a cool roof involves the type of material you choose. DOE estimates you’ll spend an average of 75 cents per square foot extra for a cool roof, but you’ll experience quick payback for the investment thanks to energy savings and a longer roof life. Source: Cooperative Research Network
Rural Electric Nebraskan
Public power urges water heater rule change ublic power districts and electric cooperatives are urging the Department of Energy to consider alternatives to a new rule that stands to phase out large-capacity electric storage water heaters that save energy and money for rural electric members in demand response programs. “Fairfield Electric Cooperative’s members have benefited from the cooperative’s demand management program with the reduction in millions of dollars in wholesale power costs,” William Hart, CEO of the Blythewood, S.C., co-op told the department in comments sent April 29. “In order to continue these savings and build the program, the availability of large capacity water heaters is essential.” The department is offering a oneyear waiver from the 2010 water heater efficiency standards that take effect in 2015. In comments to DOE, however, co-ops said the waiver would not protect the role the water heaters play in load management. “If left unaltered and without a workable waiver process, the 2010 standard will put an end to water heaters being used in the demand response programs of many of our members,” Troy Bredenkamp, general manager of the Nebraska Rural Electric Association, said in comments to DOE. DOE should develop a new classification for electric storage water heaters with tank capacity of more than 55 gallons, or adopt a waiver of at least five years from the final water heater standard, NREA and other rural electric utilities told the department. “Our association is very disappointed that DOE is proposing a waiver process for only one year at a time,” Bredenkamp said in comments to the department submitted on behalf of NREA’s 34 rural public power districts and electric co-ops. “We are further disappointed that
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DOE has yet to fully consider alternatives to the 2010 standard as proposed by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association regarding this program.” NRECA recommended that DOE create a separate appliance category for large “grid-enabled” electric storage water heaters, or adopt a waiver for at least five years with a threeyear notice for any modifications or elimination of the waiver. In submitting the comments, NRECA joined with the American Public Power Association, the Edison Electric Institute, PJM Interconnection and Steffes Corp. of Dickinson, N.D., which makes gridinteractive thermal storage technology for water heaters. “Only a simple, long-term waiver can give the electric utility industry the certainty it needs to continue to invest in [demand response] and [electric thermal storage] and the manufacturing community the certainty it needs to continue to produce the water heaters needed for those successful programs,” NRECA and the industry groups said in
their comments. EarthJustice, the Sierra Club and the Natural Resources Defense Council are pressuring DOE to rethink its offer of any waiver for the water heaters. James Hathaway, general manager and CEO of Dunn Energy Cooperative in Menomonie, Wis., however, told DOE that circumventing the large water heater standard through the waiver is unlikely. “The high price of the larger water heaters is already sufficient to discourage consumers from buying them if they do not have a utility rebate or utility rate incentive available,” Hathaway said. More than 2,000 members participate in Dunn Energy’s storage program by allowing their large water heaters to be turned off during periods of peak power demand. “Our experience over 30 years has taught us that water heaters larger than 55 gallons are needed in order to prevent member-consumers from running out of hot water during control periods,” Hathaway said. Source: Electric Co-op Today.
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Wind Talkers The pros and cons of wind power by Magen Howard
or many, answers to our nation’s energy and climate change challenges lie in the wind. From commercial wind farms to backyard set-ups, the skyscraping structures with massive rotating blades have become synonymous with “going green.” At the end of 2012, wind generated about 60,000 megawatts of electricity in the United States—enough to serve more than 15 million homes. Wind power production is booming, with output increasing leaps and bounds over the past several years.
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In late 2012, Nebraska utilities dedicated two new wind farms: Broken Bow I and Crofton Bluffs. Those projects added 122 MW of new electric generating capacity. With those two plants operating, Nebraska has over 450 MW of wind energy generation, enough to power 150,000 average Nebraska homes. Because the U.S. Congress passed a one-year extension of the federal Production Tax Credit (PTC) in early 2013, more wind farms are being developed for our state. One is the Prairie Breeze Wind Farm, a 200
MW project being built in Elgin, scheduled for completion by early 2014. Another is Broken Bow II, which will add another 75 MW of wind power. Nebraska has the nation’s thirdbest wind resource. The “fuel” to generate electricity from wind power is free, but there are costs to turn the wind into electricity and transport it to customers. One of the largest expenses related to wind power involves transmission lines to carry the wind energy to customers. Currently, the best available
Rural Electric Nebraskan
tricity generation. A January 2012 study from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory reports it costs between 24 percent and 39 percent less to produce wind energy on a per kilowatt hour basis today than it did a decade ago. Like any resource, wind has pluses and minuses when it comes to generating electricity. Here’s a look at how wind power stacks up.
wind resources in Nebraska typically are in rural areas, a significant distance from where customers live. In recent years, Nebraska electric utilities have not constructed more transmission lines to bring wind power to customers. As more wind farms are built, there may be increased need for new transmission lines to deliver new wind-generated electricity to customers. Costs are dropping for wind power projects, although federal subsidies are still necessary for wind to compete with traditional sources of elec-
July 2013
Intermittency issues Wind power development opportunities vary greatly throughout the country. It’s viable in many states, ranging from the Great Plains and Midwest as well as the Atlantic Coast, but is limited in the Southeast and Southwest. Yet even in locations with strong wind resources, an active wind turbine typically only generates 30 percent to 40 percent of its “capacity factor”—the total electricity it could generate operating around the clock. A 2010 National Renewable Energy Laboratory survey found less than 1 percent of land in states like Alabama, Kentucky, and Georgia was windy enough to achieve at least 30 percent capacity factor. Wind is also an “intermittent” fuel source. The wind doesn’t blow all the time, so electricity generation is not reliable or constant. Energy from wind usually peaks in the early morning hours of the day, when most people are still sleeping. Intermittency means coal- and natural gas-fired power plants must act as backups so electricity continues to flow as needed when the wind isn’t blowing. Backup power sources increase the total cost of wind generation. As of now, technology to store power from renewable energy—so it can be used later—is still immature and expensive. Wind and other renewable energies could become more valuable as advancements in energy storage systems are tested. First developed in the 1970s, utility-scale energy storage is becoming more economical on a large scale thanks to
recent manufacturing breakthroughs that increase the longevity while lowering the cost of batteries. With energy storage, the electricity produced by wind can be used during times of peak demand—the electric utility industry’s version of rushhour traffic, when power use skyrockets—to avoid purchasing expensive supplemental power. “Energy storage would also reduce the intermittency of wind, which allows for more efficient use of backup generators, among other benefits,” says Doug Danley, the technical liaison on renewable and distributed energy for the Cooperative Research Network, the research and development arm of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. “CRN is continuing to study energy storage systems so that electric cooperatives can best use these technologies to the advantage of their consumer-members.” Once the electricity is produced, moving it from a wind farm to homes can be difficult. Transmission infrastructure may not be available in areas where the wind blows best, and building new transmission lines takes time, money, and a lengthy governmental approval process. Before turbines go up, studies must be done to judge the wind’s variability in a given area. And although the sight of a tall, white wind tower may not be as intrusive as other types of power plants, environmental and economic impacts must be assessed. Will the turbine kill songbirds and bats, or disrupt the migratory patterns of Sandhill cranes? Investing in local communities The clear advantage to wind power is its “renewable” status, but there can be economic benefits, too. Fiftythree far-flung communities in Alaska served by Alaska Village Electric Cooperative, based in Anchorage, are able to harness wind and reduce their dependence on pricey diesel fuel, which led to retail electricity rates of 51 cents per kiloPlease turn to page 14
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Wind Talkers From page 13 watt-hour, almost five times the national average. Some rural communities are developing wind power resources to revitalize local economies. Rock Port, Mo.-based Atchison-Holt Electric Cooperative’s service area in northwest Missouri—losing businesses and young people—discovered growth potential through renewable energy ventures. Construction of a series of wind projects spurred an economic renaissance that included biodiesel plants and new small businesses. A similar boon sometimes occurs through local investment, as with the South Dakota Wind Partners. In 2010, the venture garnered $16.6 million from more than 600 investors to build the Essington Springs Wind Farm near White Lake. As required by law, all investors were South Dakotans, but most were also associated in some way with one or more of the wind farm’s four organizers: East River Electric Power Cooperative, a G&T based in Madison; the South Dakota Farm Bureau Federation; South Dakota Farmers Union; and South Dakota Corn Utilization Council. South Dakota Wind Partners was possible after the passage of the federal stimulus bill, which created the 1603 grant-in-lieu of tax credits program providing a cash payment (tax grant) of up to 30 percent of qualifying project costs. The provision expired at the end of 2011. “Were it not for 1603 tax grants, the Wessington Springs Wind Farm would not have happened,” noted Jeff Nelson, East River Electric Power general manager, at the time of the wind farm’s creation. “It opened the door for small investors to come together to create unique, locally owned community wind project.” Public power working for you Because Nebraska’s utilities exist only to serve Nebraskans, the state does not allow its utilities to engage
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in any activity that would primarily benefit utilities in other states. There’s no fence around Nebraska— we buy and sell power with out-ofstate utilities every day—but our first objective is to meet the electricity needs of Nebraskans. To help promote wind power in our state and lessen its potential financial impact on customers, Nebraska utilities helped develop and supported passage of a “wind for export” bill in 2010. Click here to read the text of the bill. This law allows entities other than public power utilities to build wind farms in our state. Nebraska utilities have the option of purchasing some of the electricity from these facilities, and the remaining electricity must be sold outside the state to markets where it is needed. Reaching common ground is important. During the 2010 Legislature, Nebraska’s utilities and wind power developers came together to find solutions and jointly support the “wind for export” bill that was eventually passed. Besides granting private developers the option of building ex-
port-oriented wind farms in Nebraska, it protects you from getting stuck with the bill if that wind energy is not needed in our state. Private developers assume the financial risks of any “wind for export” facility they construct. The new law also creates a framework to address the difficult issue of transmission, which is needed to transport the wind energy from Nebraska to other states. At this time, there is little spare capacity on the state’s transmission lines. So exporting wind power likely will require building new transmission lines— which can be expensive and controversial. Since Nebraska’s utilities are not in business to make a profit, we won’t chase a project based solely on its potential to make money. We only pursue projects that are in the best interest of our customers. Because serving Nebraskans is our first, last, and only purpose. Sources: Nebraska Power Association, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, American Wind Energy Association, Cooperative Research Network
Rural Electric Nebraskan
Guest Editorial From page 5 cess deregulating the airline and telecommunication industries in the 1970s and 80s, approved the Energy Policy Act. This bill promoted competition among electric utilities by requiring them to create wholesale electric markets. These markets require transmission line owners to allow electric generation companies open access to their network. It also led to the creation of several regional transmission organizations over the past five to 10 years to help utilities better manage the complexities associated with these transactions and market opportunities. We all know today’s world is highly reliant on electric power, and electricity demand both in the United States and globally is projected to continue climbing. Since electricity is one commodity that cannot be stored, the electric grid must be able to handle the peak demand for electricity at any given moment. So, unless innovation allows for the transmission of electricity wirelessly, one thing is clear: we are going to see more transmission lines built in the future. Butler PPD purchases power at wholesale from our supplier Nebraska Public Power District. NPPD is in the planning stages of several new transmission lines to meet its ever increasing electric load. If you would like to continue the high level of reliability you’ve come to appreciate in Nebraska, please support NPPD’s efforts. And, if you know someone who helped build today’s electric grid or another important engineering feat, give them a big paton-the-back; their work is greatly appreciated!
July 2013
Fluctuating water may conceal boating hazards evels on water bodies fluctuate constantly. Nebraska boaters should be aware that rising and falling levels can create hazards. Many water bodies are flood-control structures where levels rise during heavy rains and wash potential hazards into new areas. Other bodies are used for irrigation and experience draw-downs during the summer, creating and exposing additional hazards. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission offers boaters the following tips: • Plan an upstream trip when navigating a river. If you have problems, such as engine failure, use the current to drift back to your starting point. • Never assume there are no hazards. Operators always must be looking for submerged obstacles. • Operate at a speed that gives you
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maximum control of your vessel. • Be alert and avoid distractions. • Avoid drinking alcohol or riding on the bow. • Always use caution, especially on waters unfamiliar to you. • Be sure to have all the required safety equipment on board (read the 2013 Boating Guide at http://outdoornebraska.ne.gov/boating/pdfs/boa tguide.pdf) Recent heavy rains have swollen the Missouri River, submerging jetties, breakwaters and wing dikes and creating hazards to boaters. These obstacles may not be marked by buoys. “Striking these submerged obstacles not only can severely damage a boat, but also could cause a boat to become swamped and dump operators and passengers into the river,” said Herb Angell, Nebraska’s boating law administrator.
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SAFETY BRIEFS
Keep boats away from electric power lines ater and electricity are two elements that are essential in allowing us to live our day-to-day life. However, when the two come together – they make a deadly combination. When it comes to boating and sailing on the open water, we should try to keep our boats away from electric power lines and other sources of electricity. Water is an excellent conductor of electricity. It is important to remember that even when you are boating – electricity is still trying to reach the ground below the water. The most common occurrence in which water and electricity come into contact with each other is when water vessels come into contact with power lines. By being alert and looking up, you can save your life, as well as friends and family onboard. When boating this summer, follow these tips on how to avoid power lines: • Don’t haul, store, or sail your boat unless you have at least 10 feet of clearance between the highest
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point of your boat and the lowest point of all power lines. Remember that overhead power lines exist over roads, parking lots, waterways, and other boat storage facilities. • When pulling your boat onto the beach or when docking, always look overhead for power lines.
• When removing your boat from the water, watch out for overhead power lines. Ask another person to direct you so that you can stay clear of all power lines by at least 10 feet. • When fishing onboard, make
sure to check for overhead power lines before casting your line. • As you boat, be aware of signs indicating underwater gas and electric utility lines. Make sure to not anchor your boat near underwater cables or pipelines. At low tide, clearances from underwater cables and pipelines could be inadequate for your boat. • Avoid contact with overhead power lines by checking clearance before raising or lowering your mast or spar. Keep in mind that metal spars or masts can conduct electricity. • When determining overhead clearances, make sure to take the tide into consideration. Overhead clearances that are adequate for your boat at low tide may not be adequate for your boat at high tide. • Make sure to keep all drying sails and sheet lines from blowing into power lines. Whether you are at home or on a boat – always take the necessary electrical safety precautions! Source: North Carolina Association of Electric Cooperatives and NRECA
Rural Electric Nebraskan
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Why Jacuzzi is the Best ✓ Maximum Pain Relief Therapeutic water AND air jets to help you feel your best. ✓ Personalized Massage New adjustable jet placement for pinpoint control. ✓ Easy and Safe Entry Low entry, double-sealing leakproof door that is easy to open and close. ✓ Comfortable Seating Convenient 17 inch raised seat. ✓ Durable and Easy to Clean State of the art acrylic surface. ✓ Worry Free Enjoyment Thanks to Jacuzzi Inc.'s Limited Lifetime Warranty. ✓ No Hassle Installation Designed to fit in your existing tub space. water temperature. The tub features a high gloss acrylic coating which is more durable, scratch resistant and easier to clean than traditional gel-coat surfaces. It’s American made with full metal frame construction and comes with a limited lifetime warranty on both the tub and the operating system. Isn’t it time you rediscovered the comfort and luxury of a soothing therapeutic hot tub experience again? Call now and knowledgeable product experts will answer any questions and you can have one in your home next week. Don’t wait, call now.
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emember the feeling you had the first time you got into a hot tub? The warm water, the energizing bubbles and the gentle hydrotherapy of the jets left you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. Aches and pains seemed to fade away, and the bubbling sound of the water helped put you in a carefree and contented mood. The first time I ever got in a hot tub at a resort, I said to myself “One of these days I’m going to have one of these in my home– so I can experience this whenever I want.” Now that I’m older, I’d still like to have the pain relief and relaxation, but I have to be careful about slipping and falling in the bathroom. That’s why I was thrilled to find out that Jacuzzi, Inc. had combined the safety of a walk-in bath with the benefits of a hot tub. Now that I have one in my home I can have that luxurious resort experience… whenever I want.
CUT YOUR UTILITY BILLS
What do you need from extra AC? by James Dulley
We added a room, but our cenQ :tral air conditioner doesn’t cool it well. Our second-floor master bedroom also does not stay cool. Does it make more sense to install a window air conditioner or a mini-split system? This is a common problem, espeA :cially for second-floor rooms. Cool air is denser than warm air, so it tends to drop to the first floor through cracks, gaps, and the stairs. Also, second-floor ceilings are exposed to the hot underside of the roof, and tend to stay warm well into the evening. Whether you install a mini-split heat pump or a window air conditioner depends on what you need and want from the unit. Most people install a window air conditioner to provide extra cooling in a room at a low initial cost. Energy efficiency is not the primary concern. Mini-split heat pumps offer many bonus features (heating and cooling, quiet operation, flexible installation, and control) and increased efficiency, but at a higher cost. The main drawback for mini-split heat pumps is cost. A window unit generally sells for less than $300; mini-splits can run to more than $1,000, plus the cost of installation. Also, unlike a window unit, mini-splits can’t be moved once installed. I have a two-story house with a central heat pump. I recently installed an LG Art Cool mini-split system for the master bedroom. I selected the smaller output 9,000 Btu per hour model, which has a seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) of 28 and inverter compressor technology—twice as efficient as the central heat pump. I chose the heat pump version so it can also heat efficiently during winter. A window air conditioner has all its
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components—compressor, air circulation fan, condenser fan, etc.—in the cabinet mounted in the window. Though it is insulated against heat flow and sound, it still is not ideal for energy efficiency. The newest ones are fairly quiet but still may be annoying in a bedroom at night. When it’s not running, more outdoor road noise can be heard.
The outdoor condenser/compressor unit is mounted high on the garage wall to provide clearance beneath it. Photograph provided by James Dulley A mini-split system is similar to a central air conditioner or heat pump, with the condenser fan, coils, and compressor in an outdoor unit, which is flat and small. I had mine mounted high on the garage wall so I could walk under it on an existing walkway. Some models allow the outdoor unit to be placed up to 100 feet from the room or group of rooms to be cooled or heated. This virtually eliminates indoor noise pollution from these components. Instead of having the indoor cooling coil in an air-duct system as with your existing central air conditioner, the coil is mounted in a fan unit on the wall or ceiling of the room. It’s connected to the outdoor unit by refriger-
ant and electric lines. Only a 3-in.-diameter hole needs to be cut through the wall, and the condensate drain from the evaporator coils can go out through the same hole. Mini-split systems can also be used to cool an entire house by installing indoor wall units in several rooms. The conditioned air will naturally circulate throughout the house. This is commonly done in houses using baseboard electric or hydronic heat, which lack a duct system. In addition to the high SEER rating, installing a mini-split unit allows for zone cooling of your house, which can also lower your electric bill. In my case, there’s no need to keep the downstairs cool all night when I’m sleeping in the upstairs bedroom. My minisplit system allows me to set the central heat pump thermostat higher at night so it runs very little. This provides substantial energy savings. Inverter compressor technology is the newest and most efficient trend in air conditioning. The compressor runs at variable speeds to provide for variable cooling output. Once the room cools down to the thermostat setting, the inverter compressor speed slows to keep the room at that temperature. The remote control has several modes of operation, including a dehumidification setting for the summer, which slows down the fan speed so the indoor air is dehumidified more than it is cooled. This is ideal for allergy sufferers who are sensitive to high humidity but don’t want a cold room. There also is a “jet” setting that switches either the heating or cooling mode output and fan speed to high for quickly changing the temperature. This feature conserves energy because you can turn it on only when you use a particular room instead of keeping the room hot or cold continuously.
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.
Hello mrs fleming this is dr mar tin how are you today? I just want ed to give you an update on your new prescript ion
The Captioning Telephone converts phone conversations to easy-to-read captions for individuals with hearing loss 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 “For years I avoided phone calls because to innovative technology there I couldn’t understand the caller… is finally a better way. now I don’t miss a thing!”
Finally… a phone you can use again. The Captioning Telephone is also packed with features to help make phone calls easier. The keypad has large, easy to use buttons. You get adjustable volume amplification along with the ability to save captions for review later. It even has an answering machine that provides you with the captions of each message.
See for yourself with our exclusive home trial. Try the Captioning Telephone in your own home and if you are not completely amazed, simply return it within 30-days for a refund of the product purchase price.
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A simple idea… made possible with sophisticated technology. If you have trouble understanding a call, the Captioning Telephone can change your life. During a phone call the words spoken to you appear on the phone's screen – similar to closed captioning on TV. So when you make or receive a call, the words spoken to you are not only amplified by the phone, but scroll across the phone so you can listen while reading everything that's said to you. The captioning function can be turned on as needed. Each call is routed through a call center, where computer technology – aided by a live representative – generates immediate voice-to-text translations. The captioning is real-time, accurate and readable. Your conversation is private and the captioning service doesn't cost you a penny – all you need is a high-speed Internet connection from any Internet provider and a standard phone line. Callers do not need special equipment or a captioning phone in order to speak with you.
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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 well over a traditional phone.
DOWN HOME
RECIPES
Asparagus Casserole 2 cans asparagus, drained or use fresh or frozen, cooked until tender 1 can sliced carrots, drained 1 can cream of mushroom soup, undiluted 4 hard boiled eggs, chopped 1/2 lb. Velveeta cheese Crushed corn flakes Layer vegetables and eggs. Pour soup over them. Slice cheese and lay on top. Cover with corn flakes or melt cheese and pour on the soup. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until lightly browned.
Lois M. Schaaf, Stuart, Nebraska
Zucchini Bars
Egg and Prosciutto Muffins Cooking spray 8 large eggs 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1 package (3 ounces) prosciutto, chopped, pieces separated 1/2 cup chopped tomato 1-1/2 tablespoons fresh chives 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray 8 (2-1/2 -inch diameter) muffin cups with cooking spray; set aside. Mix eggs and pepper in large mixing bowl until well blended. Stir in prosciutto, tomatoes, chives and Parmesan cheese. Fill each muffin cup 3/4 full with egg mixture. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Let cool in pan 5 minutes. Carefully remove using thin metal spatula. Serve warm.
Recipe provided by the American Egg Board
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3 eggs (beaten) 1 cup cooking oil 2 cups sugar 2 cups grated zucchini 2 teaspoon vanilla 3 cups flour Mix the above ingredient together
and add: 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup nuts (optional) 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Mix and pour into a greased 15x10x1 inch baking pan. Bake at 325 degree oven for 30 minutes. You may frost with cream cheese frosting or sprinkle lightly with powdered sugar.
Jackie Cox, Oak, Nebraska
Lemon Cream Cheese Pie Crust: 1 1/2 cups crushed vanilla wafers 1/3 cup butter, melted Combine and press into a pie pan. Heat until dissolved: 1/3 cup lemon juice 1/3 cup water 1 pkg Knox gelatin Beat: 8 oz. cream cheese 1 cup powdered sugar Add: 8 oz. Cool Whip Combine the two mixtures. Pour into pie crust. Bake at 325 degree oven for 10 minutes. Cool.
Ruth Ann Behlen, Columbus, Nebraska
Rural Electric Nebraskan
Look for Adult Pen Pals next month ue to a low number of submissions sent in by readers for use in the July issue of the Rural Electric Nebraskan, no Adult Pen Pals submissions will be printed this month. Submissions sent for use in the July issue will appear in the August 2013 issue of the magazine instead. It is the policy of the Rural Electric Nebraskan to run Adult Pen Pal submissions only when at least six letters have been received by the Nebraska Rural Electric Association office in a given month. The Rural Electric Nebraskan Adult Pen Pal Service is exclusively for member-readers ages 18 and over. Adult Pen Pal submissions can be sent to Rural Electric Nebraskan Adult Pen Pal Service, P.O. Box 82048, Lincoln, NE 68501.
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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 editor’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. 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 number—both month and number—to be properly forwarded. Abbreviation Code C — Christian; C/W — Country-western; D — Divorced; F — Female; M — Male; NS — Non-Smoker; ND — Non-Drinker; R&R — Rock and roll; S — Single; W — White; Wid — Widowed
July 2013
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POWERING THE FARMS & RANCHES
THAT FEED OUR ECONOMY. Here in the West, we depend on reliable, affordable electricity to nurture the land and grow the economy. In the cooperative spirit, your local electric co-op and its power supplier, Tri-State, are doing our part to ensure rural businesses receive value for the electricity they use. Tri-State provides incentives through its member co-ops to help farms and ranches manage electricity use – which helps reduce all of our costs and keeps communities thriving. Learn more about where we’re headed at 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.
The Invention of the Year is Great News for your Ears Perfect Choice HD™ is simple to use, hard to see and easy to afford... it’s like reading glasses for your ears™!
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New Personal Sound Amplification Product is the affordable solution! Over the years, technology has made the way we live easier, safer and more convenient. In many cases, it’s even made many products more affordable… (remember how much the first VCR used to cost?). Now, if you need some help in turning up the volume on the world around you, a new solution has been invented… it’s called Perfect Choice HD™.
Reading glasses help millions who don’t need prescription eye wear... and PSAP’s can help those who simply want to turn up the volume. Now, thanks to the efforts of the doctor who leads a renowned hearing institute, there is Perfect Choice HD. It’s a PSAP designed to accurately amplify sounds and deliver them to your ear. Because we’ve developed an efficient production process, we can make a great product at an affordable price. The unit has been designed to have
Perfect Choice HD is NOT a hearing aid. Hearing aids can only be sold by an audiologist or a licensed hearing instrument specialist Why Perfect Choice HD is the best choice ! following hearing Lightweight / tests and fitting Less than 1 ounce Inconspicuous appointments. Once they have you tested Excellent – Sound Quality and fitted, you could Optimized for speech pay as much as $5000 Test and Fitting Required No for the product.
• Lectures • Sermons • Meetings …and other times where you need to turn up the volume
We want you to be happy with Perfect Choice HD, so we are offering to let you try it for yourself with our exclusive home trial. If you are not totally satisfied with
Affordable, Simple to use, Virtually impossible to see this product, simply return it within 60 days for a refund of the full product purchase price. Don’t wait… and miss out on another conversation… call now!
Call now and find out how you can get FREE
Batteries for Life!
Please mention promotional code
49987.
1-877-734-9239 1998 Ruffin Mill Road Colonial Heights, VA 23834 Perfect Choice HD is not a hearing aid. If you believe you need a hearing aid, please consult a physician.
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Free Batteries for Life Yes, ask for details Reading glasses for your ears. While One-on-One Free some people need Personal Set Up hearing aids, many just need the extra Friendly Return Policy 60 Days boost in volume that an easily accessible battery, but it a PSAP gives them. As people age, is small and lightweight enough to their senses need a little “help.” hide behind your ear… only you’ll know you have it on. It’s comfortable Are you or and won’t make you feel like you a loved one frustrated have something stuck in your ear. in these situations? It provides high quality audio so sounds and conversations will be • Restaurants • Dinner parties easier to hear and understand. • Outdoor conversations