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Space heating can really take up a lot of space on your energy bills; it accounts for more than 45% of a typical home's annual energy use, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Upgrading to a new unit can help you save energy and money, but how do you know when the time is right? For most heating systems, there are certain telltale signs of trouble. Consider making a change if: Your heating system is noisy . You could have an undersized duct system or a serious repair issue. You're frequently calling the repairman . Wear and tear on aging equipment may continue to cost you more in repair bills. Some rooms are too hot or cold . This could be a sign of leaky ducts, poorly designed ductwork, or system performance issues. Your home has humidity problems or excessive dust . Poor equipment operation or leaky ductwork can increase humidity levels inside your home. Your heating system is 10 years old or older . If telltale signs indicate it's time to consider replacing heating and cooling equipment, ENERGY STAR® provides more insight on systems to consider. Looking to save more? Once your new heating system is in place, take these simple steps to improve system performance and home comfort: Change the air filter on your unit once a month or according to the manufacturer's guidelines. A dirty filter restricts airflow and wastes energy. Check for air leaks in attic joists, exterior plumbing and electrical accesses, as well as doors and windows. Seal with expandable foam, insulation strips, caulking, or weatherstripping. Set your thermostat to a lower temperature at night or when you're away from home. Install a programmable thermostat to add convenience and increase savings. Hire a qualified professional to perform a home energy audit. An auditor will help you target the most effective opportunities to make your home more energy efficient. By combining your heating system upgrade with smart conservation strategies, you can save money and stay comfortable all winter long.

Generators can provide reliable backup power in case of an outage. This can be critical for households with family members who depend on powered medical equipment. When choosing a generator, it's important to find the right type and size unit to fit your needs. How do you choose the right size generator for your home? The answer depends on what you want to use it for. For powering some lights and several appliances, a small portable unit would work. For long-term protection, including powering an air-conditioning unit, a standby generator would be the better choice. Add up the total wattage of the equipment or appliances you wish to run. Check the owner's manual or serial plate for wattage rating. Some appliances, such as refrigerators or dishwashers, have a start-up wattage that is higher than the running wattage. This must be calculated in the total. If no start-up wattage is listed, assume it's three times the running wattage. Safety counts Always operate generators safely according to the manufacturer's instructions. Never attempt to connect your generator to the electrical system. The electricity you generate can back-feed to utility lines, where it can endanger lineworkers. A transfer switch, properly installed by a qualified electrician, can prevent the generator from sending electricity back through the transmission line. As always, if you have any questions, please contact your electric cooperative . Their energy advisors are always happy to help!

Northwest Iowa Power Cooperative (NIPCO) is a wholesale electric generation and transmission power cooperative serving seven electric distribution cooperatives in western Iowa, Together, the NIPCO family of electric cooperatives power nearly 33,000 rural, western Iowa member-consumers in ten counties, ensuring the safe and reliable delivery of power and keeping western Iowa powering forward.   NIPCO, in partnership with its member co-ops, developed the “Safe Fields. Powerful Yields.”  safety campaign for our area agricultural producers as we often receive an uptick of powerline contacts reported during spring planting and fall harvest. While contact with equipment and a powerline can cause costly outages and repair downtime, our number one concern is for equipment operators and their safety.   Safe Fields. Powerful Yields.  reminds agricultural producers to be aware of powerlines in and around their equipment, fields, and other locations associated with their operations. Our campaign kit includes posters, table tents, and window clings communicating valuable life-saving information on what to do and who to call when seconds count. If your equipment makes contact with an energized or downed power line, contact 9-1-1 immediately and remain inside the equipment until the power is de-energized. In case of smoke or fire, exit the cab by making a solid jump out of the cab (without touching it), and hop away to safety. If you make contact with a power line, always assume it is energized. Downed lines can energize the ground around it up to 35 feet away. Use a spotter and deploy flags to maintain safe distances from power lines and other electrical equipment when working in the field. Maintain a ten-foot clearance around all utility equipment in all directions. Consider equipment and cargo extensions of your vehicle. Lumber, hay, tree limbs, irrigation pipes, augers, and even bulk materials can also conduct electricity.   If you would like to receive a Safe Fields. Powerful Yields.  farm safety awareness kit containing this information in an easy-to-refence poster, table tent, and window cling, visit NIPCO’s safety education page at www.nipco.coop/safety-education and scroll down to the Safe Fields. Powerful Yields.  section or call our co-op office directly.   Planting seeds of safety when working around power lines can be the difference between safe harvests and one interrupted by a costly contact with energized power lines.   ​It's more than a field. It's a life .

In recent months, western Iowa communities served by Northwest Iowa Power Cooperative (NIPCO) have been impacted by severe weather events such as spring tornadoes and early summer floods. During the July NIPCO Board of Directors meeting, NIPCO Vice President of Engineering & Operations Jayme Huber provided a detailed analysis of damage to NIPCO transmission infrastructure, highlighting the challenges facing the cooperative. Huber reported that weather-related incidents account for a staggering 72 percent of the total outages reported this year. While many of these outages were brief, causing only a momentary “blink” in service, some lasted several hours, disrupting service reliability to the NIPCO member systems. To prepare for these challenges, NIPCO launched its comprehensive Renewal and Replacement plan in 2016 to address the needs of aging infrastructure across its entire service footprint. As part of this initiative, NIPCO has already upgraded 402 miles of transmission line, 12 transmission stations, 58 switches, and 63 substations. Additionally, seven new substations have been added to improve the cooperative’s service reliability, creating redundancy in electric delivery and accommodating load growth. NIPCO works hard to provide an annual 99.99+% reliability level. NIPCO has ambitious plans to continue infrastructure upgrades, focusing on enhancing 240 miles of old transmission line, five transmission stations, 53 switches, and 15 substations. These efforts are crucial for ensuring that NIPCO can continue to deliver reliable and resilient power to its members despite the increasing challenges posed by severe weather. The ongoing investment in hardening the electric infrastructure is essential for better withstanding these impacts and ensuring consistent service to the communities of western Iowa.

By Chuck Soderberg, retired executive vice president and general manager of the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives Those of us who work in the electric utility sector are deeply concerned how federal energy policy is threatening electric reliability for the families, businesses and communities we serve. It’s time to sound the alarm and raise awareness of how these misguided mandates will negatively impact our country. In April, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its final Power Plant Rule, which includes four major environmental regulations. One regulation under Section 111 of the Clean Air Act (also known as the Greenhouse Gas Rule) will limit emissions from existing coal and new natural gas power plants. The Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives (IAEC) stands with the Iowa Attorney General, the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) and the Iowa Office of Consumer Advocate (OCA) in opposing these regulations on the grounds that they are unlawful, unrealistic and unachievable. The EPA’s Power Plant Rule requires existing coal and natural gas generation facilities to deploy carbon capture and sequestration at a level that is not yet achievable or commercially viable. The other three regulations in the rule tighten already stringent standards for mercury and air toxins and wastewater and impose additional burdensome requirements on legacy coal ash sites. Specifically, the Power Plant Rule will force the early closure of “always available” electric generation sources and limit the construction of new natural gas plants as our nation’s economy will require more electric generation in the years ahead. Existing coal-fired units that plan to operate past 2032 and until 2039 must co-fire with natural gas at a 40% rate starting in 2030. To operate past 2039, existing coal-fired plants must capture or avoid 90% of their carbon emissions by 2032. The Power Plant Rule also requires the same 90% carbon capture or avoidance for new natural gas plants operating at baseload (above a 40% capacity factor). These new standards will impact electric utilities’ ability to economically and reliably replace lost coal generation. “These reckless regulations are not based in reality and pose an immediate threat to the electric grid and will negatively impact electric reliability here in Iowa,” remarked Chuck Soderberg, executive vice president and general manager of IAEC. “We are sounding the alarm that these EPA mandates will drastically diminish electric cooperatives’ ability to provide dependable power when our member-consumers need it most.” With the Power Plant Rule, the EPA is overreaching its legal boundaries, disregarding practicality and endangering national energy security. These new mandates jeopardize affordable and reliable electricity by forcing the premature closure of “always available” power plants while also making it harder to permit, site and build critical new generation facilities. As electric demand increases each year, replacing dispatchable electric generation sources like coal and natural gas with intermittent power sources like solar and wind is a recipe for disaster. We support an “all of the above” electric generation strategy that prioritizes reliability. Iowa’s electric utilities are not alone in our concern. In filing joint comments on the proposed EPA Power Plant Rules back in 2023, Iowa’s OCA and the IUB expressed the following opposition to the mandates: “The proposed rules treat reliability as merely one of many considerations and do a poor job in making that consideration.” … “The proposed rules are rushed, the record does not meaningfully consider the impact of this truly essential service, and EPA myopically pursues a narrow goal at the expense of larger societal benefits like life, heat, and jobs.” National utility trade associations – including the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the Edison Electric Institute and the American Public Power Association – and a coalition of 27 attorneys general, including Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird, have filed separate lawsuits in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, petitioning for review of the EPA’s Power Plant Rule and to stay the rule while the Court decides the motion. Additionally, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) has noted this growing capacity shortfall which has resulted from the reduction in reliable electric generation and the increase in electric demand. In its 2024 Summer Reliability Assessment, NERC warns that there is an elevated seasonal risk for several regions of the country, including parts of the Midwest. This means there is potential for insufficient operating reserves in above-normal peak conditions. And in 2023, NERC listed energy policy as the highest significant risk to grid reliability. Southwest Power Pool (SPP), a regional transmission operator which covers parts of western Iowa, warns that the EPA’s rule poses reliability risks. “SPP is concerned that limited technological and infrastructure availability and the compliance time frame will have deleterious impacts including the retirement of, or the decision not to build, thousands of mega-watts of baseload thermal generation.” Iowa’s economy can’t succeed without reliable electricity, and the EPA cannot ignore growing reliability challenges at this critical time for our nation’s energy future. The EPA must follow the law and set realistic standards based on technology that has been adequately demonstrated and is achievable. With the Power Plant Rule, the EPA has set an unworkable timeframe in violation of the Clean Air Act and Supreme Court decisions. Federal energy policy has now become a major threat to electric reliability and it’s time to take a stand and sound the alarm to protect the Iowans we serve.

This summer, Northwest Iowa Power Cooperative (NIPCO), in partnership with Corn Belt Power Cooperative, sent 116 cooperative member-owners, Directors, and staff to the Dakotas to learn about electric generation and to meet the people responsible for providing the electric power that is delivered to their homes, farms, and businesses. The three tours, which took place on June 26-28, July 10-12 and July 24-26, demonstrated first-hand the value of an electric generation portfolio that includes coal as a part of America's all-of-the-above energy approach and educated members about how environmentally responsible power is possible within a carbon-constrained world. NIPCO purchases approximately 80% of its power supply from Basin Electric Power Cooperative and 20% from Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) which markets power generated from the Missouri River Dam System. Because NIPCO's total, blended generation portfolio from these suppliers includes electricity generated from coal, water, wind, natural gas, and other sources, NIPCO and its member cooperatives feel it is vital to provide an opportunity for their end-users to get up-close and personal with the source of their electricity. Annual Energy Trail Tours showcase generation facilities, including hydropower at the Oahe Powerhouse and Dam in Pierre, South Dakota, and the coal-fired Antelope Valley Station in Beulah, North Dakota. A short trip up the road to The Coteau Properties Company Freedom Mine allows member-owners to see the mining process of the area's lignite coal. Mined areas are carefully returned to their original contour and reseeded to return to their original use, whether natural prairie or cropland, and monitored for several years. Often members catch a glimpse of the deer, foul, and antelope that graze on the reclaimed acres. The tour includes an overview of wind generation and the importance of renewable energy resources in America's overall energy mix. Tour participants also learn about the method of carbon capture and coal gasification at Dakota Gasification Company as well as the thirteen other co-products manufactured through this process, including fuel additives such as DEF (diesel exhaust fluid) and fertilizers used in agricultural production such as anhydrous ammonia, ammonium sulfate (marketed as DAK SUL 45®), and urea. Over three educational and fun-filled days, members are also immersed in rural electric cooperative history, business model, and the Touchstone Energy® brand, gaining a deeper understanding and pride in the cooperative difference. Individuals interested in signing up for the 2025 Energy Trail Tours are encouraged to contact their cooperative for more information.

The Touchstone Energy Cooperatives® of Iowa are pleased to once again sponsor the 4-H Exhibits Building at the 2024 Iowa State Fair. We are proud to be a Touchstone Energy member, which means we’re part of a nationwide network of locally owned co-ops that provides resources and leverages partnerships to help member-consumers use energy wisely. If you’re planning a visit to the Iowa State Fair from August 8-18, make sure to stop by and see us in the air-conditioned 4-H Exhibits Building on the southwest corner of the fairgrounds. Electric co-op staff from across the state will hand out plastic hard hats and suckers for the kids while supplies last. Kids can also try on lineworker safety gear and take fun photos in our co-op safety selfie station. We look forward to connecting with our cooperative members at the Iowa State Fair this summer. Please stop by our booth and say hello!

Are you planning a home renovation? It's a great chance to remake your energy bill, as well. From lighting to appliances to building materials, your choices can help improve your home's comfort and efficiency.   Kitchen Adding new appliances? Purchase an ENERGY STAR®-qualified refrigerator and dishwasher; they use less energy than standard models. Install high-efficiency LED fixtures and lamps for under-cabinet and ceiling lighting. LEDs use 75 percent less energy than conventional lamps and last a lot longer.   Bathrooms Install WaterSense-labeled low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators to conserve water and reduce your water heating costs. While you're at it, seal air leaks and install the appropriate insulation in the walls behind tubs and showers. Finally, control moisture and save energy by installing ENERGY STAR®-qualified ventilation fans.   Basement By finishing your basement, you can add living space without adding to your energy budget. Insulate basement walls and crawl spaces based on recommended levels. Seal air leaks around plumbing and wiring holes on outside walls. Replace older, single-pane windows with glass block or ENERGY STAR®-certified high-performance windows. It's also a great opportunity to replace your old clothes washer and dryer with new ENERGY STAR models.   Room additions A bigger home doesn't necessarily mean bigger energy bills. Ask your contractor about advanced framing techniques. Advanced framing can help improve the insulating value of your new walls. Make sure all new windows and doors are ENERGY STAR®-certified. Heating and cooling for an expanded home is also a factor. If you need to upgrade, choose ENERGY STAR-certified systems. Ductless mini-split heat pumps can also provide high-efficiency heating and cooling for your addition.   Home energy audit If you're not planning a major renovation, you can still improve the efficiency of your home. Call our office for a home energy audit to assess your home. You'll receive a customized list of energy-saving recommendations and information on our rebate programs that will improve comfort and efficiency all year long.

Today’s college student uses many electronics for school, work, and play. When used improperly, these helpful gadgets can become electric hazards. If you or a loved one is heading off to college, Safe Electricity  has the following tips to prevent electric accidents and fires. Extension cords are only for temporary use. Dorm rooms may not have enough outlets to plug in all your gadgets at once. If you must use extension cords, use them temporarily and unplug them when not in use. Consider purchasing power strips with an over-current protector, which will shut off power automatically if there is too much current being drawn. Use light bulbs with the correct wattage for lamps; if no indication is on the fixture, do not use a bulb with more than 60 watts. Never tack or nail an electrical cord to any surface or run cords across traffic paths or under rugs or furniture. Keep all electrical appliances and cords safely away from bedding, curtains, and other flammable material. Discard or repair damaged electronics. It may be tempting to use an electronic with a frayed cord or damaged plug-in to save money. However, damaged electronics should not be used, since they can shock or electrocute students. If your lights flicker, electronics shut off, or circuits trip—notify campus staff. Use only laboratory-certified appliances and electronics. Watch out for overheated outlets. If an electrical outlet becomes so hot you cannot leave your hand on it, there is potential for a fire.  Unplug everything from the outlet and notify the landlord or dorm officials immediately. College students should also know what to do if there is a fire, including escape and meeting plans. There are more than 3,500 fires on college campuses every year. Help prevent fires by understanding electrical safety and sharing what you know with loved ones. For this and more great electrical safety information, please visit SafeElectricity.org .

Your electric power is generally safe and reliable but can be dangerous if used improperly. Electrical hazards on the farm can cause injury or death to people and livestock and result in fires in barns and other structures. Use these measures to help protect yourself, your workers, and your property. Keep your workplace safe Start by looking for potential electrical hazards in your work environment and taking steps to ensure safety. Farm environments can be rough on electrical systems and equipment. Humidity in confinement houses or milking facilities can deteriorate electrical boxes. Light fixtures, wiring, and boxes can be damaged by contact with animals or machinery. Locate circuit boxes away from dangerous surroundings where they may come into contact with livestock, dust, or weather elements. Install covers on all outlets and switches, lightbulbs, and fixtures. Here are some additional tips for improving the safety of your farm workspace: Protect wiring from the elements. In corrosive agricultural environments, it's typically best to use underground electric cables to prevent damage to the wiring. Use ground-fault circuit interrupters. Make sure all electrical outlets in work areas are ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), which protect people from shock hazard. Weatherize electrical components. Make sure that all outdoor electrical equipment is enclosed by watertight covers to prevent damage to equipment and potential injury. Safe work practices Use these tips to make sure you're working safely around electricity: Check power cords. Power cords are used extensively on farms. Powering tools to machinery, cords see a lot of wear and tear. Check cords regularly for frays or exposed wiring. Use extension cords safely. Avoid using extension cords on a permanent basis. If you do use them, inspect them for wear and tear before plugging in. Ensure the cord is sized correctly for the application, especially if you're using heavy equipment. Overloading an extension cord can result in excessive heating, which may lead to a fire. Inspect power tools regularly. If you are working with power tools frequently, check all the parts and ensure all the connections are secure and that the power cord is not frayed. Turn off and lock out power boxes. It's important to lock out all power boxes when performing maintenance to prevent an electrical accident with equipment or wiring. Stay away from overhead power lines. Moving equipment around under power lines is a frequent occurrence in many agricultural operations. Be aware of where power lines are located and avoid them when moving equipment with high clearance. Check clearance when raising dump truck beds. Be aware of underground power lines. If you plan on doing any projects on your property that require digging, make sure to first call 811 to have utility lines marked. With just a little extra time and attention to detail, you can use power safely and effectively on your farm.

In summer, energy costs for cooling often rise along with the thermometer. Peak demand charges also become a significant issue in many homes and farm operations. The following energy-saving guidelines will help keep your energy budget from slipping into the red as summer heats up. Cooling systems Although it's essential for comfort, air conditioning is a substantial summertime operating cost for most facilities. Use these cost-saving tips to help cool off your energy bills: Verify all maintenance has been performed on your air conditioning equipment and change filters regularly according to manufacturer's guidelines. Raise thermostat settings by a few degrees during times of day when you are away from the home. Check and update HVAC control settings on your home or building automation system to account for the changing season and your schedule. Use window treatments to prevent unwanted solar heat gain from entering your home. Install window film, solar screens, or awnings on south- and west-facing windows to provide cooling shade on hot summer afternoons. If your air conditioning system is 10 years old or older, or in regular need of repair, consider installing a new, energy-efficient system. Work with a qualified HVAC professional to properly size the system for your needs. Reducing demand Demand charges can make up a significant portion of your energy bills during the hot summer months. The following strategies will help you level off your peak demand: Operate large appliances and equipment during off-peak hours in the evening or early morning. Close window coverings and blinds to keep summer sun and heat at bay. Consider setting your thermostat at 78 degrees from noon to approximately 8 p.m. For more ideas on how you can save energy and reduce your operating costs during the summer and all year long, see Low-Cost and No-Cost Energy Efficiency Measures from ENERGY STAR®.

What does that thing do? It's a lightning arrester. Lightning arresters divert lightning away from the electrical power supply and to the ground. Lightning can hold up to 300,000 volts of electricity, but your home can accept a maximum of only 240 volts — more than 1,000 times less. Without lightning arresters, your home, and the power supply itself, would be far less safe. Now you know what that thing does!

Monday, June 3, 2024, Northwest Iowa Power Cooperative crews performed a transmission infrastructure repair of an "H" Structure near Anthon, Iowa. The 69kV transmission structure was comprised of three poles, overtaken by the Little Sioux River due to the recent heavy rains & erosion of the ground. Crews moved the structure further west on Monday, coordinating with Anthon municipal (a member of Western Iowa Municipal Electric Cooperative Association – WIMECA), the mayor of Anthon, and Woodbury County REC. The planned outage took less time to complete the structure relocation than anticipated. NIPCO control reports the outage lasted from 11:31 am to 1:16 pm; less than two hours from start to finish. NIPCO frequently performs transmission infrastructure outages to ensure future reliability for its members to prevent unexpected outages, especially in summer and storm season. Below are pictures from the repair. Thank you to the NIPCO linemen for all their hard work to complete this transition quickly!

In 2018, Iowa expanded its move over or slow down law requiring motorists to move over or slow down when approaching ANY stationary vehicle with flashing lights activated, including passenger vehicles with hazard lights. Those who disobey the law could receive hefty fines or potentially lose their driver’s license. The law (Iowa Code section 321.323A) is particularly important to our co-op because it helps keep our line workers and maintenance workers safe as they often need to perform complex and dangerous work with electric equipment on the shoulder of the road. And even though our employees set out caution signs and orange cones, wear high visibility gear and turn on their vehicles’ emergency lights, other motorists often fail to give them the room they need to do their job safely. Their jobs are dangerous enough…just give ‘em some room! It’s not just a courtesy; It’s the law to move over or slow down to keep everyone safe. According to Iowa Code section 321.323A, Iowa law requires motorists to: Change lanes or slow down, absent any other direction from a peace officer, when approaching the following vehicles: A stationary emergency vehicle that has its flashing lights activated. A stationary tow, recovery, maintenance, construction, solid waste or recycling collection vehicle that has its flashing lights activated. Any stationary motor vehicle, including a passenger vehicle, that is continually displaying its emergency signal lamps (i.e., standard hazard lights). Yield the right of way to an emergency vehicle displaying flashing lights or giving an audible signal. Always move to the right, stop, and wait until the vehicle has passed before proceeding. Source: Iowa Department of Transportation (https://iowadot.gov/rules ) When you’re behind the wheel, keep your eyes on the road and make room for utility workers and others who are stopped on the shoulder. Just give ‘em some room! For more information, visit the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives’ “Move Over Iowa” website at https://www.iowarec.org/who-we-are/move-over-iowa

Ceiling fans are more than decorative fixtures that require occasional dusting; they can provide a whole new spin on energy savings. If used correctly, ceiling fans can help reduce your cooling and heating costs while making you feel more comfortable. How do ceiling fans save energy? Ceiling fans save energy by reducing the need for air conditioning. Although they don't lower the temperature in your home, they do make it feel more comfortable. Have you ever noticed how a breeze helps you cool off on a hot day? Ceiling fans do the same thing; they create air circulation that makes your skin feel cooler, even when the room temperature remains the same. Ceiling fans also provide an energy-efficient supplement to air conditioning systems in the occupied parts of your home. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, running a ceiling fan allows you to raise the temperature on your thermostat 4°F with no reduction in comfort. In winter, reverse the direction of the fan to draw airflow up, forcing warm air circulating near the ceiling down where you want it. Ceiling fans use a little bit of energy and only work in occupied spaces. To avoid wasting energy, turn them off when you leave a room. Getting the most from your ceiling fans To optimize energy savings, install ceiling fans in frequently used areas of your home, such as the family room, bedrooms, and the dining room. For optimal performance, ceiling fans should be 7 to 9 feet above the floor and 10 to 12 inches from the ceiling. Locate ceiling fans as close to the center of the room as possible. When purchasing a new ceiling fan, select a model that's ENERGY STAR®-certified. ENERGY STAR ceiling fans are more efficient than standard models.

Electric utilities use a variety of equipment to deliver power to our members. Most familiar are the power poles and electric conductor lines strung 40 or more feet above the ground. However, one unassuming but often overlooked component is green metal boxes in yards, usually placed near homes and buildings. Pad-mount transformer boxes, commonly recognized as those little green boxes, are an integral part of an underground electric service connection. While you would never consider climbing a pole, pad-mount transformers are often not respected for performing a similar function in electrical infrastructure, given their accessibility at ground level to reduce electric voltage from higher-voltage power lines to systems that require lower-voltage levels such as a home or outbuilding. Pad-mount transformers provide utility workers like our co-op access to repair and maintain the power supply, thus ensuring a reliable power delivery system. While these transformers are instrumental in this process, they can pose potential and severe safety risks when not handled with care. To ensure the safety of all, below are a few guidelines that everyone, especially children, should be aware of and follow. Never touch, climb, or play on pad-mount transformers. Remind children not to sit on or play around those little green boxes. Pad-mount transformers should only be accessed by trained and authorized personnel. Never open or tamper with doors or other elements on a transformer unit. Keep areas surrounding the pad-mount transformers clear so workers can safely maintain transformers as needed. Maintaining a 10-foot clearance around pad-mount transformer boxes is a good guideline. Pad-mount transformer boxes are grounded, so it is safe to occasionally mow or trim any vegetation that may accumulate around the base of the box. Never paint or cover the pad-mount transformer box. The design of a transformer box is an essential way for electric crews to identify the equipment and its safety markings. While it may be tempting to camouflage it with paint or decorative items, a clean and well-maintained pad-mount transformer reflects your respect for the safety of your family and utility workers, and, really…what provides more curb appeal than that? Never dig near a pad-mounted transformer. Underground electric wires from a pad-mount transformer can stretch in any direction, and any contact with one of these wires can result in electrocution. Report any problems to the local utility provider. If the unit is unlocked or open, or you hear or smell anything unusual, remain a safe distance away. If the transformer is one of ours, call our office immediately.

Jeff Zettel, NIPCO Engineering Technician, has been tasked with taking progress photos of the NIPCO Outpost Building Construction site for over two years. As he loaded up his drone and prepared for his April 24th site visit, Zettel was excited to be a part of photo-archiving the project and to watch its progression through the eye of drone technology. His images will visually represent the project’s progression from an undeveloped lot to a modern service facility that will serve the needs of four NIPCO outpost crew. The final walkthrough took place this week, and Zettel’s role in this project will draw to a close. Armed with a rubric of numerous qualifications for the would-be site, NIPCO staff worked closely with the NIPCO membership to ensure the location would check all required boxes. Priority consideration was given to sites that allowed for improved crew response times to transmission infrastructure serving communities in southern Woodbury and Ida counties and Monona, Crawford, Carroll, Harrison, Shelby, Pottawattamie, and Cass counties. With over thirty sites in the consideration process, NIPCO and the membership collaborated to reduce the field of candidates to three finalists. On June 28th, 2021, the NIPCO Board of Directors approved the purchase of a site located three-quarters of a mile east of the intersection of Highway 59 and State Highway 141, just seven miles south of Denison. NIPCO Class A Member Western Iowa Power Cooperative (WIPCO) provides electric service to this site. Construction on the new Outpost building began on July 10th, 2023, marking a significant milestone in the project’s three-year journey. This project aimed to consolidate two existing yet outdated outpost facilities and their respective crews into a singular space with modern amenities and updated safety features that could house larger equipment and provide easier access to materials. In the past, NIPCO’s operational needs in the southern half of our service footprint were managed by two 2-men outpost crews, each headquartered in separate locations in Onawa and Harlan. These outposts served as the central hubs for the teams who resided in and operated out of these communities. Initially, these buildings met the requirements, offering amenities to facilitate efficient operations. Over time, the Onawa and Harlan facilities have become inadequate since the equipment needed to maintain the system has become too large to fit inside. Further, the facilities have reached a point of requiring major and costly upgrades. The first time NIPCO Operations and Engineering staff proposed their plan to the NIPCO Board of Directors for an Outpost facility to be built in a central location within NIPCO’s southern territory was in February of 2020. In the months to follow, the Covid-19 global pandemic took its toll on available resources, and building costs skyrocketed. It prompted NIPCO directors to tap the brakes on the project, signaling NIPCO staff to refocus their efforts to optimize the overall design and re-consider construction elements. “The answer wasn’t ‘Don’t do the project’,” said NIPCO Board President Louis Reed, “It was, ‘Let’s take it back to the drawing board and find some cost-savings and ways to make it more efficient and wait until the time is right to pick it back up.” In March of 2023, a final proposal to the NIPCO Board garnered approval with a comprehensive construction estimate of $3.5 million. The all-steel framed, 3-bay outpost building structure features 6,840 square feet of space and will be the reporting facility for four outpost crew members. The shop space is large enough to house two line trucks, one basket and one digger derrick truck, a dump truck, a crew trailer, a four-wheeler, and a Bobcat. The building will also feature a crew meeting room, central air and heat, LED lighting, a small kitchenette, and restrooms that also double as a storm shelter. Jayme Huber, who serves as NIPCO’s Vice President of Engineering and Operations, is pleased with the final result and feels it was well worth the wait. “This facility will greatly enhance the working environment for our outpost crews,” Huber remarked. “It represents a significant upgrade from our previous setup, offering improved equipment storage and enhanced access to necessary materials, enabling our teams to serve our members more efficiently.” The new Outpost building is essential to NIPCO’s ongoing commitment to serve the members within the southern half of our electric transmission system. NIPCO will communicate any plans for a scheduled Open House event with its members.

Wednesday, April 24, NIPCO welcomed Congressman Randy Feenstra to our Le Mars, Iowa headquarters for a visit and tour. During his visit, the Congressman toured our facilities and spoke to many NIPCO staff members about their role in the operations and gained first-hand knowledge from the team that works hard every day to keep the lights on in western Iowa. Congressman Randy Feenstra represents Iowa’s 4th Congressional District in the House of Representatives and serves on the House Ways and Means Committee as well as the House Agriculture Committee. His strong voice and representation in the House speak volumes for his love of rural Iowa and his commitment to the communities he serves and the electric power industry. As a Hull, Iowa resident, Congressman Feenstra understands what’s important to rural Iowa communities and the importance of reliable, affordable, and environmentally responsible electric power. Congressman Feenstra’s thoughtful dialogue with our audience touched on energy policies, the Environmental Protection Agency (E.P.A.), and their impact on rural development. As a strong advocate for our region, he shared his perspectives on the balance between the current administration and the E.P.A. regulations that are actively being pushed. From promoting an all-of-the-above energy strategy to advocating for policies that support economic growth in rural Iowa, the Congressman emphasized the importance of collaboration across the aisle to create positive, constructive solutions on issues that affect our state and across the nation. Furthermore, Congressman Feenstra took the opportunity to take questions from our members, employees, and guests about various energy policy topics, economic issues facing our region, and the impact of national policies created by government agencies that go beyond their authority to develop such policies. He fostered meaningful discussions on topics of interest to our members and their communities. His visit to NIPCO was a testament to his commitment to Iowa and the communities impacted through his work in his Congressional District. His engagement with our staff, members, and guests were insightful, constructive, and useful as he continues his efforts to create a brighter future for western Iowa.

NIPCO employees celebrate the approaching high school and college graduations of their children. Congratulations to the following on their achievements, and NIPCO is excited about the fantastic things these graduates will accomplish in the coming years. Congratulations to all of our graduates! Eric Spieler, son of NIPCO Chief Information Officer Steve Spieler and his wife Denise, will graduate from South Dakota State University in May with a BS in Agricultural Systems Technology and minors in Precision Agriculture and Agricultural Business. He is currently employed at Van Diest Supply Company in Webster City, Iowa, as a Precision Agronomist. Isaac Thompson, son of NIPCO Crew Foreman Bill Thompson and his wife Sharla will graduate from Western Iowa Technical College in May with a degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology. Isaac looks forward to his employment as an engineering technician at Plymouth County Engineering. Leigha Tyler, daughter of NIPCO Control Operator Adam Tyler and his wife Billie, will graduate from MOC-FV High School in May. She is undecided about her future plans. Paige Washburn, daughter of NIPCO Executive Vice President and General Manager Matt Washburn and his wife Courtney, will graduate from the University of Iowa Henry B. Tippie College of Business with an Accounting degree. She is starting her career this summer at the Des Moines branch of Deloitte.

NIPCO commemorated its 75th Anniversary of operations at its 2024 Annual Meeting, held on Tuesday, April 2nd, in Sioux City, Iowa. While NIPCO commemorated its historic journey, the meeting’s messaging centered on the path ahead to serve its members for generations to come. Meeting attendees included member cooperative staff and directors, partner organizations, legislative representatives, and several current and retired NIPCO employees. Like carbon under pressure, NIPCO has evolved, transforming the heat of challenges into opportunities to shine. NIPCO’s journey has been one of resilience and adaptability, just as diamonds emerge from the depths of the Earth under intense pressure. NIPCO has weathered storms and overcome obstacles to provide reliable electricity to its members. Video reports from Board President Louis Reed and Treasurer Tom Wagner were presented along with a series of video interviews featuring retired and current NIPCO employees who shared how their job roles have changed over the years. Meeting attendees also heard updates from Basin Electric Power Cooperative CEO & General Manager Todd Brickhouse, Executive Director of Mid-West Electric Consumers Association Jim Horan, and NIPCO Executive Vice President & General Manager Matt Washburn. Closing keynote speaker, Dr. David Gattie, PhD, from the University of Georgia and the Center for International Trade & Security, focused on geopolitical and US national security implications of energy and energy technologies within the challenges of 21st-century power competition. Brenda Lundergard, who serves as the director representative for Harrison County REC (HCREC), and Trent Will (ILEC), who serves as the director representative for Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative, were both re-elected to serve three-year terms representing their cooperatives on the NIPCO Board of Directors. During the Reorganizational Meeting of the NIPCO Board of Directors, Director Louis Reed (WIPCO) was re-elected President of the NIPCO Board of Directors, and Director Ron Steinhoff as Vice President.  Director Tom Wagner (North West REC) will continue as Treasurer, and Director Trent Will (Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative) will continue to serve as Secretary to the NIPCO Board of Directors. A copy of the 2024 Annual Report and video interviews can be found by visiting our Annual Meeting page on our website.

Electric cooperatives across Iowa have established robust, cost-effective, energy efficiency programs to help their member-owners use energy wisely. To ensure that those programs remain valuable to the consumers, the utility, and the environment, they must be evaluated regularly. The program offerings and energy efficiency goals offered by Iowa cooperatives are tailored to the local energy needs of each electric cooperative’s member-owners. The electric markets served by the Iowa rural electric cooperatives differ from co-op to co-op and are different from markets served by other electric utilities, such as investor-owned utilities. It is essential to continue to evaluate rebate programs to ensure that they are feasible, meet consumer demand, and do not cost so much to administer that non-participating rate-payers are subsidizing the energy efficiency measures. NIPCO’s first energy efficiency plan, implemented in 2009, included distributing energy efficiency kits and compact fluorescent light bulbs by NIPCO’s member systems to their members. Other programs encouraged adding insulation and other energy-saving measures. Over time, more programs were added as consumer behavior shifted, appliances and lighting became more efficient, and innovative energy-saving technologies emerged. Every five years following that initial study, NIPCO partners and cost-shares energy efficiency studies with neighboring generation and transmission (G&T) cooperatives Corn Belt Power and L&O Power Cooperative. In 2024, efforts are underway to re-evaluate the programs once again. The joint energy efficiency studies are commissioned to define and refine existing energy efficiency goals and programs and to identify any new programs that should be considered. The decision to participate in the studies as a joint effort is supported by the fact that all three G&Ts share the same primary power supplier (Basin Electric Power Cooperative), have contiguous service territories and serve member-consumers with similar energy needs. C.H. Guernsey, an Oklahoma City engineering consulting firm, was hired to perform the analysis in the 2014 and 2019 studies and will serve again in this capacity for 2024. How the studies work Each energy efficiency measure is subjected to a series of tests to quantify its value. Additionally, the basis for the energy-efficiency calculations is the Iowa Technical Reference Manual (TRM), a highly complex system of metrics recognized by the Iowa Utilities Board to provide consistency across Iowa electric utilities to evaluate energy efficiency programs. While many of NIPCO’s energy efficiency programs will remain the same or undergo minor adjustments. Since 2013, Iowa’s electric co-ops have invested nearly $170 million in energy efficiency measures, avoiding approximately 5.7 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of usage. That’s enough to power more than 537,000 homes for a full year. Closer to home, member-consumers in the NIPCO system took advantage of energy efficiency programs in 2023, avoiding more than 2.8 million kWh of usage, enough to power nearly 269 homes!

NIPCO is proud to announce the recipients of our scholarship program for the 2024-2025 academic school year. These exceptional individuals have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, leadership skills, and a solid commitment to their communities. We are honored to support their future endeavors and excited to see the positive impact they will have on the world. Reece Spieler received the $1,000 scholarship from Basin Electric Power Cooperative. Reece is the son of NIPCO Chief Information Officer Steve Spieler and his wife Denise. Reece will be a junior in the fall at Morningside University, majoring in Biology with minors in Business and Psychology. His future plans are to attend graduate school at Palmer College of Chiropractic and hopes to be a chiropractor. Molly Scheitler, daughter of NIPCO Chief Financial Officer Jane Scheitler and husband, Bill, was awarded an $850 scholarship from NIPCO. Molly, who will be a sophomore at the University of Iowa in the fall, is majoring in Political Science and Pre-Law. Josh Scheitler is the son of NIPCO Senior Telecommunications Technician Marc Scheitler and his wife, Lisa. Josh will be a sophomore at Iowa State University this fall and is working toward a degree in software engineering. Josh was the recipient of a $600 scholarship from NIPCO. Ava Monson is the daughter of Nishnabotna Valley REC Materials Coordinator Dave Monson and his wife, Angela. Ava plans to attend Iowa State University and pursue a degree in the field of business. Ava was awarded a $600 scholarship from NIPCO. Logan Thorson is the son of Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative Line Foreman Jason Thorson and his wife Amber. Logan will be a freshman at South Dakota State University in the fall with plans to earn a degree in Civil Engineering. Logan was awarded a $600 scholarship from NIPCO. Congratulations to this year’s scholarship winners!

In the wake of severe storms that swept through Iowa late afternoon and early evening on April 26th, NIPCO members faced significant challenges, with over 500 reported electric service outages in the southern portion of NIPCO’s 69kV (kilovolt) transmission system by Friday evening. The National Weather Service recorded at least 19 tornadoes in Iowa during the onslaught, causing substantial damage to the region’s homes, farms, and communities, including NIPCO’s transmission infrastructure. NIPCO Class A Members Harrison County REC and Nishnabotna Valley REC serve the hardest-hit areas with WIPCO receiving moderate damage near the town of Manilla. The NIPCO transmission infrastructure that serves Harrison County REC members with power sourced by the Neola Substation near Neola, Iowa, was of particular concern. Fortunately, Harrison County REC’s distribution lines received minimal damage, and the REC could temporarily re-route power, allowing NIPCO to de-energize the impacted distribution line sections to perform repairs. Initial reports revealed six downed or leaning structures on NIPCO’s Neola Tap line that serves Harrison County REC’s distribution lines, with five repaired by NIPCO crews Friday night into Saturday. Once Neola’s transmission lines were stabilized, efforts focused on damage near Harlan, Iowa, on NIPCO’s J7-J11 transmission line. This 69kV line received substantial damage from a tornado estimated to be one-half mile wide, with some high-voltage power lines laying across roads and wishbone and H-structures flattened in open fields. The J7-J11 line suffered nine downed structures in total, necessitating repair efforts that would take more time. As luck would have it, no NIPCO substations sustained heavy damage. Thanks to NIPCO’s redundant system (a grid design that “loops” transmission lines), the re-routing of power around the damaged transmission sections aided in maintaining the reliable flow of energy where needed, mitigating additional electric outages. Thanks to the swift response of NIPCO’s teams and the re-routing of power, the remaining outages were reduced to approximately fifty by Saturday morning. Despite the additional severe weather and rain forecasted, NIPCO crews continued repair work from April 29th to May 3rd. Nearly a dozen NIPCO crew members and support teams worked to kit the necessary materials and source/place heavy equipment needed to repair the damaged structures. Despite the challenges posed by Mother Nature, NIPCO Operations teams remain optimistic about completing the repairs so members in Harrison, Pottawattamie, and Shelby counties can begin focusing efforts to clear damage and rebuild their communities. As we navigate these challenges together, we thank our members for their patience and support. Our hearts and prayers go out to all those impacted. Stay safe and know that NIPCO is working hard for our members and the communities we serve, whatever the weather may bring.

Guided by our cooperative commitment to community, Iowa electric cooperatives encourage their members to participate in the statewide Shine the Light contest in June to celebrate dedicated, local volunteers. Sponsored by the Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives of Iowa, the contest will accept nominations in June and select three winners who will each receive a $3,000 donation to their local charity or nonprofit. “We’ve been truly inspired by the growth of this contest in our first three years,” remarked Erin Campbell, director of communications for the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives. “We’re increasing our three charity donations to $3,000 each this year to encourage even more participation across the state.” Member-consumers and employees of Iowa’s electric cooperatives are eligible to nominate local volunteers during the month of June. If you receive electricity from our co-op, you are our member-consumer and are qualified to nominate someone who is making a positive impact in your community. The volunteer being nominated does not need to be a co-op member-consumer. Minors may be nominated with consent from their parents or legal guardians. The three winners will be announced in September and featured in Iowa Electric Cooperative Living magazine and on social media. Go to www.IowaShineTheLight.com to review the contest rules and submission guidelines. Contest entries will be accepted at this website starting on June 1. Help us shine the light on community volunteers this summer and consider making a nomination.

[This article is provided by SafeElectricity.org and used with permission.] If you own a boat and/or a dock, Safe Electricity reminds you to take steps to prevent deadly shocks, also known as Electric Shock Drowning (ESD). Past accidents involving stray electricity and water include: A 26-year-old woman who was swimming with family in the Lake of the Ozarks was electrocuted when she touched an energized dock ladder. Also at Lake of the Ozarks, a 13-year-old girl and her 8-year-old brother received fatal electrical shocks while swimming near a private dock; officials cited an improperly grounded circuit as the cause. In Tennessee, two boys, ages 10 and 11, lost their lives as they were shocked while swimming between houseboats on Cherokee Lake, a result of electricity entering the water apparently through frayed wires beneath the boat. An important step in helping prevent such tragedies is to ensure proper installation and maintenance of electrical equipment on docks and on boats. Take the time to inspect all electrical systems on or near the water. Safe Electricity, with the American Boat and Yacht Council and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers/National Electrical Contractors Association, recommends adhering to these steps to improve water recreation safety and accident prevention: All electrical installations should be performed by a professional electrical contractor familiar with marine codes and standards, and inspected at least once a year. Docks should have ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) breakers on the circuits feeding electricity to the dock. The metal frame of docks should be bonded to connect all metal parts to the alternating current (AC) safety ground at the power source. That will ensure any part of the metal dock that becomes energized because of electrical malfunction will trip the circuit breaker. Neighboring docks can also present a shock hazard. Make your neighbors aware of the need for safety inspections and maintenance. Marinas should comply with NFPA and NEC codes. Here are a few additional tips to remember for your boat’s electrical system, particularly those with AC systems: Regardless of the size of boat, maintenance of the electrical system should be done by a professional familiar with marine electrical codes. Have your boat’s electrical system checked at least once a year. Boats should also be checked when something is added to or removed from their systems. Boats with AC systems should have isolation transformers or equipment leakage circuit interrupter (ELCI) protection, comply with ABYC standards, and be serviced by an ABYC Certified® Technician. If you are in the water and feel electric current: Shout to let others know. Tuck your legs up to make yourself smaller. Try to go away from anything that could be energized. Do not head to boat or dock ladders to get out. If you are on the dock or shore when a swimmer feels electrical current: Do not jump in. Throw them a flotation device. Unplug or turn off the source of electricity as quickly as possible. Then call for help. Ensure a boating season that is safe and fun for family and friends by following and sharing these safety tips to prevent ESD.

Whether you picked the perfect tree for privacy, shade or even the beautiful colors of its leaves in the autumn, it’s time to choose a spot and plant. But there are a few things to consider before digging a hole and piling on mulch. These tips can save you from making costly mistakes when planting a tree. Do: Plan for energy conservation Pick trees that can help you save energy and money. Leafy trees with large crowns can shade windows on the south side of your house in the summer, and when the leaves fall, let in warming sunlight during the winter. Plant small evergreens on the west and north sides of your house to block chilling winter wind. Consider tree height Trees need enough space to grow. It may look small now, but that young tree may end up being larger than you’d expect. Consider how tall the tree will be when it reaches maturity as you choose the right spot in your yard. Call 811 Ready to plant? Not so fast. Before picking up a shovel, call 811 and have someone mark the buried utility lines in your yard. It can take a few days for them to come out, so plan your landscaping schedule accordingly. Don’t: Plant trees too close together Give young trees 5 or 10 feet of space so they don’t crowd each other as they grow. Evergreens planted too close together can succumb to pests and disease, and parts of the trees can even die if they don’t receive enough sunlight. Plant under power lines A tall tree that’s grown into a primary power line presents a huge safety hazard, and the energy company will have to trim your tree to avoid potential fires and other electrical dangers. Low-growing trees can be planted 15 feet away from the power lines, and trees over 35 feet tall should be at least 50 feet away. Dig too deep Planting too shallow can slow a tree’s growth and weaken it, but planting too deep can kill it. Leave a few inches of the root ball above the ground when you plant, and make sure the tree’s taper is visible above the soil. It’s important to treat the soil and your growing tree properly after planting. Once the roots are fully covered, water the tree with low-pressure water and let the water settle into the soil. All that’s left is to enjoy your beautifully landscaped yard.

Spring cleaning is a time-honored custom in millions of U.S. households. It’s when you tackle the dust and grime that accumulated over a long, hard winter. You can also use this time to take on energy waste as well. With these actions, you can enjoy a tidier home and lower energy bills, too! Get a better view While cleaning windows, look for loose panes, cracks, or poor caulking, which can lead to air leaks. Air sealing your windows is a simple project you can do yourself. If you have storm windows, replace them with screens to provide natural cooling. Brighten things up Dust accumulation on light bulbs blocks a considerable amount of light. Wipe off bulbs to get more light for your energy dollar. Replace incandescent bulbs with ENERGY STAR®-certified LEDs. They use 75% less energy and last much longer. Clean behind the fridge When vacuuming and dusting, remember to clean behind the refrigerator. Dust buildup causes the refrigerator to run less efficiently. Cleaning out the inside of your fridge is also a good idea. An overstuffed refrigerator and freezer can restrict airflow and use more energy. Clear the air Dust accumulation around heating and cooling vents could be a sign of leaky ductwork. Remove vents and clean them. Vacuum inside ducts as far as you can reach. Have your air conditioning system cleaned and inspected by a qualified professional. Also, blocked vents impede airflow, making your cooling system work harder. Make sure vents are unobstructed by rugs or furniture. Check filters A dirty HVAC filter is less effective at keeping your indoor air clean. Replace it regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Your dehumidifier and air purifier probably also have filters that need to be cleaned or replaced. Range hood filters collect grease, smoke, and cooking odors; spring is the perfect time to clean them. Consult the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning instructions. Protect yourself and the environment Many household cleaning products contain harmful chemicals that can pollute the environment, reduce indoor air quality, and cause health problems. Use nontoxic cleaning solutions and methods to reduce your environmental footprint and your risk of exposure to harmful chemicals. Look for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Safer Choice label. By taking on energy waste, you can reduce your energy costs this spring and all year long.

On April 8, our cooperative will celebrate Lineworker Appreciation Day to honor the men and women who work hard, rain or shine, to power our lives and communities. These dedicated individuals scale poles, navigate hazardous conditions and work tirelessly to ensure we have reliable power when we need it. Lineworker Appreciation Day recognizes their unwavering commitment, often risking their lives to restore power during storms, emergencies, and natural disasters. Their expertise illuminates our homes and saves lives as they swiftly respond to outages and safeguard our power supply. Lineworkers must undergo years of training before reaching “lineworker” status. From learning the intricacies of the electric grid to mastering the skills necessary to climb utility poles carrying 40+ pounds of equipment, lineworkers not only must learn their trade, but they also spend thousands of hours of ongoing safety training throughout their career to ensure their personal safety, the safety of other members of their crew, and the safety of those they serve. Despite the challenges and dangers surrounding their work, lineworkers take great pride in serving our members, often stating that their biggest reward is restoring a member’s power and knowing our members appreciate it. Behind every flicker of light and hum of electricity lies their perseverance and expertise, ensuring our essential services and electric infrastructure operate seamlessly. Today and every day, let us extend our gratitude to these hard-working and dedicated men and women, acknowledging their work to keep our communities powered and connected. Thank you, lineworkers, for your unwavering commitment to service and safety...and for powering our lives.

Electricity is a safe and reliable form of energy. However, it can be dangerous if not treated properly. The following is a checklist of items you can use throughout your home to help protect your family. Whole house Make sure lightbulbs are the appropriate wattage for all fixtures. If small children are present, install covers on all unused outlets. Keep electrical cords away from foot traffic, and ensure they’re not covered by rugs or furniture. Don’t use extension cords on a long-term basis. Avoid plugging multiple devices into one outlet. All 15 and 20-amp circuit breakers in your electrical panel should have arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) capability to protect electrical wiring and your house from fire due to arcing. Bathrooms Never use electrical devices, such as radios or hair dryers, when using the bathtub. Install only ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected outlets in the bathroom. GFCIs protect people from shock hazards. Unplug small appliances when not in use. Kitchen Unplug countertop appliances when not in use. Locate appliance cords away from heat sources, such as the stove or range. Make sure all kitchen outlets are GFCI-protected. Bedrooms Avoid drinking liquid when using an electric blanket or heating pad. Don’t cover an electric blanket when in use. Make sure electric blankets are in good condition; check for cracks or breaks in electrical cords. Turn off electric blankets and heating pads when not in use if they don’t have a timer. Basement Keep the electrical panel free from obstructions, and make sure your hands and the floor are dry before touching the panel. Install GFCI protection in outlets near clothes washers, wash tubs, or all outlets if the area around them is damp. Place portable heaters and dehumidifiers on a stable and level surface, at least 3 feet from walls and other objects. Outdoors Install watertight covers on all outlets so that the outlet is protected, even with a cord plugged in. Make sure all outdoor outlets are GFCI-protected. Ensure power tools are in good condition and wires aren’t cracked or frayed. Store power tools indoors to keep them from being damaged by water or excessive heat. When working outdoors, use only weather-resistant extension cords marked for outdoor use. Power lines may be underground as well. Before digging, call 811 to have utility lines marked. These tips are for informational purposes only and aren’t meant to supersede state or local building codes. Contact your local building inspector for information regarding requirements in your area. Remember that common sense and good safety habits are the best protection against electrical hazards.

Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday, March 10, and as it approaches, set your clocks forward and use the opportunity to ensure your home is not only on time but also safe. This semi-annual ritual, often associated with adjusting watches and clocks, serves as a timely reminder to perform crucial safety checks in your home. One crucial aspect of home safety during this time of year is checking your furnace filters. As temperatures begin to rise, your heating system may not be the first thing on your mind. However, neglecting furnace maintenance can lead to decreased efficiency, higher energy bills and even potential safety hazards. A clogged or dirty filter can force your furnace to work harder, putting a strain on the system and increasing the risk of malfunctions. Before you bid farewell to winter, take a moment to inspect and, if necessary, replace your furnace filters to ensure optimal performance and safety. Daylight Saving Time is also an ideal occasion to address another critical aspect of home safety: smoke detectors. Use this semi-annual time change as a cue to check and replace the batteries in your smoke detectors. Smoke detectors are your first line of defense against fire-related emergencies, providing early warnings that can be the difference between life and death. A functioning smoke detector relies on a reliable power source, so ensure that the batteries are fresh and the device is operational. Take a moment to test each smoke detector in your home, creating a safer environment for you and your loved ones. Daylight Saving Time is more than just an hour lost or gained; it's an opportunity to invest a little time in ensuring the safety and efficiency of your living space. By incorporating these simple checks into your routine, you contribute to a safer and more comfortable home environment. Remember, as you welcome the longer days and brighter evenings, take a few extra minutes to brighten your home's safety measures. Your future self will thank you for the peace of mind that comes with a well-maintained and secure living space.