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Some ideas are so widely held, they appear to bear little scrutiny or even a second thought. Although often factual, such common wisdom may be based on outdated or false information. Widespread misconceptions about energy use can increase utility bills and reduce comfort. Here are 5 myths that may surprise you: 1. Setting the thermostat higher or lower will heat or cool a room faster. Most furnaces and air conditioners work at the same speed, no matter what the thermostat setting. Unless you have a variable speed blower, more energy may be wasted as the system continues to run to reach the higher or lower set point. 2. Leaving lights on uses less energy than turning them on and off. In most cases, the small surge of power needed to turn a light on is much less than the power that is wasted by leaving it on when it's not needed. 3. Closing off vents will reduce heating and cooling costs. Closing vents is not a good way to save on energy costs. Heating and cooling systems are designed to distribute air evenly; closing vents throws the system off balance. This causes pressure to build up, resulting in duct leaks that waste energy. 4. Leaving a ceiling fan on will cool a room. Ceiling fans circulate air, making your skin feel cooler. This allows you to save energy by raising the thermostat. However, they don't cool the air. Leaving them on in empty rooms wastes energy. 5. Hand washing dishes is cheaper than using a dishwasher. It's widely believed that dishwashers are convenient but use more water and energy than hand washing. In fact, washing a typical load of dishes in a dishwasher uses 37% less water. Also, using an ENERGY STAR®-certified dishwasher, rather than hand washing, can cut your annual energy costs by more than $40, according to ENERGY STAR. Separating myth from reality about home energy use can save you money and increase comfort. See Energy Savings at Home from ENERGY STAR for more cost-saving ideas.

"Charging Forward" was the theme for NIPCO's 2022 Annual Meeting, as 2021 operations provided a springboard for the cooperative's future of service. With a vision for shaping service for the next generation of cooperative membership, the NIPCO staff and directors undertook a strategic planning deep dive, continued its efforts to upgrade and replace aging infrastructure, launched its innovative battery storage project, and introduced an electric vehicle into its transportation fleet. Following a video report from Board President Louis Reed, Treasurer Tom Wagner provided an overview of NIPCO's 2021 financial information. Meeting attendees also heard updates from Basin Electric Power Cooperative CEO and General Manager Todd Telesz, Executive Director of Mid-West Electric Consumers Association Executive Director Jim Horan, and NIPCO Executive Vice President and General Manager Matt Washburn. Closing keynote speaker Elaine Johns, President of Enervision, Inc., provided insight and information on data mining, cryptocurrency, and that industry's potential impact on the electric sector. NIPCO Board of Directors Reorganizes, Welcomes Dr. James Else, D.V.M. With the retirement of WIMECA Director and Board Secretary Bill Farmer, the cooperative municipal member nominated Dr. James Else, D.V.M., to serve as its Director Representative to the NIPCO Board of Directors. Dr. Else graduated from Maple Valley High School in 1972 and enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served as a radar operator from 1973 to 1977. In 1984, Dr. Else received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Iowa State University and served in practice at the Mapleton and Ute Veterinary Clinics until his retirement in 2018. Dr. Else has been active in local, state, and national organizations, including service on the Mapleton Fire Department, the Mapleton Electric Board, the City of Mapleton Board of Adjustments, the ISU Extension Experimental Farm Board, and the WIMECA Board since 2011. He and his wife, Crista, will celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary in June and have three sons and six grandchildren. During the Reorganizational Meeting of the NIPCO Board of Directors, Director Louis Reed (WIPCO) was re-elected as President of the NIPCO Board of Directors. Directors Ron Steinhoff (Woodbury County Rural Electric Cooperative) was re-elected to the position of Vice President, and Director Tom Wagner (North West REC) was re-elected to the office of Treasurer. Director Trent Will (Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative) will serve as Secretary to the NIPCO Board of Directors.

Portable pools Kids love water, so setting up a small backyard pool is a favorite summertime activity. The Consumer Product Safety Commission offers these tips to keep your children safe around water: Empty and put away smaller portable pools after every use. Once the pool is set up, keep close so you provide constant supervision. A tragedy can happen in just moments. Fence portable pools and encourage your neighbors with pools to do the same. Cover larger portable pools and put access ladders away when adults are not present (make sure they are fenced in, also). Install alarms on doors leading from the house to the pool area to alert you when someone enters the pool area. Teach children to swim, float and other basic life-saving skills; however, do not consider them “drown-proof” because they have had swimming lessons. Make sure your neighbors, babysitters and visitors know about the pool’s presence in your yard. Learn and practice CPR so you can help in an emergency. Source: Consumer Product Safety Commission Pool electrical safety Whether your pool is a tiny portable blow-up, a hot tub or a full-size inground pool, electricity and water don’t mix. These tips from Safe Electricity will help you keep the two separated for safety: Keep anything that is plugged in at least 5 feet from the pool. The farther, the better. Have a licensed contractor inspect the pool or hot tub wiring to ensure it meets code requirements. Know where electrical switches and circuit breakers are and how to operate them. Keep pool skimmers and other far-reaching tools more than 10 feet away from overhead power lines. Make sure all outdoor outlets are GFCI protected. Test them once a month. Do not touch electrical devices when you are wet or in contact with wet surfaces. Note that this includes cell phones when they are plugged into a charger. Source: SafeElectricity.org

After your home has been closed up through the winter, it’s time to fling open the windows, sweep out the dust bunnies and haul away accumulated debris. In addition to sweeping, swiping and swishing out the grime, spring is an excellent time to clean up your act to ensure energy efficiency. For example: Clean the coils on your fridge so it will run more efficiently. At the same time, check your seal by closing a dollar bill in the door. If you can pull it out easily, your seal may need to be replaced. Dust lightbulbs. Dirty bulbs don’t shine as brightly. If some of your bulbs are old incandescents or CFLs, replace them with LEDs rather than clean the old ones. Schedule air conditioner maintenance so your unit will work at its peak during the heat of the summer. The basics are covered in this ENERGY STAR list, and don’t forget that you should replace the filters about once a month for the most efficient operation of your unit. Tip: Date the filter when you change it so you know when it's time to replace it again. Wash the windows, inside and out, to allow more daylight to shine in. That way, you can rely more on natural light and less on lamps. When attending to your windows, consider how windows and the coverings you choose can help save energy year-round. Opening windows on nice days can provide ventilation, while sun-blocking drapes or blinds can prevent the sun from overheating your home on hot summer days, while opening the drapes/blinds on winter days can allow the sun to provide warmth when needed. Clean the air return vents and make sure that drapes and furniture are not blocking the vents. After scrubbing your tub and shower, install a low-flow showerhead in each to cut water flow and the amount of hot water heating necessary. Adjusting the thermostat to a lower set temperature can save energy, too. After dusting ceiling fan blades, change the direction on them for the summer, allowing warm air to be pulled upward. This provides a bit of cooling and may allow you to keep the air conditioner turned off. Just remember to turn off the fan when you leave a room as the cooling provided only helps when you are in the room. Clean or replace the filters in bathroom and kitchen fans, and other filters, too. Consider installing a timer on the bathroom fan so it doesn’t run longer than necessary. And don’t forget to check filters on whole-house air filters, in-fridge water dispensers and your vacuum system, too. Brush dirt and grime out of the tracks for your sliding glass door. A dirty track can ruin the seal, creating gaps for air infiltration. When clearing out clutter, clothing and no-longer-used items, donate whenever possible and recycle anything else you can.

Whether your oven and stovetop are powered by gas or electricity, it’s no secret that they consume more energy than smaller countertop appliances, like slow cookers and toaster ovens. In addition to efficiency, smaller kitchen appliances can provide faster cooking times and less hassle with cleanup. If you’re looking for convenient cooking methods with the added bonus of energy efficiency, here are three electrifying appliances for your kitchen: Air fryers are becoming increasingly popular, and consumers have a lot of good things to say about these handy little appliances. Air fryers use convection to circulate hot air and cook the food––this means little to no oil is required, resulting in healthier meals than those from traditional fryers. Air fryers are fairly small, so they won’t take up much of your counter space, and with everything cooked in the fryer, cleanup will be a breeze. Air fryers are available in a variety of sizes, and prices range from $40 to $200+. Electric griddles have certainly been around for a while, and they offer several benefits for any home chef (beyond bacon and eggs!). Griddles are convenient because you can cook everything at once––like a “one-pan” meal, and the possibilities are endless. From fajitas to sandwiches to French toast, griddles can help satisfy any taste buds. They consume small amounts of energy and provide quick cooking times, so your energy bill will thank you. Prices and sizes for griddles vary, but you can typically find one for about $30 at your local retail stores. Pizza brings people together, so why not consider a pizza maker for your kitchen? These compact, countertop machines are an inexpensive alternative to a costly brick oven, and they use less energy than your traditional oven. Choose your own fresh ingredients to whip up a faster, healthier pizza at home. Plus, most pizza makers are multifunctional and can be used to cook flatbreads, frittatas, quesadillas and more. You can purchase a pizza maker for about $30 to $150+ online or at your local retailer. These are just a few electrifying appliance options for your kitchen. Remember, when you’re cooking a smaller meal, these and other countertop appliances can save time and energy.

Our smart phones are an essential technology in our lives, accompanying most of us wherever we go. As such, it’s critical that we care for them to keep them clean, safe, able to hold a charge and up to speed. First and foremost: Back up your phone to the cloud so that if anything goes wrong, you still have access to your data. Knowing your phone is backed up will ensure peace of mind if you find your phone is lost, stolen, or incapacitated. In the meantime: Keep it clean A study in the journal Germs notes that up to 17,000 germs were recorded on the outside of phones. Another study by the University of Arizona claims that phones can carry more germs than a toilet seat. Besides the “ewww” factor, some of those germs may be dangerous. There are ways to safely wipe down a dirty phone but the technique varies by phone brand, so be sure to check with your manufacturer before swiping yours. Keep your hands clean so you don’t transfer dirt, grime and germs to your phone. In the same vein, don’t set your phone down on dirty countertops or other potentially contaminated surfaces. Never carry your phone into the restroom because of course there is a huge potential for germ pickup there, too. Wipe your phone down daily. In most cases, using a microfiber cloth is not damaging, and because microfiber can eliminate bacteria, that may be enough cleaning. If you are able to use a cleaning spray (such as 70% isopropyl alcohol or a fast-drying disinfecting wipe) safely, occasionally spray it on the cloth and clean your phone rather than spray directly on the phone. Avoid getting any moisture in the charging ports. If you have a hard case on your phone, periodically remove it and wash with mild dish soap and warm water. Rinse and air-dry completely before replacing it on your phone. Refresh and purge If you have experienced a short battery life, slow uploads and downloads, or frequent crashing, it’s probably time to clean up your phone’s performance. Delete that mountain of photos from your phone; uploading them into the cloud frees up lots of storage space. From now on, have the photos automatically back up to the cloud so you can delete photos from your phone safely as soon as you are done sharing recent pics of your cute kids or grandkids with all your friends. Delete old text messages and change settings to auto-delete after a certain time frame. Memes, videos, gifs and similar icons take up space, so delete those as soon as you read them; look for any you still have and delete them now. Go through your contacts list and delete those you are unlikely to get in touch with again. Check out all of the apps on your phone. First delete the ones you aren’t currently using; you can always add them back if you need them later. Then, organize the remaining apps into folders so you can find them easier. Next, figure out which apps are tracking you and deny permission for them to keep tabs on your position. These geo-location services that run in the background slow down your phone. (On an Android, turn off geo-location in Settings>Apps, then tap on the app, then Permissions. On an iPhone, it’s in Settings>Privacy>Location, then choose the app.) The exceptions to location services are ride-share and similar services that must know where you are. If you don’t use them often, turn them off when you aren’t using them. Download updates for greater security and to get bug fixes, along with new features. Change your password to protect your phone from cyberattacks. If you have severe slowdowns and battery depletion, you may want to take the drastic action of clearing your history and cookies. It may make opening apps slower for a while after this action, but it will clear out a lot of “junk” from your phone.

Our co-op staff are frequently asked about options when members are contemplating the replacement of a furnace and air conditioning unit. A common question is, “Would a heat pump help us save money?” This question is an excellent one since, for most of us, heating and cooling accounts for the largest chunk of our household energy use. An electric air-source heat pump can be a good alternative to a furnace system that runs on propane or fuel oil. A heat pump is also a cost-effective alternative to electric resistance heat that is used in electric furnaces and in baseboard and wall units. How heat pumps work In the summer, an air-source heat pump acts as an air conditioner (AC) that draws heat from your home’s air and transfers it outside. In the winter, the system’s direction is reversed so that heat is pulled from the outside air and moved into your home. The heat pump has two major components: the condenser (also called the compressor) that circulates refrigerant through the system and an air handler that distributes the conditioned air. Most heat pumps are split systems, with the condenser located outside and the air handler inside. A packaged system contains both components in one unit that is placed outside your home. Heat pumps usually distribute the hot or cold air through the duct system. In the past, heat pumps weren’t efficient enough to work in colder climates. In recent years, however, technology has advanced to make them viable in climates with long periods of sub-freezing temperature, such as the Northeast U.S. If your old furnace has an AC attached, replacing both the heating and cooling system with the all-in-one solution of a heat pump might produce significant cost savings. If you are currently cooling with window units, or have an older central AC, moving to an air-source heat pump could reduce your summer energy bills. Heat pumps not only reduce energy costs, they can also eliminate the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and problems that can occur with on-site storage of propane or heating oil. Selecting and installing Heat pumps must work harder to extract heat as the outside temperature drops. At some point "regular" air-source heat pumps switch to resistance mode, which operates the same way a toaster or an electric baseboard heater works. If your area has very cold winters, as Iowa does, homeowners needed to consider a dual fuel system, which utilizes a heat pump along with a gas or propane furnace. However, there is a newer, better option available to those of us who live in cold climates: a cold climate air-source heat pump (ccASHP). This new generation of ASHPs offers increased efficiency and operating capacity at lower outside temperatures than the “original” air-source heat pumps. The Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships (NEEP) is an authority on ccASHPs and has consumer guides and case studies on their website. Also find the Air Source Heat Pump Buying Guide on the website. It’s recommended that in cold climates, consumers should look for air-source heat pump units that have a high capacity maintenance percentage (meaning that the heat output capability is not reduced as much at low temperatures (5℉) compared to warmer temperatures [47℉ and 17℉]). Also recommended: seek a higher HSPF rating, which measures heating efficiency. On the other hand, those who live in a warm climate and use more air conditioning than heating, will likely want to focus their heat pump search more on the SEER rating, which measures cooling efficiency. The minimum standard heat pump is SEER 14 and HSPF 8.2. An easy way to compare options is to look for the ENERGY STAR® label. This indicates the unit is at least 15 SEER and 8.5 HSPF. How much can a heat pump reduce your energy costs? This depends upon the size and efficiency of your home, local energy prices and local climate. You can find calculators online that can help you predict energy savings. One entry with sample data found that the cost of heating in South Carolina, using a new heat pump and national average fuel costs, was less than half the cost of heating with a typical propane furnace or an electric resistance system. According to a study conducted in Dane County, Wisconsin, single family homes with propane heat and existing air conditioning saved 22% on their heating/cooling utility bill. Single family homes with electric heat and existing air conditioning saved 50%. Dane County and the northern half of Iowa are in the same (“cold, moist” Zone 6) climate zone. In the article describing the findings, find the pertinent details in Table 5, page 16. Find assistance to make the switch Professional energy auditors can predict energy savings with greater precision than a sales person, and they can offer advice on choosing a specific brand and size of the unit. More importantly, energy auditors can suggest other ways to improve comfort or reduce energy use such as duct sealing or insulating the building envelope. Your local HVAC dealers, if they have heat pump experience, can be very helpful. Many heat pumps are not installed correctly, so be sure to ask how they will ensure a quality installation. And of course, be sure to contact us to find out more about reputable dealers, rebates and rates for electric heat. For more information: Energy Saver air-source heat pumps general details Energy Star key product criteria for air-source heat pumps Energy Star heat pump savings calculator

When you rent, borrow or use equipment that will either elevate you or break ground, be sure to use it safely. Whether you are a novice do-it-yourselfer eager to embark on a lofty project or you have used several types of outdoor equipment or machinery before, be sure to always read and follow the safety guidelines and operating instructions provided by the manufacturer. In addition, keep these 10 safety tips in mind: Before using equipment, obtain proper training; in some cases, certification is required. Prior to each use, follow the manufacturer’s checklist to verify it is in good working order. Always evaluate and assess your location before using a scissor lift, a bucket truck, a boom lift or scaffolding (or anything that elevates you). Look up and look out for power line locations, and do not use equipment underneath or near a power line or utility pole. Keep in mind your equipment’s reach (height and width) when fully extended, and make sure it will not get too close to a power line. Always follow the 10-foot rule: Keep 10 feet between yourself or an object you are holding and a power line or pole at all times. If you rent a backhoe, a post hole digger or other digging equipment, be sure to call 8-1-1 two to three days prior to starting your project. The locating service is free and marks all public underground lines. You are responsible for having all private underground lines and pipes marked, such as those that service a garage or outbuilding, sprinkler system, invisible fence or private water system. If you or a previous homeowner had the lines installed, they are most likely private. When using rental equipment that lifts you off the ground, always wear your safety harness. It’s a simple step that helps keep you safe if you lose your footing. Do not use a scissor or boom lift (or any other piece of equipment) for a job it was not designed for. Before starting a job, account for external conditions, such as wind. High winds could push you too close to or into a power line, and you could be seriously injured or electrocuted. Starting a project can be exciting, but don’t just jump in. Instead, read and review the operating instructions first and take the time to familiarize yourself with the equipment. For example, learn how to use the controls close to the ground before using them at a higher elevation. Don’t ignore the specifications for each piece of equipment, such as maximum platform capacity. When you are elevated, keep both feet on the platform at all times and use appropriate boots or shoes that have slip-resistant soles. Make sure your shoes or boots are not oily, muddy or greasy.

Last month, Smart Choices featured an article about thinking twice and learning all the facts before accepting a “free” dinner to hear a sales pitch about solar or other “energy-saving” devices. This month, we are featuring a similar article from Iowa Attorney General, Tom Miller. Read the article to discover how many complaints the AG’s office has received, what types of complaints the office has received, and some suggestions for checking out the products in advance. And as always, you can ask for assistance from our office if you have questions or are considering purchasing solar panels or other renewable-energy products. Harnessing the power of solar energy is just one effort many eco-conscious consumers consider when looking to reduce their carbon footprint. A lower energy bill is the goal. Yet the endeavor can, at times, lead to more headaches and cost than consumers anticipated. Following an uptick in consumer complaints against solar panel companies, Iowa Attorney General Miller reminds Iowans to be prepared for a myriad of issues that can crop up when exploring solar panel installations. “Solar energy is a clean, increasingly affordable power source, so it’s great to see more Iowans considering installing panels,” Miller said. “We encourage consumers to do their research before signing contracts.” From 2019 through 2021, the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division received 15 complaints regarding solar energy systems. So far in 2022, the division has already received 40 complaints. Many consumers have reported problems before, during, and after installation of solar panels. Complaints received by the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division have included the following issues: Delays in solar panel installation Exaggeration of energy savings False promises to buy back power Exorbitant financing and fees Claiming false relationships or endorsement of energy companies Improper installation Defective solar panels Warranty service failures Non-communication from solar companies Denial of solar tax credits Failure to cancel and provide a refund Failure to provide contracted services Property damage at time of installation A look at complaints 1. Repair and installation. In many cases, consumers who have started the process of purchasing solar panels have spent thousands or tens of thousands of dollars on the systems. However, at some point the solar company either fails to install the panels, improperly installs the panels, or fails to honor repairs under warranty. One Iowan told the AG’s office that less than a year after purchasing a solar panel system, the company he purchased from was on-site to make repairs for defects. However, the system was improperly reassembled and left in a non-functioning state. Numerous attempts to contact the company via email, telephone, social media, and written letter have been unsuccessful. It is expected that the solar industry will slow in 2022 in the face of manufacturing and supply chain challenges. This could further affect the speed at which installations and repairs occur. 2. Payment plans, tax credits and advertisements. Another complaint received by the AG’s office: A potential customer sought information from a company after receiving an advertisement that claimed the system could be installed at “no cost out of pocket.” The consumer filled out a form and was immediately contacted by a solar company. The rep for the company quoted the system at $30,140. When asked about the “no cost out of pocket” ad, the rep told her she was unaware of such a deal. Another consumer wrote the AG’s office after being denied a solar tax credit after the annual limit passed by lawmakers was reached on the solar credit appropriation. The consumer noted that they had carefully budgeted the cost of the system to include the credits. Remember, tax credits are a reflection of government policies, so there is no guarantee that solar tax credits will be available in the future. It's important to remember there are no free solar panels. If a solar company offers to install solar panels on your home for no money down, it will likely be part of a solar lease or power purchase agreement. According to the Consumer Federation of America, consumers pay a monthly rate for the energy the solar panels produce under these agreements. The solar company you lease through will retain ownership of the panels and benefit from any solar tax credits. While the average solar lease may save consumers money, that continues only if things go smoothly. If a consumer signs a solar lease and changes their mind, sells their home, or the system experiences production issues, consumers can run into costly bills. As for tax credits, the Iowa Solar Energy System Tax Credit expired at the end of 2021. The state made the decision at that time not to pay out credits to customers who were on the waitlist for residential solar systems. According to the Iowa Department of Revenue, the credits had paid an average of $3,498 to each applicant during the 2020 cycle. 3. What to consider. If you are considering the purchase of a solar energy system, the Federal Trade Commission suggests taking several steps before agreeing to a contract: Review your utility bill to see how much energy you used in the last year and what it cost. See what part of the total bill is for “metered” electricity or kilowatt-hours (kWh) of usage and what is for other items such as delivery costs. Even if you reduce the number of kilowatt-hours you buy from the utility, you’ll still need to pay the utility’s fixed charges, like delivery or administrative costs. Evaluate how you use energy, and look for ways to reduce your home's electricity use. Make your home and appliances more energy efficient and ensure your home is properly weatherized to reduce your energy needs. Consider how long you plan to stay in your home. A residential solar system is designed to stay on a home for at least 20 years. Leases and power purchase agreements generally are long term; some last 20 years. If you think you might move in that time, find out how installing a system will affect your ability to sell your house. Ask the solar company about its policy on transferring the contract to the new homeowner after a sale and confirm that what it tells you is the same as what is in the contract. Figure out what size system you need to meet your average energy usage. Learn about the different products available in your area that will work on your house. The customizable calculator from the Department of Energy uses your address and details you provide about a system to help you estimate how much energy it will produce. If you have a homeowner’s association, find out if you need its approval to install a system. Solar systems use one or more inverters to convert direct current (DC) electricity from the solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity used by your appliances and outlets. The amount of power you get from a solar panel system depends on: the average number of hours of direct, unshaded sunlight your roof gets annually the pitch (angle), age and condition of your roof, and the compass direction it faces the size and strength of your system environmental factors such as snow, dust, or shade that may cover the system Contact us to learn more about our policies for homeowners who produce solar power. The Iowa Utilities Board offers a helpful consumer informational guide for on-site generation meant to assist residential or small businesses that are considering installing electric generation on their property. Additionally, the FTC provides consumers with additional helpful tips and considerations when it comes to the purchase of solar panel systems. Finally, remember that the installation of a solar system is still a home improvement project like any other. Protect yourself just like you would if you were hiring for a kitchen remodel or a roof replacement. Take steps such as getting everything in writing, limiting upfront payments, setting a start date and completion deadline, specifying the scope of the work and the equipment that will be installed, verifying advertising claims (for example, is the advertised electrical generation based on Iowa use or on panels located in a state that is sunny all year), etc. See additional suggestions on the Attorney General’s contractor checklist. 4. To file a complaint. If you have encountered issues purchasing a solar panel system, you can file a complaint with the Iowa Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division here or call 515-281-5926 (in the Des Moines area) or 888-777-4590 (outside the metro area).

In the late spring of 2022, there was a lot of media coverage regarding the Summer Reliability Assessment published by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC). In the report, NERC raised concerns regarding several regional transmission organizations (RTOs) and their challenges related to electric generation and transmission this summer. NERC placed Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) in a "high risk" category for electric generation/capacity shortfalls during the summer. NIPCO's RTO, Southwest Power Pool (SPP), was identified as an "elevated risk." NERC outlined the following several factors contributing to these risk levels: Storm damage to a key transmission line. Above-average temperatures and drought contributing to high demand and lower than average output from hydro generators. Supply chain challenges leading to difficulty securing fuels and other key resources. Cybersecurity threats. In response, NIPCO collaborated with its member cooperatives to shape communications that reassured western Iowa consumer-members that their energy supply was secure. SPP stated that they projected enough generation to meet summer peak demand. However, that wouldn't eliminate the risk of an isolated energy emergency advisory or alert (EEA) that could be prompted by a weather event, as was encountered in February 2021. During that time, Winter Storm Uri produced prolonged arctic cold that negatively impacted generation resources in the SPP footprint. This led to SPP mandating load curtailment within NIPCO's service territory, which was met through the operation of NIPCO's load management system. Because the electric grid comprises of thousands of generating stations and millions of miles of interconnected lines, an unplanned power plant outage or weather-related damage to transmission lines within the SPP footprint could negatively impact SPP's projections. NIPCO and its power providers, Basin Electric Power Cooperative and Western Area Power Administration (WAPA), are well-positioned to meet summer's peak demand. In fact, SPP and its members maintained reliability and met energy demand through two of the year's hottest days. To underscore SPP's reliability outlook, SPP reported a new peak load occurring on July 14 at 4:55 p.m. and topped out at 51,512 megawatts (MW). This new record peak surpassed SPP's previous record-setting all-time peak of 51,377 MW set on July 11, 2022. Bruce Rew, SPP senior vice president, says, "Preventing service interruptions has become a more and more complex challenge." Preparing, responding, and communicating through conditions that impact energy reliability can only be done through the cooperative principle of "Cooperation Among Cooperatives". Rew went on to explain, "We're proud of the job we do coordinating among our member utilities to keep the lights on through careful reliability coordination, thoughtful and thorough system planning, and administration of a stakeholder process that ensures mutually beneficial decisions are made regarding things like resource adequacy, cost allocation and market design." As a regional transmission organization (RTO) and balancing authority (BA), SPP is responsible for keeping the regional supply of electricity in balance with demand across a 14-state service territory in the central US that stretches from the Canadian border in North Dakota to the panhandle of Texas. It monitors and forecasts minute-by-minute electricity use and dispatches energy from more than 900 utility-owned generating units to meet demand. SPP also oversees operation of more than 70,000 miles of extra high-voltage transmission lines over which electricity flows from where it's produced to the substations where it's distributed by local utilities to homes and businesses. SPP continues to monitor changing conditions and threats to reliability while communicating grid conditions to its membership, including NIPCO. NIPCO works with its members to inform and respond to evolving grid conditions consistent with established protocols to maintain system reliability. These protocols, developed by NIPCO working with its member cooperatives, ensure reliable electric service across western Iowa and mitigate any confusion surrounding curtailment and communications efforts. What is an RTO? Many electric utilities across the country are members of one of nine regional transmission organizations (RTOs) and independent system operators (ISOs), also referred to as power pools. These entities are federally-regulated by FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) and work on a regional scale to coordinate, control, and monitor supply and demand on the electric grid. RTOs do not own the power grid, but they do work as "air-traffic controllers" of the grid to ensure reliable supplies of power, adequate transmission infrastructure, and "day-ahead" electric market coordination of wholesale electricity prices on behalf of their members. What is NERC The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) is a not-for-profit international regulatory authority whose mission is to assure the effective and efficient reduction of risks to the reliability and security of the grid. NERC develops and enforces Reliability Standards; annually assesses seasonal and long‐term reliability; monitors the bulk power system through system awareness; and educates, trains, and certifies industry personnel. NERC's area of responsibility spans the continental United States, Canada, and the northern portion of Baja California, Mexico. NERC is the Electric Reliability Organization (ERO) for North America, subject to oversight by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and governmental authorities in Canada. NERC's jurisdiction includes users, owners, and operators of the bulk power system, which serves nearly 400 million people.

WAIT! Before you give your outdated or dilapidated electronics the heave-ho, consider this earth-friendly advice from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Consider recycling Electronics are made from metals, plastics and glass that require energy and time to reproduce. For example, according to the EPA: Recycling one million laptops saves the energy equivalent to the electricity used by more than 3,500 U.S. homes in a year. For every million cell phones we recycle, 35,000 pounds of copper, 772 pounds of silver, 75 pounds of gold and 33 pounds of palladium can be recovered. But before you donate or recycle … Can you upgrade the hardware or software on your current computer to extend its life? If the answer is no and you ultimately decide to get rid of a computer or other device, destroy all personal information from the device first. Also, remove any batteries from your electronics for separate recycling. Where to donate or recycle Several manufacturers and local and national retailers offer donation or recycling options. The EPA’s Sustainable Materials Management (SMM) tracks and publicizes participants and major companies include Best Buy, Dell, Sprint, Sony and Vizio. SMM participants strive to send 100 percent of used electronics they collect to certified recyclers and refurbishers. For more information about recycling electronics, refer to EPA’s website and other reputable sources. How to remove data There are various ways to permanently erase (or “sanitize”) data from your electronic devices prior to getting rid of them, and methods vary from device to device. According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Earth 911 and other electronic recycling gurus, general guidelines include: Back up data. Save your data to another device or second location (external hard drive or cloud). Delete data. Although files appear to have been removed, data is still there, according to Homeland Security. Even if you empty the virtual trash, the deleted items can still be retrieved. Permanent data deletion requires several steps; spend some time researching how to effectively delete data for the device you are recycling. One source for additional instructions is Earth911. Overwrite data. This is when you delete sensitive information and write new binary data over it. Unless you are a computer expert you might want to consult a professional. Destroy the device. Take your stress out on your device. Physically destructing a device is the ultimate way to prevent someone else from retrieving your personal information. There are also companies that specialize in disintegrating, burning, melting or pulverizing your computer drive and other devices. For more information on removing data, refer to details on Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency website. Source: SafeElectricity.org

While we often describe fall as feeling the chill of early morning as we walk outdoors and hearing the crunch of leaves underfoot, the smells of fall are classic, too: roasting marshmallows over a bonfire, breathing in the steam from a mug of hot cocoa, and yes, the fragrance of stew bubbling in a slow cooker all day. The old-fashioned slow cooker has been replaced in many homes by a multi-purpose cooking appliance, and while those appliances can cook more quickly with pressure and offer other “services” such as browning meat before cooking, an old, reliable slow cooker is less expensive to purchase and cheaper to operate than an oven or a cookstove, easy to use and allows you to fill and ignore the cooking process all day. Another bonus: Slow cooking allows you to purchase less expensive cuts of meat that must be simmered to become tender and to cook dried beans rather than purchasing more expensive canned navy or pinto beans. If you have one in your pantry, now is the time to pull it out and dust it off for use this fall. If you are considering purchasing one, here are some tips: Most models have a removable insert for easy cleaning. Check to be sure the model you purchase has that feature. In addition, one with a non-stick coating can be a bonus (but do recognize that you’ll need to be careful not to scratch the coating as you scoop food from the insert). A unit with a heating element that travels up the side of the base provides more even cooking than one that has a heating unit only at the base. An oval-shaped slow cooker can accommodate large cuts of meat easier than a round-shaped one. A glass lid will allow you to check on the food without opening it; removing the lid does slow down the cooking process dramatically. Features such as searing, holding after cooking, ability to program and a thermometer can be useful, but recognize that you will pay extra for them. Size matters. Slow cookers work best when filled at least half-full but no more than three-quarters full. Most slow cooker recipes are written for a unit that holds about 6-7 quarts.

Whether you are a veteran hunter or trying it for the first time, you must be familiar with hunting safety rules: wearing a bright orange vest, keeping your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot, and only pointing at your target. Along with those safety requirements, be sure to add these electrical safety tips to your list: Familiarize yourself with the location of power lines and equipment on land where you shoot. Be especially careful in wooded areas where power lines may not be as visible. Take notice of warning signs and keep clear of electrical equipment. Do not place deer stands on utility poles or climb poles. Energized lines and equipment on the poles can conduct electricity to anyone who comes in contact with them. Do not place decoys on power lines or other utility equipment. Anything attached to a pole, except for utility equipment, is an obstruction and poses a serious hazard to line crews. Never shoot near or toward power lines, power poles, transformers or substations. A stray bullet could not only damage equipment, potentially interrupting electric service, but could be deadly to the shooter. Damage to the conductor could drop the line to the ground, causing a possibility of electrocution to those nearby. Don’t make line workers hunt for problems caused in a hunting area; if you cause or simply notice a problem with lines, poles or equipment, let the co-op know. Sometimes damage isn’t noticed for several weeks or months, or unless an outage occurs. Keep yourself and your REC safe this hunting season. Source: SafeElectricity

Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) are an important electrical safety feature. A GFCI outlet contains a sensor that monitors the amount of power going to an electrical appliance. If there is an interruption in current the GFCI cuts the power, potentially saving a life. These monitors are especially critical in bathrooms, kitchens and anywhere else water is present in the environment. Because GFCIs can fail without notice, it’s important to check them monthly. Pick a day you will remember, such as the first or last day of the month, so you are sure to maintain a regular schedule. Follow these instructions to safely test your GFCIs. Shut off power before you test; to confirm the shutoff: Plug in a lamp or other device The item you plug in should not turn on To test the GFCI outlet: Find the test and reset buttons Press the TEST button You should hear a snap sound that trips the outlet THD11011NOV or THP11011NOV To reset the outlet: Once you confirm the GFCI is working properly (that the outlet does not work when tested), press the reset button to restore power to the outlet Retest for all other sockets in your home Other options for testing: You can also buy a GFCI outlet tester with a display and test button GFCI protection can also be installed on circuit breakers to safeguard an entire circuit. They should be tested monthly by pressing the test button on the breaker. If working properly, the interrupter should shut off power to the circuit. Source: Safe Electricity

Thanksgiving Day is by far the leading day for home cooking fires, with more than three times as many cooking fires occurring on that day as a typical day of the year. In 2019, an estimated 1,400 home cooking fires were reported to U.S. fire departments on Thanksgiving, a 228 percent increase over the daily average. Meanwhile, cooking is by far the leading cause of home fires year-round, with unattended cooking serving as the leading cause. The spike in cooking fires on Thanksgiving Day can largely be attributed to the fact that it often involves cooking multiple dishes at once, along with lots of distractions that make it easy to lose sight of what’s on the stove and in the oven. But there’s no reason to let these activities and circumstances put a crimp in anyone’s meal plans. Keeping a close eye on what’s cooking on the stove and in the oven, along with understanding where potential hazards exist in and around the kitchen, can go a long way toward ensuring a fire-safe holiday. Following are tips and recommendations for cooking safely this Thanksgiving: Never leave the kitchen while cooking on the stovetop. Some types of cooking, especially those that involve frying or sautéing with oil, need continuous attention. When cooking a turkey, remain at home and check it regularly. Make use of timers to keep track of cooking times, particularly for foods that require longer cook times. Keep things that can catch fire like oven mitts, wooden utensils, food wrappers and towels at least three feet away from the cooking area. Avoid long sleeves and hanging fabrics that can come in contact with a heat source. Always cook with a lid beside your pan. If you have a fire, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner. Do not remove the cover because the fire could start again. Let the pan cool for a long time. Never throw water or use a fire extinguisher on the fire. For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed. Only open the door once you’re confident the fire is completely out, standing to the side as you do. If you have any doubts or concerns, contact the fire department for assistance. Keep children at least three feet away from the stove. Kids should also stay away from hot foods and liquids, as steam or splash from these items could cause severe burns. In addition, The National Fire Protection Association strongly discourages the use of turkey fryers, as these can lead to severe burns, injuries and property damage. Grocery stores, food retailers and restaurants often sell deep-fried turkeys, which can serve as a safe alternative to frying one at home. Source: National Fire Protection Association

The weather is turning cooler, and the nights are growing longer. How much you save on energy bills this winter may be dependent on the steps you take now to make your home warmer and more comfortable. Some projects can be tackled by a homeowner (depending on your skill and level of perseverance) while others are best completed by a hired professional. Doors and windows DIY: Replace worn weather stripping around all doors and windows. Caulk around gaps in windows and doors. Install storm doors if you don’t have them. Hire a contractor: Consider replacing older windows and doors with newer, more energy-efficient models. Insulation and air sealing DIY: Add foam insulation gaskets to electrical outlets and switches on external walls (turn the power off first). Seal gaps in attic knee walls, soffits and basement rim joists by stuffing in pieces of insulation. Hire a contractor: Check insulation levels and install according to the recommended level in your area. Heating system DIY: Replace your furnace filter regularly throughout the heating season. Vacuum your in-floor or in-wall vent covers regularly. Hire a contractor: Have a qualified professional clean and inspect your furnace/HVAC system each year, as well as cleaning any HVAC system components that might need it. If your heating and cooling system is older, replacing your system with an efficient electric heat pump system (air-source or geothermal) may be the most energy-efficient option. Contact us or a reputable dealer for information on models, installation, rebates and any tax credits that may be available. Other inexpensive fixes from Building Performance Institute Use the sun’s heat to your advantage. In the fall and winter, keep shades and curtains open to let sunlight heat your home. Close them as the sun sets to keep cold from seeping in. Turn your ceiling fan to “winter mode” with the blades turning clockwise to help push heat down from the ceiling into the room. Move furniture and other objects that may be blocking vents to improve air flow. Keep your doors and windows locked; this helps keep them pushed tight against the weather stripping to prevent air leaks.

“Save 50% on your energy bills!” “Stop paying your electric utility!” “Save thousands on your heating and cooling costs!” Have you ever received a postcard or an email featuring one of these headlines? The postcard usually includes an invitation to a free dinner at a local restaurant where you can learn more about how to “save big” on your energy bills. There’s even a local phone number you can call to reserve your spot, causing you to think that this effort is being organized by a reputable, local company. It almost always is not. As we move beyond the pandemic, these types of invitations will likely increase in our community. It’s easy to let our guard down because we all want to believe the incredible claims we find in our inbox and mailbox. These dubious marketing campaigns will tout power converters for your meter, radiant barriers for your attic and other technologies that promise to save you hundreds or thousands of dollars on your energy bills. Often there is some truth to the technology and products being pitched in these postcards. For example, an aluminum radiant barrier placed in your attic can help reduce heat gain during the summer but the efficiency claims are overstated and the product is overpriced. Do Your Research Before accepting an invitation or signing a long-term contract or financing program, please research the company on the Better Business Bureau website at www.bbb.org. We also encourage you to contact us to get our expert advice about the offer. As a reliable source of information you can trust, we can answer your energy-efficiency questions and suggest practical ways to save energy and money on your electric bills. Locally owned and governed by the member-consumers we serve, our cooperative fully supports energy-efficiency efforts. In fact, we offer several incentives, rebates and programs that can lower your electric bill. We can also provide information about which energy-efficiency products may qualify for state or federal tax credits. We just want to make sure you’re not deceived into spending your hard-earned money on products that don’t work as advertised. Be wary of exaggerated claims and overpriced products in these free dinner schemes. And if you do accept an invitation to a free dinner, don’t feel pressured to make a purchase or sign on the dotted line until you’ve had time to research the company and the claims it is making. Any reputable business would encourage you to take the time you need to make an informed decision. Please beware of these invitations – the real cost of your free dinner could be more than you’re willing to pay. Subscribe to Smart Choices! Smart Choices is a monthly e-newsletter, provided by Woodbury County Rural Electric Cooperative that features the latest information on energy-efficiency, electric safety and more.

July 4th Independence Day celebrations wouldn’t feel authentic without some sort of fireworks display. Many Americans enjoy professional, public displays of awe-inspiring pops and bursts of colors lighting the skies, but others create their own fireworks displays. If you plan to purchase and use fireworks this year, take safety precautions. Even if you just stick with what we think of as "safer" options, such as sparklers, similar safety precautions apply. Sparkler stats Before handing sparklers over to children, consider these details from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC): Sparklers reach a temperature of up to 2,000 degrees, the same as a blow torch. For that reason, young children, who most likely won’t understand the dangers of touching them, should not be allowed to handle them. In a real-life example from CPSC of sparkler abuse, a 17-year-old male created a “sparkler bomb” of about 300 sparklers taped together. When he attempted to put a bucket over the mass of lit sparklers, they exploded and killed the teen. About 12% of all fireworks injuries are caused by sparklers. Fireworks stats According to the National Fire Protection Association: From 2009-2013, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 18,500 fires caused by fireworks. These fires included 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires, and 16,900 outside and other fires. In 2017, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 12,900 people for fireworks related injuries; 22% of those injuries were to the head, ear or face and 31% involved fingers or hands. The risk of fireworks injury is highest for males (70%) and for people age 25-44 (34%). However, in a close second, children under the age of 15 experience 31% of all accidents. Fireworks safety The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public display put on by professionals, rather than creating your own display. If you do use fireworks, however, read and follow these safety suggestions from the National Safety Council: Never allow young children to handle fireworks; Older children should use fireworks only under close adult supervision; Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear; Never light fireworks indoors; Only use fireworks away from people, houses, and flammable material; Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting; Never ignite devices in a container; Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks; Soak unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding; Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of fire. Subscribe to Smart Choices! Smart Choices is a monthly e-newsletter, provided by Woodbury County Rural Electric Cooperative that features the latest information on energy-efficiency, electric safety and more.

As with other electrical appliances, it’s critical to keep fans and AC units in good working order and to use them correctly. Lack of maintenance or improper use can lead to electric shocks or fires. For example, National Fire Protection Association research shows that each year, fans cause 6% of home fires and air conditioners cause 3%. The Consumer Products Safety Commission estimated in 2017 that air conditioning equipment accounted for 33,000-plus emergency room visits annually and approximately 16 electrocution deaths each year. The Basics Floor- and ceiling fans and central- and window-air conditioners all have one thing in common: They are powered by electricity so electrical safety precautions apply to each of them. For example: Have an electrician check to be sure your home’s wiring can handle the appliance before installing it. Call a licensed professional to install any hard-wired equipment. Replace any frayed or damaged appliance power cords and don’t use extension cords with the unit. Don’t use the units in any wet or damp area, and dry your hands before working on (or even touching) the appliance. Only purchase appliances and equipment with a label showing that it is approved by a recognized testing laboratory. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use and care. Fan Safety Box or floor fans and ceiling fans can be useful tools for keeping you cool on a budget. Used properly and with other methods (keeping draperies closed, opening windows at night and keeping them closed during the heat of the day, reducing humidity and more) fans can reduce energy costs. However, when the inside temperature reaches about 95 degrees fans can’t prevent heat exhaustion and heat stroke. That’s because fans simply move air around; they don’t cool it. Below that temperature, the fan’s breeze helps evaporate sweat from your skin, making you feel cooler. There are ways to position fans to maximize cooling, such as bringing in cooler outdoor air or blowing out hot air when it’s cooler outside, creating cross ventilation with multiple fans and checking to be sure your ceiling fan is set for the summer season (it should rotate counterclockwise in the summer). Be sure that ceiling fans are installed as high as possible (at least 7 feet from the ground) to stop people from touching the blades, and any fans on the floor or at a window should be placed to avoid tripping and tipping over, and located in a spot where children or pets can’t poke fingers (or paws) into the blades. Wherever you place the fan, check to be sure that air intakes aren’t blocked (for example, a curtain might get pulled tight against the fan). Air conditioner safety Whether your AC unit is a central air or a window unit, service and maintenance should be provided by a licensed professional. Be sure to check and change the filter regularly. Since window units are more prone to problems because they are readily accessible, it’s important to keep children and pets from getting too close to the unit. In addition: Be sure the window and frame are in good condition so they can securely hold the unit in place. Plug the unit into a dedicated outlet. Don’t put anything on top of the window unit, such as bird feeders or plant containers. Don’t place the unit in a window that serves as a fire escape. Keep pets and children from drinking the drip water from the outside of the unit. To secure window units from being pushed into your home by a burglar, install an air conditioner bracket outside or add sliding window locks to each side of the frame. For greater efficiency and safety, consider replacing window units with a ductless mini-split system, especially if you operate multiple window units. Contact our office for information about mini splits. Central air units (including heat pump units) have an outdoor condenser that requires good airflow. For that reason, trim back foliage at least 3 feet and keep the area clear of other debris. Before clearing the area, turn off the power to the unit. The outdoor unit should also be hosed down to clean the condenser coils; while some homeowners do this themselves, it’s safest to call on a professional who knows how to safely clean the unit without damaging the fins. Since mold can grow in the indoor section of an air conditioner, you may need to have your ductwork checked periodically. Subscribe to Smart Choices! Smart Choices is a monthly e-newsletter, provided by Woodbury County Rural Electric Cooperative that features the latest information on energy-efficiency, electric safety and more.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, each year 860 home fires are caused by holiday decorations and another 210 are caused by Christmas trees. To avoid becoming a statistic, follow these tips from the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI): Keep decorations at least three feet away from heat sources, especially those with an open flame, like fireplaces and candles. The best decorations are safe decorations, so when you’re decorating, make sure not to run cords under rugs or furniture, as walking on the cords or bending them can cause damage. If you have a live Christmas tree, water it to keep it fresh and safe. Always turn off lights and other electric decorations when you leave your home and when you’re sleeping. If you’re using extension cords or adaptors that add receptacles, it’s safer to have a qualified electrician add more outlets to your home to avoid overloading your outlets. Only use electronics in dry areas; if lighting outdoor areas, use only those approved for outdoor use. Remember that phones and tablets should stay on your nightstand, not under the blankets or your pillow. If the phone is insulated by bedding, generated heat can’t dissipate and can cause a fire. Every home needs a working smoke alarm in each bedroom; outside sleeping areas; and on every level, including the basement. If you are using a space heater, switch it off before leaving the room. Inspect your decorations and discard any that are damaged or worn out. If you replace them, be sure to purchase items approved by a national testing lab such as UL, Intertek or CSA. Keep batteries stored safely in their packaging and out of reach from small children and pets. The best gift for your family is an arc-fault circuit interrupter on breakers or outlets. Many electrical fires that occur could have been prevented by AFCIs. Source: ESFI.org

Iowa-based builders and contractors are invited to learn about energy-efficiency technologies at the 2023 Momentum is Building (MIB) Conference, scheduled for Feb. 16 and 17, 2023, at The Meadows Events Center in Altoona, Iowa. A major draw for electricians, plumbers and HVAC professionals is the opportunity to earn CEU credits at the conference. MIB attendees can also network with industry professionals, hear from recognized energy-efficiency and building trades experts and gain insight on trending technologies. Registration is open at www.MomentumIsBuilding.com. Sponsored and organized by the Iowa Cooperatives for Energy Efficiency (ICEE), the annual Momentum is Building Conference also connects Iowa’s construction industry with the local services and resources available from Iowa-based electric cooperatives, who serve nearly 650,000 Iowans across 99 counties. “Iowa-based electric cooperatives have long supported energy- efficiency efforts and one of our goals is to help member-consumers use energy wisely,” states Angela Catton, manager of member relations and development at Northwest Iowa Power Cooperative. “We invest in this conference to build relationships between cooperatives and the contractors who provide services to the members we mutually serve.” “Informing contractors about cutting-edge energy-efficiency and beneficial electrification technologies is important to Iowa-based electric cooperatives,” said Ryan Cornelius, vice president of corporate relations at Corn Belt Power Cooperative. “For almost thirty years, the Momentum is Building Conference has provided both electric cooperatives and contractors an opportunity to come together to provide rural Iowans with safe, efficient and cost-effective home comfort solutions.” Tolu Omotoso, director of energy solutions at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) will kick off the conference by covering the evolving relationship between utilities and their members and how to leverage member-owned smart devices in the home for grid services. Other topics include sessions on promoting the value of home certifications and how to prepare contractors for large, new federal home improvement subsidies to come online as well as employee management best practices for small businesses. The conference will close with motivational speaker, author and 5-time “National Coach of the Year,” Jim Miller who will share the value of “Going the Extra Mile.” Miller’s message to attendees will be, “If it’s Important to your success, ‘Do It Anyway’.” MIB 2023 will be held at The Meadows Events Center beginning at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 16, running through noon on Friday, Feb. 17, 2023. Registration is available online at www.MomentumIsBuilding.com. Early Bird registration is available until Jan. 18, 2023. For more information about the conference, please contact our office.

Holiday meals are an important part of the celebrations you share with family and friends. All of that extra baking and cooking, however, can really add up on your energy bills. These simple, cost-saving tips will help you enjoy the festivities while trimming your energy budget. Preheat the oven to the exact temperature required; preheating is not necessary for foods that cook for several hours. Avoid opening the oven door. It wastes energy and lowers the temperature by as much as 25 degrees (F). Use glass and ceramic baking dishes. They retain heat better than metal, allowing you to reduce the oven temperature. Bake multiple batches of cookies or pies at one time to help conserve oven energy use. Match stovetop pots and pans to the size of the burner to avoid wasting energy. Cover pots and pans while cooking to prevent heat loss and reduce cooking time. Clean burners after every use. A clean burner heats more efficiently, using less energy. Slow cookers are an energy-efficient alternative for baking some holiday dishes. Microwaves also use less energy than conventional ovens. Save energy by reheating holiday leftovers in the microwave. By following these measures, you can enjoy a happy holiday season and lower energy bills.

Scott Timperley, NIPCO Senior SCADA Technician, will retire as a franchise player for NIPCO at the conclusion of the year. Timperley's 35-year career in Electronics Engineering Technology has been dedicated entirely in service to NIPCO. "I graduated in May of 1987 from South Dakota State University in Brookings, and my first day with NIPCO was August 17th. SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) is a means in which data from multiple sources in the same system is shared over a common network, allowing machines and infrastructure to "talk to one another" to share data about operations. For NIPCO, SCADA is essential for reporting the exchange of electrons across the generation and transmission's service footprint. According to Timperley, the SCADA processes remain about the same as when he first started. However, over the last three and a half decades, NIPCO's SCADA system has evolved into a sophisticated communications network between NIPCO's electric grid and its Control Center. "When I started, we spent a lot more time on the road, traveling from substation to substation to manually pull usage data from substation meters not connected to SCADA," he recalls. Timperley's supervisor, Denny Hill (ret. 2010), was instrumental in establishing a SCADA network that could do more than share operational data with NIPCO's Control Center; it could also meter its usage and utilize that data as a billing mechanism. Timperley states, "NIPCO was one of the first utilities in the country to tap SCADA's full potential to read our substation meters remotely." Timperley is incredibly proud to have played a part in that process, having engineered and designed a modem that interconnected with the 900 megahertz radio and the SCADA network. As more and more sub- and K-stations came online with SCADA, there was less time spent on the road reading meters, which made the billing process more efficient. Today, power is metered at almost one hundred stations across the NIPCO system, with more coming online as infrastructure is upgraded. Timperley credits advances in digital technology as the most significant game-changer in his line of work. "In the early years, the RTUs (Remote Terminal Units) were complex, and many components on the circuit boards and modems malfunctioned. We would travel the system, pulling the bad parts and repairing them back at NIPCO because they were too expensive to replace." Today's technology is smarter, smaller, and less expensive." According to Timperley, "Costs to replace the equipment is down; reliability of the equipment is up. But there is still so much to learn and so much more we can do with that technology." Scott's most memorable moment at NIPCO came in the early 90s when he, Hill, and Larry Bowers (ret. 2017) were present when Bowers logged in to the World Wide Web for the first time. "It didn't seem like a big deal then. There were no pictures or anything that resembles what you see online today. It was almost anti-climactic. It was all text-based," said Scott. "But looking back, that instance was pretty special." After retirement, Scott plans to stay in the area, but he and his wife are contemplating an eventual move to eastern Iowa to be closer to their children. Scott and his wife Linda have four children, two boys who reside in Iowa City, a daughter in Boston, and one daughter who hopes to practice in eastern Iowa after medical school. Linda, who retired in 2020, and Scott look forward to riding their bicycles together, golfing on the course when it is cooler and less crowded, and traveling throughout the Dakotas to visit family and take advantage of camping opportunities. Scott also plans on spending more time on his Ham radio, playing guitar and honing his photography skills. When asked what he will do on his first day of retirement, Scott says: "I actually think I may get up at the regular time and pull into the parking lot so that I can turn around and go back home!" In all seriousness, Scott is grateful to have worked for NIPCO and has enjoyed his time contributing to the organization. He says, "Le Mars has been a great place to live, work, and raise our kids."

Nearly 50 cooperative staff members from NIPCO and Corn Belt Power gathered to learn more about the programs and benefits of affiliation with the CHARGE™ network program. The Joint Informational Meeting was conducted in Des Moines on April 12. It provided a forum to learn more about the electric vehicle (EV) charging program and to ask questions related to affiliation with the cooperative-led network. Representatives from CHARGE provided information on marketing assets and programs and how affiliates may access them. Dairyland Power Cooperative's Communications & Marketing Specialist Dana Bolwerk and Innovation & Efficient Electrification Manager Jeff Springer act as contacts for cooperative affiliates and the CHARGE program. Their presentations covered valuable information regarding available marketing resources and an overview of EV residential and commercial charger options, including best practices for developing a visible network of cooperative-powered public-facing chargers throughout the upper Midwest. John Diem provided an overview of ZEF Energy chargers and the systems that support them. ZEF Energy is a charging system vendor for the CHARGE network. ZEF Energy products have the ability to integrate well with cooperative load management programs and billing systems. CHARGE was created in 2020 by 31 electric cooperatives to help educate and raise awareness of electric vehicles among member consumers and those who sell and support EVs. "CHARGE affiliates discuss best practices with each other," explains Jeff Springer. "There is no cookie-cutter solution for an EV program. Conducting regular meetings such as this one helps co-ops understand what works at other cooperatives and to create a program that best fits their members' needs." NIPCO and Corn Belt Power hope to continue informational meetings on an annual basis or as need necessitates. For more information about CHARGE, visit charge.coop.

When spring approaches, it is common in our area to see the smoke that prescribed burning (controlled burning) brings. Controlled burning is the skillful application of fire to a specific site under selected weather conditions to accomplish specific land management objectives. Prescribed burning is one of the most cost-effective methods for managing vegetation. It can also reduce the thick litter layer accumulations that can inhibit wildlife mobility or smother the growth of beneficial grasses and wildflowers. Prescribed burning can also boost pasture productivity, reduce the spread of plant diseases, and serve as a precursor to herbicide and tillage treatments to remove standing vegetation that would impede the efficient application of these practices. Northwest Iowa Power Cooperative understands the importance of this process and is proud to serve and partner with our agricultural members who perform controlled burning. NIPCO has seen an increase in this vegetation management practice throughout its service territory during the spring months and urges anyone performing controlled burns to consider electric utility infrastructure before and during the process. Every year, electric transmission poles are damaged during controlled burns, resulting in the need for the infrastructure to be replaced. Current drought conditions and high winds this spring have resulted in increased structure damage caused by burns that have gotten out of control. In 2022, eight poles/pole structures were impacted by out-of-control burning in its service territory. The cost to replace a single, damaged 65-foot pole can average six thousand dollars. While landowners who report damaged poles are responsible for replacement costs, many poles weakened or damaged by burns go unreported. Unreported damage to poles may not be discovered until NIPCO crews identify them during routine inspection procedures or when the poles break, sometimes years after they are damaged by burns, resulting in power interruption. It is vital to remind landowners to work with their local fire department and follow safe vegetation management practices to keep cooperative members, utility workers, and first responders safe and minimize costs to electric cooperatives. Expenses to replace burnt poles can impact NIPCO's operational margins, ultimately affecting NIPCO's wholesale rates. And that makes everyone hot under the collar.

NIPCO Transmission Superintendent Steve Harringa will hang up his hard hat after a 28-year career as a line worker, the last 17 of them with NIPCO. Harringa's first day with NIPCO was January 3rd, 2006. Hired as a Crew Foreman for the Le Mars area crew, he reported to then-Transmission Superintendent Tim Harrison. There have been many changes throughout the years, from crew restructuring to the scope of the work being done, contributing to the improved efficiencies and reliability NIPCO provides for its members. Harringa was named to the position of Transmission Superintendent upon Harrison's retirement in September of 2012. Harringa credits the advancement of technology over the years as the most significant change in how his job is performed. "System outages are fewer, and outage times have decreased." Maintaining system operations and reliability has improved thanks to a smarter grid, more robust and resilient materials, better communication between system infrastructure and control operators, and a redundant system that allows power to be re-routed around downed infrastructure (not energized). "NIPCO Control Operators can identify an outage in real-time and pinpoint its source within the system. With more motor operators in our system, NIPCO's Control Center operators often isolate the problem, re-route power around the trouble spot, and restore power to the members without calling out crews. Being able to conduct these actions remotely through telecommunications data saves time sending men out for eyes on the ground. Thanks to GIS (Geographic Information System) mapping on computers assigned to line workers, specific infrastructure data can be pulled up in seconds, and crews can respond as needed. These processes have greatly improved response and restoration procedures." Harringa also notes that improved technology reduces the amount of paperwork required to document maintenance issues, giving crews more time to focus on other work and perform their jobs safely. Harringa is proud to have dedicated his line worker career to two quality cooperatives: North West Rural Electric Cooperative, headquartered in Orange City, and NIPCO. "It's been a rewarding career, especially the part of helping people when they are out of power. I've had the opportunity to meet and work with many great people during my time at North West REC and NIPCO." He and his wife, Eileen, have three adult children: two sons and a daughter. Steve's sons followed in Dad's footsteps, with one son working as a lineman near Atlantic, Iowa, for MidAmerican Energy Company, and the other for Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) and is stationed in Hinton. Their daughter is in the healthcare industry in Des Moines. Steve and his wife, an employee of the Le Mars Community School District, have eight grandkids and hope to be able to spend more time with them. When asked what he will do on his first day of retirement, Steve smiles as he recounts how his wife made him breakfast every day before sending him off to work. "I think I will cook Eileen breakfast on my first morning of retirement."

Since 2004, the President of the United States and Congress have declared October Cybersecurity Awareness Month, helping citizens protect themselves online as our technology and threats to that technology becomes more sophisticated and interwoven in our daily lives. Cybersecurity is the art of protecting networks, devices, and data from unlawful access or criminal use, and providing confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information. As cybersecurity threats continue to grow at home and in the workplace, it's important to know the measures NIPCO has implemented to educate and protect its employees and our member cooperatives to safeguard against cyberattacks and maintain the safe and reliable delivery of power throughout western Iowa. Electric co-ops are guided by seven cooperative principles. One of these principles, "Cooperation Among Cooperatives," has never been more critical as it pertains to protecting and defending our nation's electric grid from cyberattacks. As the grid evolves and new technologies emerge, this creates additional opportunities for threat actors to target our systems. Electric cooperatives are coming together to fight back and add resiliency to the electric grid. When it comes to cybersecurity, cooperation among cooperatives happens in a multitude of ways. NIPCO works closely with our member cooperatives, G&Ts across the US, the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives, and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) to establish relationships, provide tools, and to share resources and training information to harden and improve the overall cyber landscape. Steve Spieler, NIPCO's Chief Information Officer, believes that the first and best line of defense against cyber threats is human. Here, education is imperative. "NIPCO and many of our member cooperatives actively participate in ongoing educational programs and training," explained Spieler. "KnowB4 is the world's largest integrated platform for security awareness training. Employees of NIPCO and our member co-ops are provided with resources and tools to help identify the ways threat actors try to penetrate their organizations, such as social engineering, spearfishing, and ransomware attacks." Spieler also leads NIPCO through regular training provided by NRECA's RC3 Program. The Rural Cooperative Cybersecurity Capabilities (RC3) Program has tools and resources that assist cooperatives in identifying weaknesses to cyberattacks and developing an incident response plan. NIPCO conducts periodic exercises among staff members to test these plans. "How we respond in these drills deepens our learning so we can improve our skillset in protecting our members and our infrastructure," Spieler said. "Information-sharing and networking across cooperatives in our system as well as nationally makes us all stronger and more cyber-aware." Spieler, along with IT Administrator Kyan Ludwig, provides IT (information technology) support services, upon request, to member co-ops that include: Communicate with NIPCO Members about new technologies or settings to help them secure their hardware, software, and networks from hackers; Help implement new hardware, software, or technologies; Utilize NIPCO as a Help Desk to answer any members' questions on anything that is IT-related; Provide another set of eyes to help troubleshoot any IT issues that they may have. Spieler and Ludwig believe there is no silver bullet approach to protecting against cyber-attacks. "It's more like silver buckshot," says Ludwig. "It takes many levels of security, an ongoing commitment by every employee, and lots of training to stay one step ahead of hackers." While Cybersecurity Awareness Month dedicates just thirty-one days to education and awareness, NIPCO, its member electric cooperatives, and local and national partners are equally committed to the other 334 days to advancing cybersecurity defenses to keep our systems secure.

The NIPCO electric vehicle (EV) logged several miles this summer as it showcased EV technology at various member events. NIPCO staff accompanied the EV and was there to answer questions about electric vehicle operation. The 2020 Mustang was introduced to the NIPCO fleet in the spring of 2021 to educate and engage western Iowa cooperative member-consumers about EV technology. "While there are mixed feelings about EV adoption in western Iowa, people are curious," explained Angela Catton, Manager of Member Relations and Development for NIPCO. "I think that people know the technology is coming, but they want to grasp the benefits and limitations of EV ownership as well as how electric vehicles will impact power supply." NIPCO and its members feel it is essential to continue to educate and engage with members about the diversity of electric and hybrid vehicles available in the market and to continue the conversation about which type of low- or zero-emission vehicle may be right for them. Marcus Rihner, WIPCO Executive VP and General Manager, felt it was valuable to include NIPCO's Mustang Mach-E at their August District and Annual Meetings. "Our members have questions about electric vehicles and how they will fit into the transportation and energy picture around our region," says Rihner. "Our EV car show at our District and Annual Meetings gave us a great opportunity to discuss these questions with our members. NIPCO's involvement was critical to this effort, as they went above and beyond to engage with our members at both meetings to help to expand their knowledge and understanding of this technology." The Mach-E was also displayed at annual meetings and customer appreciation events for Harrison County REC and North West REC. In September, NIPCO's EV underwent a dramatic change in appearance, now sporting NIPCO branding and graphic elements that visually complement the EV's innovative technology and promote cooperative reliability. NIPCO looks forward to showcasing the technology at future member events.

With the beginning of the school year, safely transporting students to and from school is critical. While in some towns and cities students can walk to school, many more are transported by school bus. According to the Iowa DOT (Department of Transportation), the greatest risk is not riding the bus to school but approaching or leaving the bus. The greatest danger zone is the 10 feet in front, behind and on each side of the school bus. That is because many vehicle drivers don’t stop for school buses as required by law. It’s also possible that bus drivers may be unable to see a student behind, in front of or to the side of the bus. Safety reminders for students Students must be aware of the dangers they face when close to a bus. To remain safe be sure your children understand and follow these rules from the Iowa Department of Education: Stop and look both ways before crossing a street. Make sure the bus driver can see you when you are crossing in front of the bus. If you can't see the driver, the driver cannot see you. Never cross behind the bus. When getting on or off the bus, never cross the street until the bus driver signals it’s OK to cross. If you drop something near the bus, do not pick it up. Instead, tell the bus driver what you dropped, and let the driver instruct you on what to do. In addition, even though riding on the bus is not as dangerous as entering and exiting, students need to be careful while riding. Since shoulder harness seat belts are now required in Iowa in new school buses (the law passed in 2020; Iowa was the fifth in the nation to pass this law) remind your child to wear the seat belt and remain in their seat during the ride. According to School Transportation News, some schools are phasing in seatbelts as they replace buses, rather than retrofitting older models so it’s possible your district’s buses may not all have seat harnesses. Safety reminders for vehicle drivers According to a report on KCCI TV, which covers central Iowa, the Iowa State Patrol has seen more and more drivers ignore school buses. While many instances are not reported, there were 106 citations in 2020. The Iowa Department of Education provides these details for what drivers must legally do when following or approaching a school bus: When the bus’s yellow flashers turn on, that signifies that it is preparing to have a child get on or off the bus. All vehicles behind the bus must come to a complete stop. If you are approaching a bus from the opposite direction, slow your speed to 20 mph when the bus turns on its yellow flashers. On a two-lane road, traffic in both directions must come to a full stop when the lights are flashing red. On a four-lane road, traffic moving in the opposite direction must slow down and proceed with caution when either red or yellow flashers are present. Stop your vehicle at least 15 feet from the bus. Remain stopped until the flashing lights are turned off and the stop arm is pulled back in. According to the KCCI report, the fines for passing a stopped school bus started at $345 in 2021. Drivers should be aware that school bus drivers have cameras. If drivers see an offending driver, they can read the license plate number for the camera to record. This allows law enforcement to charge the offending vehicle driver.

Personalization is a big trend for college dorm rooms and shared housing facilities. College furnishings—from bedding and décor to kitchen supplies and electronics—are often reflective of interests and future aspirations. One essential for the college residence is safety. There is a tendency for college students to want to bring everything they own, but unfortunately, there may be a limited number of electric outlets. It’s tempting to plug in multiple extension cords and power strips, which can cause cords to overheat, creating shock and fire hazards. Potentially older wiring in student housing and apartments may not be able to handle the increased electrical demand of today’s college student. If use of an appliance frequently causes power to trip off, or if its power cord or the outlet feels hot, the appliance should be disconnected immediately, and the condition reported to the landlord or campus housing staff. Safe Electricity offers the following safety tips for students to help prevent and reduce the risk of electrical fires in their student housing: Only purchase and use electrical products tested for safety. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) publishes a list of approved testing laboratories. Some common approved safety labels include Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL), Canadian Standards Association (CSA) and MET Laboratories (MET). Avoid overloading extension cords, power strips, or outlets. Use power strips with an over-current protector that will shut off power automatically if there is too much current being drawn. Never tack or nail an electrical cord to any surface or run cords across traffic paths or under rugs where they can be trampled or damaged. Use the correct wattage light bulbs for lamps and fixtures. If no indication is on the product, do not use a bulb with more than 60 watts. Instead, use cooler LED light bulbs. Keep all electrical appliances and cords safely away from bedding, curtains, papers and other flammable material. Make sure outlets around sinks are equipped with ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) before use. If they are not, contact the resident assistant, campus housing staff, or landlord. Unplug small appliances when not in use and all electronics when away for extended periods. Smoke detectors should never be disabled, and fire alarms should never be ignored or taken casually as a drill. Every time a fire alarm sounds, residents should calmly and quickly follow practiced procedures and immediately exit the building. Stress to your student that in the event of a fire, it is important to follow safety procedures and get out of harm’s way immediately. After all, property and valuables can be replaced, but lives cannot. Source: Safe Electricity