A newsletter for members ofProviding energy for life.Tri-County Electric Cooperative

February 2016

“No Thanks” on Net Metering Petition One of the key cooperative principles under which we operate states that all members should be treated equally. When our board sets rates, they do so in order to ensure the cost of providing you with reliable service is covered through the monthly bills.With an electric co-op, we always put members first. It would not be fair to charge one group of people a certain rate, but then let others pay a smaller amount. The cooperative philosophy that we are all in this together directs us to make sure everyone pays their fair share.In December, multiple initiative petitions were filed that will upset this fair rate structure. These petitions seek to change Missouri’s Net Metering and Easy Connection Act.Net metering is the process where an electric utility credits a consumer for electricity generated from solar or wind systems installed on their homes. State law gives everyone the right to install these systems and get paid for the excess power they generate.Those that do install these systems, however, should not force those who can not afford them to unfairly subsidize their electric bills.Whether you take all of your electricity from the electric grid, or generate a portion of it through solar or wind power, you rely on the powerlines and other facilities that form the electric grid. And the cost for building and maintaining that grid must be recovered.That’s why your electric cooperative is concerned about this initiative petition that was filed in December. This petition — backed by companies that want to sell more solar panels — seeks to expand Missouri’s net metering law in a way that will shift the burden of maintaining the reliable electric grid we take for granted to those who can not afford the expense of installing their own generation.A typical residential solar system installed on a Missouri electric co-op system is 8.2 kilowatts. Based on the Solar Electric Power Association’s estimate of $3.50 per watt, it would cost approximately $28,700 to install solar on the typical home, minus any federal tax credits that may apply.Our surveys show the average electric cooperative member in Missouri makes between $25,000 and $50,000 per year, with 16 percent of members earning less than $25,000. Only 47 percent are employed full time, 37 percent are retired or living on a pension and 80 percent are over the age of 45.These are the people we worry about when we see people trying to push an agenda that would unfairly shift expenses to the very people who can least afford it.Soon, you may see clipboard-wielding people asking you to sign a petition in order to get this measure on the ballot. I want to make you aware that there are unintended consequences to signing your name to this petition.Missouri’s electric cooperatives believe everyone should pay their fair share of the cost for providing electricity. We will fight any attempt to change the state’s net metering law that would unfairly raise the cost of electricity for the vast majority of members. We support any change that would give your electric cooperative’s board the power and flexibility to ensure those with the means to install their own generation continue to pay their fair share.We encourage every member to study this issue and to call us if you have any questions. If someone asks you to sign this petition, don’t do it. Instead, tell them you are in favor of affordable and reliable electricity — not subsidies.

Some heating, ventilation and air conditioning repairs and maintenance can be safely and competently done by a do-it-yourselfer. But other tasks are better left to an HVAC professional. Among the Iowa Energy Center’s suggestions for hiring the right contractor are the following:Be prepared — Find out about license and insurance requirements for contractors in your area. Know the model of your system and its maintenance history before you call anyone.Consider a certified professional — Look for technicians certified by the North American Technician Excellence, the leading industry-supported testing and certification program.Call references — Ask for references and call them about the contractor’s installation and service performance. Was the job completed on time and within budget? Would they hire them again?Find special offers — Check for available rebates on Energy Star-qualified equipment at www.energystar.gov and ask contractors and your cooperative as well.Look for Energy Star-qualified products — They meet strict energy-efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Contractors should be able to show calculations of savings for such equipment.Expect a home evaluation — The contractor should spend significant time inspecting your system and home. The contractor should size the system based on criteria such as square footage, level of insulation and total window area. A good contractor also will inspect your duct system, if applicable, for leaks and insulation and measure air flow to make sure it meets manufacturers’ specifications.Get written, itemized estimates — When comparing bids, consider warranties and equipment disposal.Get it in ink — Sign a written proposal with the contractor before work begins, specifying cost, model numbers, schedule and warranty.Once you’ve found a good contractor and good equipment, pass it on. Your friends and family will thank you.

Take Care of your HVACIf you’re new to home ownership and maintenance, here are some questions to ask the heating, ventilation and air conditioning technician you hire to get you started. Shadow the contractor to learn more about simple maintenance you can do yourself.

• How often should I change filters in furnaces, air conditioners and humidifiers?• Should I cover the outside air conditioning unit during winter to keep leaves and debris from getting into the coils? • What can I do to reduce my cooling bill besides turning the air conditioner off? • What can I do to reduce my heating bill?• Will a programmable thermostat make a difference? • How do I know my heating and cooling systems are operating efficiently? • How often do I need to change my smoke detectors and carbon monoxide monitors? • Should I install dampers to restrict the flow of conditioned air to rooms I rarely use?• Will efficiency suffer if I close doors or registers in rarely used rooms?• What are signs I need to replace my furnace or air conditioner?

Energy Star provides these general suggestions that a qualified serviceman should use for annually checking your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system:

• Check thermostat settings to keep you comfortable and save energy while you’re away.• Tighten all electrical connections and measure voltage and current on monitors.• Lubricate all moving parts — friction will cause them to use more electricity.• Check and inspect the condensate drain in central air conditioners, furnaces and heat pumps when in cooling mode. Backed-up water can damage equipment and increase humidity.• Check system controls to ensure proper and safe operation. Check the starting cycle of each piece of equipment to ensure it starts, operates and shuts off properly.

In addition, do the following for your cooling equipment:• Clean evaporator and condenser air conditioning coils. Dirty coils reduce the system’s ability to cool and cause the system to run longer.• Check refrigerant levels and adjust if necessary. Too much or too little will make the system less efficient.• Clean and adjust blower components to provide proper airflow. Air flow problems can reduce efficiency by up to 15 percent.

And for your heating system, check all gas or oil connections, gas pressure burner combustion and heat exchanger. Improper connections are a fire hazard and can cause health problems. A dirty burner or cracked heat exchanger can cause improper operation as well.

HVAC Questions for the Newbie

Maintain your HVAC with a Checklist

Prevent these Common Heating Repair ProblemsSimply “taking care of business,” in this case your heating system, year round will save you dollars and keep you comfortable. Here are suggestions from http://hvactips.net/heating-repair/how-to-spot-common-heating-repair-problems/:

Air flow – Worn-out bearings, belts and fan motors can affect air flow and possibly result in overheating and improper heating controls.

Mechanical wear and tear – Your furnace has many different components essential to its operation. Poor air flow, overheating and improper heating controls are signs of possible mechanical failure.

Clogged or faulty air filters – Of all heating problems, this one is the easiest and cheapest to fix. Change filters monthly to prevent restricted air flow that can cause the system to work harder to keep warm air circulating.

Ignition or pilot control issues – Malfunctions of these elements can result in little or no heat being generated.

Insufficient heating – It’s critical to monitor your heating system from day one to avoid shortening its life expectancy and paying for a costly replacement. Clogged filters, faulty thermostats and musty odors from the system are signs your system needs some TLC.

Not scheduling preventive maintenance – Taking care of your system, whether you do it or a contractor, before there’s a problem will affect its longevity and what you pay to stay comfortable in your home.

Take Care of Ducts Along with HVACYou may have the most efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning system money can buy, but if your ducts are leaking, you’re wasting costly energy, perhaps as much as 20 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.High summer utility bills, rooms that are difficult to heat and cool, stuffy rooms that never seem to feel comfortable and tangled or kinked flexible ducts are all signs your ducts could be leaking. Ducts out of sight in an attic, crawl space or garage may be riddled with holes and gaps.When sealing ducts, first fix the ones that will make the biggest difference:• Ducts in the attic, crawl space, unheated basement or garage — use duct sealant (mastic) or metal-backed (foil) tape to seal the seams and connections of ducts, then wrap them in insulation • Ducts in the heated part of the house• Connections at vents and registers — seal where they meet floors, walls and ceilingsDownload Energy Star’s Duct Sealing at www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c+home_improvement.htm_improvement_ducts for more tips on duct care.

Seasonal Tips for Taking Care of your HVAC SystemNothing’s more frustrating than a dead air conditioner in the height of summer or a furnace on the blink in January. Follow these suggestions from http://hvactips.net/hvac-maintenance/a-seasonal-guide-to-hvac-maintenance/ for keeping your equipment running optimally when you need it most.Spring – The middle of spring is a good time to call your heating, ventilation and air conditioning technician for an early checkup of your air conditioning system. The technician will change filters, lubricate the motor, check refrigerant levels and test if it starts and stops correctly. Beat the rush! If you wait until summer to call, your HVAC friend may take weeks to get back with you.Summer – Change air conditioning filters as needed and keep debris away from the air conditioning condenser outside. If the unit “freezes up” when it’s running hard during a prolonged hot spell, try turning it off for several hours. Often this will do the trick and save a call to your contractor.Fall – As in the spring, beat the rush and prevent problems with your heating system before they start. Do what you can yourself or call your HVAC contractor to change filters, check pressures, test how it starts and stops and check thermostats and pilot lights.Winter – Should your furnace quit working or simply not generate adequate heat, do these things before you call your HVAC contractor: check the thermostat to make sure it’s working properly; make sure floor registers are open; see if the pilot light is on if you have a gas, propane or oil furnace; change the filters; and look for blockages or leaks in the ducts. Then call your HVAC contractor.

From the Manager’s desk: December 2015 Board ReportAt the December meeting of the Board of Directors’ of Tri-County Electric Cooperative, the board reviewed the following items:• The board reviewed and approved the proposed agenda.• The board reviewed and approved the regular board meeting minutes (11/23/15).• The board approved new memberships.• The board reviewed and approved write-offs for October.• The board heard a presentation on Grassroots.• The board reviewed policy M-008.• The board reviewed policy B-013.• The board reviewed policy M-007.• The board received a safety report and a member services report. The cooperative has had 0 vehicle accidents, 0 recordable accidents, 0 near misses, 0 lost time accidents for the month. The cooperative worked 3,584.5 hours for the month and 38,903.5 for 2015.• The board received a report of operations.• The board reviewed financial reports.• The board reviewed expenditures in detail.• The board heard director reports on AMEC and NEP.• The board held an executive session.• The next board meeting has been set for January 25, 2016.

Comparative Operating Report November 2015 2014Wholesale Power Costs $458,148 $497,305 Revenue $1,010,080 $553,093 Operating Costs $941,075 $980,168 Margins $69,005 ($427,075) Year to Date Totals 2015 2014Wholesale Power Costs $5,142,452 $5,156,863 Revenue $11,947,695 $11,340,257 Operating Costs $10,925,760 $10,630,305 Margins $1,021,935 $709,952

Co-op Connections Card continues to save members’ moneyTri-County members’ continue to save money by using their Co-op Connection Card ®. Since TCEC rolled out the card our members have saved over $8,400 in pharmacy costs. Be sure to visit www.connections.coop for up-to-the-minute offers. Also take some time to look at the VIPSavings portion to see how you can save and get cash back.

Participant Area DealColton's Steakhouse Kirksville location only $5 off any purchase of $25 or moreLovegreen Ford-Chrysler Kirksville $5 off an oil change* Plus, buy 4 oil changes* and get the 5th one free. FREE tire inspection with oil change purchase. *Applies to light trucks and passenger vehicles.Smith, Moore & Co Kirksville Free Portfolio Review / Free Annuity & Life Insurance Review / 50% Commission discount on your 1st stock tradeThe Turkey Roost Kirksville $25 off any full size turkey mountSubway Both Kirksville locations Get 1 free 21 oz. drink w/ purchase of footlong sub. One per customer. Payless Shoe Store Kirksville 10% off total transactionBlue Sky Ammo Downing $10 off puchase of gunInternational Eyecare Center Kirksville and Memphis $10 off comprehensive eye exam; 20% off eyewear (frame and lenses) Not valid with other discounts or insurance.Walker Motors Memphis Free detail with collision repairKirksville Farm & Home Kirksville 10% off Carhartt or Under Armour clothing (reg. price)Woody's Tire Auto & Towing Kirksville $5.00 off-17 pint trop artic lube up to 5 qt. of trop artic oilCook's Mens Store Memphis 20% off reg. price boots/shoes (Red Wing, Wolverine, Justin companies, Rocky, Hush Puppies, New Balance)Depot Inn & Suites LaPlata 10% off regular room or the meal suiteBellacino's Pizza & Grinders/TCBY Kirksville 10% off any menu item of regular priceNancy's Foot Care Memphis x 1 Hour Reflexology Sessions Get One Free

Visit www.connections.coop for all the discounts

Tri-County Electric’s commitment to you goes beyond providing safe, reliable, and affordable electricity. We’re always looking for ways to provide value to our members and our community, especially during tough economic times. Tri-County Electric’s Co-op Connections Card is a money-saving tool we’re proud to offer our membership. The card connects you with discounts on everything from hotel stays to prescription drugs. A wide variety of merchants throughout our community accept the card. Be sure to present the card at the register to receive your discount!We hope local businesses participating in the Co-op Connections program benefit from increased traffic from Tri-County Electric members. Businesses can sign up for the program at no cost. For a complete list of all participating businesses in our area, simply log on to our website www.tricountyelectric.org and follow the Co-op Connections Card link.The card also gives you access to online savings at more than 95 national retailers like Barnes&Noble.com, Hertz Rental Cars, Best Western hotels and ProFlowers.com. You can check out these great national discounts at www.connections.coop. One of the most valuable features of the Co-op Connections Card is the pharmacy discount. While it is not insurance, the discount can mean savings of 10 to 60 percent on prescription drugs. The logo and information on the back of your card is recognized at more than 60,000 national, regional, and local pharmacies.The pharmacy discount has been widely used by members of Touchstone Energy co-ops across the country, resulting in combined savings of nearly $20 million on prescriptions.Want to find out more? Log on to www.locateproviders.com to search for pharmacies in our area honoring the card. Use code 22203 as the group number under the “Groups” login section. Next, enter your zip code. As a Touchstone Energy co-op, Tri-County strives to serve our members according to four core values: integrity, accountability, innovation and commitment to community. Our Co-op Connections Card is one of the ways we live up to those values.We’re eager to answer any questions you have about the card and how to take advantage of the discounts it provides. Call us at 660.457.3733 to find out more, or log onto www.tricountyelectric.org.

Co-op Connections Card Puts Value in Your Wallet

Important dates:OFFICE CLOSINGS

February 15President’s Day

March 25All Employee Meeting

Tri-County Electric CooperativePO Box 159

Lancaster, MO 63548660-457-3733 or

888-457-3734www.tricountyelectric.org

Board of DirectorsPresident-Mark VanDolah

Vice President-Harley HarrelsonSecretary-Dave KochTreasurer-Bill Triplett

Rusty AndersKelley Church

Kenny McNamarJoe Sebolt

Melody Whitacre

General ManagerJane Bahler-Hurt

TO REPORT AN OUTAGECall Toll-Free

888-457-3734Local

660-457-3733Before Calling:• Check your breakers or

fuses• Check to see if your

neighbors have powerWhen calling be sure to have the following:• Your name• Member number • Location • Which account (if you

have multiple accounts)

A newsletter for members ofProviding energy for life.Tri-County Electric Cooperative

Tri-County Fee ScheduleLate Payment Fee $5.00Meter Test Fee $30.00Returned Check Fee $30.00Collection Trip Fee $30.00Trip Fee for Member’s Side OutageOffice Hours $60.00After Hours $120.00Reconnect FeeOffice Hours $120.00w/in 12 mos. $120.00After Hours $180.00

What can you do to reduce your electricity bill in 2016? Here are a few simple solutions for the new year that can make a difference in what you pay on your monthly bill:Schedule a home energy audit — Check with your cooperative to see if it offers a home energy audit or can recommend a provider. These audits will identify where your house is leaking energy and will help you set priorities in fixing the problems. It’s the best investment you can make when it comes to energy efficiency.Do a nightly energy sweep — Before you turn in at night, walk through your home turning off lights and electronic gadgets and appliances that don’t need to be powered 24/7. Consider changing the thermostat to a more economical setting while you sleep.Set your water heater at 120 degrees — Such a simple thing to do, but it can make a difference. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, every 10-degree reduction in water temperature can save 3 to 5 percent in energy costs. Some manufacturers set their heaters at 140 degrees, but this higher temperature can be dangerous — it could scald — and it promotes mineral buildup in pipes.Replace every incandescent light bulb —The quality of light output by CFLs and LEDs has dramatically improved in the past decade. You won’t miss the incandescent once you’ve made the switch. Energy-efficiency writer Michael Bluejay at www.michaelbluejay.com points out that replacing 10 60-watt incandescent light bulbs with CFLs can save $123 a year.Insulate and weatherize — Maybe you can’t afford new windows or a more efficient furnace this year. But chances are you can afford to caulk and seal, add plastic sheeting to windows and add insulation to attics, crawl spaces and exterior walls. Such improvements are often the most cost-effective way to improve energy efficiency and comfort. Energy Star estimates you can save up to 20 percent on heating and cooling costs by sealing and insulating. You may even qualify for free or reduced weatherization through your local community action corporation.Use power strips — Connect electronics and appliances that don’t need power 24/7 to power strips that you can efficiently turn on and off. Get rid of that phantom electricity use!Wash cold and hang to dry — About 90 percent of the cost of washing clothes is for heating the water. New effective cold-water detergents make washing clothes in cold water a snap. Michael Bluejay says you can save on average $150 a year. Then, if you use a clothesline instead of a dryer, add another nearly $200 in savings.Replace furnace and air conditioning filters — Every month in season, replace dirty filters to improve air flow. Clogged units won’t operate as efficiently.Lower thermostat in winter and raise in summer — Set your winter thermostat at 68 degrees and summer at 78. Every degree you adjust down in winter and up in summer for an eight-hour period will reduce your fuel bill by about 1 percent.Plant a tree — Deciduous trees on the east, southwest and west sides of your house can cut summer energy bills as they mature and shade your home. And if wind cuts efficiency in the winter, plant a shrub or tree windbreak to deflect some of the wind.

Resolve to Pay Less for Energy in 2016