rural electric nebraskan

September 2012

Keeping theLights On

Keeping theLights On

September 2012 3

“The Rural Voice of Nebraska”

Volume 66, Number 9, September 2012

Features

The Speed of Light(ing) 6

Public power districts and electric cooperatives are working tosee if emerging lighting options can curb rising costs. In the raceto fill the nation’s growing need for efficient lighting comes anew breed of illuminators, led by light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

Keeping the Lights On 12

Pat Pope, President and CEO of Nebraska Public Power District,explains how Nebraska puts the electric grid to work to bringreliable, affordable electricity to your home, farm or ranch.

Departments

On the cover

Nebraska Public Power District’s high-voltage system connects 91 out of93 counties in its chartered service territory. See the releated story onpage 12. Photograph provided by NPPD.

Contents

EDITOR’S PAGE 4

SAFETY BRIEFS — Murphy 16

CUT YOUR UTILITY BILLS by James Dulley 18

RECIPES 20

ADULT PEN PALS 21

MARKETPLACE/CLASSIFIEDS 22

Staff

Editor

Wayne Price

Editorial Assistant

Kathy Barkmeier

Published by the

Visit us at www.nrea.org

General Manager

Jay Holmquist

President

Gary Dill,

Roosevelt Public Power District

Vice President/Secretary

Randy Papenhausen,

Cedar-Knox Public Power District

Treasurer

Ron Jensen,

Loup Valleys Rural

Public Power District

Published monthly by the Nebraska Rural Electric

Association, 1244 K Street, Box 82048, Lincoln,

Nebraska 68501, (402) 475-4988.

Advertising in the Rural Electric Nebraskan doesnot imply endorsement for products by theNebraska Rural Electric Association.Correspondence should be sent to Wayne Price,Editor, Rural Electric Nebraskan, Box 82048,Lincoln, NE 68501.

The Rural Electric Nebraskan is printed by JacobNorth Companies, Box 82046, Lincoln, NE68501. Form 3579 should be sent to the RuralElectric Nebraskan, Box 82048, Lincoln, NE68501.

Periodicals postage paid at Lincoln, Neb. POST-MASTER: send address changes to the RuralElectric Nebraskan, 1244 K Street, Box 82048,Lincoln, NE 68501.

Publication numbers are USPS 071-630 andISSN 0193-4937.

Rates: $10 for one year; $15 for two years; $20for three years, plus local and state tax.

ow that I have replaced just about allthe incandescent light bulbs in myhouse with the energy efficient com-

pact fluorescent kind, I’m learning that thereis something even better available -- thelight-emitting diode (LED) lamp. But likeevery other form of new technology, it comeswith a price.And let’s face it, the amount I have to

spend for each of these new bulbs will have amajor factor in my decision of replacing theCFLs I have now or from buying somethingdifferent when they burn out. Judging fromwhat I’ve seen and heard so far, price mightbe the one area where LEDtechnology could use themost work.You might have heard

about the U.S. Departmentof Energy’s $10 million L-Prize. The contest was cre-ated to help motivate light-ing manufacturers to comeup with a 60-watt lightbulb that would bridge thegap as traditional incan-descent bulbs transitionout of the market duringthe next few years. You might have even

seen the winning designfrom Philips. It has a yel-low bulb that looks like it issplit into three sections.The Philips bulb did everything the DOEasked for in terms of efficiency, output, lightquality and longevity. It emits 910 lumens oflight, more than a normal 60-watt incandes-cent, but consumes less than 10 watts,�an 83percent savings in energy. It even featuresthe “warm-white” look most people prefer,along with omnidirectional light distribu-tion. The bulb is projected to last more than25,000 hours, while a traditional incandes-cent lasts about 1,000 hours.However, since the bulb has been put on

store shelves in April, it hasn’t “taken off”like experts expected. Part of the reasonmight be the bulb’s $50 price tag. Rules ofthe L-Prize contest strongly encourages par-ticipants to create a product that would beavailable at a price both “cost effective and

attractive” to consumers. The target retailprice, which included rebates from electricutilities, was around $22 in the first year,$15 in the second, and $8 in the third.Unfortunately, even with a $10 in-store

rebate offered at some retailers, the price islikely to scare off most people out shoppingfor light bulbs. Especially when some placeslike Home Depot and Menards already sellother 60-watt equivalent LEDs for under$25.We’ve been spoiled for all these years on

cheap incandescent bulbs, getting four 75-watt bulbs for about $1.75. But I’m afraid

those cheap deals are com-ing to an end.

As a result of the feder-al Energy Independenceand Security Act of 2007,light bulbs sold in theUnited States must be 28percent more efficient thanregular incandescent bulbs(which use 90 percent oftheir energy producingheat) starting in 2012, andby 2020 they must be 70percent more efficient. As aresult, time-tested 100-watt incandescent bulbswill disappear from storeshelves this year, with 75-watt, 60-watt, and 40-wattversions following by 2014.

Light bulbs are now available in morevarieties including CFLs, LEDs or new halo-gen incandescent models that meet the newfederal standards. CFLs and LEDs both areabout 75 percent more efficient than tradi-tional incandescents. CFLs also last about 10times longer than standard incandescentbulbs, while LEDs last about 25 timeslonger. Redesigned incandescents claimenergy savings of 25 percent and a lifespanup to three times longer than their soon-to-be-extinct predecessors.So for now I will continue to keep an eye on

the developments in the world of light bulbsand hope that the more efficient, longer last-ing LEDs will start to come down in pricesoon as I enjoy the energy savings from allmy CFLs.

Rural Electric Nebraskan4

EDITOR’S PAGE

by Wayne Price

The rising cost of lighting our homes

N

Check us

out online

While competing for the L-Prize,

LEDs endured 18 months of test-

ing under strenuous circum-

stances. Photograph provided by

U.S. Department of Energy

September 2012 5

our child’s first yearaway at college isalways an exciting time.

Living in a dorm room, beingaway on their own, and ofcourse keeping up with thewhirl of studies all adds up to apretty heady experience foryour 18-year-old. Odds are thatthe last thing on their mindwill be following electrical safe-ty precautions in their dormroom. That could be a dangerous

oversight. UnderwritersLaboratories reports approxi-mately 1,800 fires a year takeplace in dormitories and frater-nity and sorority housing. Andthose statistics don’t include off cam-pus housing where around 2/3 of stu-dents reside. While they’re home for a long

weekend, take the time to alert yourchild to the potential dangers in theirdorm room. If you’re driving themback to school afterwards, use thislist to check for dorm room troublespots:• Cooking Equipment: Almost 41percent of dorm room fires arecaused while cooking, and most ofthose are due to lack of attention,according to the National FireProtection Association. Never letanything cook unattended, andalways keep hotplates, toasters,microwave ovens, and coffeemakersat a safe distance from flammablematerials like bedding, drapes, cloth-ing or paper. It’s a good idea to switchoff appliances, or better yet, unplugthem when not in use. And remem-ber to check your college’s guidelineson approved equipment for dormrooms.• Overloaded Circuits: Older dorm

rooms weren’t built to supply thepower needs of today’s microwaves,laptops, refrigerators, stereos, andother appliances. The result is oftenoverloaded circuits. Test them bytouching a plug or outlet to see if it’shot; if so, unplug it immediately andget help from the campus housing

staff. In general, try to use commonsense and run as few appliances intoone outlet as possible.• Extension Cords: Like outlets,

extension cords can easily becomeoverloaded. To check that the con-nected appliances don’t exceed acord’s rated wattage, add together thewattage of the appliances (usuallydisplayed somewhere on the appli-ance itself) plugged into the cord and

compare it to the cord’s ratedwattage. If the rating of the appli-ance is given in amps instead ofwatts, simply multiply the ampsby 125 (as in 125 volts) to calcu-late the correct wattage. If a cordfeels hot to the touch, immediate-ly unplug the appliances andreplace the cord. Make sure allextension cords (or anything youplug into the wall) display a ULlabel, which shows they meet test-ed and approved standards. Neverrun extension cords under carpetsor doors, where they can igniteand cause a fire, and never con-nect more than one extension cordtogether.

• Power Strips: These are anecessity in most outlet-deficientdorm rooms, but don’t overload themwith too many appliances. Look forone with an over-current protector,which automatically shuts off thestrip if too much power is beingdrawn. Surge protectors guardagainst power surges and spikes thatcan damage sensitive electronics likecomputers and laptops. Be sure thesedevices are being used.

Getting a higher education in dorm room safety

Y

Don’t overload a power strip in the dorm room.

Photograph provided by Underwriters

Labratories


fter maintaining a steadypace for a century, lightingtechnology has begun to leap

forward, fueled by tightening energyefficiency standards and heftyincentives for manufacturers. Anddespite a bit of price shock on somelighting products, Nebraskans —especially large commercial andindustrial accounts — are workingwith their local, not-for-profit, con-sumer-owned power providers to seeif emerging lighting options cancurb rising costs.

Shifting standardsCongress first enacted improvedenergy efficiency standards forincandescent bulbs under the federalEnergy Independence and SecurityAct of 2007. But when new lightbulbrules began to take effect in 2012,they were met with confusion. Under the law, by 2014, lightbulbs

using between 40-W to 100-W mustconsume at least 28 percent lessenergy than traditional incandes-cents, which will save Americans anestimated $6 billion to $10 billion inlighting costs annually. The meas-ure also mandates that lightbulbsbecome 70 percent more efficient by2020.In June of this year, the U.S.

House passed an amendment to stopenforcement of these standards,mirroring a funding freeze for

enforcement efforts adopted in late2011. Yet even if the provisionbecomes law, very little will change.Congress has not repealed or adjust-ed existing lightbulb efficiency stan-dards or changed the timeline forimplementation. Major lightingmanufacturers like General

Electric, Philips, and OsramSylvania continue working to com-ply with the 2007 law.As the next wave of standards

kicks in, traditional 75-W incandes-cent lightbulbs will no longer beavailable as of January 1, 2013, and40-W and 60-W versions will nolonger be available as of January 1,2014. In the race to fill the nation’sgrowing need for efficient lightingcomes a new breed of illuminators,led by light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

‘Solid’ lightingIncandescent bulbs create lightusing a thin wire (filament) inside aglass bulb — a delicate connectionthat can easily be broken, as frus-trated homeowners can attest. Incontrast, LEDs are at the forefrontof solid-state lighting — small,packed electronic chip devices. Twoconductive materials are placedtogether on a chip (a diode).Electricity passes through the diode,releasing energy in the form of light.Invented in 1960 by General

Electric, the first LEDs were red —

The Speed of

Blazing a trail for efficient lighting technology

by Megan McKoy-Noe

A

The T-Bar M Dairy Ranch, outside of Durant, Okla., normally uses 250-W metal

halide lights in its barns. CRN exchanged those bulbs in 10 fixtures with 120-W

LEDs. After six months, the dairy had cut energy use by 55 percent and boost-

ed brightness by 30 percent. Photograph provided by Cooperative Research

Network

Light(ing)

the color depends on materialsplaced on the diode. Yellow, green,and orange LEDs were created inthe 1970s and the recipe for thecolor blue — the foundation forwhite LEDs — was unlocked in themid-1990s. Originally used inremote controls, exit signs, digitalwatches, alarm clocks, and car sig-nal lights, LEDs quickly gainedmomentum for large-scale lighting.By 2030, the U.S. Department of

Energy estimates solid-state light-ing technologies could reduce theamount of electricity used for light-ing (currently 13.6 percent of thenation’s total) by half, saving up to$30 billion a year in energy costs.

Farming LEDsPublic power districts and electriccooperatives are supporting LEDstudy through the CooperativeResearch Network (CRN), an arm ofthe Arlington, Va.-based NationalRural Electric CooperativeAssociation. Recently, CRN workedwith Western Farmers ElectricCooperative, a generation andtransmission cooperative based inAnadarko, Okla., and the Oklahoma

State University Animal ScienceDepartment to evaluate LEDs at afarrowing operation and a dairyfarm in the Sooner State. The proj-ect measured the effectiveness ofLEDs in harsh environments andlooked for any influence on animalbehavior. T-Bar M Dairy Ranch, outside of

Durant, Okla., normally uses 250-Wmetal halide lights in its barns. CRNexchanged those bulbs in 10 fixtureswith 120-W LEDs. After six months,the dairy had cut energy use by 55percent and boosted brightness by 30percent. “Utility costs go up every year —

that’s reality,” explains TamiTollenaar, who manages the dairy.“To move forward in your business,you have to look for ways to be moreefficient. LEDs are one of the thingswe can do to help us move forward.”CRN also worked with Robinson

Family Farms, a 380,000-head hogoperation in Holdenville, Okla. Thefarm already used compact fluores-cent lamps (CFLs) but had problemsbecause those bulbs didn’t work wellin harsh conditions.“Lighting for a swine facility is

pretty important,” explains ownerRich Robinson. “We try to convincethe sows it’s spring year-round toimprove their eating habits.”CRN switched 25 fixtures from 26-

W CFLs to 15-W LEDs. After sixmonths, Robinson slashed his energy

September 2012 7

Please turn to page 8

At the T-Bar M Dairy Ranch, outside

of Durant, Okla., workers installed

LEKTRON Corona II 120-W LED fix-

tures to replace 250-W metal halide

lights. Photograph provided by

Western Farmers Electric

Cooperative

use by 54 percent.“I was worried because normally

when you see an LED it doesn’t seemto put out as much light as a 150-watt incandescent bulb — it’s a dif-ferent type of light,” Robinsonadmits. “But, after installing thelights, I was surprised at how wellthey lit up the area. I think the LEDsactually outperformed the CFLs.”“The initial cost of LEDs is signifi-

cantly higher than conventionallighting,” notes Scott Williams,Western Farmers Electric commer-cial & industrial marketing manager.“Like all modern technology, you canexpect the price to come down as theproduct develops. However, when youconsider all the factors over the lifecycle of a light, LEDs have alreadyproved they save money.”

Shedding Light on LEDs Curious to know if LEDs are right foryou? Homeowners can visit

www.energysavers.gov/lighting tocompare LEDs to new energy-effi-cient incandescent bulbs and CFLs.The Touchstone Energy®

Cooperatives free app, “Save Energy,Save Money” for iPhone, iPad, andAndroid devices, includes a lightingcalculator showing the potential sav-ings from replacing incandescentlamps with either CFLs or LEDs;learn more atwww.togetherwesave.com/Energy-Saving-App-Smartphones. For morein-depth information about LEDsand other types of solid-state light-ing, visit www.eere.energy.gov/build-ings/ssl. Sources: U.S. Department of Energy,Cooperative Research Network,Philips, Energy Star, U.S. EnergyInformation Administration

Megan McKoy-Noe writes onconsumer and cooperativeaffairs for the National RuralElectric CooperativeAssociation, the Arlington, Va.-based service organization forthe nation’s 900-plus consumer-owned, not-for-profit publicpower districts and electriccooperatives. Rob Holt con-tributed to this article.


The Speed of Light(ing)From page 7

uly 14 came and went without

the death knell ringing for 700

series T-8 fluorescent lamps.

That’s because the U.S. Department

of Energy (DOE) has postponed by

two years — to July 14, 2014 — the

phaseout of the ubiquitous glass

tubes commonly used in basements,

garages, and commercial buildings.

DOE responded to three separate

requests — by lighting giants GE,

Osram Sylvania, and Philips — for

an exception from the ban on manu-

facturing or importing the items. As a

result, retailers can continue to sell 1-

in. thick, 700 series T-8 general-serv-

ice fluorescent lamps. Gaining a

reprieve are 4-ft. medium bi-pin, 2-ft.

U-shaped, 8-ft. Slimline, and 8-ft.

high-output models produced by the

three companies, according to the

National Lighting Bureau (NLB), a

trade group based in Silver Spring,

Maryland

“The basis for the exceptions was

the growing scarcity and escalating

costs of the rare-earth oxides used to

manufacture the phosphors [coat-

ings in fluorescent lightbulbs that

make them luminescent] intrinsic to

proper functioning of fluorescent

lamps,” NLB Executive Director John

P. Bachner explains. “That problem

was not foreseen when DOE ordered

the phaseout, for energy efficiency

reasons, in 2009.”

If the T-8 phaseout had taken

place last month as planned, 800

series T-8s would have been a logi-

cal replacement. But because of their

significantly higher content of rare

earths, these lamps are much more

expensive than 700 series T-8s.

While world demand for rare

earths could hit 180,000 tons this

year, global supplies are pegged at

less than 160,000 tons. China —

which controls approximately 97 per-

cent of the world’s supply of rare-

earth elements and rare-earth oxides

— has set its export quota at 30,000

tons.

“The impact on cost is stunning,”

Bachner adds. “The price of some

rare-earth oxides has increased

4,500 percent in the past 10 years,

and in many cases most of the rise

has occurred over the past three

years alone. The price of terbium, for

example, shot up 400 percent in

2011, while the price on Europium

spiked more than 500 percent.”

NLB Chairman Howard Lewis

applauds DOE for protecting “afford-

ability when it’s needed.”

Source: RE Magazine

J

‘China Syndrome’ gives T-8s new lease on life

Western Farmers Electric marketing

managers Scott Williams (left) and

Kalun Kelley are shown with a

Lektron LED light fixture similar to

those installed for the T Bar M Ranch

dairy project. Photograph provided by

Western Farmers Electric

Cooperative

September 2012 9

he Department of Energyshould act quickly so thatlarge-volume electric resist-

ance water heaters can continueproviding cost-effective demandresponse functions, NRECA andother industry stakeholders recom-mended.They called on DOE to create a

new product class of grid-interactiveelectric water heaters and a newenergy efficiency standard.NRECA was joined by the

American Public Power Association,Edison Electric Institute, PJMInterconnection and Steffes Corp.,an equipment manufacturer, in theJuly 13 filing. The comments camein response to the department’srequest for information on theimpact of its amended energy con-servation standards for residentialelectric water heaters on utilitydemand response and energy stor-age programs.According to the joint comments,

the amended standards’ threat aris-es from the requirement that electricwater heaters with storage capaci-ties above 55 gallons have a 200 per-cent efficiency factor — which canonly be met with heat pump waterheaters — by April 2015.Unless the department acts, this

requirement will have seriousadverse consequences on largecapacity, grid-enabled electric resist-ance water heaters, the commentscautioned.These water heaters can interact

with the grid on several fronts,including utility demand responseprograms, regional grid operators’frequency response programs, andenergy storage programs that inte-grate renewables in response to gridconditions.Meanwhile, the heat pump water

heater, the technology required bythe amended standards, is “a poor fitfor providing the grid interactiveservices” available from large-capac-ity grid-enabled electric resistancewater heaters.Should the amended standards go

into effect as now constituted, thecomments cautioned, “Existingdemand response programs involv-ing millions of dollars of value toAmerican consumers … will begin todecline and eventually disappear.”According to Jay Morrison,

NRECA vice president, regulatoryissues, more than two dozen mem-bers filed separate comments, alongwith some investor-owned utilitiesand equipment manufacturers.“We’ll collect and review the filings,but it appears there is overwhelm-ing support for relief,” he indicated.The submittal of comments is only

the first step in the process,Morrison noted.“To get relief, we’d need a rule-

making, which will be a long andslow process,” he added. “But, I’mhopeful here.”Source: Electric Co-op Today

DOE urges shift on water heaters

T

Photograph provided by Rheem

Manufacturing Company


rought, along with hail,wind, heat and other factors,has left some corn yields

extremely low across the state.However, damaged corn often can befed to livestock for forage.Silage, green chop hay and graz-

ing all can work to help capture thecorn crop’s forage value for live-stock, said Bruce Anderson, exten-sion forage specialist in theInstitute of Agriculture andNatural Resources at theUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln.However, harvest costs can

be high, especially whenyield per acre is low, so it'simportant to carefully evalu-ate the economics of any sal-vage operation, he said.Anderson and UNL Extension

educator Tom Dorn recommend tak-ing these preliminary considera-tions into account:• If grain prices remain high,

grain yield may not need to be veryhigh to justify selecting grain har-vest over forage harvest.• Sometimes leaving the corn

residue can result in increased yieldnext year and that increase mayprovide more value than that result-ing from forage use.

• Check labels of all chemicalsapplied to be sure they are clearedfor forage use and that the mini-mum harvest interval has been met.• Check with the U.S. Department

of Agriculture’s Farm ServiceAgency and your crop insurer tomaintain compliance with farm pro-grams and crop insurance require-ments.

• Nitrate concentrations canreach toxic levels in weather-dam-aged corn. The harvest method canaffect the nitrate, a particular con-cern when it's being fed to livestock.Leaving a tall stubble (8 or moreinches) will reduce nitrate risk butnot eliminate it.It’s important to analyze each har-

vest method accordingly – makingsilage, green chop, hay, grazing orwindrow grazing, Dorn said.When it comes to harvest meth-

ods, silage may be the safest method

of harvest as fermentation usually(but not always) reduces nitrate lev-els and risk, Anderson said.While green chop minimizes

waste, it may also be the most dan-gerous way to salvage corn. If pres-ent, nitrates will start to changeinto nitrites (about 10 times asdeadly) as green chop begins toheat.

Hay may be the most dif-ficult method of mechanicalharvest, especially if earshave started to form – thestalk and especially the earswill be slow and difficult todry.

Challenges with grazinginclude acidosis risk for cat-tle not accustomed to grain

if ears have started to fill (smartcows will selectively graze ears),waste from excessive trampling,availability of drinking water,perimeter fencing and nitrates.Windrow grazing includes cutting

as you would for hay and then graz-ing the windrows rather than balingthem. It eliminates the cost of bal-ing, transporting bales or feedingbales. It also eliminates any flexibil-ity in feeding location and mayreduce opportunities to sell the cornforage.

D

For more detailed information

about harvest methods, consult

CropWatch, UNL Extension's

crops production newsletter

at http://cropwatch.unl.edu/.

If using drought-damaged corn for forage, make decision carefully

September 2012 11

nppd.com

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Change air filter to savemoney and energy

ere’s a tip that can help yourcooling and heating systemoperate more efficiently —

and save you money. Change your air filter regular-

ly. It only takes a couple of minutesto change the air filter in your heat-ing/cooling system. It’s simple andeasy. Changing your filter everymonth can save you $82 a year.But that’s not all you can save. A

dirty air filter makes your systemwork harder to keep you cool, whichwastes energy. Changing your airfilter regularly helps to ensure effi-cient operation and keep your elec-tricity bill in check. What’s more, adirty air filter allows dust and dirtto build up in your system.Changing your air filter regularlycan reduce the need for costly main-tenance and prevent damage to yoursystem.

H


he high-voltage power linescrisscrossing the Cornhuskerstate and running parallel to

many of its concrete, tar, and gravelbyways are a complex configurationof electrical connections. As a whole,the grid receives very little atten-tion, until the lights go out. Then, itsimportance to our livelihoods standscenter stage. We, at the Nebraska Public Power

District, actually want you to takethe grid for granted because thatmeans you are receiving reliableservice.Connected to NPPD’s high-voltage

system are thousands of miles ofdistribution lines that carry electric-ity to your home or farm. Whileresponsible for the high-voltage sys-tem connecting 91 out of 93 countiesin its chartered service territory,NPPD also operates and maintainsdistribution lines in 80 communi-ties, such as Norfolk and Scottsbluff.Other public power utilities in thestate, like yours, manage the rest ofthe infrastructure supportingNebraska’s communities and coun-ties. We work together, as an indus-try, to keep your lights on.

When to buildEach year, NPPD collects informa-tion from its utility partners todetermine how much electricity theythink their customers will need inthe future. Because we are not-for-profit, we will not build power linesand increase rates unnecessarily.Community expansions or loadgrowth from businesses, irrigation,and increased appliance use dictatewhere and when we will build, and

NPPD invests millions of dollarseach year to refurbish, rebuild, orconstruct power lines and relatedequipment, such as substations, tomeet customer needs. For instance, NPPD is currently

constructing 17 miles of distributionlines in the South Sioux City area tosupport its commercial and indus-trial load growth. We are also build-ing 53 miles of high-voltage trans-mission line in the Axtell area torelieve constraints on other powerlines in the area that help deliverthe electricity produced at Gerald

Gentleman Station (GGS), ourlargest and lowest cost, generationresource. Meanwhile, NPPD is in the early

stages of planning for the construc-tion of two line segments that willenhance reliability, reduce bottle-necks, and enable further winddevelopment in the state. While wehave not determined an exact routefor the lines, we know the first seg-ment will run about 220 miles northof GGS into Cherry County and theneast to Holt County. A second,approximate 40-mile line will run

By Pat Pope, President & CEO ofNebraska Public Power District

Keeping the

Lights On

T

NPPD operates and maintains more than 5,000 miles of transmission lines that

carry electricity from one side of the state to another. That’s about the same dis-

tance between Los Angeles and London. Photograph provided by NPPD

September 2012 13

from a substation near Norfolk to anew substation at Neligh, reinforc-ing power delivery between the westand east sides of the state. Nebraska’s electrical grid ulti-

mately interconnects with eightother transmission grids throughoutthe United States. This project ispart of a 10-year plan to improvetransmission reliability in Nebraskaand the Midwest. Construction costswill be shared with other utilitiesthat benefit from having a strongerregional grid. NPPD expects theproject will take several years tocomplete and will begin holdingopen houses this fall to gather pub-lic input about possible routes.

Challenges and benefitsMother Nature can wreak havoc ona transmission system. She maylook like an ice storm, spring torna-do, or this year’s high temperaturesand drought. In the case of storms,when one line is impacted, NPPDseeks multiple routes to restoreservice to a community or rural areauntil the affected line is repaired. This summer’s challenges, howev-

er, were different. Historical andunrelenting weather put an extraor-dinary demand for electricity on oursystem. Customers ran air condi-tioners, businesses operated inintense heat, and farmers needed topump additional water to irrigatecrops due to a lack of rainfall. Sometransmission facilities, whether dueto age, equipment issues, or locationwithin a high-demand area weremore vulnerable to overloading. There were several days when we

came close to reaching the limits ofour transmission system in thenorth central part of the state. Toaddress the situation, NPPD workedclosely with customers to identifysolutions that maintained overallreliability. Farmers and the agricul-tural community took steps tochange their watering schedules,and customers across the statemade choices to reduce energy usageduring peak times. This partnershipproved invaluable in helping tomaintain system integrity and min-imize the challenging load.

We will continue working with ourutility partners to determine howmuch electricity customers neednext year and the years after; andwe will make what infrastructure orprocess improvements are necessaryto improve system reliability.Meanwhile, all customers areencouraged to continue practicingenergy conservation to reduce notonly their electric bill, but lessendemand on the system and poten-tially delay the need for buildingadditional power plants in the

future. The benefits of Nebraska’s trans-

mission system are obvious, yettransparent to the naked eye.Ensuring you have the electricityyou need whenever you want to turnon a light or appliance is our respon-sibility, and we are proud to workwith your utility to make sure it isthere. That’s why NPPD’s motto is,“Always there when you need us,”and it is our goal to deliver on thatassurance each, and every, day.


ecause heat pumps are themost efficient electric heat-ing and cooling technology,

they are an excellent choice if yourhome needs a heating, ventilation,and air conditioning (HVAC)upgrade. While electric resistanceheaters are about 100 percent effi-cient — meaning all the electricitythat goes into it is used to generateheat — heat pumps can claim effi-ciency of 200 percent to 400 percent. But the proper heat pump for your

home depends on a variety of fac-tors. Following are some tips whenconsidering air-source and ground-source heat pumps.

Air-SourceThere are two main types of air-source heat pumps: ducted andductless. Both provide heating andcooling, and they can also create hotwater. In cooling mode, these appliances

function similar to an air condition-er by moving heat from inside tooutside your dwelling. In heatingmode, the refrigerant flow isreversed and delivers warm airindoors.When outdoor temperatures drop,

the efficiency of air-source heat

pumps decrease. As a result, thesedevices are more commonly used inareas of the country that do not expe-rience extremely cold weather forextended periods. A good rule ofthumb for air-source heat pumps isthat they are effective until the ther-mometer hits the 35 F to 42 F range.For residents in Nebraska, dual

fuel setups — which combine an air-source heat pump with a naturalgas-, propane-, or heating oil-firedfurnace — are often employed.During fall and spring months, theheat pump warms the home. When aprolonged cold snap hits, the supple-mental furnace takes over. Ducted systems have been the tra-

ditional air-source heat pump route,but ductless systems are picking upsteam because they require an esti-mated 50 percent to 60 percent lesselectricity than electric resistanceheating. In addition, air-source heatpumps that achieve Energy Star des-ignation — meaning they meet orexceed federal energy efficiency stan-dards — can be up to nine percentmore efficient than standard air-

B

Picking the right heat pump for your needs

by Brian Sloboda

Geothermal systems use underground

coils filled with water or a special solu-

tion that work with a heat pump unit to

heat and cool a home or business.

Photograph provided by Delta-

Montrose Electric Association

Geothermal heat pumps are estimat-

ed to have an investment payback

period of two to 10 years, so it’s a

good idea to work with your local

electric utility and a knowledgeable

contractor to choose the unit that’s

best for your home. Photograph pro-

vided by Hydron Module Geothermal

Systems

source heat pumps.

Ground-SourceGround-source heat pumps, alsocalled geothermal heat pumps, userelatively stable underground tem-peratures to heat and cool a home,and even to supply hot water. Theycome in two types: A groundwater(open-loop) heat pump uses wellwater, while an earth-coupled (closed-loop) model moves a water-and-antifreeze solution through under-ground pipes to disperse heat. Thechoice depends on local conditions.

Ground-source heat pumps tendto be the most efficient heating andcooling technology available, but theup-front cost is significantly higherthan air-source heat pumps. Thefinal price tag depends on where youlive and what kind of system youhave. A typical residential consumerselecting a geothermal system willsave 30 percent to 60 percent on anaverage heating and cooling bill,with a payback period varying fromtwo to 10 years, according to theU.S. Department of Energy.

How to chooseChoosing a heating and cooling sys-tem for your home is a big decisionwith lots of variables. Be sure to callyour local public power district orelectric cooperative for advice onwhat type of unit will work best foryour area, and ask if there are anyincentives for installing a heatpump. Then, contact a reputableand knowledgeable HVAC contrac-tor to discuss your options.

September 2012 15

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Geothermal systems are usually the

most efficient type of heat pump, with

a higher upfront cost but lower ener-

gy bills. Photograph provided by

GeoComfort Geothermal Systems

eat pumps are potentially themost efficient type of electricheat. When they’re properly

installed, heat pumps can deliver 11/2 to 3 times more heat energy to ahome than the electric energy theyconsume. Unfortunately, the energysavings produced by the heat pump’sdesign are often lost to poor installa-tion and neglected maintenance. All heat pumps include two differ-

ent systems that produce heat.During moderately cool weather,your heat pump engages its firststage to heat your home. In thismost-efficient mode, it works like anair conditioner in reverse, using acompressor to circulate refrigerantthrough the outdoor coil and gather-ing heat from the outdoor air. Therefrigerant then carries heat to theindoor coil and releases it into thehome. This first stage works welldown to about 35 degrees. Below thistemperature, heat pumps don’t workas effectively, and the second stage ofheat is activated. This less-effectivestage utilizes electric resistance coilsto produce heat, but it is the onlyoption during severe weather. Heatpump thermostats usually have alight that alerts you when resistanceheat is on. The more your systemdepends on the resistance coils forheating, the higher your energy bill.Efficiency improvements can reduceyour reliance on this second-stageelectric resistance heat.

For example, duct leakage is themost serious and common cause ofhigh heat pump energy bills. Ductleaks allow your expensive condi-tioned air to leak to the outdoors.The most important duct air leaksare those nearest the heat pump’sindoor cabinet because the air pres-sure is greatest there and the tem-perature of the air is the highest.Sealing these duct leaks can saveyou a lot of energy and money.Incorrect refrigerant charge is

another common performance prob-lem. An incorrectly-charged systemmust work overtime to deliver heatto the home. A qualified techniciancan check this charge and add orremove refrigerant as needed.Inadequate airflow also lowers the

performance of heat pumps, andunder-sized ducts are the most com-mon cause. Proper duct sizing solvesthis problem.Though many heating and air con-

ditioning companies don’t includetesting and adjustment of refriger-ant and airflow during their servicecalls, you should ask to have theseimportant procedures included. Yourtechnician should test and seal ductleaks, check and adjust refrigerantcharge, and test and improve air-flow. All are worth the expense to besure that your heat pump is operat-ing at maximum efficiency.Source: John Krigger, SaturnResource Management

Improve heat pump efficiency

H


SAFETY BRIEFS

id you know lighting canstrike even if it’s not raining?Lightning strikes kill 55 to

60 people every year, according tothe National Oceanic andAtmospheric Administration(NOAA). More than 400 people arehit by a bolt each year.Hundreds of people are perma-

nently injured each year. Peoplestruck by lightning suffer from avariety of long-term, debilitatingsymptoms, including memory loss,attention deficits, sleep disorders,and chronic pain.There are about 25 million light-

ning flashes in the U.S. every year.Each of those 25 million flashes is apotential killer. Lightning continuesto be one of the top three storm-related killers in the United States.But if you prepare before an out-

door event and know how to protectyourself, you can keep your familysafe from lightning. Follow thesetips from NOAA:• Plan ahead. Just as you have an

emergency plan for fires and weath-er events like tornadoes, form anaction plan for lightning. Choose asafe shelter, and time how long ittakes to get there.

• Check the weather. A simpleforecast can tell you whether youshould delay outdoor activities toavoid a dangerous situation.• Look to the sky. Dark skies,

whipping winds, and lightningflashes are all signs that you shouldseek shelter.• Seek shelter. As soon as you

hear a rumble of thunder, head for asafe place — an enclosed structure,one with plumbing and wiring isbest, or a car. Open-air shelters,sheds, and covered porches are oftennot safe places. Avoid tall trees thatstand alone, towers, and poles, aswell as metal fences and other con-ductors of electricity. And keep outof open areas, so that you’re not thetallest object in a field.• Wait it out. Leaving safe shelter

too quickly makes you vulnerable tolightning strikes. Wait at least 30minutes after the last rumble ofthunder before you head back out-doors.• Avoid corded phones and appli-

ances. If you’re indoors when a stormhits, do not use corded phones orappliances. Lightning can travelthrough your home’s wiring. Also,water is a great conductor of electric-ity, so don’t take a bath or shower.If someone near you has been

struck by lightning, call 911 imme-diately. A certified person shouldbegin CPR right away if necessary—the victim will not have an electriccharge and is safe to touch. Source: National Oceanic andAtmospheric Administration

DBe alert to avoid the dangers of lightning

Plan ahead to avoid being a victim of

a lightning strike. Photograph by

Megan McKoy-Noe

September 2012 17

ow is the best time to pre-pare homes against invasionof overwintering insects and

spiders, a University of Nebraskaentomologist said.The pesky creatures could begin

seeking refuge from cooler weatherby mid-October. Their most sensitivetarget is the home, but offices, retailstores, warehouses and productionfacilities also are vulnerable, saidJames Kalisch, insect diagnosticianin the university's Institute ofAgriculture and Natural Resources."Usually the scenario is that

because of the cooler temperatures,insects around doors and windowsare drawn inside for shelter andwarmth," Kalisch said. "By mid-November, most insects that aregoing to winter in the home alreadyare there."Though no single pest is expected

to be a threat this season, the typicalgroup of invaders will continue theiryearly pattern, Kalisch said. Theseinclude crickets, Oriental cockroach-es, Asian lady beetles, face and clus-ter flies, boxelder bugs, ground bee-tles, spiders and other insects drawnto light at night. Be also on the alertfor Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs,which are beginning to invade theMidwest from the East.

Though these insects don't causestructural damage or pose a particu-lar hazard to humans, they are a nui-sance and may promote unsanitaryconditions in the home, Kalisch said.Some, like Oriental cockroaches,

reproduce continually and can growinto overwhelming numbers. In addi-tion, boxelder bugs are hardy andtherefore difficult to control. Asianlady beetles favor more forestedareas, but are particularly attractedto homes with rough-cut cedar shin-gles, where they take shelter in thegaps between the shingles.To prevent insects and spiders

from entering the home, Kalisch rec-ommends using caulking to sealcracks and crevices in doors, win-dows, vents and openings for outsidewires or cables. Residents also shouldkeep screens in good repair, vegeta-tion trimmed and structures' bound-aries free from clutter.Insecticides sometimes are neces-

sary around the perimeter of thehome, Kalisch said. Granular treat-ment on the ground and in crevices,especially where the foundationmeets the soil and in window wells,keeps away many potential invaders.Products containing bifenthrin,cypermethrin, permethrin, cyfluthrinand esfenvalerate are appropriate

and effective, he said. It is importantto select an insecticide labeled for thepest or site, and to follow label direc-tions. After application, residentsshould water down the area to acti-vate the chemicals, Kalisch said. If a few insects do get inside, the

less potent aerosol sprays are aneffective control, Kalisch said. Stickytraps inside help pinpoint problemareas and monitor how much impacttreatments have had.Spiders in the home often crawl

around at night searching for insects."If they find food, they set up camp

for the winter," Kalisch said. Spidersalso like to retreat into clothes orother articles left on the floor atnight.Brown recluse spiders are the only

poisonous spiders occasionally foundin Nebraska homes. Bites from otherspiders, while not poisonous, maycause redness, swelling and perhapseven nausea or a slight fever.Sometimes people unknowlingly

invite insect infestations. When theybring outdoor plants inside for thewinter, they often forget to inspectthem and remove insects, Kalischsaid.Source: University of NebraskaInstitute of Agriculture and NaturalResources

NAct now to avoid getting ‘bugged’ this winter


: I want to make my house moreenergy efficient. I am not sure

what improvements it needs, and Idon’t want to invest in a professionalenergy audit. What do I need, andhow can I do my own energy audit?

: Most houses, unless they werebuilt with energy efficiency in

mind, can benefit from improve-ments. The older your house is, themore likely you can significantlyreduce your utility bills. Compared tothe return on most other forms ofinvestments today, efficiencyimprovements to your home can pro-vide a favorable financial return.First, check with your local public

power district or electric cooperativeto see if it has a low- or no-cost ener-gy audit program. If your rural electric utility doesn’t

offer a program, first do a quick, sim-ple analysis to determine how energyefficient your house is by calculatingall the energy your house usesthroughout the entire year. Keep in mind, this does not take

into account the number of people liv-ing in the household or other factorsthat can significantly affect yourenergy use. If someone has a smallbusiness in a home office as I do, youneed to have computers, printers, andother electronics running the majori-ty of the daytime, and unfortunately,most weekends.To determine how much energy

your house consumes annually, checkyour utility bills or other receipts. Thecalculation will be based on totalBritish thermal units (Btus) of energyused. A Btu is about the amount ofheat given off by burning a woodenkitchen match.To convert various amounts of ener-

gy consumed into equivalent Btu’s,use the following conversion factors:

• 1 kilowatt-hour of electricity:3,414 Btu• 1 cubic foot of natural gas: 1,025

Btu• 1 gallon of propane: 91,000 Btu• 1 gallon of fuel oil: 138,700 Btu• 1 cord of wood: 19 million BtuOnce you have calculated the total

annual Btu, divide this number bythe annualsum of thecooling andh e a t i n gdegree daysfor yourarea — forthe currentyear, not ah i s t o r i c a laverage —which youcan find viayour local weath-er service. Finally,divide this number by thesquare footage of yourhouse.The number for most hous-

es falls between 10 to 20,which means a variety ofenergy efficiency improve-ments will be beneficial.Greater than 20 means yourhouse is very inefficient, andalmost any improvement willhelp a lot. A number lower than10 means significant improvementswill be difficult to achieve withoutserious investment.Every house is unique, but indoor

air leakage typically accounts for 35percent of annual energy consump-tion. Check the windows and doorsfor leaky gaps and joints. Also checkfor gaps where the walls rest on thetop of the foundation, called the sill.Heat loss (or gain during summer)through the walls and ceiling

accounts for about 30 percent more.The remaining energy used is forother things like lighting, waterheating, cooking, and electronics.Holding a lighted stick of incense

near walls, windows, and doors andobserving the smoke trail can identi-fy leaky spots. Move the incensearound the edge and any place thereis weather stripping or a caulkedjoint. It’s best to test this on a windyday. Also check for leaks at ductworkseams.If you have an all-electric house,

turn on all the vent fans to createnegative pressure indoors and then

do the incense test. Do not usethis method if you have gas,oil, or any combustion appli-ances because backdrafting,in which depressurizationwill pull dangerous gasesback into the home, canoccur.

If you want to checkfor specific hot and coldwall areas, indicating airleaks or lack of insula-tion, Black & Deckeroffers a Thermal LeakDetector, shown here,for about $40 online. Ituses infrared technolo-gy, similar to profes-sional models, to sensecold and warm onareas like walls andwindows. The sensorbeam turns red onhot spots and blue oncold spots.Check the accuracyof your central fur-

nace/air conditioner thermostat bytaping a bulb thermometer next to iton the wall. You may find the ther-mostat is inaccurate, and you’reactually keeping the house warmeror cooler than you think.

CUT YOUR UTILITY BILLS

Assessing Home Energy Use

by James Dulley

Q

A

Send inquiries to James Dulley, RuralElectric Nebraskan, 6906 RoyalgreenDr., Cincinnati, OH 45244 or visitwww.dulley.com.

September 2012 19

o-it-yourself (DIY) offers agreat way to save money andlearn new skills. But before

you tackle that home improvementproject you saw online or on cableTV, practice these safety measuresto avoid injury while getting game-winning results.

Score points with safety equipmentJust like a helmet and pads arerequired on a football field, safetyitems are essential for DIY tasks.Read and follow directions on everypower tool you use. Wearing eye andear protection and gloves, as well astying back loose hair and securingloose clothing, are all important tokeeping you safe. If renting a tool,ask the store for safety tips.

Look up, down, and all aroundFor outside projects, first check thearea where you will be working.Identify potential hazards and taketime to avoid or correct any prob-lems. Don’t forget to look up for

power lines, and avoid using longpoles or ladders within 10 ft. of over-head wires. Will your project involve any dig-

ging? Call 811 before you dig even ifyou think you know where under-ground lines may be. The 811 serv-ice will mark all underground linesin your area for free before you startwork.

Avoid the blitzWater and electricity don’t mix, soavoid running cords through wetareas. Inspect cords for fraying ordamage before use, and be sure out-lets can handle any extra load frompower tools. Overloading outlets canlead to more than a shock: Fire haz-ards may result from demanding toomuch from an electrical system.

Be honest with yourselfIf a job seems like it might be toomuch to handle, leave it to a profes-sional. Take into considerationheavy lifting, expensive tools thatwill only be used once, and whetheryou really have the time. That way,you won’t be temped to skip safety

measures. For more safety advice around the

home, visit www.safetyathome.com. Sources: Safe Electricity,Underwriters Laboratory

For a FREE color brochure send the ad couponor call toll free 800-658-7076 or fax 507-462-3211.

www.nordaashomes.comP.O. Box 116, Minnesota Lake, MN 56068-0116

REC

Read power tool instructions and

adopt safety measures like using

equipment guards, wearing eye and

ear protection, and securing long hair

and loose-fitting clothing. Photograph

by Kelly Trapnell

Tackle projects around the home safely

D

Use power tools with care

efore you fire up that powertool for your next do-it-your-self home project, remember

that these electrical devices thatmust be treated with care. Eventhough many tools are equippedwith safety mechanisms, it’s stillimportant to heed precautions.Keep in mind these tips when usingpower tools:• Do not carry tools by their cords.• Pull the cord out of the outlet by

the plug, not by pulling on the cord.• Do not use in a wet or damp job

sites, unless the tool is specificallyapproved for those conditions. Storethem in a dry place when not beingused.• While carrying a tool, do not

touch the switch or trigger thatoperates it to avoid accidentalstarts.Source: U.S. Occupational Safety

& Health Administration

B


DOWN HOMERECIPES

1 pound beef flank steak3 tablespoons teriyaki marinade and

sauce1 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips1/4 cup reduced fat peanut butter1/4 cup chopped green onions1/4 teaspoon ground black pepperSalt8 green or red leaf lettuce leaves

Cut beef steak lengthwise in half,then crosswise into 1/8 to 1/4-inch thickstrips. Combine beef strips and 2 table-spoons teriyaki marinade in mediumbowl; toss to coat. Set aside.Spray large nonstick skillet or wok

with cooking spray; heat over medium-high heat until hot. Add bell pepper;stir-fry 2 to 3 minutes or until crisp-ten-der. Remove from skillet. Set aside.Add 1/2 of beef to same skillet or wok

over medium-high heat; stir-fry 1 to 3minutes or until outside surface of beefis no longer pink. (Do not overcook.)Remove from skillet. Repeat withremaining beef.Return beef to skillet. Add peanut

butter, green onions, bell pepper andremaining tablespoon teriyaki mari-nade; cook and stir until beef and veg-etables are evenly coated and heatedthrough. Season with black pepper andsalt, as desired. Spoon beef mixtureevenly onto lettuce leaves and roll up.

Thai Beef Wok ‘n Roll-Ups

Fresh Salsa

Lasagna Toss

Apple Raisin Muffins

Joan Kallhoff, O’Neill, Nebraska

4 small tomatoes, peeled & chopped1/2 cup finely chopped onion1 Jalapeno, chopped and seeded1/4 cup chopped green pepperMix:

2 teaspoon olive oil1 teaspoon lime juice1/2 teaspoon oregano1/2 teaspoon salt

Mix and pour over fresh vegetables. Serve fresh, no cooking. Good withany type “scoop” chip.

Darlus McWilliams, Norfolk, Nebraska

Brown meat in large sauce pan; drain. Stir in peppers, garlic, spaghettisauce, water and dressing. Bring to boil. Add noodles, stir, and cover. Cookon medium to low heat 15- 20 minutes or until noodles are tender. Stiroccasionally. Remove from heat. Sprinkle with cheese. Cover let stand 5minutes until cheese melts. Enjoy with garlic bread and lettuce salad.

Delores Hansen, Stanton, Nebraska

In large bowl beat oil and sugar with electric mixer for 2 minutes. Addeggs and vanilla; beat 1 minute. Add flour, soda, salt and cinnamon. Stirjust to combine. Stir in apples, raisins and walnuts. Spoon batter intotwelve greased 3 x 1 1/4 inch muffin cups. Bake 400 degrees for 20 -25minutes or until toothpick inserted in center of a muffin comes out clean.Remove from oven; cool 5 minutes, remove. Muffins freeze well.

2 lbs. ground beef2 green peppers, chopped3 cloves garlic, minced1 jar (26 oz.) spaghetti sauce2 1/3 cups water

1/2 cup Zesty Italian Dressing12 oven ready lasagna noodles, broken into quarters

1/2 cups mozzarella cheese

3/4 cup vegetable oil1 cup sugar 2 eggs1 teaspoon vanilla2 cups flour1/2 teaspoon salt

3/4 teaspoon soda3/4 teaspoon cinnamon1 1/2 cups apples, diced1/2 cup raisins1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

Recipe provided by theNebraska Beef Council

September 2012 21

To appear in print

The Rural Electric NebraskanAdult Pen Pal Service is exclusivelyfor member-readers ages 18 and over.To be considered for use, submissionsmust: (1) Identify rural electric sys-tem providing magazine; (2) Include$6 to cover mail forwarding costs; (3)Be 25 words or fewer; (4) Include fullname and mailing address (will notbe used in magazine); and (5) Be firstperson, submitted directly by personto receive responses. Acceptance,editing and issue scheduling is at edi-tor’s discretion.Address all submissions to Rural

Electric Nebraskan Adult Pen PalService, P.O. Box 82048, Lincoln, NE68501. All responses received by theAdult Pen Pal Service are routeddirectly, postage paid, to the responsenumber assigned to each submission.

To write

To respond to one of the adult penpal requests, write letter, place inenvelope, seal and affix first classpostage. Address to full, correctresponse #, c/o Rural ElectricNebraskan Adult Pen Pal Service,P.O. Box 82048, Lincoln, NE 68501.Your letter will be forwardedunopened. Do not send money oradditional postage; forwarding is pre-paid. Enclose your full mailingaddress for return correspondence.Once again . . . it is very important

that all responses carry the fullresponse number—both month andnumber—to be properly forwarded.

Abbreviation CodeC — Christian; C/W — Country-western;D — Divorced; F — Female; M — Male; NS — Non-Smoker; ND — Non-Drinker;R&R — Rock and roll; S — Single;

W — White; Wid — Widowed

SEP - 1: WCF, Wid, NS, 77, from asmall community in south centralNebraska looking for a companion75-80 that enjoys conversation,movies, good food, the outdoors,western music, short trips, shop-ping, football, basketball, and base-ball.

SEP - 2: DWF, NS, social drinkerfrom central Nebraska. Love coun-try life, riding horses, working cat-tle, camping, traveling, relaxing onthe patio, and grilling out. Lookingfor “country boy” age 35-50 withsimilar interests to spend time withand have some fun. Photo, phonenumber, & email please.

SEP - 3: Farm-raised, SWF, 33,5’5”, Christian, NS, from east cen-tral Nebraska. Enjoys movies,music, C/W dancing, watching foot-ball, & the simple things in life.Seeking Christian, NS, tall, dark &handsome good ol’ boy age 30-38.Photo & email please.

SEP - 4: DWM, 71, 6’2”, NS, socialdrink only, active and healthy, likeC/W & dancing, flexible. Looking forslender to slightly more 60s lady.

SEP - 5: Male, N/S, social drinker,43, farmer from central Nebraskawho likes the outdoors, camping,playing cards, football, basketball,the Huskers, deer hunting, diningout, movies, music, slow dancing.Looking for a soul mate. Photo &number.

SEP - 6: SWM, 53, N/S, south cen-tral Nebraska, enjoy everything inlife, have great sense of humor.Tired of the single life, ready for aserious relationship. Send photoand cell number, will answer all.

SEP - 7: Lonely mature Wid/W/M,NS/ND enjoys most everything liketo meet lonely NS lady from lowersouth central Nebraska that actsher age, everyday normal living,eating out, rides in the country, etc.Please send picture.


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Rural ElectricNebraskan

Are you lookingfor some newtreasures?

Due to the pending retirement of its’CEO/General Manager, the Board ofDirectors of KBR Rural Public PowerDistrict is seeking an experienced leaderfor his replacement.The Board seeks candidates with elec-

tric utility experience including suchareas as finance, strategic planning,electric distribution operations, engi-neering, customer and employee com-munications, and Board relations. Thesuccessful candidate will be a provenleader with excellent people and com-munication skills with the ability to pro-mote strong teamwork and long-termrelationships with community organiza-tions, our power supplier, state and fed-eral legislators, associated state, region-al, and national organizations, theemployees, and the board. The candidateshould also be familiar with the processof creating budgets and electric ratesutilizing Microsoft Word and Excel. Thenew CEO should be able to begin worksometime in the spring of 2013 to pro-vide some overlap with the current CEOwho retires on May 31, 2013.KBR Rural Public Power District is

headquartered in Ainsworth, with apopulation of 1,800, in the beautifulsandhills and Niobrara River valley of

north-central Nebraska. KBR servesapproximately 4,600 meters located in5,000 square miles of service territory,including eight small towns in Brown,Rock, Keya Paha, and Cherry counties.KBR has 18 dedicated employees withoutposts in Springview and Valentine.KBR offers an excellent NRECA ben-

efit package with an annual salary com-mensurate with experience and qualifi-cations. Interested applicants with anyquestions may contact the currentCEO/General Manager Rich Walters, [email protected], or phone 402-387-1120 or cell 402-760-1271.Application packages need to include

a cover letter, resume, recent salary his-tory, along with three business andthree personal references, either deliv-ered or mailed so it arrives at the KBRoffice in Ainsworth, no later than 12:00p.m. on Monday, October 15, 2012.Interested applicants should mail or

deliver their application to:Rich WaltersKBR Rural Public Power DistrictP.O. Box 187374 North Pine StreetAinsworth, Nebraska 69210Please mark your envelope/package

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