Category: Public News

10Sep

A co-op success story | Kentucky steel plant nearly doubling capacity

Expansion emphasizes partnership between industry, Kentucky’s electric cooperatives and state government

Kentucky electric cooperative leaders are cheering an announcement by the Nucor Corp. that it will invest $650 million to nearly double its steel-making capacity at a plant in Gallatin County served by Owen Electric Cooperative.

“We are thrilled Nucor has chosen to invest and create additional jobs in Kentucky,” said Mark Stallons, president and CEO of Owen Electric. “All parties have been committed to developing a close working relationship in order to develop solutions that satisfy each organization’s expectations. Nucor has been an excellent partner.”

Leaders of Owen Electric Cooperative, which serves the mill, and East Kentucky Power Cooperative, the wholesale energy provider to Owen Electric, worked closely with Nucor officials to support the phase II expansion, which is expected to add another 70 jobs.

“We would like to thank Governor Matt Bevin, our local officials, East Kentucky Power Cooperative and Owen Electric, our teammates and the entire community for their support,” said John Farris, vice president and general manager, Nucor Steel Gallatin. “The project will allow us to better serve our automotive and value-added customers.”

Kentucky offers the lowest industrial electric power rates east of the Mississippi – one of its many attractive features for manufacturers. That played a role in Nucor’s decision, as the mill is a major electricity customer and the phase II expansion will create significant additional demand.

East Kentucky Power Cooperative President and CEO Anthony “Tony” Campbell welcomed the decision.

“Nucor’s decision to bring high-quality jobs to Kentucky is wonderful news. This emphasizes the critical importance of affordable, reliable energy for Kentucky’s industries to compete in the global economy,” Campbell said. “Nucor is an important partner for Owen Electric and EKPC, and we are proud of our longstanding relationship.”

Since Governor Matt Bevin took office in 2015, one out of every four dollars invested by economic development projects in Kentucky has been in Kentucky Touchstone Energy Cooperative territory served by East Kentucky Power Cooperative. That figure does not include even more investments in areas served by Big Rivers Electric and the Tennessee Valley Authority.

“Nucor is doing incredible things at its Kentucky steel mill,” Bevin said. “We are excited that, after a substantial investment in 2017, the company has decided to move forward with its phase II project and create additional job opportunities for the county and surrounding communities.

“The steel and primary metals industry are a driving force behind the commonwealth’s surging economy, and this announcement reflects the distinct advantages we have to offer engineering and manufacturing companies. Nucor is certainly a major player in this industry, and we are grateful for their commitment to continue forging success right here in Kentucky,” Bevin continued.

This second phase will increase the mill’s annual capacity from 1.6 million tons of coiled sheet steel to approximately 3 million tons. As well, it will allow the mill to produce coils up to 73 inches wide.

In May 2017, Nucor announced its phase I project; construction of a new building and installation of galvanizing and pickling lines. That phase, expected to open in the first half of 2019, represents a $176 million investment creating 75 full-time jobs. The two phases position the mill to produce substantially more, wider and value-added products, suitable for a broader range of manufacturers and products.

“This investment is another major component of our planned strategy for long-term profitable growth,” said John Ferriola, Chairman, CEO and president of Nucor. “Together with the new galvanizing line, this expansion increases our presence in the important Midwest market, specifically in the automotive, agriculture, heavy equipment, and energy pipe and tube sectors.”

Nucor purchased the former Gallatin Steel Co. from Gerdau SA and ArcelorMittal in late 2014 for approximately $780 million. The mill currently employs 465 people.

In Kentucky, Nucor and its affiliates employ approximately 2,000 people and include Nucor Steel Gallatin, Steel Technologies LLC, Republic Conduit, and Harris Rebar. Nucor also owns the David J. Joseph Co. and its six subsidiary River Metals Recycling facilities across the state, which collect and recycle scrap metal.

Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Nucor Corp. is North America’s largest recycler and the nation’s largest producer of steel and steel products. The company employs more than 25,000 people at about 200 facilities primarily located in the US and Canada, including several wholly owned subsidiaries.

The company has three segments: steel mills, steel products and raw materials. Nucor’s products include, carbon and alloy steel – in bars, beams, sheet and plate, hollow structural section tubing, electrical conduit, steel piling, steel joists and joist girders, steel deck, fabricated concrete reinforcing steel, cold finished steel, steel fasteners, metal building systems, steel grating, wire and wire mesh.

Founded in 1955, Nucor Corp. traces its roots to 1905 when Ransom E. Olds, Oldsmobile’s creator, left his company after a stockholders dispute. He formed REO Motor Co., which evolved into the Nuclear Corporation of America, and ultimately became Nucor in 1971.

07Sep

Elroy Webster Cooperative Studies Fund now accepting applications

The Ralph K. Morris Foundation is now accepting applications for scholarships from the Elroy Webster Cooperative Studies Fund. This Fund provides two scholarships and honorary awards to graduate students or law students interested in agriculture and cooperatives. For more information on the guidelines of the scholarship fund and application forms, please visit the Foundation’s website at www.ralphkmorrisfoundation.org.

Applications are due September 30, 2018, with the winner announced by October 15, 2018.

06Sep

Battery basics: What you don’t know about batteries can hurt you

Batteries provide a portable, and usually safe, source of electricity. From batteries in our cell phones to industrial-sized backups, we rely on them every day.

Although they may seem harmless, safety should always be a top concern when using and replacing batteries.

Batteries produce hydrogen gas. When hydrogen gas mixes with oxygen and meets an ignition source, like a spark, an explosion can occur. Excess hydrogen gas is most likely to be created when batteries are charging or when batteries are mismatched, damaged or connected incorrectly.

As batteries discharge, through use or gradual self-discharge, hydrogen gas is also generated, increasing pressure in the battery and causing the insulating seals at the end of the battery to rupture. As batteries age, the steel outer canister may corrode or rust. The crystals found on corroded batteries can cause respiratory, eye and skin irritations.

KAEC has some tips to help you use this dependable source of power safely:

Always note the warnings and the manufacturers’ instructions for both the batteries and the battery-powered product.
Do not mix batteries of different brands.
Confirm that the contacts of both the battery and product are clean of any corrosion.
When inserting the battery, match the positive and negative symbols of both the battery and product. While putting the batteries in backward may allow the product to operate, it may accidentally charge the batteries resulting in venting or leaking.
Safely dispose of used batteries.

Don’t mix batteries of different types, such as alkaline and non-alkaline or rechargeable and non-rechargeable.
Do not heat or damage batteries.
When storing a device, remove its batteries.

Keep batteries out of sight and out of reach of children

With electronics getting smaller, many devices now use coin-size lithium batteries, also called button batteries.

Little kids love to explore and put things in their mouths, but these batteries can cause serious injury when swallowed. If a coin lithium battery gets stuck in the esophagus, there may not be any immediate symptoms, but the saliva triggers an electrical current. This chemical reaction can cause it to burn through the tissue in as little as two hours. This can require multiple surgeries and ongoing medical care to repair. Even after the battery is removed, kids can experience side effects to their vocal cords and windpipe.

If you know or suspect your child has swallowed a battery, go to the emergency room immediately.

Each year in the United States, nearly 3,000 children are treated in emergency rooms for swallowing these tiny batteries.

Keep coin-size lithium battery-controlled devices, including remote controls, watches and singing greeting cards, out of sight and reach of children. Childproof your home as much as possible, and be aware of your child’s surroundings and what could be dangerous. Consider placing duct tape over the controller to prevent kids from reaching the battery, and always lock away loose batteries.

Sources: Electrical Safety Foundation International, Safety Toolbox Topics, Consumer Reports

04Sep

Cybersafety checklist

How to keep hackers out of your home so you can enjoy the internet

Cyber criminals are only getting better. They don’t need any help.

If your online password is 1-2-3-4, or you click on links in your Facebook feed without being sure where they lead, it’s time to click your inner “refresh” button for some system maintenance.

Electric cooperatives across Kentucky and the nation are marking National Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October with reminders to members.

Co-ops protect the private information of members and ensure hackers don’t tamper with the reliability of the electric grid, but consumers have a lot at stake, too. Think about losing all the photos on your smartphone or having bank or credit card information stolen from your computer.

“Cyber criminals attack the easiest targets for the least amount of work,” says Chris Hayes, chief technology officer for the Kentucky Association of Electric Cooperatives.

“That’s why consumers are twice as likely to be attacked than companies,” Hayes explains. “Consumers can take a few basic steps to reduce their risk of becoming a target and to protect their information.”

Mix it up

Don’t use the same password or password reset questions for multiple online accounts.

Hayes warns that hackers often target less important accounts to get access to the account information of more secure accounts. Prevention methods such as two-factor authentication can be set up to prevent unauthorized access.

“Your fantasy football league could be used to pry open your checking account,” Hayes says.

Just hang up

“A computer or software company will never call you to let you know you have a virus or issue with your computer,” Hayes says. “Scam artists call and say your computer has a virus, and then try to walk you through steps to clean it up. That typically involves installing an actual virus or convincing you to pay for something where they steal your money.”

Attachment issues

Do not click on any link or attached files unless you know where it will take you.

A lot of the computer hacking problems you hear about in the news result from people clicking on links or attached files that infect their computers or mobile devices. Emails are often disguised to look like they are coming from your best friend, so simple diligence can be extremely beneficial.

Hayes suggests the best method is to verbally confirm with the sender that they sent the email and attachment.

Prevent defense

Install and use virus protection, but remember it’s not a failsafe. With modern viruses and spyware, anti-virus cannot be solely trusted to protect your data.

Don’t put that in your mouth, you don’t know where it’s been

Be cautious with USB flash drives.

“Never use flash drives that you find or are given from unknown sources,” Hayes says.

“Viruses can be loaded on the drives and then left in public areas for the unsuspecting user who picks up the drive and plugs it into their computer. Be wary of plugging into public computers. Online cloud storage is a great alternative.”

Calling for back up

Make sure you have a current copy of everything on your computer or mobile device. Every few weeks, transfer the contents to an external storage system that is stored in a separate location. Even better, consider a cloud-based system as your primary, which automatically backs up daily, and an external backup drive as your secondary.

What if your computer or phone was lost or stolen? Recent computer attacks involve ransomware that locks your computer and threatens to delete or prevent access unless you pay a ransom to the hackers. The FBI does not recommend paying a ransom to the adversary unless all other options have been exhausted and it is absolutely necessary. Paying a ransom does not guarantee the victim will regain access to their data.

Weakest link

Secure all your internet-connected devices by keeping them up to date with the most recent software updates and make sure each device has a secure password. Hackers have started invading wireless printers and baby monitors that work through the internet. These devices tend to have extremely weak, preset passwords that you probably don’t even notice. Any internet-connected device is vulnerable—smart TVs, cameras, voice-activated speakers, thermostats, video games, fitness bracelets, internet-connected refrigerators, and light bulbs.

What’s the matter with kids today?

Instruct children not to share information such as birth dates, ID numbers, vacation plans, accounts, and passwords.

“Kids frequently share Netflix accounts, which may have the same password or information as other accounts,” Hayes says. “Learn to use parental control options on your hardware and software.”

To learn more about National Cybersecurity Awareness Month and to view additional cybersecurity tips, visit StaySafeOnline.org.

By Joe Arnold

04Sep

Portable generator safety tips

The following list of tips is not inclusive. Always refer to the manufacturer’s guide that came with your portable generator.

Read and adhere to all manufacturer’s instructions for safe operation. Professionally and permanently installed standby generators are actually a safer and more reliable option than portable generators because they are mounted a safe distance from your home and run directly from a fuel source.
Never plug a generator into a wall outlet or directly into your home’s wiring. Contact a licensed electrician to install a properly rated power transfer switch. This protects you and your appliances and protects co-op workers from shock while restoring power.
Ensure your generator is properly grounded.
Never, ever use a generator indoors—even with windows open—or in an enclosed area, including never in an attached garage, carport, basement, crawlspace, or any other enclosed or partially enclosed area—even if it’s ventilated.
If you must use a generator, install a carbon monoxide detector and test batteries monthly. Carbon monoxide (CO), which is odorless and invisible, can build up to lethal levels in a matter of minutes.
Locate the generator where fumes cannot filter into your home through windows, doors, vents, or other openings.
Start the generator first before connecting appliances.
Make sure the generator stays dry during operation, and never touch electrical equipment with wet hands. Water and electrical devices don’t mix. To prevent shocks or electrocution, the generator must be kept far away from water or precipitation. Operate it on a dry surface under an open structure.
Turn off generators and let them cool down before refueling. Never attempt to refuel the generator while it’s running or hot. Gasoline and its vapors may ignite if they come in contact with hot components or an electrical spark. Turn the unit off and allow it to cool down first.
Store fuel in a properly labeled safety container, in a secure location outside of living areas and away from the generator or other fuel-burning appliances. Local laws may restrict how much fuel you can store and where you can store it. Check with your local fire department for details.
Locate the generator where fumes cannot filter into your home through windows, doors, vents, or other openings-even 15 feet is too close. Carbon monoxide (CO), which is odorless and invisible, can build up to lethal levels in a matter of minutes. If you must use a generator, install a carbon monoxide detector and test batteries monthly.
Turn off all equipment powered by the generator before shutting it down.
Always have a fully charged fire extinguisher nearby.
Practice proper maintenance procedures between uses. Refuel it with treated fuel from the generator before putting the unit away. It’s also a good idea to inspect the fuel and oil filters, spark plug, oil level, and fuel quality. Start the generator on a regular basis to make sure it’s running properly.

KAEC Safety Director Clarence Greene’s: What to know before, during, and after you buy a portable generator

What do I think about when shopping for a portable generator? Most portable generators will not power your whole house or all appliances at once. You may need to rotate important loads like refrigerators, lights freezers and heaters to keep from overloading a generator. Keep in mind that you may also have to assemble the unit.

What will a 6000-watt generator cover? This size would be limited to powering a couple portable heaters, refrigerator, lights and TVs or computers not the whole house.

What’s important when choosing between a battery-start and a pull-start generator? The pull-start generator requires a hard pull, such as starting a lawn mower. A battery-start generator requires you must have a charged battery to start the generator.

What are some of the fuel types of generators? A 4- cycle generator burns normal lawn mower gas; a 2-cycle generator, which include some smaller generators, requires a gas-oil mix; propane and natural gas generators require pressurized gas (such as your heating system) and are usually built-in or permanent-type generators.

Where do I store my generator? Store it in a dry location that is easy to get into position to supply power during an outage, fueled up with fuel that has storage treatment. Regularly start it and monitor its operation and keep enough fuel available to run the generator several days. Also, store a large drop cord that is generator compatible to run your appliances.

Where do I locate my portable generator? I have my temporary power supply generator parked in a safe place, close to where I will operate it in case of an outage. I usually wait a few hours to determine the utility’s electric restore time by checking their website and watching news for severity of storm or outages before starting the generator.

Do I need a generator for this outage? Before starting the generator, check with your local electric co-op whenever possible, for restore information about your location. You may be on a critical line that is restored sooner than normal, or you may be in a remote location that will take longer to repair power service.

What other things do I need to think about? Other than just starting it, you need to check fuel, check oil, get it in a safe place to run, and bring UL-rated, heavy-duty drop cords through a window or dedicated entrance point to supply power to selected appliances.

How long should I run it? You will need to decide if you are going to run it all the time, or only run it a few hours a day to conserve fuel and preserve home atmosphere

Can I wire it directly into my electrical wiring of the house? ABSOLUTELY NOT. DO NOT plug it directly into a regular wall outlet or wire it into your home’s wiring. It could send high voltage to the repair persons working on your line. Use a licensed, professional electricity to hook up your generator. This means you will need to plan in advance to install a portable or standby generator.

Where do I place the generator? Place it somewhere safe from theft, such as chained to something. Place it away from windows, vents, flus, and furnace intakes, and away from combustibles like leaves, wood piles, garbage cans, etc.

I have some lights on watching KET and my lights flicker. Why? Maybe it is out of fuel. Check fuel and refuel after it cools off, check oil level, then restart. Check the manual for how long it will run on a tank of fuel.

Once the power is back on, what do I do? I give it a few minutes to make sure the local electric co-op power is on, then turn off all equipment powered by the generator before shutting the generator down. Service it soon afterward, refuel it with treated fuel, store it, and store your cords nearby where you can find them in the time of need.

Remember, the generator power can still shock, burn and kill you if handled wrong. Never cut corners when it comes to safety!

30Aug

Stuff the bus

25 tons of school supplies

BOWLING GREEN

The first day of school is pure excitement unless…you don’t have the supplies needed.

Making sure every child has a memorable first-day-of-school experience regardless of background, home life or economic status is the goal of Stuff the Bus, a community event that helps provide school supplies to Warren County and Bowling Green school-age children.

Not surprisingly, Warren Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation (WRECC)is an important part of the program, which has grown every year since its start in 2005. Each year, community members come together to provide everything from basic school supplies to sports equipment and clothing to monetary donations—all to help area children and the schools they attend.

Warren RECC employees Mark Cardwell and Brittiany Hudson shop with donated dollars at the Morgantown IGA, effectively doubling the donation, thanks to a partnership with Houchens Industries. Photo: Kim Phelps

“WRECC employees live and work here,” says Kim Phelps, Communications and Public Relations director, who organized the cooperative’s efforts this year. “This program is so attractive to us because 100 percent of the donations go to the kids, and they stay in the county where they were donated. Stuff the Bus gives us yet another chance to interact with our communities, and our employees really enjoy that.”

Kids, parents and teachers enjoyed the co-op’s efforts also, especially the parking lot parties.

“This year, Stuff the Bus made a big leap in growth through a partnership with Houchens Industries,” Phelps says. “With this partnership, Stuff the Bus went on the road to several communities in our service territory, hosting parking lot parties at Houchens-affiliated stores (IGA, Save-A-Lot, among others). Each event was to collect donations but also to encourage shoppers to grab something while they shopped and donate it. Houchens matched everything purchased at their stores.”

Warren RECC Apprentice Lineman Preston Fletcher, Bowling Green, helps load donated school supplies at the Bowling Green “Stuff the Bus” celebration at Bluegrass Cellular. Photo: Kim Phelps

Warren RECC participated in parking lot parties in Morgantown, Franklin and Bowling Green.

“Our staff served as community ambassadors, meeting each customer with a smile,” Phelps says. “We also helped by shopping with donated dollars so those donations could be doubled for their communities. In Bowling Green, we flew a donation banner on a bucket truck to help attract the public, helped pick up corporate donations and literally helped ‘stuff the bus.’”

“As for next year, we’ll be doing it bigger and better. Everyone is committed to starting earlier and growing next year. I just think that’s a great testament to the Warren RECC folks. They have the biggest hearts,” says Phelps.

By Debra Gibson Isaacs

29Aug

Co-op participation in ‘Beautify’ project a real grassroots effort

After months of folks all across Kentucky rolling up their sleeves to pick up trash, plant flowers and paint murals on what were once blank walls, the 2018 Beautify the Bluegrass project has come to an end. The initiative was a collaboration between Governor Matt Bevin and Kentucky Living.

In all, 23 projects were entered. The overall winner, as selected by Gov. Bevin from finalists voted by Kentucky Livingreaders, was Mt. Sterling, which beautified a central area in the city. The London Downtown Board/City of London Tourism received the Commonwealth’s Award for its restoration of a dilapidated graveyard.

Kentucky’s electric cooperatives played a big role in the beautification initiative, with 10 co-ops entering projects. Fleming-Mason Energy was selected as the winner of the Governor’s Cooperative Award for its work on repairing playgrounds and reviving the pollinator garden at Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park.

From left: Chris Skates and Garry Gupton of Governor Bevin’s Office present Lori Ulrich of Fleming-Mason Energy with the Governor’s Cooperative Award. Also pictured is KAEC President and CEO Chris Perry.

“One of the core cooperative principles is commitment to community,” says Fleming-Mason’s Lori Ulrich, director of Community & Economic Development. “This project gave us a chance to work together as a team to help with a need in our community.”

Here are the other co-op entries:

Big Rivers

BIG RIVERS ELECTRIC CORPORATION employees divided their time between two projects in June. Since the company covers a 22-county service territory, one park in Henderson and one park in Owensboro were selected for cleanup efforts. A team of employees spent a full day at John James Audubon State Park in Henderson picking up trash and clearing weeds from the campground and other park property. Another team dedicated a full day to spreading mulch and painting the ball field facilities at Panther Creek Park in Owensboro.

Big Sandy

BIG SANDY RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE employees chose to landscape the entrance to our local state park. They chose this project in hopes of catching the eye of folks who would otherwise pass by this gem hidden in the hills of Eastern Kentucky. They felt they have such a beautiful state park in the community, they wanted to highlight this part of it.

Clark Energy/East Kentucky Power Cooperative

CLARK ENERGY AND EAST KENTUCKY POWER COOPERATIVE weeded, planted flowers and spread 36 bags of mulch at the Welcome to Winchester sign on KY Route 627. Working on the weekends, co-op staff and family pulled weeds, purchased the mulch at Lowe’s and then made repeated trips to spread it. Co-op representatives planted begonias and coleus flowers.

City officials thanked the co-ops on social media for enhancing the south entrance to town. Both Winchester Mayor Ed Burtner and City Commissioner Kitty Strode came to the sign to be photographed with staff from Clark Energy and EKPC. One city commissioner wrote the following on Facebook: “Thank you. That welcome sign is perfect.” Representing Clark Energy, from left: Patty Young, Lois Hatton and Charlie Pasley; Winchester Mayor Ed Burtner and City Commissioner Kitty Strode East Kentucky Power’s Kevin Osbourn and Joe Settles.

Jackson Energy

JACKSON ENERGY COOPERATIVE partnered with the Four Seasons Garden Club of Irvine, to rejuvenate their Monarch Waystation located at the West Irvine Intermediate School. This waystation was originally created to provide a unique habitat specially designed for the monarch butterfly.

Although the waystation provides food and rest for all life-stages of these magnificent creatures, this waystation also serves as an outdoor classroom for the students at West Irvine Intermediate. The students get to see firsthand not only the importance of the garden itself, but the precious life cycles that unfold before their eyes. This waystation is also accessible to the Irvine community to appreciate, observe and enjoy.

Pennyrile Electric

PENNYRILE ELECTRIC identified Pennyrile State Park for their project. They developed a plan to level out 10 different areas and prepare a surface for concrete pavers. After the prep work was done, with assistance from the Christian County Jail, Pennyrile Electric employees began leveling each area and laying pavers in place. They also planted some flowers in large pots and placed them at various locations around the tables.

This project came together with the assistance of several local businesses. Lowes of Hopkinsville provided material at a discounted rate. The Christian County Jail crew came out and provided equipment and labor to level the selected areas and prepare them for the pavers. The rock and sand were donated by Rogers Group and hauled to the location by Tom Gamble Trucking free of charge.

Shelby Energy

SHELBY ENERGY improved the appearance of the Shelby County Annex Building by removing old trees and shrubs, trimmed and weeded, and planted flowers and put down new mulch.

South Kentucky RECC

SOUTH KENTUCKY RECC had 45 of its Somerset employees participate in the local, recent PRIDE cleanup day in Pulaski Co. Employees picked up trash on Parkers Mill Rd, Electric Ave, Weddle Ln, Regency Rd, and Enterprise Dr. It is something they try to participate in every year—helping to beautify their community.

West Kentucky RECC

WEST KENTUCKY RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE decided to beautify the entrance to one of western Kentucky’s most important tourism venues, Kenlake State Resort Park. The park is located in Marshall County, on the shores of Kentucky Lake and near the Land Between The Lakes, a national recreation area.

Over a span of three days, the team cleared old, overgrown landscaping around the park’s entrance sign, set new poles and upgraded wiring for the sign, enlarged the planting bed around the sign, laid new border stones, and set a carefully planned selection of new landscape plants.

The project was selected and coordinated by WKRECC’s Community Engagement Committee. The project team was compiled of employees, managers and board members, all of whom lent a particular expertise. The team also worked closely with Kenlake Park management to ensure the work met all necessary requirements.

The 2018 Beautify the Bluegrass project was a great success thanks to everyone who contributed. You each should feel very proud of your contributions to improve our communities and state.

Details about the 2019 Beautify the Bluegrass will be announced in the next few months.

SaveSave

24Aug

Kentucky’s electric cooperatives welcome EPA Acting Administrator

Andrew Wheeler visit marks commonsense actions by EPA

WINCHESTER, Ky — Kentucky’s electric cooperatives welcome EPA Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler to the commonwealth and express appreciation for recent commonsense actions by the Environmental Protection Agency.

The statewide association representing all 26 electric cooperatives in Kentucky joins electric co-ops across the country who are encouraged by the EPA’s efforts to replace the Clean Power Plan with a more workable rule.

U.S. Representative Andy Barr introduces EPA Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler at Clark Energy Cooperative in Winchester, Kentucky. Seated (l to r) are Clark Energy Cooperative President and CEO Chris Brewer and Charles Snavely, Secretary of the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet.

“As our co-ops assess the EPA’s latest proposal, it is gratifying that the agency recognizes the need for a more flexible rule that will potentially reduce compliance costs for coal-based generation while sustaining reliability,” said Chris Perry, president and CEO of the Kentucky Association of Electric Cooperatives. “Without this important shift, the Clean Power Plan threatened both the reliability and affordability of the electricity provided by Kentucky co-ops.”

Wheeler visited Clark Energy Cooperative in Winchester which serves about 26,000 consumer-members in 11 east central Kentucky counties. Co-ops serve about 1.5 million Kentuckians.

02Aug

Appliances and your bottom line

I need to replace several old appliances. Will the appliance choices I make have much impact on my energy bill?—Chelsea

Because your energy use varies month to month, it’s best to view the purchase over the lifetime of the equipment. Think about the up-front cost and the lifetime energy cost. In a Consumer Reports test, the most efficient refrigerator used $68 per year less electricity than the least efficient model. Multiply that difference over a decade or two, and the lifetime energy savings could be greater than the up-front cost.

Appliance energy use is usually less, on average, than home heating and cooling bills, but can be several hundred dollars each year. The variables include the model, and how often it’s used and at what settings.

In some cases, the configuration of an appliance also can make a substantial difference. For example, a side-by-side refrigerator/freezer uses about 70 percent more energy than other configurations, with all the most efficient models having the refrigerator stacked on top of the freezer. All 36 of the most efficient clothes washers of 2018 were front-loading models.

Consider how much you use the appliance. The more you use it, the greater your savings will be from choosing a more efficient model. If you don’t use the appliance often or have a small household, you may get by with a smaller refrigerator or freezer, which will save you money.

Look for the labels

Over the last few decades, new appliances have become more energy efficient, driven partly by minimum government standards. Appliances are required to include an Energy Guide label that shows estimated energy use and annual operating cost, so you can compare models and calculate the initial cost against the long-term savings. You also can look for appliances that have an ENERGY STAR label, indicating they are substantially more efficient than the minimum standard. For example, replacing a 20-year-old refrigerator with a new ENERGY STAR model can lower that appliance’s monthly electricity cost by 75 percent. KL

PAT KEEGAN and BRAD THIESSEN write on energy efficiency for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

31Jul

Celebrating your story

At the heart of your local co-op is a commitment to community

By Chris Perry, KAEC President & CEO

Your co-op doesn’t just serve your community—it’s part of the community. Like you, co-op employees are consumer-members who also call this place home.

This month’s issue of Kentucky Living is truly a celebration of this special relationship and the connections we make to improve the quality of life in Kentucky.

As another school year begins, we celebrate our teachers and students and show how Kentucky’s Dual Credit Scholarship Program helps connect high school students with not only a head start on college but a savings in future tuition costs.

This month’s Future of Electricity column has been turned over to Jenny Mays, one of the 90 Kentucky high school seniors who participated in this year’s Washington Youth Tour. Mays’ family is a consumer-member of West Kentucky RECC. She wanted to express her appreciation to you and Kentucky co-ops for supporting the youth tour program, which is coordinated by the Kentucky Association of Electric Cooperatives.

We celebrate how the Washington Youth Tour connects our co-op students with leadership and a greater appreciation of how co-ops create jobs, fuel growth, and power the lives and economies of communities across America. Congratulations to Michael Hodges, a Pennyrile Electric delegate, who was chosen as Kentucky’s representative on the national Youth Leadership Council.

I am reminded this month about the importance of sharing our stories, of taking the time to listen to our parents and grandparents, and turning away from our phones and televisions long enough to connect with one another and across the generations.

We have all heard stories about our ancestors. This issue celebrates family connections and how tracing your genealogy can unearth some fascinating roots of your family tree.

So, it is especially fitting that this issue of your magazine celebrates Kentucky’s Storyteller, Byron Crawford, to whom I had the honor of presenting the Distinguished Rural Kentuckian award last fall. I am proud to count Byron as one of our own.

Byron’s back-page columns in Kentucky Living reflect our commitment to your community and our celebration of your stories.