Category: Public News

27Jul

Life-changing: Washington Youth Tour

By Joe Arnold

The program that shapes the future for individuals, electric co-ops and America

Editor’s Note: When considering the future of electricity, perhaps no factor is more important than the future consumer-members and leaders of Kentucky’s electric cooperatives. Since 1972, the Kentucky Association of Electric Cooperatives has coordinated our state’s delegation for the national Washington Youth Tour, a weeklong program where students representing rural electric co-ops learn about the political process, interact with elected officials and gain an up-close understanding of American history. Jenny Mays of West Kentucky RECC, one of 90 Kentucky high school seniors on the 2018 youth tour in June, shares what the trip meant to her.

There is only one word that I feel perfectly embodies the Washington Youth Tour: extraordinary.

From the beauty of the National Cathedral to the excitement of the NRECA farewell event, the youth tour is an adventure like none other. Not only did our delegation take in breathtaking monuments and speak with political leaders of today, we learned about becoming the leaders of tomorrow. We were given a week that I believe will prove invaluable in the years to come, a week to build lifelong friendships, a week to make unforgettable memories. We were given a week that changed us all for the better.

The beauty of the youth tour, however, is not found in the grandiose. It is found in the details. I would like to shine a light on the little things that truly make the Washington Youth Tour what it is.

There is no shortage of spectacular people. Every single individual I had the honor of connecting with—whether a fellow delegate, a chaperone or the bus driver—radiated kindness and commitment. From moment one, the coordinators, chaperones and bus drivers made it clear to each of us that we, the delegates, were their first priority. I never saw a single adult exhibit anything less than utter and complete dedication to us and to our lives. Their concern was not only for our present, but for our future as well. These hard-working men and women completely exemplified what it means to connect with the people around you. Every day, they would go out of their way to spend time with us, to learn about the things we cared about. They laughed, cried and even learned with us. Each of them consciously and consistently encouraged us to pursue our dreams.

Nothing, not even the majestic Washington Monument or the remarkable view from Monticello, can, in my mind, parallel the beauty of the genuine concern and connection that I experienced from every chaperone. Thank you for your time, attention, encouragement, patience and support. You made an already incredible week so much better than I ever could have imagined.

You may think of the Washington Youth Tour as an opportunity to simply tour museums and monuments, yet it also helped us become more engaged students and citizens.

From learning about the ingenuity of Thomas Jefferson at Monticello, to soaking in every ounce of knowledge the Smithsonian Institution had to offer, to speaking with national leaders such as Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, the opportunities to broaden our horizons were innumerable.

Hill Day was special. How amazing it was to converse with political leaders like Congressmen James Comer, Andy Barr, Thomas Massie and Brett Guthrie; Senators Rand Paul and McConnell; and Chao. It was both humbling and exhilarating. Not only did they give us a peek into current issues, but also a more complete view of the role of government in our lives. Sen. Paul explained why our country chose to be a constitutional republic rather than a full-blown democracy. Our meeting with Secretary Chao was incredibly exciting. She gave us insight into upcoming projects and advancements at the Department of Transportation, as well as an inside look at presidential cabinet meetings.

The tour has given me memories, friendships and learning opportunities that have changed my life. None of this would be possible without the generosity of organizations such as the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association; the Kentucky Association of Electric Cooperatives; my local cooperative, West Kentucky Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation; and the many individuals who dedicate their time and energy to making this week a success.

From the bottom of my heart, I would like to thank every single person who played a role in funding, organizing and supervising this experience. You will never know how big an impact this one week has made on the lives of so many. Yes, the word extraordinary is fitting.

A message to future students: The Youth Tour is so much more than a vacation. If you will simply allow yourself to soak in—to enjoy—all that it has to offer, it will quickly become one of the best weeks of your life.

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25Jul

Hire a veteran

Kentucky Air National Guardsman Shaun Cecil points to the three core values of the U.S. Air Force as guiding principles for his civilian job as a substation maintenance supervisor at Big Rivers Electric in Henderson.

“Service before self, excellence in all you do and integrity,” Cecil says. “I believe these three core values that I follow go hand in hand with the military and the co-ops. When I follow these values at work, I feel it helps me succeed at my job.”

Preparing for his third deployment overseas as chief master sergeant in the 123rd Civil Engineering Squadron, Cecil exemplifies the goals of the veterans hiring initiative, Serve Our Co-ops; Serve Our Country, of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).

A 20-year military veteran, Cecil was hired by Big Rivers in 2015.

“Veterans have always been a core part of our co-op workforce, and this program creates additional intent to hire more veterans,” says Michelle Rostom, director of workforce development for NRECA. “Veterans are mission-oriented, disciplined, and safety-focused. … They show strong leadership capabilities and they work well under pressure.”

With retirements and innovations, electric co-ops across America expect to hire as many as 25,000 new employees in the next five years.

Cecil says his military service helps cultivate a sense of dedication.

“The co-op, much like the military, exists to provide a service to our members that is in best interest to them,” Cecil says, “Meaning, that you might have to make sacrifices in order to provide a quality service in the best interest to our members.”

“Hiring veterans is good for Big Rivers,” says Director of Human Resources Lisa Garrett. “Veterans come into our organization with the teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills learned in the military that are valuable to us. They have a strong work ethic, understand the need for commitment to task, and excel in high-pressure situations.”

“America’s military veterans have proven they can be relied upon to get jobs done,” says Nick Comer, EKPC’s external affairs manager.

Kentucky Air National Guardsman Shawn Cecil, shown in Afghanistan in 2011, is preparing for his third deployment overseas as chief master sergeant in the 123rd Civil Engineering Squadron. Photo: Shaun Cecil

“Veterans often have skills and training that fit very well with the technical positions in the electric power industry,” says Teri Lacy, Human Resources manager for EKPC. “Plus, they have served our country and often have made tremendous personal and family sacrifices, so we want to see if there is an opportunity for EKPC to help.”

“I think every day I use my military background to help me with my co-op job,” Cecil says, “especially when it comes to dealing with emergencies. The military teaches you how to stay calm and manage the situation at hand and try to accomplish everything in a task-orientated method. This method really helps out when you have outages and situations that require a lot of planning.”

With hiring needs continuing to grow, the parallels between the military and cooperative principles may serve as a guide. Think teamwork, autonomy, independence, and community.

“The biggest advice I can give is that the co-ops are a great place to work that provide you with the same type of pride that serving the military gives you,” Cecil says. “If you stick to your core values, you will have no problem succeeding with your career in the co-ops.”

20Jul

The future is electric

Support for electric vehicles is growing across Kentucky

By Kristi Brodd

Have you noticed more “electric vehicle parking” signs showing up in parking lots lately?

Each month, Kentucky is seeing growth in electric vehicle sales and the installation of electric vehicle charging stations. There are now over 75 public charging stations across the state with 170 outlets where drivers can plug in their electric vehicles.

“Electric vehicles offer significantly lower fuel costs, lower maintenance costs, environmental benefits and improving driving ranges,” says Joe Settles, manager of Member Services at East Kentucky Power Cooperative, which recently launched a new electric vehicle campaign. “The choices have never been greater. The savings can be significant, and that’s why co-ops are helping members who’ve expressed interest to make informed decisions.”

The Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest, served by Salt River Electric, is one of the first organizations to install a public charging station for visitors. Just 1 mile from I-65 and on the thoroughfare between Louisville and Bardstown, the arboretum is a convenient place for drivers to stop and recharge.

Josh Littrell plugs a Chevrolet Bolt into a charging station at East Kentucky Power Cooperative, Winchester. Photo: Tim Webb

“It is important to us to have these charging stations because it is part of our ethic—we want to practice what we preach,” says executive director, Dr. Mark K. Wourms. “Part of our vision is to be environmental stewards, and it is important to us that we model that. We want to push the public toward more sustainable practices.”

The arboretum also leads by example by owning a plug-in hybrid Chevrolet Volt and an all-electric cart for on-site touring.

Cliffview Resort, which is served by Licking Valley RECC, is also a charging station pioneer, the first to install charging stations in the Red River Gorge area. As electric vehicles become more prevalent, visitors to the rustic lodge and conference center have responded to the amenity with positive feedback.

“People really like them,” says Blake Bookstaff, owner of Cliffview Resort and himself an electric vehicle owner. “We have had some groups rent our cabins because of it.”

“I test drove a Tesla in Florida and could not believe how fun the car was to drive,” explains Bookstaff. “Before, having an electric vehicle meant that you had to give up features or comfort. Tesla has changed that and has created a car you want to own and drive.”

Bookstaff says his Tesla Model S has made for an easy transition from gas station to electric outlet. “The switch was no big deal,” he says. “I just plug the car in at night every one to three days and it is ready to go in the morning. What has been great has been not having to go to the gas station.”

Other electric vehicle drivers agree. Mike Proctor, a Blue Grass Energy member, purchased his all-electric Nissan LEAF in 2012. “It was a very easy adjustment,” says Proctor, who installed a charging station at his home to enable the vehicle to fully charge in less than six hours. Since then, he has also purchased a Chevrolet Volt.

Will he ever go back to driving a gasoline vehicle? “Stick with electric, absolutely,” Proctor says.

Proctor is also a member of EVolve KY, an electric vehicle enthusiast group founded four years ago. EVolve KY works to connect electric vehicle owners, raise awareness and encourage installation of more charging stations. The group has installed 12 charging stations at public locations, including the station at Bernheim Arboretum.

Stuart Ungar, EVolve KY founder, did his own research before purchasing. “When I was contemplating getting an EV, I set my car trip odometer for a week and recorded how much I drive daily,” says Ungar.

Now the owner of both a Nissan LEAF and a Chevrolet Volt, Ungar says EVs are the future.

“I don’t know anyone with an electric vehicle that would end up driving anything else,” Ungar says. “It’s far superior to gas and diesel vehicles, and healthier… no tailpipe emissions.”

The price range is wide. Several popular models are priced from $20,000 to $40,000. Higher priced SUVs run from $50,000 to $65,000, while luxury sedans range from $80,000 to $110,000. In the near future, many more choices are expected. Some new electrics qualify for a federal tax credit up to $7,500, depending on battery size.

It’s been talked about for generations, but it appears that the age of the electric vehicle is now reality.

KRISTI BRODD is communications manager for Advanced Energy (advancedenergy.org) a nonprofit energy consulting firm.

18Jul

Paying it forward (and back)

By Debra Gibson Isaacs

MAYFIELD

“It helped me reset, kept my compass true, and made sure I was headed in the right direction.”

Russ Kirby, a journeyman lineman with West Kentucky RECC, is talking about the West Kentucky Youth Camp in Marion, a regional church camp funded by the Churches of Christ. From ages 8 through 18, Kirby was a camper. As an adult, he serves as a counselor and helps with facility improvements so that the next generation can have the same life-changing experiences he had at the camp.

“The best mission field is investing in youth,” Kirby says. “There are so many stories about the impact the camp has had on people’s lives. It’s not just the camp itself but the relationships and bonds you make at the camp.”

Kirby also helps his family with a community project in Mayfield called Cartwright Grove. He’s a favorite when the electric cooperative does electrical safety demonstrations at schools.

No problem

WINCHESTER

Tammy Moberly doesn’t see problems.

Instead, she sees opportunities to help others and make her community better.

Moberly is on the board of directors of the Winchester-Clark County Chamber of Commerce and on its Member Services Committee. She also is vice president of the board and Funding Committee member for the Clark County Homeless Coalition. Moberly is far from a one-note volunteer, as her service ranges from Junior Achievement instructor since 2005 to helping organize the annual Turkey Trot 5K for Clark County Community Services to working with the Clark County Animal Shelter for years.

“I feel like each person owes it to the community to give back,” Moberly says. “I particularly love working with the children in Junior Achievement. I work with the kindergarteners and first-graders. They are so excited to learn new things.”

With all her volunteer work, Moberly still has time for a regular job. She has been with Clark Energy for 20 years, currently as lead administrative technician, overseeing the Engineering Department’s day-to-day work for new construction, the automated meter reading system and the outage system.

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29Jun

Nolin Receives PEER Gold Certification

Nolin RECC is proud to announce our recognition as the first electric cooperative in the nation to meet standards of service and efficiency required for the Performance Excellence in Electricity Renewal (PEER*) award. The PEER Gold Certification was presented to Nolin June 26th by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Click on this link for the full story and photo.
http://www.thenewsenterprise.com/…/article_9d751ac4-5097-5d…

29Jun

Kentucky’s Electric Co-Ops Urge Change To Farm Bill

Kentucky’s electric cooperatives are expressing concern with a provision in the Senate Farm Bill which would radically alter the current rural electrification funding program and likely lead to increased costs and uncertainty for co-op consumers across Kentucky.

The bill passed by the Senate on Thursday includes a provision that would retroactively change the rules of the Rural Utilities Service Electric Loan program, one of the most successful infrastructure development programs across the federal government.

Over time, co-ops fund escrow accounts to secure their ability to repay government loans. The current RUS electric loan program contributes hundreds of millions of dollars annually to the federal Treasury.

However, the Senate-passed Farm Bill would retroactively reduce interest rates on these funds, altering existing agreements.

“Kentucky’s electric cooperatives count on the ‘cushion of credit’ in the RUS program for greater certainty to the federal government that loans will be repaid, particularly in the event of disasters or other unforeseen disruptions that can negatively impact a co-op’s cash flow,” explained Chris Perry, president of the Kentucky Association of Electric Cooperatives.

As the House version of the Farm Bill does not adversely affect the RUS program, Kentucky co-ops urge lawmakers to implement significant changes in conference as they work to develop a Farm Bill that can be supported by the 1.5 million Kentuckians and 42 million Americans who benefit from safe, reliable and affordable service of electric cooperatives.

14Jun

Arlington Inspires Kentucky Co-Op Students

Meade County High School’s Evan Smiley is one of 90 high school seniors from Kentucky participating in the Washington Youth Tour, an annual program of America’s Electric Cooperatives. KAEC is proud to share their stories.

Courage. By definition it means, “the ability to do something that frightens one.” But to our nation’s greatest heroes, courage is much more than that. Courage is going above the call of duty and serving in one of our country’s gruesome wars and served as leaders not just in their battalions, but for their communities and their country. Many of these heroes gave the greatest sacrifice to prepare, preserve, and protect the rights of every American.

See more photos of the Washington Youth Tour and a video of the students at Arlington on KentuckyLiving.com

On June 12, 90 high school seniors and 15 chaperones representing Kentucky’s electric cooperatives on the Washington Youth Tour witnessed a testament to that courage at Arlington National Cemetery – the United States’ most sacred memorial ground. Participants toured the roughly 562 acres where 420,000 fallen soldiers are entombed, dating back as far as 1864.

Youth tour delegates are rising high school seniors selected for their academic performance, social involvement, and personalities. The Kentucky Association of Electric Cooperatives (KAEC) has coordinated the tour for Kentucky co-ops since 1972, when 18 students and four chaperones made the trip. In all, the more than 1,800 delegates from across rural America are in Washington, D.C. to learn about the political process, interact with elected officials and gain an up-close understanding of American history.

For many participants, including myself, Arlington is the final resting place of close relatives and friends. Therefore, when the opportunity presented itself to visit the gravesites of these loved ones, participants were eager to pay their respects. Arlington even provides a smartphone app known as “ANC Explorer” that allows the user to identify the exact location and directions to a particular grave. A shuttle guided tour allows visitors to explore an area and simply “hop on” the next shuttle. Sometimes, the shuttles are delayed by funeral processions which average 20-30 every weekday and ten on Saturdays.

Arlington National Cemetery has a unique history that involves many historical figures. The land was once a plantation owned by the adopted grandson of President George Washington, whose daughter married the Confederate General Robert E. Lee. During the Civil War, the Lee’s abandoned Arlington House to fight in the war. Meanwhile, the Union Army used it as a headquarters. Arlington House overlooks the great national cemetery and serves as a memorial for Lee. Many great figures have visited and admired the home. President John F. Kennedy stated that he loved the view from Arlington House that he could stay there forever. Just eight months later, he was assassinated and was laid to rest in Arlington.

Kennedy isn’t the only President buried at Arlington, however. President William Howard Taft also wanted his final resting place to be there, joining the long list of great leaders and patriots within the hallowed grounds.

Arlington is home to one of the most solemn places of United States History – the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The tomb is guarded 24 hours a day, 365 days a year despite any weather conditions. Participants of the youth tour were able to witness the legendary changing of the guard. Two of Kentucky’s youth tour delegates, James Shaddox and Tori Drew, placed a wreath on the tomb on behalf of Kentucky’s electric cooperatives. Many participants said this was their favorite part of the entire tour of Washington DC. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is one of many memorials at the cemetery including the Coast Guard Memorial, Chaplains’ Hill, and the Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial.

Arlington National Cemetery is a treasured part of the youth tour itinerary, a place of courage and honor for our country’s finest men and women.

09Jun

And they’re off! Kentucky co-ops send 90 students to DC

One of the great traditions of Kentucky’s electric cooperatives is unfolding again in 2018 as 90 high school seniors and 15 chaperones have begun this year’s Washington Youth Tour.

Students boarded buses at Kentucky’s local electric co-ops Friday morning, ultimately rallying at the Clark County Extension Office for lunch and orientation before heading to Charleston, West Virginia for the night. On Saturday, the students are touring Thomas Jefferson’s home, Monticello, before making their way to the nation’s capital.

“We have had a very smooth start,” says Mary Beth Dennis of the Kentucky Association of Electric Cooperatives, the coordinator of the trip. “The first two days are always an exciting time for us because we get to watch the students start to come out of their shells and form friendships, friendships we hope last a lifetime.”

KAEChas been coordinating the tour for Kentucky co-ops since 1972, when 18 students and four chaperones made the trip.

The students join more than 1,800 of rural America’s best and brightest high-schoolers who will visit Washington, D.C. to learn about the political process, interact with elected officials and gain an up-close understanding of American history.

Now in its 53rdyear, the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour is a weeklongprogram that includes Youth Day on June 11, a spirited gathering of young delegates and featured speakers.

Among Kentucky’s youth tour alumni are business leaders, elected officials, journalists, and many engaged co-op consumer-members and citizens.

One of the first orders of business for the Kentucky delegation will be electing its representative on the Youth Leadership Council, a yearlong appointment to represent Kentucky electric cooperatives on the national and state level.

Last year, Allison Wade of Jackson Energy Cooperative, McKee, was selected as the YLCrepresentative.

“Throughout the Youth Tour, I made memories and friendships that I will carry with me for the rest of my life,” Wade says. “And I am beyond grateful to share this experience with other cooperatives across Kentucky.”

Local electric cooperatives set their own criteria to select which students they will sponsor on the all-expenses-paid trip.

“It is an investment in our co-op youth and the future of the co-ops themselves,” says Chris Perry, KAECpresident. “We are so proud of these students. They impress us with their passion for their communities and our nation, and they give us hope for the future.”

31May

Be safe around pad-mounted transformers

That “big green box” in your yard needs space

Transformers change voltage from higher levels to voltages people use in their homes for their electronics, appliances and lighting.

While overhead power lines are mounted on utility poles and substations are protected by security fences, pad-mounted equipment is at ground level.

Clarence Greene, Safety and Loss Prevention director with Kentucky Association of Electric Cooperatives, says, “If you see kids playing near pad-mounted transformers, ask them to move elsewhere, away from the electrical equipment.”

In many newer subdivisions and residential developments, overhead lines are no longer installed above ground. While consumers seldom see technicians working on the underground equipment, they are regularly inspected by co-op crews.

“It’s also important that landscaping and other barriers be kept clear of co-op equipment,” says Greene. “Co-op technicians need at least 10 feet of clearance at the opening side of a pad-mounted transformer. Approximately 4 feet of open space is preferable at the rear and on the sides of the metal housing.”

It’s important to check with your local electric co-op before planting shrubs or trees, setting fence posts, installing sprinkler systems and digging where it might damage underground lines.

16May

EKPC To Demolish Powerhouse in Clark County

East Kentucky Power Cooperative plans to demolish the powerhouse of a decommissioned power plant in Clark County, Ky.

The powerhouse and stacks of Dale Station, located in southern Clark County on the Kentucky River, will be torn down and removed over the next year.

The plant ceased operations in early 2016. Since that time, the powerhouse, which houses the plant’s generating units, has been unused and is beginning to deteriorate.

“Maintaining the abandoned powerhouse is an ongoing cost to EKPC, and it is likely to increase as the structure deteriorates,” said Anthony “Tony” Campbell, EKPC’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “We have determined it is best to proceed with demolition.”

Once demolition is complete, the footprint of the powerhouse will be filled and leveled.

EKPCmaintains a switchyard and other transmission facilities at the site. They will continue to operate and are critical to the reliability of the regional power grid. In addition, an office building and some out-buildings will remain.

The powerhouse is in close proximity to surrounding homes and other private structures. EKPCwill take steps to share information with neighbors beforehand about plans for demolition, and will provide ongoing updates and notification about upcoming demolition events. If necessary, EKPCwill make provisions to protect nearby structures.

Dale Station was built in the 1950s. It featured four coal-fueled generating units with total capacity of 196 megawatts. In recent years, EKPCfaced mounting costs to add environmental controls to meet more-stringent environmental regulations. In addition, newer, more-efficient generating technologies have become more cost-competitive.

“Dale Station was EKPC’s first power plant,” Campbell said. “Over the years, the plant served a vital role in providing reliable, affordable energy for thousands of homes and businesses and millions of Kentucky residents.”

Plans call for demolition activities to begin in July and last until July 2019. Security personnel will remain on site 24 hours a day.

East Kentucky Power Cooperative is a not-for-profit, member-owned cooperative providing wholesale electricity to 16 owner-member distribution cooperatives that serve 1.1 million Kentucky residents at 535,000 homes, farms, businesses and industries across 87 counties. EKPCprovides power through coal-fueled plants located in Mason and Pulaski counties; natural gas plants in Clark and Oldham counties; renewable energy plants in Barren, Boone, Clark, Laurel, Greenup, Hardin and Pendleton counties; and more than 2,800 miles of transmission lines. Together, EKPCand its 16 owner-member cooperatives are known as Kentucky’s Touchstone Energy Cooperatives. Visit EKPCat www.ekpc.coop.