For Our Members
April 2017
Board Approves Rate Increase
Raising rates is a difficult decision, but upon occasion it is a step that
needs to be taken. Your Board of Directors works hard to ensure the
cooperative is operated efficiently and that any rate increase provides the
least impact possible to their fellow members.
Late last year the Board, after several years of discussion, gave the
go ahead to a fiber communication project that will help your electric
cooperative prepare for the future. We have relied upon a communication
platform that uses radio as its backbone for decades, but the system
cannot meet the current and future demands of our system. The new
communication platform is currently being installed and will have a side
benefit of allowing us to offer high speed internet to our membership.
We realize that not every member will install our high speed internet
service, but every member will benefit from the backbone system being
installed. It will be used to provide greater bandwidth connections to our
substations and to provide communication to equipment spread across the
system. The current electrical grid was designed to have power flowing
from large central generators out to the homes of our members. As
distributed generation grows, power is now flowing from members’ homes
Continued on page 2
Member Appreciation Nights
April 6
5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Delaware County Community Center
Manchester (Delaware County Fairgrounds)
Fun!
811 is a free service that will have buried
public utilities marked on your property
so that you can safely dig around them.
Watts Inside:
Outstanding Patronage Dividend
Checks
Page 3
Heat Plus Rate
Page 3
Pull the Plug
Page 3
April 11
5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Durgin Pavilion at Camp Courageous
12007 190th Street, Monticello
!
!
F o od Fa m i ly
MVEC will be closed April 14,
in observance of Good Friday
Electric Cooperatives’ Policy
Priorities
Page 4
Bucket Rides
(weather permitting)
Sow the Seeds of Safety This Season
Page 5
Stray Voltage Concerns?
Page 6
Games
Arcade
Face Painting
Balloo
n
Sculptin
g
Use Caution When Burning Ditches
Page 7
BE
PREPARED
BEFORE A
STORM
STRIKES
In the event of a
power outage, be
prepared by keeping the following
keeping
the
items in anitems in
following
easy-to-find
an
easy-to-find
emergency supply
emergency
supply
kit.
kit.
WATER
Three-day supply,
one gallon per
person per day.
TOOLS
Flashlight, extra
batteries, manual
can opener,
battery-powered
or hand-crank
radio, NOAA
Weather Radio
with tone alert.
Board Approves Rate Increase
Continued from front page
back to the substation. This can create problems for the grid, and we need
a reliable communication platform to help solve those issues. We believe
this fiber network will give us that platform. Once again your cooperative
is keeping ahead of a changing world. Twenty years ago we installed a
computerized monitoring system for our grid (SCADA). We have used
that system and other technology to help us reduce member outages by
over 35% and we continue to outperform most Iowa utilities in reliability.
Keeping ahead of technology has brought significant benefit to our
membership in the past, and we believe this new program will continue that
mission.
So far this year, our revenue is down 8% due to the extremely mild winter.
Expenses in many areas continue to increase, just as they do for you.
This rate increase will help us to maintain the financial stability of your
cooperative. With this increase, revenue is projected to increase 3% over
what our current rates would produce. The increase is being limited to the
basic service charge as we attempt to get that charge closer to the actual
cost of providing the poles, wires and other items needed to keep service
available to you.
A couple of weeks ago you should have received a letter with more details
intended to help you better understand how this increase will impact your
specific bill. If you still have questions, please contact our office.
FIRST AID
KIT AND
PRESCRITIONS
First aid supplies,
hand sanitizer
and at least one
week’s supply of
prescriptions and
medications for
the family.
Learn more at
www.ready.gov
Source: American Red
Cross, Federal Emergency
Management Agency.
2
Outstanding Patronage
Dividend Checks
Maquoketa Valley Electric Cooperative, 109
North Huber Street, Anamosa, Iowa, 52205, has
abandoned property that results from patronage
dividend checks issued from 2014 for the
following cooperative members. If this property is
not claimed within thirty days from the date of this
newsletter, it will be forfeited to Maquoketa Valley
Electric Cooperative according to Iowa law.
Keith R. Bumgarner
Bruce A. Clark
Heather L. Dague
Hazel Driscoll
Scott M. Edmonds
Mildred Enabnit
Justin Finn
Eric Fisher
Sondra Fisher
Todd W. Flynn
Greg/Brenda Fuglsang
Rick Funk
Thomas L. Funk
Todd J. Grapp
Jay C. Gremore
Ron/Robin Greve
Raymond Harkey
Wayne K. Harms
William Havertape
Lynnell Haynes
K & L Hilltop
James W. Hogan
Ronald W. Howell Sr.
Janice K. Johnston
Mark Limkemann
Barbara Ludwig
Steve/Beverly Luster
Joyce Lyon
Duncan Macrae
Mark E. Manders
Dolores Maro
Ann M. Mead
Mark/Kimberly Merfeld
Rodger F. Morton
Mary Neumeister
Pizza Hut #513
Joseph A. Puccio
Vicki Rutzebeck
Earl Siegel
Irene Smith
Nicholas L. Steffens
Adelaide A. West
Lynn E. Zumbach
YOU DESERVE BETTER.
MVlink Fiber from MVEC brings the power of Gigabit Internet
speeds (1000 Mbps)—up to 100 times faster than the
national average—directly into your home. It’s the best
technology available from the people you know, the same
people that met our members electricity needs in 1935.
Make the clear choice today!
Reserve your connection today, we don't want to miss you!
NO CONTRACTS
NO INSTALLATION FEES
MVlink.coop | 800-927-6068
OR EMAIL [email protected]
Pull the Plug
Do you have old appliances no longer in use and
taking up space? We can help you recycle them! The
Pull the Plug program pays you for saving energy
responsibly. Sign up today
by calling our recycling
contractor, CLEAResult, at
855-838-7817 (toll-free).
Please have your account
number handy as you will
be asked to provide it.
Appliances in working
condition (runs and
cools) will qualify for the
following rewards:
Refrigerator: $35 Freezer: $25
Window Air Conditioner: $25
For a complete listing of all members with
abandoned property, please visit our website at
www.mvec.coop/about-us/member-owner.
Heat Plus Rate
The Heat Plus rate will end with
energy used through May 31,
2017. It is important that you
do not turn off power to those
meters because the Cooperative
still needs to be able to read them
each month. The Heat Plus rate
will begin again October 1, 2017.
NO DATA CAPS
3
(Limited to three appliances per year.)
Electric Cooperatives’ Policy Priorities
As a member of Maquoketa Valley Electric
Cooperative, you know that providing you with safe,
affordable and reliable electricity is our top priority
365 days a year. Our employees are dedicated to
this mission, whether they work on a line crew or
spend most of their time behind a desk. But it might
surprise you to know just how much the work we
perform in the communities we serve can be greatly
affected by what lawmakers and regulators are doing
in Washington, D.C. That’s why cooperatives all
across the country join together in making sure our
leaders in Washington know what’s important to
cooperatives and their members.
that updates of our nation’s agricultural and rural
policies also strengthen rural America.
We do this, in part, through our membership in the
National Rural Electric Cooperative Association
(NRECA), the national service organization that
represents the interests of the nation’s more than
900 electric cooperatives on Capitol Hill and
before federal agencies. Here are some of the
policy priorities for NRECA and America’s electric
cooperatives in the next couple of years.
We’re also looking ahead to future rules and
actions under major environmental laws, such as
the Endangered Species Act and Clean Air Act,
to ensure that they carefully balance the nation’s
environmental and economic goals without
imposing undue burdens on rural America.
Avoiding regulatory overreach
Electric cooperatives strongly advocate for public
policies that are driven by consumers’ interests and
needs—not a “Washington knows best” mentality.
Overreaching federal regulations have a significant
negative impact on rural America, so cooperatives
are asking Washington policymakers to revisit
a number of federal rules that have hurt rural
communities and threatened the cooperative mission
to provide affordable and reliable electricity.
Improving infrastructure
One of the themes that ran through last year’s
presidential campaign is the need to improve
the nation’s infrastructure. Electric cooperatives
have been in the infrastructure development and
improvement business for decades and hope to
work with leaders in Washington to continue this
important progress.
Strengthening rural America
Electric cooperatives built and improved the
infrastructure to bring electricity to people living
in rural America who were being left in the dark
and left behind. Today, cooperatives provide
power to 42 million Americans in 47 states. We
know that growing a vibrant rural economy is
essential to America’s success and prosperity, and
we count on the federal government to help. The
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has long
been a partner in helping cooperatives fund a wide
variety of activities, including electric infrastructure
improvements and expansion of rural economic
opportunities. Cooperatives will work to further
strengthen our relationship with the USDA in 2017
and beyond.
Cooperatives also are keenly aware that tens of
millions of rural Americans continue to live without
access to high-speed internet service. Bridging the
digital divide continues to be a critical economic
development issue for rural America, and it’s a big
priority for cooperatives in Washington this year.
And a little farther down the road, in 2018, the U.S.
Congress is scheduled to produce a new Farm Bill.
Cooperatives will track this closely to ensure
Cooperatives continuously improve the cyber
and physical security of our systems and have
been leaders in developing and using smart grid
technologies. Here again, a strong public-private
partnership remains essential, particularly in the
area of cyber security. Electric cooperatives also
support a wide range of research activities to help
improve our nation’s future energy infrastructure.
The U.S. Department of Energy and other agencies
remain key partners in advancing this research, as
well.
4
These are just a handful of examples of
cooperatives’ major policy priorities over the next
couple of years. It is by no means an exhaustive
list. But hopefully it demonstrates that America’s
electric cooperatives are working just as hard in
Washington as we are here at home to keep the
electricity flowing and improve the quality of life
for our members.
April 2017
Sow the Seeds of Safety This Season
Planting season is a physically and mentally draining time for
farmers, and in the rush to get the seed in the ground, focus on safety
can fade to the background. Overhead power lines present a lifethreatening risk for those working with large machinery. MVEC
encourages farmers to sow seeds of safety this season and take
recommended safety precautions.
Before beginning work in a field, take time to note the location of
power lines and equipment. Before getting out of the cab, look up
and double check the area around your machinery to make sure it is
not in contact with overhead lines. Always be aware of how close
tractors, loaders, antennas, extended arms, and other equipment are to
electrical lines. Pay special attention if you are using new equipment
this year.
Even if using an auto-guidance system, stay focused on the location
of the tractor and its equipment, and be ready to take action yourself
if necessary. Do not simply rely on a GPS system, but also consider
using a spotter to alert you if you come close to making contact.
A spotter can see
sagging wires that
would not be visible
on a GPS and provide
additional verification
that you can pass
safely.
Your machinery
does not have to
touch electrical lines
for electrocution to
occur, so keep at
least 10 feet of space between machinery and overhead lines. Always
remember to lower extensions to the lowest setting when moving
loads. Assume that all lines are energized, and if you come across a
downed pole or wire, never attempt to move it yourself.
If your equipment does make contact with a power line, do not leave
the cab. Immediately call 911 to have MVEC notified. Warn others to
stay away, and wait for the utility crew to cut the power. Never try to
disentangle equipment on your own.
The only reason to exit equipment that has come into contact with
overhead lines is if the equipment is on fire, which is very rare.
However, if this is the case, jump off the equipment with your feet
together and without touching the ground and vehicle at the same
time. Then, still keeping your feet together, hop to safety as you leave
the area.
5
RECare is a voluntary energy assistance
program established to help low income
families weatherize and heat their homes.
Funds collected are distributed by local
community action agencies. The money
stays in the area; it is a program
of members helping members!
One Time Pledge $___
Payable to:
Maquoketa Valley
Electric Cooperative
Monthly Pledge:
$1.00 ___ $2.00 ___
$3.00 ___ $5.00 ___
Other $___
I hereby authorize MVEC to add this
monthly pledge to my electric bill.
I understand I can cancel my
monthly pledge at any time by
notifying MVEC in writing.
Account # _______________
Name ______________________
Address _____________________
__________________________
Phone __________________
109 N. Huber Street 800-927-6068
Anamosa, IA 52205 www.mvec.coop
Stray Voltage Concerns?
Electrical systems are grounded to the earth to make
them as safe as possible and ensure their reliability.
As a result there is usually a small amount of current
flow through the earth. Stray voltage is an electrical
voltage measured between two points an animal
may touch at the same time. If a voltage is present,
current may flow through the animal between these
contact points. The amount of current depends
on the voltage and total resistance of the circuit
that involves the animal. Animals respond to the
resulting current flow, and not to the voltage.
Below are a few ideas that will help prevent stray
voltage issues.
1. Have a qualified electrician inspect the whole
farmstead for electrical problems, and correct
them in accordance with the National Electric
Code.
2. Balance ALL 120-volt loads as much as possible
in an effort to reduce neutral currents.
3. Size service wires according to the electrical
load they are serving.
4. Install an equipotential grounding plane in the
floor for all new livestock buildings.
5. Install ground rods and insulated wire to all
electric fencers/cow trainers.
If you have further questions or concerns on stray
voltage, please call Maquoketa Valley Electric
Cooperative at 800-927-6068.
Stray voltage is a complex issue and often believed
to be the cause of a variety of issues members may
experience on their farms. There are many firms and
products in the marketplace offering cures for stray
voltage. However, with a little investigation and
some corrective action, stray voltage issues can be
resolved if they are found to be the true source of
the problems being experienced.
As a member of MVEC, if you believe you are
experiencing issues due to stray voltage, we
will come to your location and complete a stray
voltage investigation at no cost to you. After the
investigation is complete you will get a report
outlining what was found.
Source: Michigan Agricultural Electric Council
Watts Current by Email
Bylaws Available
If you would prefer to
have the Watts Current
emailed to you, please sign
up by sending an email to
[email protected]
Copies of the Bylaws of Maquoketa Valley
Electric Cooperative are available at the
Cooperative’s office. If you want a copy
of the Bylaws, please pick one up, or
contact us to have one mailed to you.
6
Use Caution When Burning Ditches
The time of year for burning off weeds and grass in ditches is upon us.
Burning close to Cooperative property can not only cause damage and
potential electric service problems, but it can
be dangerous. Be careful when burning around
poles, anchor guy assemblies, underground
cable cabinets, and other important Cooperative
equipment. Members involved in such fires
may be invoiced for damage they cause to
Cooperative property.
PROPERLY SIZING YOUR
HVAC UNIT
An improperly sized HVAC unit can wreak havoc on your home. An
oversized unit can cause your system to “short cycle” – constantly
turning off and on. An undersized unit will run constantly to keep up
with demand. Consider the factors below and choose an HVAC
system that works best for your home.
SIZE MATTERS
The square footage of your home can help determine the load capacity of your HVAC
unit, but it should not be the only factor considered when reviewing unit sizes. Enlist the
help of a licensed professional to determine the best HVAC unit for your home.
Watts The
Answer?
1. Member Appreciation Nights
will be held April ____ at the
Delaware County Community
Center in Manchester and April
____ in the Durgin Pavilion at
Camp Courageous outside of
Monticello.
2. Today, cooperatives provide
power to ____ million Americans
in ____ states.
3. Stray ______________ is
an electrical voltage measured
between two points an animal
may touch at the same time.
Mail your answers in with your
energy bill or email them to
[email protected].
GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION
The region in which your home is located
will factor into how much capacity you
need per square foot.
MARINE
COLD/VERY COLD
HOME’S ORIENTATION
How sunlight hits your home during
different times of the day impacts
the load capacity required to
properly heat or cool your home.
Two winners will each receive
a $10.00 credit on their energy
bills.
Please complete the following:
Name
MIXED-HUMID
HOT-DRY
MIXED DRY
__________________________
Address
HOT-HUMID
__________________________
INSULATION EFFECTIVENESS
The better insulated your home is, the fewer BTUs
(British Thermal Units) per square foot your home
will need to stay at the desired temperature.
___________________________
A reliable energy partner will help you determine how each of these factors affect your
system’s load capacity. Contact your electric co-op for more information.
Source: Dept. of Energy
7
February winners:
Rodney Bormann, Bellevue
Jana Cavanaugh, Peosta
Maquoketa Valley
Electric Cooperative
109 North Huber Street
Anamosa, Iowa 52205
®
Earth Day is April 22!
Watts Current
is published monthly for the members of
Maquoketa Valley Electric Cooperative.
Mailing Address:
109 North Huber Street • Anamosa, IA 52205
319-462-3542 or 800-927-6068
OFFICE HOURS
Monday thru Friday • 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
After Hours Call Center: 800-582-8998
Visit Our Websites
www.mvec.coop
Like Us On
www.mvlink.coop
Follow Us On
Email direct to the following departments:
Billing Questions
[email protected]
Fiber Questions
Product or Service Questions
[email protected]
[email protected]
Maintenance Issues
[email protected]
Dividend Questions
[email protected]
New Service Questions
See live renewable energy
data at www.mvec.coop
Management
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Monticello, IA
[email protected]
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