POWER CONNECTION | VOLUME 17 | ISSUE 5

NEWS & INFORMATION FROM STEARNS ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION

CONNECTIONPOWER

p3 ELECTRIC SAFETY p4 POWER

OUTAGES p6 HOME COOLING

Enjoy the best of both worlds with an air source heat pump.

Able to deliver hyper-efficient home heating and air conditioning, ASHPs help members realize savings in energy consumption as well as cost. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, an ASHP can reduce electricity use associated with home heating and cooling by up to 72%. Since heating and cooling account for more than half the total energy consumed in a typical household, members can realize tremendous savings by making the switch.

Air-source heat pumps are easy to install in new construction and are the ideal choice when it is time to update or replace older, inefficient heating systems or aging central air conditioners. Heat pumps can

use your home’s existing ductwork, making it easy to upgrade to a new high-efficiency heating and cooling system. They can also be used in an add-on role, working in tandem with your existing furnace in addition to adding a highly-efficient cooling system for significant savings year round.

HOW IT WORKSIn cooling mode, an air-source heat pump evaporates a refrigerant in the indoor coil; as the liquid evaporates it pulls heat from the air in the house. After the gas is compressed, it passes into the outdoor coil and condenses, releasing heat to the outside air. The pressure changes caused by the compressor and the expansion valve allow the gas to condense at a high temperature outside and evaporate at a lower temperature indoors. This

process is simply reversed to heat your home.

BENEFITS TO MEMBERSMembers can realize savings of up to 30% on home cooling expenses by installing an ASHP instead of other conventional air conditioning units. And by moving heat, the ASHP is able to transfer a greater amount of energy than it consumes. ASHPs provide a safe, environmentally-friendly solution for home comfort conditioning as well.

Part of Stearns Electric’s mission is to help you use energy wisely and an ASHP can do just that. We also have rebates of up to $600 based on your SEER level on new ASHP systems. And pair your new ASHP with our EnergyWise Programs for more savings!

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2 Power Connection | May 2017

Spring is here and farmers are busy in their fields while homeowners are working on their lawns, planting flowers and prepping their gardens. At the Cooperative, our construction season began early and we are now busy replacing old power poles and building new electric lines. Two large projects we will be undertaking this year are an upgrade of our Minncan substation and the construction of a new substation near Five Points in St. Wendel Township.

Both of these major substation projects have been in the planning process for well over a year. I am sure you have driven by many substations but you might ask – why do we need a distribution substation? A distribution substation is a critical part of the electrical power system - it is here that electricity from high voltage transmission lines is transformed to lower voltages to be distributed down overhead or underground power lines before being delivered to your home or business.

A substation includes an array of equipment including transformers, arresters, switches, circuit breakers, and regulators. Additionally, there are relays and control devices for switching and system protection along with monitoring and communications equipment for supervision and automation of the substation. Having the ability to remotely control the substation equipment based on real-time system data is one element of the so-called smart grid. The substation also contains metering equipment that measures the electricity delivered to Stearns Electric’s distribution system from Great River Energy so we can be accurately billed for the electricity we purchase for you.

The benefit of a substation to our

members means that you will be assured continued power quality and reliability as your area continues to grow and demand for electricity increases. Extended overloading of substations and power lines generally results in a higher frequency of power quality issues, such as blinks and brownouts, and eventually will lead to equipment failures and prolonged outages.

Stearns Electric currently has 32 substations spread across our service territory and the 4,000 miles of distribution lines we have to serve you. Numerous factors go into making a decision on when and where to locate a new substation including:

Distribution System considerations: • Near and long range load forecasts• Demographic forecasts (population,

economy, work force, income)• New substations constructed before

existing reach 80% capacity• Distance and associated voltage

drop of feeder lines between existing substations

• Proximity to existing transmission and distribution lines

Land and Environmental considerations:• Land availability, price and size• Aesthetics and public perception• Conditional use; local government

approvals • Required transmission line and

distribution line easements• Proximity to wetlands, streams,

navigable waters, and floodplains• Presence of threatened or

endangered species and proximity to critical habitat

• Known occurrences of federally and state-listed plants and animals

• Existing and historic land use and ownership (tribal, state, federal, forest, farmland, etc.)

This summer and through the fall, we will be upgrading our Minncan

substation, located approximately two miles north of Albany. The Minncan substation is unique in that it is solely dedicated to providing the energy requirements of one service, Minnesota Pipe Line Company’s (MPL) Albany Pumping Station. MPL is in the process of completing a reliability project that includes upgrading some of their existing pumping stations and increasing crude oil capacity. MPL is the lone beneficiary of this substation investment and so they will be paying for the entire upgrade through what is commonly referred to as Aid to Construction.

We will also be building a new substation along County Road 133 near Five Points in St. Wendel Township. Great River Energy recently upgraded transmission lines along County Rd. 133 which is one of the reasons this location was identified for a new substation. This substation will help us meet the energy requirements of the growing Sartell area. The need for this substation was identified some time ago and the renewed growth of new houses and apartments in the area has now made it a good time to proceed with the project. This substation is part of our work plan and will be financed with loan funds and paid for through the regular rates we charge our membership for electric service.

As you might have seen in our 2016 Annual Report, the value of our Utility Plant now exceeds $121 million. Continued investments in our distribution system help to ensure that you, our member-owners, have an up-to-date, reliable and safe distribution system.

MANAGERS MESSAGE

2017LOOKING AHEAD

Sincerely,

Dave GruenesChief Executive Officer (CEO)

Stearns Electric Association | www.stearnselectric.org 3

BOARD MEETING

The regular meeting of the Board of Directors of Stearns Electric Association was held on March 23, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at the Stearns Electric Association Headquarters Office in Melrose, Minnesota. Miranda Wendlandt, Lead Accountant from the auditing firm of CliftonLarsonAllen, LLC and Senior Partner Craig Popenhagen presented the 2016 audit report to the Board noting there were no exceptions or findings. They stated Stearns Electric is financially strong and is operating efficiently. In closing, they thanked the management and accounting staff for their help in providing the information needed to conduct the audit. A motion to accept the 2016 Audit Report was carried. The Co-op is currently posting for the new Systems Administrator position in IT as well as two additional Temporary Apprentice Linemen. The billing department is gearing up for April 15th and are continuing to leave door knockers. They are also working on being proactive in reaching out to members to ensure they are receiving proper assistance if they qualify for additional crisis funding. Manager of Engineering Matt O’Shea discussed the 42 kW solar system installed near Sauk Centre. Matt also discussed the MDMS system and the ability to share data through the system with GRE. CEO Dave Gruenes discussed a meeting which Stearns hosted for GRE and Clean Line Energy. Clean Line Energy is currently planning to build the largest clean energy infrastructure project in the US and were interested in visiting a HVDC line in our service territory, which would be similar to the line they are looking at constructing in the Southeastern United States.

Next Meeting:June 29, 2017

SAFETY FIRST AT HOME OR ON THE FARM

at home...Many homes and their electrical systems were built before most modern-day home electronics and appliances were even invented.

Today’s increased demand for energy can overburden an older home’s electrical system. Electrical safety awareness and education among consumers, families, employees, and communities will prevent electrical fires, injuries, and fatalities. We offer the following tips to help identify and eliminate electrical hazards to protect yourself, your family, and your home: • Make sure entertainment centers

and computer equipment have plenty of space around them for ventilation.

• Only use extension cords as a temporary solution, and never as a permanent power supply.

• Use a surge protector to protect your computer and other electronic equipment from damage caused by voltage changes.

• Heavy reliance on power strips is an indication that you have too few outlets to address your needs. Have additional outlets installed by a qualified, licensed electrician.

on the farm...With the use of large equipment, farmers can easily find themselves in dangerous proximity to overhead lines. Being aware of the location of those wires can help reduce accidents. We urge farmers and farm workers to remember the following:

• Keep a 10-foot minimum distance around power lines. That means 10 feet above, below, and to the side of power lines.

• Use a spotter when moving machinery around the farm. It can be difficult to judge how close a piece of machinery is from the driver’s seat.

• Use caution when handling long items such as irrigation pipe, ladders, and rods. Coming too close to a power line can cause electricity to arc, or “ jump,” to conducting material or objects.

• Avoid raising the arms of planters, cultivators, or truck beds near power lines.

• Never attempt to raise or move a power line to clear a path.

• Remember, even non-metallic materials such as lumber, tree limbs, tires, ropes, and hay will conduct electricity depending on dampness, dust, and dirt contamination.

• If you hit a guy wire and break it, call Stearns Electric so we can fix it. Do not do it yourself. Pole guy wires, used to stabilize utility poles, are grounded. However, when one of the guy wires is broken it can cause an electric current disruption. This can make those neutral wires anything but harmless.

MAY IS NATIONAL ELECTRICAL SAFETY MONTH

4 Power Connection | May 2017

Stearns Electric Association works diligently to maintain consistent power quality and reliability. However, with thousands of miles of power line exposed to the elements, trees and small animals, power outages do occur. And when they do, it is incredibly important that members report an outage because it is simply the fastest way to locate an outage cause and get the problem resolved.

When members report an outage, dispatchers at Stearns Electric, usually take the call and enter the meter location of the outage into the computer system with special software that documents each outage and tracks the source of the problem. The more reports our Dispatch Center receives from members, the faster they can pin-down whether the outage effects single properties or an extensive area. Those reports help determine the possible cause of the outage and that information can be relayed to the crews.

Line workers head out to assess the situation of an outage as soon as they can to determine the issue and restore power as fast as possible. When responding to outages, Stearns Electric’s first priority is public safety. Crews are sent to remove damaged power lines from roadways first. After that, substation power is restored. Sometimes, service to hundreds or several thousand customers can be restored immediately by replacing a fuse on a

substation transformer.

Next, the major distribution feeders are repaired. These are the lines that come out of a substation that have three wires resting on a cross arm. If energy cannot be distributed over these lines, your home cannot receive power. Tap lines are repaired next. Tap lines carry power to groups of homes from the distribution feeders. Finally, individual service lines are repaired.

After power is restored, line workers report the time and cause of the outage and all is recorded. Reoccurring outages in specific areas may be a sign of a faulty product, in which the Co-op is able to access with the recorded date.

When members report power outages after-hours their call is routed to Cooperative Response Center (CRC) and the same process occurs.

It is important that when members report an outage they know the name of the first person that shows up on the bill, the account number, or the address of the service that is out of power. This allows Stearns Electric employees to speed up the process of locating an outage.

There is no way to know how long an outage will take to restore, so please remember that Stearns Electric will do everything it can to get your power restored as fast as possible in the event of an outage.

POWER OUTAGES

IT STARTS WITH JUST A PHONE CALL FROM YOUSummer storms and construction projects will often lead to power outages during the summer months. If you suspect a power outage, be sure to report it.

WHAT TO DO IF THE LIGHTS GO OUT

ASSESS THE SITUATION:Do you have power at some locations in your home? If so, the problem is likely a fuse or breaker. This may be a warning of overloaded wiring, a short in the wiring, or a defective appliance.

Do your neighbors have power?Whether or not your neighbors have power can help us determine if it is an isolated outage or something larger.

Can you see anything outside your home that might have caused an outage? If you see anything like sparks, trees down in the area, a car in the ditch, a construction crew digging in an area or anything suspicious that may have caused the problem, it is important for members to let Stearns Electric Association know. This information can be very helpful.

REPORT YOUR OUTAGECall us at (800) 962-0655. If you have created a SmartHub account you can report an outage on-line or via your mobile device by logging into your SmartHub account and clicking on the Report an Outage link.

Once you’ve reported your outage follow us on social media! We often post information during a major outage on our Facebook page and you can also keep tabs on the outage via our live outage map.

We always appreciate your patience while crews work diligently and safely during power outages. Once we know about your outage, crews will be dispatched immediately so your power can be restored as quickly as possible.

Stearns Electric Association | www.stearnselectric.org 5

ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIP OF THE MONTH

SEAL AIR LEAKS TO SAVE ENERGY AND STAY COOL THIS SUMMER!Keep warm summer air outside where it belongs! Add caulk or weatherstripping to seal air leaks around leaky doors and windows.

www.facebook.com/stearnselectricLIKE US ON FACEBOOK

ELECTRICAL SAFETY CHECKUP

ELECTRICAL PANELAre you using the appropriate wattage light bulb in all lamps andlight fixtures? A bulb witha wattage higher than recommended may overheat the light fixture, wiring, or nearby combustible material, leading to a fire.

Replace incorrect bulbs with bulbs of the proper wattage. Use bulbs of 60 watts or less if you are unsure of the appopriate wattage.

When you’re in the dark and trying to report a power outage, there’s nothing more frustrating than a fast busy signal or sitting in a crowded phone queue waiting for the next available member representative.

SmartHub, offers an easy way to report outages without the wait. With a quick click, your outage can be automatically entered into Stearns Electric’s outage management program and our dispatch teams are alerted.

REGISTER NOW TO BE PREPAREDAn easy, one-time registration is required for first-time users and you’ll need to know your account number. Step by step instructions for setting up your SmartHub account are available at www.stearnselectric.org.

Once a user is registered with SmartHub, online outage reporting is as simple as logging in and clicking on the “Report An Outage” link. But to make it even easier, smartphone or tablet users can download the FREE SmartHub app by National Information Solutions Cooperative from iTunes or Google Play, and report an outage with the press of a button.

With summer storm season just around the corner, be prepared! Get registered and download the app today.

DON’T GET LEFT IN THE DARK.DOWNLOAD THE SMARTHUB APP FOR AN WAY TO REPORT A POWER OUTAGE. easy

WEBSITE UPDATE!The Stearns Electric Association website has recently been updated to make accessing your SmartHub account easier. Now, instead of following a series of links to an outside webpage, you can log in directly from the Stearns Electric homepage. Just hover over My Account in the top left of the home page to reveal the log in entry fields.

6 Power Connection | May 2017

COOL OFFWITH SUMMER SAVINGS

ENERGYWISE

Pay it your way with SmartHub’s convenient payment options. Through SmartHub, you’ll be notified when your bill is due and you can pay securely in the mobile app or on the Web. Save time and avoid late fees by signing up for automatic payments. Set up your preferred payment method and take care of your bills quickly and easily. Learn more at www.stearnselectric.org!

BillPaymentMade Easy

COOLING SYSTEM TUNE-UPClogged coils, low refrigerant levels, plugged drain lines and a host of minor problems can greatly affect the efficiency of your central air conditioner. Inefficiencies can drive up power bills, especially if we experience a hot summer.

A well tuned air conditioner will:• Lower utility bills by 5-25%• Extend equipment life• Provide peace of mind for you

and your family• Have fewer repairs and

improved system reliability• Increase cooling capacity

Members of Stearns Electric Association are eligible for a $25 rebate when they have a contractor

perform an Air Conditioner Tune-up. Download your rebate form today at www.stearnselectric.org. Offer ends September 1, 2017.

CYCLED AIR CONDITIONINGCycled Air Conditioning is a FREE energy conservation program. If you sign up, a licensed electrician will install a small radio receiver near your air conditioner that cycles the central air on and off in 15-minute intervals during peak demand days. Control times may be as many as 20-25 days per year and usually occur in the late afternoons and early evenings. Because your furnace fan continues to circulate cool air, most people don’t notice that the air conditioner is being cycled.

By enrolling on this EnergyWise Program you receive a $7.50 credit on your electric bill during the months of July, August and September.

REBATESIf your air conditioner is more than 10 years old, installing a high efficiency cooling unit could cut your cooling costs by 30 percent. Take advantage of Stearns Electric’s rebates when you purchase a new air conditioner or air source heat pump.

Sign up before the summer heat arrives to maximize your savings! Call 320.363.4630 or visit www.stearnselectric.org!

Are you looking forward to the warm summer days but dreading the high summer cooling costs? Fortunately, it’s not too late to take advantage of the programs that will help lower your summer cooling bill.

Stearns Electric Association | www.stearnselectric.org 7

cookingcorner

Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken Submitted by: Melissa Peterson

CONTEST DETAILS: One member per account may submit one recipe per month. Recipes will be saved for future publications. The recipe selected each month will receive a $10 credit on their electric bill. Submit your recipe to agroethe@stearnselectric.org or mail to: Stearns Electric, Cooking Corner, 29643 Frontage Rd., St. Joseph, MN 56374.

Ingredients:1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced2 Tbsp olive oil1 C heavy cream½ C chicken broth1 tsp garlic powder1 tsp italian seasoning½ C parmesan cheese1 C spinach, chopped½ C sun dried tomatoes

Directions:In a large skillet add olive oil and cook the chicken on medium high heat for 3-5 minutes on each side or until brown on each side and cooked until no longer pink in center. Remove chicken and set aside on a plate. Add the heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, italian seasoning, and parmesan cheese. Whisk over medium high heat until it starts to thicken. Add the spinach and sundried tomatoes and let it simmer until the spinach starts to wilt. Add the chicken back to the pan and serve over pasta if desired. Enjoy!

NEWS

THE STEARNS ELECTRIC OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED ON MONDAY, MAY 29, IN HONOR OF MEMORIAL DAY.

Long PrairieFriday, June 9Varsity Baseball FieldAges 6-9: 3PMAges 10-16: 4:30PM

St. CloudSaturday, July 15Whitney Field C2Ages 6-9: 9AMAges 10-16: 10:30AM

PaynesvilleFriday, June 2Varsity BaseballStadiumAges 6-9: 1PMAges 10-16: 2:30PM

TWINS PLAY BALL! MN YOUTH

CLINIC DATES

BREAKFAST ON THE FARMStearns Electric is once again a proud sponsor of this popular, hands-on, educational event designed to help people of all ages learn more about the farms and farm families that produce our food. The event is also a way to salute farm families for their hard work and dedication to producing high quality food, their commitment to protecting the environment, and their contributions to their communities and local economy.

The Stearns County Breakfast on the Farm will be held at Kuechle Dairy on Saturday, June 3, 2017 from 7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $5/person and children 5 and under eat free! The event will include children’s activities, a farm animal petting zoo, tours of the farm, ice cream or cheese stick with a Dairy Princess, an obstacle course with the Vikings Cheerleaders and pictures with a newborn calf. The event will occur rain or shine! Parking will be available at the Eden Valley Elementary School and a free shuttle bus will take you to the farm. For more information visit the website: www.stearnsfarmbreakfast.com

Free, local youth baseball clinics sponsored by Stearns Electric and Great River Energy.

STEARNS ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION900 Kraft Drive SE, PO Box 40Melrose, MN 56352

(320) 256-4241 (800) 962-0655www.stearnselectric.org

PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID

The Power Connection (USPS 016053) is published monthly (plus an Annual Report) by Stearns Electric Association, P.O. Box 40, Melrose, MN 56352, Subscription rate: $4 annually. Stearns Electric Association is an equal opportunity employer.

Periodicals Postage Rate is at Melrose, MN, 56352 and additional mailing offices.

BOARD OF DIRECTORSRANDY ROTHSTEINPresident, District 4RJ DICK NATHEDistrict 3STEVE NOTCHSecretary/Treasurer, District 6GREG BLAINEDistrict 1ARLYN LAWRENZDistrict 2JOHN ANDERSONVice President, District 5LONNIE IVERSONDistrict 7MIKE BLENKUSHDistrict 8JERRY FRIESDistrict 9

STAFFDAVE GRUENESChief Executive OfficerVICKY HERKENHOFFManager of Administrative ServicesRALPH MARTINManager of Finance and AccountingMATT O’SHEAManager of EngineeringGLENN BLOMMELManager of OperationsRYAN ZIERDENManager of IT

EDITORAMANDA GROETHEDirector of Communications

Power Connection | May 2017

Consumer: Coupon valid on your purchase of any GE ENERGY STAR® certified LED lighting product (offer not valid on GE reveal® LED lighting products). You pay sales tax. Coupon may not be reproduced or combined with another offer and is non-transferable. Void if transferred, exchanged, sold or reproduced. Offer limited to one purchase in U.S.A., its territories and military exchanges. Retailer: GE will reimburse you the face value plus 8¢ handling provided you have accepted this coupon in accordance with GE’s Coupon Redemption Policy. Void where prohibited. Cash value 1/100 of 1¢. For copy of policy and/or coupon redemption mail to: General Electric Company 1012, NCH Marketing Services, P.O. Box 880001, El Paso, TX 88588-0001.GE reveal® is a registered trademark of GE.ENERGY STAR® and the ENERGY STAR® logo are registered U.S. trademarks.© 2017 GE.

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MANUFACTURER’S COUPON • EXPIRES AUGUST 31, 2017 • D204023 49025

SAVE $3.00

TIPS FOR CHOOSING NEW LIGHT BULBS: LUMENS ARE THE NEW WATTS. It’s all about the lumens or the amount of light a light bulb emits. The higher the lumens, the brighter the light. There are handy charts at www.energystar.gov/ that help you compare the old measure of watts to lumens.

THREE-STEPS TO YOUR NEW BULBS. STEP 1: Choose the amount of lumens you need based on how bright you want a room; STEP 2: Determine which bulb has the lowest estimated energy cost per year; and STEP 3: Choose bulbs based on your needs – how long it will last and light appearance.