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Co-opConnection

Co-op IndependenceCelebrating our nation’s birth and more

President and CEOE. LeRoy “Toy” Nettles Jr.

Chairman, Board of TrusteesJames A. Goodson

TrusteesJule Conner

Preston Gainey

David Howell

Louise Kelley

Hamer Parnell

Lee C. White

W. F. Rogers

LaShon Sellers

Don Teal

Pat Thomas-Toney

Office Hours8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday

Corporate Headquarters1355 East McIver RoadPO Box 491Darlington, SC 29540

District Office 1811 North 501 BypassMarion, SC

Report Power Outage (843) 665-4070 Toll-Free (866) 747-0060

WebsitePeeDeeElectric.com

Co-op News Editor Tom Kinard

ON jULY 4 we celebrated our nation’s independence. In the midst of apple pies, hot dogs and fireworks shows,

I can’t help but think about the independent streak that inspired groups of farmers around America’s countryside to band together and improve their quality of life.

Aside from President Franklin Roosevelt’s promise of federal aid in the form of

low-interest loans and engineering expertise, rural Americans didn’t have much help in bringing electricity to their homes. They pulled themselves up by their proverbial bootstraps and did it themselves.

This independence not only tends to inspire cooperatives; it’s a guiding principle. The Fourth Cooperative Principle, “Autonomy and Independence,” means that no matter what contracts and alliances Pee Dee Electric Cooperative may enter into, we will always remain an independent entity.

Central Electric Power Cooperative provides wholesale power aggregation services to PDEC and 19 other electric distribution cooperatives in South

Carolina through purchase agreements with Santee Cooper and other power providers. In early May, Pee Dee Electric Cooperative leaders signed a new contract with Central (see photo below). Later in May, Central signed a multi-billion-dollar, cost-saving extension of an agreement to purchase power from Santee Cooper, the state-owned utility. Learn more about how these contracts benefit all co-op members in Dialogue, page 10.

Electric cooperatives form a vast network across the country, from coast to coast. Co-op lines are strung in 47 states, serving 42 million people—a different world from 1935, when much of America remained dark. This Fourth of July, as we recognized the hard-fought war that created the United States, we also a tipped our hat to Pee Dee Electric’s founders, who beat incredible odds to make life better for themselves and their neighbors.

James A. GoodsonChairman, Board of Trustees

PDEC Board Chairman James A. Goodson (seated left) with Central Board Chairman Lawrence J. Hinz. Behind them (from left) E. LeRoy “Toy” Nettles, Jr., PDEC President and CEO, PDEC Trustee Hamer L. Parnell and Central President and CEO Ronald J. Calcaterra.

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News

ReveNUe Received bY PDEC over the actual operating expenses is returned to members as capital credits. This money is a result of constant adherence to prudent, sound management practices. Capital credits are returned to members based on a schedule determined by the board of trustees.

For the year 2012, Pee Dee Electric Cooperative allocated $6,238,282.06 back to members. A residential member

using an average of 1,320 kWhs per month was allocated $187.06 for 2012. This is approximately 9.1 percent of the amount the member paid for electricity in 2012.

Capital credit checks for previous years’ allocations will be issued in early October of 2013. This is just one of the many benefits of being a member of Pee Dee Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Capital Credits Allocation Look for your check in early October

Join the Conversation Get social with PDEC

Pee dee eLectRic has gone social, and we invite you to follow us. You are a member of PDEC, and we work for you. We appreciate your support in staying connected with us.

We are in your favorite social networks where you will receive updates on energy efficiency, energy safety, economic development and Pee Dee Electric news.

Stay in touch!

TwitterLinkedIn

YouTube google+

Pinterest

facebook

Summer safety tips WheN the WeatheR gets hOt, we head outdoors for sun and fun. Keep in mind some tips from PDEC and the Electrical Safety Foundation to make sure everyone has a safe summer.

Lightning and stormsLightning strikes are fatal in 10 percent of victims, and 70 percent suffer serious long-term effects, according to the National Weather Service. Because lightning can travel sideways for up to 10 miles, blue skies are not a sign of safety. If you hear thunder, take cover.

f If weather conditions indicate a storm, stay inside—away from doors and windows—or seek shelter in a low-lying area away from trees and any metal, including sheds, clotheslines, poles and fences. If you’re near water, stay as far away as possible.

f If you’re in a group, spread out—don’t stand close together.

f Indoors, unplug electronics before the storm arrives, and don’t use corded phones.

f Avoid plumbing—sinks, bathtubs, faucets.

Water and electricity don’t mixSummer is the season for swimming and boating, and awareness of electrical hazards around water can prevent deaths and injuries. To repeat: water and electricity don’t mix.

f Use covers on outdoor power outlets, especially near swimming pools. Keep cords and electrical devices away from the water, and never handle electrical items before you’ve dried off.

f Use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) to help prevent electrocutions and electrical shock injuries. These devices interrupt the flow of power when they sense a surge.

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Be on guard againsthigh energy costs.

It’s Hot — The AC Is Running Hard.i-on energy is here to help!

Log in and create your personal lifest yle savings plan,based on your budget and other variables. Whether you’re up for an eco-challenge or simply time-starved, you can save big.

One ChoiceNot sure where to start? Learn which1 effort can save you the most.

Choose the Lifestyle Theme that best fits your needs:

Weekend WarriorFlex your DIY skills to save energyand money.

Family SaverEnergize your entire household tocreate a common goal: savings.

Earth SaverReduce your carbon footprint andhelp save the planet.

Get started atPeeDeeElectric.com

1-866-747-0060

What’s Jake

Wearing? Hard Hat

HandLine

Flame-resistantShirt

Climbing Belt

Safety Strap

Hooks

Steel-toeClimbing Boots

Flame-resistantPants

Tool PouchCustomized forDifferent Jobs

25kV High-voltage

ProtectionSleeves

&Gloves

BuckSqueezeWood Pole FallResistance Device

SafetyGlasses

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Safety Strap

Hooks

a ROOm aiR conditioner can keep a room cool and humidified at the same time. But don’t just rush out and buy one without figuring the size you need. The cooling capacity of a unit is measured in Btu. Generally, the more Btu, the more space it can cool. And, of course, the larger the room, the more Btu you’ll need. A general rule of

thumb is 12,000 Btu per every 750 sq. ft. in a well-insulated home with high-quality windows and doors or 12,000 Btu for every 550 sq. ft. for a poorly insulated home with low-quality windows and doors. Try to install the unit in a location so the cool air can blow the longest distance.

Careful, if you buy a room unit that is too big, it will start and stop too much. This will not only waste energy, but your room won’t be properly dehumidified. You’ll end up with wet windows and that can lead to mold and mildew. And a real mess!

On the other hand, an air conditioner that is too small for your room will run too much. If the unit doesn’t have enough Btu, the room never will become cool and comfortable.

What is a Btu?Btu stands for British thermal unit. It is the amount of heat (energy) required to raise the temperature of 1 pound of water 1 degree Fahrenheit. A Btu is approximately the amount of heat released by burning one wooden kitchen match (ask your grandmother). One ton of cooling equals 12,000 Btu per hour.

To run as a petition candidate for trustee at the 74th Annual Meeting of Pee Dee Electric Cooperative, a member must use an Official Petition form. Forms are available weekdays at the PDEC corporate headquarters. Completed forms will be accepted at 1355 East McIver Road, Darlington, until 5 p.m. Friday, August 16, 2013.

The photo on the facing page could have been called “What’s Tyler Wearing?” or Lex or Timmy or Chris or Eugene or Jack or any of many other names of PDEC's linemen, service men or ground men. The safety of all Pee Dee Electric’s employees is uppermost in our minds every day. The use of well-maintained equipment is a priority. Continuous training is another way we stay on top of safety. We say all this to remind you our personnel are professionals that work around electricity. They wear safe clothing, use safe tools and utilize safe equipment.

If you see a downed power line—DO NOT TOUCH IT. Call us immediately. We will take care of any problem. It is impossible to tell just by looking at it whether a line is energized or not.

Don’t

SWEATSummer Electric

BILLSAs temperatures rise, there are plenty

of things you can do to save energy and trim your electric bill.

Raise your thermostat to 78 degrees—the most efficient setting. Ceiling fans are a great way to move air around your home and shade your bill by planting trees on the south side of your house. For more ways to save, check out 101 Ways to Save Energy at PeeDeeElectric.com.

Did You Hear About the Lights Coming On?Maybe you weren’t around in 1939 when Pee Dee Electric was incorporated, but you may have heard from family members about when the blessings of electricity came to your home.

We want to hear your story. Please send a letter, or an email, and tell us about what you heard.

Next year, we’ll be celebrating our 75th year of providing energy at the lowest price possible. And we want to feature your story along with many others.

tkinard@PeeDee Electric.com or Tom Kinard, PDEC, PO Box 491, Darlington, SC 29540

Answers to your questions

What size room air conditioner do I need?

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Basic Disaster Supplies KitONLY six daYs into the hurricane season, and we had our first named storm, Andrea. As storms go, she wasn’t bad. Not much wind, but a lot of rain. Tropical storms and cyclones are not like tornados, they do give us a little time to get ready, but now is the time to prepare for a more damaging storm.

The following items are recommended in your basic disaster supplies kit:

f Water—one gallon per person per day for three days

f Food—a three-day supply of non-perishable food and a can opener

f Radios—Battery-powered or hand crank, local and NOAA weather

f Flashlight and extra batteries

f First-aid kit

f Dust mask for each person, plastic sheeting and duct tape to make temporary shelter

f Moist towelettes, garbage bags, plastic ties for sanitation

f Basic tools including wrench or pliers to turn off water and gas

f Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar

f Make sure your auto gas tank is filled

Remember the unique needs of your family members, including growing children, when making your emergency supply kit.

For Baby: f Formula

f Diapers

f Bottles

f Powdered milk

f Medications

f Moist towelettes

f Diaper rash ointment

For Adults: f Denture needs

f Contact lenses and supplies

f Extra eye glasses

Ask your doctor about storing prescription medications such as heart and high-blood-pressure medication, insulin and other prescription drugs.

Recommended Additional Emergency Supplies f Pet food and extra water for your pet

f Cash or traveler’s checks and change

f Important family documents

f Fire extinguisher

f Personal hygiene items

f Paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils

Find more information on our Facebook and Twitter pages or at PeeDeeElectric.com.

PromisePromiseIto keep our crews supplied with materials used to best serve our membersThomas Freeman Mgr. Procurement

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Jeff SingletaryPDEC EnErGy ExPErt