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ELECTRICITY POWERSALL GENERATIONSIt seems as if we live in a “smart” world in regards to appliances, watches, phones, and the list goes on. Today’s technology is on the move, and smart devices are created in hopes to add convenience to everyday

lives. Some smart appliances are now built to track how much energy your appliance is using. I’ve read reports of a refrigerator that has a LCD touch screen and wireless connection to the Internet. It displays a clock, news headlines, and lets you use apps on the door. Browse for recipes on the touchscreen, and add an item to your grocery list by tapping it into the refrigerator to be later viewed on your smartphone. What about your oven? There are ovens built so you can remotely monitor the tem-perature. You can also turn it on or off from an app on your smartphone. Imagine your oven preheated and ready to bake the moment you step through your doorway. Let’s not forget about the washer and dryer. They’re Inter-

Kevin Babcock, General Manager/

CEO

net connected too, with laundry apps available. You can start your load of wash on your way to work from your smartphone. Wait a minute…don’t forget to fi ll your washer with laundry before leaving the house. Appliances and other devices have come a long way since the days before power poles and lines were constructed to distribute electricity to rural areas. In the mid to late 1930s, much needed and valued electricity was something every-one was eager to receive. Some of you may remember when electricity fi rst came to your home or farm. Electricity eased the labor-intensive farm chores, baking and cooking, and laundry responsibilities. Today, with a similar concept, devices are manufactured to be more convenient for our “on-the-go” lifestyles. Electricity is needed for those convenient devices

to operate, similar to the need for electricity in the 1930s. All in all, electricity keeps our homes and businesses powered whether it was in the 1930s or the 21st century. Jackson Electric’s annual meeting will be held next month, March 22, at the Lunda Theatre in Black River Falls. The annual report will be included in next month’s issue of this magazine. I hope to see you there.

Jackson Electric Cooperative re-cently donated $250 to the Jackson County Veterans Park to assist in fund-raising e� orts to pave the parking area of the park. The park is located o� of Highway 54, just west of Black River Falls. Members from the Jackson County Veterans Park Development Committee accepting the donation are, left to right, Gavin Johnson, adjutant; Charlie Hizer, trustee; and Dan Getchell, chair-person; from Jackson Electric, vice president and district #3 (townships of Mentor, Dewhurst, and Levis) rep-resentative Jerry Huber; and district #6 (townships of Albion and Brock-way) representative Jerry Wagner. Huber served in the Air Force and Wagner in the Infantry Reserves.

JACKSON ELECTRIC DONATES TO PAVE THE PARK

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Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News16

These rules are set in accordance with Jackson Electric Cooperative Bylaws, Article II, Section 7. Jackson Electric Cooperative’s annual meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 22, 2016, at the Lunda Theatre in Black River Falls, Wis.

1. The meeting will be conducted in accordance with Roberts Rules of Order Newly Revised edition.

2. Any speaker must be recognized by the Chair before speaking.

3. Only members and duly registered guests will be recognized by the Chair; each person so recognized must give his or her name.

4. Unless otherwise approved by the Chair, those recognized are to limit their questions and comments to three minutes, with any rebuttal limited to two minutes.

5. Questions and comments from members and duly registered guests will be in order during old and new business sessions, and at the conclusion of the officer reports, if invited.

6. No resolution affecting Jackson Electric Cooperative may be submitted by any member, unless written copies have been received by Jackson Electric Cooperative by February 12, 2016. This will permit time for review by the Jackson Electric Cooperative Board of Directors to make its recommendation to the meeting as to approval or rejection.

7. No signs or handouts will be permitted within the building of the place of the meeting, except such handouts as required for the official conduct of the Annual Meeting. No handouts made available outside of the building will use the name of the Cooperative, its letterhead or logo to imply that the Cooperative supports or opposes any resolution.

8. No demonstrations shall be held within the building of the place of the meeting.

Annual Meeting Voting Procedures1. Voting may be by voice vote (one vote per membership)

RULES FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING

Jackson Electric Cooperative’s 79th Annual Meeting

Tuesday, March 22, 2016Business meeting at 7 p.m.

Lunda Theatre in Black River FallsYour annual report will be included with the March WECN issue.

Jackson Electric Cooperative is divided into nine director districts; one director from each district makes up the cooperative’s board of directors. District meetings are held in three of the nine districts each year, and a director is elected at each district meeting. The newly elected directors begin their terms following ratification at the annual meeting. This year’s district meetings will be held on the following dates and locations:

District #6 – Tuesday, February 9, 2016, at Jackson Electric Cooperative at 7 p.m.; incumbent is Jerry Wagner.

District #9 – Wednesday, February 10, 2016, at Melrose Town Hall at 6:30 p.m.; incumbent is Gary Woods.

District #1 – Thursday, February 11, 2016, at Northfield Town Hall at 7 p.m.; incumbent is Stan Gran.

If you have a meter in one of these districts, you should have received a meeting notice that was mailed on January 20, 2016. If you have any questions regarding the district meetings or what district you’re located in, please contact our office.

Obligations of the Board of Directors The board of directors provides leadership and guidance to Jackson Electric Cooperative’s management. Their primary responsibility is the establishment of long-term, broad objec-tives, purposes, and visions for the cooperative. The directors, as stated in Jackson Electric Cooperative’s Policy 202:

• Ensure the operations are consistent with the articles and bylaws, understand the corporate philosophy, act in good faith in handling the affairs of the cooperative, avoid conflicts of interest, and represent the best interests of the members.

• Have or acquire the minimum knowledge and skills necessary to direct the affairs of the cooperative.

• Make every effort to attend all meetings of the Board and to study materials that are sent prior to each Board meeting.

Excerpt from Article III, Section 2. Election of District Directors….” Nominations for director to represent the district shall be made from the floor at the district meeting, and in addition to the other qualifications required by these bylaws, the prospective director must be a resident of the district he or she is to represent. Election shall be made by secret written ballot.” Bylaws can be accessed www.jackelec.com.

DISTRICT MEETINGS TO BE HELD

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Jackson Electric Cooperative offers rebates to members who purchase Energy Star qualifi ed lighting, appliances, and energy effi cient electric heat pumps. To receive your rebate, contact our offi ce for an application form or go to www.jackelec.com to download a form. Please submit to our offi ce your completed and signed rebate application within 60 days following your invoice date with the Energy Star label (if applicable) and paid receipt.

Existing Home Weatherization and New Home Programs Incentives are also available for an existing home weatherization assessment and new homes that are built in accordance with the Touchstone Energy Home Program, 2012 International Energy Conservation Code, or Focus on Energy New Homes Program standards. Program requirements and fi nancial incentives are specifi c for both existing and new home programs. For specifi c details on these programs, go to www.jackelec.com or contact our offi ce.

Agricultural and Commercial There are certain types of energy saving equipment that may qualify for a rebate. Please go to www.jackelec.com or contact our offi ce to fi nd out if your device qualifi es for a rebate. Custom and prescriptive rebates may be available.

ENERGY STAR LIGHTING

LED Indoor Fixture $1/400 lumensLED Lamp (capped at 50% of cost) $2 per lampLED Technology Security Lighting (min. 15 watts) $15Occupancy Sensor $5T5 Fixture $6T8 Fixture (replacement only) $4

Other commercial and residential lighting rebates may be available. Please contact our o� ce for more information.

ENERGY STAR APPLIANCES

Clothes Washer $25Clothes Dryer $25Heat Pump Clothes Dryer $50Dishwasher $25Refrigerator (> 10 cu. ft.) $25

RESIDENTIAL ELECTRIC HEAT PUMPS

Geothermal Heat Pump $750 per tonAir Source Heat Pump $500 per ton SEER rating must be 14 or greater, HSPF 8.2 or greater, or EER 11.5 or greater.Variable Speed Blower Motor $35 per unit; new furnace

ELECTRIC THERMAL STORAGE (ETS)

Room Units

Model # Size (kW) Rebate/Unit2102 3.0 $3002103 4.5 $4502104 6.0 $6002105 7.5 $7502106 9.0 $900

Comfort Plus (central ETS furnace)

3120 14.0/17.5/21.6 $1,1204120 19.2/24.8 $1,2404130 28.8/37.2 $1,3504140 38.4/45.6 $1,5005120 19.2/24.8 $1,3005130 28.8/37.2 $1,5505140 38.4 $1,650

ELECTRIC WATER HEATERS

105-gallon Marathon (purchased from Jackson Electric) $400*100+ gallon (purchased from outside retailer) $200*Heat Pump Water Heater $300

* Load management receiver must be installed and energy e� ciency standards must be met to receive rebate

Involvement in the community is part of being a Jackson Electric Cooperative Youth Ambassador. On December 10, the youth ambassadors assisted Project Christmas in getting items ready for distribution to area families.

PURCHASE FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY – GET A REBATE

Youth Ambassadors Help Project Christmas

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Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News18Your Touchstone Energy® Partner

By Ron Blado, Member Services Manager

THE VALUE OF REBATES

Customer Service 715.284.5385 800.370.4607Outage Reporting 855.222.DARK (3275)Diggers Hotline 800.242.8511www.jackelec.com

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 546 Black River Falls, WI 54615Offi ce Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.Board of Directors: Gary Woods, President Jerry Huber, Vice President David Peasley, Secretary-Treasurer Daniel Smrekar, Junior Jacobson, Stanley Gran, Brian Huber, Chris Curran, Jerry WagnerKevin Babcock, General Manager/CEO

Jackson Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Jackson Electric Cooperative provides rebates to encourage the purchase of highly

energy effi cient appliances, lighting, and other devices. To receive a rebate on an appliance, be sure to look for the yellow energy guide label. On this label, it will note if it’s Energy Star compliant. The Energy Star logo means the appliance met the minimum requirement for energy effi ciency as determined by the Department of Energy. A household appliance, like a refrigerator, will come in several models and sizes. All models are not Energy Star compliant. A more energy effi cient model may cost more to purchase, but it will save energy during the life of the product. Because a member spent the extra dollars to buy an energy effi cient appliance, Jackson Electric offers a rebate to help offset that purchase cost. The same principle applies to high-effi ciency heating and cooling products like air source and geothermal heat pumps. While these systems cost a little bit more upfront,

they will provide long-term effi cient electric heating and cooling for many years. Members on the dual fuel program can see additional savings. Jackson Electric is offering generous rebates on the purchase and installation of electric heat pumps. Most HVAC dealers can provide a calculation to show a simple payback to determine the length it will take to get a return on your investment. There are also federal tax credits for installed geothermal heat pumps through December 2016 that qualifi ed members can apply for. For additional details on the tax credits, contact your tax preparer. Rebates from Jackson Electric for electric thermal storage (ETS) are also generous. This technology utilizes an off-peak heat meter at a lower electric rate for a better value in home heating. Investment in this type of heating equipment is high,

but the rebates have been increased to add more value when considering a purchase. Rebates are also available for lighting, appliance recycling, home weatherization, and agricultural and commercial applications. Custom rebates, or those items not in a

specifi c category, are available on a case by case evaluation. To learn more about Jackson

Electric’s rebates, please contact the offi ce or go to www.jackelec.com.

Overall, the seasonal temperature has been mild, but we still have the February chill to endure. Some of you may be thinking of using your electric space heater to warm your home. Jackson Electric Cooperative wants to remind you that even though electric space heaters are 100 percent effi cient, they still use a signifi cant amount of electricity. Electric space heaters will increase your electric bill if used regularly. If you must, use an electric space heater for supplemental heat in a small area. They are not designed to heat your entire home. Remember, a watt is a watt. A 1,500-watt milkhouse heater will generate the same amount of heat as a 1,500-watt infrared heater with a decorative console. Looking for ways to lower your heating bill? Contact Jackson Electric Cooperative and ask about electric heating options and the dual fuel program.

PORTABLE ELECTRIC SPACE HEATER REMINDERNEED ELECTRIC SERVICE? Make Your Appointment Now

If you’re planning to build a house or an additional structure on your property and need electric service installed, please contact Jackson Electric Cooperative to schedule an appointment to discuss your electric service needs. We can also help you with electric heating and cooling options and Energy Star rebates and incentives.

compliant. A more energy effi cient model may cost more to purchase, but it will save energy

member spent the extra dollars to buy an energy effi cient appliance, Jackson Electric offers a rebate to help offset that purchase

like air source and geothermal heat pumps. While these systems cost a little bit more upfront,

heating. Investment in this type of heating equipment is high, but the rebates have been increased to add more

value when considering a purchase. Rebates are also available for lighting, appliance recycling, home weatherization, and agricultural and commercial applications. Custom rebates, or those items not in a

specifi c category, are available on a case by case evaluation. To learn more about Jackson

Electric’s rebates, please contact the offi ce or go to www.jackelec.com

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