Natalie Thoms didn’t expect to fall in love withthe Washington, D.C. area, but her five days inJune in the nation’s Capitol did exactly that.

“I didn’t know what to expect. I hadn’t been outEast before,” said Natalie.

Each year in June, electric cooperatives sendyouth delegates to Washington, D.C. to learnmore about government, electric cooperativesand, most importantly, to have some fun.

Natalie, who will be a junior at Prior Lake HighSchool this fall, was MVEC’s 2019 representative.

“I had a blast,” said Natalie. “It was an awesomeexperience.” So awesome, she wants to go backalready and take her family (Dad Eric, Mom Jean

and younger sistersJulia and Aubrey)with her.

At the very least,she’d like toinclude a fewWashington, D.C.schools on hercollege tour plan. “I’d loveto check out Georgetown and some othercolleges in the area. “I’m a real planner. I liketo have a plan,” said Natalie, who is eying acareer in electrical engineering, like her dad,or pre-med.

She was very excited to get the Youth Touritinerary from the Minnesota Rural ElectricAssociation, which coordinated the trip for40 Minnesota students. In D.C., theMinnesotans joined over 1,800 teens fromelectric cooperatives around the U.S. for theannual youth leadership event.

EyeElectricMinnesota Valley Electric Cooperative

Inside this issue:• What do the lights onyour receiver mean?

page 3

• More than one way tosave money this summer

page 3

• ORU makes 2nd quarterdonations of $31,863;new ORU trustee sought

page 4

RemindersSummer is the time wheneveryone wants to playoutside, so it is importantthat everyone knowswhat possible electricalsafety hazards to avoid.

• Go around your yardand neighborhood andshow your family whereelectrical lines arelocated.

• Never play near ortouch a power line withany part of your body, toy,stick, or any other object.Assume that any powerlines you see are live anddangerous.

• Never climb on or playaround a utility pole orequipment.

• Do not touch electricaltoys or appliances if youare wet or standing inwater.

July 2019

Additional resources available 24/7 atwww.mvec.net

Youth Tour rep Natalie experienced“awesome” Washington, D.C. trip

Natalie Thoms of Prior Lakewas an exuberant representa-tive for MVEC on the nationalYouth Tour. Here she is at theSupreme Court Building.

Natalie Thoms, third from left, with newMinnesota co-op Youth Tour friends.

See Youth Tour on page 2

July EE_Layout 1 6/26/2019 10:07 AM Page 1

Natalie Thoms didn’t expect to fall in love withthe Washington, D.C. area, but her five days inJune in the nation’s Capitol did exactly that.

“I didn’t know what to expect. I hadn’t been outEast before,” said Natalie.

Each year in June, electric cooperatives sendyouth delegates to Washington, D.C. to learnmore about government, electric cooperativesand, most importantly, to have some fun.

Natalie, who will be a junior at Prior Lake HighSchool this fall, was MVEC’s 2019 representative.

“I had a blast,” said Natalie. “It was an awesomeexperience.” So awesome, she wants to go backalready and take her family (Dad Eric, Mom Jean

and younger sistersJulia and Aubrey)with her.

At the very least,she’d like toinclude a fewWashington, D.C.schools on hercollege tour plan. “I’d loveto check out Georgetown and some othercolleges in the area. “I’m a real planner. I liketo have a plan,” said Natalie, who is eying acareer in electrical engineering, like her dad,or pre-med.

She was very excited to get the Youth Touritinerary from the Minnesota Rural ElectricAssociation, which coordinated the trip for40 Minnesota students. In D.C., theMinnesotans joined over 1,800 teens fromelectric cooperatives around the U.S. for theannual youth leadership event.

EyeElectricMinnesota Valley Electric Cooperative

Inside this issue:• What do the lights onyour receiver mean?

page 3

• More than one way tosave money this summer

page 3

• ORU makes 2nd quarterdonations of $31,863;new ORU trustee sought

page 4

RemindersSummer is the time wheneveryone wants to playoutside, so it is importantthat everyone knowswhat possible electricalsafety hazards to avoid.

• Go around your yardand neighborhood andshow your family whereelectrical lines arelocated.

• Never play near ortouch a power line withany part of your body, toy,stick, or any other object.Assume that any powerlines you see are live anddangerous.

• Never climb on or playaround a utility pole orequipment.

• Do not touch electricaltoys or appliances if youare wet or standing inwater.

July 2019

Additional resources available 24/7 atwww.mvec.net

Youth Tour rep Natalie experienced“awesome” Washington, D.C. trip

Natalie Thoms of Prior Lakewas an exuberant representa-tive for MVEC on the nationalYouth Tour. Here she is at theSupreme Court Building.

Natalie Thoms, third from left, with newMinnesota co-op Youth Tour friends.

See Youth Tour on page 2

July EE_Layout 1 6/26/2019 10:07 AM Page 1

Natalie and the Minnesota group flew fromMinneapolis to D.C. on Saturday, June 15,had a whirlwind five days bussing to variouslocations, and arrived back home June 20.

Sightseeing stops included the SmithsonianMuseums, the Bureau of Engraving andPrinting, the National Cathedral, Old TownAlexandria where she experienced nitrogen-infused ice cream, George Washington’sMount Vernon estate and the many nationalmonuments along the National Mall andTidal Basin.

“I think the Lincoln Memorialwas my favorite,” said Natalie.“But Thomas Jefferson’smemorial was absolutelyamazing, and also he’s myfavorite president.”Other stops included the World War II,Martin Luther King, FDR and Iwo Jimamemorials, and the Holocaust, Marine Corpsand African American History and Culturemuseums.

She enjoyed watching the changing of theguard at Arlington Cemetery’s Tomb of theUnknown Soldier. “It was so cool how theMarines were perfectly in sync.”

For their day on the Hill, the Minnesotacontingent met with several Minnesota

congressional leaders, toured the Capitol andvisited the Senate Gallery and watched as allthe U.S. senators voted and intermingled. “Itwas exciting to dress up and meet withpeople who make a big impact in ourgovernment,” said Natalie. “My favorite partof the Capitol building was the design anddetails in the ceiling and walls. Also, I didn’trealize it has so many statues.”

On several evenings, Youth Tour delegateshad informational sessions on TheCooperative Way, presentations from theNational Rural Electric CooperativeAssociation staff, and inspiring motivationalspeakers.

Natalie sent several updates throughout herweek in D.C., which were posted on MVEC’sFacebook and Twitter feeds. Additionalphotos from her adventures and info onYouth Tour also can be found atwww.mvec.net/our-community/youth-tour

“Words cannot express mygratitude to MVEC for sendingme on this amazing trip,” saidNatalie. “It truly was a trip of alifetime, and I will never forgetthe wonderful people andmemories I made. I loved every minute of D.C.”

Beginning with take-off at MSP airport, Natalie (front row in the center) said she feels she hasmade lifelong friends with her fellow Minnesota participants. A week after getting home, sev-eral were already making plans for summer reunions.

Natalie said she did her research once selected byMVEC for the Youth Tour. “I wanted to know who Iwas representing and what they do.” She said she nowwants to tell others about cooperatives and how theyare different than other businesses.

Youth Tour continued from page 1

July EE_Layout 1 6/26/2019 10:07 AM Page 2

Members who choose Energy Wise pro-grams allow MVEC to periodically manageelectricity use to reduce demand duringpeak usage times. In return, participantssave money on their electric bills.

While electricwater heaters playa major role in the

co-op’s load management strategy year-round, during the summer months, management of air source heat pumpsand air conditioners comes to the fore-front in saving power and money for theco-op and its members.

What do the lights on your receiver box mean?All Energy Wise programs for heating,cooling and electric water heating (exceptelectric vehicle programs and WiFi ther-mostats) require a Demand Response Unit(DRU) on your home to receive signals tostart and end a load management time period. The graphic shown here showswhat the three lights on the DRU mean.

Energy Wise: managing load to save money

Laundry for LessFull loads mean fewer cycles,and running your washerand dryer in the late eveningadds less heat and humidityto your home. Energy costsless outside of peak hours.

Cool it DownTurn off unnecessary lightingand electronics that generateheat. Resist the urge to turndown the thermostat andremember that lower fansettings use less energy.

CountertopConvenienceRange or oven cooking can really warm up akitchen. Microwaves,convection ovens, Crock-Pots and toaster ovens arecooler ways to cook.

Intramural CompetitionOnline gaming with eachactive player using their owncomputer, display, consoleand internet connection getspricey. Play each other athome on one screen.

Air conditioning is a major culprit for a summer electricbill that seems unusually high, asare dehumidifiersand fans. Here are other simpletips for keepingyour electric billunder control:

Why manage load?MVEC determines Energy Wisemanagement times daily according tosystem-wide usage and wholesalepower market energy prices.

The system’s electric load is im-pacted by temperature, humidity,time of day and other conditionsaround the Midwest.

MVEC reduces its wholesale powercosts by reducing the total amount ofenergy our members use at any onepoint during the calendar month. Thesavings come by reducing the demandfor new power plants that would needto be built by our power suppliers.

Energy Wise programs lower ourpower bills, so we, in turn, pass ratesavings to our members.

Receive notifications. If you participate in an Energy Wise program, you can have emailnotification of load management times sent to you. Sign up at www.mvec.net/residential/load-control/

In addition to pharmacy savings, MVECmembers who use the Co-op Connectionsprogram can take advantage of thousandsof local and national offers throughout theU.S., including discounts offered in thepopular Entertainment books.

It’s the perfect travel companion, thanks tothe GPS-enabled phone app and a new

travel feature, which lets you easily searchto see what discounts await you at yournext destination.

Vacation-related offers include enter-tainment, hotels, food, attractions, carrentals and more!

Learn more at www.mvec.net/our-community/

You have Connections at home and away

July EE_Layout 1 6/26/2019 10:07 AM Page 3

The Electric Eye is the official publication ofMinnesota Valley Electric Cooperative125 Minnesota Valley Electric Drive

Jordan, MN 55352www.mvec.net • info@mvec.netOffice Hours: M - F: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

24- Hour Dispatch/Outages:952.492.8255 or 800.232.2328

Member Service: M - F: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.952.492.2313 or 800.282.6832

Pay By Phone: 952.492.8333 or 1.866.492.8333

For questions about the Electric Eye, email us atElectricEye@mvec.net. The Electric Eye is printed

with environmentally safe soy based ink.General Manager: Ryan Hentges

Editor: Susan Larson

MVEC is an equal opportunity provider and employer

Giving back to the community

Operation Round Up (ORU) is avoluntary program where MVECmembers pool excess penniestogether to benefit localorganizations. If your bill is $75.56, itis rounded up to $76.00, and theextra 44¢ goes to ORU. Multiply allthat extra change by the thousandsof generous MVEC members who participate and it makes a BIGdifference. Here are the groups that received donations in the secondquarter of 2019:

ORU makes 2nd quarterdonations of $31,863

Belle Plaine Food Shelf - $500 for foodCampfire MN - $2,500 for camp scholarshipsCentral Elementary - $880 for field trip transportationCologne Fire Department - $3,534 for gas and personal monitors Czech Heritage Club - $750 for monthly meeting speakersFirst Stop Shop - $1,000 assist start up businessesGreen Isle Community Connect - $500 for foodGreen Isle Lions Backpack program - $2,000 for school suppliesJordan Heimatfest - $1,000 for lighting or fireworksInfants Remembered in Silence - $2,500 healing booksHenderson Food Shelf - $500 for foodHenderson Sauerkraut Days - $1,000 for musicHoly Redeemer School - $500 for candy and parade suppliesInd. School District 191 - $250 for accomplishment eventLe Center Sportsman Club - $1,000 for take a kid fishing dayLe Sueur-Henderson Nutrition - $500 Backpack program food Le Sueur-Henderson ECFE - $1,600 for outdoor toy shedLions MD5M - $1,000 for t-shirtsLonsdale Area Food Shelf - $500 for foodLutheran Home Hope - $1,250 for CPR mannequinsNew Options - $949 for weigh scales/storage binsNew Prague Community Ed - $500 for Camp Invention scholarshipsOak Crest Elementary - $1,260 for field trip transportationScott Carver Dakota CAP - $3,000 for crisis nurserySibley County Food Share - $500 for foodShakopee Police Department - $1,500 for car seat programSt John’s Lutheran Church - $240 for trip transportationChaska High School - $200 for all night safe partyJordan High School - $200 for all night safe party

TOTAL SECOND QUARTER DISTRIBUTION: $31,863Thanks to all who participate!

Add your cents at www.mvec.net/our-community/operation-round-up

MVEC has an opening on its 9-member Operation Round Up Trustee Board.

A separate entity from MVEC’s Board of Directors, ORU trustees evaluate andaward requests for assistance from Operation Round Up. Trustees meet fourtimes a year (the third Monday of February, May, August and November) andare given approximately three to four grant applications to research andrecommend to the ORU Board as a whole. MVEC’s ORU program awardsapproximately $120,000 in grants annually.

Applications for the open trustee position are available online atwww.mvec.net/our-community/operation-round-up/ and are dueWednesday, Aug. 14. Please contact chriss@mvec.net with any questions.

Wanted: MVEC member toserve on ORU Trustee Board

Recent ORUdonationsin actionTop: the Czech Heritage Club of New Prague used a recent grant to bring in speakers and programs for their monthly meetings.

At right: Dave Nichols shows the new docu-ment readers the Scott County Historical Society in Shakopee has pur-chased.

Far right: A new AED cabinet now hangs at East Junior High in Shakopee by Door F, thanks to an ORU grant.

Since 1995, MVEC members who participate in Operation Round Up have raised and contributed over

$1.8 million to a wide variety of organizations throughout the cooperative’s nine-county service area.

July EE_Layout 1 6/26/2019 10:07 AM Page 4

The Electric Eye is the official publication ofMinnesota Valley Electric Cooperative125 Minnesota Valley Electric Drive

Jordan, MN 55352www.mvec.net • info@mvec.netOffice Hours: M - F: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

24- Hour Dispatch/Outages:952.492.8255 or 800.232.2328

Member Service: M - F: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.952.492.2313 or 800.282.6832

Pay By Phone: 952.492.8333 or 1.866.492.8333

For questions about the Electric Eye, email us atElectricEye@mvec.net. The Electric Eye is printed

with environmentally safe soy based ink.General Manager: Ryan Hentges

Editor: Susan Larson

MVEC is an equal opportunity provider and employer

Giving back to the community

Operation Round Up (ORU) is avoluntary program where MVECmembers pool excess penniestogether to benefit localorganizations. If your bill is $75.56, itis rounded up to $76.00, and theextra 44¢ goes to ORU. Multiply allthat extra change by the thousandsof generous MVEC members who participate and it makes a BIGdifference. Here are the groups that received donations in the secondquarter of 2019:

ORU makes 2nd quarterdonations of $31,863

Belle Plaine Food Shelf - $500 for foodCampfire MN - $2,500 for camp scholarshipsCentral Elementary - $880 for field trip transportationCologne Fire Department - $3,534 for gas and personal monitors Czech Heritage Club - $750 for monthly meeting speakersFirst Stop Shop - $1,000 assist start up businessesGreen Isle Community Connect - $500 for foodGreen Isle Lions Backpack program - $2,000 for school suppliesJordan Heimatfest - $1,000 for lighting or fireworksInfants Remembered in Silence - $2,500 healing booksHenderson Food Shelf - $500 for foodHenderson Sauerkraut Days - $1,000 for musicHoly Redeemer School - $500 for candy and parade suppliesInd. School District 191 - $250 for accomplishment eventLe Center Sportsman Club - $1,000 for take a kid fishing dayLe Sueur-Henderson Nutrition - $500 Backpack program food Le Sueur-Henderson ECFE - $1,600 for outdoor toy shedLions MD5M - $1,000 for t-shirtsLonsdale Area Food Shelf - $500 for foodLutheran Home Hope - $1,250 for CPR mannequinsNew Options - $949 for weigh scales/storage binsNew Prague Community Ed - $500 for Camp Invention scholarshipsOak Crest Elementary - $1,260 for field trip transportationScott Carver Dakota CAP - $3,000 for crisis nurserySibley County Food Share - $500 for foodShakopee Police Department - $1,500 for car seat programSt John’s Lutheran Church - $240 for trip transportationChaska High School - $200 for all night safe partyJordan High School - $200 for all night safe party

TOTAL SECOND QUARTER DISTRIBUTION: $31,863Thanks to all who participate!

Add your cents at www.mvec.net/our-community/operation-round-up

MVEC has an opening on its 9-member Operation Round Up Trustee Board.

A separate entity from MVEC’s Board of Directors, ORU trustees evaluate andaward requests for assistance from Operation Round Up. Trustees meet fourtimes a year (the third Monday of February, May, August and November) andare given approximately three to four grant applications to research andrecommend to the ORU Board as a whole. MVEC’s ORU program awardsapproximately $120,000 in grants annually.

Applications for the open trustee position are available online atwww.mvec.net/our-community/operation-round-up/ and are dueWednesday, Aug. 14. Please contact chriss@mvec.net with any questions.

Wanted: MVEC member toserve on ORU Trustee Board

Recent ORUdonationsin actionTop: the Czech Heritage Club of New Prague used a recent grant to bring in speakers and programs for their monthly meetings.

At right: Dave Nichols shows the new docu-ment readers the Scott County Historical Society in Shakopee has pur-chased.

Far right: A new AED cabinet now hangs at East Junior High in Shakopee by Door F, thanks to an ORU grant.

Since 1995, MVEC members who participate in Operation Round Up have raised and contributed over

$1.8 million to a wide variety of organizations throughout the cooperative’s nine-county service area.

July EE_Layout 1 6/26/2019 10:07 AM Page 4