operation round up...for you, clearwater-polk electric’s energy advisors will look at the: •...

CURRENTA C T I V I T I E S

–– OFFICE HOURS: 7:00 AM-4:30 PM ... MONDAY-FRIDAY ––

Phone 218-694-6241 – or – toll free (888) 694-3833July & August – 2019 –

Website at www.clearwater-polk.com

Operation Round Up

On hand to accept donations from Clearwater-Polk Electric’s Operation Round-Up were (from left, front) Roberta Anderson, Laura Dahl, Susie Brovold, Laura Dropps, Micah Tramm; (row 2) Karen Stormo, Christine Musselman, Shirley Graftaas, Lindy Caspers, Marilyn Hood, Tamara Edevold; (back) Janelle Melbo, Kim Hanse, Kayla Nyegaard, Nancy Colligan, Seth Tramm and Al Rasmussen, with trustee Cindy Benson at far right.

Operation Round-Up donations to date: $405,698

A sum of $11,438 was awarded via 26 checks to worthy causes in the latest round of Operation Round-Up donations. To the assemblage of persons present for the awarding of checks, Clearwater-Polk Electric Operation Round-Up Trustee Cindy Benson noted that since the program began in 1997, the total of donations comes to $405,698.

Benson then asked that recipients follow up by letting

the trustees see the fruit of the donations, by providing some details as to how they were used.

Recipients in this round included the following: Bagley After Prom, Bagley All School Reunion, Bagley Area Arts Collaborative, Bagley Art in the Park, Bagley Babe Ruth Baseball, Bagley Community Theater, Bagley Elementary Kindergarten, Bagley Elementary Library/Media Center, Bagley Elementary School Math Night, Bagley Elementary Special Education, Bagley Early Childhood

Initiative, Bagley Senior Center, Breakfast on the Farm, Clearbrook-Gonvick School first grade and sixth grade, Clearbrook-Gonvick Summer Rec, Clearwater County Historical Society, Clearwater County Nursing Service, Clearwater County 4-H, Clear Waters Life Center, Clearwater County Sheriff DARE Program, Friends of Itasca, Gully 100!, ISD 162 Community Education, NW Minnesota Foundation-Red River Valley Emerging Leadership, Progressive Ag Safety Day.

2019 ~ Clearwater-Polk eleCtriC Newsletter PAGE ... 2

OFFICERS &DIRECTORS

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p RULES: Ads for Clearwater-Polk Electric members only. Ads received after the 15th of each month will be held over for the following month. Ads may be run consecutively for two months. Limit your ads to two items. No commercial ads, please.

FREE: Large Tv Antenna. Call 218-657-2304.

FOR SALE: AR-15 Rifles.5.56x45mm, A2 & A3 uppers with fixed & adjusted stocks. Various manufacturers, some unfired. Can mix & match. Four for $2500. Or $675 each. Call 218-694-6262.

GIVE AWAY: 4000+ piano sheet music. Call 218-657-2853.

FOR SALE: 1-8x20 Floating Dock $700.00. 1-8x16 Floating Dock $650.00. Call 218-556-1840.

WANTED: 6’ and 8’ Tables and folding chairs. Useable condition. Call 218-766-8176.

FOR SALE: 1080C Bobcat Shear Cummins engine. Call 218-556-1840.

FOR SALE: 1200lb ShoreMaster Cantilever boat lift with 18-foot green vinyl covered canopy. Asking $1500. Call 218-791-7414.

FOR SALE: 1988 Chevy Camaro 305 V8, Great shape. $3500.00 or best offer. Call 218-556-8548.

FOR SALE: 14-foot Lund Boat, trailer and 6 HP Evinrude motor. $1000.00 or best offer. Call 218-556-8548.

FOR SALE: Set of frame mounted camper tie downs. Torklift front and rear for 2011-2016 F250-F350 Ford crew cab short bed $568.00 on Amazon. Take $400. Call 507-450-7153

FOR SALE: Vintage white Crosley metal sink base with drawers and storage compartments. White enameled cast iron double sink with counters on each side sits on top of the base (faucet included). Unit is 65” wide. Also have 2 – 3 shelf, matching metal cupboards with doors. All in good condition, call 218-776-3657 and leave a message how to return your call.

FOR SALE: 2009 25-foot load Max Goose neck flat bed trailer 21’ flatbed. 4’ Beaver tail ramps, tool box, 15K GVW single tandems, good rubber, great shape. $5300.00 OBO. Call 507-450-7153.

FOR SALE: New Holland square baler. Call 218-280-2849.

Ingredients:

Preparation: Combine all ingredients except beef. Heat sauce to boiling. Cool, pour sauce over meat and marinate at least over night.

1 cup chili sauce or catsup 2 tsp prepared mustard 2 tsp vinegar 1 T. Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp sugar 1 tsp salt 1 T. steak sauce 1 tsp meat tenderizer 2 lbs lean beef, cut into 1" cubes

CHEF’S CORNER

Beef KabobsDebbie Olson, Bagley, MN

Leroy Riewer, President ..........................BagleyGreg Spaulding, Vice President ................BagleyRobert Johnson, Secretary .....................BagleyGreg Renner, Treasurer .......................... ShevlinGary Mathis .........................................GonvickKim Solberg .........................................GonvickBill Lanners ........................................... Shevlin

Bruce Bjerke ................. General Manager

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SCHEDULED BOARD MEETING

Held at the Clearwater-Polk Electric board room

at 8:00 a.m. on the last Wednesday

of each month.

SCHEDULED BOARD MEETING

Held at the Clearwater-Polk Electric board room

at 8:00 a.m. on the last Wednesday

of each month.

SIGN UP FOR AUTO-PAY AND YOU WILL BE ELIGIBLE

TO WIN $25.00

EACH MONTH WE DRAW TWO MEMBER’S NAMES THAT HAVE CHOSEN TO PAY BY AUTO-PAY. THEY WILL RECEIVE A $25.00

CREDIT TOWARDS THEIR ELECTRIC BILL.

July WinnersGuy Schermerhorn

David KortanAugust WinnersScott Soderstrom

Edgar Olson

Clearwater Polk Electric's Office will be closed

Monday, September 2nd, in observance of Labor Day


Considering Solar? We're Here to HelpToday’s consumers want and expect

options, including the type of energy powering their homes. Many homeowners are looking for a less expensive form of energy with ongoing savings. Some are looking for a green energy source. These two motives are why many homeowners are exploring solar panels.

The interest in alternative energy sources is also being fueled by decreasing costs for solar, the availability of financial incentives and the proliferation of companies offering solar panel installation.

However, as attractive and popular as solar may appear, it is important for consumers to fully understand its true costs, the operational reality of this form of energy and actual energy savings. To determine whether solar is right for their particular situation, homeowners must undertake their due diligence.

We’re Here To Help.As your trusted energy advisor,

Clearwater-Polk Electric can offer a candid assessment of your specific situation. We constantly strive to find new ways to help you use energy more efficiently.

Clearwater-Polk Electric is seeking to keep pace with the changing energy environment and evolving technology. We are exploring more options that will help you manage your energy use such as providing rebates for the installation of energy efficient heat pumps and electric water heaters. We take a more holistic, objective view of how to achieve energy savings.

Is Solar Right For You?To help determine whether solar is right

for you, Clearwater-Polk Electric’s energy advisors will look at the:

• overall energy efficiency of the home/building• orientation of the sun in relation to the home/building or potential site• tree coverage near the home/building• weather patterns for the regionUnlike a solar company that has one

objective––to sell their products and services––we will look at the total energy picture and help you determine the best options for your home. While solar certainly works for some people, it’s not the answer for all.

When helping co-op members determine whether rooftop solar is right for them, a co-op energy advisor will also discuss the many financial considerations:

• Is there a large, up-front payment required or are fees spread out over time?• Will the homeowner own the panels or

will they be leased?• Are there any hidden costs?• Are there ongoing maintenance fees?• Are there rebates or other financial incentives available? • Is the estimated energy savings worth the investment?• Is it more cost effective to invest in other energy saving measures?Most importantly, an energy advisor

will provide perspective on the total energy puzzle. Taking into account current energy consumption, the home “envelope,” age and efficiency of the HVAC system and home site,

“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” Author Anne Lamott cleverly captures the benefits of unplugging in today’s device-driven, multi-tasking world. Keeping up with work, family and school activities or the latest trends on social media makes most of us feel compelled to constantly check our devices.

Summer is a great time to take a family vacation, but it’s also a good opportunity to unplug from our devices and enjoy the great outdoors with family and friends. Research has shown that we all need downtime after a busy day to recharge––even though we may resist it. Take a moment to slow down and enjoy some peaceful hours away from technology.

While you’re unplugging from your devices, take a look around your home to identify electronics that consume energy even when they are not in use (this is known as “vampire” energy loss). TVs, gaming consoles, phone chargers and computers are some of the biggest culprits.

If your summer plans include a staycation, take time to recharge your relationships and be more present with those you love. Enjoy our beautiful surroundings with your family and friends.

Speaking of spending time outdoors, you can also enjoy energy savings by incorporating LED products and fixtures for outdoor use, such as pathway, step and porch lights. Many include features like automatic daylight shut-off and motion sensors. You can also find solar-powered lighting for outdoor spaces.

Save energy by keeping warm summer air outside where it belongs. Add caulk or weather stripping to seal air leaks around doors and windows. You can also employ a programmable thermostat to adjust the settings a few degrees higher when no one is home.

In our connected world, we have forgotten how to slow down. We multitask and text. We check email, then voicemail, then Facebook. Do yourself and your family a favor. Put down the device and smell the fresh air.

While Clearwater-Polk Electric can’t help you recharge your relationships, we can help you save money and energy by connecting you with our energy-saving programs and services. When you do plug back in, we’re just a call or click away.

Anne Prince writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural

Electric Cooperative Association, the national trade association representing more than 900

local electric cooperatives. From growing suburbs to remote farming communities,

electric co-ops serve as engines of economic development for 42 million Americans across

56 percent of the nation’s landscape.

an energy advisor can help co-op members determine whether solar is the best choice given the homeowners’ objectives.

When assessing solar options, it is an excellent time to examine other potential energy efficiency improvements for your home. For example, it may (Jordan Rafferty) make sense to insulate the attic at the same time as installing solar.

Clearwater-Polk Electric recognizes that consumer interest in green energy sources and renewables is at an all-time high, and we stand ready to help our members determine their best options.

By Anne Prince

Unplug To Be More ConnectedBy Anne Prince


––– CONTINUED on PAGE 6 –––

Clearwater-Polk Electric Cooperative, Inc., has filed with the Federal Government a Compliance Assurance in which it assures the Rural Utilities Service that it will comply fully with all requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, all requirements of section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, all requirements of the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, and all requirements of the rules and regulations of the U.S. Department of Agriculture to the end that no person in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, color or national origin, or solely by reason of such person’s handicap, or on the basis of age, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination in the conduct of its program or the operation of its facilities. Under this Assurance, this organization is committed not to discriminate against any person on the ground of race, color or national origin, solely by reason of such person’s handicap, or on the basis of age, in its policies and practices relating to applications for service or any other policies and practices relating to treatment of beneficiaries and participants including employment, rates condi-tion and extension of service, admission or access to or use of any of it’s facilities, attendance at and participation in any meetings of beneficiaries and participants or the exercise of any rights of such beneficiaries and participants in the conduct of the operations of this organization. The person in this organization responsible for coordinating the nondiscrimination compliance efforts of this organization is Bruce Bjerke, the General Manager.

Any individual, or any specific class of individuals, who feels subjected by this organization to discrimination prohibited by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, by section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, by the Age Discrimination Act or by the rules and regulations of the U.S. Department of Agriculture may be personally or through a representative, file with the Office of the Secretary, U.S. Department of Agri-culture, Washington, D.C. 20250; the Office of the Administrator, Rural Utilities Service, Washington, D.C. 20250; the Office of Advocacy and Enterprise, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington D.C. 20250; or this organization, or all, a written complaint. Such complaint must be filed no later than 180 days after all alleged discrimination, or by such later date to which the Secretary of Agriculture or the Administrator of the Rural Utilities Service extends the time for filing. Identity of complaints will be kept confidential except to the extent necessary to carry out the purposes of the rules and regulations of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on June 19 finalized a rule to regulate carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from existing coal-based power plants.

The Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) rule is viewed by electric cooperatives as an improvement from previous efforts by the EPA to address CO2 emissions. Under the rule, individual states are given the authority to determine the Best System of Emission Reduction for each coal-based power plant within their borders. EPA has identified six candidate technologies that focus on on-site heat-rate improvements. Heat-rate improvements have long been analyzed for their engineering and economic feasibility.

Under the ACE rule, states have three years to submit a plan to the EPA. The EPA will then have one year to take action on the plan following assurance of the plan’s completeness.

In a significant change compared to the proposed rule, the final rule does not include any final action concerning New Source Review (NSR) – a dedicated program that requires air permits for major modifications at plants. Plants that the EPA deems as violating NSR can be required to install technologies that would be required of a new coal plant. The EPA said it intends to address NSR reform at a later date.

The ACE rule replaces the previous Administration’s Clean Power Plan (CPP). Although it was finalized in 2015, the CPP was never implemented due to a Supreme Court stay pursued by Minnkota and other electric cooperatives. The CPP’s stringent targets and

aggressive timelines would have likely forced North Dakota utilities into costly, irreversible and irrevocable decisions on the future operation of their coal-based facilities.

Like the CPP, it is expected that the ACE rule will face significant legal challenges.

What Others Are SayingNorth Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum: “The Clean Power Plan

was a federal overreach of the EPA’s authority that threatened to erode the baseload reliability of our nation’s power grid and hurt consumers with higher electric rates. This new rule proposes a more balanced approach that will enable states like North Dakota to pursue an all-of-the-above energy strategy in an environmentally sound manner without the burdensome constraints of a one-size-fits-all federal policy. North Dakotans want to utilize our energy resources efficiently and with common sense, and our coal industry is working to further curb emissions and add value to carbon dioxide through innovative technologies such as Project Tundra and the Allam

Cycle as we continue to enjoy the second-cleanest air in the country. We thank the Trump administration and EPA for giving states the flexibility under this new rule to reduce emissions while providing affordable, reliable power and promoting job creation, economic growth and energy independence through more innovation, not regulation.”

U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer (ND): “I applaud President Trump

Statement of nondiScrimination

EPA FinAlizEs RulE To REgulATE Co2 FRom CoAl PlAnTs


FULL COLOR THIS PAGE

Bruce Bjerke

Manager’s Message

Our Goal is to Keep You and Our Linemen Safe!

Working with electricity can be a dangerous job, especially for line workers. In fact, USA Today lists line repairers and installers among the most dangerous jobs in the U.S. That’s why for Clearwater-Polk, safety is the number one priority. This is not empty talk. Over time, we have created a culture of putting our crews’ safety and that of the community above all else.

Our mission is to provide safe, reliable and affordable energy to you, our consumer-members. Yes, we strive to deliver affordable and reliable electricity to you, but equally important, we want our employees to return home safely to their loved ones. This requires ongoing focus, dedication, vigilance – and your help!

Distractions Can Be Deadly

While we appreciate your kindness and interest in the work of our crews, we ask that you stay back and let them focus on their task at hand. Even routine work has the potential to be dangerous, and it takes their full attention and that of their colleagues, who are also responsible for the team’s safety. Distractions can have deadly consequences. If a lineman is on or near your property during a power outage,

for vegetation management or for routine maintenance, please allow them ample room to work. These small accommodations help protect our crews–– and you.

If you have a dog, try to keep it indoors while line workers are on or near your property. While most dogs are friendly, some are defensive of their territory and can’t distinguish between a burglar and a utility worker. Our crews work best without a pet “supervising” the job.

We recognize that for your family’s safety, you want to make sure only authorized workers are on or near your property. You will recognize Clearwater-Polk employees by their lineman uniform, logo, etc. and the service trucks with our name and logo on them. You may also recognize our linemen because they live right here in our local community.

Slow Down and Move Over

In addition to giving line workers some space while they are near your property, we also ask that you move over or slow down when approaching a utility vehicle on the side of the road. This is an extra barrier of safety to help those who help all of us.

Safety Tips for Portable, Standby Generators

Generators can be a lifesaver for some and make an extended outage much more bearable. However, it’s critical that proper safety precautions be taken to prevent accidents that could affect you, a family member, neighbor, or our lineman!

Read and follow all manufacturer operating instructions and properly ground the generator. Be sure you understand them before starting it up.

The primary hazards to avoid when using a generator are carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning from the toxic engine exhaust, electric shock or electrocution, and fire. Never operate a generator in a confined area, such as a garage. They require proper ventilation. Follow the directions supplied with the generator.

Generators can be temporarily or permanently installed. A permanent generator is wired into a house by a qualified electrician using a transfer switch. Portable generators should NEVER be plugged

directly into a home outlet or electrical system. Known as “backfeeding,” this practice puts our linemen, your neighbors and your household at risk of electrocution. Plug appliances directly into the generator, or use a heavy duty, outdoor-rated extension cord that is rated (in watts or amps) at least equal to the sum of the connected appliance loads. Check that the entire cord is free of cuts or tears and that the plug has all three prongs, especially a grounding pin.

There should be nothing plugged into the generator when you turn it on. This prevents a surge from damaging your generator and appliances.

Remember, even a properly connected portable generator can become overloaded, resulting in overheating or generator failure. If necessary, stagger the operating times for various equipment to prevent overloads.

When venturing outside after a severe storm, stay away from downed power lines and be alert to the possibility that tree limbs or debris may hide an electrical hazard. Assume that any dangling wires you encounter are electrical, and treat all downed or hanging power lines as if they are energized. Warn others to stay away and contact the electric utility.

Generators pose electrical risks, especially when operated in wet conditions. Use a generator only when necessary when the weather creates wet or moist conditions. Protect the generator by operating it under an open, canopy-like structure on a dry surface where water cannot form puddles or drain under it. Always ensure that your hands are dry before touching the generator.

Be sure to turn the generator off and let it cool down before refueling. Gasoline spilled on hot engine parts could ignite.

Make sure to keep children and pets away from the generator, which could burn them.

If you are considering purchasing a generator or have questions about using your existing generator, please give us a call. We are here to serve you in any way we can.

Let us know if you have any comments on our change to sending out our newsletter every other month too.

Wishing you all a safe and enjoyable summer!

Bruce


CALL 694-6241 or 1-888-694-3833

AFTER HOURS OUTAGES CALL

1-877-881-7673

Trouble Calls

DURING OFFICE HOURS 7:00 am - 4:30 pm, Mon. - Fri.

RAM Utilities of Dalton, MN has contracted to provide maintenance on Clearwater-Polk in-service utility poles.

This is necessary routine maintenance serving a three-fold purpose:

1) To inspect the integrity of the wood pole and verify its fitness for continued service.

2) To extend the life of the pole by maintaining it with an effective wood preservative targeted in a specific, typically vulnerable to decay portion of the pole (just below the ground line).

3) To gather information to create a database about the system (GPS and inventory of poles) which will help streamline operations.

The objective of those inspections is to effectively maintain the infrastructure of the system, therefore reducing costly replacements and potential outages.

The inspectors on Clearwater-Polk’s system will be wearing a white hard hat and a bright green vest. They will be driving white or red Chevrolet pickups and red Polaris Rangers. They will cover approximately 10 percent of Clearwater-Polk’s system this year in the of townships Eden and Queen. Please contact Joel Rovang, RAM Utilities if you have any questions at 701-238-2918.

––– CONTINUED from PAGE 4 –––

and Administrator Wheeler for repealing the previous administration’s Clean Power Plan and replacing it with the ACE rule. Not only was the Clean Power Plan illegal, it threatened to raise electricity bills, reduce grid reliability, and eliminate well-paying jobs. The ACE rule respects the law and restores the proper balance between states and the federal government while promoting energy security. ACE is a win for North Dakota and the nation.”

U.S. Sen. John Hoeven (ND): “We can reduce emissions while continuing to

YOU COULD WIN

$25To reward our faithful readers, one member’s name will be drawn at random each month and

placed somewhere in the newsletter. If you should find your name, let us know before the 15th and win $25 off your next bill.

provide the affordable and reliable energy that families and businesses across our nation need. One-size-fits-all mandates can’t accomplish these goals. Rather, we need to invest in new technologies, like CCS, and support states’ efforts to implement the solutions that work best for them. That’s what this replacement rule is all about, and I appreciate the administration for continually working with us to bring this priority across the finish line.”

Attention!

operation round up...for you, clearwater-polk electric’s energy advisors will look at the: •...

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