December's 2005 Articles

Commentary By the CEO: The Importance of Safety

By Robert Kolling
President & CEO

The importance of electricity in our lives is invaluable, and few would likely argue this point. It powers our very lives and the notion of living without it is one we can barely imagine in this day and age. But with this great power comes great responsibility, and it is this responsibility - to provide your electricity safely and reliably - that your electric cooperative takes very seriously.

Winter is a good time to reiterate safety. It’s also a good time to tell our consumer members about what we do to keep you safe. And as part of our ongoing commitment to the issue of safety, electric cooperatives all around the nation do a great deal to promote consumer education about how electricity works and how to prevent electrical accidents. Co-ops throughout the country conduct educational programs and electric safety demonstrations in schools, senior living facilities, county fairs or any number of other community events, as they consider it a primary responsibility to their communities to make sure folks of all ages respect electricity and know how to be careful around it.

The electric lines that deliver electricity to you are built and maintained under extremely strict procedures and guidelines. Your co-op has in place maintenance plans, line inspection programs and line patrol procedures. Co-op workers check each pole, bolt, insulator, tie wire and transformer to make sure it meets strict guidelines for safety. As part of this program, your co-op also makes sure that objects such as trees, grain bins, antennas and towers are a safe distance from power lines. We also make sure that trees, bushes and shrubbery are a safe distance from power lines through our vegetation management programs.

Electric co-op employees, especially line crews, at Sussex Rural Electric Co-op go through extensive and ongoing safety training. We make sure that they are educated about and accountable for safe procedures. Co-op personnel are prepared to assist in an emergency; many co-ops require that every employee be certified in first aid and CPR.

Electric co-ops’ national organization, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, administers a rigorous safety accreditation program. This program promotes the highest standards of safety among electric co-ops and concerned utilities nationwide. The majority of electric co-ops across the country, including your co-op, has received this accreditation, which must be renewed every three years. Cooperatives that apply for Accreditation undergo a complete on-site facility inspection, answer a series of electronic questions about 22 safety and compliance recordkeeping areas, and finally submit random document samples for verification. We recently received a score of 90. Yes, this is great, but we can do better.

We all have a role in practicing electrical safety, but we wanted you to know the ways in which your electric co-op is delivering you safe and reliable power each and every day and also the ways in which we are teaching the community to use electricity safely in the home.

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Heat Tape - Think Safety First

By Jaci Teune
Marketing Manager

This is the time of year when thoughts of freezing gutters and pipes are in the minds of many homeowners. Electric heat tape, used to keep water pipes from freezing, is a product for cold-climate homes, especially on pipes that run through unheated spaces such as attics, crawl spaces, beneath porches and under mobile homes. Additionally, there are products made specifically to keep ice from building up on your roofs and in your gutters.

However, if you have electric heat tapes that are more than three years old and aren’t certified to meet new voluntary safety standards—or if you aren’t sure how old or well certified your heat tapes are—it’s time to replace them.

Older and uncertified heat tapes can present a fire hazard. The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates there are about 2,000 fires, 10 deaths, and 100 injuries each year involving heat tapes. The use of certified heat tapes can help to reduce the frequency of these fires.

• First, know what you’re buying. Underwriters Laboratories, the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), and Factory Mutual Research Corporation (FMRC) certify heat tapes that meet these new voluntary standards, so look for the identifying labels on heat tapes you purchase.
• Always plug the 3-prong plug into a 3-prong (grounded) outlet to make sure the heat tape is grounded. All new heat tapes will have a 3-prong plug.
• Use a ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI) wherever heat tapes are plugged in.
• Do not wrap heat tape over itself unless the manufacturer’s instructions indicate that this is not a danger.
• Apply heat tapes directly on the pipe to be protected, never on top of the insulation covering the pipe.
• Do not cover the heat tape with insulation unless advised to do so by the manufacturer. Use nonflammable insulation such as fiber glass. Do not use foam or vinyl insulation that could catch fire from a failing heat tape.
• Keep the end-cap sealed and off the ground to prevent water from getting in. Moisture can lead to a fire.
• Do not use heat tapes designed for water pipes on gutters, driveways, or fuel lines. If you plan on using gutter guards, make sure that they are specifically rated for this use. Electrocution or fire may result from improper usage.
• If heat tape has a thermostat, check instructions to see if the thermostat should be placed against the pipe and covered with insulation or if it should be left hanging and uncovered.
• Inspect heat tapes each year and replace them if you notice discolored surfaces (especially at the plug), charring, cuts or breaks in the insulation, or bare wires.
• Check installation instructions when you change types or brands of heat tape because different heat tapes have different installation requirements.

Source: Consumer Product Safety Commission (www.cpsc.gov)

How About Cost?

One thing to keep in mind is cost to operate. We receive many calls throughout the winter regarding the operating cost of these units. One easy way to calculate your cost is to find the wattage on the heat tape or calculate 5 watts per foot of tape. Heat tape comes in a variety of lengths and averages between 4 - 6 watts per foot. Multiply the wattage by 24. Figure that it is going to run basically 24 hours per day. (Even those with a thermostat won’t turn off unless the ambient temperature is over 40 degrees; in the middle of the winter this is unlikely.) Multiply the result by 30 - for 30 days per month. Divide this result by 1,000 in order to get kilowatthours. Finally, multiply your kWh by 11.0713 cents. This will give you an approximate cost for one heat tape. Multiply this by the number of heat tapes you have and I’m sure you’ll be surprised.

For example, let’s say you just purchased five 25’ pieces of heat tape - one piece each for the front and back gutters of your home, one for each of your downspouts, and a piece for that pipe that runs in your crawlspace. Here’s the math if you left them plugged in for an entire month:

5 watts X 25’ X 5 pieces = 625 watts of heat tape
625 watts X 24 hours per day = 15,000 watts per day
15,000 watts per day X 30 days per month = 450,000 watts per month
450,000 watts per month / 1,000 = 450 kilowatthours per month
450 kWh X .110713 cents per kWh = $49.82 per month (approximately the same as it costs to operate an electric water heater per month!)

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Home Energy-Saving Checklist

Compiled by Gail Hensal
Marketing Assistant

Winter Tips

• Install a programmable thermostat to automatically change thermostat settings at certain times of the day. For example, set your clock thermostat at 55 degrees or off, health permitting, for the night and 68 degrees for the time right before you awake. For every degree you lower your heat you’ll save up to 5% on heating costs.
• Plug gaps around pipes, ducts, fans and vents that go through walls, ceilings and floors from heated to unheated spaces. Save 1%-3% on heating costs.
• Have your ducts tested for air leakage. Leaking ducts can reduce the efficiency of your heating system by up to 30%. Seal leaks with mastic or non-cloth backed tape.
• Keep your furnace clean, lubricated and properly adjusted. Clean or replace the filter regularly. Dirty filters reduce airflow and make your furnace work harder. . * You can cut your heating costs up to 25% simply by installing proper ceiling insulation to at least R-30 standards. Insulate walls, floors and heating ducts. This insulation will not only keep heat from escaping, but will also make your home more comfortable.
• By caulking and weather-stripping, you can cut your heating bills up to 10%. Weather-strip doors and windows, and caulk air leaks around windows, doorframes, and ducts.
• Use insulating shutters or drapes and keep them closed during winter nights and summer days. Save 8%-15% on heating costs.
• Use passive solar heating on sunny days. Open the drapes on windows facing south to let the sun shine in. Then at night, close the drapes to retain indoor heat. If you have a large expanse of glass that doesn’t receive direct sun, keep the drapes closed. Up to 16% of your heat can escape through unprotected windows.

Anytime Tips

• Select an energy-efficient model ENERGY STAR(r) labeled refrigerator, washer, or other appliance. Save 5% - 25% percent of operating costs.
• Unplug and recycle your older second refrigerator.
• Refrigerator/Freezer: Keep the coils (on the back or the bottom of the appliance) clean.
• Operate your dishwasher with full loads and air-dry dishes on the “energy saver” setting. If the manufacturer’s instructions permit, open the door of the dishwasher at the end of the last rinse cycle, rather than using the drying cycle.
• Use the microwave for reheating and cooking small quantities of food.
• Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps that give the same amount and quality of light as incandescent bulbs, yet use one-quarter the amount of energy and last ten times longer. Save 30%-38% percent of lighting costs.
• Use dimmer switches or timers on lights. Save 7%-10% of lighting costs.
• Install energy-saving showerheads, faucets or flow restrictors. You’ll reduce hot water use and cut water costs by 10% to 16% without affecting comfort.

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Meet Your Employees...Steve Quinn, First Class Lineman

First Class Lineman Steve Quinn is this month’s featured employee. Originally from Sussex, Steve is a High Point Regional graduate who began his career at Sussex Rural Electric Cooperative 17 years ago as a meter reader. This was short lived, as he spent only 8-10 months in this capacity before an opportunity arose to become an apprentice lineman.

It takes a special breed to become a lineman. The work is both dangerous and difficult. But, Steve says, “It’s the variety of work, being outside, that really makes the job fun.” He epitomizes a co-op lineman, volunteering for many of the requests that Sussex Rural Electric Cooperative gets from other co-ops for storm repair.

Recently, Steve traveled to Mississippi to help with repairs after Hurricane Katrina. The destruction was like nothing that he’d ever seen. Houses were destroyed by the wind and rain and entire pine forest were toppled as the result of sustained high winds. But “the people were incredible,” he commented. “They lost everything and would still offer you their last bottle of water. Many people posted signs thanking the workers for leaving their families and being there.”

Currently residing in Matamoras, Pennsylvania, Steve and his wife Susan have four children: Tommy, Allissa, Kevin and Melanie. When they’re not fishing you can find the Quinn’s hitting the ski slopes or hiking. Steven is one of the people you can count on at Sussex Rural Electric Cooperative!

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Board of Director Nominations

Your Board of Directors has taken the first major step in preparation for the 2006 Annual Meeting by appointing the Committee on Nominations. The committee meets to assemble a list of candidates for the board. The three board members whose terms expire this year are: District One, Tom Madsen; District Two, Jim Henderson; and District Three, Charlie Lust.

The list of candidates nominated must at least equal the number of seats available. If you live in one of the above-mentioned districts and you are interested in running for a seat on the board, you may submit your name to the committee on nominations for consideration by the end of January. Please send your nominations to: Committee on Nominations c/o Robert Kolling, Sussex REC, PO Box 346, Sussex, NJ 07461. If you are uncertain as to which district you live in, just call the co-op office.

Nominations by petition are also permitted. Any fifteen or more members acting together may make other nominations by petition not less than twenty days prior to the meeting. These shall be posted at the same place where the list of nominations made by the committee is posted.

When the Committee on Nominations completes its work, the list of nominees must be posted at the Co-op office not less than 20 days prior to the annual meeting.

The names of all candidates must be mailed to all members at least seven days before the meeting. You will find a list of nominees in April’s issue of Currents and in your annual report.

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News & Events

SUSSEX / WANTAGE:

. Sussex Wantage Library - Preschool Storyhour: Wednesdays – November 16, 23, 30 and December 7. For children ages three to five. Each program lasts 45-60 minutes and features stories, rhymes, and a craft. Registration is ongoing. Time: 10 a.m. OR 1 p.m. (Children may only attend the session they are signed up for).

• Firemen's Bingo - Bingo will be played every Sunday evening at the Beemerville Fire Hall. Doors open at 5 p.m. Bingo starts at 6:15. Refreshments available. For more information please call 875-2972.

• Sussex Kiwanis - Sussex Kiwanis meets the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Bella Vita Restaurant located on Route 23 & Libertyville Rd., Wantage. For information please contact Tom Madsen at 973-875-9716.

• Wallkill Valley Rotary Club - Meets every Thursday at noon at the Peasant Restaurant on Rt. 23. For information, please call Bob Kolling at 973-875-5101.

• Senior meetings at the Vernon Senior Center, Church Street:
Leisure Club – 3rd Wednesday of each month at 1:00 pm.
Women’s Club – 4th Thursday of each month at 8:00 p.m.
Historic Society – 3rd Thursday of each month from 7:00-9:00 p.m.

• Bingo Monday’s - 6:00 pm Monday. Games begin at 7:15pm Vernon VFW, Route 94, Vernon call 973-764-9380

• Vernon Kiwanis - Meets at 7:30am on the second, third and fourth Tuesdays of every month at Vernon High School. Call 973-827-1188.

• Vernon Township Women’s Club - The GFWC, Vernon Township Woman’s Club meets every 4th Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at the Vernon Senior Center, Church Street, Vernon, NJ.

• The American Tenor: Dominic Mantuano will present a Holiday Concert at the Unity Church of Sussex County, 25 Mudcut Rd. on Saturday, December 10 from 7 PM - 9 PM. Tickets are $20. Please call 973-383-6277 for further info.

. Meals on Wheels - Is in great need of volunteers to deliver a mid-day meal to homebound seniors in Sussex County. High gas prices are placing a great strain on this viable service to needed Senior Citizens. It would just take an hour of your time one day a week. Call 973-383-3123.

• Veterans’ Transportation - Free door-to-door bus service is provided to Lyons and East Orange VA Medical Facilities for Sussex County veterans. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Service to the Castle Point VA Health Center near Beacon, NY is provided once per month. For specific service days call 973-579-0480 and press 1 from the menu.

• Pass it Along - Sussex County is in desperate need of canned goods and non-perishable food for the local food pantries. Pass it Along is asking groups of all ages to hold a food drive. Whether you are in a youth group, Boy Scout troop, church, or place of business, please consider collecting food for Sussex County’s families in need. Call 973-726-9777 or Email: volunteer@passitalong.org

• Daytimers Retirees’ Group - Make some new friends by joining this very interactive retirees’ group where they exchange ideas and share experiences, hobbies and plans for the future. Free. To register, call 800-336-5273 or visit www.saintclares.org and register online.

POSTING OF ANNOUNCEMENTS:
If you would like to list your clubs and/or organization event you can call, stop by or even e-mail us with the information. Currents is published monthly, all submissions must be to SREC by the 10th of the prior month of the event.

NOTICE: Do you get Currents at the end of the month or after a particular event occurred? Find out about events on-line at the beginning of each month at www.sussexrec.com/currents/currents.html. Events (and Currents articles) are posted at the beginning of each month.

E-mail to: info@sussexrec.com. We reserve the right to edit any requests.