AUnion Power Cooperative n December 2015

COOPERATIVE REVIEW

DECEMBER 2015

Carolina Country App B

Connect on Social Media C

LED Lighting Solutions D

Weather Affects Bills E

Generator Safety F

Educating Students on Tree Care; Holiday Office Closings G

ROW Crew Locations and Pink Hard Hat Winners H

Highlights from 76th Annual Meeting

Union Power Power held its 76th Annual Membership Meeting at Wingate University on October 10,

with nearly 1,100 in attendance, despite the rainy weather. Registered members enjoyed a complimentary breakfast and received capital credit checks if eligible — the Co-op retired $5.9 million worth of capital credits to eligible members this year.

Novant Health and other vendors provided a number of services to members at the Health Fair including free cholesterol and blood sugar screenings, and members could also get flu shots for $30. More

than 1,880 LED bulbs were distributed to members, and employees at the Co-op Connections booth handed out information about the program and flyers detailing more than 100 local discounts available. At the Kids Festival, nearly 100 children enjoyed games, music, a magician, face painting, cash prizes and other activities.

(continued on page B)

Union Power employees wore pink shirts to show their support for Breast Cancer Awareness

December 2015 n Union Power CooperativeB

Annual Meeting continued...After entertainment provided by the group Letters From Home, the Piedmont High School Navy JROTC kicked off the business meeting by presenting the colors, and Wingate University student Rusty Moore sang the National Anthem. During the business meeting, members re-elected Directors B. L. Starnes, Neil W. Hasty and Jim T. Hartsell to serve three-year terms. After the meeting, $2,500 in cash prizes was distributed. Congratulations to Hezekiah Anderson of Monroe, who won the grand prize of $500.

Visit union-power.com/annual-meeting, to view Union Power’s “Powering Your Life” video, which highlights ways the Co-op powers your home, empowers you and your community.

Top: The Mayberry Deputy (a.k.a. David Browning) and friends interacted with members across campus and entertained briefly onstage prior to the Business Meeting.

Right: Letters From Home, a crowd favorite.

Coming Soon to a Tablet Near You!Be watching this newsletter and our website for news on how YOU can receive the digital magazine, Union Power newsletter plus much more.

Visit carolinacountry.com/app to learn more about this exciting new edition, available on the Apple App Store or

Google Play Store to Union Power members soon!

Apple and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Google Play is a trademark of Google Inc.

Union Power Cooperative n December 2015 C

POWERING YOUR LIFE

Connect with Us on Social Media § twitter.com/UnionPowerCoop

§ instagram.com/UnionPowerCoop

§ facebook.com/ UnionPowerCooperative

§ youtube.com (type in Union Power Cooperative and look for our logo)

§ linkedin.com/company/union-power-cooperative

December 2015 n Union Power CooperativeD

W ith the coming holidays, you have probably noticed that

incandescent Christmas lighting is quickly being replaced with LED (light-emitting diodes) options. LEDs can help you save during the holidays and throughout the year.

‘Solid’ lightingIncandescent bulbs create light using a thin wire (filament) inside a glass bulb—a delicate connection that can easily be broken, as frustrated homeowners can attest. In contrast, LEDs are at the forefront of solid-state lighting—small, packed electronic chip devices. Two conductive materials are placed together on a chip (a diode). Electricity passes through the diode, releasing energy in the form of light.

Invented in 1960 by General Electric, the first LEDs were red—the color depends on materials placed on the diode. Yellow, green, and orange LEDs were created in the 1970s and the recipe for the color blue was unlocked in the mid-1990s. Originally used in remote controls, exit signs, digital watches, alarm clocks, and car signal lights, LEDs quickly gained momentum for large-scale lighting.

Measuring LED potentialThe Arlington, Va.-based Cooperative Research Network has partnered with several electric cooperatives throughout the United States to test LEDs and found they offer several benefits:

§ LEDs could last longer, perhaps for decades

§ The energy to use LEDs could be substantially less than that of compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) or other fluorescents

§ With no mercury content, LEDs are more environmentally friendly

§ The products are rugged and more resistant to breakage

§ LEDs perform well in cold climates, especially outside

§ Certain LEDs can be dimmed and produce a more pleasing light

However, some consumers avoid LEDs because the price tag exceeds normal light bulb costs. But the true value lies in the lifetime of the bulb. It takes about 50 traditional incandescent bulbs, or eight to 10 CFLs, to last as long as one LED lamp.

Buyer BewarePoor-quality LED products are flooding the marketplace. Some are manufactured outside of the United States with components that produce low light levels, don’t boast a long service life, or make exaggerated energy saving claims.

Don’t be fooled. Look for the U.S. Department of Energy’s ENERGY STAR logo for guaranteed color quality over time, steady light output over the lifetime, high efficiency, and a warranty.

You can also look for an LED Lighting Facts label. The label helps consumers compare products to manufacturer claims and similar products with a quick summary of performance in five areas:

§ Lumens: Measures light output. The higher the number, the more light is emitted.

§ Lumens per watt (lm/W): Measures efficiency. The higher the number, the more efficient the product.

§ Watts: Measures the energy required to light the product. The lower the wattage, the less energy is used.

§ Correlated Color Temperature (CCT): Measures light color. “Cool” colors have higher Kelvin temperatures (3,600–5,500 K); “warm” colors have lower color temperatures (2,700–3,000 K). Cool white light is usually better for visual tasks. Warm white light is usually better for living spaces because it casts a warmer light on skin and clothing. Color temperatures of 2,700 to 3,600 K are recommended for most general indoor and task lighting.

§ Color Rendering Index (CRI): Measures the effect of the lamp’s light spectrum on the color appearance of objects. The higher the number, the truer the appearance of the light. Incandescent lighting is 100 on the CRI.

Shedding Light on LEDsMore lighting efficiency changes are coming. Congress has mandated that light bulbs become 70 percent more efficient by 2020.

Sources: The Association of Electrical Equipment and Medical Imaging Manufacturers, U.S. Department of Energy, Cooperative Research Network

Curious to know if LEDs are right for you? Check out our Lighting Calculator, found on union-power.com,

Energy Center. Visit energysavers.gov/lighting to compare LEDs to incandescent bulbs and CFLs.

Lighting Solutions: Are LEDs Right for You?

Union Power Cooperative n December 2015 E

Is Your Heat Pump Ready for a Temp Drop?

At Your Fingertips: Weather InsightsHave you tried our new weather application, Weather Insights? Just go to union-power.com and Weather Insights will show you:

§ Your local 7-day forecast

§ Your estimated daily energy use each day

§ The estimated costs to heat or cool a home in the Union Power service area each day

By clicking on $ Save Money and adjusting a “virtual thermostat,” you can view how much you can potentially save. This interactive tool shows the precise dollar impact per degree by day.

“The weather and the thermostat setting can easily drive more than half of any home’s energy bill,” says Hal Setser, the Co-op’s vice president of marketing and energy services. “We want our members to have a tool that easily predicts how much their energy costs are affected by the changing weather and shows specific opportunities to save energy and money.”

Comfort and convenience are what today’s energy efficient heat pumps are all about! When it’s time to replace your old heating and cooling system,

make the choice for a new energy-efficient electric heat pump and take advantage of Union Power Cooperative’s financing program. Qualified applicants may finance a complete heat pump or dual-fuel hybrid heat pump system for an existing home.

Loan Program § Fixed interest rate - currently 9% for term of loan

§ Maximum loan amount is $7,500

§ Maximum term of 60 months

§ Apply loan payment to your power bill

How Do You Qualify? § Member’s account must be in your name and a good payment history

§ Land must be deeded in your name

§ Agree to a credit check

§ Down payment may be required.

§ We do not finance new construction residential, business or commercial systems.

Visit union-power.com to learn more or contact Energy Specialist, Steve Whitley at 800-922-6840, extension 3239 or via email at steve.whitley@union-power.com.

Visit Weather Insights at union-power.com today to check the weather and “dollarize” your thermostat setting. Just adjusting your thermostat a few degrees can save you lots of money!

December 2015 n Union Power CooperativeF

Be Prepared for Winter Weather

If the power goes out, take the following steps to protect your property and family:

§ If you use a portable generator, isolate it from our power lines. Generators that are not isolated can feed back into the utility company’s electrical system and possibly electrocute anyone coming into contact with those wires.

§ Be extra careful when using kerosene heaters and fireplaces.

If it’s winter, try to keep exterior door openings to a minimum.

§ Limit refrigerator and freezer door openings to prevent food spoilage. Never use outdoor grills or gas-powered generators inside or in attached garages. This could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be deadly.

§ Turn off large appliances that come on automatically, as well as appliances you were using when

the outage occurred. Disconnect sensitive electronics to avoid damage from surges or lightning strikes.

§ When the power comes back on, give the system a chance to stabilize by turning appliances back on gradually.

§ Winter storms can bring down trees and power lines. Please remember to stay away from any downed lines including power, telephone or cable and call 911 to report them immediately. Do not touch any object that is in contact with downed power lines — especially objects that can transmit electricity such as water and metal. Never drive your car over power lines. If a power line falls over your car while you are driving, stay inside your car until you receive appropriate help.

In the event of major outages, rest assured that our crews will be working around the clock to restore power. Visit our website, union-power.com, and click on Outage Center for more helpful information.

To report an outage, call 1-800-794-4423

Keep this information in your home’s emergency kit or with your generator.

You can use a stationary or portable generator to supply electricity to your appliances if an emergency exists during a power outage. But if used improperly they can severely injure or kill you and the lineman restoring power. Generators can also damage the appliances you connect. When using a generator, use the following safety precautions: Never connect a standby generator directly into your home’s electrical system. There are only two safe ways to connect a standby generator to your equipment:

§ Stationary Generator - An approved transfer switch, which keeps your house circuits separate from the electric co-op, must be installed by a professional.

§ Portable Generator - The safest installation is to use an approved transfer switch that can be directly connected to the generator. Additionally, appliances can be safely plugged in to the outlets provided on the generator.

§ Set up and run your generator in a well-ventilated area outside the home. Make sure it’s out and away from your garage, doors, windows, and vents. The carbon monoxide generated is DEADLY.

§ Use a heavy-duty extension cord to connect electric appliances to the outlet on the generator.

§ Start the generator first BEFORE connecting appliances.

Use a Generator Transfer Switch for Safety

Union Power Cooperative n December 2015 G

Educating Students About Tree Care

Above: Wil Ortiz, the Co-op’s manager of vegetation management, and Carrie Efird, senior utility forester, gave a presentation to kids at Dee Dee’s Afterschool Program in Indian Trail on October 23. They educated children on trees and proper tree planting and care. They also spoke about trees and powerline safety. The kids really enjoyed the presentation.

Our offices will be closed

December 24 & 25 for the Christmas

holidays.

We wish you and yours a very

Merry Christmas!

holiday office closings

Union Power Cooperative provides safe and reliable power with exceptional value to more than 71,000 member accounts in Union, Stanly, Cabarrus, Mecklenburg, and Rowan counties.

Greg AndressExec. Vice President & General Manager

Carrie C. Stroud, CCCEditor

Rhonda Smith, CCCAssociate Editor

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

B. L. Starnes, PresidentLee Roy Kirk, Jr., Vice PresidentJan Haigler, Secretary-TreasurerDent H. Turner, Jr., Asst. Secretary-TreasurerNeil W. Hasty, Jr.Carole P. JonesJim T. HartsellDavid G. HyattTom J. Caudle

Business Hours8 AM to 5 PM Monday–Friday704-289-3145 or 704-485-3335Toll-free: 1-800-922-6840union-power.com

24-Hour Outage Reporting Serviceand Account Information1-800-794-4423

Call Before DigNC One Call Center — Dial 811SERVICE CHARGES:Security Deposit(charges vary)$0, $175, $375

Connection Fee$25

Late Payment Charge$5 or 1.5% of past due balance, if greater

Returned Check Fee$25

Meter Test$75 (refunded if not accurate)

Dual Meter Comparison$50 (refunded if not accurate)

Trip Charge$25 (checks or money orders only, no cash)

RECONNECT CHARGES:(collected in advance)

Normal Hours$50 (if called in before 4:00 PM)

After Hours$100 (if called in after 4:00 PM)

Weekends and Holidays$100

Call and ask us about the ‘Pay Your Way’ billing option

Check out UPC Mobile! Search for “Union Power Cooperative” or the app name “UPC Mobile” in the App Store or in the Android Market.

Cooperative Review is published monthly by

During the next month, you may see our tree-trimming crews in your neighborhood. ABC Professional Tree Services and Carolina Tree Care, and The Arbor Experts will be working in the following counties:

Cabarrus: Blaze Prince Dr, Burlwood Rd, Bushing Star Ct, Glowing Star Dr, Grady Harris Sr Rd, Hickory Ridge Rd, Hwy 52, Mattons Grove Ch Rd, Peach Orchard Rd, Shortcut Rd

Rowan: Hwy 52

Stanly: Collie Rd, Hwy 49, Matton Grove Ch Rd, Wesley Chapel Rd

Union: Arbor Ln, Carson St, Circle Dr, Creekside Dr\Forest Dr, Cuthbertson Rd, Faith Church Rd, Faith Ln, Faye Dr, Fowler Secrest Rd, Glenn Dr, Goldmine Rd, Indian Trail Fairview Rd, Keith Dr, Kensington Dr, Kiker Brock Dr, Longmeadow Ln, Love Rd, Majestic Forest Ln, Mill Pond Dr, Moser Circle, N Rocky River Rd, Newtown Rd, Pin Oak Dr, Pine Oak Rd, Poplin Rd, Providence Farms Rd, Red Maple Dr, Rustic Oak Blvd, S Potter Rd, S Providence Rd, S Rocky River Rd, Secrest Price Rd, Secrest Shortcut Rd, Seven Lot Dr, Seven Oaks Dr, Skitrail Ln, Sue St, Sutton Dr, Thicketty Pkwy, Velma Dr, Virginia St, W Unionville Indian Trail Rd, Waxhaw Hwy, Waxhaw Marvin Rd, Weddington Rd, Wildwood Rd, Willoughby Rd, Willoughby Woods Dr, Wilson Ave, Winfield Dr

For more information about Union Power’s vegetation management program or tree trimming practices, please call 704-289-3145 and speak with Wil Ortiz (ext. 3323) or Carrie Lorenz-Efird (ext. 3291). Visit our website, union-power.com, for monthly right-of-way clearing updates.

Right-of-way Clearing

Co-op Raises $2,500 for Susan G. Komen through Team Site

Union Power thanks members who supported our campaign throughout the month of October to raise awareness about breast cancer/women’s health issues and those who gave through our team website. You helped us exceed our goal in donating to the Susan G. Komen Foundation by $1,500!

Congratulations to the winners of our drawing for the three pink hard hats signed by Carolina Panthers players:

Mickie Lawings of Monroe won the hat signed by Quarterback, Cam Newton

Scott Sullivan of Wingate won the hat signed by Tight End, Greg Olsen

Joe Stroud of Wingate won the hat signed by Safety, Tre Boston