MiNewsJanuary 2020 Vol . 4 Issue 1A monthly publ ication for members of

MiEnerg y Cooperative.

High school seniors: Apply now for a $500 co-op scholarship

Do we oweYouth Tourcontest open tosophomoresand juniors Win a trip toWashington, D.C!

you or someone you know?

See what’s new for energy rebates in 2020

CEO MESSAGE Brian Krambeer, president/CEO | 800.432.2285 | bkrambeer@MiEnergy.coop

January 2020 | MiNews 3

Year-end legislation successEvery year our cooperative joins thousands of other

electric cooperative employees and directors across the United States to visit our congressional delegation in Washington, D.C. to discuss important legislation impacting our nation’s electric cooperatives. We maintain regular communication with our elected officials, including staff at their local state offices. This year we have had several issues that appeared to not get the attention needed for approval of the House or the Senate. Yet, our continued communications and correspondence paid off with passage of the final budget agreement that was negotiated in early December with all of our key issues included in the final legislation.

The RURAL Act will fix the unintended consequences stemming from changes made in the 2017 Tax Cut and Jobs Act that jeopardized the tax-exempt status of those co-ops that accepted Federal and State grants for things like disaster recovery, broadband and economic development support. For example, electric cooperatives that would accept FEMA assistance during a disaster to get the lights back on or that would receive a broadband grant to provide critical connectivity could jeopardize their electric cooperative’s non-profit tax-exempt status without passage of this important legislation.

Minnesota Senator Tina Smith was an initial sponsor of the RURAL Act and Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley played a key role as chair of the Finance Committee that helped negotiate the provision to be included in the final budget agreement. Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar and Iowa Senator Joni Ernst were also very supportive of the legislation, in addition to all our congressional representatives in both Iowa and Minnesota. It was very fulfilling to receive a personal phone call from Senator Smith informing me of the plan and inclusion of this important legislation in the final budget agreement and to inform me that our cooperative communications made a difference.

The year-end legislation also provided funding for the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) program at funding levels that were necessary to maintain rural electric cooperative infrastructure for our future success. This is particularly important for MiEnergy Cooperative for we are in the process of finalizing our five-year and ten-year work plans and will be making application for a RUS loan this summer. With the needed funding for RUS in this legislation, our access to low interest loans will allow our work planning to proceed and support our future infrastructure construction.

The legislation also included a three-year extension for production tax credits for wind generation facilities if construction begins in the year 2020 and production tax credits of the biodiesel and alternative fuel tax credits. Unfortunately, the tax extensions for solar facilities, offshore wind facilities or standalone batteries and storage did not make the final legislation, but our advocacy on those issues will continue on into the new year.

The final priority to be included in the legislation was the SECURE Act that will lower the amount of premiums paid by our co-ops across the United States for cooperative benefit plans. As our aging workforce retires, we need to continue to attract the next generation of employees to support our electric cooperative’s continued success and this provision will keep more of our employees’ retirement benefits where they belong: in their retirement accounts!

As we begin to close the books for our 2019 year, I’m pleased to report the continued financial success of your electric cooperative. It was a great year for MiEnergy, and I look forward to sharing our success upon completion of our annual independent audit and at our electric cooperative’s annual meeting in April.

Happy New Year to each of you and thank you for your continued cooperative support. As always, I welcome your calls, emails and personal visits.

Want this newsletter delivered to your inbox?

Did you know that you can sign up to receive your copy of MiNews electronically each month? It’s easy. Visit our website www.MiEnergy.coop >News & Education>MiNews to find the link to sign up. You’ll need to provide your name, address, email address and your MiEnergy account number. By signing up, you will no longer receive MiNews by regular mail.

Board room highlights | December 23, 2019

• System Engineer Tom Nigon presented the cost of service study results.

• Approved a resolution supporting MREA’s bylaw amendments and a resolution nominating CEO Krambeer as the co-op’s Southern Minnesota Energy Cooperative Board Director.

• Selected volunteers to serve on the nominating committee.• Approved a revolving loan fund application for the City of Harmony for

expansion for their industrial park. • Received updates on MiBroadband and Harmony Telephone

Company.

The next board meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. on January 30 at the Rushford office.

TAKE AN ADVENTURE TO D.C. Co-op offers free student trips in June

Two area high school students will be selected by MiEnergy to represent the cooperative as delegates on the Washington, D.C. Youth Tour. They will join hundreds of other students from across the country -all expenses paid- for one incredible week at our nation’s capital. The Youth Tour group will explore D.C., spend a day on Capitol Hill, meet their congressional leaders and see our government in action. The students will learn first-hand about our government and its history, their responsibilities as citizens and how they work together. The tour is a fast-paced leadership opportunity to see what makes America tick!

To be eligible, the student must currently be a high school sophomore or junior and the student’s parent(s) or guardian(s) must be members of

MiEnergy. The co-op will be selecting two students, one from Minnesota and one from Iowa. Past Youth Tour recipients are not eligible to apply.

To be considered for this honor, you must complete the online exam by March 1, 2020. The answers can be found on MiEnergy’s website www.MiEnergy.coop and the National Youth Tour website at www.youthtour.coop.

IOWA MEMBERS:Students with the top five scores will be interviewed by a panel of judges on

March 25, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. at the Cresco office. It is mandatory that the student attend this event and parents/guardians are encouraged to attend as well.

MINNESOTA MEMBERS:Students with the top five scores will be interviewed by a panel of judges on

March 18, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. at the Rushford office. It is mandatory that the student attend this event and parents/guardians are encouraged to attend as well.

Scholarships totaling $30,000 | Applications available onlineMiEnergy is pleased to offer community service scholarships to the

sons and daughters of cooperative members.As a cooperative, MiEnergy has a strong commitment to youth

and community. The program recognizes high school seniors who demonstrate cooperative spirit through service to others.

APPLICATION DEADLINEThe application is posted on the cooperative’s website www.

MiEnergy.coop. Submit your application, cover letter and transcripts by Monday, March 2, 2020. Sixty $500 scholarships will be awarded this year.

SCHOLARSHIP ELIGIBILITY 1. The student must be a high school senior, graduating in 2020.2. The student must continue their education after high school at an

accredited technical school, college or university.

3. The student must be the son, daughter or legal dependent of a MiEnergy member with an active electric account. (Children of MiEnergy Cooperative employees and directors are not eligible).

4. The student must demonstrate community service, according to scholarship instructions.

5. The student must have at least a “B” grade point average.

CONTACT INFORMATIONIf you have questions regarding the scholarship program please

contact Annie Hoiland, ahoiland@MiEnergy.coop or call (800) 432-2285. Scholarships are funded with unclaimed capital credit funds that would otherwise be forfeited to the state. Unclaimed capital credits are patronage dividends earned while purchasing electricity from the cooperative. Unclaimed funds are from past members who the cooperative cannot locate. MiEnergy will utilize our Member Advisory Committee in the selection process of the scholarship awards.

For more information visit • www.youthtour.coop

WIN A WEEK-LONG TRIPTO WASHINGTON, D.C.

C O U R T E S Y O F Y O U R E L E C T R I C C O O P E R A T I V E

Join 1,800 other students from across the country

Meet your U.S. Representatives and SenatorsTour historic sightsVisit Smithsonian museums

Make new friendsLearn more about electric cooperativesSharpen your leadership skillsNEXT YOUTH TOUR • June 20-25, 2020

MINNESOTA

TM

For more information and to apply for theYouth Tour trip, visit www.MiEnergy.coop today!

To apply www.MiEnergy.coop •

For more information visit • www.youthtour.coop Blog • iowayouthtour.blogspot.com

WIN A WEEK-LONG TRIP

TO WASHINGTON, D.C.C O U R T E S Y O F Y O U R E L E C T R I C C O O P E R A T I V E

Join 1,800 other students from across the country

Meet Iowa’s members of Congress

Tour historic sights

Take a boat cruise on the Potomac River

Visit Smithsonian museums

Make new friends

Learn more about electric

cooperatives

Sharpen your leadership

skills

NEXT YOUTH TOUR • June 18-25, 2020

For more information and to apply

for the Youth Tour trip, visit

www.MiEnergy.coop today!TM

2 MiNews | January 2020

January 2020 Vol . 4 Issue 1A monthly publ ication for members of

MiEnerg y Cooperative.MiNews

Do we oweyou or someone

you know?Youth Tourcontest open tosophomoresand juniors Win a trip toWashington, D.C!

High school seniors: Apply now for a $500 co-op scholarship

See what’s new for energy rebates in 2020

4 MiNews | January 2020 January 2020 | MiNews 5

3 DIY efficiency projects to tackle in 2020

A New Year brings new opportunities to save energy––and money. You may think energy efficiency upgrades require a great deal of time and expense, but that’s not always the case.

If you’re interested in making your home more efficient but don’t want to break the bank, there are several DIY projects you can tackle to increase energy savings. Let’s take a look at three inexpensive efficiency upgrades that can help you save energy throughout the year.

TRIM DRYER VENT• Level of difficulty: • Level of difficulty: easy. • Supplies needed:• Supplies needed: tin snips, gloves, measuring

tape and masking tape. • Estimated Cost: • Estimated Cost: about $25 depending on the

supplies you already have.If your dryer vent hose is too long, your dryer is

working harder than it has to, using more energy than necessary. The vent hose should be long enough for you to pull the dryer out a couple feet from the wall, but the shape of the hose should form a line––it should not have a lot of slack, with twists and curves. A shorter, unobstructed vent hose increases the efficiency of your dryer, dries clothing faster and reduces lint buildup, which can create potential fire hazards.

Simply measure, mark and trim the hose to the desired length, then reattach the hose to your dryer and exterior vent. If you’re unsure about the hose length, check out YouTube.com for a quick video tutorial.

SEAL AIR LEAKS• Level of difficulty:• Level of difficulty: moderate. • Supplies needed:• Supplies needed: caulk and caulk gun, weather

stripping, gloves, putty knife, paper towels. • Estimated Cost: • Estimated Cost: $25 to $50 depending on the

materials you purchase.Sealing air leaks in your home can help you save 10%

to 20% on heating and cooling bills. Apply caulk around windows, doors, electrical wiring and plumbing to seal in conditioned air. You should also weather strip exterior doors, which can keep out drafts and help you control energy costs. Types of caulking and weather stripping materials vary, but ask your local hardware or home store for assistance if you’re unsure about the supplies you need. For more information, the Department of

Energy provides step-by-step instructions for caulking and weather stripping: https://bit.ly/2Kesu6W

INSULATE ATTIC STAIRS OPENING• Level of difficulty:• Level of difficulty: moderate. • Supplies needed (if you build the box yourself): • Supplies needed (if you build the box yourself):

rigid foam board, faced blanket insulation, tape for foam board, measuring tape, utility knife, caulk and caulk gun, plywood.

• Estimated Cost: • Estimated Cost: $50 to $100.A properly insulated attic is one of the best ways to

optimize energy savings and comfort in your home, but many homeowners don’t consider insulating the attic stairs, or the opening to your attic space. Even a well-insulated attic can leak air through the stair opening, but luckily, there’s an easy fix.

An insulated cover box can seal and insulate the attic stairs opening. You can build your own insulated cover box or purchase a pre-built box or kit from a local home improvement store for about $60. If you decide to build your own, check out these step-by-step instructions from the Department of Energy: https://bit.ly/36YNCYQ. It should also be noted, if your attic opening is located in a garage that you do not heat and cool, this upgrade will not be as effective.

Saving energy doesn’t have to be hard. With a little time and effort, you can maximize energy savings and increase the comfort of your home.

Abby Berry 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.

Capital credit noticeIn October 2019, MiEnergy distributed $2,175,258 in patronage capital credit retirements to current and former members of the cooperative. Current members received an electric bill credit and former members received their refunds as a check. The MiEnergy Cooperative office located at 24049 Highway 9, Cresco, IA 52136 is holding unclaimed patronage dividend checks for the person(s) listed as follows. The owner may claim this property by contacting us at the address listed above, call 800-432-2285 or email Kim Larson at klarson@MiEnergy.coop. Below is the second half of the list first printed in the December MiNews. A complete list can be found at www.MiEnergy.coop.

Bierman, Benjamin, Lancaster, WI*Camp Winnebago, Caledonia, MN*Crofton, Curtis, Lime Springs, IA*Davis, Lonnie/Nancy, Andover, OH* Dennis, Bradley, Douglasville, GA*Estrem-Wiggins, Aileen, Springfield, MO*Fuller, Deanna/Jeff, Rochester, MN*Guffey, Tammy, Lewiston, MN*Gunderson, Wayne, Rochester, MN*Heiller, Bradly, Brownsville, MN*Ihns, Clarence, Debary, FL*Krinke Properties, Houston, MN*

Macal, Kelly/Michael, Decorah, IAMai, Pam, Greene, IAMaki, Gary/Kit, Utica, MNMalone, James, Miami, FLMarsden, Danny M., Mabel, MNMatthees, Dauphney/Gerhardt, Minneapolis, MNMauss, Kimberly/Steven, Caledonia, MNMaust, Mary/Scott, Monmouth, ILMcCabe, Rick, Harmony, MNMcCormick, Helen, Decorah, IAMcElmury, Jason, Winona, MNMcKenna, Brad/Shereen, Cresco, IAMensink, Allen, Cresco, IAMensink, Brandon/Karen, Spring Valley, MNMerritt, Carol, Branson West, MOMerzenich, Julie, Houston, MNMeyer, Henry, Amana, IAMeyer, Mary/Boyde Anderson Estate, Winona, MNMeyers, Brady, Postville, IAMidwest Wireless, Mankato, MNMiller, Odean, Harmony, MNMittelstadt, Cheryl/Duane, Lime Springs, IAModlin, Rebecca/Scott, Caledonia, MNMoen, Jon/Rhonda, Winona, MNMoen, LuAnn/Ross, Cresco, IAMoga, Ralph/Rosemary, Winona, MNMoger, Rockny, Preston, MNMonroe, Roberta, Spring Valley, MNMonsoor, Frank, Onalaska, MNMoorbeck, Emil/Miller, Margaret, Decorah, IAMoore, Brian/Sheryl, Winona, MNMoothart, Gregg, Winona, MNMrachek, Al, Rochester, MNMueller, Carrie/Donald, St. Charles, MNMueller, Calvin/Joan, Winona, MNMundell, Debbie/John, LaCrosse, WIMunson, Tamara, Houston, MNMurphy, Terri, Harmony, MNNatvig, Kenneth/Stella, Cresco, IANelson, Kimberly, Reno, NVNelson, Troy, LaCrosse, WINess, Charles, Caledonia, MNNess, David, Moorhead, MNNess, Sheryl, Holmen, WI

Newman, Janice/The Meadows, Mabel, MNNielsen, Clifford, San Marcos, CANoonan, Bruce/Robin, Winona, MNNorgard, Kristi, Houston, MNNuehring, Betty, Decorah, IAO’Bieglo, Conrad/Donna, Rushford, MNOdegaard, Carol/Chad, St. Charles, MNOelke, John, Houston, MNOesterle, Brad/Sally, West Salem, WIOhara, John, Decorah, IAONeill, Shawn, Decorah, IAOredson, Darren, St Charles, MNOrke, Bruce, Le Roy, MNPowell, David, Decorah, IAPohlod, Lori/Matthew, Pulaski, PAPalmquist, Dorothy, Houston, MNPatzner, Claude, St. Charles, MNPerez, Vicki, Ridgeway, IAPeters, Helene, West Concord, MNP & R Enterprises, Houston, MNPeterson, Alicia/Randy, Winona, MNPhillips, Barton/Mrs. James, Fredericksburg, IAPhillips, Royce, Chaska, MNPhillips, Stacy, Mabel, MNPiper, Jeffrey, Casa Grande, AZPlantin, Mary/Warren, Decorah, IAPlocher, Andrew, Glendale, AZPohl, Lucille/William, Butternut, WIPreston, John Jr., Rochester, MNQuam, Dennis/Terry, Decorah, IAQuam, Dennis, Decorah, IARahlf, Roger/Romona Estate, New Hampton, IARahn, Rachel, Preston, MNRank, Tamara, Houston, MNReady, John/Sherrie, LaCrescent, MNRedig, Arthur/Robert Brekke, Winona, MNReicks, Francis, Lawler, IAReicks, Janette, New Hampton, IAReicks, Nestor, Cresco, IARine, Holly, Winona, MNReady, Natalie, LaCrescent, MNRecker, Robert, Green River, WYReinert, Elizabeth, Calmar, IAReyer, Reed, Garrison, MNRice, Steven, Fort Myers, FLRiver Valley Cheese Inc., Cresco, IARobinson, Thomas, Frederic, WIRock-N-R-Syrup Co./Harry Root, Preston, MNRolbiecki, Charles, Goodview, MNRomann, Danyel, Brownsville, MNRonan, Garrett/Jenesse, Spring Grove, MNRosendahl, Brenda/Paul, Byron, MNRowe, Charles/Lynn, Gallatin, TNRunningen, Doris, Houston, MNRyan, Dane, Muskego, WIRyan, Dorothy, Harmony, MNRyan, Judy, Cresco, IARyan, Rodney, Madison, WISanders, Dayna/Douglas, Spring Valley, MNSawle, Jeff/Tracy, Menomonie, WISchilling, Bill/Luann, New Hampton, IASchmoll, Wilbur, Le Roy, MNSchomisch, Brian, Largo, FLSchreiber, Mary/Alvin Funk, Sister Bay, WISchroeder, Jean/Rolf, Rochester, MNSchumacher, Rebekah/Travis, Houston, MNSchulte, Monica, Mabel, MNSchulte, Kim/Pat, Cresco, IASchultz, Mark, Cresco, IASchwartzhoff, Amanda/Keith, Decorah, IASebring, Roy, Stewartville, MNSedivec, David/Sandra, New Hampton, IASellars, Diane, Winona, MNSelness, Robert, Mabel, MNShanahan, Daniel/Michael, Chisago City, MNShaw, Brandon, Stewartville, MNSherwin, Mildred, Harmony, MNShimek, Donald, Rochester, MN

Shumann, Eugene, Stoddard, WISiegel, Shanyn, South Salem, NYSimmons, Allan, Galesville, WISimonson (Jerome) Revocable Trust, Prior Lake, MNSlifka, Anthony, Cresco, IASmith, Elaine/Thomas, LaCrescent, MNSmith, Thomas, Houston, MNSmith, Steven, Lewisville, TXSpalding, Kevin/Stacey, Winona, MNSpalla, Calvin/Judy, Ridgeway, IASpies, Kirsten, Winona, MNSteinbrink, Debbie/Guy, Long Grove, ILSteffen, Gary/Verna, Cresco, IASteine, Debbie, Lime Springs, IASteinlage, Anthony, Lawler, IAStensrud, David/Lisa, Preston, MNStolpa, Paula, Winona, MNStorla, Lauren/Patsy, Elgin, IAStorlie, Chris, Decorah, IAStoskopf, Verl, Decorah, IAStrand, Gayla/Strickell, Robert, Elma, IAStremcha, Gregory, Dakota, MNStrittmater, Tina, LaCrescent, MNStrong, Elizabeth, LaCrosse, WISwanson, Karen/William, Saint Paul, MNTabor-Erickson, Jane, Spring Valley, MNTelenet of Decorah, Decorah, IAThompson, Dean, Boone, IAThompson, Laura, Lanesboro, MNThompson, Priscilla, Decorah, IATimm Construction, Winona, MNTimm, Debbie/Roger, LaCrescent, MNTowne, Brian/Tanya, Decorah, IATrace Inc./Ronald Tracey, Amelia Island, FLTraff, Andrew, Brownsville, MNTrogstad, Audrey, Preston, MNTveter, Arelene/David, Oakdale, MNVatland, Mark, Morristown, MNVogts, Elwin, Homer, MNVoves, Dorothy/Clara Estate, Cresco, IAWagner, Cody, Mabel, MNWagner, Lola, Columbia Heights, MNWakefield, Barbara/Roger, Madison, WIWangen, Leona, Canton, MNWard, Rita/William, St. Charles, MNWarnke, Lucille/Paul Estate, Cresco, IAWeissenberger, Lean, Houston, MNWelch, Avery/Christopher, LaCrosse, WIWemark, Harris, Ridgeway, IAWenthold, Dawn/Jay, Waukon, IAWheeler, Alan, Winona, MNWhetstone, Jacquelyn, Winona, MNWhisenhunt, Cindy/Larry, Riceville, IAWhitney, Janice/Victor, McGregor, IAWhitsitt, Katherine/Novian, Decorah, IAWilder, Diane, Mabel, MNWilhelmy, Michelle, Mendota Heights, MNWilliams, Benjamin, Chester, IAWold, Eric/Barry Estate, Spring Grove, MNWolfe, Wyatt Jr., La Crosse, WIWolter, Martin/Theresa, Winona, MNWright, Darla, Grand Meadow, MNWyatt, Lewis Estate/Shingledecker, Virginia Estate/Addie Neman, Omaha, NEYohe, Derrick/Stacy, Houston, MNZaugg, Sandra, Rollingstone, MNZiebell, Daniel, Winona, MNZiebell, Peggy, Warrens, WIZiemer, Lawrence, St Charles, MN

*Inadvertently omitted last month.

Keeping your new pet safe around electricityA new holiday puppy or kitten can put smiles on faces and

provide years of fun and companionship if all involved are prepared and the pet has been planned for and well thought out. There are a variety of considerations to keep in mind—like supplies, veterinary appointments, and schedules. Safe Electricity advises those thinking of adding a pet to their family to take the time to learn how to keep them safe from electricity in the home as well.

One important aspect of pet-proofing is making sure your curious new puppy or kitten does not think that electric cords or devices are chew toys.

Here are some tips to help:• Keep electrical cords tucked away and out of sight of

puppies and kittens. If you have difficulty getting your pet to stop chewing on the cord, you can paint it with a bitter tasting deterrent or enclose the cord in a PVC tube or thick plastic sleeve.

• Make sure nightlights and appliances are completely plugged into wall outlets. Partially exposed prongs are a hazard for curious children, puppies, and kittens.

• Check your cords for fraying and plugs for cracking, and replace them if necessary.

• Keep appliances near sinks and bathtubs a safe distance away from the water source. Playful pets can knock radios, curling irons, and other items into the water, creating a dangerous situation.

• Discourage cats and dogs from curling up for a nap behind warm computer equipment. Pets need to be kept away from all electrical connections.

If you believe your pet has come into contact with electricity, PetMD, offers these instructions:

• Do not touch your pet if he/she is rigid, as you may also be shocked.

• Turn the power off if possible. If you cannot turn off the current, use a wooden broom handle (or other long, non-

conductive object) to move the animal a good distance from the source of electricity and any pools of liquid.

• Check the pet’s pulse and breathing, and give CPR and artificial respiration as needed.

• If the mouth has been burned, use cold compresses to limit the damage.

• Take your pet to the vet immediately.Taking the time to make sure your home is safe for your

new puppy or kitten will help ensure your new friend will be around to bring joy into your life for years to come. For more safety information go to SafeElectricity.org.

5 ways to pay your bill

IN-PERSONStop by our Cresco or Rushford o�ces.

PHONECall toll free

1-877-853-6517.

MAILSend via the U.S.

Postal Service.

ONLINELogin and/or download

the SmartHub app at www.MiEnergy.coop

AUTOMATICDeduct from a bank account or

charge to credit card each month. Enroll online through SmartHub

or by calling1-877-853-6517.

Have questions about our payment options? Call 800-432-2285 today!

TM

out & about in yourCOMMUNITYCOMMUNITY

COMMUNITY OUTREACH — HOWARD COUNTYEmployees purchased gifts for a family through the local CARE (Communities About Reaching Everyone) program, helping to make their holiday a little brighter. Pictured L-R back row: Travis Cummings, Clint Lickteig, Brad Pecinovsky, Josh Carolan, Kyle Quam, Caleb Steiner, Ruth Riha and Pat Boyle. L-R front row: Johanna Stayskal, Kraig Johnson, Shelly Hove and Roger Carman.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH — FILLMORE COUNTYEmployees collected $280 for the annual Christmas in Fillmore County program that helps local families during the holidays. Pictured L-R front row: Lori Clobes, Annie Hoiland, Brenda Tesch and Sara Krage. L-R back row: Heather Larson, June Vitse, Audra Skalet, Tammy Brown, Kaye Bernard, Adrienne Lofgren, Kari Steele and Rhonda Bauer.

HOLIDAY PARADES MiEnergy participated in the Caledonia, Decorah, Houston and

Rushford holiday parades. Pictured L-R at the Decorah lighted holiday parade: Cash Stayskal, Johanna Stayskal, Shelly Hove, Heather Larson and Ryan Dahl.

6 MiNews | January 2020 January 2020 | MiNews 7

Winter Peak AlertsDuring the winter months, you may hear

messages on the radio from MiEnergy or see posts on our social media pages regarding a Peak Alert. We encourage our members to take note of the messages and conserve electricity.

SAMPLE PEAK ALERT MESSAGE:A Peak Alert has been issued due to

high demand for electricity on the regional grid. MiEnergy Cooperative is calling for electricity conservation from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. today. Elevated peak demand leads to higher power costs. Help keep your electricity rates stable and affordable by shifting electricity use to 8 p.m. or later.

APPLICATION DEADLINE FEB. 15Twice a year the

Operation Round Up (ORU) Trust Board meets to review applications and grant funds for local, worthy causes. A list of program guidelines and an application is available online at www.MiEnergy.coop.

ORU is a voluntary community support program that helps local organizations and worthy causes via spare change. All members of MiEnergy have the opportunity to join the program. Visit www.MiEnergy.coop to sign up.

OFFICE INFORMATIONOpen Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.IOWA 24049 Highway 9, PO Box 90, Cresco, IA 52136MINNESOTA 31110 Cooperative Way, PO Box 626, Rushford, MN 55971**This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.**

PHONE NUMBERSLOCAL 563-547-3801 (Cresco); 507-864-7783 (Rushford)TOLL-FREE & 24/7 OUTAGE REPORTING 800-432-2285PAYMENT LINE 24/7 877-853-6517UNDERGROUND CABLE LOCATING 811

ONLINEWEBSITE www.MiEnergy.coop SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram

BOARD OF DIRECTORSDISTRICT 1 Dennis Ptacek, secretary and Jeff RedalenDISTRICT 2 Dean Nierling, chair and Ron Stevens, vice chairDISTRICT 3 Don Petersen, treasurer, Skip Wieser and Dennis Young.DISTRICT 4 Dean Fisher, Charles Frana and Carl ReicksDISTRICT 5 Beth Olson and Jenny Scharmer

MANAGEMENT STAFFBRIAN KRAMBEER president/chief executive officerKAYE BERNARD chief operating officerCHAD CHAFFEE vice president of operations - MinnesotaSHELLY HOVE chief financial officerTED KJOS vice president of marketing and external relationsVASSIL VUTOV vice president of information technologyMIKE WALTON vice president of operations - Iowa

MINEWS STAFFMEAGAN MOELLERS communications specialist, editor ANNIE HOILAND communications specialistBRENDA TESCH public relations director

2020 OFFICES CLOSEDMARCH 25 Employee Development DayAPRIL 10 Good FridayMAY 25 Memorial DayJUNE 23 Employee Development DayJULY 3 Independence Day ObservanceSEPT 7 Labor DaySEPT 22 Employee Development DayNOV 26-27 ThanksgivingDEC 9 Employee Development DayDEC 24-25 ChristmasDEC 31 New Year’s Eve close at 11:30

PRSRT STDU.S. Postage

PAIDDPC

TM

IOWA PO Box 90, Cresco, IA 52136MINNESOTA PO Box 626, Rushford, MN 55971

2020 RESIDENTIAL REBATES SUMMARY*

ENERGY STAR APPLIANCESCLOTHES DRYER (ELECTRIC) ................. $25CLOTHES DRYER (HEAT PUMP) ............. $50CLOTHES WASHER ................................. $25DEHUMIDIFIER ....................................... $25DISHWASHER ......................................... $25FREEZER ................................................. $25INDUCTION RANGE ................................ $25REFRIGERATOR....................................... $25

RECYCLINGFREEZER ................................................. $25REFRIGERATOR....................................... $25ROOM AIR CONDITIONER ...................... $25

CONSERVATIONELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION ........................ $400FAUCET FLOW RESTRICTOR ......................$1SHOWER FLOW RESTRICTOR ...................$5SMART POWER STRIP/BAR ......................$5

LIGHTINGLED LAMP/BULB .................................... 50¢LED EXIT SIGN ...........................................$5OCCUPANCY SENSOR ...............................$5

HVACAIR SOURCE HEAT PUMP & MINI-SPLIT SEER 14, HSPF 8.2 OR EER 11 ...$250/TONGEOTHERMAL HEAT PUMP ......... $500/TONNEW FURNACE WITH ECM MOTOR ....... $35

WATER HEATERSELECTRIC WATER HEATERS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE AT REDUCED RATES ............. CONTACT CO-OPHEAT PUMP WATER HEATER ................ $300SOLAR STORAGE WATER HEATERS W/ELECTRIC AUXILIARY TANK 75-99 GALLONS ............................... $125 100+ GALLONS ................................. $300

AUDITS/ASSESSMENTSAUDIT RECOMMENDEDIMPROVEMENTS ............SEE REBATE FORM FOR DETAILS

TOUCHSTONE ENERGYHOME PROGRAMNEW HOME MUST MEET SPECIFIC PROGRAM/CODE REQUIREMENTS ..... $500

VISIT WWW.MIENERGY.COOP OR CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION ON REBATE REQUIREMENTS.*THIS IS A RESIDENTIAL REBATE SUMMARY ONLY. ADDI-TIONAL REBATE CRITERIA AND FORMS ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE OR BY CALLING THE CO-OP.

Check out agricultural, commercial and industrial rebates online.

Increased $200 from

2019!

Increased $50 from

2019!

Addedfreezers & induction ranges!

Increased $100!

Amount depends on

gallons

Update your account’s phone numbers today!When was the last time you updated your phone numbers

with MiEnergy? Having up-to-date phone numbers helps the co-op send messages about planned power outages or power emergencies. It also makes reporting outages more efficient. There are three ways to update your info:

• Call 1-800-432-2285.• Make the change on the remittance portion of your bill.• Log in to your SmartHub account and update My Profile.