Quarterly publication for member-owners. winter 2016 · PDF 1 Reach Us ILEC NEWS ... Quarterly publication for member-owners. winter 2016-2017 ... voter turnout, a resounding success

www.ilec.coop 1

Reach Us

ILEC NEWS

Co-op Vote Thank You!On Election Day in America, Co-ops Voted

Quarterly publication for member-owners. winter 2016-2017

I o w a L a k e s e L e C T r I C C o o p e r a T I V e

As pundits continue to dissect Donald Trump’s election as president, NRECA CEO Jim Matheson declared, Co-ops Vote, the nonpartisan campaign to boost rural voter turnout, a resounding success.“We really do feel quite confident that our Co-ops Vote program had significant impact on voter turnout,” said Matheson. “Rural America’s voice was heard in this election and it will be a powerful voice moving forward.” The election results also amplified NRECA’s position as the “most significant voice for rural America in Washington,” he added. That should well serve the more than 42 million electric co-op members in 47 states when it comes to negotiating on key legislative or regulatory issues, such as the Farm Bill or the Clean Power Plan, he said. “Rural voters’ large turnout gives us an important platform to talk about the Clean Power Plan and its impact on our members,” Matheson said. “It’s important that the Trump administration and the next Congress work in partnership with electric co-ops

on common-sense goals like modernizing the nation’s energy infrastructure and enhancing the quality of life in our communities,” Matheson said. NRECA is crunching its numbers from the Co-ops Vote effort to see how many members went to the polls. Immediate analyses by other organizations showed that rural voters came out in substantially higher numbers—an apparent reversal from previous years’ elections where votes outside metropolitan areas were seen as dwindling. According to The Daily Yonder, unofficial, partial data from three crucial states—Michigan, North Carolina and Pennsylvania—showed Trump won in all the rural areas, but not the big cities. In Pennsylvania, the rural turnout appeared to be 77 percent for Trump, the newsletter from the Center for Rural Strategies said. Rural voters overwhelmingly cited financial distress compared to their urban or suburban counterparts in preliminary data from exit polls conducted by ABC News Analysis Desk.

Specifically, 72 percent of rural voters gave the economy a negative rating while 57 percent of urban voters and 63 percent of suburban voters did, the analysis said. The analysis also found that 36 percent of voters from rural areas said they were “worse off financially” now compared to 2012 while 20 percent of the urban voters and 28 percent of suburban dwellers responded the same way. “For 75 years, America’s electric cooperatives have brought power, hope and opportunity to rural America. We look forward to helping the nation come together and move forward,” said Matheson.

ILEC WInTER QUaRTERLY 2016-17.indd 1 12/27/16 11:33 aM

Touchstone Energy

Touchstone Energy Rate Adjustments

frOM THe PresiDeNT/ceOr i c k o l e s e n

2 Iowa Lakes eLeCTrIC CooperaTIVe wiNTeR 2017

In 2016, your Cooperative had been working with an independent rate consul-tant on a cost-of-service study, an important tool used in setting rates and breaking down the costs of providing service to each rate class, fairly and equitably. Each rate class has unique load and service characteristics that impact the costs for that class. The cost-of-service study findings assist the board in responsibly allocating costs to each class of members in a way that avoids any class pay-ing more than their fair share. Originally, the adjustment to base rates in 2017 was to be based exclusively on the cost-of-service study. However, as noted in previous newsletters, our wholesale power providers (Corn Belt Power Cooperative and Northwest Iowa Power Cooperative)

have both experienced more than a 10 per-cent rate increase imposed by their primary power supplier, Basin Electric Power Coop-erative, beginning Aug. 1, 2016. When we began conducting the cost-of-service study, we were unaware of Basin Electric’s mid-year wholesale power cost increase and our rate consultant was not adequately prepared for this additional workload. It became evident at the Novem-ber board meeting that your Cooperative’s board of directors needed additional time to review results of that study. While your Cooperative and both its wholesale power suppliers were able to ab-sorb this increase for the remainder of 2016, this increase needs to be passed on to the membership in 2017 to keep your Coop-

erative in sound financial shape. The 2017 power cost increase from our power suppli-ers is approximately $4.1 million. It is simply more than we can absorb. Therefore, your board of directors has authorized a power cost adjustment (PCA) to cover the 10 percent rate increase from our wholesale power supplier, Basin Elec-tric effective Jan. 1. This PCA will remain in place throughout 2017 and it is likely your board of directors will formally adjust based rates in 2018. As a cost-of-service electric cooperative, you, the member-owners, have the certainty that rates increase when the true cost of de-

Natural Gas CC

Hydro

Onshore Wind

Coal

Geothermal

Coal with CCS

Nuclear

Biomass

Solar PV

Solar Thermal

5.2

4.1

4.95.8

5.1

8.6

7.0

14.5

9.5

16.8

2013 Cent per kilowatt-hour (kWh) 0 205 10 15 NOTE: Wind and solar generation are not

directly comparable to other technologies because their power production varies based on weather conditions. These costs also do not reflect tax incentives or grid integration costs.

Source: Estimates developed by NRECA using U.S. Energy Information Administration data from 2015.

The cost to build new power plants can vary widely. Each type of generation carries a ballpark price tag. The costs shown below, based on each kilowatt-hour produced, take into account plant construction, fuel, operating and maintenance costs, operating performance assumptions, expected operating life, and general tax and financing assumptions.

The CosT of new GeneraTIon


Touchstone Energy

Touchstone Energy

DirecTOr NeWs

www.ilec.coop 3

livering electricity to your home or business increases — never to generate profits for cor-porate shareholders. In an environment of increasing costs, your Cooperative’s board is committed to keeping rates as low as possible while provid-ing members with safe, reliable electric ser-vice. Even though our wholesale electricity expenses continue to grow, we work hard to keep your bill as low as possible and to main-tain a system that will provide you with the electricity you need, when you need it, now and into the future.

Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative directors, Craig Deim, vice chairman, and Paul Benson recently received their board leadership certificates from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). The NRECA Board Leadership Cer-tificate recognizes individuals who continue their professional development after becoming a credentialed cooperative director. Directors who have attained the board leadership certificate have completed 10 credits in advanced, issue-oriented courses. Congratulations, Paul and Craig!

Benson and deIm earn Board LeadershIp CerTIfICaTes

Directors Jerry Beck, board chairman, and Paul Benson, received their Direc-tor Gold Certificates from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). The Director Gold is a new NRECA certificate program geared toward direc-tors who are committed to continuing their education. To earn Director Gold, a director must first earn NRECA’s Cre-

dentialed Cooperative Director Certif-icate and Board Leadership Certificate plus three additional credits from the Board Leadership courses. Director gold demonstrates to co-operative member-owners a director’s ongoing commitment to advancing their knowledge and performing their fidu-ciary duty to the best of their ability. Con-gratulations, Jerry and Paul!

dIreCTors earn GoLd CerTIfICaTes

forCes aT work Energy regulations, market conditions and weather often impact purchased power rates, and our primary wholesale power supplier has managed to keep the wholesale power rate for your Cooperative steady for the past five years. Basin Electric attributes its mid-year rate increase to lower-than-anticipated member sales due to milder weather, and low commodity prices for fossil fuels such as oil and natural gas. Dakota Gasification Co., a for-profit subsidiary wholly owned by Basin Electric, has also incurred substantial financial losses as a result of these low oil and natural gas commodity prices. In addition, environmental regulations have also contributed to this rate increase. Through 2015, Basin Electric has invested more than $2.5 billion on emission control technology. This does not take into account the expenses of the Clean Power Plan that is anticipated to cost Basin Electric, and its members like you, more than $5 billion.

Paul Benson Craig Deim

Jerry Beck Paul Benson


MoRE thAN 21 gIgAWAttS of

PoWER PLANtS could be Shuttered by 2020


2017 ANNUAL MEETING: APRIL 8 | ANNUAL MEETING SPEAKER ANNOUNCED

SNL Energy, an energy information provider that covers every section of the U.S. energy industry, has identified 21,357 megawatts of coal, natural gas and nuclear generation at risk of early closure through 2020. The analysis comes from forecasting operation margins, age of the plants (those older than the average lifespan for the fuel type) and accounting for the past wholes market capacity auction results.

SNL Energy noted that, on the nuclear front:n Entergy announced the closing of three of its nuclear

plants totaling 2,138 megawattsn Exelon is planning the early retirement of two of its

nuclear plants totaling 2,978 megawattsn Omaha Public Power District will shut down its

497-megawatt nuclear power plantn Pacific Gas & Electric is scheduled to close its

2,240-megawatt nuclear facility in California by 2025

In April, with the federal Mercury and Air Toxics Standards ruling kicking in, four separate companies are mothballing coal-fired power plants totaling 2,000 megawatts.

Jed Skogerboe, manager of business and community development, Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative, left, presents a $610,000 check to Lisa Sewell, city clerk (middle), and Marilyn Schutz, (far right) mayor, city of West Bend, to construct a new 60- x 40-foot fire station in West Bend to better serve the community and house larger fire trucks. Additionally, the new facility will have a conference room that will be used to host trainings and community special events. Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative was successful in securing a $300,000 USDA REDL&G grant, and $60,000 in matching funds for the new West Bend fire station.

“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” —Holly Hoffman from Your Winner Within Born and raised in Eureka, S.D., Holly Hoffman was the last remaining member of the Espada Tribe and the last woman standing on Season 21 of CBS’ hit reality show “Survivor Nicaragua”. Through that experience, and others throughout her life, Holly was inspired to share her message of positivity, determination and confidence with others across the nation. An accomplished motivational speaker and the author of Your Winner Within, Holly acknowledges that life is made up of challenges, and we are oftentimes faced with situations that seem insurmountable. But within each of

us is an ability to focus our thoughts, emotions, and energy to succeed—if only we have the knowledge, tools, and discipline to do so. Holly not only offers encouragement and optimism but a roadmap for self discovery and spiritual enlightenment. Her methods—the ones she uses everyday in her own life—are intuitive, honest, and adaptable to nearly any situation. You will walk away inspired to light the fire of successful living within yourselves. A lifelong resident of America’s heartland, Holly graduated from her hometown high school in Eureka and then attended Northern State University, where she met her husband Charlie. Together, they built and continue to manage a ranch in north central S.D. and are the parents of three wonderful children.

west Bend receives Grant

this article was originally published in CfC Solutions News Bulletin, September 19, 2016 and is reprinted with permission.

holly hoffman


www.ilec.coop 5

You’ve heard the stories about credit and debit card information being stolen while shopping at big-name retailers such as Target and Home Depot. You’ve likely taken steps to protect your data and private information from online hackers or from callers trying to capture your credit card information through a scam. You know one must be constantly alert and mindful of potentially unsecured situations in order to keep personal information safe. Your electric cooperative faces those same challenges with data and protecting the power grid from attempts to disrupt service. Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative is at work around-the-clock, 365 days a year to protect our member-owners and the infrastructure that allows us to provide essential electricity.

Protecting from Disruptions In an era of terrorism and natural di-sasters, electric cooperatives in every state, county and community – no matter how large or how small – must protect their equipment and electrical system from possible sources of disruption. We do this

while also ensuring an affordable, reliable and secure energy supply. Cybersecurity has become a household word. From hearing of hacked emails to major power outages in other countries, cybersecurity is something we take very seriously. We’re committed to protecting our member-owners at every point along our power lines.

Working Together to Protect Our Systems How do we protect your cooperative? It revolves around creating a constant culture of cybersecurity awareness among your locally elected board of directors, cooper-ative employees and our member-owners. We have robust policies and processes in place to fast-track responses to problems – should they arise – early before a potential incident can spiral into a bigger situation. When it comes to cybersecurity, we know that there is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Through our statewide and na-tional electric cooperative associations, we work with co-op member-owners, indus-try partners, and government agencies to develop effective approaches to protecting our members’ access to affordable, reliable and secure electricity.

Grid security is not a new challenge. Your Cooperative has decades of experi-ence working together with other industry professionals to protect our shared infra-structure, and we are constantly reevaluat-ing threats and taking steps to protect the system. The importance of electricity in our daily lives is something we don’t take for granted. We know that it’s impossible to en-tirely eliminate cyber issues from our daily lives. But, what we can do is implement due diligence into every aspect of our business culture. We remind you that if you see some-thing, say something. We’re united through our cooperative structure, and both our safety and your safety is everyone’s job!

CYBERSECuRItY and Your Cooperative

In our communities, we stay alert so that we can quickly identify and act on potential security is-sues. We ask our member-owners to be mindful of unusual situa-tions and to immediately report them to us or local authorities. For example, if you see non-coopera-tive personnel near a substation, that’s noteworthy and should be reported. Cybercrime comes in all forms – those we can witness and others that can happen remotely from far away locations.



Northwest Iowa Community College Foundation

Northwest Iowa Community College Foundation, a community college located in Sheldon, has received a combined $15,000 donation from Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative, CoBank, a cooperative bank serving vital industries throughout rural America and Basin Electric Power Coop-erative, one of the Cooperative’s wholesale power suppliers, Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative made a $5,000 donation to the Northwest Iowa

Community College Foundation in sup-port of its Powerline Training Program at the community college. NCC Powerline Training Program is a valuable resource in the electric industry for northwest Iowa. Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative’s do-nation was matched by CoBank through its Sharing Success program and Basin Electric through its matching donation fund.

DaYbreak FooDs reCognizeD During CorriDor LunCheon

Daybreak Foods of Estherville took home honors as Large Business of the Year, an award presented by the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation. The award was presented during its annual Business Recog-nition Luncheon Oct. 19, at the Clay County Regional Events Center in Spencer, Iowa. Kiley Miller, Corridor president/CEO, stated that Daybreak Foods demonstrates all of the values held by our region’s businesses and community leaders. In 2015, the egg and poultry industry in northwest Iowa was devastated by avian in-fluenza. Around the state, tens of millions of birds had to be destroyed. Faced with the threat of avian influenza, Daybreak Foods

implemented a robust mitigation plan that fully protected flocks at both of its facilities here in northwest Iowa. While measures to clean and protect animals increased the cost of production, they also preserved jobs for the company’s employees. Over the past 12 months, Daybreak has also implemented a substantive supervisor training program in partnership with both Iowa Lakes Community College and a profes-sional training company. Employee retention and job satisfaction programs are also yield-ing high returns on investment. With encouragement of company leader-ship, many employees are involved in commu-nity, school and church activities.

Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative donated $5,000 that was matched by CoBank, one of the Cooperative’s lenders, and Basin Electric Power Cooperative, one of the Cooperative’s wholesale power suppliers, for a total of $15,000 given to Northwest Iowa Com-munity College for its Powerline program. Your Co-operative and CoBank support education of future lineman and electricians who may one day work for cooperative member-owners. Presenting the checks to Northwest Iowa Community College representatives Dr. Jan E. Snyder, vice president of institutional ad-vancement & external affairs and Steve Waldstein, Dean of applied technology and workforce, center, are Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative board of directors, president/CEO Rick Olesen and CoBank vice presi-dent Rachel Hanson.

and Basin Electric Power Cooperative, one of the Cooperative’s wholesale power suppliers,

Brett Pickar, regional operations man-ager, accepted the award on Daybreak Food’s behalf.

receives a Combined $15,000from Iowa Lakes electric Cooperative, CoBank and Basin electric


Touchstone Energy

Touchstone Energy

Northwest Iowa Community College Foundation

EMPLOYEE SERVICE

AWARDS 2016

CELEBRAtINg ouR EMPLoYEE tEAM

www.ilec.coop 7

hantelman JoinsCooperative Team

Bartling Relocatesto Spencer

5 YEAR SERVICE AWARDShannon Lehmkuhl, Wind TechnicianTucker Petersen, LinemanZach Herum, Wind Technician

10 YEAR SERVICE AWARDJed Skogerboe, Manager of Business and Community DevelopmentScott Whitaker, Lineman

20 YEAR SERVICE AWARDShelly Tredway, CPA, Manager of Accounting

30 YEAR SERVICE AWARDDoug Dau, Manager of Information Technology and Technical Support

35 YEAR SERVICE AWARDBrian Johanson, Lineman

40 YEAR SERVICE AWARDNancy Anderson, Senior Member Service Representative

and Basin Electric Power Cooperative, one of the Cooperative’s wholesale power suppliers,

Cody Hantelman, a Ringsted, Iowa na-tive, joined your Cooperative’s employee team on Nov. 21, 2016 as a lineman at the Alta service center. Most recently Han-telman was employed at KW Electric in Emmetsburg and previously had worked on your Cooperative’s FEMA crew and at the Pocahontas service center. Hantelman has a power line diploma from Minnesota West Community and Technical College, Jackson, Minn. Congratulations, Cody!

An open lineman position at your Coop-erative’s Spencer service center has been filled by Cody Bartling who was previously work-ing with the Alta line crew. Bartling began his career with your Cooperative in 2009 deliver-ing material from the Estherville warehouse. Bartling completed his 1,000 hour internship with your Cooperative and then accepted a full-time lineman position at the Emmetsburg service center in 2010. Bartling has an A.A.S. degree in power line technology from Minne-sota West Community and Technical College, Jackson, Minn. Congratulations, Cody!


One of the easiest ways to save money on your utility bill—and do your part for the environment at the same time—is to be smarter about the lighting in your house.

Here are five ways to save energy with smarter lighting choices:

1 Identify the rooms where your family spends the most time. Replace the light

fixtures—overhead, under-the-counter and tabletop—with LED fixtures. They can last up to 50 times longer than a lamp or over-head fixture that takes an old-fashioned in-candescent light bulb.

2 Buy lighting products that carry a war-ranty of at least two years. That goes for LED fixtures, ceiling fans with built-in lightsand other products. If you buy Energy Star lighting products, the warranty is required.

3 Install ceiling fans. Choose a combo unit that includes both a fan and a light; your

electrician can install it in the spot that used to house just the overhead light. Ceiling fans move the air around and make a room feel cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

4 Use your dimmers. They’re not just for mood lighting; they’re for energy savings,

too. Most dimmers conserve energy.

5 ThIs one’s noT new: Turn the lights off when you leave a room. Train your fam-

ily to do the same. Impossible? Install mo-tion-sensing lights or add a timer to your lights so they turn off automatically when nobody’s using the room.


Save on lighting; saVe on enerGY

Member-Owner Wins FreezerThanks to member-owner, Cody Clausen, for stopping by the Farm Progress show aug. 30 – sept. 1, 2016 in boone, iowa. his name was drawn from the registrations and he was the lucky winner of an amana freezer. energy advisor, Doug Vlasman (r) delivered and presented Clausen with the freezer.

H&L Clausen Farms (Cody) Freezer Winner

Update your existing doorbell with a Skybell doorbell camera from Heartland Security. The Skybell doorbell camera records video when you want it to – you decide what triggers it, whether it’s motion or when the doorbell is pressed. You can re-ceive alerts and watch live video whenever someone is in front of your door, even if they don’t ring the doorbell. Using the Alarm.com app on your smartphone you can see who’s at your door and use the doorbell’s two-way audio to speak with your visitor. If you want to let someone in but you’re unable to get to the door or you’re not home, you can use the app to remotely unlock the smart lock on

your door and disarm the system. Day or night, you’ll be able to see what’s happening on your doorstep. The Skybell doorbell camera has built-in fullcolor night vision and you can also set up rules to turn on the porch light whenever motion is de-tected at night. Heartland Security offers a 1-year war-ranty along with professional installation. Available in satin nickel or bronze, the Skybell doorbell camera can enhance any home. For more information about the Skybell doorbell camera or to schedule a free secu-rity analysis, call Heartland Security at 888-264-6380 or visit www.heartlandss.com.

heartland security offers new Doorbell Camera


n pond system: If a home has access to a pond or lake, a pond system for a water source heat pump may be possible. The loop field is connected to the heat pump and then placed at least eight feet below the surface of the

water. If you have access to a pond that’s sufficiently wide and deep, this option can offer the lowest installation cost. Geothermal systems typically cost more than other options, largely because

of the collector and necessary digging or drilling for the loop, but their high efficiency can help reduce payback time. The cost will vary based on whether new ductwork is needed and the type of

collector you install. For folks with high energy bills resulting from heating and cooling, an

efficient geothermal system is a good option to consider. In addition, during the planning process families building new homes should evaluate whether to install a geothermal heat pump. With new construction, the system can be included in the mortgage – and installing it before the home is completed means no disruption to landscaping.

www.ilec.coop 9

In Iowa, heating and cooling accounts for a pretty large percentage of your family’s overall home energy use, so upgrading to a more efficient heating, ventilating and air-conditioning system is a great way to reduce your monthly energy bill. A geothermal heat pump, also known as a ground source heat pump, is among the most efficient types of heating and cooling system you can install. Even when it’s extremely hot or cold outside, the temperature a few feet below the surface of the ground remains relatively moderate and constant. A geothermal heat pump system uses this constant ground temperature to help heat and cool your home, making it very efficient. For example, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, geothermal heat pumps use up to 44 percent less energy than traditional air-source heat pumps, and up to 72 percent less energy than electric resistance heaters combined with standard air conditioners.

A geothermal heat pump system is made up of three main components: 1. The collector, or loop field, that’s in the ground and cycles a liquid similar to antifreeze through dense plastic tubing. 2. The heat pump that’s in your home. 3. The duct system that distributes the heated or cooled air throughout your home. During the winter, the collector absorbs heat stored in the ground, and the liquid carries that warmth to the heat pump, which concentrates it and blows it into the ductwork, warming your home. In the summer, the heat pump extracts heat from your home and transfers it to the cooler ground.

The collector that exchanges heating and cooling with the ground can be set up in one of three ways:

n horizontal system: Plastic tubing is placed in trenches 4 to 6 feet below the surface of the ground. This system works well when a home or business has sufficient available land, because these systems may require digging up to 400 feet of trenches for the long pipe runs. A similar setup where less land is available uses a looped or coiled collector pipe.

n Vertical system: If the site doesn’t have sufficient space for a horizontal system, a vertical collector can work. With this system, a drill digs 100 to 400 feet below the surface and runs the tubing down into the hole. This system can be more costly than a horizontal system, but it will have less impact on existing landscaping and is appropriate for smaller lots.

Is a geothermal heat Pump Right for You?B y Pat K e e g a n a n d A m y Wh e e l e s s

this column was co-written by Pat Keegan and Amy Wheeless of Collaborative Efficiency.originally published in Living with Energy in Iowa magazine. ©Copyright 2016, Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives.



Your Cooperative participated in the 17th annual Touchstone Energy® Midwest Golf Invitational. The event brought North-west Iowa Power Cooperative (NIPCO) member distribution cooperatives, com-mercial and industrial accounts, and indus-try partners together for a day of golf and networking in Dakota Dunes, S.D., all for the benefit of good causes in western Iowa.

The tournament was sponsored by NIPCO, its member cooperatives, includ-ing Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative, and several national and regional business partners. Golfers raised more than $7,700 in proceeds to benefit local community non-profit groups and charitable organiza-tions, within the NIPCO service territory. As a partner in the event, your Cooperative had the opportunity to donate $1,101 to

Mid-Sioux Opportunity, Inc. in Cherokee, Iowa. Over the past 17 years of the golf tour-nament, NIPCO and its members have raised more than $362,000 to benefit local charitable organizations.

Jason Thorson, energy advisor, Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative, presents a check for $1,101 to Kayla Stube, intake staff, Mid-Sioux Opportunity, and Nicole Mier, outreach coordinator, Mid-Sioux Opportunity.

Attending the Touchstone Energy® Midwest Golf Invitational are from left, Doug Dau, manager of information technology and technical support and Jed Skogerboe, manager of business and community development, Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative; Kelly Perrin, Perrins Fur Farms; and Pat Walsh, foreman, Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative.

Electric Cooperatives

Raise Funds for Charities

Jason Thorson, Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative’s energy advisor, Alta service center, has earned recognition as a professional key accounts manager in a nationwide program offered by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). Thorson was notified that he has met the requirements to become a Certified Key Accounts Executive (CKAE), according to Thorson’s supervisor, Jed Skogerboe, manager of business and community development. In order to earn the certificate, Thorson had to complete coursework, pass an exam, and submit business and marketing plans for evaluation. His written plans were

judged by an outside business professional for content and strategic insight. The CKAE certificate is offered by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) in order to improve service to commercial and industrial accounts. This is done through the establishment of business goals, identification of key-account profiles, the practice of professional sales management, and the application of sound decision-making processes.

thorson Receives National Recognition

Touchstone Energy

Touchstone Energy

NRECA is the national service organization for the nation’s nearly 1,000 consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide electric service to 40 million people in 47 states.


Iowa Lakes eLeCTrIC CooperaTIVe www.ilec.coop 11

Juniors: Win a fREE trip to Washington D.C. and a $500 scholarshipOpen to all juniors, not just dependents of member-owners of the Cooperative

Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative invites area high school juniors to apply for the 2017 Youth Tour, an exciting, week-long, all-expense paid trip to our nation’s Capitol from June 9-15, 2017. Your Cooperative will once again send two students, from within the cooperative’s service territory, on the annual Youth Tour. Along with the all-expense paid trip to Washington D.C., both students will receive a $500 scholarship to a college of their choice. During this action-packed adventure, students will visit historical sites in Washington D.C., including Arlington

Cemetery, the Holocaust Museum and the National Cathedral. Participants will also have a chance to visit with their representatives in the House and the Senate and learn more about electric cooperatives, American history and U.S. government. Interested high school juniors are asked to contact Bobbi Jo at 800-225-4532, ext. 6729, for more information and to request application materials. Applications must be submitted to Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative by March 17, 2017. To learn more about the 2017 Youth Tour please visit www.youthtour.coop.

As you may have read in previous newsletters, Iowa Lakes Electric Coop-erative launched an online billing portal called SmartHub. SmartHub has sev-eral features that make managing your account as easy as possible. Whether through the web, or your smartphone or tablet (Android or iOS), you can securely pay your bill, view your elec-tricity use, and receive notification of an outage. Replacing the MyMeter service with the SmartHub service will give you access to all your account infor-mation in one convenient location. Just like MyMeter, SmartHub features your monthly and daily use information, easy to read graphs, bill comparisons, and allows you to set usage thresholds and energy markers. You can start accessing your account information in SmartHub by visiting Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative’s web-site, www.ilec.coop, or by downloading the free SmartHub app on your mobile device through the Apple App Store (iPhone or iPad) or Google Play Mar-ketplace (Android phone or tablet). If you need any help setting up your SmartHub account or have any ques-tions please call Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative at 800-225-4532 and we will be happy to assist you.

smarthub replaced mymeterjan. 1, 2017

we know that one payment option does not fit everyone. Therefore, your Cooperative has eight convenient payment options for you to pay your electric bill. so whether you would rather pay automatically, online, over the phone, in person or at your local hy-Vee or walmart stores, we have a multitude of options to suit your needs.

1 Smarthub: Access SmartHub through the Cooperative’s website or via the SmartHub app to pay online 24/7. Make one-time payments or sign up for Auto Pay.2 Auto Bill Pay (ACh): Payment is automatically deducted from your bank account on the 20th of each month. To enroll, sign-up through SmartHub. Or call 800-225-4532.3 Pay Now: Access Pay Now through the Cooperative’s website to pay online 24/7. No registration required or password to remember.4 Automated Phone System: Call ILEC at 800-225-4532 and select option #3 to make a payment 24/7. 5 CheckfreePay: Pay with cash or debit card at these stores: Hy-Vee: Storm Lake and Cherokee. Walmart: Spencer, Spirit Lake and Storm Lake6 Drop Box: Drop off payment in the Cooperative’s drop box at the Estherville headquarters.7 Postal Mail: Pay bill through postal mail via the U.S. Post Office.8 front Counter: Pay bill in person at the payment counter at the Estherville headquarters.

CONVENIENT WAYS TO PAY YOUR BILL



Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative will join other Iowa Touchstone Energy Cooperatives to sponsor the annual “Momentum Is Building” conference Feb. 9-10, 2017, at the Sheraton West Des Moines hotel. This will be the 25th Momentum Is Building conference. Momentum Is Building offers up-to-date building science information, practical hands-on information and new technology displays for building trades professionals – including homebuilders, electricians and heating-plumbing contractors, realtors, bankers, and others involved in the construction/retrofitting industries. Rural electric cooperative personnel from across Iowa also attend. Nationally-recognized speakers will share their knowledge, including keynote speaker Peter Yost, Building Green, Inc., Brattleboro, Vermont, who will discuss “How Do Green Building, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Fit Together?” Other conference topics include mechanical and electric code updates, deep energy retrofits, energy modeling, changing best practices, legal updates and more. In addition to hearing expert speakers, attendees can earn CEU’s (HVAC and electricians), visit with a variety of vendors and network with other trade professionals. Iowa’s rural electric cooperatives plan and sponsor the conference, with financial assistance from the Iowa Energy Center. This year, there is a grant available from the Iowa Energy Center to sponsor scholarships for instructors and students in high school and community college building trades programs to attend. The school scholarship application can be found on the Momentum Is Building website.

Linemen sharpen their Rescue Skills Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative has always been a leader in safety. As part of our commitment to safety, your Cooperative’s linemen undergo basket and pole top rescue training annually. During basket rescue training, linemen hone their skills by practicing operating the basket controls from the ground to lower and tip the basket so they are able to pull a mannequin out of the basket and begin to administer CPR. During pole top rescue training, linemen are required to use proper emergency and safety procedures. One-by-one, each lineman calls for help, puts on their pole-climbing gear and climbs the pole. Once at the top, the lineman lowers a 200-pound mannequin to the ground with a rope, climbs down the pole and provides emergency first aid and care. From start to finish, both rescue procedures have to be completed in less than four minutes to be successful. It is for those rare, crucial events that they train and practice. Safety first, always!

momentum Is Building

for more information on attending the conference, contact Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative at 800-225-4532 or visit www.momentumisbuilding.com for additional information.


The Cooperative officially kicked off a new energy production project with a rib-bon cutting ceremony on Oct. 27. More than 100 people attended the of-ficial start of the 140 kW/AC solar demon-stration project. They included city leaders, legislators, member-owners, community or-ganizations, neighboring cooperatives and wholesale power suppliers. The project is a collaboration among the Cooperative’s business partners who played a major part in implementing this initiative. The city of Estherville owns the property be-side the Cooperative’s headquarters where the solar arrays are located, making the city a vital partner in this project. Board chairman Jerry Beck welcomed those in attendance and acknowledged his fellow board members. Rick Olesen, president/CEO also ad-dressed the crowd, stating that this solar

project illustrates the Cooperative’s mission and commitment to its member-owners. “While the energy landscape is chang-ing, the one thing that has not changed and will not change is the mission of Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative and the com-mitment to our member-owners. Deliver-ing a margin to our member-owners and providing member-owner and the public information on the solar project benefits us all, is all part of the cooperative princi-ples we abide by,” stated Olesen. Penny Clayton, Estherville’s city ad-ministrator spoke of why this project was important to the city of Estherville. “When Rick first contacted me about the land where the solar array now sits, I was so excited that our community’s southern gateway could symbolize our commitment to pursue all things sustain-able and renewable.” Clayton continued,

“Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative and the city’s electric utility work together dili-gently to promote and encourage energy conservation and where possible the use of alternative energy sources by providing our customers with incentives and rebates.” The project began generating electric-ity on Oct. 4 with production estimates be-tween 214,500 and 248,820 kilowatt hours of energy per year. The Cooperative is able to track the solar productivity in real time through its software program that will be on our website, www.ilec.coop, the first quarter of 2017. Not only will the website display the solar array’s generation statis-tics but it will also monitor its production over time in easy-to-read charts. Your Co-operative has also installed a webcam that overlooks the solar array and you can see the difference in production on a cloudy or sunny day.

www.ilec.coop 13 Iowa Lakes eLeCTrIC CooperaTIVe www.ilec.coop 13

DEDICAtIoN of Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative

SoLAR PRoJECt“thE futuRE IS BRIght”… You gotta wear shades

[ website View ] [ webcam View ]



Mike Lockwood retired from your Cooperative in September 2016 with 35 years of service. It was Mike Lockwood’s father who pushed him towards the electric utility industry 38 years ago. His father saw an ad in the D.E.K. newsletter that the Cooperative was looking for pole testers in Kossuth County and suggested he look into it. Lockwood applied and dressed in his shirt and tie, headed into his interview with Bruce Bosworth, D.E.K. manager at the time. Lockwood was hired as the foreman of the 3-man pole testing crew. When pole testing was completed, Lockwood was asked to stay and work with the Swea City line crew as an intern–possibly the cooperative’s first intern! Lockwood had every intention of attending Iowa State University but didn’t get his application in on time. Looking back he considers this his ‘lucky break.’ While working with the Swea City line crew he found that he enjoyed this line of work and decided to attend line school in Jackson, Minn. Lockwood attended school with a verbal consent from Bosworth that he would have a job for him at D.E.K. when he finished school. However, there were no job openings at D.E.K. then. Although his heart was set on a job at D.E.K., Lockwood accepted his first lineman position with Frost Benco Electric in Mankato, Minn. In January 1981, Lockwood received a phone call from Bosworth that D.E.K. had an opening. Lockwood began working at the Estherville Service Center in February 1981 and three weeks later transferred to the Swea City service center as an apprentice lineman.In 1986, after Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative was formed, Lockwood became foreman of the Swea City crew and

eventually began overseeing the Estherville crew as well, in 1997. As a lineman and a foreman, Lockwood stated that it starts and ends with equipment. He was fortunate that he always had the support from the board of directors to have great equipment and proper safety training. Lockwood believes that the equipment and training are directly related to the efficiency that can be found among your Cooperative’s line crews today and is also the reason that Iowa Lakes is looked upon by others as a leader in the industry. Lockwood also noted that it is incredible to see the improvement in the facilities since he first started. Lockwood gave credit to the line crews he worked with and stated, “The facilities are nearly 100 percent better than when I started. We couldn’t have brought them up to speed without the help of the outstanding line crews. They made me look good! I am extremely grateful for all of the people I have worked with over the years.” In 2004, Lockwood became the operation services coordinator where he was responsible for purchasing all of your Cooperative’s line material including the transformers, wire and poles as well as metering and electronic switching devices.

In this position, Lockwood coordinated safety presentations for your Cooperatives line crews, office staff and also many county road crews. Giving safety presentations to the county road crews allowed Lockwood to inform them on how to work safely around facilities and also helped the Cooperative to form relationships. These relationships were extremely important in storm situations where both crews could often be found working together in the best interest of the member-owners. Along with being the safety coordinator, Lockwood was also a Certified CPR Instructor. Since 1988, Lockwood provided CPR classes to Iowa Lakes Electric employees, the daycare in Swea City, Girl Scout groups and to the employees of Emmet County. Lockwood is a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Swea City and over the years has volunteered countless hours to many groups including his church, Little Lambs Daycare, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, Girl Scouts, North Union Schools, and the Swea City, City Council. Lockwood and his wife Rhonda reside in Swea City, Iowa and have two grown daughters. Congratulations, Mike!

LoCKWooD BEgINS NEW ChAPtER

Touchstone Energy

Touchstone Energy


Chris Jones

Pam Caboth

www.ilec.coop 15

Iowa Lakes’ employees Chris Jones, Pam Caboth and Amy Howard helped with the Regional Wellness Center’s Student Wellness Day in Estherville, Iowa on Oct. 26, 2016. More than 130 students attended the successful event, taking part in a variety of activities including the Neon Leon presentation from energy advisor, Chris Jones.

Kids Wellness EVENt A SuCCESS

ENERgY EffICIENCYElectric bills increase during the winter for a variety of reasons – holiday gatherings, house-guests, and shorter days and longer nights. Small measures, like turning down your thermostat, replacing incandescent bulbs with LEDs and washing clothes in cold water can help control energy costs.

Source: TogetherWeSave.com

amy howard



Iowa Lakes Corridor Future Fund, LLC,

Receives $300,000 from uSDAA new shell building is going up in Spirit Lake.

Iowa Lakes Corridor Future Fund, LLC, a non-profit organization that is a subordinate of the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation, received a $300,000 grant from the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDL&G) program and Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative provided $60,000 in matching funds to support the construction of a 30,000 square-foot speculative building in your Cooperative’s East Lakes Industrial Park located along Highway 9 and 71 in Spirit Lake. Repayment of the $360,000 will go into Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative’s Revolving Loan Fund to support future development projects. The shell building will be offered for sale to new and existing Iowa businesses, specifically advanced manufacturing with the goal to create jobs to benefit the people of Spirit Lake and the surrounding areas. Due to the lack of inventory for shell buildings in the area, this building will be an important component of both retention and recruitment efforts in the area.

The building was designed by Henningsen Construction, Inc. of Atlantic and Spencer, Iowa. The spec building is 200-feet long by 150-feet wide. The building will have the potential for future additions by the buyer. Dirt work began in early November and the building was delivered on Nov. 17. Footings were installed on Nov. 21. Completion of the project will be spring/summer 2017 depending on the weather.

parade of LightsYour Cooperative celebrated the beginning

of the holiday season by participating in two

holiday parades. This year’s parade theme was

a Favorite Holiday Activity. The employees vol-

unteered their time and had some holiday fun

creating a scene of baking and decorating a

tasteful gingerbread house. Your Cooperative

participated in Estherville’s eighth annual hol-

iday parade as well as the fifth annual holiday

parade held in Emmetsburg.


www.ilec.coop 17

Great Lakes Communications Corporation honored with Iowa Venture Award

Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative nominated Great Lakes Communications Corp. for Iowa Area Development Group’s 2016 Venture Award. Six additional Iowa companies were also recognized and honored with the Iowa Venture Award at a luncheon held in conjunction with the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives’ annual meeting held in Des Moines. Great Lakes Communications Corp. (GLCC) is the largest family owned competitive local exchange carrier in the nation. They are headquartered in Spencer and are currently constructing an 11,000 sq. ft. building expansion to accommodate growth. In addition, a $3.5 million data center was recently constructed in Lake Park, providing security, storage, and redundancy. IGL TeleConnect, a subsidiary, has 19 towers in the Great Lakes area and provides local telephone and Internet

services via wireless technology to 4,700 sq. miles in northwest Iowa and southern Minn. GLCC also has a commitment to forming new companies and today boasts a portfolio of 23 additional businesses that range from a construction company, to smaller businesses providing document shredding and electronic disposal, ammunition and shells, soft drinks, golf accessories, fitness and more. “The Iowa Venture Awards Luncheon provides a forum to celebrate the courage, contribution, innovation, responsibility and vision of Iowa entrepreneurs,” said Iowa Area Development Group president, Rand Fisher. “On behalf of our sponsors, we are proud to recognize these seven distinguished companies for their contribution to their community, region and state.”

Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative nominated Great Lakes Communication Corporation of Spencer, Iowa, for its portfolio of businesses and its contributions to Iowa’s economy. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey presented the award on behalf of the Iowa Area Development Corporation (IADG). Pictured (left to right): Jed Skogerboe, manager of business & community development, Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative; Jerry Beck, board chairman, Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative; Rick Olesen, president/CEO, Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative; Kellie Beneke, president, Great Lakes Communication Corp.; Josh Nelson, CEO, Great Lakes Communication Corp.; Candie Nelson, owner, Great Lakes Communication Corp.; Greta Rouse, executive assistant, Great Lakes Communication Corp.; Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey; Jack Schoon, energy advisor, Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative; and Rand Fisher, president, Iowa Area Development Group.

parade of Lights

The first four months of 2016 wind speeds were higher, generating a greater amount of kilowatt-hours. However, as summer began, and into fall months, the weather, primarily lower wind speeds, played a major factor in the fluctuation of kilowatt-hours generated through November resulting in lower production. In November, Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative’s wind technicians conducted its annual scheduled maintenance of the turbines. To inspect inside the gearbox a borescope camera is used. During this maintenance procedure, they discovered damaged bearings in the gearboxes of two turbines at the Lakota site. It was recommended that the two turbines remain shut down until the gearboxes could be replaced in order to mitigate the risk of catastrophic damage to the gearbox and turbine. The turbines have been shut down since the first week in December. Replacing the gearboxes is an expensive repair as it requires a crane and an outside crew to remove and replace the gearboxes. Weather permitting, we anticipate this work will start the first week in January. Despite all of this, production was up over 1.3 million kilowatt-hours than anticipated through the month of November.

Wind Production

UpdaTe

5860626466687072747678

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

IN M

ILLI

ON

S

WIND FARMSActual Kilowatt-hours Generated vs Budget

January - November

Total Budget



2016 Clay County fair

farewell to the Ag Building

The 99th annual Clay County Fair was bittersweet for your Cooperative and other vendors located in the ag building. With the close of the fair, we said “farewell” to the historic building that has stood on the fairgrounds from the start. Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative has had a presence at the Clay County Fair for years. It allows employees to visit in person with member-owners and other fair goers. This year nearly 1,000 members stopped by to redeem their coupon for a free umbrella. Nine lucky member-owners received a $25 bill credit as a result of this year’s drawing from the Clay County Fair.

More than 325,000 people visited the 2016 Clay County Fair making attendance-the fifth highest in history for “The World’s Greatest County Fair.” Beautiful weather was a major factor in the high attendance. Most days were sunny and completely dry except for the torrential rains on Thursday, Sept. 15. Due to the heavy rains, the fair closed at 6 p.m. that day. The Clay County Fair will celebrate its centennial in 2017. Where the ag building stood will be an outdoor plaza with seating. Your Cooperative will continue to have a presence at the fair. Stay tuned for our new location.

CONgRATUlATIONS TO ThE FOllOWINg MEMbER-OWNERS WhO RECEIVED A $25 bIll CREDIT:Kurt Edwards, AltaMark Lux, CherokeeFrank Beschorner, RuthvenRick Steuben, EverlyDoug Heller, MilfordDavid Appleby, CherokeeGerry Bredlow, SpencerDelbert Dodge, DickensRobert Zabka, Swea City

THANK YOU!

to everyone who stopped by to visit with our employee team!

q I hereby authorize Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative to initiate vari-able debit entries to my account at the financial institution indicated below for payment of my monthly electric bill. I will continue to receive a monthly bill. The bill stub will state “Auto Bank Payment DO NOT PAY”. Please continue to pay your bill by check until it states on the bottom of your bill “Bank Draft DO NOT PAY.” The amount of my bill will be deducted from my account on the 20th of the month. (If that day should fall on a weekend or holiday, the deduction will be processed on the following business day.) It is also understood that I agree to be bound by the operating rules and guidelines of the National Automated Clearing House Association and shall have rights set forth here with respect to all entries initiated by Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative pursuant to this agreement. It is understood that this agreement may be terminated by me (or either of us) at any time by written or verbal notice to Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative. This notice must be received by the 15th of the month to prevent a bank draft that month.

Bank Account InformationName of Financial Institution: _____________________________________Routing Number: _______________________________________________Bank Account Number: _________________________________________Type of Account: q Checking q Savings

SignatureAuthorized Signature (Primary): ___________________________________Authorized Signature (Joint): _____________________________________Date: ________________________________________________________

Electric Account InformationElectric Account Number(s): _____________________________________Name (as it appears on electric bill): _______________________________**Please attach a voided check.

!AUTOMATIC bIll PAYMENT AUThORIZATION FORM

interested in auto bill Pay? smarthub allows you to sign up electronically without the hassle of returning the form along with a voided check. it is quick and simple and takes a matter of a few minutes! sign up today at www.ilec.coop.


Touchstone Energy

Touchstone Energy

n The Northwest Iowa Representatives of the Mid America Association of Iowa would like to thank you for your sponsorship for the first ever MAMA event. Sincerely, Carolyn & John Walz

n Thank you for the $25 credit from your Clay County Fair drawing! It was completely unexpected but very appreciated. Delbert & Marilyn Dodge

n We would like to thank you for your generous do-nation towards our 4-H Citizenship Washington Focus trip in June. This trip was something we will remem-ber forever. We came away with a greater appreciation for our nation and those who gave so much so we can have what we have, reminding us how important it is to do our part. Daniel Foster & Trent Elbert

n A special Thank You for your donation to the 2016 Annual Ladies’ Night Out!

n Thank you Touchstone Energy Cooperatives for supporting 4-H and for donating the t-shirts for state fair. Sincerely, Katlyn Domek

n Thank you so much for sponsoring the 4th Annual Glowing 4-H Foot Race, a fundraiser for the Emmet County 4-H Foundation. Sincerely, Kristin Buum, Emmet County 4-H Foundation Committee Chair-person

n Thanks to the linemen for always doing such a great job keeping the power on for the hogs and we appreciate all you do for us. Duane & Debra Myer

n Thank you for your contribution to the 2016-2017 ELC Patrons of the Fine Arts membership fund drive. Sincerely, Stacy Christensen, President, ELC Patrons of the Fine Arts

n Thanks for all your help to make our Monte Thomp-son Progressive Agriculture Safety Day a big success!

n Thank you for donating to the premium at the Mar-cus fair. We enjoyed showing at the fair and plan to do it next year. Thanks again. Carson & Parker Loutsch, Remsen, Iowa

n Thanks for Iowa Lakes Electric Co-op’s sponsor-ship of the 2016 Built for Others golf outing this past August. It was a great success with the generous support from ILEC. The proceeds raised will continue to help us award scholarships to graduating seniors and help with developing servant leadership with our youth and in our community. Thanks again for the generous support! Jed Jensen

n Thanks to your help the Good Samaritan Bene-fit Dinner was a great success! Thank you again for making the world a better place. Your Friends at Good Samaritan

n The Spirit Lake Community Fire Department would like to say thanks for your generous donation!

n Thank you so much for this unbelievable deal on this water heater. I feel like I won the lottery! I called to ask about it Friday morning, picked it up Friday afternoon and my plumber installed it Saturday morn-ing…wow! Thanks again! Pat Archer

n Thank you very much for supporting the Marcus fair sheep show. Sincerely, Branden Whited

n SuccessLink would like to thank you for your gen-erous donation that will be used toward the MidAmer-ica Music Association. Again, thank you very much for your support! Bradley M. McCalla, Executive Director

n Thank you so much for the $200 check! It really helped with my expenses as I prepared and partici-pated in the 2016 Iowa State Fair Queen competition. Thank you so much for your continued support of the Cherokee County Fair and I look forward to the follow-ing year as your 2016 Cherokee County Fair Queen! Sincerely, Fran Conley

n Thank you for the umbrella – always good to have something for a rainy day. Gratefully, Kay

n Thank you for all the good service we got the past 58 years. Allan & Harriet Wesselmann

n Just a BIG thank you for our new water heater at the cost of $1!! We had it installed yesterday. It is wonderful. Dave Skibsted

n Dear Ben,Thank you for giving me the job shadow at Iowa Lakes Electric. I had a great time and learned more about what an electrical engineer does. Your job looks like fun (somedays and when there is no paperwork) and I’m glad you like your job! You answered all my ques-tions and cleared what an electrical engineer does. Thank you, Eric Sundall

n Dear Ben,Thank you for your time and for showing me what it is like to be an engineer in your field. I enjoyed the tour of Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative. Job shadowing with you has helped me clarify more what I will want to go into. From, Aaron Jacks

n Dear ILEC Workers,Thank you for taking the time out of your day to show me how your job is done. The day gave me a better un-derstanding of what a lineman does and the require-ments of the job. The information I was given helped me gain a better perspective of what the career is all about. It was very useful to help me make decisions for my future. I really enjoyed learning about your job. I did not know that there are internships and apprenticeships that are available before getting an actual job. I ap-preciate the advice on which colleges to look at that will help me achieve becoming a lineman. Thank you again for taking the time out of your busy schedule to allow me to have such a valuable experience. Sincerely, Joe Hecht, ELC High School

n Thank you so much for being a sponsor at this year’s Champion in Education banquet. Your support and generosity is appreciated. We are lucky enough to fund our teachers $25,000 in key grants! This was the most we’ve given away. Again, thank you for the continued support. ELC School Foundation

n Thank you for your membership contribution to the Friends of Lakeside Lab for 2016. Your support is more critical than ever for the continuation of water quality monitoring, environmental education and re-search. We value your contribution and commitment to the Lab and the Friends. Warmest regards, Lisa Roti, Executive Director - Friends of Lakeside Lab, Inc.

n Thank you! You generous donation truly makes you a Life Saver for the patients and families served at Buena Vista Regional Medical Center. Sincerely, Brad Strader CFRE, executive director of the foundation

n A sincere thanks to the ILEC linemen for the prompt service during a recent outage at my farm. They had me up and running in the middle of the night and the house didn’t even have a chance to cool down! Thanks again for the excellent service. Mark Reynolds, Swea City

www.ilec.coop 19

We love hearing from you!

Letters from our member-owners


Reach Us

702 South 1st St. | Estherville, IA 51334

Touchstone Energy

Touchstone Energy

Office HOurs:8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Mon- Fri)Contact Iowa Lakes 24 hours/day, 7 days/ week with the following toll-free number:

General Phone:(800) 225-4532 (24 hr.)(Primary and Emergency)

General fax: (712) 362-2819

Call Before You DigIowa One-Call (800) 292-8989 or 811

Visit us Online: www.ilec.coop

e-Mail: [email protected]

Newsletter editor: Tresa Hussong

1. Who will be the keynote speaker at your Cooperative’s 2017 Annual Meeting? _____________________________________________

2. What date did the Cooperative’s solar project begin generating electricity? ______________________________________________

3. What size is the new shell building that is being constructed in your Cooperative’s East Lake Industrial Park? ______________________

4. How many convenient ways are there to pay your electric bill? _______________________________________________________

Name: __________________________________________Account Number ___________________________________

Iowa Lakes will continue to draw four lucky members each quarter who will receive $25 credits towards their electric bills. The $25 winners were: Larry Foell, Storm Lake; Jason Schultz, Albert City; Wallace Christ, Fairmont; Harold Magg, Spirit Lake

QUIZ CORNERPlease send in by the 15th of the month. !

Buy, Sell, SwapFor Sale: Story & Clark piano, nice looking, excel-lent condition, bought new, used approximately 200 hours, measures 58” x 24” x 39”. 712-845-2349For Sale: 2010 Hot Spring Prodigy hot tub, five person, perfect condition, been inside the entire time, manual, some product included. 712-426-5662For Sale: Fish tapes; $25 for both. Antique mirror; $30. Bench grinder; $35. Antique hand tools; $50 for all. Pneumatic tires three sizes; $20/pair. Amp probe amp meter; $50. 712-362-5759

Email classified ads to [email protected] or mail to Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative.

Ads are printed in the order in which they are received. Classified ads are published only in the ILEC News quarterly newsletter. Ads are limited to 25 words or less. Please, no real estate, commercial business or competing product ads. Iowa Lakes accepts no responsibility as to the accuracy or condition of the items listed. Iowa Lakes does not warrant or express any opinion whatsoever as to the fitness or appropriate usefulness of any item listed by owner.


Documents

Quarterly publication for member-owners. winter 2016 · PDF 1 Reach Us ILEC NEWS ... Quarterly publication for member-owners. winter 2016-2017 ... voter turnout, a resounding success