JULY 2014
Learn how to keep your cool
this summer and keep energy
costs down. See PRECO’s
energy saving tips inside.
BEAT THE SUMMER HEAT
& S AV E E N E R G Y D O L L A R S !
See pages 4, 8, and 25 for hints to save money and enjoy our Florida
summer!
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www.preco.coop
BEAT THE SUMMER HEAT
& S AV E E N E R G Y D O L L A R S !
Keep Your Cool in the Kitchen
By B. Denise Hawkins
ust because it’s hot outside, you don’t have
to stay out of the kitchen. You don’t have
to limit your summer fare to tossed salad
and cold sandwiches when you want to keep the
indoors comfortable, the oven off and energy costs
down. With a little time, creativity and a few small
appliances, you can save on your utility bill and
still stay cool.
The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that
cooking alone accounts for 4 percent of total
home energy use; and this figure doesn’t include
the energy costs associated with refrigeration, hot
water heating and dishwashing.
While the thought of turning on the oven in
July can be enough to make you sweat, electric
ovens can be an advantage during the summer
Microwave ovens use lower wattage to operate and can cut cook time in half.
months. Many professional cooks prefer electric
Source: GE Appliances
ovens to gas for their ability to hold more even
heat. Electric stoves are also more energy efficient
because they don’t introduce extra moisture into your home when turned on, which can make your air conditioner work harder.
In winter, the heat and humidity that builds up when cooking in the kitchen can also warm other parts of the home, which
reduces the load on your heating system. During the summer months, though, there are still ways to use your oven more
efficiently. When baking bread, cakes or any foods that require browning and rising, consider limiting the time spent on preheating. If your oven comes with a display that counts down the pre-heating time, use it.
Try these other kitchen tools and energy saving tips to keep you cool:
Turn on the microwave. They can provide the most efficient way to cook single food items
without the heat. They also use lower wattage to operate and can cut cook time in half.
n Reach for small appliances. Don’t forget about some of summer’s best go-to kitchen appliances: toaster ovens, crock
pots and pressure cookers. These handy appliances use less energy and generate less heat than a standard oven.
n Use fans. Ceiling fans can be useful in the kitchen. They can reduce thermostat settings by 4°F and use much less energy than
air conditioning. A ceiling fan in an adjoining dining area will help circulate the air and keep you more comfortable too.
n Hours of cooling. In Florida, summer provides a little reprieve in
the early morning and late evening. Take advantage of the lower
temperatures to cook, bake, turn on the stove and run the dishwasher.
n Wise dishwasher use. When your summer meal is done and it’s time
PRECO offices will be
for cleanup, it’s fine to run the dishwasher. Did you know that it uses less
water than washing dishes by hand? Save even more money and energy
closed Friday, July
by removing the dishes after the wash cycle and letting them air-dry and
by running the dishwasher later in the evening during off-peak hours.
n
4th, in celebration of
B. Denise Hawkins writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National
Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the Arlington, Va.-based service arm of the
nation’s 900-plus consumer-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperatives.
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J U ly 2 014
Independence Day.
Peace River Electric Cooperative
Electric Co-op Members Cannot
Afford Price Increases, Job Losses
from Carbon Regulations
On June 2, 2014, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued proposed
rules for carbon dioxide emissions from existing power plants. Peace River Electric
Cooperative is concerned about the future impact these rules could have on rates
and reliability for its over 36,000 accounts in 10 counties.
From the desk of National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) CEO
Jo Ann Emerson regarding the proposed EPA rules:
mericans count on affordable and reliable energy to power our
communities, promote job and economic growth, and keep costs
Jo Ann Emerson
in line for the basic necessities in our family budgets. New EPA
regulations that add to the price of electricity have serious consequences for our
communities, jobs and families.
It’s very disappointing and disturbing that the EPA proposed a regulation that
Action.coop
goes further than the Clean Air Act allows by taking an ‘outside the fence’ approach
to setting the emissions reduction requirements that states must accomplish.
America’s electric cooperatives are naturally concerned that these regulations will
increase electricity prices and force power plant shutdowns, thereby harming the
economy and jobs of hard-working Americans. However, there are a lot of details to
work through in this proposal – and additional details that will be outlined in yetto-be-developed state plans.
Co-ops serve some of America’s communities most sensitive to, and least able
to afford, increases in the cost of energy. Electric co-ops require independence
and flexibility to choose solutions based on the needs of the communities they
serve, which thoughtfully take into account balanced consideration of affordability,
reliability and environmental responsibility.
Tell the government you can’t
Tell the
government you can’t
afford costly
regulation
afford costly regulation
America’s not-for-profit, member-owned electric cooperatives remain laserfocused on the affordability and reliability of the electricity that powers our
communities and will provide the EPA with detailed feedback after analyzing the
proposal through that lens.
NRECA is the national service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 private, not-forprofit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide service to 42 million people in 47 states.
www.preco.coop
J U ly 2 014
5
BEAT THE SUMMER HEAT
& S AV E E N E R G Y D O L L A R S !
Cool Your Home Efficiently This Summer
B E E N E R G Y S M A R T W I T H H E L P F R O M P E AC E R I V E R E L E C T R I C CO O P E R AT I V E
If you are like most homeowners living here in central Florida, more than
50 percent of your power bill goes into air conditioning your home during
the peak summer months. So keeping your home’s heating, ventilating
and air conditioning (HVAC) system in tip-top shape and operating it
efficiently can have a sizable impact on your power bills.
PRECO recommends the following steps to increase the
efficiency of your HVAC system:
Install a programmable thermostat
Set your programmable thermostat to match your weekly schedule. It will automatically raise the
temperature in your home while you’re away and bring it back into your comfort zone shortly before
you return. Used wisely, a programmable thermostat can save you more than $180 in annual energy
costs. To maximize savings, always set cooling temps at 78 degrees or above.
Change your air filter regularly
Check your filter monthly. If it looks dirty, change it. Even if not dirty, change it at least every three
months. A clogged filter reduces air flow, makes the system work harder and wastes energy. A clean filter keeps dirt from building up
in the system, which can lead to expensive HVAC repairs or replacement. Purchase discounted filters from FilterChange.coop and
receive email reminders when it’s time to replace them.
Have your HVAC system checked yearly
Just as you should see a doctor for an annual checkup, your HVAC system needs a checkup to stay healthy too. Have maintenance
performed by a qualified technician in order to catch problems before they become major. You’ll enjoy the benefits of energy savings
and cool comfort. Need help finding a reputable HVAC contractor? Ask your friends or neighbors to recommend one.
Seal your ductwork
Often overlooked, leaky ducts can be big energy wasters. Properly sealing and insulating ducts can improve efficiency by as much as
20 percent or more. Use mastic to seal ductwork seams and connections, then wrap them with insulation for optimal energy savings.
Consider replacing your HVAC system
If your air conditioner is over 10 years old or can
no longer perform efficiently, consider replacing
it with an energy efficient model. By choosing an
ENERGY STAR qualified system, you could save
about $200 annually. Before buying, check the
unit’s SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating. The higher
the number, the greater your savings will be. We recommend a
minimum SEER rating of 14.
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Peace River Electric Cooperative
BEAT THE SUMMER HEAT
& S AV E E N E R G Y D O L L A R S !
SUMMER ENERGY EFFICIENCY:
myth vs. fact
Myth: When I’m not home, keeping my air conditioner at a lower
temperature throughout the day means it doesn’t have to run
harder to cool my home when I return.
Fact: To save energy, set your thermostat to a higher temperature
during the day, and lower it when you return home.
Myth: Closing vents on my central air conditioning system will boost
efficiency.
Fact: Closing vents can cause the compressor to cycle too frequently
and the heat pump to overload. You’ll also use more energy.
Myth: Time of day doesn’t matter when it comes to running my
appliances.
Fact:
Time of day does matter when running electrical loads. For
example, take advantage of the delay setting and run your
dishwasher at night to avoid peak times of use and save energy.
Myth: Bigger is always better when it comes to cooling equipment.
Fact: Too often, cooling equipment isn’t sized properly and leads to
higher electric bills. A unit that’s too large for your home will not
cool evenly and might produce higher humidity indoors.
ADVANTAGES OF LED LIGHTING
Energy Efficient
Long Life
Full Brightness Immediately
Contains no mercury
100% recyclable
Very Durable, Resists Breaking
Saves money on your electric bill, too!
www.preco.coop
J U ly 2 014
25
PRECO Names Scholarship Winners
peration Round Up, PRECO’s charitable foundation, has awarded 15 college scholarships totaling
$92,000 to local students in five counties. Since its creation in 2005, Operation Round Up has
provided nearly $400,000 in college scholarships across our 10-county service area.
“The cost of tuition and textbooks have continually risen year after year, with no end in sight, so
increasingly more families are seeking assistance to help defray college expenses,” offers Julian Tharp, board
president of Operation Round Up. “The Board of Directors considers it a duty and an honor to seek out worthy, deserving students
who have demonstrated a sense of purpose in supporting their local community and in pursuing educational excellence.”
To be eligible, student applicants must reside in a home served by PRECO, maintain good grades, be active in the community
and submit an essay describing their life, career and educational goals. While the majority of
applicants are graduating seniors, it’s also available to adults of all ages. “Anyone pursuing new job or
career skills, working toward completing a degree already
in progress or desiring to complete post-graduate studies
may apply,” explains Tharp.
Each of the nine members on Operation Round Up’s
board of directors are co-op members just like you. All
board members are volunteers, receiving no monetary
Anyone pursuing new job or
career skills, working toward
completing a degree already in
progress or desiring to complete
post-graduate studies may apply.
compensation for their service except a mileage reimbursement for meeting attendance.
Julian Tharp, Operation Round
Up Board President
Funding for Operation Round Up comes from the donations of PRECO’s member-consumers.
Each member’s electric bill is “rounded up” to the next dollar to provide charitable funds in the areas
of food, shelter, clothing, medical, the environment and education. Participation is voluntary; members may join or opt out at any
time by contacting the cooperative.
To learn more about PRECO and Operation Round Up, visit www.preco.coop.
S ch o l a rship
Hardee County
Hardee County High School
Kevin Borjas
$8,000
Destiny McCauley
$4,000
Highlands County
Sebring High School
Alana Damboise
$8,000
Hillsborough County
Lennard High School
Sarah Kirk
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J U ly 2 014
w i n n ers
Manatee County
Palmetto High School
Anthony Decker
Kathleen McClure
$8,000
$8,000
Lakewood Ranch High School
Amy Alvarez
$4,000
Eugene Helfrick
$8,000
Andrew Caspar
$8,000
Kathryn Caspar
$8,000
Ethan Teigland
$4,000
Southeast High School
Dorothea Hopkins
Hailey Williams
$4,000
$4,000
Bradenton Christian School
Douglas Pace
$4,000
Polk County
Lake Wales High School
Shelby Carden
$4,000
$8,000
Peace River Electric Cooperative
PRECO Youth Soccer Team Finishes Season
These Wauchula area players,
ages 3 to 5 years, worked hard
throughout the season, finishing
with a record of four wins, three
losses and one tie game.
PRECO is pleased to sponsor local
sports teams. Contact PRECO
about sports team sponsorship by
calling 1-800-282-3824.
Street Lights and
Security Lights
promote safety.
Please report malfunctioning lights.
If you know of an inoperative or malfunctioning street light or
security light on Peace River Electric Cooperative’s lines, please
call our Outage Hotline at 1-877-282-3656 to report it.
When reporting the problem, please
provide the following:
(1) The specific street address where the light is located.
(2) A description of where the light is located on the property.
(3) A description of the problem.
(4) Your contact information including name, account
number, address and telephone number.
Replace
conventional power
strips with advanced
power strips (APS)
to help reduce the
electricity wasted when
electronic devices are
idle. These power strips
are a convenient and
low-cost way to save.
U . S . D epa r tme n t
of Energy
Florida Statute 768.1382 compliance
www.preco.coop
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29
To report power outage call:
1-877-282-3656
Corporate Headquarters
210 Metheny Road
Wauchula, Florida 33873
Hours 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., M-F
Telephone: 1-800-282-3824
FAX: 863-773-3737
Bradenton Office
15105 59th Ave. East
Bradenton, Florida 34211
Hours 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., M-F
Telephone: 1-800-282-3824
indian lake estates
17363 County Road 630
Lake Wales, Florida 33898
For your convenience, a payment drop
box is located at the front gate. Payments
will be posted on the next business day.
Board of Directors
Bruce Vickers
P reside n t
John Martin
vice P reside n t
Hollis Albritton, Jr.
S ecreta ry/ T re a s u rer
Harold Schatschneider
Asst. S ecreta ry/ tre a s u rer
Leonard Crawley
D irect o r
Maurice Henderson
D irect o r
Chris Portale
D irect o r
Samuel Rawls
D irect o r
Board Meeting
Attendance
Any PRECO member may attend
a Board Meeting. Due to building
security requirements and for us
to facilitate attendance, members
wishing to attend a Board Meeting
should contact the Cooperative
in a timely manner for logistical
information regarding the meeting.
Upcoming Board
Meeting Dates
July 22, 2014
August 26. 2014
September 30, 2014
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Liberty and a Better Life for All
very July, we take time to reflect on our country’s history
and remember how the actions of a few helped shape the
way we live today. I think back on the rich history of the
electric cooperative movement and how a small group of
determined individuals were able to improve their quality of life
and the quality of life for all those who would come after them.
Every day, Peace River Electric Cooperative members and
employees pay homage to the legacy of our cooperative founders.
And, because we are a part of an electric cooperative, we know
we have the power to impact our present and shape the future,
just like those who came before us.
Randy Shaw
Through grassroots advocacy efforts, we help influence policy
General Manager & CEO
decisions that will affect our communities now and for years
Peace River Electric Cooperative
to come. We are a catalyst for change in our communities by
leveraging our collective power to get things done. Through our
efforts on the legislative front, we strive to ensure that the interests of PRECO members
are considered when new laws and regulations are shaped. We
go to bat for you whenever proposed legislation threatens the
affordability and reliability of your electric power.
We help bolster our local communities by supporting high
school clubs, sporting events, civic groups, improvement projects
and much more through corporate donations. And, through
the donations of members, our Operation Round Up charitable
organization provides grants to local charities and families where
it’s needed the most. Working together, we’re creating better
opportunities and increasing the quality of life for local families and communities – just
as our founding co-op members did.
We understand that the decisions we make today could greatly affect how future
generations live, so we invest in energy efficiency programs that protect our future
generations while still providing high-quality, affordable electric power. To help our
members become more energy efficient and reduce their electric bills, we offer free
residential and commercial energy audits and provide hundreds of energy saving tips on
our website at www.preco.coop.
PRECO is helping to build the next generation of leadership through our annual Youth
Tour program. In June, we sent two local high school students to Washington, D.C. to
meet with law makers and get an up-close view of how our government functions. Youth
Tour participants leave our nation’s Capitol feeling energized. It inspires them to make a
difference in their communities and gives them a new perspective. Youth Tour is a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity for young people from the communities we serve.
All of these things, plus so much more, are what make up the cooperative difference.
This Fourth of July, as we think about the future of electric cooperatives
and how we will continue to shape our country and our society,
PRECO remembers what it took to bring power to our communities.