Behind the Lens Helping Co-Ops Produce Live Annual Meetings

SUMMER 2021 | Vol. 44, No. 6-8 ENERGYLINES

BEHIND THE LENS HELPING CO-OPS PRODUCE LIVE ANNUAL MEETINGS

ELECTRIFY INDIANA RESILIENT UPGRADES Register to learn how the How a multi-year, 1,600-mile project +state is electrifying its is helping strengthen the grid economy, consumers

MAKING A DIFFERENCE EDUCATE + INFORM TOGETHER Information produced to Co-ops adapt through shared principles that honor teamwork, help consumers navigate collaboration solar sales market NEWS BRIEFLY ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS 19.9% INDIANA PROPOSAL Duke Energy has proposed selling 19.9 percent of Indiana operations to help the Investor Owned Utility avoid selling debt or issuing stock. Duke Energy seeks partial sale of

HE Photo MATERIAL HANDLING: The coal pile at the Merom Generating Station. Purdue University Indiana operations researchers have developed a technology to purify coal ash without solvents. Duke Energy is looking to raise billions PROCESS OF EXTRACTING RARE EARTH of dollars by selling partial ownership in ELEMENTS FROM COAL ASH IMPROVED Indiana operations for $2.05 billion to GIC Private Ltd., a fund established by the A Purdue University professor and her research team have licensed government of Singapore, according to the technology to separate and purify rare earth elements (REE) found in coal ash without the use of solvents, according to the Indiana Environmental Reporter. Indianapolis Business Journal (IBJ). The new technology uses chromatography techniques to separate REEs from Through the proposal, Duke Energy other impurities and then from each other. Chromatography is the process of would sell 19.9 percent of Indiana separating a mixture using a solution or vapor. This technology could help the U.S. enter the $4 billion REE production operations. The deal would help the North market in an environment-friendly way, according to Purdue University. Carolina-based utility avoid selling debt or With about 1.5 billion tons of coal ash being stored in the U.S., the material issuing more stock. could produce REEs for decades. The research conducted at Purdue is at The utility states this deal would boost laboratory scale and more work is needed to show how it can be used at a larger scale. its $60 billion, five-year clean-energy capital projects across all U.S. operations, according to IBJ. INDUSTRY NEWS ON THE COVER Such a purchase would be reviewed by Agency approves $8 billion Hoosier Energy video the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to fund power grid upgrades producers have been and the Committee on Foreign Investment helping members in the United States. The Biden administration implemented produce live annual Duke Energy Indiana is headquartered $8 billion of Energy Department financing for meetings. Chris high-voltage transmission lines. The expansion Johnson is shown in Plainfield, Ind., and serves 840,000 of these lines are to boost low-carbon energy behind the camera. consumers with a 2020 operating revenue supply by connecting wind and solar sites to of $2.8 billion. areas of population, according to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ). The agency has specifically requested loan applications for transmission projects that transport direct current and sites located along railroad and highways, according to the WSJ. FIND US ONLINE This includes rights-of-way guidance from the To subscribe or to read back Transportation Department to help the expansion issues, visit HoosierEnergy.com/ of the grid and associated infrastructure. EL news/energylines

1 EnergyLines | Summer 2021 NEWS BRIEFLY

INDUSTRY NEWS Volkswagen committee awards $5.5 million to add Priorities up to 60 charging stations across Indiana The Indiana Volkswagen Environmental EV charging stations to help meet Indiana’s Mitigation Trust Program Committee future transportation needs as more auto approved $5.535 million in funding to the manufacturers offer EV choices. Having Indiana Utility Group to install up to 60 a network of DC fast charging stations direct current (DC) fast electric vehicle (EV) that can charge some EVs in as little as charging stations across Indiana. 20 minutes allows Indiana consumers to The Indiana Utility Group is made up consider the environmental benefits of of eight Indiana utilities including: Hoosier purchasing an electric vehicle. The charging Energy, Duke Energy Indiana; Indiana stations will help Indiana continue to be Michigan Power; AES Indiana; Northern a leader in meeting transportation needs Indiana Public Service Co.; Vectren; of Hoosiers and visitors as they travel Wabash Valley Power Alliance; and throughout the state. Crawfordsville Electric Light & Power. Strategic While the plans are in their early stages, ONLINEEXTRA the committee is excited to fund DC Fast >> Updates available at: idem.IN.gov/vwtrust Eight ways Hoosier Energy INDUSTRY NEWS works to succeed Petroleum companies pivot toward renewable energy These are the strategic Renewable energy is seeing a boom and oil companies are investing in these resources. priorities that the Hoosier From Royal Dutch Shell to BP, petroleum producers are building wind and solar projects Energy workforce strives to supply electricity to corporations including Amazon and Microsoft according to the Wall to achieve every day. Street Journal (WSJ). The global reach that oil companies have can give them an advantage as companies EMERGING look to diversify how they source power for their operations. Corporate power-purchase TECHNOLOGIES agreements remain a small piece of the renewable energy pie today but interest is growing at a rapid pace. Companies purchased a record 25 gigawatts of renewable energy last year, up 25 MEMBER FOCUS percent from the previous year according to the WSJ.

RISK INDUSTRY NEWS MANAGEMENT Idled power plants get new life powering bitcoin mining A new trend is taking place across the GOVERNANCE country – cryptocurrency investors are funding power generation, according to a Wall Street Journal (WSJ) report. COMPETITIVE RATES The computer networks used to mine cryptocurrencies require a lot of energy to solve complex computational math COST MANAGEMENT AND PERFORMANCE problems that help verify the accuracy of Bitcoin transactions. This is how companies can earn cryptocurrency, or digital cash, SUPPLY without having to pay for it. PORTFOLIO A Nasdaq-listed bitcoin miner called Marathon Digital Holdings Inc. partnered is looking to produce 55 Bitcoins a day by

OPERATIONAL with a coal-fired generation station last 2022, according to the WSJ. EXCELLENCE year to power its network. With 100 MW of As of July 20, the price of one Bitcoin power capacity planned, Marathon Digital was $29,951.

2 EnergyLines | Summer 2021 BEHIND THE LENS

VIRTUAL ANNUAL MEETINGS GET A BOOST “If you have bad sound, it’s a dead THROUGH PROFESSIONAL VIDEO PRODUCTIONS giveaway that We’re live in five, four, three, two, is such an important part of executing one… a great event. With clear direction and the video is not With cameras rolling, co-op annual coordination among everyone involved, professionally meetings are taking place live on virtual events are proving to be effective. Facebook as co-ops work to meet safety produced, and when protocols. Co-ops helping co-ops the sound is so bad, To assist with these events, Hoosier Energy’s Communications and At Whitewater Valley REMC, it can detract from Technology Support Service departments Sandy Cason and Jennifer Scott the content of the have teamed up to provide audio and led the coordination for this year’s video support for members. virtual meeting. They wanted to make video itself. That’s Virtual meetings consist of two improvements and they reached out to where we can help.” distinct video methods. Segments can Hoosier Energy for help. be pre-recorded or they can take place Video Producers Chris Johnson and BEN TURNER live. Often a blend of both are used. No Ben Turner showed Cason the methods matter the process implemented, there available and she decided to use both. Video Producer are a lot of moving pieces that take place The co-op meeting had live segments behind the scenes. That is why planning with Secretary/Treasurer Jodie Creek

3 EnergyLines | Summer 2021

TESTING BEFORE GOING LIVE: At left, Mary Jo Thomas, Whitewater Valley REMC CEO, stands at a podium to test audio and video quality before going live for their annual meeting. Second from left to right: Zach Horstman of Hoosier Energy captures the audio and video feed for use on Facebook while Jennifer Scott looks on. Sandy Cason uses a laptop to respond to member-consumers as they post comments on social media channels.

microphones all help improve the experience. With a combined 40 years of experience, Johnson and Turner know what it takes to produce content that looks and sounds great. When setting up for a shoot, they focus on proper lighting and camera exposures. They have a variety of microphones in their BEHIND THE LENS arsenal to capture clear, noise-free audio and they always frame shots updating members on meeting bylaws “We were able to integrate the to make their subjects look great. and stating a quorum had been met, pre-recorded segments in such a way Turner boiled things down to one and the cooperative’s attorney, Amber that the meeting played as if it were element that can make or break a Orozco, updated members on director a continuous live broadcast,” said video. election results. Johnson. “If you have bad sound, it’s a dead giveaway that the video is not For some co-ops, segments of their “I was amazed how everything was professionally produced, and when the annual meeting conducted live meet put together – it was seamless,” said sound is so bad, it can detract from the legal requirements for the election Cason. content of the video itself. That’s where process. Some co-ops have amended Member-consumers were we can help,” said Turner. bylaw to accommodate the ways commenting during the Facebook At Whitewater Valley REMC, their meetings take place in a virtual setting. Live event saying they were enjoying experience with this virtual setup “Our board updated our bylaws a it. Cason was on her computer, has them looking toward the future few years ago allowing our election responding to member comments as and how virtual events can be part of process to take place by mail-in vote. they were posted. Last year, as the in-person meeting ongoing member engagement. was canceled due to COVID, another “We have members that don’t Equipment used leads bylaw update was made expanding the want to take three or four hours out to high quality virtual events timeframe we had to hold the meeting,” of a weeknight to attend an in-person said Cason. The equipment used to pull meeting to vote for a director and The co-op’s 17-minute meeting off TV-quality live events include maybe win a prize. We are weighing also included pre-recorded messages more than a phone and an internet our options to come up with a happy from CEO Mary Jo Thomas and Board connection. High-definition video medium to keep our members engaged Chairman Rod West. cameras, lighting, a teleprompter and and informed,” said Cason. EL

4 EnergyLines | Summer 2021 2020 ANNUAL MEETING MAKING A DIFFERENCE TOGETHER

CO-OPS ADAPT THROUGH SHARED PRINCIPLES THAT HONOR TEAMWORK, COLLABORATION

At the heart of the cooperative culture is January, the plan takes advantage of an an honest desire to provide services that value abundance of low-cost natural gas, continued reliability, affordability and sustainability, as advancements in wind and solar technologies, well as fairness to all. and the potential for large-scale battery storage. In 2020, Hoosier Energy began to put This path to greater energy supply diversity into action a new long-range resource plan addresses changing consumer desires, centered on assuring member-consumers the while saving hundreds of millions of dollars, energy they use in their homes and businesses significantly reducing carbon emissions and is coming from energy sources that provide creating long-term cost stability. flexibility and value into the future. The cooperative didn’t stop with merely Approved by the Board of Directors in planning for tomorrow. It ensured the new

5 EnergyLines | Summer 2021 2020 annual meeting BOARD CHAIRS Hoosier Energy conducted annual meeting requirements on April 6 at headquarters in Bloomington. The Board of Directors met in Bob Stroup Chairman of the Board person to elect officers, directors and committee (RushShelby Energy) chairs. Director service awards and board chairman recognition were presented at the March board meeting. These changes were made to reflect COVID-19 social distancing requirements. Gary Waninger Vice Chairman (Southern Indiana Power) plan supports modern technologies for grid management, beneficial electrification, workforce development and economic opportunity. David Smith Secretary Adapting to changing times (Southeastern Indiana REMC) These efforts began to unfold during a year marked by economic uncertainty associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Hoosier Energy and its members adapted to these times, leaning on shared Jodie Creek Treasurer cooperative principles that honor teamwork (Whitewater Valley REMC) and collaboration. The pandemic may have changed how we work, but not what we do. If anything, it helped strengthen our resolve to cushion the blow. COMMITTEE CHAIRS Shift rotation changes limited potential exposure to the virus, while daily work — John Edwards always performed with safety in mind — kept Operations Committee Chair the system going while technology kept us (Daviess-Martin REMC) connected. Swift action by the Board of Directors led to a one-time special retirement of $6 million in capital credits to support member cash Steve Dieterlen flow needs. Member assistance measures also Employee Relations Committee Chair included an extension for power bill payments, (Clark County REMC) $29 million in cost reductions and lowering our operating margin for 2020. Opportunities to purchase low-cost energy through the wholesale markets supplemented these efforts, Darin Duncan minimizing power supply costs. As a result of Hoosier Energy’s financial Finance & Audit Committee Chair strategies, unrelated to COVID assistance, (Harrison REMC) our new resource portfolio and continued cost management, wholesale rates are >>

6 EnergyLines | Summer 2021 2020 technology. Together, we can now quickly identify areas of potential cost-effective ANNUAL MEETING collaboration in preparing for distributed generation and technology upgrades. Substations, capacity and infrastructure currently projected to decrease 7 percent upgrades with smart grid technology support by 2024. future economic development and load growth. Upgraded communications equipment allows Benefits of emerging technology us to operate switches remotely and quickly identify faults on the system to provide quicker As the trusted energy partner for 710,000 response, assuring reliability. people in central and southern Indiana and southeastern Illinois, Hoosier Energy’s 18 Economic Development successes member distribution systems also began identifying how co-ops can bring the benefits of Our members’ knowledge and commitment emerging technologies to homes and businesses to community extend beyond just wires throughout the 15,000-square-mile service area. and poles and are among the reasons Site An electric vehicle smart charging pilot Selection Magazine named Hoosier Energy program is gathering local data on consumer as one of the nation’s top 10 utilities in charging patterns. The information is helping economic development for 2020. Hoosier member co-ops identify the most beneficial Energy’s renewables portfolio stands to help time to charge for the consumer and the co-op, companies meet corporate sustainability as well as introduce member-consumers to the goals, another advantage in a region intent on cost advantages of electric vehicles. developing industrial and commercial sites that meet today’s standards for technology and Building a smarter grid sustainability. Traditional demand side management and energy efficiency programs are making way for Integrated decision making projects that reward “smart grid” efficiencies The long-range resource plan is also about through use of new commercial lighting, transitioning the Merom Generating Station site HVAC, thermostat or heat-pump technologies. for industrial development. On a larger scale, battery storage pilots are Hoosier Energy will join Hallador Energy exploring how battery packs could be used to Company to develop 200MW of energy from solve critical power quality issues, optimize solar and battery storage through purchase production of renewable energy resources or power agreements in 2025. The new generation create microgrids to strengthen the reliability will be located near the Merom Generation and resiliency of the larger interconnected Station. power network. Our integrated resource portfolio is Gathering local, real world data helps form designed to reflect current and future market the energy plan for the future — creating circumstances, which are favoring low-cost, beneficial electrification programs that reward sustainable resources. consumers or improve business efficiencies, Collectively, we will continue to pursue while reducing overall environmental impacts. innovative opportunities to meet changing Behind the scenes, members teamed consumer needs in 2021 and beyond. Our up with Hoosier Energy to produce a optimism for the future — and continued comprehensive, interactive communications success — is centered on the cooperative map identifying areas of potential collaboration principles we share — while making a in fiber optic, radio and smart switching difference together. EL

7 EnergyLines | Summer 2021 COMMUNITY IMPACT Hoosier Energy Endowment Fund affirms commitment to Sullivan County and its residents through $33,334 contribution Hoosier Energy has supported to provide support to nonprofit the Sullivan County community organizations and agencies. The through various charitable efforts fund will have flexibility to address for nearly 40 years. With the the most pressing issues facing establishment of the Hoosier the Sullivan County community for Energy Endowment Fund, the years to come. electric cooperative has affirmed “We have a deeply-rooted its lasting commitment to Sullivan history of community involvement County and its residents. in Sullivan County and are grateful The Wabash Valley Community to be able to support the area, its Foundation, through its affiliate residents and businesses through the Sullivan County Community the establishment of the Hoosier Foundation, has received a $33,334 Energy Endowment Fund for contribution from Hoosier Energy Sullivan County,” said Donna for the establishment of the Hoosier Walker, Hoosier Energy President Energy Endowment Fund. This & CEO. amount will leverage an additional “Concern for community is $66,668 from Lilly Endowment Inc. one of the seven core cooperative through its GIFT (Giving Indiana principles that guides Hoosier Funds for Tomorrow) initiative, Energy. Thanks to the generous resulting in a $100,000 endowment support of operational and to benefit the county. programmatic competencies, The Hoosier Energy Endowment organizational sustainability and Fund, a community grant fund, will substantive relationships with enable the Community Foundation community stakeholders. EL

8 EnergyLines | Summer 2021 ENERGY PARTNERSHIP

Hoosier Energy, Hallador Energy Company to develop up to 1,000 MW of renewable energy VISUAL ENGAGEMENT ERIC NEELY IS A DESIGN-FOCUSED CO-OP COMMUNICATOR Hoosier Energy recently announded it will join Hallador Energy Company to develop up to 1,000 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy. The new generation will be located near Sit for a casual chat with Eric Neely the Merom Generation Station in Sullivan, IN, which Hoosier and the topics of music, cars, travel and Energy expects to retire in May 2023. IndyCar racing are nearly guaranteed The plan calls for Hallador to develop approximately to be discussed. But in his capacity as 200MW from solar and battery storage through power Communications Coordinator for Design purchase agreements with Hoosier Energy beginning in and Digital Media, Neely shows how he combines elements together to tell 2025. Hallador will seek other customers to develop the stories with visual impact. remaining generation capacity. “If a design does not attract your eye, “We are excited for the opportunity to work with Hallador it’s not going to engage your brain to Energy and open a path for them to develop renewable think about the message or take action,” energy near the Merom Station,” said Donna Walker, said Neely, who describes himself as a President and CEO of Hoosier Energy. “While it may seem design-focused strategic communicator. “Messages without impact often get surprising for a coal producer to assist with a renewable caught up in the noise of the world and transition, Hallador has been helping serve the needs of lose their ability to engage. Design is Hoosier Energy for 17 years. Not only will this conversion a language that is easier to understand assist both companies in transitions to a greener future, but it when you put strategic thought into why will also benefit our members and their member-consumers you’re doing what you’re doing.” as well.” Neely’s professional design work began Expanding Hallador’s portfolio to include renewable in the news industry for six years. While working on deadline at a newspaper, he energy is the natural next step in the company’s evolution, got a call from Hoosier Energy for an said President and CEO Brent Bilsland. interview. That was 14 years ago. “With today’s heightened focus on decarbonization, “Energy fascinates me and I was ready utilities are constantly evaluating the makeup of their to shift careers. I’m glad I did because I generation. Thus, during these times of rapid change we are have been able to learn about and see the seeing coal plant retirement dates being both accelerated, cooperative business model in action. It is something special,” said Neely. for environmental reasons, and delayed, over grid stability Today, Neely writes, edits and concerns,” Bilsland said. “Hallador is now uniquely situated designs for EnergyLines while also to support our customers through coal supply to existing providing communication support to plants while also offering a platform to help customers the Hoosier Energy workforce. For transition to solar and batteries at the time of their choosing. This flexibility we can now offer is good for our customers, employees and our shareholders.” EL

9 EnergyLines | Summer 2021 VISUAL ENGAGEMENT ERIC NEELY IS A DESIGN-FOCUSED CO-OP COMMUNICATOR

members, he provides content for Indiana Connection, creates custom HE PHOTO design work and articles. DRIVING ENGAGEMENT: Neely has focused on co-op storytelling throughout “I do a lot of work for Hoosier Energy his 14-year career at Hoosier Energy. itself but I’m always excited to help members with their needs,” said Neely, “When I begin majoring in graphic design. But two whose skills revolve around creativity. years in, he wanted to build upon His passion for design goes way back a project, I those skills, so he made the switch to to his childhood when his parents bought journalism. “When I realized I could him big pads of paper so he could draw. lean on my take data and visualize it creatively, “I always drew. I’m a child of the era experience and everything clicked. I switched majors without the internet and cell phones, so immediately,” he said. sitting around playing a cassette tape, or research. My After joining Hoosier Energy, listening to the radio and drawing was goal is to see Neely earned a master’s degree in fun,” Neely said, explaining that he drew organizational communications from graphics freehand – tweaking elements how a story Northeastern University – helping him to make them original. can best be continue to grow as a communicator. In elementary school he knew he had “When I begin a project, I lean on my stumbled on something special when his told.” experience and research. My goal is to see art teacher took interest, encouraged how a story can best be told,” he said. him to color in his illustrations, and ERIC NEELY Neely’s approach is strategic and he then entered one into an art contest. Communication builds projects with an understanding of The piece won and was displayed with Coordinator the variety of reading styles that exist. other winning entries at the Indianapolis –Design and Some people will want to read Children’s Museum. everything, some will dive into an article “At the time I was too young to realize Digital Media a little bit to see if they are interested, I was teaching myself the fundamentals and others will just look at photos and of design like the use of line, shape, read the captions. He says his goal is to form, texture and pattern,” he said. engage all of them. “Those skills followed me all the way to “If I’ve done my job well, the readers college.” who are not as interested in the topic will Neely started his undergraduate end up reading more than they thought career at Ball State University by they would.” EL

10 EnergyLines | Summer 2021 ELECTRIFY INDIANA 2021 Conference in Indianapolis to highlight how Indiana is electrifying its economy, consumers

iscussions rooted in Indiana’s advancements in public policy, economic economy and investments in development, residential, C&I and agricultural D electrification summarizes what sectors across Indiana. will take place at the state’s second Electrify “This conference will provide attendees a Indiana conference. broad perspective on how the state is growing Hosted by Hoosier Energy and Wabash its beneficial electrification efforts – from Valley Power Alliance, the one-day conference public policy to the shift in member-consumer REGISTER will take place Nov. 9 at The Westin in preference,” said Manager of Energy TO ATTEND downtown Indianapolis. Management Solutions Blake Kleaving. >> Register Events like this are taking place across Holistic awareness through a conference online beginning the nation to highlight what is being achieved like this helps utilities, business leaders August 10 at: regionally to promote beneficial electrification. and legislators approach the topic of hoosierenergy.com/ Electric utility professionals, legislators, electrification from a shared view as electrifyindiana regulators and industry experts are planning Hoosiers continue their path forward toward 2021 to attend to learn about electrification electrification and energy diversification. EL

11 EnergyLines | Summer 2021 Q&A Did you know? Robin Reynolds, Senior Engineer Hired in 2010 as a temporary engineer to help Power Delivery transition to DISTRIBUTED WIND using the Maximo system, Robin Reynolds was hired full-time in 2012 at his DEVELOPMENT current position, which has changed titles and departments several times since. EnergyLines sat down with him to discuss what working here has meant to him. Learn more about the Department of Tell me a little about yourself. Energy’s new I am an engineer through and through; program to help I am a problem solver and puzzle co-ops broaden decipher-er at heart. However, as an the use wind as a engineer, I find myself pulled in two opposing directions: as much as I distributed generation value learning new things, developing resource in NRECA’s better ways of doing things, and am latest Along Those fascinated by (and embrace) the latest Lines podcast. and greatest in new technologies, I also find myself strongly drawn to old things WHERE TO FIND IT: that still perfectly fulfill their purpose. Cooperative.com My vinyl collection and the tube-amp stereo (originally built by my father and refurbished by me), which serves as my primary audio system, may be old, but they coexist gracefully with the automated smart-home lighting system truly reset, in my off hours in Indiana, I and whole-house speaker system I enjoy hiking and kayaking. On a sunny regularly enjoy upgrading. day, you’ll find me on Griffy Reservoir or Lake Monroe 45 minutes after my What is your best habit? workday ends. Novelty is the best way to keep your ELECTRIFICATION What advice would you give your INSIGHTS brain pliable and young, so I’ve made younger self? it a habit to find new experiences and The Midcontinent deliberately seek out new knowledge. Your inclination toward problem-solving Independent System is a valuable skill and is applicable in Operator released What is a business buzzword you ways you haven’t imagined yet. Also, ‘Electrification don’t sell your 1987 CRX, you’ll never don’t ever want to hear again? Insights’ highlighting find a car that fun again. So many to choose! Low-hanging fruit the challenges and or paradigm shift. Where do you live? What do you opportunities facing enjoy most about living there? the electric grid. How do you unplug? I live with my partner and cats in While I require a new destination to WHERE TO FIND IT: REYNOLDS, continues on Page 18 MISOenergy.org

12 EnergyLines | Summer 2021 ONLY IN ENERGYLINES (NOV. 2010)

LIFE ON THE LINE A CONSTANT COMMITMENT TO QUALITY AND SAFETY

Building The following is an of a line specialist. the grid. excerpt from a Nov. 2010 Line specialists wake up early, never article about co-op line knowing if they’ll have to stay late. crews and the challenges they face They pack their lunches and carry in adverse weather, 24/7/365. plenty of water. They trek across rough terrain, and they go wherever the job Sometimes it’s dusty. Sometimes demands. it’s muddy. It might be so hot your There’s sunscreen and bug spray for shirt is soaked with sweat in just the summer; tall boots with liners for minutes. It could be so cold you can’t the winter. There’s the daily talk about feel your hands – and your hands are cars and boats, hunting and fishing, your tools. You might get a call in the spouses and friends. There are long dead of night to head out to fix an stretches of silence. There are grunts outage in a blizzard. and hand signals that carry whole It’s crucial, it’s critical, and it’s the job sentences of meaning. EL POWER DELIVERY

RESILIENT UPGRADES Project strengthens 345kV lines stretching 1,680 miles across member communities

14 EnergyLines | Summer 2021 HE PHOTO

pgrading 1,680 miles of the grid is a significant G&T strategically places poles that endeavor in the best of times. Throw in a are designed to withstand that force called dead-ends. The problem was pandemic, and it’s easy to imagine how the that there weren’t quite enough whole thing could get off track. U of these structures on the stretch But that’s not what happened with a recent in question — and the existing Hoosier Energy project. structures were aging. “Our crews get the job done no matter what they’re The project, which began in 2017 thrown,” said Senior Project Manager Kyle Eslinger. “It and just wrapped up this year, was was a great collaboration between operations, engineering, designed to ensure that dead-ends are no further than five miles apart. The purchasing and project management overall.” old dead-ends, which were all made of It is important to learn how they And once one pole falls, it can start a wood, were replaced with steel — and did it by looking at what took place. domino effect. the engineering team made sure they Through an internal study, Hoosier “One pole falls and it pulls on were strong enough to hold steady no Energy learned it would significantly the wire and it then will pull down matter what might stress them. increase grid reliability for members the next pole because of the wire,” “It was determined that the by upgrading the 345 kV line that explains Manager of Power System structures needed to be put on a stretches from Bloomington to Design Brett Stephens. “And it pulls concrete foundation that is some Worthington to Sullivan. down the next pole and the next pole 8 feet in diameter and 30 feet in It’s easy for bad weather or a and the next pole.” the ground to stop such failures,” vehicle collision to take down a pole. To stop the chain reaction, the Stephens said.

15 EnergyLines | Summer 2021 CONSTANT STRENGTHENING THE GRID: Hoosier Energy COMMUNICATIONS: line specialists review information as large Sr. Purchasing steel poles lay on the ground, ready to be Agent Maria set. These poles are strong enough to stop Jarvis keeps a chain reaction of lines facing extreme projects on track tension if a pole falls. The poles are set in a by staying in concrete foundation 8 feet in diameter and close contact 30 feet deep. with suppliers and the warehouse Some of the locations for the dead- team at Hoosier ends did not have easy access. That Energy. caused another challenge. Crews built access roads to each pole being replaced — and then dismantled it once the work was done. In one case, the road was a full half- mile long. PURCHASING POWER “We know the terrain, but some How G&T keeps projects on track through timely equipment purchases of the dead-ends were down in some pretty low-lying areas,” Stephens said. Big power delivery projects are To show the speed that “So it was challenging to have to deal nothing new for Hoosier Energy Jarvis takes to process purchase with water in the spring.” and the recent 345kV upgrade from requisitions, she completed 240 The crews also had to make Bloomington to Sullivan is a clear in April of this year alone! To sure the existing poles did not have example. Multi-year projects like accomplish this, you would think an eagle’s nest built on top – none this have many moving pieces and that she has a lengthy spreadsheet did. To help thwart nest building Sr. Purchasing Agent Maria Jarvis to keep everything on track. She and the outages needed to safely has a simple way to keep equipment doesn’t. She moves so quick, all relocate nests, the new poles used are orders on track – the phone. she uses is a desk calendar to set designed with domed tops. “I’ve found it’s harder for a reminders. This project was on schedule going supplier to ignore you over the Her system is simple because into the last phase of the project that phone than over an email. It also she keeps in close contact with the included replacement of six structures in helps establish that relationship suppliers she works with and the Sullivan County. Work was scheduled, which is crucial to be effective,” said warehouse team at Hoosier Energy. equipment purchased and crews were Jarvis. This helps her be sure equipment is ready to finish the upgrades. The relationships she has ordered and stocked as needed. “We got done six weeks early,” built during her 11-year career at “Maria does an excellent job of said Eslinger. “That’s going to save Hoosier Energy are crucial for the prioritizing the orders that need our co-op money. Our guys will make times she needs to ask a vendor for to go out today so equipment is anybody look good.” quick equipment delivery. Keeping on hand as soon as possible,” But, at the end of the day, money vendors informed helps the co-op said Manager of Purchasing and is not the most important thing, get equipment others might wait Contracts Damon Crain. according to Eslinger. It’s working much longer to receive. Part of her prioritization process together for the benefit of everyone — With the task of placing orders involves keeping project leaders and keeping everyone safe. for all power delivery equipment and in engineering and power delivery “I don’t put those guys in a materials, purchasing’s role connects updated on pricing and lead times. situation I wouldn’t put my son in,” to safety and helps control costs as This has been a vital component he said. “It’s like a family. We’re all timely delivery of equipment keeps watching out for each other.” EL crews and projects on schedule. PURCHASING, continues on Page 18

16 EnergyLines | Summer 2021 OUR MEMBERS EDUCATE INFORM Hoosier Energy produces information to help member-consumers navigate the solar sales market

Whether it’s solar panels, + energy efficient windows, or other improvements that enable homeowners to live greener and more environmentally conscious lives, navigating sales tactics and practices can leave them second guessing their decisions. Member cooperatives approached Hoosier Energy about three months ago with an opportunity to partner in promoting co-ops as the trusted energy resource for residential member- consumers attempting to navigate the emerging solar market. This partnership has Hoosier CONSUMER KNOWLEDGE: Hoosier Energy is working with member co-ops to develop Energy’s Communications and education tools to help consumers make informed decisions. Emerging Energy Resources teams working with co-ops to develop comments made by some solar information and education tools for Have an idea, we can help installers and offering points to member-consumers. This includes Co-op members with ideas for consider prior to investing in an social media graphics, videos, custom videos to educate, inform or expensive system. web banners and bill stuffers that share information with member- “Currently we have many explain points to consider when consumers can contact Ben Turner members seeking solar for a way pondering solar installations and at [email protected] or Chris to experience significant savings, payback. Johnson at [email protected]. but achieving that takes a lot “Our goal is to understand the of research and planning,” said motivation behind each member- services go beyond delivering safe, Nick Geswein, Energy Advisor at consumer’s consideration of reliable power. We want to ensure Harrison REMC, who has been solar as an energy source and to no member-consumer unknowingly working with member-consumers provide them with accurate and trades a slightly lower energy bill who have questions about solar. well-researched material about for significantly higher hidden “We have found many are moving the costs, benefits and alternative costs or installs a less cost-effective on installing systems without options so they can make informed system.” considering all the variables to decisions,” said Ryan Henderson, Besides social media graphics, ensure that they install the system Hoosier Energy’s Senior Manager, Hoosier Energy is producing a that matches their specific usage Emerging Energy Resources. video series, starting with five main needs. This usually results in the “As a trusted energy partner, our topics, that warn of misleading SOLAR, continues on Page 18

17 EnergyLines | Summer 2021 SOLAR, a solar installation. Not only can these tips ENERGYLINES Continued from page 17 help lower energy costs, but they could lead to a smaller, lower-cost solar energy CONTACT system not performing as well, resulting in system. US AT: less savings than expected.” This makes a big impact for In addition to the solar-related consumers as they experience how materials, Hoosier Energy has a 10-part their co-op is a partner in helping them ENERGYLINES video series on energy efficiency tips that understand the real costs of equipment EDITORIAL STAFF encourage member-consumers to make and installation of products and Chad Mertz economical upgrades prior to investing in services. EL Director, Strategic Communications [email protected] Eric Neely PURCHASING, faults on the grid, now have almost a Communications Coordinator Continued from page 16 year turnaround. This type of equipment [email protected] normally has a turnaround of three months. Linda Margison This process is backed by Maximo Communications Coordinator in acquiring materials as product [email protected] availability has fluctuated during the – Hoosier Energy’s asset management Chris Johnson pandemic. software providing a unified view of Video Producer Jarvis has been proactive to learn what operational data. Combine this back-end [email protected] her vendors have been facing as supply system with Jarvis on the phone and you Ben Turner chains are impacted across the world. have a robust system to complete projects Video Producer For example, the purchase of reclosers, that improve grid resiliency for Hoosier [email protected] equipment used to detect and interrupt Energy and member cooperatives. EL Trina Pardue Communications Coordinator [email protected] Curt Durnil Communications Coordinator REYNOLDS, working for Hoosier Energy is that the [email protected] Continued from page 12 smaller company size means that I have the opportunity to develop a much wider a vintage mid-century ranch on the breadth of knowledge than my peers at This institution is an equal northwest side of Bloomington. Besides other utilities; every day is a chance to opportunity provider and the vintage appeal of the house itself (it learn something new and challenging. employer. still has the original 1964 GE oven with a gull-wing door!), the best thing about our What is something most people don’t house is that it’s surrounded on two sides The following stock know about you? images were used in by property belonging to the Sycamore In my younger and wilder days, I was this issue. Land Trust. very into autocross, (legal) street-racing, and modifying Hondas and Acuras; in fact, What has working at Hoosier Energy I still have in my garage a mid-90s teal meant to you? Acura Integra that I tinker with on the ©GettyImages.com/ Elenathewise One of the things I value most about occasional weekend afternoon. EL

18 EnergyLines | Summer 2021 ENERGYLINES STANDARD PRESORT US POSTAGE 2501 South Cooperative Way PAID Bloomington, IN 47403 INDIANAPOLIS, IN PERMIT NO. 937

Co-op line work focuses on safety Journeyman Lineman John Herbert prepares a pole for replacement in Northeast Shelby County. Herbert uses proper personal protection equipment, including rubber gloves and orange line hoses, to safely prepare the work area.