Issue No. 109 February 2009

New-Mac urges customers to be prepared

Southwest residents to cook or heat inside! are more than aware of what • Fire extinguisher and smoke storm season can bring. In the detector. last few years, New-Mac mem- New-Mac reminds everyone bers have experienced some of to never approach downed the most damaging storms in power lines as they may be the history of the cooperative. energized. We can only hope that the ice, In the event of outages, snow, rain and winds, take it New-Mac customers should easy on us in 2009. However, have their location number while we can’t predict the ready and call 451-1515 or weather, something everyone 800-322-3849. Don’t assume can do is be prepared if the that someone else has already storms do indeed come. called for your area. By planning ahead, the hard- During extended outages, ships of destructive storms can customers can get updates on be alleviated. Keep the follow- the progression of restoration ing items on hand and be pre- efforts by checking our website, pared: www.newmac.com, or through • Flashlight (with extra bat- the local media: TV stations teries) and candles. (KSNF-16, KODE-12, KOAM- The New-Mac service area has seen more than its share of • Battery-powered radio. 7, Fox-14), radio stations extreme weather in recent years. • Bottled water and non-per- (KBTN AM-1420 and FM-99.7, ishable food items. KMXL 95.1 FM, KNEO 91.7 County News Gazette, Seneca switch. This prevents electricity • Manual can opener. FM, KZRG 1310 AM, ESPN News Dispatch). from traveling back through the • Extra medicine and baby Radio 1230 AM, Big Dog 97.9 If you use a standby genera- power lines, or what is also items. FM, KSYN 92.5 FM, Lite Rock tor, make sure power is cut off known as “back feed.” Back • First-aid supplies. 93.9 FM, KIX 102.5) and from the utility grid before you feed creates danger for anyone • Back-up heating source – newspapers (Neosho Daily operate it, which is best done near power lines, particularly NEVER use a charcoal grill News, Joplin Globe, McDonald by utilizing a double-throw crews working to restore power. INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Co-op set to attend trade shows New-Mac Electric will Feb. 27-March 1 at the remodeling, maintenance, Trade shows upcoming ...... page 1 be spreading its Take Holiday Inn Convention appliances, furnishings, Co-ops trying to be green....page 2 Control & Save message Center – formerly the decor and much more. The at three local trade shows John Q. Hammons Trade show times are 10 a.m. to Recipe of the month ...... page 3 in the weeks ahead. Center – in Joplin. 8 p.m. Friday and First, New-Mac will be This year, the HBA is Saturday, and 1-5 p.m. one of around 100 encouraging attendees to Sunday. exhibitors on display at “Plant-It Green.” The Next, New-Mac will be the Home Builders three-day event draws at Neosho’s 17th Annual Energy Partners is a monthly publication of New-Mac Electric for Association of Southwest thousands of people each Business & Industry the purpose of informing members of the programs, services and happenings of, and related to, the cooperative. Missouri’s 21st Annual year and features all things Review, scheduled for Home Show, to be held home-related: construction, See Trade shows, page 4 Page 2 February 2009

Think twice before cutting Co-ops deal with realities of green power meter seals A broken or removed There's certainly a buzz in electric cooperative grid. room operators, charged with meter seal is viewed as rural circles these days about Elsewhere, Missouri's electric matching available power to an indicator of meter renewable power. Wind farms, cooperatives also have experi- demand. Most renewable tampering. Therefore, for example, are generally mented with using biomass to sources are intermittent: the do not cut a meter seal built on wide-open spaces or generate electricity. sun doesn't always shine, and without authorization ridgetops; methane gas from We are doing everything we the wind doesn't always blow. from New-Mac. If elec- livestock waste can be burned can to make renewable power A fossil fuel-fired power plant, trical work needs done, to produce power; trees, grass a viable part of our energy on the other hand, will pro- and crop stalks can be shov- mix, but there are very real duce "baseload" power as requiring a seal to be eled into boilers or converted hurdles to overcome before long as fuel remains available. broken, such work to other forms of fuel. that 11 percent can become 15, In the case of a renewable should be performed by Because most renewable 20 or 25 percent in coming resource like solar, though, an someone with electrical energy projects take root in years. overcast afternoon can leave a training. Many times, a rural America, electric co-ops For one, construction costs gap in available power that main breaker switch are at the forefront of this new for electricity generation are needs to be filled. can simply be flipped to and exciting wave of genera- going up across the board, and Improved technology offers allow for such work. tion technology. Currently, co- renewable sources are no one way around this problem, ops lead electric utilities in exception. Three years ago, it making it possible, for exam- renewable power generation, was estimated that a wind ple, to store excess electricity Please call with a full 11 percent of co-op farm would cost about $1,000 produced on a sunny day. before you dig power nationwide coming per kilowatt of capacity - When a storm cloud rolls up, Digging in areas where from hydro and other renew- today that price tag has dou- that stored power would be there may be an under- able resources, compared to 9 bled. Costs for installation and ready and waiting. Co-ops are ground electric line can percent for the industry as a operation of solar panels can constantly making advance- be dangerous! So, before whole. run five times higher than a See Renewable, page 3 Co-ops nationwide own and traditional coal plant of com- any project that requires operate about 1,000 parable size. digging, call the Missouri megawatts of renewable proj- How do we get those costs One Call System at 800- ects utilizing biomass, wind, down? Research and develop- DIG-RITE. solar and small-scale ment can help to some extent, Those who fail to make hydropower. And 750 rural and the Cooperative Research this call not only face the electric systems offer green Network is working with the chance of electric shock; power to their members. U.S. Department of Energy on they also will be held Those are numbers to be various projects. responsible for any proud of. Government programs, such repairs that may be nec- In Missouri, electric cooper- as Clean Renewable Energy essary if a line is acci- atives made the state's first Bonds (CREBs), are another three wind farms a reality by solution. The bonds offer dentally cut or damaged. agreeing to buy the entire out- interest-free loans for financ- New-Mac members put of these northwest ing renewable power projects, can also call the New- Missouri wind projects. It also and the U.S. Treasury Mac office to receive helped that electric coopera- Department reserved $450 assistance in locating tives own transmission lines million in CREBs for electric lines up to the meter. To that neatly coincide with the co-ops in 2008. take advantage of this windiest parts of the state. Another hurdle involves get- service, call 417-451- Despite some teething prob- ting renewable power to where 1515, ask for dispatch, lems expected from a cutting- it can be used. True, most and talk to Randy Green. edge technology, these projects renewable resources are abun- continue to increase the dant in rural areas, but that amount of power they gener- also means they're far from Moving advice ate. the concentrated power needs When moving out of Besides the wind farms, of big cities. New transmission the New-Mac Electric electric cooperatives have lines will need to go in to service area, please found other ways to bring address this problem, and don’t forget to leave a renewable power into the gen- related costs can add up in a forwarding address. You erating mix. This year, heavy hurry. could be leaving capital rains made large amounts of A third drawback can cause credits behind. hydropower available to the major headaches for control February 2009 Page 3

and be realistic about its associated costs of rural development efforts and our nation's P Renewable and benefits. energy security. But as not-for-profit, con- Support for renewable power must be sumer-owned electric co-ops, we will Continued from page 2 consistent with providing safe, reliable and encourage elected officials to make sure ments in storage technology, although real affordable service to you, our members. Co- public policy doesn't get ahead of available breakthroughs have yet to be realized. ops will develop the renewable resources technology and doesn't impose a hardship on Although some policymakers will try to that make the most sense for us, geographi- consumers. We will seek real-world results speed up the process of getting renewable cally and economically. We will work to that benefit the environment, and you. power on-line, all of us need to provide an ensure those paying the freight for such informed, thoughtful approach. Let's be real- technologies also reap the benefits. A Rural Missouri staff article istic about the value of renewable energy, Renewable energy will remain a key part A lot at stake for cooperatives in 2009 A new president, new gover- now are a part of the discussion they move in a new direction. electric co-ops continue to nor, new members of Congress, on Capitol Hill. Those who rep- Our new Governor Jay Nixon embrace renewable energy while 43 new state legislators, a shaky resent your interests in is no stranger to Missouri’s elec- searching for ways to bring economy, climate change legisla- Washington, D.C., will work to tric cooperatives. When he was a green manufacturing jobs to tion. There’s a lot at stake for make sure whatever finally pass- state senator, he worked to end Missouri. electric es will allow costly power line duplication to We look forward to working cooperative By Barry Hart you to continue the benefit of co-op members. As with our elected officials to meet members in Executive Vice President receiving attorney general, he sided with the challenges of providing elec- the federal of the Association of affordable and electric cooperatives in fighting a tricity in rural areas, knowing and state Missouri Electric reliable electric- merger of satellite TV companies there is a strong grassroots effort legislative Cooperatives ity. that would have raised costs for behind us. We will be calling on arena in We in rural people. all of you again in the not-too- 2009. Missouri con- Governor Nixon laid out his distant future to send a message Fortunately, there’s a dedicated sider ourselves fortunate to have thoughts on the state’s energy to Congress that affordable elec- group of people looking out for elected officials who do their future in a speech at the tricity is critical for the future of your interests in our state capital work with the best interests of Association of Missouri Electric rural America and the quality of and Washington, D.C. This year their constituents in mind. When Cooperatives annual meeting. He life we enjoy. our attention will be focused on we explain our position on the stressed that the state needs If you haven’t done so yet, getting to know our newly elect- issues, they understand and affordable energy from all let’s keep the ball rolling by ed officials and telling them why assure us they share our con- sources — wind, solar, biomass, sending an e-mail at www.ouren- the electric co-op model works cerns about the welfare of rural geothermal, clean coal, natural ergy.coop to ensure that when so well for rural America. people. gas and nuclear. He thanked our leaders vote on legislation We’ll be looking for a seat at Our two U.S. senators, Kit electric co-ops for leading the that could affect your electric the table when President Barack Bond and Claire McCaskill, are way on development of wind bills, your concerns are foremost Obama and Governor Jay Nixon evaluating the climate change power, and he pledged to help in their minds. craft new energy policy. At this proposals and are con- date, we don’t know the direc- cerned about the effects tion these measures will take. they may have on our TREES & RAISINS We can make a few assump- economy, jobs and Recipe of the Month: SALAD tions, however. There’s no ques- rural electric coopera- tion we will see Congress work tive members. During to pass some form of climate the last debate, Sen. Submitted by New-Mac member: Amy Litchfield change legislation. When law- McCaskill sent a letter 5 quarts broccoli flowers Dressing: makers last looked at this issue, signed by 10 senators 1 lb. bacon (cooked crisp & crumbled) 4 cups mayonnaise there were real concerns they to Senate leadership 2½ cups raisins 2 cups sugar would rush to pass something expressing those con- 2½ cups pineapple (well drained) ½ cup vinegar without considering the conse- cerns. We are fortunate 1 cup chopped red onion quences. that Claire has the Some of the bills being con- respect of our new Combine first 5 ingredients – set aside. Prepare dressing sidered last summer could have president. Our national and pour over vegetable mixture. Toss gently – chill and allow doubled electric bills for electric leader, Glenn English, to stand at least one hour prior to serving. This will make 24 cooperative members. Thanks to has met with key lead- ½ cup servings. a tremendous grassroots move- ers of President ment called “Our Energy, Our Obama’s incoming Send your recipe, along with your name and customer number, to: Recipes, c/o Future,” that damaging legisla- energy team to give New-Mac Electric Cooperative, P.O. Box 310, Neosho, MO 64850; or recipes@new- tion failed and electric co-ops them your views as mac.com. If your recipe is selected, New-Mac will apply a $15 credit to your bill. Page 4 February 2009 Geothermal comes of age We are postponing our discussion of the 10 most efficient wind farms in the U.S. only gen- Commandments of Energy Efficiency for a erated 30 percent of the time last year, with P.O. Box 310 — 12105 East Highway 86 Neosho, Missouri 64850 very important announcement. In October, almost no generation during the hottest sum- Telephone: 417/451-1515 800/322-3849 President Bush signed the $700 billion mer months. It is at best difficult to estimate Fax: 417/451-9042 Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of the payback of a residential wind turbine Office Hours: Neosho — 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 2008 (H.R. 1424). In addition to helping stabi- because of such unknown factors as mainte- Anderson — 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Or visit us on the Web at lize the nation’s financial markets, the law also nance costs and the availability of wind flow. www.newmac.com. extended and enhanced tax credits and financ- There is, however, a federal tax credit avail- ing related to renewable energy and energy able in the new law. Management efficiency. And I am pleased to announce that No. 3: A typical geothermal heat pump for a CEO/General Manager ...... Mitch McCumber included in the tax credits are — 2,000-square-foot house should Controller ...... David Childers Manager of Administration ....Mary Hatfield can you believe it? — geother- cost about $11,000 more than a System Engineer...... Stan Irsik mal heat pumps! For years, I conventional heating and cool- Manager of Operations ...... Alan Loehr have been teaching you about ing system. It does provide all of Manager of Marketing...... Mark K. Rakes the advantages of geothermal the heating and cooling required Billing Supervisor ...... Vickie Stuart heat pumps. Many of you have and it is available every single Board of Directors installed such systems in your hour of every single day. The District 1...... Martin Youngblood houses or businesses and have average payback for such a sys- District 2...... Kenneth Daniels learned that geothermal pro- tem will be seven to 10 years. District 3...... Bobby Fields vides the most economical The life expectancy of the geot- District 4...... Beryl Kennedy District 5...... Billy P. White heating and cooling available hermal unit is estimated to be District 6...... Paul Sprenkle in the marketplace. (Not to men- 25 years, the loop in the ground is District 7...... Maurice Mailes tion a percentage of domestic hot guaranteed for 50 years and no one District 8...... Virgil Winchester water for practically free.) actually knows how long it will last District 9...... Dewey Allgood As I have said for years, 75 percent of the after that. And, yes, there is a federal tax cred- Services Provided to Members energy used in a geothermal heat pump is from it available, at last! Call our consumer services department for solar British thermal units (Btus) that have Now, open your mind, think about it and information on the following services: been stored in the earth or, in other words, you will probably be just as excited about this Autowithdrawal Payment Levelized Billing geothermal is 75 percent renewable energy. as I am. Geothermal has finally come of age! Rental Light And it appears that the federal government To learn more about the tax credits, visit Meeting rooms available at both locations now recognizes that. To me, just the recogni- www.energy.gov/taxbreaks.htm. Credit Card Acceptance Safety Programs (upon request) tion is huge. You see, no doubt about it, renew- Doug Rye, a licensed architect living in Trade-A-Tree Program able energy can be feasible and is certainly and the popular host of the “Home Surge Protection needed. But it must be economically feasible Remedies” radio show (as heard on KBTN Green Power for the average customer like you and me. 1420 AM), works as a consultant for the Questions? Comments? Lets look at some popular renewable energy Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas to promote Contact: Mark K. Rakes sources: energy efficiency to cooperative members P.O. Box 310, Neosho, MO No. 1: A typical solar voltaic system for a statewide. To order Doug’s video, call Doug [email protected] 2,000-square-foot house costs about $25,000. at 1-888-Doug-Rye. More energy-efficiency It would produce about 2 kilowatts for six tips can also be found at www.ecark.org. hours per day (25 percent of the day) if the sun were shining. That means the system would produce enough electric- be held at Anderson Middle School. ity to power two 1,000-watt hair dryers. P Trade shows Now in its third year, the Expo is an ideal The estimated payback is around 50 Continued from page 1 opportunity for folks to become acquainted years and the life expectancy of the sys- with all of the new businesses that have tem is 20 years. I personally don’t think March 13-14 at the Neosho High School recently come to McDonald County, as well that you can find a much worse invest- cafeteria & junior-high gym. as see what’s going on with the area’s exist- ment. There is a tax credit available for This event features a wide variety of ing businesses. this system in the Emergency businesses and organizations that can be At all three shows, New-Mac will be Economic Stabilization Act. found in the Neosho area. The B&I No. 2: A typical wind generator for a sharing ways to make your home more Review will run from 5-8 p.m. on Friday energy efficient. Additionally, visitors of the 2,000-square-foot house costs between and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. $10,000 and $20,000, depending on the New-Mac booth are likely to come away Finally, New-Mac will once again be a with a souvenir. size of the unit. It would typically pro- part of McDonald County’s Business Expo, duce 4 to 6 kilowatts of electricity if the So, stop by and see the New-Mac which will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Electric exhibit at the HBA Home Show, wind was sufficiently blowing. In many March 28. Due to remodeling at McDonald parts of the United States, including Neosho’s Business & Industry Review, and County High School, this year’s event will Arkansas, residential wind generation is the McDonald County Business Expo. not a viable option. In fact, one of the