Piedmont Electric A Touchstone Energy Cooperative ConnectionConnection Piedmont Electric A Touchstone Energy Cooperative ConnectionConnection Hillsborough, North Carolina 27278 www.pemc.org April 2009 ManagingManagingManagingManagingManagingYourYourYourYourYourEnergy DollarEnergy DollarEnergy DollarEnergy DollarEnergy DollarManagingManagingManagingManagingManaging YourYourYourYourYour Energy DollarEnergy DollarEnergy DollarEnergy DollarEnergy Dollar You could save money on your electric bill with Piedmont Electric’s Time-of-Day Rate—if you are able to adjust your activities to historically low, or “offpeak” times. On-peak hours are only on weekdays, never on weekends. Summer on-peak rates begin at 12:00:01 a.m. on the second Sunday of April through 12:00:00 a.m. on the second Saturday of October, with the on-peak times being between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m., excluding those holidays as designated by the Cooperative. Winter on-peak rates begin at 12:00:01 a.m. on the second Sunday of October through 12:00:00 a.m. on the second Saturday of April, with on-peak hours being from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., excluding those holidays as designated by the Cooperative. Off-Peak Hours are all other times. Holidays that fall on a weekday are excluded as peak use times. These include: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day,Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The off-peak rate is about half the price of the standard rate. Your savings depend on the amount of use you can shift to the off-peak times. Contact Piedmont Electric for more details. REPS Rider Gets Boar REPS Rider Gets BoarREPS Rider Gets BoarREPS Rider Gets BoarREPS Rider Gets BoarREPS Rider Gets Board Approval d Approvald Approvald Approvald Approvald Approval Effective May 1, 2009, you will begin seeing a rider listed on your monthly bill. The charge will help pay for costs associated with meeting the North Carolina Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standards (REPS). The REPS mandate requires electric cooperative to ensure that 10 percent of the electricity they sell is generated from renewable energy sources or energy efficiency programs over 10 years. The REPS Rider applies to all of the Cooperative’s members on a per meter basis. Piedmont Electric’s monthly REPS Rider schedule for 2009 is: • Residential $0.47/month • Commercial $2.35/month • Industrial $23.51/month The REPS Rider will be adjusted annually to reflect the anticipated costs for compliance with the REPS mandate for that year for each customer class (residential, commercial, industrial). The REPS mandate specifies an annual rate cap for each customer class for recovery of REPS expenditures. For 2009 the cap—or the greatest amount allowed—is $10 for residential consumers; $50 for commercial consumers, and $500 for industrial consumers. The money collected through the REPS Rider covers the cost This new charge is necessary for Piedmont Electric to comply with the state mandated REPS. of new programs to reduce energy use. It also covers costs associated with participating in renewable energy projects, both here in our service territory as well as joint projects—such as solar or wind—with other North Carolina cooperatives. This new charge is necessary for Piedmont Electric to comply with the state mandated REPS. In doing so, we’ll be reducing energy inefficiencies and increasing the amount of electricity produced in North Carolina from clean energy sources. We’re Moving to Carolina Country... Beginning in June, this newsletter, the Connection, will be published inside Carolina Country magazine. All member-consumers of Piedmont Electric will receive a free copy of the magazine, which is our statewide publication. Piedmont Electric is making this move as part of our commitment to keeping you informed. The magazine cover will direct you to the Cooperative’s inside pages. From Your Co-op President...From Your Co-op President...From Your Co-op President...From Your Co-op President...From Your Co-op President...From Your Co-op President...From Your Co-op President...From Your Co-op President...From Your Co-op President...From Your Co-op President... From Your Co-op President...From Your Co-op President...From Your Co-op President...From Your Co-op President...From Your Co-op President...From Your Co-op President...From Your Co-op President...From Your Co-op President...From Your Co-op President...From Your Co-op President... Let’s Get Real About Energy There’s a lot of talk about en-passed on to consumers through A quick back of the envelope ergy lately.The subject is being covered in newspapers, on cable news, talk radio and the topic of many speeches from our elected officials in Washington, DC. I think we can all agree that the country needs a strong energy policy that strives for energy independence from foreign sources and is sensitive to environmental concerns. At Piedmont EMC our mission is first and foremost to deliver affordable and reliable power to our member owners. It’s why electric cooperatives were created and remains our mission today. However, Piedmont EMC and other electric utilities, especially in the southeast, are now experiencing one of the most challenging times in our history to maintain affordability. In President Obama’s 2010 budget, the President seeks to raise $80 billion a year starting in 2012, by adopting a cap and trade system where limits would be set (caps) on how much carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses industries can emit. Industries such as electric utilities would have to purchase carbon credits to offset CO2 emissions from coal generating plants.The cost of these emission allowances would have to be higher electric rates. Unfortunately this plan will cause substantial rate increases for states that receive a lot of electricity from coal generation. In North Carolina almost 50% of the power is generated from generating plants that use coal as their fuel. Congress is also considering legislation that would increase the requirements to generate more electricity from renewable energy resources. A North Carolina law was passed in 2007, which requires Piedmont to purchase up to 10% of our energy that we sell to our members from renewable energy resources such as solar, wind, landfill gas and biomass by 2018. We can also meet the requirements of the law through new energy efficiency programs. Energy from renewable resources can be considerably more costly than power we currently buy from conventional sources such as coal, nuclear, natural gas and oil. Federal renewable legislation currently being considered could more than double our requirements to purchase renewable energy. 22222Do you have a question or comment about Piedmont EMC? If so, we want to hear from you. Questions about specific accounts will be answered personally instead of appearing in the newsletter. Because of space limitations, Piedmont EMC reserves the right to publish any comments and to edit comments at its discretion. Send your comments and questions to: Todd Pope, “Member Speak-Out,” Piedmont EMC, P.O. Drawer 1179, Hillsborough, NC 27278-1179. You may also include it with your monthly payment, or send an email to: todd.pope@pemc.org. Member Speak-OutMember Speak-OutMember Speak-OutMember Speak-OutMember Speak-OutMember Speak-OutMember Speak-OutMember Speak-OutMember Speak-OutMember Speak-Out R.G. BrecheisenPresident & CEO analysis of what Congress is considering, combining renewable and energy efficiency mandates as well as costs associated with decreasing greenhouse gasses to battle climate change could add as much as an additional $40 a month to the average Co operative consumers’ electric bills in North Carolina. That is an increase of more than $480 a year and this may be a low figure as carbon costs may rise considerably more depending on decisions made by the administration and congress in coming months. So where will much of the money go? The current 2010 federal budget shows that very little of this money will be used for renewable energy, energy efficiency or research. The majority of the money will be used for tax cuts for low and middle income families. Your Cooperative supports a balanced solution that doesn’t send all of your energy dollars to Washington, DC. Let’s look for lower cost solutions that are sustainable over time and get us to the goal, energy independence and protecting our environment. Learn more and find out what you can do to help at: www.findabalancedsolution.com. Let’s get real about our energy future and work together with Congress to solve our problems. In North Carolina I know we can do both. K KKKKKeep Electricity from Going Down the Drain eep Electricity from Going Down the Draineep Electricity from Going Down the Draineep Electricity from Going Down the Draineep Electricity from Going Down the Draineep Electricity from Going Down the Drain Water use and electricity go setting on your water heater. hand in hand. Heating water can For each 10ŗ F reduction in account for 14 percent to 25 temperature, you can save be- percent of the total energy con-tween 3 percent and 5 percent sumed in a typical in energy costs. Re- home. ducing the setting also What’s more, sys slows mineral buildup tems used to clean and corrosion in your public water supplies water heater and and deliver it to pipes. homes require large Although some amounts of electricity. manufacturers set wa- If your home re ter heater thermoceives water from a stats at 140ŗ F, most well or spring, the households usually pump also draws power. So when we use water, hot or cold, we’re also using energy. Techniques for trimming water use in your home are surprisingly simple. For one, you can significantly reduce hot water consumption by simply repairing leaks in fixtures—faucets and showerheads—or pipes. A leak of one drip per second can cost $1 per month. You can also reduce water heating costs in a matter of seconds by lowering the thermostat Remember... Rising high school seniors may apply for a week-long, ex pense-paid trip to Washington, DC, by submitting their applications by April 30. The Rural Electric Youth Tour to our nation’s capital will be June 13-19, 2009. Contact Rachel Hawkins at 919.644.3402. Right-of-Way Activity for April Orange County Heritage Hills Subdivision Smith Level Road Weatherhill Subdivision Caswell County Highway 119 North Semora (and surrounding area) only require them set at 120ŗ F. However, if you have a dishwasher without a booster heater, you may require water temperature within a range of 130ŗ F to 140ŗ F for optimum cleaning. Adding insulation to your water heater can save around 4 percent to 9 percent in costs. To determine if you need to insulate your water heater, touch it. A tank that’s warm to the touch needs additional insulation. Insulating your water heater tank is fairly simple and inexpensive, and will pay for itself in about a year. Beginning in May, Piedmont Electric will offer water heater wrap kits for $15 (plus tax) to our members.The kit will include a free water conservation kit to help members onserve water ad more energy. The cost of the kit can be added to your next month’s electric bill. In addition, don’t set the thermostat above 130ŗ F on an electric water heater with an insulating jacket or blanket—the wiring may overheat. Installing insulation on gas- and oil-fired water heaters is more difficult. For these appliances, it’s best to have a qualified plumbing and heating contractor perform the work. Be Aware of Electricity Outdoors The arrival of Spring brings warmer weather and an increase in outdoor work, both on the job and at home. Increasing electrical safety awareness can help ensure those activities do not result in injuries and deaths.The following safety rules can reduce electrical deaths and injuries: .. Ladders that contact a power line can prove fatal, even if the ladder is made of wood. .. Unplug outdoor tools and appliances when not in use. .. Inspect power tools and appliances for frayed cords, broken plugs and cracked or broken housing and repair or replace damaged items. 6 Water does not mix with electricity. Avoid damp conditions, including wet grass when using electricity. Get a $15 Credit on Your Electric Bill ¨ .......... Buy compact fluorescent lights and send in the original receipt to: Piedmont EMC, CFL Rebate P. O. Drawer 1179, Hillsborough, NC 27278 Get a 50-cent credit per CFL up to 30 CFLs. (If your receipt* does not clearly show the CFL or light purchase, also send in proof of purchase from the packaging [name of manufacturer & product]. ¨ .......... Include the full name of the member with an active account, the account number & the complete mailing address & daytime phone number on the receipt. *Receipts must be dated within six months of the date it is submitted for credit.3 33333 Delicious Peach Cobbler29-ounce can of sliced peaches1 cup self-rising flour1 cup granulated sugarPreheat oven to 350 degrees. Empty peaches with juice into an8 by 11-inch dish. In a separate bowl, mix flour, sugar and beaten egg with a spoon. Mix until crumbly. Spoon mixture over peaches and drizzle with melted butter. Bake about 30 to 45minutes, or until golden brown. Serve warm, with or without, vanilla ice cream. 1 egg, beaten1 stick melted butter ormargarine Delicious Peach Cobbler29-ounce can of sliced peaches1 cup self-rising flour1 cup granulated sugarPreheat oven to 350 degrees. Empty peaches with juice into an8 by 11-inch dish. In a separate bowl, mix flour, sugar and beaten egg with a spoon. Mix until crumbly. Spoon mixture over peaches and drizzle with melted butter. Bake about 30 to 45minutes, or until golden brown. Serve warm, with or without, vanilla ice cream. 1 egg, beaten1 stick melted butter ormargarine Please remember Piedmont Electric’s Annual Meeting of Please remember Piedmont Electric’s Annual Meeting ofPlease remember Piedmont Electric’s Annual Meeting ofPlease remember Piedmont Electric’s Annual Meeting ofPlease remember Piedmont Electric’s Annual Meeting ofPlease remember Piedmont Electric’s Annual Meeting of the Members on F the Members on Fthe Members on Fthe Members on Fthe Members on Fthe Members on Friday ridayridayridayridayriday, April 17, at Orange High School , April 17, at Orange High School, April 17, at Orange High School, April 17, at Orange High School, April 17, at Orange High School, April 17, at Orange High School in Hillsborough. R in Hillsborough. Rin Hillsborough. Rin Hillsborough. Rin Hillsborough. Rin Hillsborough. Registration starts at 6:30 p.m. A recap egistration starts at 6:30 p.m. A recapegistration starts at 6:30 p.m. A recapegistration starts at 6:30 p.m. A recapegistration starts at 6:30 p.m. A recapegistration starts at 6:30 p.m. A recap of the meeting will be in the May of the meeting will be in the Mayof the meeting will be in the Mayof the meeting will be in the Mayof the meeting will be in the Mayof the meeting will be in the May Connections ConnectionsConnectionsConnectionsConnectionsConnections. ..... Pass It On...Pass It On...Pass It On...Pass It On...Pass It On...Pass It On...Pass It On...Pass It On...Pass It On...Pass It On... Martha Hall of Roxboro contributed this month’s recipe for “Delicious Peach Cobbler.” If you have a favorite recipe you want to share with other Piedmont EMC members, please send it to: Pass It On, c/o Piedmont Connection, P.O. Drawer 1179, Hillsborough, NC 27278, or you may include it with your monthly payment. If it is printed in the newsletter, you will receive a copy of the Cooperative Council of North Carolina’s Sensational Sweets cookbook. Please remember to check all ingredients and instructions carefully. Finding A Finding AFinding AFinding AFinding AFinding ABalanced Solution... Balanced Solution...Balanced Solution...Balanced Solution...Balanced Solution...Balanced Solution... When it comes to finding solutions, we must meet climate change goals while keeping costs down and electricity available. America needs a plan. Immediately. Because we all know that our energy needs keep on growing—every day. Now is the time to have a candid conversation with your elected officials. Start the conversation today at: www.ourenergy.coop To find out more about what we all can do to help find a balanced solution to our energy future, go to: www.findabalancedsolution.com Together, we can find answers and take action. Piedmont Electric Membership Corp. www.pemc.org 44444 YOUR 24-HOUR PIEDMONT EMC CONNECTION You can contact Piedmont EMC anytime, day or night, by telephone with the interactive voice response system. To report a power outage, call 24-hours a day, toll-free: 1.800.449.2667 Rotary dial phones are accepted. To access your account information, call 24-hours a day, toll-free: 1.800.548.2105 Voice instructions will direct you through the system. Your home telephone number is more important than ever in reporting outages. Help us help you by providing your current phone number and letting us know if your phone number changes. All other calls, please dial: Hillsborough HillsboroughHillsboroughHillsboroughHillsboroughHillsborough 919.732.2123 919.732.2123919.732.2123919.732.2123919.732.2123919.732.2123 Roxboro RoxboroRoxboroRoxboroRoxboroRoxboro Caswell County Caswell CountyCaswell CountyCaswell CountyCaswell CountyCaswell County 336.599.0151 336.599.0151336.599.0151336.599.0151336.599.0151336.599.0151 336.421.1296 336.421.1296336.421.1296336.421.1296336.421.1296336.421.1296 Elsewhere T Elsewhere TElsewhere TElsewhere TElsewhere TElsewhere Toll-F oll-Foll-Foll-Foll-Foll-Free reereereereeree 1.800.222.3107 1.800.222.31071.800.222.31071.800.222.31071.800.222.31071.800.222.3107 Call BEFORE Y Call BEFORE YCall BEFORE YCall BEFORE YCall BEFORE YCall BEFORE You Dig: ou Dig:ou Dig:ou Dig:ou Dig:ou Dig: 1.800.632.4949 1.800.632.49491.800.632.49491.800.632.49491.800.632.49491.800.632.4949 Published for the member-consumers of Piedmont Electric Membership Corporation, P.O.Drawer 1179, 2500 NC 86 South Hillsborough, NC 27278 1125 Oxford Road Roxboro, NC 27573 64 Rascoe Dameron Road Burlington, NC 27217 www.pemc.org R.G. Brecheisen President & CEO Board of Directors Richard C. Roberts, Chairman C.Franklin Murphy,Vice Chairman J. Douglas Simmons, Secretary H. J. Kinley, Jr.,Treasurer Paul Bailey Bill R. Barber David B. Poythress Richal Vanhook Sam T.Woods Talmadge W.Yancey Cathy Johnson, CCC,Editor ConnectionConnectionConnectionConnectionConnectionConnectionConnectionConnectionConnectionConnection