PAGE 2 How are Birds Safely Touching Electric Lines? PAGE 3 Reflections of a Winter Storm PAGE 4 Ask Your Co-op PAGE 5 Emerging Outdoor Lighting Technologies PAGE 6 Easy Steps to Greater Efficiency PAGE 7 Everyone’s Irish on St. Patrick’s Day! PAGE 8 Convenience Using Our Drive-Thru Window and After- Hours Drop Box Northfork Sparks & Flashes CONTENTS Supplement to Oklahoma Living March 17 New Year Brings Ice, Wide-spread Outages e new year was barely two weeks old when Old Man Winter arrived. During the night January 14, tempera- tures dropped and winter pre- cipitation began falling, resulting in members losing electric service in the wee hours of the morning January 15. Over the next two days, NFEC employees would respond to 1,800 outages, replace 113 broken util- ity poles, and repair more than 12 miles of damaged electric lines. “Severe weather in Oklahoma is not unusual,” says NFEC General Man- ager Scott Copeland. “But what is more constant than the unpredictability of the weather, is the patience and support of our members. ey continually under- stand the difficult condi- tions we are working in, and are patient as we dili- gently work to restore their electric service. We want them to know how much we appreciate that.” As much as NFEC employees appreciate their members, they also ap- preciate their friends who come to help in severe weather. ere were 84 indi- viduals, not counting NFEC employees, who were responding to the outages. ey include Osmose Utilities Service, Power Line Construction, Anadarko Dozer, and R&R Powerline. See more storm photos on page 3. Power lines and tree limbs wrapped in ice caused widespread outages across NFEC’s service territory. For almost three days in mid-January NFEC crews, aided by contractor crews, responded to 1,800 outages and repaired more than 12 miles of damaged electric lines.
Transcript
PAGE 2How are Birds Safely
Touching Electric Lines?
PAGE 3Reflections of a Winter Storm
PAGE 4Ask Your Co-op
PAGE 5Emerging Outdoor
Lighting Technologies
PAGE 6Easy Steps to Greater
Efficiency
PAGE 7Everyone’s Irish on St. Patrick’s Day!
PAGE 8Convenience Using
Our Drive-Thru Window and After-Hours Drop Box
Northfork
Sparks & Flashes
CONTENTS
Supplement to Oklahoma Living
March
17 New Year Brings Ice, Wide-spread Outages
The new year was barely two weeks old when Old Man Winter arrived.
During the night January 14, tempera-tures dropped and winter pre-cipitation began falling, resulting in members losing electric service in the wee hours of the morning January 15.
Over the next two days, NFEC employees would respond to 1,800 outages, replace 113 broken util-ity poles, and repair more than 12 miles of damaged electric lines.
“Severe weather in Oklahoma is not unusual,” says NFEC General Man-ager Scott Copeland. “But what is more constant than the unpredictability of the weather, is the patience and support of our members.
They continually under-stand the difficult condi-tions we are working in, and are patient as we dili-gently work to restore their electric service. We want them to know how much we appreciate that.”
As much as NFEC employees appreciate their members, they also ap-preciate their friends who come to help in severe weather.
There were 84 indi-
viduals, not counting NFEC employees, who were responding to the outages. They include Osmose Utilities Service, Power Line Construction, Anadarko Dozer, and R&R Powerline.
See more storm photos on page 3.
Power lines and tree limbs wrapped in ice caused widespread outages across NFEC’s service territory. For almost three days in mid-January NFEC crews, aided by contractor crews, responded to 1,800 outages and repaired more than 12 miles of damaged electric lines.
Northfork ElectricCooperative, Inc.
Operating inBeckham, Roger Mills, Washita,
Greer, Custer, Harmon, and Dewey
SCOTT COPELANDGENERAL MANAGER
BOARD OF TRUSTEESJimmy Taylor-Pres ....................Elk CityCharles Hickey-V. Pres ..............ReydonRansom Snowden-Sec-Treas ........ ErickChris Mackey ................................SayreLarry Smith ............................CheyenneLloyd Joe Patton ..........................Sayre Brent Meador .............................Elk CityBrendon Atkinson......................Attorney
SAYRE OFFICEKenny Waugh .................Mgr. of MarketingLisa Dailey...............Mgr. of Office ServicesJeff Mohr ................Mgr. of Acct. & FinanceKay Brown ..........................Adm. AssistantRichard Bowdre ................Operations Mgr.
This institution is an equal oppor-tunity provider and employer.
If you look up at overhead power lines, it would not be surprising to see birds sit-ting on the wires. While it is safe for a bird to do so, it is not safe for people to be near overhead power lines. So how can birds sit on a power line unharmed? Safe Electricity reveals insights into the “bird on a wire” phenomenon and separates fact from fiction.
“There are many false assumptions on why birds can safely sit on power lines, from specialization in bird anatomy to insulated lines.”
It is a myth that all power lines are insulated with a protective coating that prevents shocks. Most power lines are actually not insulated. The coating that is on lines is actu-ally for weather proofing and will not offer any protection from the electrical current.
To understand why birds are actually able to sit on high-voltage electric lines un-harmed requires digging a little deeper into the science of electricity.
In order for an electrical charge, or electrons, to move from one spot to another, it must be in contact (or sometimes close proximity) with conductive material that has at least two different points of potential. Electrons will move toward lower potential. That is why it is said that electricity is always looking for a path to ground (lower potential).
A bird remains safe because it is sitting on a single wire and is at one point of con-tact—and consequently one electrical potential. If the bird sitting at this one potential was to also make contact with another object of different potential, that bird would be com-pleting a path to ground, causing severe electric shock or electrocution. For larger birds with wider wingspans, reaching and touching another cable is a real hazard.
Getting near overhead power lines is also a serious hazard for people. The utility professionals who work near overhead power lines must wear appropriate safety clothing, use tested safety equipment, and take training to be able to do the installation, mainte-nance, and repair work they do. It is vital that safety equipment is regularly tested as even non-conductive materials, such as rubber, wood, or plastic, can conduct electricity if damp, dirty, or damaged.
Safe Electricity and Northfork Electric encourage everyone to be aware of their sur-roundings and shares the following safety tips:
• Always look up and look out for overhead power lines. • Keep yourself and any tools or equipment a minimum distance of 10 feet away
from power lines in all directions at all times.• Remember that getting too close to a power line, even without touching it, is very
dangerous. • Avoid working directly under powerlines.• When working with tall equipment such as ladders, poles, or antennas, carry them
in a horizontal position as to not risk making contact with overhead lines. • Always assume that power lines, even if they have come down, are live and carry
an electrical charge. “Whether you regularly work near power lines on the job or are planning an outdoor
project at home, take the time to slow down, look up, and stay safe.”To learn more about electrical safety, visit SafeElectricity.org. or feel free to contact
me at 580-928-3366.
by Heath MartinNFEC Safety Director
Birds on a Wire
Reflections of a
Winter StormAlthough the storm dissipated and the
sun returned, the storm damage remained. More than 12 miles of electric lines had to be repaired, and 113 utility poles had to be replaced.
Want information about your cooperative, a recipe from a past issue of Sparks & Flashes, or to pay your bill online? Then visit our website!
www.nfecoop.com
Ask Your Co-op
On March 1, 2017, Northfork Electric Cooperative will implement a rate increase for all member consumers — for the first time in more than seven years.
How much will my bill increase?
Although the effect of the rate adjustment will vary depending upon the type of account and extent of usage, the typical residential consumer who uses an average of 1,500 kiloWatt hours (kWh) a month will see an increase of less than $6 on their bill. Security light charges will also be modified under the new rate schedule. Members can expect a $1.10 to $2.30 increase in the overall monthly cost 7073-001 based on the size of security light installed.
What is the effective date of the new rates and when will I see this reflected on my bill?
The new rates will be effective
March 1, 2017; therefore, you will no-tice the increase on the billing statement you receive in April 2017. Copies of the new rate schedule are available both online and at the headquarters.
What can I do to reduce my electric costs and can NFEC provide any assistance in this area?
We understand times are difficult, but we will do everything we can to help minimize the impact of this rate increase on our membership. Northfork Electric offers several options to help members manage their electric costs. Members can find helpful information about conserving energy and saving money on the co-op’s website at www. nfecoop.com under the ‘Energy Effi-ciency’ tab. Other services include free
home and business energy audits, com-mercial lighting and rebate programs, as well as flexible payment options such as budget billing and auto-bank draft.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the implementation of this rate adjustment, we encourage you to call our offices at 580-928-3366. We’re here to help, and we’re commit-ted to providing you with safe, reliable and affordable electric service.
Can’t remember to turn the thermostat down at bedtime? Always forgetting to unplug your home’s electronics before leaving on vacation?
Technology can come to your rescue.
Automatic thermostats and smartphone apps can “remember” for you—and lower your energy bills.
Consider:• Installing a programmable
thermostat that you can set just once so it will turn the heat down a few degrees (or the a/c up) at bedtime and after everyone leaves the house in the morning. Those hours of slightly lower temps can save you a bundle on your heating and cooling bills.
• Investing in a new “learn-ing” thermostat. These nifty devices collect data about your preferences every time you raise or lower your home’s temperature. Then, it will start adjusting the ther-mostat accordingly—without being told to.
• Switching to a wireless ther-mostat that allows you to change the temperature via your computer or smartphone.
• Trying out an energy-manage-ment smartphone app. The free apps monitor your home’s electricity use and share the info with easy-to-read graphics. The more you know about the way your family uses energy, the easier it is to change habits that waste it.
Technology can Help
Lower Energy Bills
Emerging technologies for out-door lighting are coming in the form of new controls and networking capa-bilities. More on that shortly, but first, here is a quick recap of the lighting family tree.
All electric light sources have a common ancestor – Thomas Edison’s incandescent bulb. Most of us think of the incandescent bulb as strictly residential in application, but in the beginning, it was all we had to work with. As a result, incandescent bulbs of various sizes were used for outdoor lighting. Unfortunately, incandescent bulbs have a relatively short life, and early versions had a relatively weak output. Still, any light on previously dark streets was an improvement.
As interest in energy conservation began to take hold, new bulbs sur-faced, including high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps and compact florescent (CFL) bulbs.
Today, light emitting diode (LED) light sources shine in the spotlight. These light sources have a number of advantages:
• LEDs use less energy. Replacing an HPS light with an LED alterna-tive delivers an immediate 50 percent increase in energy savings.
• The color of light produced is much more appealing and can be tuned if desired.
• Light from an LED source is easily focused to eliminate light pollu-tion.
• LED sources have longer life spans.
• LED sources are much more durable since there are no filaments or electrodes to be damaged.
As mentioned in the beginning of this article, the next technological ad-vances in outdoor lighting are coming in the areas of control and network-ing. Control of outdoor lights today is
pretty rudimentary and focused solely on turning them on and off at particu-lar times or in response to motion.
LEDs are electronic devices and lend themselves especially well to con-trol and networking strategies. What might be the capabilities garnered from advanced control and network-ing of outdoor LED lights?
• Ever notice that some street-lights seem to be out for a long time? With a networked system, the light itself can tell system operators it needs changing (if already out) or if it will soon need changing, resulting in im-proved maintenance. When changed before or shortly after the light fails, the effectiveness of the system and peoples’ satisfaction is greatly im-proved.
• Varying the light output on a time or event basis can save energy and improve safety and security. Examples include reducing out-put when fewer people are spending time outdoors, increasing output during outdoor events and creating a “light path” for emer-gency responders to and from the site.
• Color output can be tuned for special events or to meet specific needs and requests.
Outdoor lighting is an essential aspect of modern life. Well-lit streets are safer for drivers and pedes-trians, a deterrent to criminal activity and add to the overall im-age of a town, neigh-borhood or home.
The quest for energy savings, improved light quality and reduced maintenance costs has driven the evo-lution of outdoor lighting. Is the LED the end of the lighting family tree? Not likely. But for now, the next big thing will be the application of control and networking technologies to gain addi-tional benefits from the highly efficient LED.
When you are in the market for a new outdoor area light, consider contacting Northfork Electric. They can help you choose the best light-ing option for your home, and it may eventually come with an app. Now that’s a bright idea!
Tom Tate writes on cooperative issues for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.
Emerging Outdoor Lighting TechnologiesBy Tom Tate
Do you want to save money and electricity but have limited time, money and patience? The typical American fam-ily spends thousands of dollars per year on their home energy bills. Much of that money, however, is wasted through leaky windows or ducts, old appliances or inef-ficient heating and cooling systems.
Luckily, there are several relatively easy ways to save energy without a substantial commitment of time and money. These efforts will help you save whether you own or rent an older or newly constructed home. And, you won’t have to hire a specialist or call in a favor from someone who is handy with tools to help you.
Where to StartAccording to Money Magazine,
“improving the envelope” of your home is a good place to start. Sunlight, seasonal temperature changes and wind vibrations can loosen up even a tight home, increas-ing air leakage. Doors and windows may not close tightly, and duct work can spring leaks, wasting cooled and heated air. By placing weather stripping and caulk around windows and doors, you can keep cool air inside during warm months and prevent chilly air from penetrating the indoors during colder months. Sealing gaps around piping, dryer vents, fans and outlets also helps to seal the envelope and creates greater efficiency. Apply weather stripping around overlooked spaces like your attic hatch or pull-down stairs.
Replacing incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs can make a big difference in
home efficiency and is one of the fastest ways to cut your energy bill. Known for their longevity and efficiency, LED bulbs have an estimated operational life span of typically 10,000 to 20,000 hours com-pared to 1,000 hours of a typical incandes-cent. According to the Dept. of Energy, by replacing your home's five most frequent-ly used light fixtures or bulbs with models that have earned the ENERGY STAR rating, you can save $75 each year.
Wrapping Up SavingsInstalling a blanket around your water
heater could reduce standby heat losses by 25 to 45 percent and save you about 7 to 16 percent in water heating costs, according to the Dept. of Energy. For a small investment of about $30, you can purchase pre-cut jackets or blankets and install them in about one hour. On a safety note, the Dept. of Energy recommends that you not set the thermostat above 130 degrees Fahrenheit on an electric water heater with an insulating jacket or blanket; the higher temperature setting could cause the wiring to overheat.
Given that a large portion of your monthly energy bill goes toward heating and cooling your home, it makes sense to ensure your home’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system is performing at an optimal level. Checking, changing or cleaning your filter extends the life of your HVAC system and saves you money.
Air filters prevent dust and allergens from clogging your HVAC system. Oth-erwise, dust and dirt trapped in a system’s
air filter leads to several problems, includ-ing: reduced air flow in the home and up to 15 percent higher operating costs; lowered system efficiency; and costly duct cleaning or replacement. Many HVAC professionals recommend cleaning the system filters monthly. A simple task like changing the filters on your HVAC system makes your unit run more efficiently, keeping your house cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
Take Control of Your Energy SavingsTake a look at your programmable
thermostat. When was the last time you checked to make sure it was programmed for the current season and family sched-ule? This is one of the best energy-saving tools at your fingertips. It enables you to fine tune the temperature during particu-lar hours of the day. Many models allow you to differentiate between weekday and weekend schedules, and internet-connect-ed thermostats can learn your schedule and make adjustments automatically. Most models come with an override option so you can make manual adjustments without losing overall programing. You can only achieve these efficiencies and savings if it is programmed properly and adjusted periodically to keep pace with changes in household routines.
Remember, there are easy steps you can take now to improve the energy effi-ciency of your home. To learn about addi-tional ways to save, visit NFEC’s website at www.nfecoop.com, or contact NFEC Manager of Marketing & Power Use Ad-visor Kenny Waugh at 580-928-3366.
Anne Prince 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.
and cut into ½-inch dice1 Tbsp. fresh garlic, minced1 tsp. kosher salt½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper
Potatoes O’Brian
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat two tablespoons of butter and two tablespoons of oil over medium high heat.
Add both peppers and onion and cook 10 minutes, stirring every few minutes.
Add potatoes, garlic, salt and pep-per and cover. Lower heat to medium and cook 10 more minutes, stirring ev-ery few minutes. Test potato doneness and cook longer if not fully cooked.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees (F). Line a small baking sheet with parch-ment paper; set aside.
Place potatoes in a small baking dish and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until soft. Once the potatoes are cool enough to safely handle, slice each one in half, lengthwise. Scoop out the potato pulp and place it into a large bowl, being careful to leave the skins intact. Rub the outsides of the potato skins with a little olive oil. Place the skins on the prepared baking sheet and set aside.
Add the butter to the potato pulp and mash - using an electric mixer or a potato masher - until fairly smooth; add Greek yogurt, buttermilk, salt, pepper, chives, garlic powder, on-ion powder, dried onion flakes, dill weed, paprika, broccoli and 3/4 cup of the cheese. Divide the filling evenly among the potato shells then top with remaining cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the potatoes are heated through. Serve at once!
NOTE: Sour cream can be used instead of Greek yogurt, and any cheese can be used instead of ched-dar cheese.
Remove lid, add remaining butter and oil and raise heat to high.
Cook for about 2 minutes until the mixture is crispy.
Add more salt and pepper to sea-son if desired. Serve immediately.
Everyone’s
St. Patrick’s Day
Irishon
8-10 cups potatoes, diced finely16 oz. cheddar cheese, cubed or
shredded1 cup mayonnaise (real)1 pkg. bacon, cooked and torn into
large bits1/2 cup green onions, chopped
In a 9x13 pan or 3-quart casserole dish, mix potatoes, cheddar cheese, bacon, and green onions.
Stir in mayonnaise.Bake at 325 for an hour and a half
or until potatoes are tender. Top with additional cheese if desired.
Mississippi Mud Cheesy Potatoes
Hidden Account Number
If you see your account number in this newsletter, call our office, identify yourself and the number. We will credit
your electric bill $25. The number may be located anywhere in the newsletter and is chosen at random.
If you don’t know your account number, call our office or look on your bill. To get the credit, you must call before the next month’s newsletter is mailed.
Don’t Rely on Luck for Safe Microwave Oven
Cooking in your microwave oven can save energy and money compared with us-ing the stovetop or oven. And it’s perfectly safe to heat up food or drinks in a micro-wave—as long as you’re using it correctly and the appliance is in good shape.
But every now and then, you’ll hear that someone got burned while heating something up. Don’t let the next report be about someone in your family.
Here are a few tips to keep yourself and your family safe around this handy appliance:
• If the microwave door does not close securely and seal fully, don’t use it. Call for a repair or, if your equipment is old, replace it. An unsealed door can allow microwave radiation to leak out of the oven.
• If the fan, light or turntable operates even when the door is open, do not use it.
• If a door hinge comes loose or falls off, repair it before you use the oven.
• If the door itself is bent, warped or damaged, don’t use the device.
• Place food and liquids in micro-wave-safe containers before heating. Glass, ceramic and plastic containers labeled for microwave oven use are OK. Avoid placing metal pans and aluminum foil in the mi-crowave. And some plastic can melt when you heat it.
• Don’t overheat water. If you over-heat plain water, it can explode—violently and without any warning. Some people have reported that the exploding water scalded their hands and face. A tip: Put instant coffee or sugar into the water before heating it to reduce the risk of an explosion.
• Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions and cautions before using a microwave oven or any electric appliance.
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