September 2013 | Volume 75 | Issue 9
New things, change. It’s inevitable. Deal with it.
If saving money is important, then changing lights is good for you.
We’re used to having children tell us, without trying a new vegetable or dish, that they don’t like it. And they refuse to try it. No amount of rational explanations, such as “it’s good for you” will work.
So when we have adults grousing around in the Platte-Clay offices and complaining about how the compact fluorescents (CFLs) don’t look right and they won’t use them and that the LEDs don’t look right either, then we have work to do.
So to help members save energy and money, we’re sharing tips on how to buy the proper CFL or LED light.
One of the most common complaints is that the light is a different color from an incandescent (traditional) light. That’s undoubtedly true, because most of the energy for an incandescent light goes to producing heat, not light. In essence, the inefficient incandescents cost consumers too much for the amount of light they produce. Because lighting is a large part of the household electric bill, 12 percent, they are being phased out.
Let’s talk numbers and savings
A 60 Watt equivalent compact fluorescent light (CFL) is 15 Watts. So it’s possible to use four 60 Watt equivalent CFLs for the same cost as a 60 Watt incandescent.
A 60 Watt equivalent LED (hardly anyone calls them a “light emitting diode,” which is what they are) is only 12 watts. So it’s possible to use five LEDs for about the price of one 60 Watt incandescent bulb. Based on usage of three hours a day, the estimated life is 22.8 years. That’s a lot of bang for the buck, even if they are a bit pricey for the bulb itself $20- $25, depending on the store, including Platte-Clay.
So now that we’ve established value (it’s good for you) let’s work on the esthetics. Let’s talk about Kelvin, shown as K, or light color, which is measured on a temperature scale.
Most incandescents are a warm or soft white, in the 2700K to 3000K range.
For kitchens and work spaces, a cool to bright white light ranges from 3500K to 4100K.
Natural or daylight bulbs are in the 5000K to 6500K range. When selecting a CFL or LED, look for a category or language such as “light appearance” followed by a number between 2700K and 6500K.
Lights closer to 3000K will be more like the slightly yellow light from an incandescent. Platte-Clay and most stores have displays, so take a look and pick the light color you like.
Where to use them
Use CFLs where they will be on for at least 15 minutes, and not turned off and on frequently. In general, CFLs aren’t designed to be used in photocells, motion sensors or with electronic timers.
There now are a variety of styles, including globe-shaped bulbs to go in bathroom vanity bars and ceiling pendants, candle-shaped lights and tube-shaped lights for narrow applications.
Stores also are carrying CFLs with the look of a traditional incandescent, called A-Shape, which can be used in lamps with clip-on shades.
LEDs are the most flexible–they’re dimmable, they work in the cold, they work in floodlight fixtures with motion sensors, they aren’t fussy about being turned off and on and they can last for a long, long time, depending on daily use.
What’s not to like?
If the price gets in the way, put them on your birthday or Christmas wish list.
Helping your family and friends learn about how to save energy could be a wonderful gift for them too.
September Equinox
From the CEO
Sunday, Sept. 22, at 3:44 p.m. marks the autumnal, or fall, equinox, when we’ll have a day that’s nearly equal in day and night.
For those of us who enjoy the long summer days, it marks the beginning of the march to the cooler and shorter days of fall.
One of the best things about September is the usually moderate temperatures that allow us to truly enjoy the days, with occasional warm spikes to remind us that summer isn’t giving up just yet. And although the nights will grow longer, usually in September it’s comfortable to sleep with the windows open and enjoy the fresh air.
September is a great month to take stock of our homes and get ready for what we know is coming: a Missouri winter.
It’s a good time to replace any incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents or LED lights. They last longer, years, not months, and use considerably less energy so we can pocket the savings.
Thomas Edison had a fabulous idea and wonderful invention in 1879. But the problem with his incandescent bulbs is that only about 10 percent of the energy is converted into light; most of the energy is wasted heat so we’re paying extra to get the amount of light we need.
A compact fluorescent light (CFL) is much more efficient. Engineers continue to work on the new lights so they now come in a variety of sizes, temperatures, the colors, and some are even enclosed so they look similar to the old incandescents.
Another great energy efficient choice is the LED, or light-emitting diode, used in a variety of applications— cars, flashlights, street lights, accent lighting, RVs, boats and switches. In short, everywhere.
The nice thing about LEDs is that they don’t generate heat and will last for years.
And because LEDs are semiconductors, in keeping with technology in general, they are getting cheaper and better with each generation.
While your co-op is in the business of selling electric service, your co-op also is in the business of helping members save energy and money and lighting is a great place to start.
As always, if you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.
The Industry
EIA report: king coal
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) says that total electricity generation is expected to increase from 20.2 trillion kWh in 2012 to 39 trillion kWh in 2040.
Because of growth and prosperity in China and India, reliable markers for electric power consumption, traditional third world countries will generate and use 64 percent of global power.
EIA projects that coal-fired generation will continue to grow at just under 2 percent a year and will remain the single largest source of energy in 2040, based on current regulations and policies.
The fastest growing generation source is expected to be renewables, averaging just under 3 percent a year. EIA projects that the next few decades will have the largest renewable increases in hydroelectric, 52 percent, and wind at 28 percent.
Natural gas and nuclear power are projected to increase an average of 2.5 percent a year.
The EIA report says that an increase in fracking in other countries for shale gas reserves could dramatically increase the use of that fuel for electric power generation.
The party’s over: max octane is 89
Check owner’s manual or with your mechanic for fuel recommendations if you have questions.
Although some consumers like to use premium fuel with no ethanol, it is rapidly becoming difficult to find, and will be completely phased out of the market, including the Platte-Clay Fuels stations in September.
Premium no alcohol fuel is a casualty of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and other laws and regulations working with the EPA to reduce vehicle emissions. Plus, in 2006, Missouri passed HB1270, requiring all gasoline to contain at least 10 percent ethanol, by volume, by 2008.
As a result of the changes, beginning in September, Platte-Clay Fuels will begin phasing out its premium ethanol-free fuel. When it’s gone, it’s gone. The Platte City and Kearney fuel stations will then offer Unleaded 87 Octane and Mid-Grade 89 Octane, both of which contain 10 percent ethanol and are compatible with all newer vehicles, later than 2001, according to the manufacturers.
Depending on the manufacturer and fuel system, most newer vehicles run fine on one of the ethanol blends, E10, E15, or higher ethanol-content blends. (For information on specific vehicles or engines, please check the owner’s manual and pump accordingly.) Automobile manufacturers have routinely changed gaskets and metal alloys to accommodate the increasing use of ethanol and increasing percentage in blends.
Currently, anything above 10 percent ethanol, such as E85, can be a problem for older vehicles, boats, motorcycles, and lawn equipment, although most of our daily drivers will run with the lower gasoline content, E10. It’s important for most consumers to pump carefully and not use anything above E10 in their engines; for flex fuel vehicles, check the owner’s manual.
The major problem with the fuel changes affects the things we really care about—our boats, our motorcycles, our vintage cars and our lawn equipment. We want to get the lawn work done quickly so we can enjoy our other gasoline-powered interests.
Older Boats
We encourage boat owners to follow the general medical rule: first, do no harm, and that could mean a visit with your mechanic.
Boat manufacturers now are building engines that will run on E10. But older boat engines, built before the 1990s, have problems with ethanol. And because we can have boats that are 20 to 30 years old, some even older and still running fine, these boat owners must take special precautions.
In the mid ‘80s, an industry group that included the American Society of Engineers (SAE), the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and the U.S. Coast Guard developed new standards for hoses, because ethanol is a problem for rubber and plastics. The group came out with a new standard, SAE J1527, a hose that will withstand ethanol, thus preventing dangerous leaks.
Older plastic and rubber parts, including seals and O-rings in the fuel system and carburetors must be replaced. Old aluminum alloy carburetors and carburetors with plastic fuel bowls are subject to ethanol deterioration.
Because ethanol also acts as a solvent, it’s possible it will start to dislodge and circulate gasoline gums and sludge which can plug the carburetor, making for a rough-running boat that’s hard to start. It could be time to find a good mechanic. Boat owners need to clean or rebuild the carburetor for a short-term fix and install a finer grade, such as a 10 micron, filter to help in the long run, plus clean the entire fuel system to get out any loose gunk heading toward the carburetor, according to industry sources.
Ethanol absorbs water, which works both to a boater’s advantage and disadvantage. Ethanol will absorb small amounts of water which can be burned as part of the fuel. But when ethanol has absorbed its fill, it separates from water, a process called phase separation, putting a layer of water and ethanol on the bottom of the tank. It’s not a fuel recipe for a successful outing, and calls for a professional to drain the tank. Fiberglass tank on board? That needs to be replaced too, as ethanol will cause it to deteriorate and leak.
Mercury Marine recommends that boat owners routinely inspect or have their engine and fuel system checked for leaks and corrosion. Mercury engineers say that before running E10 for the first time, make sure the tank is empty of all fuel and water. (It’s not possible to mix ethanol and water if there’s phase separation; that calls for a professional to drain the tank.) Check to make certain the fuel-fill gasket doesn’t leak or that rain or spray can get into the tank. Use a fuel stabilizer each time filling up, but make certain it doesn’t contain ethanol—you’ll already have it in your fuel.
With winter coming on, it’s good time to plan boat maintenance so we’ll be ready to go next spring.
Motorcycles, ATVs
Motorcycles and all terrain vehicles can operate on E10, but E15 may damage engines and void any warranty, according to the American Motorcyclist Assoc. (AMA). AMA is asking for independent tests to determine if E15 will have a negative effect on engines.
Small engines, outdoor power equipment
The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) cautions owners against using fuels above E10. Using E15 has proved to be corrosive and it burns significantly hotter in equipment not designed to handle it. Briggs & Stratton notes that stale gas and ethanol-blended fuels are major causes of engine issues, such as not starting, running rough, rust and corrosion.
But some things will remain the same.
Platte-Clay Fuels will continue to offer the three-cents-a-gallon off program to those with a fuels card and a variety of fuel sources to meet the needs of customers including off-road and diesel fuels.
The fuel pumps will be clearly marked and the co-op will continue offering a variety of fuel grades and the mix of ethanol grades for flex fuel vehicles. In short, we’ve got your fuel—so long as it contains ethanol.
Co-op Update
Roundabouts open at Platte-Clay Kearney office
The roundabouts are complete and traffic is flowing smoothly on Highway 92 and into Sam Barr Drive at the Platte-Clay Kearney office.
We do have a gentle reminder for those who may not be familiar with roundabouts: vehicles within the roundabout have the right of way.
That means that drivers on Hwy. 92 will need to yield to any vehicle that may have entered from Sam Barr Drive, and the Sam Barr traffic should keep moving and not stop for Hwy. 92 vehicles, something we’ve seen several times.
It’s all about sharing and taking turns, something we learned a long time ago and continually try to impress on our children.
New Rebate Program
New this year, Platte-Clay is rolling out a joint program with MGE called Home Performance, designed by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The national program trains and certifies energy auditors on how to properly evaluate a home for energy efficiency and to identify areas for improvement.
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources Energy Center, responsible for providing energy efficiency assistance, is the state sponsor.
The program requires a Home Energy Assessment by a qualified contractor who reviews the overall energy efficiency of a home, including lights, appliances and the building itself, called the building envelope.
The cost for the Home Energy Assessment ranges from about $400 to $600. Members who are both an MGE and Platte-Clay customer qualify for the program, can get up to $600 from each utility for making the recommended home improvements.
Members who have questions about the energy efficiency programs or who would like an application may call or stop by the office.
Members who don’t have MGE may use the co-op’s current energy efficiency rebate program.
Let’s get ready for winter now
Although Missouri winters aren’t as severe as our friends in the northern tier states, cold is cold. So in preparation for winter, let’s start getting ready for that time after the red and gold leaves have fallen and while we can still get out and about easily.
It’s a good time to have a furnace tuned up and to check for any carbon monoxide leakage. The earlier in the season, the better, according to industry experts and local heating and air conditioning (HVAC) companies. The first cold snap will get all furnaces roaring, and some failing or not operating as efficiently as they should, and that’s either inconvenient or wasting energy and money.
Speaking of furnaces, if the one in the basement looks like it could be better used as scrap metal, it’s a good time to check out the Federal tax credits and Platte-Clay’s rebates for installing a geothermal or dual fuel heat pump. Between the reduction in energy use, the tax credits and for dual fuel, the lower monthly electric rate, it’s possible to start realizing savings immediately and for years to come. For more information, see energy.gov for the federal tax credit. Platte-Clay’s rebates, for qualified units, is $750 per ton for new geothermal, $150 per ton for a replacement unit and $150 per ton for a dual fuel heat pump. Either heat pump is energy efficient and will help members reduce energy use year around.
It’s also a good time to get a home energy audit scheduled. Platte-Clay’s certified energy auditor will conduct an energy audit for $50 (co-op members only). When members make the recommended energy efficient improvements, the co-op will refund 50 percent of the cost of improvements, up to $500. Why, you ask? Because it helps reduce peak demand, which helps keep wholesale rates down. Saving energy helps keep the costs down for everyone.
Families with or without an energy audit and the blower door test can find air leaks fairly easily by using an incense stick and following the aromatic smoke back to the source.
Fortunately for most, fixing the problem is easy: caulk and seal around windows and doors. Almost every energy audit calls for members to caulk around window and door frames. Silicone caulk is best for outdoor use since it won’t shrink and is impervious to weather.
Because cold winter air seeps in from all kinds of tiny openings, putting foam gaskets around the back of outlets also will help keep the heat in this winter and out next summer.
Weatherstripping is a great family project and a good way to start explaining the importance of saving energy to kids. Weatherstripping comes in various thicknesses and can be installed around doors. If you can see daylight, you’ll feel a chill and the warm air will be slipping out into the winter cold.
Gutters go hand in hand with adequate attic insulation. While not directly related to energy efficiency, it’s important to keep gutters clean and water draining away from the home. A blocked or frozen gutter can end up causing an ice dam; that is a gutter frozen solid that won’t allow melting snow to drain. And when the water refreezes at night, it expands and can back up onto the roof, push up under the shingles and create leaks, can drain through the attic and wall insulation and weep into the ceiling or along the walls. In short, a mess.
Usually the reason the snow on a roof is melting on a cold day is that heat from the home is warming the attic and the roof because there simply isn’t enough attic insulation. In Missouri, the recommendation is for a minimum of R-38. Yet another good reason to add insulation to our homes.
So now is a good time, as the leaves start to turn to clean out the gutters and make any necessary repairs to them.
Remember to stay safe. It’s easy to get wrapped up in a project and forget to think about our surroundings. Be aware of where the power comes into the home and keep the ladder away from the electric and other utility lines. And never touch an electric line or anything or anyone who’s touching an electric line. It, or they, can conduct electricity.
Illustration courtesy Steve Kuhl, The Ice Dam Company, Hopkins, Minn.
Classified Ads
To submit an ad, complete the ad form, use the website, pcec.coop, or send in a brief nine-word description of the item you wish to advertise no later than the 15th of the month, to Platte-Clay Electric Co-op, PO Box 100, Kearney, MO 64060, Attn. Northland Connection.
Ads run on a first come, first served basis.
Ads should be about 10 words or less and include a phone number. Please indicate the category, i.e., for sale, giveaway, wanted, and the topic, such as car or boat.
Please type or print your ad. If your ad does not appear, you may resubmit it for the next available edition. Ads are for Platte-Clay members only. No business or commercial ads. If your ad is time sensitive, we suggest using one of the local ad-supported publications.
Members may pick up an ad form at the PCEC office in Kearney or Platte City or use the website, pcec.coop Click on Classified Ad or send directly to mail@pcec.coop
The area code is 816 unless otherwise noted.
For Sale
Trailer: 16’ flatbed. Dual axle, elec. brakes, deck good cond. Good 10-ply tires.Wiring, springs, suspension recently rebuilt. Good cond., $1250. 830-6142.
Cemetery plots: 3 in Crown Hill, Excelsior Springs. $500 ea. 628-4792.
Grand Prix: ‘06, 220k hwy. mi., $3200 OBO. 217-6129.
Tractor: Ford 9N, exc tires, everything but lights work. 694-5682.
Heat pump. Residential geo-thermal, Water Source. 820-9284.
NKC retail space: Fish farm/ greenhouse w/retail space. 1100 Gentry. 223-7856.
Dog house: Large Petmade. $45. Exc. cond. 296-3825.
Dining table: Counter height, 6 chairs, hardwood. $650 firm. 686-1601 after 6 p.m.
Car: ‘01 BMW Z-3 convertible. $15k obo. 637-2197.
Refrigerator: Kenmore 18.2 cf, icemaker, top freezer. Like new. $395. 341-1795.
Layout Blind: Xterminator, 86”L x 34”W X17”H and dog door. 858-5001.
Truck: ‘05 Ford King Ranch diesel long bed. 140k. 289-0605.
Wine cooler: Cools 8 bottles, $50. 296-3825.
Wanted
Dearborn plow for parts or rolling cutter and collar. 274-2194.
John Deere riding lawn mower T.L. 133 for parts. 470-6785 or 781-3994.
Master hand tool sharpener willing to teach the skill. 781-9654.
Antique wrenches, implement, tractor, adjustable and unusual. 640-2940.
Book: Bosch and Reineke Clans by Elizabeth Smith. 858-4782.
Disabled lady needs help with roof/wall repair and handicap ramp. 637-2197.
Services
Home or office cleaning, 20 yrs. exp. Affordable. 350-9124.
I teach Chinese to children and adults in local library, $30-$45 an hour. 686-9638.
Carpet cleaning: 3 rooms, $90. 628-4801.
Bounce house: Castle Moonwalk, 15’ x 15’. Rent for parties, add pizzazz to your events. 769-2931.
The Northland Connection is published monthly by Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative, Inc., 1000 W. 92 Highway, Kearney, MO 64060. Postmaster: Please send address changes to: Northland Connection, PO Box 100, Kearney, MO 64060 or mail@pcec.coop.
Platte-Clay is an equal opportunity employer.