June 2019 | Volume 81 | Issue 6
Annual Meeting Puts Focus on Community
Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative consumer-members gathered Thursday evening at the co-op’s headquarters for its 81st Annual Meeting. The meeting provided members with an opportunity to learn how the co-op works to support the communities it serves. Platte- Clay gives back throughout the year by holding charitable drives, organizing volunteer days and supporting education.
“We are proud to have a history tied so closely to the communities we serve in the Northland area,” said Dave Deihl, CEO and General Manager of Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative. “Empowering communities is a core part of our mission and we are delighted to celebrate another successful year with our members.”
K.C. Wolf poses for a picture with PCEC members
Grand prize winner Michelle Vasquez holds her check
The Marks Family provides entertainment for the event
Cooperative members also voted on several governance issues for the co-op, including Board of Directors elections and a by-law amendment aimed at making the process for filling board vacancies more democratic.
Steve Adkins of Plattsburg, Larry Leachman of Platte City and Kim Goepferich of Kearney were re-elected to their positions on Platte- Clay Electric’s Board of Directors. Kelly Parkhurst of Dearborn was elected to fill a vacant board position for the cooperative’s West District.
“We are fortunate to have great leaders willing to step up and serve our co-op,” said Debi Koechner, President of Platte-Clay’s Board of Directors. “Platte-Clay is led by consumer-members who genuinely care about the future of our communities.”
Prior to the business meeting, attendees were able to enjoy a community fair, music by bluegrass band The Marks Family and a special appearance by Kansas City Chiefs mascot K.C. Wolf. The winner of this year’s grand prize drawing of free electric service for a year was Michelle Vasquez of Kearney. A full list of prize drawing winners can be found inside this newsletter.
Safety Starts With You
Dave Deihl, General Manager
From the General Manager
Electricity plays many roles in our lives, from powering baby monitors, cell phones and lighting, to running HVAC systems and appliances.
Every electrical device has a purpose and a service lifespan. We can extend their operations with maintenance and care, but none of them are designed to last or work forever. When electricity is involved, failures can present electrical hazards that might be avoided with periodic inspections.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters
Outdoor outlets or those in potentially damp locations in a kitchen, bathroom or laundry room often include GFCI features. They are designed to sense abnormal current flows, breaking the circuit to prevent potential electric shocks from devices plugged into the outlets.
The average GFCI outlet is designed to last about 10 years, but in areas prone to electrical storms or power surges, they can wear out in five years or less. Check them frequently by pressing the red test button. Make sure you hit the black reset button when you are done. Contact a licensed electrician to replace any failing GFCI outlets.
Loose or Damaged Outlets or Switches
Unstable electrical outlets or wall switches with signs of heat damage or discoloration can offer early warnings of potential shock or electrical fire hazards. Loose connections can allow electrical current arcing. If you see these warning signs, it may be time to contact an electrician.
Surge Protectors
Power strips with surge protectors can help safeguard expensive equipment like televisions, home entertainment systems and computer components from power spikes. Voltage spikes are measured in joules, and surge protectors are rated for the number of joules they can effectively absorb. That means if your surge protector is rated at 1,000 joules, it should be replaced when it hits or passes that limit. When the limit is reached, protection stops, and you’re left with a basic power strip.
Some surge protectors include indicator lights that flicker to warn you when they’ve stopped working as designed, but many do not. If your electrical system takes a major hit, or if you don’t remember when you bought your surge protector, replacement may be the best option.
Extension Cords
If you use extension cords regularly to connect devices and equipment to your wall outlets, you may live in an underwired home. With a growing number of electrical devices connecting your family to the electricity you get from Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative, having enough outlets in just the right spots can be challenging. Remember, extension cords are designed for temporary, occasional or periodic use.
If an extension cord gets noticeably warm when in use, it could be undersized for the intended use. If it shows any signs of frayed, cracked or heat-damaged insulation, it should be replaced. If the grounding prong is missing, crimped or loose, a grounded cord will not provide the protection designed into its performance. And always make sure that extension cords used in outdoor or potentially damp locations are rated for exterior use.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, approximately 51,000 electrical fires are reported each year in the United States, causing more than $1.3 billion in annual property damage.
Electricity is an essential necessity for modern living, and PCEC is committed to providing safe, reliable and affordable power to all of our consumer-members. We hope you’ll keep these electrical safety tips in mind so that you can note any potential hazards before damage occurs.
Platte-Clay Announces New Electric Vehicle Program
Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative recently announced a new program to support and promote the use of electric vehicles in the Northland.
The program, called PCECEV, includes educational resources for consumer-members, the addition of a Chevy Bolt to the coop’s vehicle fleet, plans for a new charging station in Platte City and a rebate program for in-home electric vehicle chargers.
PCEC’s level two in-home charger rebate program covers 50 percent of the installed cost up to $250. In exchange for the product rebate, members agree to program their vehicle to charge between the hours of 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM or 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Programming charging to occur during off-peak hours reduces strain on the electrical grid and reduces demand costs for members.
“Electric vehicles are gaining popularity among our consumer-members and in the Kansas City metropolitan area as a whole,” said Jennifer Grossl, Platte-Clay’s Communications and Marketing Manager. “We’re excited to launch PCECEV to support the development and adoption of this promising technology.”
There are numerous reasons why people choose to drive electric. The top include saving money on fuel and maintenance costs, the car’s driving performance, being environmentally friendly and supporting local energy sources. Electric vehicle owners can also realize substantial tax credits that encourage low-emission and emissions-free driving.
Most major car manufacturers are currently offering electric models, including Chevrolet, Toyota, Nissan, Ford, Fiat, BMW, Audi, Volkswagen, Hyundai, Porsche, Kia, Volvo, Mercedes and Tesla. Many other manufacturers are currently in the planning phase to produce an electric vehicle during the next few years.
More information on PCECV can be found online at www.PCEC.coop/EV.
Platte-Clay Moments
Kids enjoy carnival rides during the community fair portion of Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative’s 2019 Annual Meeting in May.
Left: Board President Debi Koechner speaks to members about the co-op’s progress during the annual meeting. Right: Platte-Clay employees prepare free hot dog meals for members who came to visit the coop for annual meeting.
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.