February 2020 | Volume 82 | Issue 2
DIY Energy Efficiency Projects
Winter weather can have a big impact on your energy bills. Now that spring is just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to tackle a few DIY efficiency projects for your home.
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR WATER HEATER
Insulating a water heater that’s warm to the touch can save 7 to 16 percent annually on your water heating bills. It should also be noted that if your water heater is new, it is likely already insulated. But if your water heater is warm to the touch, it needs additional insulation.
You can purchase a pre-cut jacket or blanket for about $20. Before you start, turn off the water heater. Wrap the blanket around the water heater and tape it to temporarily keep it in place. If necessary, use a marker to note the areas where the controls are so you can cut them out. Once the blanket is positioned correctly tape it in place, then turn the water heater back on. If you have an electric water heater, don’t set the thermostat above 130 degrees, which can cause overheating.
SEAL AIR LEAKS WITH CAULK
There are many different types of caulking compounds available, but the most popular choice is silicone. Silicone caulk is waterproof, flexible and won’t shrink or crack.
Before applying new caulk, clean and remove any old caulk or paint with a putty knife, screwdriver, brush or solvent. The area should be dry before you apply the new caulk. Apply the caulk in one continuous stream, and make sure it sticks to both sides of the crack or seam. Afterwards, use a putty knife to smooth out the caulk, then wipe the surface with a dry cloth.
WEATHER STRIP EXTERIOR DOORS
One of the best ways to seal air leaks is to weather strip exterior doors, which can keep out drafts and help you control energy costs. Weather stripping materials vary, but you can ask your local hardware or home store for assistance if you’re unsure about the supplies you need.
When choosing weather stripping materials, make sure it can withstand temperature changes, friction and the general “wear and tear” for the location of the door. Keep in mind, you will need separate materials for the door sweep (at the bottom of the door) and the top and sides.
Before applying the new weather stripping, clean the moulding with water and soap, then let the area dry completely. Measure each side of the door, then cut the weather stripping to fit each section. Make sure the weather stripping fits snugly against both surfaces so it compresses when the door is closed.
By completing these simple efficiency projects, you can save energy (and money!) while increasing the comfort level of your home. And you can impress your family and friends with your savvy energy-saving skills.
Contact PCEC to learn about our home energy audits and find more ways to reduce your energy usage.
How Member Feedback Helps Drive The Cooperative Forward
Dave Deihl, General Manager
From the General Manager
Part of what makes electric cooperatives so special and what sets us apart from investor-owned utility companies is our commitment to our consumer-members. You’re more than just a number or bottom-line to us – you’re what makes our entire operation possible in the first place.
From our Board of Directors to our front-line employees working in the office and out in the field, our focus is on providing the best possible service to every single member. The only way for us to effectively achieve that goal is to gather feedback from the membership on what we are doing and gauge their opinions on our plans for the future.
One way we gather feedback from consumer-members is through our big member survey that’s conducted once every three years. This professionally-conducted survey measures our membership’s opinion on everything from service reliability to community engagement. These results are tracked over time and compared to other cooperatives, and even other industries, to make sure we are doing the best job we can.
Our last triennial survey was conducted just last year and we’re proud to say we scored high marks with an American Consumer Satisfaction Index score of 87. This is a top-tier among electric cooperatives in the state of Missouri.
Another way we gather feedback is our Member Focus Group. This group of volunteers meets regularly to discuss the latest efforts of the cooperative. Opinions heard in the Focus Group are passed on to staff and the Board of Directors and help shape decision-making for the co-op.
Being community-led and community-focused means our directors and employees are constantly having conversations with consumer-members about their service. This keeps the entire cooperative in touch with the challenges our members face and gives great perspective on how our actions impact those we serve.
As a cooperative, our sole focus is serving our consumer-members. Platte-Clay models its future around the needs of our members, and we are continuously seeking input from those members to make sure our perspective lines up with reality. We welcome any and all observations about what we’re doing well or could even do better in the future.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns you can reach me directly via email at GeneralManager@PCEC.coop.
Scholarship Opportunities Available With Platte-Clay Electric
High School seniors in Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative’s service territory are eligible to apply for PCEC’s scholarship program, which awards $1,000 to three students for college or technical training tuition. One student will be selected from each of PCEC’s three districts.
To learn more and apply, visit www.PCEC.coop/scholarship. Deadline: March 6, 2020.
Coats And Cans Donations Delivered By PCEC to Local Charities
In mid-January, Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative delivered hundreds of pounds worth of canned goods and gently used coats to charitable organizations spread throughout the cooperative’s service territory. The donations were collected during PCEC’s annual “Coats and Cans” drive, which kicks off every year at the Holiday Open House.
The charities receiving donations this year included the Kearney Food Pantry, Excelsior Springs Good Samaritan, Platte County Treasure Chest (serving students in families in the Platte County School District), and the Plattsburg Food Pantry. This effort aligns with PCEC’s mission of empowering communities and energizing life with safe and reliable energy by focusing on community development and giving back to those in need in the communities Platte- Clay serves.
“Concern for Community” is one of the seven cooperative principles that guides decision-making for the cooperative’s leadership and employees. Platte-Clay supports local communities by engaging in community service projects, hosting charitable drives, empowering employees to volunteer in their own communities and many other initiatives.
We are always looking for new ways to get involved in our communities. If you have an idea that you think would make a great volunteer service project for Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative, you can pass along your thoughts by emailing us at mail@pcec.coop with the subject “Volunteer Project Idea.”
Platte-Clay Moments
Platte-Clay Focus Group members pose for a picture after their January meeting. At the meeting, they discussed PCEC EV, the co-op’s new electric vehicle program.
Left: PCEC employee Jamie Lawson gathers canned goods being delivered to the Excelsior Springs Good Samaritan. Right: The Board of Directors meets with PCEC staff at its monthly meeting in January to discuss important issues regarding the cooperative.
Review Us On Google!
We want to hear what you enjoy about being a Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative member! To add your review, just google “Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative” and click on our google listing to give us a rating and add your feedback.
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.