September 2020 | Volume 82 | Issue 9
New System Will Make Online Payments Easier For Platte-Clay Members
Updates are coming to Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative’s online billing system in October that will make it easier for consumer-members to utilize.
The changes will give PCEC members better access to their online billing history for their electric service accounts. This project is part of a broader effort by the co-op to update its online tools.
The online billing portal can be accessed by visiting www.PCEC.coop and clicking on “online billing.” The updated system lets members easily view their latest bill, make a payment or set up automatic payments.
Accounts already enrolled in autopay will not need to register in order to continue their routine payments, which will be automatically transitioned to the new system. Those who wish to view their billing information online after October 1 will need to go through a quick and easy registration process using their member information in order to login.
Additional tools will be rolled out soon that will help consumer-members find detailed information about their energy usage over time, compare their energy usage to weather trends and find efficiency tips to lower their usage.
Completed Lathrop Community Project Honors Our Armed Forces
Dave Deihl, General Manager
From the General Manager
Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative’s roots go back to a time when Northland residents who didn’t have electric service came together from all walks of life to do what was in the best interest of the community and build a grid from the ground up. This act required selflessness, determination and a lot of courage.
The idea of community action runs deep in our history, and is still a key part of our philosophy as an organization. Our employees engage in community service projects across our service territory every year to continue that spirit of selfless service that has always defined our cooperative.
This year, we worked with community leaders from the Lathrop area to honor our nation’s veterans by adding flags representing each of our armed forces to the Gold and Blue Star Memorial at the Lathrop fairgrounds.
This project was especially meaningful to me as the son of a Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force who served his country for 20 years.
After coordinating the planning for the memorial with the Lathrop Garden Club and the Lathrop VFW, the hard work began. Talented employees refurbished old unused street lights donated by the city of Lathrop into like-new, fully equipped flag poles. Crews then spent time setting the poles and installing hardware for the flag attachments.
On July 25, we joined veterans, elected officials and Lathrop residents for a final unveiling of the newly updated memorial site. Each branch of the military was represented at the event and recognized individually as their flag was raised.
Our cooperative’s commitment to our nation’s veterans runs deep. We’re proud to serve and employ veterans spanning a variety of branches and decades of service, and we actively seek opportunities to give back to those who have made sacrifices to keep our nation safe.
Much like our founding brought together a variety of groups for a common cause, this year’s community service project involved a coalition of partners working together to complete an important project for one of the communities our members call home.
My Experience as a 2020 Platte-Clay Electric Youth Tour Representative
Katie Byrd was selected as one of two winners for Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative’s 2020 Youth Tour essay conteset.
Katie Byrd
2020 Youth Tour Representative
You may be wondering how I got involved and chosen to be a Youth Tour Representative. At first, I was super apprehensive to apply. I really didn’t think my writing skills were good enough to get in the top 6 of all essays that entered Platte Clay’s contest. Despite my hesitation, my English Teacher encouraged me to apply. This year’s contest was to write an essay about the benefits of community service. I wrote my essay, turned it in, and hoped for the best! A month later, I received the news that my essay was a finalist. I couldn’t believe it! I excitedly awaited for the next round of the competition, which was the speaking part.
This year, the speaking competition was held virtually. We explained our essays in a video. Then, a panel of community judges chose 2 Youth Tour representatives for Platte Clay. It was fun to compete in the speaking competition, even in the virtual format!
The Youth Tour program has been taking students from around the nation for decades to tour our nation’s Capital. Not only do students get to tour Washington D.C. and make new friends, but they also get to learn about the benefits and jobs that electric co-ops take part in.
Youth Tour this year was different than most. Instead of delegates getting a trip to Washington DC, the event was held virtually! Delegates this year still got to meet with each other, win prizes, and have a Zoom call with our local congressman. Even though this years’ trip was cancelled, there are still many opportunities to come to the Youth Tour as an intern in the future!
Through this program, I have learned so much about electric cooperatives, and just how much they do for our community. This whole experience has helped me gain confidence, increase my writing and speaking abilities, and make new friends from all across Missouri!
What started as my teacher encouraging me to apply to write a simple paper has turned into an abundance of new opportunities and memories that will last a lifetime. I encourage all high school juniors to apply in the Youth Tour Essay contest. Who knows, you could be the next Platte-Clay representative on their way to Washington D.C.!
I want to say a special thank you to Platte Clay Electric for the amazing opportunity.
Blood Drive Scheduled For October With Adjusted Format Due to COVID-19
Every year, Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative hosts a blood drive in coordination with Kansas City’s Community Blood Center. Last year, around 100 members donated their time and blood to save lives at our event.
This year’s blood drive will be held in Platte City on October 12 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and Kearney on October 13 from 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM in a special adjusted format in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Instead of being held inside, the blood drive will take place outside utilizing Community Blood Center’s mobile units.
Appointments will be required for all attendees. Anyone can register by visiting www.savealifenow.org/group and using the following registration codes:
Platte City – EF2B | Kearney – EF2R.
COVID-19 Requirements for Donors:
- Must wear a mask or face covering
- Will have their temperature taken
- Must be 14 days symptom free if recovered from COVID-19
- May not donate if they have a positive diagnostic test or experienced symptoms of COVID-19 in the last 14 days
- May NOT donate if they are currently on self-quarantine restrictions
COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma Donors:
- Must have appointment and proof of positive test results
- Must be 14 days symptom free
- Plasma donors don’t need to meet close contact criteria and can be healthcare workers or first responders.
Participate in PCEC’s Focus Group From The Comfort Of Home
PCEC is looking for consumer-members to join its 2020 focus group to give feedback about the cooperative’s operations and plans for the future. This year’s focus group will take place remotely with participants only needing to answer periodic online surveys.
Members can apply to join the focus group on PCEC’s website by visiting www.PCEC.coop/FocusGroup.
Election Results to be Announced September 15
The certified results of this year’s co-op election will be posted on www.PCEC.coop/vote on Tuesday, September 15. Online and mail-in voting was held during the month of August.
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.