October 2020 | Volume 82 | Issue 10
PCEC Crews Assist With Hurricane Relief
Three Platte-Clay Electric crews were dispatched in shifts to Louisiana during the month of September to assist Beauregard Electric Cooperative with power restoration efforts after Hurricane Laura caused over 40,000 outages within the co-op’s system.
The deployment was part of a coordinated effort through the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives to provide assistance to cooperatives who are impacted by natural disasters.
“Our fellow electric cooperatives in the path of Hurricane Laura have faced tremendous devastation with thousands of households expected to be without power for weeks,” said Dave Deihl, Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative CEO. “We’re proud of our employees who are making the sacrifice of missing time with their friends and families to lend a hand to those in need.”
Extra COVID-19 precautions were put in place for the trip, including the construction of a tent city designed for better social distancing. Special air filters were also installed on HVAC equipment.
Platte-Clay last mobilized mutual aid crews in response to damage done by Hurricane Michael in Florida in 2018 and has been the recipient of mutual aid in the past as part of tornado and ice storm recovery efforts.
Strong Northland Representation Requires Voter Participation
Dave Deihl, General Manager
From the General Manager
There’s an old political saying, “if you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.” This adage is the perfect answer to the question, “why vote?” It’s a blunt description of what happens when you don’t engage in the political process.
If you don’t vote, you’re not only missing the opportunity to support a candidate that shares your views and concerns, you’re allowing others to chart a course that impacts your future. That’s why I encourage all PCEC members to participate in their local elections this year and every year.
YOUR VISION, YOUR VOTE
While local elections may not be as exciting as the high-profile presidential election, they are just as critical. Local elections have a direct impact on your community and on your quality of life.
Like the national level, local elections represent who we are as a community, and more importantly, where we want to go. Whether it’s an election for a mayor, sheriff, state representative, school board or even an electric co-op board member, your vision for your community is tied to your vote.
Voting keeps elected officials accountable. Elections are a direct and tangible source of feedback. For example, elected Platte-Clay board members provide strategic guidance on the direction of the co-op and how it serves the community. Local board members embody the voice and identity of the community, which is why we were proud to have a 184% increase in member participation in the cooperative’s membership election this year. Northlanders’ willingness to participate in the democratic process can’t stop with co-op elections, we have to make our voices heard in local elections this November as well.
STAYING IN SYNC WITH THE COMMUNITY
Ultimately, the role of the co-op board is governance. While day-to-day decisions are made by our employees, bigger decisions are made by the board, whose mission is look out for the vitality of the co-op and the members we serve. PCEC board members provide their perspective on community priorities, thereby enabling us to make more informed decisions on long-term investments.
A strong voter turnout shows investment in the community and ensures that a diverse number of views are represented. The whole Northland community benefits when more people participate in the process, because greater numbers reflect a consensus on the direction of the future and the will of the people.
By voting in national, state, local and co-op elections, you are serving as a role model for your family, friends and colleagues. The act of voting demonstrates your support for the community and helps officials chart a course for a bright future in the Northland.
Attention Young Artists: Enter PCEC’s Co-op Month Poster Contest
During Co-op Month in October, Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative is sponsoring a safety poster contest for children in Kindergarten through sixth grade. The purpose of the safety poster contest is to make children aware of the dangers of electricity. At Platte-Clay, safety always comes first, and we are dedicated to doing our part to teach young members how to be safe around electricity. Winners will be announced on our Facebook page and featured in an upcoming Northland Connection newsletter.
Submission Guidelines
- Submit original artwork on 8.5 x 11 inch paper
- Must use the theme “How do you stay safe around electricity?”
- Print the child’s name, grade level, parents name and phone number on the back of poster
- Only dependents of current PCEC members are eligible
- Posters must be received no later than October 30, 2020
How to Submit
Mail poster to: Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative, P.O. Box 100, Kearney, MO 64060
Hand-deliver to our Kearney or Platte City office
Scan poster and email to news@pcec.coop
Divisions
Submissions will be divided into three divisions: kindergarten to first grade, second grade to third grade and fourth grade to sixth grade.
Prizes
Each division will be awarded three prizes (nine prizes total): three first place prizes, three second place prizes and three third place prizes.
New Online Billing System Now Live
Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative’s new online billing portal is now accessible through the “Pay My Bill Online” link on www.PCEC.coop. The new system makes it easier for consumer-members to access their billing history and set up automatic payments.
Online users will need to complete a quick registration process to access their account. Members with autopay already established will not need to re-register for their payments to continue.
Platte-Clay Announces Results of 2020 Membership Election
Consumer-members reelect directors, pass by-law amendments
Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative recently released the results of its 2020 membership election held during the month of August. One Board of Directors position from each of the cooperative’s three service districts (North, West and South) is on the ballot every year in addition to proposed amendments to the co-op’s by-laws.
The election, which is usually conducted at the cooperative’s in-person annual meeting, was moved to an online and mail-in ballot format due to COVID-19 restrictions on gatherings. A special waiver was granted to co-ops by the state this year to allow for this necessary change. 863 PCEC consumer-members participated in the adjusted-format election, a 184% increase in member participation from 2019.
Debi Koechner (North District), Gary Shanks (South District) and Kelly Parkhurst (West District) were all reelected to their positions on the Board of Directors. By-law Amendment One, pertaining to the process for approving memberships, passed with 97.5% of the vote. By-Law Amendment Two, pertaining to unclaimed capital credits, passed with 94.3% of the vote.
“We’re led by the consumer-members we serve, so it was important for us to find a way to allow for democratic participation in the cooperative despite the challenges posed by COVID-19,” said Dave Deihl, CEO and General Manager of Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative. “The future of our co-op is shaped by the needs of our members and we’re grateful for their active participation in our governance process.”
PCEC members interested in running for the Board of Directors submit their names to a committee that verifies they meet the criteria established by the by-laws for being put on the ballot. Candidates who do not submit their names to the committee by an established deadline can still get on the ballot by submitting a petition signed by 15 members.
Thermostat Rebate
Platte-Clay members are eligible for a rebate on the purchase of a smart thermostat up to 50% of the cost or $50. Call our office at 816-628-3121 or visit www.PCEC.coop to learn more about this exciting new rebate program.
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.