A U G US T 2008 Enter to Win a Marathon Water Heater!
Marathon Water Heaters are a Smart Choice--they are both efficient and the most durable water heater made. Marathon also provides a Lifetime Tank Warranty on all units. That's why Kootenai Electric Cooperative sells Marathon Water Heaters at a price you can't beat! If you haven't bought one yet, we're giving you the chance to win one! Just fill out the entry form included in your bill and mail it back to us by September 15, 2008. We'll announce the winner in October's PowerLines. See rules and exclusions below. Greenstone Homes Installing Marathons in New Homes "Marathon Water Heaters are the most efficient water heater on the market and that's why we are installing them in our homes," said Jayson Hunnel, sales and marketing director for Greenstone Homes. Rules and Exclusions Must be a KEC member to participate. May not be exchanged for cash and nontransferable. Recipient must agree to have the unit installed in their home and be a part of future KEC advertising. Unit must replace an electric water heater and meet compatibility requirements. Hunnel stands next to a newly installed Marathon Water Heater in Coeur d'Alene Place's new townhomes. [1432833] Protect Your Home, Electronics With Surge Suppression Equipment
Are you protecting your home and electronics from lightning and power surges? If not, you should consider purchasing good surge suppression equipment. KEC recommends the following approach to surge protection: 1. A suppressor installed at the electric meter. These devices provide primary protection. However, sensitive electronics should have additional protection. 2. A surge protector installed on valuable electronics. Remember, you get what you pay for--a good surge protector should cost $30 or more and should cover lightning strikes and offer insurance to cover the loss of properly attached equipment. If you have a regular modem, get a surge protector with an R-11 telephone jack where you can hook up your telephone line. If you are using a cable modem, get a surge protector which will also accommodate your television/Internet cable. 3. Finally, ensure your home and utility connections are well grounded. Have a licensed electrician check that your earth ground is adequate. Don't forget, you may need a dedicated surge device for your well if you have one. Remember, these are preventive measures and there are no guarantees you won't incur damage from a surge or lightning strike. If you have questions, or need assistance getting started call Chris Aiken at 208.292.3213. [1662940] Start the Dialogue With Lawmakers About Future Energy Issues
By Robert L. Crump, General Manager
During congressional recess this summer, elected officials from Washington, D.C., will be meeting with their constituents at home. This provides us with a great opportunity to make personal contact with these lawmakers, as well as others, on some important energy issues. Through an awareness campaign called, "Our Energy, Our Future: A Dialogue with America," we recently started a conversation with members of Congress urging them to help us tackle our nation's difficult energy challenges. We began the campaign with a letter pointing out that our nation's electricity needs are outstripping available supplies of power, even with very successful co-op energy efficiency programs factored in. Now we must spread the message ­ the second question in the campaign ­ that American ingenuity is key to keeping the lights on and rates affordable while meeting environmental goals. Developing and deploying the technology necessary to develop low emissions solutions will require huge political and financial commitments, the likes of which we have not seen since the advent of rural electrification itself or the Apollo moon program. No one can afford to do this alone. Our government can ­ and must ­ be part of the solution, or it will be part of the problem. The letter addressing this technology question is now ready for you to send to your congressional delegation. You can find it and send your e-mail by going to www.ourenergy.coop. Let's keep the dialogue going to secure our nation's energy and economic future. [1620975] What is the Facility Charge? Lately, we've had questions about the facility charge on your bills. The facility charge is a flat fee charged to all members that includes a portion of the cost of the electric system, including repair and maintenance. It helps allow service to remain available to our members. This is separate from the kWh charge, which is what you pay for the electricity you use. For Medicare Beneficiaries Are you a Medicare beneficiary having trouble paying for prescription drugs? You may qualify for Extra Help from Medicare. Contact the Idaho Department of Insurance/SHIBA at 800.488.5725 or Social Security at 800.772.1213. Win a $50 Energy Credit Four KEC account numbers are hidden in this newsletter. If one of these numbers is yours, contact us at 208.765.1200 and receive a $50 credit on your bill! Board of Directors Meeting The KEC Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. Tuesday, September 23. The meeting date is subject to change. Confirm with Terry Brown at 208.292.3211 if you'd like to attend. [1719215] "Labor" Safely on Labor Day
For many people, Labor Day is a day of rest. For others, it's a day to catch up on outdoor projects before the season changes. Faulty extension cords are often a source of injury when working outside, as well as metal ladders coming into contact with an electrical source. By following the tips below, you can "labor" safely on Labor Day. · Check power tools and electrical cords to make sure they are in good condition. · Power tools should be designed for outdoor use. · Extension cords should be designed for outdoor use. They are thicker, more durable and have features for preventing moisture damage. · Use three-wire extension cords with three-pronged plugs. · Use fiberglass or wood ladders when working around overhead power lines or electrical sources. Metal ladders conduct electricity and can be fatal if the ladder comes into contact with electricity. · Lower the ladder when carrying it or moving it. · Never work on a windy day, as a gust of wind could shift the ladder into an overhead wire. Outage to report: Business line: Call before you dig: Web: E-mail: 877.744.1055
208.765.1200 811 www.kec.com kec@kec.com