CURRENTA C T I V I T I E S

Phone 218-694-6241 or toll free (888) 694-3833

Website at www.clearwater-polk.com

August 2015OFFICE HOURS: 7:00 AM-4:30 PM, MONDAY-FRIDAY

You’ve seen those grey

round things on the tops of utility poles, or those green boxes in your neighborhood. Transformers play a major role to ensure that voltage is delivered to your home at a safe, manage-able level, but

how do they work?

Electricity loses voltage as it is transmitted due to the resistance in wires and other components. As a re-sult, higher voltages are used to offset these “line losses” as we call them. It all starts at the power plant. There, generators produce electricity at very high voltages and use transformers to step up this voltage, often to 350,000 volts. Since the power plants are far away, these voltages are necessary to survive the trip over the system to where it is needed.

Transmission lines connect to sub-stations brimming with transformers and other control gear. Here is where the transformers step down the volt-age to safer, more manageable levels.

Depending upon the distance involved to the furthest member and the amount of load served, distribution voltages can range from 7,200 to 24, 900 volts. A couple more step-downs and the electricity arrives at your home at 440 volts. This is quite differ-ent from the original voltage.

Regardless of the shape and size of the transformer, they all work in the same manner. Transformers have two sides, a high-voltage side and a low-voltage side. In normal operation, electricity flows into the transformer on the high-voltage side, where it goes into a coil of wire usually wound around an iron core. As the electric-ity flows through this coil, it creates a magnetic field that “induces” a volt-age in the other coil. Here is where the magic of transformation takes place. Each coil has a different num-ber of turns. The greater the number of turns, the higher the voltage. The coil on the high side will have more turns than the one on the low side. As a result, the voltage induced on the low side is less. Then transformation occurs.

Transformers aren’t just limited to utility use. They can be found every-where in our daily lives, even if not so obvious as those on Clearwater-Polk Electric’s system. The best example is the charger that all cell phones and many other electrical devices

come with. These small cousins of utility transformers basically perform the same function. Charging your cell phone with 120 volts will fry it instantly. So, the charger converts the voltage to a more tolerable 5 volts or so. Take a moment to look around your home and see just how many of the miniature transformers you have. You might be Surprised!

It is important to note that trans-formers work in both directions. Electricity flowing in on the low side is stepped up to the voltage of the high side. This is why Clearwater-Polk Electric educates members on proper connection of home generators. A generator feeding 220 volts into a residential transformer will produce whatever voltage the transformer is rated for on the other side, creating a deadly risk for our line crews and your neighbors. So please, connect your generators according to the manufac-turer’s recommendations. Or give us a call at 218-694-6241 for advice. It’s always best to be safe.

Transformers aren’t just limited to utility use. They can be found everywhere in our daily lives...

How do transformers work?How do transformers work?

CLEARWATER-POLK ELECTRIC Newsletter, 2015Page 2

The world of electricity is filled with acronyms - CFL (compact fluorescent

light), kW (kilowatt) and AC (alternating current). It’s con-fusing! Compare GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) and AFCI (arc fault circuit inter-rupter). Both contain the words fault, circuit and interrupter in the same order - so what is the difference? They do different things, but basically they keep you and your home safe from the dangers of electricity.

GFCIs (like the one pictured at right) help prevent burns, electric shocks and

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GFCI AND AFCI?

electrocution. A GFCI has sen-sors that measure the current going out, and the current com-ing back.

Normally, the current is bal-anced as it goes out and comes back in. However, if the current is out of balance, something is wrong; the electric current has made contact with a human or somewhere else it should not be.

The GFCI senses this and instantly shuts down the circuit,

stopping the flow of electricity. Since water is an excellent electric conduc-tor, GFCls are important in areas where

water and electricity could meet, such as bathrooms, kitchens; laundry rooms and garages.

AFCIs help prevent electric fires. Elec-tricity can leak out of damaged or decaying wires and start a fire. These fires spread quickly in the wiring behind walls. Electric fires cause more damage than other types of fire and are twice as deadly. AFCIs sense that electricity is leaking from the electric system and shut the electricity off before overheating happens.

Basically, GFCIs prevent shocks and AF-CIs prevent fires. Both can be installed by a qualified electrician to make your home safer.

-Information courtesy of:safeelectricity.org

SWAP SHOP RULES:

Ads for Clearwater-Polk Electric members only. Ads received after the 15th of each month will be held over for the following month. Ads may be run consecutively for two months. Limit your ads to two items. No com-mercial ads, please.

FOR SALE: 2001 Harley Davidson Fatboy, many extras, 18,000 miles, like new, $9,000.00 O.B.O.218-487-6004.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––FOR SALE: 1988 Cadillac Eldorado, 4.5 liter, 4 speed automatic, overdrive, new tires, clean body, good engine-no oil use, Automatic climate control, power seats, locks, windows & brakes, $1,200.00 or best offer. 218-556-3390.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––FOR SALE: Metal & wooden used chicken nests. 218-657-2660.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––WANTED TO BUY: Old style free standing DeLaval milk machine with pulsator claw. 218-657-2660.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––FOR SALE: 1080C Bobcat with tree shear. 218-556-1840.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––FOR SALE: 6601 John Deere combine. 218-556-1840.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––FOR SALE: Reebok Zig Lite tennis shoes, new, size 4; Danskin tennis shoes, size 5; Skechers Shape Ups, size 6. 218-694-2951.

FOR SALE: 16’ Sylvan, deep, side console, 40 HP Mercury motor, locator, GPS, Minnkota trolling motor, Shorelander roller trailer, $1,200.00 OBO. 218-776-2798 or 507-450-7153.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––FOR SALE: 2 - 225/55R17 tires ( 65-75% thread), $50.00; 32”RCA TV, $30.00; Nascar jacket, new, 2XL, black & red, $50.00. 218-556-9484.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––FOR SALE: 2007 Coachman Camper, 17.5 ft, like new. Air, microwave, TV hookup, queen bed, table/bed, sleeps 4, large picture window, Clean! asking $7,500.00. 218-694-2024 or 218-308-5637.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––FOR SALE: 20 ft. Helsen Streaker sailboat, seats 5 to 6 adults, Very nice! $3,000.00 OBO. 218-694-2024 or 218-308-5637.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––FOR SALE: 3-1/2 acres wooded lot in covenanted neighborhood, four miles north of Nevis, MN, $30,000.00. 218-657-2258.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––FOR SALE: M1 Garand, Springfield, Sn: 7009xxx, beautiful matching stock with sling, has new .270 Win barrel (with less than 70 rds. fired some 30+ years ago) and take off 30-06 barrel. 218-694-6262.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––FOR SALE: Three point 7’ back blade; one hydraulic cylinder, 4” bore, 8” stroke. 218-776-3969.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––FOR SALE: Pickup bed liner, fits 93 Chev 1/2 ton with 6-1/2’ bed. 218-657-2660.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––FOR SALE: 1996 GMC Suburban, 8 passenger, $1,500.00 OBO. 218-785-2452 or 218-556-1758.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––FOR SALE: Massey Ferguson, 15-1/2 ft swather. 218-694-2932.

SIGN UP FOR AUTO-PAY AND YOUWILL BE

ELIGIBLE TO WIN

$25.00EACH MONTH WE DRAW

FOR TWO NEW OR EXISTING MEMBER’S NAMES FOR A $25.00

CREDIT TOWARDS YOUR ELECTRIC BILL.

AUGUST WINNERS:

Rodney N. JohnsonTravis A. Vettleson

CLEARWATER-POLK ELECTRIC Newsletter, 2015Page 3

Manager’s Message

Bruce Bjerke

WOTUS REGULATION WILL IMPACT ELECTRIC

CO-OPS

In May, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) finalized a water regula-tion that removes power and responsibil-ity from local officials and relocates it to Washington, D.C.

It’s called “WOTUS” standing for “Waters of the U.S.,” and defines what is subject to federal regulation under the federal Clean Water Act. These “waters” include the “60 percent of streams in the United States that flow only seasonally or when it rains” as Ken Kopocis, the EPA acting assistant administrator for water, explained recently. Currently, most of these are subject to state control.

In this new regulation, the EPA and the

Corps maximized their regulatory reach by suggesting only federal employees can adequately protect our water. And they did this without consulting with their state and local co-regulators.

They continued down the path of more Washington-based decision making, mean-ing that federal agencies will be regulating everything from our mighty Mississippi River, to ponds and dry creek beds that only temporarily have water after rainfall.

What does this mean for members of Clearwater-Polk Electric Cooperative? Well, more regulated streams (with or without water in them) mean more federal per-mits to maintain and expand our electric distribution network – that’s 1,491 miles of power lines covering over 1,200 square miles. And past experience does not sug-gest a quick and timely response.

The reliable electricity you pay for every month depends on a robust and well-main-tained system—and our ability to quickly make necessary adjustments to keep your lights on. That’s why we’ve been advocat-ing for a new rule.

Clearwater-Polk takes our responsibil-ity to protect our land and water seriously – after all, we live here, too. We believe this task belongs close to home, here in Minnesota, where folks understand the opportunities and challenges.

We believe Congress knew what it was doing when it gave the EPA, the Corps and

Clearwater County Fair

Come see us ~ at the ~

the states shared responsibility for protect-ing our water – federal jurisdiction over waters that support commerce, interstate waters and U.S. territorial waters; state jurisdiction over everything else. This ar-rangement made good sense.

Electric cooperatives across the country are working together with other interested groups in supporting Congressional action directing the EPA and the Corps to with-draw the rule, return to the drawing board and consult with affected parties – espe-cially state and local governments – before re-proposing anything.

CLEARWATER COUNTY FAIR

Please be sure to stop by our booth at the Clearwater County Fair. We are always interested to hear your thoughts and con-cerns; hopefully, we can answer any questions you may have.

In closing, this month I’ll sign my newsletter “Grandpa Bruce”. I’m proud to announce our 1st grandchild, Rhett Allen Bjerke, born on July 23rd to our son Jason and his wife, Jaime. As you can tell, I’m pretty excited about this new title!

–Bruce

Stop by our booth in the exhibit hall tospeak to one of our representatives.

August 5-9

GO PAPERLESSGO GREEN

Sign up for Bill4U and see your bill electronically instead of in your mailbox!

–– Just go to ––

www.clearwater-polk.com

and sign up today!

CLEARWATER-POLK ELECTRIC Newsletter, 2015Page 4

When it comes to clothing, the focus tends to be on functionality, comfort, or

fashion. Yet, washing and drying our clothes has become part of our regular routines. Other than dreading the task, most of us don't give much of a second thought to the machines that help us get the job done-even though giving them some occasional maintenance could save us money ... or possibly even our lives.

Here are some suggestions on how to make the most efficient use of your clothes dryer:• Clean the lint filter after every load. A dirty lint

screen can lead to 30 percent more energy usage and can be a fire hazard.

• Occasionally use the attachments on your vacuum cleaner to remove lint that falls off of the lint filter and in the filter enclosure.

• Occasionally clean the duct work that vents your dryer. (Duane Hayes) The filter does not catch all of the lint, and it can build up in the duct work. This build-up decreases the efficiency of your dryer and can become a fire hazard.

• Make sure your dryer is vented properly. If you vent the exhaust outside, use the straightest and shortest metal duct available. Flexible vinyl duct is not recommended because it restricts the airflow, can be crushed, and may not withstand high temperatures from the dryer.

• If your dryer has a moisture sensor that shuts off the dryer when the clothes are dry-use it.

Additional ways to save money include filling your dryer-but not packing it too full and placing your dryer in a heated space. Also periodically check the outside dryer exhaust vent. If it does not close tightly, replace it with one that does to keep the outside air from leaking in. Lint and other debris can build up in your dryer and not only decrease the efficiency of your unit, but also cause fire hazards. The build-up can also cause carbon monoxide to be forced back into your home creating a potentially fatal situation for you and your family.

In addition to the cleaning of your vent system, the Chimney Safety Institute of America passes along these other safety tips:• Dryer vents should be completely separate

Routine dryer maintenance can savemoney ... and your life

DRYER VENT SAFETY

from all other systems and terminate outside, not into a chimney, crawl space, or attic.

•Your outside dryer exhaust vent's termination hood should have a back draft damper so

– RESIDENTIAL REBATES FOR 2015 –

To receive rebate, new equipment must be installed and old equipment removed. Only new prod-ucts which are exact product types listed in this form are eligible for incentives. More criteria for heating systems may apply. Forms must be received within 60 days of installation. Installation must be performed by a Clearwater-Polk qualified contractor. Rebates are in the form of a credit to the electric bill. Mail completed forms, a copy of itemized invoice and all required paperwork (AHRI certificates for heat pumps, sizing calculations for ground-source heat pumps, EnergyStar verifica-tion for washers) to:

Clearwater-Polk Electric Cooperative • PO Box 0 • Bagley, MN 56621Please call the Member Services Department at (218) 694-6241 for more information.

SPECIFICATIONSReplace incandescent bulbs with

EnergyStar CFL bulbs.

Replacing 40-60 watt incandescent. Must be Energy-Star rated.

Replacing 65 watt or greater incandescent.

Must be Energy-Star rated.

Must be EnergyStar rated.Less than 40 watts. Must operate dusk

to dawn and be Design Lights Consortium approved.

Greater than 40 watts. Must operate dusk to dawn and be Design Lights

Consortium approved.Must be EnergyStar rated.Must be EnergyStar rated.Must be EnergyStar rated.

Complete removal form. Only applies to removal for new unit.

At least 80 gallon capacity, EF greater than .91, must be on load management program.

Not valid on window units or mini-splits.

14 SEER, 8.2 HSPF w/indoor unit ECM

14 SEER, 8.2 HSPF15 SEER

Must modulate to allow air-source heat pump to operate down to 5 degrees F

and be on load control16.2 EER

14.1 EER

EQUIPMENTCFL Screw-in Bulbs

LED Screw-in Bulb

LED Screw-in Bulb

LED Recessed DownlightsLED Outdoor Fixture

LED Outdoor Fixture

Clothes WasherClothes DryerRefrigerator or FreezerRecycled old Refrigerator or FreezerElectric Water Heater

Engine Block Heater TimerProgrammable ThermostatTune-up for Central AC or Air-Source Heat PumpAir-Source Heat Pumpw/Indoor Unit ECMAir-Source Heat PumpMini-Split Ductless Air-Source Heat PumpSupplemental Heating Source (Plenum Heater) for Air-Source Heat PumpGround-Source Heat Pump, Open LoopGround-Source Heat Pump, Closed Loop

REBATE$2/bulb

Not to exceed 50% of retail price. 12 bulbs max. per

member$4/bulb

Not to exceed 50% of retail price. 12 bulbs max. per

member$8/bulb

Not to exceed 50% of retail price. 12 bulbs max. per

member$8/fixture$40/fixture

$80/fixture

$50/unit$50/unit$25/unit$25/unit

$150/unit

$10/unit$25/unit$25/unit

$150/unit

$400/unit$500/unit

$500/unit

$200/tonMaximum incentive of $1000

$400/tonMaximum incentive of $2000

that the exhaust does not come back in your home.

If you want more information on electrical safety, visit SafeElectricity.org

CLEARWATER-POLK ELECTRIC Newsletter, 2015Page 5

You can enjoy the convenience of electric heat and save money, too, by installing off-peak electric heating in your new or existing home. An off-peak electric heating system consists of electric heat as its main heating source with a supplemental heating system that will typically operate 200-400 hours per year during times of peak electrical usage.

Off-peak electric heatsaves you money

Off-peak electric heating makes good sense because the cooperative or mu-nicipal that provides your electric service offers a low off-peak rate. This off-peak rate is about half the regular rate for electric service.

With the off-peak rate, electricity is very competitive with other heating fuels such as propane or fuel oil. And the low off-peak rate really looks good during those times when fossil fuel prices rise dramatically.

Many options availableA home with an existing fossil fuel

heating system can be converted to off-peak electric heating very easily. Quali-fied personnel from your cooperative or municipal utility will be happy to advise you on the best electric alternative to meet your specific needs.

Savings from an off-peak electric heat-ing system can often pay for the cost of the system within five years.

Installation of your off-peak electric heating system is done by a qualified heat-ing contractor of your choice. Your local cooperative or municipal will install an off-peak electric meter and provide a ripple control device that will automatically switch your heating system from the electric mode to the backup system.

Automatic convenienceYour off-peak system is activated by

a special code, which is sent via a high-frequency electrical impulse called a ripple signal. The signal is sent from the Minnkota Control Center in Grand Forks, N.D., to your home or business over existing electric lines.

A ripple control device automatically turns off your electric heating system and activates your backup heating system at the start of the peak control period. The process

is reversed when the peak time is over.A reliable backup heating system is

essential, as control times for the winter heating season can be expected.

Ultimate energyconservation tool

Off-peak heating systems are con-trolled during periods of peak electrical usage in the region - usually the coldest days of winter. Load management may also be influenced by the availability and price of electric energy in the wholesale marketplace.

The ability to interrupt the flow of electricity to the electric portion of the off-peak systems allows Minnkota to operate its generating plants more efficiently and avoid costly power pool purchases. These savings are passed on to customers through the low off-peak electric rate.

CLEARWATER-POLK ELECTRIC Newsletter, 2015Page 6

Clearwater-Polk Electric Cooperative, Inc., has filed with the Federal Government a Compliance Assurance in which it assures the Rural Utilities Service that it will comply fully with all requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, all requirements of section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, all requirements of the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, and all requirements of the rules and regulations of the U.S. Department of Agriculture to the end that no person in the United States shall, on the ground of race color or national origin, or solely by reason of such person’s handicap, or on the basis of age, be excluded from participation in, be denied that benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination in the conduct of its program or the operation of its facilities. Under this Assurance, this organization is committed not to discriminate against any person on the ground of race, color or national origin, solely by reason of such person’s handicap, or on the basis of age, in its policies and practices relating to applications for service or any other policies and practices relating to treatment of beneficiaries and participants including employment, rates condi-tion and extension of service, admission or access to or use of any of it’s facilities, attendance at and participation in any meetings of beneficiaries and participants or the exercise of any rights of such beneficiaries and participants in the conduct of the operations of this organization. The person in this organization responsible for coordinating the nondiscrimination compliance efforts of this organization is Bruce Bjerke, the General Manager.

Any individual, or any specific class of individuals, who feels subjected by this organization to discrimination prohibited by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, by section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, by the Age Discrimination Act or by the rules and regulations of the U.S. Department of Agriculture may be personally or through a representative, file with the Office of the Secretary, U.S. Depart-ment of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. 20250; the Office of the Administrator, Rural Utilities Service, Washington, D.C. 20250; the Office of Advocacy and Enterprise, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington D.C. 20250; or this organization, or all, a written com-plaint. Such complaint must be filed no later than 180 days after all alleged discrimination, or by such later date to which the Secretary of Agriculture or the Administrator of the Rural Utilities Service extends the time for filing. Identity of complaints will be kept confidential except to the extent necessary to carry out the purposes of the rules and regulations of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

DURING OFFICE HOURS 7:00 am-4:30 pm, Mon.-Fri.

CALL 694-6241 or 1-888-694-3833

** AFTER HOURS CALL

Cell # 1-877-881-7673** For after hour outages,

please contact the above cell #.

TR CO AU LB LL SE

To reward our faithful read-ers, one member’s name will be drawn at random each month and placed somewhere in the news-letter. If you should find your

name, let us know before the 15th and win $25 off your next bill.

YOU COULD WIN$25

Corn RelishCharlene Olson

(Bagley, MN)18 ears corn (cut kernels from cob)1 head cabbage8 white onions6 green peppers2 tsp. celery seed2 tsp. mustard seed1/2 cup canning salt (scant)1 tsp. tumeric2 qts. white vinegar4 cups sugar1 cup flour1/4 cup pimento

Chop cabbage, onions and peppers (can use food processor), and mix with remain-ing ingredients. May use all of the pimento that is in a little jar, chopped up a bit. Cook in a good stainless-steel pot. Stir often and bring to a boil for 25 minutes. Process in hot, sterile jars. We do not hot water bath as the jars will seal well if relish is good and hot and the jars are hot. Makes 10-12 pints. Can use a little more tumeric if you want it a little more yellow.

Taken from Clearwater-Polk’s “Favorite Recipe Cookbook.”

Leroy Riewer, President ................... BagleyVernon Hamnes, Vice President ..... GonvickRobert Johnson, Secretary ............... BagleyHarlan Highberg, Treasurer .............. BagleyGary Mathis .................................... GonvickGreg Spaulding ................................. BagleyKeith DeMaris .................................. Shevlin

Bruce Bjerke ............General Manager

OFFICERS & DIRECTORS

SCHEDULED BOARD

MEETING Held at the Clearwater-Polk Electric board room at 8:00 a.m. on the last

Wednesday of each month.

Statement ofNondiscrimination

One free, easy call gets your utility

lines marked AND helps protect you

from injury and expense. Safe dig-

ging is no accident: always call 811

before you dig.

Visit www.call811.comfor more information

Our Office will be CLOSED

If you experience an emergency or power outage, please call ... 1-877-881-7673

– for –