TIPS From T.I.P.Published By The T.I.P. Rural Electric Cooperative

OWNED BY THOSE WE SERVEBrooklyn, Iowa

T.I.P. Rural Electric Regular Hours 8 to 4:30 Weekdays ..........641-522-9221 or Toll Free ................................................. 800-934-7976 After Hours (Outages & Emergencies Only) ..641-522-9223 or Toll Free ................................................ 800-934-7976 website: www.tiprec.com

September 2016

TIPS from T.I.P. is published monthly for members of T.I.P. Rural Electric Cooperative, 612 W. Des Moines St., Brooklyn, Iowa 52211.

One of our Most

Service Reliability

Important Goals

Rolling 12 month Report

Power was on to our members 99.98% with major storm 99.98% without storm

Whole House Protector

Protect your Equipment from Power Surges A power surge can cause damage to electrical appliances. TVs, DVD players, computers and home office equipment are particularly susceptible. A power surge is an over-voltage, or spike, that momentarily disrupts electricity supply. This can happen during severe weather, when a tree limb touches a power line or an animal or bird should happen to get into the line. Power surges also can occur due to poor connections or faulty electrical equipment on your property. A power surge also can enter your home or business through cable and telephone lines.Protect property from power surges:• Invest in high-quality surge protectors. Surge

protectors monitor the flow of electricity and divert excess voltage either back into the system or to the ground.

Use a dual protection system:• Whole house - protects against external power

surges. These devices can be installed on your service panel by a licensed electrician.

• Point of use - Guards individual devices that are sensitive to power surges, such as computers, office equipment, TVs and DVD players.

Point of Use Protector

Energy Efficiency Tip of the Month Consider insulating your water heater tank, which could reduce standby heat losses by 25 to 45 percent and save you about 4 to 9 percent in waterheatingcosts.Youcanfindpre-cutjacketsorblankets available from around $20.

Want to Pay Your Bill by Check, Debit or Credit Card? Log on to www.tiprec.com and Click on Rapid Pay or log into SmartHub or Call 888-999-0275.

Non-Discrimination Statement “This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.”

Did You Miss the Annual Meeting? Make sure and check out the annual meeting highlights in the October newsletter. We will feature pictures, the prize list, the results from the election of your Board of Directors and an overview of the meeting for those of you who could not attend.

Stay Focused on Safety During Harvest During harvest season, many farmers reap the benefits of advancement in agricultural technology. With the help of GPS auto-steer devices, farmers are able to decrease driver error and maximize productivity. Yet despite these advances, safety risks remain. To help farmers stay out of harm’s way, Safe Electricity shares tips for a safe harvest. GPS with auto-guidance provides farmers with real-time location data about a field, which can be used for crop planning, map making, navigation assistance and machinery guidance. During harvest, this technology allows drivers to have their hands off the steering wheel as the combine maneuvers itself through the field. Thanks to technology, farmers can more easily and efficiently maintain accuracy even during low-light conditions, which enhances productivity. “One critical part of safety around electricity is awareness,” explains Kyla Kruse, communications director of the Safe Electricity program. “It’s important to remember that farm machinery is vulnerable to hitting power lines because of its large size, height and extensions. Being aware of the location of overhead power lines and planning a safe equipment route can help reduce accidents.” In equipment with auto-guidance systems, less focus is needed on steering, which may lead some drivers to think that they do not need to be as aware of navigation issues. However, even while using a GPS with auto-steering, farm workers need to keep safety in mind and stay focused on their surroundings. Putting safety first requires alertness, focus and knowledge of potential hazards and safety steps. Potential issues such as power poles not being correctly plotted in the system, reinforce the need for drivers to stay focused on the location of the farm equipment while in the field and to be ready to take action if necessary.

Regard less of the technology used on the farm, keep the following electrical safety guidelines in mind:• Use a spotter

when operating large machinery near power lines.

• Keep equipment at least 10 feet from power lines-at all times, in all directions.

• Look up and use care when moving any equipment such as extending augers or raising the bed of grain trucks around power lines.

• Inspect the height of farm equipment to determine clearance.

• Always set extensions to the lowest setting when moving loads to prevent contact with overhead power lines. Grain augers should always be positioned horizontally before being moved.

• Never attempt to move a power line out of the way or raise it for clearance.

• If a power line is sagging or low, contact our office. If your equipment does make contact with a power line, do not leave the cab. Immediately call 911, warn others to stay away and wait for the utility crew to cut the power. The only reason to exit equipment that has come into contact with overhead lines is if the equipment if on fire, which is rare. However, if this is the case, jump off the equipment with your feet together and without touching the ground and machinery at the same time. Then, still keeping your feet together, hop to safety as you leave the area.

Save Money with Energy-Efficient Appliances With household appliances accounting for nearly 30% of total home energy use, using energy-efficient appliances is a great way to lower your utility bills and reduce your environmental impact. The next time you go appliance shopping, look for models that are ENERGY STAR qualified. ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which tests and certifies energy-efficient products. By choosing ENERGY STAR, you can be sure that your appliances meet the latest energy-performance standards.

Has your Phone Number Changed? It is important that we have a current phone number on your account so that we can contact you if there is a need to do so. If your phone number needs to be updated, there is a space on your return billing credit slip for you to write in a new phone number or you may call our office at 1-800-934-7976 so that we can get it changed on our records. Thank you for your cooperation.

September TIPS from T.I.P. September TIPS from T.I.P.

We welcome your participation and are pleased to offer this option to you. Remember what you pay for when you buy green power is the benefit of displacing other non-renewable energy sources from the grid. If you are interested in purchasing green power or have any questions, you can go to our website www.tiprec.com, click on the “Renewables” tab at the top and click on “Green Power” or call our office at 1-800-934-7976.

T.I.P. REC Green Power Enrollment If you wish to participate in T.I.P.’s Green Power plan, please fill out this form and mail it to our office. Please specify the total number of 100 kilowatt hour blocks you wish to purchase each month. Each block will be an extra charge of $2 per month on your bill, which is in addition to your monthly kWh billing. When you choose to purchase green power, you support renewable energy sources.

Number of blocks at $2 per block per month _______________

Name ______________________________________________

Address ____________________________________________

City ________________ State _________ Zip _____________

Signature ___________________________________________

Date ______________________

I understand that by signing this form I have entered a one year contract to purchase green power.

Green Power is Available for Purchase The term “green power” refers to electricity supplied from renewable energy sources. Quite often, electricity is produced using a combination of fossil fuels and renewable resources, which is called a green power blended product. When you choose to purchase green power, you support renewable energy resources. A resource is called renewable if it can be naturally replenished. In general, renewables have lower environmental impacts than non-renewables. Some types of renewable energy sources for electricity are solar, wind, hydro, biomass and geothermal energy. As a T.I.P. Rural Electric Cooperative member you have the opportunity to buy renewable or green power energy. Through green power pricing any participating member will pay a green power charge to cover the extra cost of the renewable energy. Green power is available in blocks of 100 kWh at a cost of $2.00 per block per month. This charge is added on top of your normal monthly kWh charges as an extra charge. A contract of 12 months is required to participate. You, as a customer can decide how much green power you want if you choose to enroll. It is important to remember that the green power you purchase is not actually delivered to your home. Instead, it is generated and supplied to the power grid. From there it will be delivered into the T.I.P. system that serves all our customers.

Winter Heating Rate Begins September 20th If you primarily heat and cool your home with electricity and participate in the electric heat rate program, please note the winter rates will become effective for heat meters on September 20th. Most heat pumps are eligible for a special electric heat rate if they are used to heat the majority of the residence and there are no other incentives or discounts being applied to that meter. Please read on to learn more about heat pumps. Heat pumps heat a residence during winter and cool the residence in summer, trimming overall home heating and cooling costs by as much as 40 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). A properly installed heat pump system can deliver value to your home. Here’s a guide to two different types of heat pumps.Air Source Air-source heat pumps use a system of coils to

evaporate a refrigerant and, with it, draw heat away from a home, cooling the air. In winter the magic reverses with the flip of a valve, and your home heats. The system delivers up to three times more heat energy than electricity consumed, but is not perfect. In Iowa, where we have sub-zero temperatures, a secondary heating system is necessary such as electric resistance coils or a gas-fired backup furnace. If you’ve been considering installing or replacing a central air conditioning unit, it would be a great time to upgrade to an air-source heat pump. When shopping for an air-source heat pump, compare the seasonal energy efficiency rating (SEER) for cooling ability, and heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF) for compressor and heating element strength. Select an ENERGY STAR model and find a system with a high HSPF, since Iowa can experience colder temperatures.Geothermal (Ground-Source) Outside temperatures may vary, but the earth’s

(Continued from Page 2) temperature remains steady year-round and can be harnessed to make homes comfortable. According to DOE, geothermal heat pumps offer energy savings between 30 percent and 60 percent annually when compared to conventional baseboard or radiant heating systems, and are typically the most efficient heat pump option. Geothermal heat pumps move a liquid or water through pipes buried in the ground, and then into the home. Also called ground-source heat pumps, there are two types of units: a groundwater (open-loop) system uses well or pond water, while an earth-coupled (closed-loop) model uses a water and antifreeze solution. Systems can be installed horizontally or vertically, depending on available space. Geothermal efficiency depends on climate, soil and water conditions, and landscaping. For example, soil that transfers heat easily requires less piping. Rocky terrain may require a vertical loop system instead of a more economical horizontal loop system.Saving on Systems Although heat pumps are more expensive than traditional air conditioning, rebates and tax credits may assist you with the investment. A federal tax credit equal to 30 percent of the cost for materials and installation, with no limit on total project expenses, applies to geothermal heat pumps through December 31, 2016. T.I.P. Rural Electric Cooperative offers rebate incentives on heat pumps, as well as a heat meter rate. More information is available at www.tiprec.com.Source: U.S. Department of Energy, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Geothermal Energy Association, International Ground Source Heat Pump Association, 2010 Residential Appliance and Equipment Survey

(Continued on Page 3)

Types of Geothermal Heat Pump Systems There are four basic types of ground loop systems. Three of these - horizontal, vertical, and pond/lake - are closed-loop systems. The fourth type of system is the open-loop option. Which one of these is best depends on the climate, soil conditions, available land, and local installation costs at the site. All of these approaches can be used for residential and commercial building applications.

Source: U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Use Extra Caution when School is in Session As summer draws to a close, back-to-school season is in full effect. Remember to safely share the roads with school buses, pedestrians and bicyclists, and provide children with the necessary knowledge to safely return to school. Whether children walk, ride their bicycle or take the bus to school, it is extremely important that they - and the motorists around them - take proper safety precautions. Here are some tips that parents can use to make the trip back to the classroom safer:1. Make sure your child knows their phone number,

address, how to get in touch with their parents at work, how to get in touch with another trusted adult and how to dial 9-1-1.

2. Teach children not to talk to strangers or accept rides from someone they don’t know.

3. Board the bus only after it has come to a complete stop and the driver or attendant has instructed you to get on.

4. Only board your bus and never an alternate one.5. Always stay in clear view of the bus driver and never

walk behind the bus.6. Cross the street at the corner, obeying traffic signals

and staying in the crosswalk.7. Never dart out into the street, or cross between

parked cars.

September TIPS from T.I.P. September TIPS from T.I.P.

We welcome your participation and are pleased to offer this option to you. Remember what you pay for when you buy green power is the benefit of displacing other non-renewable energy sources from the grid. If you are interested in purchasing green power or have any questions, you can go to our website www.tiprec.com, click on the “Renewables” tab at the top and click on “Green Power” or call our office at 1-800-934-7976.

T.I.P. REC Green Power Enrollment If you wish to participate in T.I.P.’s Green Power plan, please fill out this form and mail it to our office. Please specify the total number of 100 kilowatt hour blocks you wish to purchase each month. Each block will be an extra charge of $2 per month on your bill, which is in addition to your monthly kWh billing. When you choose to purchase green power, you support renewable energy sources.

Number of blocks at $2 per block per month _______________

Name ______________________________________________

Address ____________________________________________

City ________________ State _________ Zip _____________

Signature ___________________________________________

Date ______________________

I understand that by signing this form I have entered a one year contract to purchase green power.

Green Power is Available for Purchase The term “green power” refers to electricity supplied from renewable energy sources. Quite often, electricity is produced using a combination of fossil fuels and renewable resources, which is called a green power blended product. When you choose to purchase green power, you support renewable energy resources. A resource is called renewable if it can be naturally replenished. In general, renewables have lower environmental impacts than non-renewables. Some types of renewable energy sources for electricity are solar, wind, hydro, biomass and geothermal energy. As a T.I.P. Rural Electric Cooperative member you have the opportunity to buy renewable or green power energy. Through green power pricing any participating member will pay a green power charge to cover the extra cost of the renewable energy. Green power is available in blocks of 100 kWh at a cost of $2.00 per block per month. This charge is added on top of your normal monthly kWh charges as an extra charge. A contract of 12 months is required to participate. You, as a customer can decide how much green power you want if you choose to enroll. It is important to remember that the green power you purchase is not actually delivered to your home. Instead, it is generated and supplied to the power grid. From there it will be delivered into the T.I.P. system that serves all our customers.

Winter Heating Rate Begins September 20th If you primarily heat and cool your home with electricity and participate in the electric heat rate program, please note the winter rates will become effective for heat meters on September 20th. Most heat pumps are eligible for a special electric heat rate if they are used to heat the majority of the residence and there are no other incentives or discounts being applied to that meter. Please read on to learn more about heat pumps. Heat pumps heat a residence during winter and cool the residence in summer, trimming overall home heating and cooling costs by as much as 40 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). A properly installed heat pump system can deliver value to your home. Here’s a guide to two different types of heat pumps.Air Source Air-source heat pumps use a system of coils to

evaporate a refrigerant and, with it, draw heat away from a home, cooling the air. In winter the magic reverses with the flip of a valve, and your home heats. The system delivers up to three times more heat energy than electricity consumed, but is not perfect. In Iowa, where we have sub-zero temperatures, a secondary heating system is necessary such as electric resistance coils or a gas-fired backup furnace. If you’ve been considering installing or replacing a central air conditioning unit, it would be a great time to upgrade to an air-source heat pump. When shopping for an air-source heat pump, compare the seasonal energy efficiency rating (SEER) for cooling ability, and heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF) for compressor and heating element strength. Select an ENERGY STAR model and find a system with a high HSPF, since Iowa can experience colder temperatures.Geothermal (Ground-Source) Outside temperatures may vary, but the earth’s

(Continued from Page 2) temperature remains steady year-round and can be harnessed to make homes comfortable. According to DOE, geothermal heat pumps offer energy savings between 30 percent and 60 percent annually when compared to conventional baseboard or radiant heating systems, and are typically the most efficient heat pump option. Geothermal heat pumps move a liquid or water through pipes buried in the ground, and then into the home. Also called ground-source heat pumps, there are two types of units: a groundwater (open-loop) system uses well or pond water, while an earth-coupled (closed-loop) model uses a water and antifreeze solution. Systems can be installed horizontally or vertically, depending on available space. Geothermal efficiency depends on climate, soil and water conditions, and landscaping. For example, soil that transfers heat easily requires less piping. Rocky terrain may require a vertical loop system instead of a more economical horizontal loop system.Saving on Systems Although heat pumps are more expensive than traditional air conditioning, rebates and tax credits may assist you with the investment. A federal tax credit equal to 30 percent of the cost for materials and installation, with no limit on total project expenses, applies to geothermal heat pumps through December 31, 2016. T.I.P. Rural Electric Cooperative offers rebate incentives on heat pumps, as well as a heat meter rate. More information is available at www.tiprec.com.Source: U.S. Department of Energy, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Geothermal Energy Association, International Ground Source Heat Pump Association, 2010 Residential Appliance and Equipment Survey

(Continued on Page 3)

Types of Geothermal Heat Pump Systems There are four basic types of ground loop systems. Three of these - horizontal, vertical, and pond/lake - are closed-loop systems. The fourth type of system is the open-loop option. Which one of these is best depends on the climate, soil conditions, available land, and local installation costs at the site. All of these approaches can be used for residential and commercial building applications.

Source: U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Use Extra Caution when School is in Session As summer draws to a close, back-to-school season is in full effect. Remember to safely share the roads with school buses, pedestrians and bicyclists, and provide children with the necessary knowledge to safely return to school. Whether children walk, ride their bicycle or take the bus to school, it is extremely important that they - and the motorists around them - take proper safety precautions. Here are some tips that parents can use to make the trip back to the classroom safer:1. Make sure your child knows their phone number,

address, how to get in touch with their parents at work, how to get in touch with another trusted adult and how to dial 9-1-1.

2. Teach children not to talk to strangers or accept rides from someone they don’t know.

3. Board the bus only after it has come to a complete stop and the driver or attendant has instructed you to get on.

4. Only board your bus and never an alternate one.5. Always stay in clear view of the bus driver and never

walk behind the bus.6. Cross the street at the corner, obeying traffic signals

and staying in the crosswalk.7. Never dart out into the street, or cross between

parked cars.

TIPS From T.I.P.Published By The T.I.P. Rural Electric Cooperative

OWNED BY THOSE WE SERVEBrooklyn, Iowa

T.I.P. Rural Electric Regular Hours 8 to 4:30 Weekdays ..........641-522-9221 or Toll Free ................................................. 800-934-7976 After Hours (Outages & Emergencies Only) ..641-522-9223 or Toll Free ................................................ 800-934-7976 website: www.tiprec.com

September 2016

TIPS from T.I.P. is published monthly for members of T.I.P. Rural Electric Cooperative, 612 W. Des Moines St., Brooklyn, Iowa 52211.

One of our Most

Service Reliability

Important Goals

Rolling 12 month Report

Power was on to our members 99.98% with major storm 99.98% without storm

Whole House Protector

Protect your Equipment from Power Surges A power surge can cause damage to electrical appliances. TVs, DVD players, computers and home office equipment are particularly susceptible. A power surge is an over-voltage, or spike, that momentarily disrupts electricity supply. This can happen during severe weather, when a tree limb touches a power line or an animal or bird should happen to get into the line. Power surges also can occur due to poor connections or faulty electrical equipment on your property. A power surge also can enter your home or business through cable and telephone lines.Protect property from power surges:• Invest in high-quality surge protectors. Surge

protectors monitor the flow of electricity and divert excess voltage either back into the system or to the ground.

Use a dual protection system:• Whole house - protects against external power

surges. These devices can be installed on your service panel by a licensed electrician.

• Point of use - Guards individual devices that are sensitive to power surges, such as computers, office equipment, TVs and DVD players.

Point of Use Protector

Energy Efficiency Tip of the Month Consider insulating your water heater tank, which could reduce standby heat losses by 25 to 45 percent and save you about 4 to 9 percent in waterheatingcosts.Youcanfindpre-cutjacketsorblankets available from around $20.

Want to Pay Your Bill by Check, Debit or Credit Card? Log on to www.tiprec.com and Click on Rapid Pay or log into SmartHub or Call 888-999-0275.

Non-Discrimination Statement “This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.”

Did You Miss the Annual Meeting? Make sure and check out the annual meeting highlights in the October newsletter. We will feature pictures, the prize list, the results from the election of your Board of Directors and an overview of the meeting for those of you who could not attend.

Stay Focused on Safety During Harvest During harvest season, many farmers reap the benefits of advancement in agricultural technology. With the help of GPS auto-steer devices, farmers are able to decrease driver error and maximize productivity. Yet despite these advances, safety risks remain. To help farmers stay out of harm’s way, Safe Electricity shares tips for a safe harvest. GPS with auto-guidance provides farmers with real-time location data about a field, which can be used for crop planning, map making, navigation assistance and machinery guidance. During harvest, this technology allows drivers to have their hands off the steering wheel as the combine maneuvers itself through the field. Thanks to technology, farmers can more easily and efficiently maintain accuracy even during low-light conditions, which enhances productivity. “One critical part of safety around electricity is awareness,” explains Kyla Kruse, communications director of the Safe Electricity program. “It’s important to remember that farm machinery is vulnerable to hitting power lines because of its large size, height and extensions. Being aware of the location of overhead power lines and planning a safe equipment route can help reduce accidents.” In equipment with auto-guidance systems, less focus is needed on steering, which may lead some drivers to think that they do not need to be as aware of navigation issues. However, even while using a GPS with auto-steering, farm workers need to keep safety in mind and stay focused on their surroundings. Putting safety first requires alertness, focus and knowledge of potential hazards and safety steps. Potential issues such as power poles not being correctly plotted in the system, reinforce the need for drivers to stay focused on the location of the farm equipment while in the field and to be ready to take action if necessary.

Regard less of the technology used on the farm, keep the following electrical safety guidelines in mind:• Use a spotter

when operating large machinery near power lines.

• Keep equipment at least 10 feet from power lines-at all times, in all directions.

• Look up and use care when moving any equipment such as extending augers or raising the bed of grain trucks around power lines.

• Inspect the height of farm equipment to determine clearance.

• Always set extensions to the lowest setting when moving loads to prevent contact with overhead power lines. Grain augers should always be positioned horizontally before being moved.

• Never attempt to move a power line out of the way or raise it for clearance.

• If a power line is sagging or low, contact our office. If your equipment does make contact with a power line, do not leave the cab. Immediately call 911, warn others to stay away and wait for the utility crew to cut the power. The only reason to exit equipment that has come into contact with overhead lines is if the equipment if on fire, which is rare. However, if this is the case, jump off the equipment with your feet together and without touching the ground and machinery at the same time. Then, still keeping your feet together, hop to safety as you leave the area.

Save Money with Energy-Efficient Appliances With household appliances accounting for nearly 30% of total home energy use, using energy-efficient appliances is a great way to lower your utility bills and reduce your environmental impact. The next time you go appliance shopping, look for models that are ENERGY STAR qualified. ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which tests and certifies energy-efficient products. By choosing ENERGY STAR, you can be sure that your appliances meet the latest energy-performance standards.

Has your Phone Number Changed? It is important that we have a current phone number on your account so that we can contact you if there is a need to do so. If your phone number needs to be updated, there is a space on your return billing credit slip for you to write in a new phone number or you may call our office at 1-800-934-7976 so that we can get it changed on our records. Thank you for your cooperation.