FEBRUARY 2018 5

co-op news

www.duboisrec.com

CONTACT USOffice:  812-482-5454

Billing Dept.: 812-482-1664Operations Dept.: 812-482-1188

After Hours: 812-482-5455Fax: 812-482-7015

CEO/GENERAL MANAGER Don Book

OFFICE HOURS 7 a.m.–4 p.m., Monday-Friday 7 a.m.–3:30 p.m. for Line Dept.

STREET ADDRESS 1400 Energy Drive Jasper, IN 47546

MAILING ADDRESSP.O. Box 610

Jasper, IN 47547-0610

EMERGENCY POWER OUTAGESTo report service interruptions, call: 

812-482-5454 (during regular hours) or 812-482-5455 (after hours) day or night. Please have your account number ready 

when reporting outages. 

BOARD OF DIRECTORSBrad Knies, President

Richard A. Wendholt, Vice PresidentRandall L. Stemle, Secretary-Treasurer

Mark Montgomery

Jerry C. Jackle

Steve Speedy

David Rudolph

KEY STAFFGreg Dilger

Manager of Engineering Ruth Hopf

Billing SupervisorTina Hunter

Manager of Finance and Office Services Kyla Jones

Employee and Member Relations Manager

Patrick LichlyterManager of Operations

Larry SchulerManager of Purchasing

CUSTOMER SERVICESBudget billingSmartHub

Pay by Phone 24/7Drive-through window

Night depositoryMedical account watch

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

We have already experienced colder than normal weather this winter. Frigid temperatures can cause heating systems to work overtime, and since heating and cooling can make up

nearly half of your electric bill, you may experience sticker shock when you open that bill. Instead of waiting until after a potentially high bill is in your mailbox, be proactive. There are things you can do now to help ensure you are managing your energy use and spending less.

These simple steps can help you manage your use:

• Keep the fireplace damper closed when it is not in use. Keeping it open can bring cold air into the room.

• Caulk around the fireplace hearth, and caulk or weather strip around doors and windows.

• Wrap water pipes that are in unconditioned spaces.

• Make sure to change your air filter once a month.

• Keep drapes closed at night and keep those that don’t get direct sunlight closed during the day, too.

• Log on to your Dubois REC SmartHub account at www.duboisrec.com to keep track of your energy use. If we’ve had a few days of frigid temperatures, see how you can try to save on days that are milder.

• Dress for the weather, even if you are inside. Wearing proper clothing like long sleeves and pants or wrapping up in a cozy blanket will help combat the temptation to bump up the thermostat.

So, when temperatures fall this winter and you hear your weatherman talking about bringing in pets and plants, take the steps above to help manage your use.

Using the tips above can certainly help you manage your energy use, but your bill may still be higher than normal in winter months. Why?

• The weather makes a big impact on electric bills, accounting for nearly half of your bill.

• Even those with the most efficient HVAC systems will see more use in extreme weather.

• For example, even if you set your thermostat to our recommended 68 degrees in the winter, when it is 19 degrees outside, your system has to work hard to make up that 49-degree difference.

• Remember: There is value in comfort. For us to be comfortable in our homes, our heaters are going to work harder, but it may be worth the additional cost to you.

DON BOOK CEO/General Manager

Beat high bills and chills

6 FEBRUARY 2018

Rate scheduleService chargeSingle-phase ..................................................... $24Three-phase ..................................................... $40

Energy chargeThe first 500 kWh at .........................$.10522 /kWhThe next 2,500 kWh at ......................$.09772/kWhAll remaining kWh at .........................$.09462/kWh

Power cost trackerAll rate classesAll kWh at .........................................$0.00125/kWhElectric Thermal Storage (Off-peak)Energy charge ...................................$.05912/kWh

Security lightIf you have a security light, add:175-watt mercury vapor......................$8.32/month100-watt sodium vapor .......................$7.50/month100-watt metal halide .........................$8.75/month70-watt LED ........................................$7.50/month

Electric bills due by the 20th of each month.

FOLLOW THESE SIMPLE STEPS FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN $50 IN ELECTRICITY.

Clip the form below. Complete and return the form to the office with your monthly pay-ment before the 15th of the month. (Delin-quent payments are not eligible.) Coupons are dated monthly and are not available at the office. The winner will be notified, and his or her name will be published here.

JANUARY’S WINNER: Michael Breeding, Jasper

FOR FEBRUARY BILLING, PAID BY FEB. 15Members who utilize ACH (automatic bill pay) are already entered in this monthly drawing.

bill creditWin a $50

NAME:

ADDRESS:

ACCOUNT NO.:

PHONE NO.:

co-op news

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FEBRUARY 2018 7

co-op news

Committed to communityThe Operation Round Up® board of

trustees recently awarded grants to six

local organizations. The total amount of

grants was $11,620.52. Representatives of

the organizations are pictured at left, and

details of the grants are listed below.

1. Schnellville Conservation Club

received a $1,600 grant for an upgrade

to provide better and more energy-effi-

cient lighting in the conservation club

building. Operation Round Up Trustee

Patrick Eckerle presents the grant to Gerry

Verkamp, Mark Theising, Larry Betz and

Travis Theising.

2. Young Women LEAD received a $1,000

grant to help fund the sixth annual Young

Women LEAD Conference, in partner-

ship with SOAR-Jasper Class of 2017. The

conference teaches young women to

build confidence and face the challenges

unique to their gender and generation.

The conference is free to young women

from local high schools. Dubois REC CEO/

General Manager Don Book presents the

grant to Jackie Hilgartner.

3. Huntingburg Teen Outback received

a $2,000 grant to update its video game

system. The mission of the Teen Outback

is to offer alcohol and drug-free program-

ming, promote healthy lifestyles through

educational, recreational and spiritual ac-

tivities in a safe environment. Operation

Round Up Trustee Liz Englert presents the

grant to Brad Buechler, president; Allison

Bounds, director; and Jeff Bounds, board

member.

4. Celestine Park received a $2,000 grant

to fund one of several renovation projects.

The first phase includes pouring a new

pad of concrete to extend the outdoor

area and place newly donated picnic

tables. The Operation Round Up grant

will help fund the next phase, which will

include replacing metal roof and siding of

the clubhouse. Dubois REC’s Tina Hunt-

er presents the award to Grant Knies,

Jason Betz, Joni Hopf and Kelly Bieker.

5. Crawford County 4-H Council received

a grant for $3,520.52 to fund improve-

ments to the Clover Room in the Pavilion

at the 4-H Community Park. This facility

serves as a year-round gathering place for

multiple organizations and hundreds of

individuals from throughout the county.

Operation Round Up Trustee Susie Brown

presents the award to Rhonda Crecelius

and Jason Koch.

6. Dubois County Museum received a

$1,500 grant to upgrade the lighting,

thus improving energy efficiency.

Upgrades included LED bulbs and

fixtures. Operation Round Up Trustee

Bruce Heeke awards the grant to Kelly

Stroud and Bill Stroud.

Does your non-profit, community group or organization need funding?

Visit www.duboisrec.com and go to the “community” section to download an application for an Operation Round Up grant. 

Deadline to submit application for the next round of grants is Feb. 28.

We’ve updated our website to a new,

mobile-friendly version. Be sure to

visit www.duboisrec.com to find:

• An online store to purchase

discount LED bulbs

• Information and applications for

energy efficiency rebates

• Applications for Operation Round

Up® grants

• Applications for Touchstone

Energy Camp and Youth Tour to

Washington, D.C.

• Information about our Energy

Management Switch program

• Links to the SmartHub App

• Safety and energy efficiency tips,

and much, much more!

Check out our

new website

8 FEBRUARY 2018

co-op news

News briefs

Dubois REC employee completes four-year trainingCongratulations to Jacob Durcholz, who recently graduated from the Hoosier Energy Apprenticeship Training and Safety (HEATS) program. Durcholz is now a journeyman lineman. He is pictured here in between Dubois REC Manager of Operations Pat Lichlyter and CEO/General Manager Don Book. 

Director nomination deadline is Feb. 10At the 2018 annual meeting, mem-

bers will be electing directors to

represent Districts 1 and 5. District

1 is open due to the retirement of

Jerry Jackle, and Brad Knies is the

incumbent director running for

re-election of District 5.

If you feel you are qualified and

interested in serving your cooper-

ative, pick up a petition and begin

collecting signatures. The com-

pleted petition must be submitted

to Dubois REC by Feb. 10.

Freebies for our members:

Don’t forget to stop by the Dubois

REC office and pick up your 2018

Student Art Calendar and Farmers’

Almanac (while supplies last).

Manage your account anywhere with SmartHubVisit www.duboisrec.com and log

onto SmartHub, or download the

app for your mobile device for

these handy features:

• Pay your bill and monitor your

electric use

• Compare daily, monthly and

yearly energy use with analysis

tools

• Add notifications that you

would like to receive

via email or text

from your co-op

TOUCHSTONE ENERGY CAMPApply now for this fun and unique camp experience for students who will enter seventh grade in the fall. Students will experience zip lining, swimming, horseback riding and archery, along with learning about electric safety and the role electric co-ops play in our communities.

June6-9

YOUTH TOUR TO WASHINGTON, D.C. Students who will be high school seniors this fall can apply for this trip of a lifetime to our nation’s capital. The Indiana delegation will meet in Indianapolis and travel to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and the Flight 93 9/11 Memorial before heading to Washington, D.C., for a week of sightseeing and tours.

June7-14

Students: apply now!Download applications at www.duboisrec.com in the “community” section, and apply by Feb. 16!

co-op news

switch to green!How can I help?We just need your permission to install an energy management switch on your water 

heater and/or air conditioner.

How does this affect the environment?When a large number of our members participate, these switches move the demand 

for electricity away from times when energy resources are in shortest supply and 

the least efficient. Moving system load in this manner helps us avoid greenhouse 

emissions by delaying the need to build more power plants. 

How does the switch work?When energy use is at its peak, a signal will be sent to the switch to cycle down the 

water heater and cooling units for short periods of time. You’ll still have plenty of hot 

water, and the comfort level of your home shouldn’t be compromised.

How much does it cost?There is no cost to you for the installation of the switch, but homes must use an 

average of 750 kWh per month to qualify for the bill credit incentives.

Yes! I will partner with Dubois RECSign me up for the Energy Management Program

It is much more efficient for us to produce electricity at certain times of day. That’s why we’re asking you to participate in a program to help us shift energy production to times of lower demand. Fill out this form and return it to our office if you would like to join the effort. Please indicate in the green box which appliances are available for an energy management switch. If you prefer to fill out this form online, just go to www.duboisrec.com, scroll down to the “Help Keep Costs from Rising” section and click the link to complete the form online. 

Water heater only

Central A/C only

Water heater and central A/C

Please check one:

You can help us WHEN you use energy

is just as important as

HOW MUCH energy you use

Dubois REC members who partner with us to help move energy use to times when it is cheaper and more efficient to produce can earn incentives in the form of bill credits. 

You can choose to have a switch installed on only your air conditioner, only your water heater, or on both appliances, which will maximize the bill credits you will receive. Bill credits will be awarded as follows: 

Water heater: $30/year ($5 per month for June, July, August, December, January and February)

Air conditioner: $45/year($15 per month for June, July and August)

Name: ________________________________  Dubois REC account #: ________________

Address: __________________________________________________________________

City, state and ZIP: __________________________________________________________

Home phone: ___________________________  Cell phone: _________________________

Email address: _____________________________________________________________

34 FEBRUARY 2018