Watts Inside:

Mulgrew Oil Company Supports Energy

Independence“Soy biodiesel is produced right here in Iowa and is now available here as well.”....................................................Page 4

Jim Mulgrew, President, Mulgrew Oil Co.

Cool Your Summer Bills with These TipsPage 2

Reduce Energy Use During Summer’s Peak HoursPage 3

Play up Outdoor Electrical Safety to ChildrenPage 3

The Power Plant in Your Back YardPage 4

Mulgrew Oil Company Supports Energy IndependencePage 5

Shopping at the Farmer’s MarketPage 6

Keep Poles ClearPage 7

Security LightingPage 7

Watts the AnswerPage 7

Board of DirectorsApproves Rate Increase At their regular June meeting, the Board of Directors approved a 3.5% increase in base rates for all rate classes. The last increase in base rates occurred in 2003 and ongoing operating expenses have increased significantly since that time. Transportation costs have increase 35% in the past 12 months alone.

“It was with great reluctance that the Board took this action” says CEO Jim Lauzon “but the cooperative has experienced significant increases in the costs of materials for new line construction and for other operating expenses”.

The new rates will result in an increase to cooperative revenues of 3.5%. Since a member’s actual bill varies considerably based on the amount of energy they use, some members will see a higher increase, while some lower. Sixty percent of our members should see an increase below $3.00 a month. The increase will be effective on energy used after members July meter readings. The new rates will first show up in member’s September bills. Each member will receive a formal notice of the rate increase in the mail.

The Board also approved a change in the terminology of the rates, changing the “Customer Charge” to “Basic Service Charge”. This change reflects a better description of the purpose of the charge so that members have a better understanding of their bills.

The Proper Humidity Level for

Your Homeis 35%

Cool Your Summer Bills With These TipsDid you know that each degree that you raise the thermostat typically saves 2% on your cooling bill? Before you reach for the thermostat, here are some other ways to help keep your summer cooling bills down:

•Set your thermostat as high as comfortably possible. The difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be. •Don’t set your thermostat at a colder setting than normal when you turn on your air conditioner. It won’t cool your home any faster and could result in excessive cooling and unnecessary expense. •The breeze created by a ceiling or portable fan may make you feel just as comfortable at a temperature 6° warmer. By raising the thermostat and using a fan, you may save 10% on your cooling bill. •Install a whole-house fan. It can lower the indoor temperature by 10° in just a few minutes. •Closing air conditioning vents in unoccupied rooms may save up to 10% on your cooling costs. •Place your air conditioning unit on the north or east side of your home. A unit operating in the shade may use as much as 10% less electricity than the same one operating in the sun. •Consider using an ENERGY STAR® rated dehumidifier instead of turning on the air conditioning. You will be comfortable at higher temperatures if you reduce the humidity. •Close drapes and shades on windows during the day to keep heat from the sun out. •Plant a tree. It’s the best cooling investment you can make. •Make sure your attic is properly ventilated. Reducing the attic temperature may help lower your cooling costs.

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Peak hours are the busiest times for Maquoketa Valley Electric Cooperative, since many people are using electricity at the same time. In addition, it costs yourcooperative more to distribute electricity when demand soars during peak periods and the cost of your electricity also may rise. In short, using less electricity during peak periods can save your cooperative and YOU money.

The times to watch the most generally occur on the hottest summer days between the hours of 3:00 PM and 9:00 PM. The following are some tips showing how you can help during peak hours.

√ Shift household chores and activities away from peak periods. Wait to run your dishwasher until you go to bed, for instance.

√ If you have air conditioning, turn the thermostat up when you are gone and at night. Cool only those rooms that you are using.

√ Use the most energy-efficient appliances you have. Your microwave oven, for example, uses considerably less energy than your oven or stove top. It also produces less heat!

√ If you’re buying a new appliance, make sure you get a highly efficient one. Look for ENERGY STAR® labels when you’re comparing models.

√ Be aware of your energy consumption and try to get in the habit of using energy efficiently year-round.

Use the energy you need, but need all you use!

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Reduce Energy Use During Summer’s Peak Hours

Play Up Outdoor Electrical Safety To ChildrenWarm, sunny days beckon the child in us all to head outdoors to play. Save Electricity recommends that familes review and stress to children to follow simple electrical safety rules for safe outdoor play.

“Help keep your kids out of harm’s way when they play outdoors,” said Molly Hall, executive director of Safe Electricity. “Children often do not under-stand the dangers of electricity. Make them aware of overhead power lines and electrical equipment, and emphasize that they should never climb or play near them.”

Safe Electricity recommends that children be taught to follow these rules:

•Never climb trees near power lines. Even if the power lines aren’t touching the tree, they could touch when more weight is added to the branch.

•Fly kites and model airplanes in large open areas like a park or a field. If a kite gets stuck in a tree that’s near power lines, don’t climb to get it. Contact your electric utility.

•Never climb a utility pole or tower.

•Never go into an electric substation for any reason. Electric substations contain high-voltage equipment, which can kill you.

The Power Plant In Your Back YardThe yard around your home contains a vast reservoir of thermal energy to heat and cool your home. With a geothermal heating and cooling system, your lawn becomes a permanent energy source.

Geothermal is an electrically powered system that takes advantage of the earth’s constant temperature using a water-based solution circulated through pipes buried in the earth. In cold weather, this solution absorbs heat from the earth and carries it to the geothermal unit. The geothermal system then concentrates this heat and delivers it throughout your home. In warm weather, the process is reversed. Excess heat is carried from your home into the earth. You keep refreshingly cool during even the hottest summer day. In addition, the geothermal system can be integrated with your water heater to provide low-cost hot water.

The most efficient gas furnaces today are only one-third as efficient as a geothermal system. The United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy rank the geothermal technology as the most efficient and environmentally safe heating and cooling option available.

If you’re still wondering if a geothermal heat pump is right for you, here are some additional reasons to invest in a geothermal system. Not only will you be placed immediately in the quiet comfort of energy efficient heating and cooling, but a geothermal system can also put cash in your pocket. Maquoketa Valley Electric Cooperative offers financial incentives to customers who install ageothermal system. Cash rebates; special heating rates and low interest financing may be available. Many members have already taken advantage of these programs.

Your back yard and a geothermal system provide optimum performance, dependable service, high efficiency and much more. Oncethe system is installed, you will reap the benefits of lower utility costs year after year, allowing a quick recovery of your original investment.

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More than 450 Maquoketa Valley

Electric Cooperative members take advantage of

geothermal savings!

Heated biodiesel tank.

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Mulgrew Oil Company Supports Energy IndependenceMulgrew Oil Company, Dubuque, has stepped up to the plate for the biofuels industry and hopes the nation will do the same. Soy biodiesel is now available and the nation’s use of it will ensure our energy independence, says Jim Mulgrew, President.

Mulgrew Oil Company was founded in 1893 and operated in downtown Dubuque for over 100 years. The new development at the Port of Dubuque compelled Mulgrew Oil Company to enter into a major expansion into the biofuels industry and become a member of Maquoketa Valley Electric Cooperative in Tamarack Park, south of Dubuque. The new site is night and day difference over their former site. The expansion allowed the 135,000 gallon top-load capacity to grow to 390,000 gallons top and bottom-load with the ability to grow with the industry. Theadditional capacity allows for both ethanol and soy biodiesel storage and the new site is fullycontained allowing any spills to be quickly cleaned before getting into the environment.

Transport trucks for Molo Oil Company, Hy-Vee, Rainbow Oil, Casey’s and others are now a familiar site in Tamarack Park.

The site features two 30,000 gallon tanks designated for ethanol and soy biodiesel. The soy biodiesel tank and lines are heated to maintain a 70˚ temperature for year-round loading. Mulgrew believes no other bulk tank in the state, or even the nation, exists for this type of storage. The development of a new product, with a new ability to heat it, allowed Mulgrew Oil Company to implement this technology.

Soy biodiesel is produced right here in Iowa and is now available here as well. Although made at home, it is still a hard to get product says Mulgrew. New Iowa businesses, like West Central Cooperative, a biodiesel plant in Ralston, will help alleviate that.

For more information about Mulgrew Oil Company, call 563-583-7386.

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Susan Uthoff, ISU Extension Nutrition & Health SpecialistShopping At The Farmer’s Market

Shopping at the Farmer’s Market is a way to support local farms, as well as to enjoy the freshest fruits and vegetables of the season. Use the market as a start for planning meals and plan your next meal around the fresh produce you find.

Hear are some tips for shopping at a Farmer’s Market: ☺Take your time and have fun browsing. Stroll all the stands to see what’s available before making your decision.

☺Go early! You’ll find the best selection then and can enjoy the fragrance and color of the Market.

☺Ask questions. If you don’t know what a food item is, just ask. Talk to the producer. You’ll get valuable information on even the most common fruits and vegetables

☺Bring cash. It is a convenient method of purchase. Most Farmer’s Markets have vendors who accept food coupons from the WIC (Women, Infants and Children) program. Eligible families can receive coupons to buy produce at Farmer’s Markets to help supplement meals, which benefits the local farmers as well. ☺Bring your own containers – baskets, bags, boxes. Often vendors have bags and boxes, but it’s helpful to bring your own.

☺Bring a cooler, especially in hot weather. Make sure to have coolers with ice packs in your car or take the produce straight home to keep it fresh and at its peak.

☺Dress comfortably. Wear walking shoes and bring sunscreen or umbrellas so you can shop rain or shine.

☺Experiment. Don’t be afraid to try something new! You may discover a favorite food to make your summer even richer and sweeter.

☺Involve your children. Give them a few dollars and let them buy whatever produce they want to eat. It’s a good way to encourage them to eat more fruits and vegetables.

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Try this new delicious salad:

Farmer’s Market SaladServes 4

6 cups bite-size pieces Romaine or red leaf lettuce (rinsed)

2/3 cup cucumber, rinsed, peeled and chopped

3/4 cup chopped red onion (peel outside dry layers off, trim root and stem ends, rinse, then chop)

1/4 cup raisins

2 tablespoons sunflower seeds, toasted

2 tablespoons blue cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup nonfat French dressing

Toss lettuce, cucumber, tomato, and onion in large bowl. Sprinkle with raisins, sunflower seeds and cheese. Pour dressing over salad, tossing to coat. Serve immediately.

Watts The Answer?

1. The most efficient gas furnaces today are only ________ as efficient as a geothermal system.

2. Closing air conditioning vents in unoccupied rooms may save up to ________ on your cooling costs.

3. Mulgrew Oil Company was founded in ________ .

Mail you answers in with yourenergy bill or email them to dreyhons@mvec.com.

Two winners will each receive a $10.00 credit on their energy bills.

Name:

__________________________Address:

__________________________

__________________________

June winners:

Penny & Chuck Medinger,Bellevue

John Cusic, Worthington

KCRG’s “OUR TOWN” will showcase Anamosa and Dubuque this

July! Watch for special stories and highlights from your area.

Anamosa the week of July 10th

Dubuque the week of July 24th

Sponsored by

Maquoketa Valley Electric Cooperative would like to remind you that when people attach signs to utility poles to advertise garage sales, graduations, etc., it could create a serious hazard for our line personnel.

These signs often leave nails and staples that pose dangers for our line crew who need to climb those poles. Sharp objects can also puncture their protective gear. When the goal is to restore power as quickly and efficiently as possible, taking time to remove objects on the poles only hinders the process. Help us stay safe when “Our Energy is Working For You!”

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Home Energy-Efficiency Improvement Tax Credit

Keep Poles Clear

Your residential geothermal heat pump installation or other energy ef-ficient home improvements may qualify for a Federal tax credit. For more information on eligibility for the Home Energy-Efficiency Im-provement Tax Credit, visit the Alliance to Save Energy web site, at www.ase.org/, then click on this link: New Energy-Efficiency Home and Vehicle Tax Credits.

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Mark Your Calendars!Maquoketa Valley Electric Cooperative

Annual Meeting

September7th.