InsIde thIs Issue

Save with LED Lighting. ...............2Cooperative Cash Back..................3Changes in Tree Clearing......................4From the Manager.................................5Unclaimed $$ Help Schools............6Cranberry Upside Down Cake............7High Speed this Holiday....................8

Keeping energy affordable over 75 years. That’s the power of your electric co-op membership.

the(USPS 711-080)

Monthly Publication of Mille Lacs Energy Cooperative Volume 46, Number 12 - December 2015Outlet

May your Days be Merry and Bright

Happy Holidays from the board of directors and employees of Mille Lacs Energy Cooperative

“like” MLEC’s Facebook page during the month of

December and we’ll donate $1 to Operation Christmas

2

This newsletter is the voice of your tax and interest paying RURAL ELECTRIC

COOPERATIVE, an organization which was formed to supply you with low-cost,

dependable electricity when other sources failed to do so.

EditorChris Perrine

Assistant EditorJan Moriarty

927-2191 or 800/450-2191

Your cooperative’s directors and employees are available to answer your questions or

hear your concerns.

PresidentHarold Harms 320/684-9955

hharms@ mlecmn.com

Vice PresidentDon Appel

218/927-4134dappel@mlecmn.com

Secretary/TreasurerBarbara Welty320/692-4800

bwelty@mlecmn.com

Assistant Secretary/Treasurer Aileen R. DeMenge

218/768-4900ademenge@mlecmn.com

Other DirectorsBill Bernard

218/678-3911bbernard@mlecmn.com

Bruce Robinson218/845-2736

brobinson@mlecmn.com

Michael Reem218/678-2961

mreem@mlecmn.com

General ManagerJay Porter

218/927-8224jporter@mlecmn.com

NOTICE TO POSTMASTERAddress All subscription

correspondence and form 3579 to: THE MILLE LACS

ENERGY OUTLET(USPS 711-080)

P.O. Box 230Aitkin, Minnesota 56431

Published monthly by Mille Lacs Energy

CooperativeP.O. Box 230

Aitkin, Minnesota 56431Office of Publication

Aitkin, Minnesota 56431Periodicals Postage Paid

at Aitkin, Minnesota 56431Additional Entry at

Isle, Minnesota 56342Subscription Rates

Members-50 cents per year

The Outlet December 2015

Switching to LED holiday lighting will not only lessen energy demand and costs, but also reduce the number of broken light strings in the landfills and limit maintenance expenses and hassles.

You can save even more money this holiday season - put your lights on a timer!

Happy holiday decorating!

The Sunrise Sertomans invite you to go green and recycle your non-working Christmas lights and extension cords.

With the help of Crow Wing County Land Service the club will recycle the lights and cords through Kenwood Enterprises with 100% of the funds raised going back into the counties.

Mille Lacs Energy Cooperative is the drop-off place in Aitkin.

Bring your Christmas lights and cords to MLEC recycling!

“Tis The season! Holiday decorating is upon us. When you ‘re putting up your lights remember to ask yourself: are they LED or incandescent? Here are some things to think about if you are considering changing your holiday decorations to LED.

More Efficient:LED holiday lights use up to 75% less energy than conventional incandescent light strands. For example, the amount of electricity consumed by just one 7-watt incandescent bulb could power enough to light two 24-foot LED strings.

Longer Lasting:Can last up to 10 times longer than traditional incandescent strands.

Safer:LED lights virtually produce almost no heat and don't have the same components that cause traditional lights to break or combust.

Sturdier:These bulbs won't break. In fact the casing for the diode is solid plastic so they’re almost impossible to break.

The LED’s are more expensive to purchase then traditional incandescent holiday lights, but they are less costly to run and have a longer lifespan.

If all decorative light strings sold in the United States this year were ENERGY STAR certified, the energy cost savings would grow to about $560 million each year and we would prevent nearly 7 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions annually - equal to those from nearly 660,000 vehicles!

3

Questions? Call Jana or Jeff at 429-0432 or 888-433-4279

Space HeaterSYou’ve heard the sales pitch for electric space heaters - do they really save on your heating bill? We want you to know the costs before you plug one in.

1500 Watt heaters use 1.5 kWh/hour One hour = approximately 17¢ Eight hours/day for 30 days = $40.80 (360 kWhs) 24 hours/day for 30 days = $122.40 (1080 kWhs)

1000 Watt heaters use 1 kWh/hour One hour = approximately 11¢ Eight hours/day for 30 days = $26.40 (240 kWhs) 24 hours/day for 30 days = $79.20 (720 kWh)

Each year profits (margins over and above our operating costs) are allocated to our members accounts in relation to the amount of electricity they use.

Capital credits represent the ownership MLEC members have in the business.

These funds (capital credits) are retained for use as equity for a number of years and then refunded.

The MLEC Board of Directors set a goal to rotate (pay out) capital credits on a 20 year cycle. We’re on track with this goal.

HOW DO CAPITAL CREDITS WORK?

When dealing with a business or a service, how many times do you get part of the profit? At MLEC, you do because you’re an owner.

In December, MLEC will distribute capital credit refunds totaling $669,000.

The refunds are based on electric accounts that were active with the Cooperative in1995,1996 and 1997.

If your account is still active, you will see the refund on your December electric bill. If not, you will receive a check.

The 2015 payment brings the total dollars refunded by your Cooperative through the years to almost $14.7 million.

Just another example of the Cooperative difference.

an advantageof membershipin Mille Lacs Energy Cooperative

Capital Credits

The Outlet December 2015

Our offices will be closed on Thursday, December 24,

Friday, December 25, and Friday, January 1 for

the Holidays

The Outlet December 2015 4

From The Board Room

Third Quarter Mille Lacs Energy Cooperative Comparative Operating Statement

for the Quarter Ending September 30, 2014& Quarter Ending September 30, 2015

Balance at End of 3rd Qtr. 2014 2015 1. Operating Revenue $18,849,469 $17,836,863 2. Cost of Purchased Power $11,664,838 $11,123,058 3. Distribution Exp.-Operations 801,904 840,574 4. Distribution Exp.-Maintenance 1,049,045 1,209,095 5. Consumer Accounts Expense 657,991 621,773 6. Customer Service & Inf. Expense 416,617 421,760 7. Admin. & General Expense 1,184,121 1,155,671 8. Total Operation & Maint. Exp. $15,774,516 $ 15,371,931 (lines 2 through 7) 9. Depreciation 1,223,841 1,252,536 10. Tax Expense 1,310 1,31011. Interest on Long Term Debt 859,948 804,068 12. Interest Expense-Other 263 26513. Other Deductions 1,035 701 14. Total Cost of Electric Service $17,860,913 $17,430,811 (lines 8 through 13)15. Operating Margins $ 988,556 $ 406,053 (line 1 minus line 14)16. Non-Operating Margins-Interest 282,913 247,44517. Non-Operating Margins-Other 59,019 249,64718.G & T Capital Credits 1,041 -0-19. Other Capital Credits 88,138 77,582 20. Patronage Capital or Margins $ 1,419,667 $ 772,762 (lines 15 through 19)

Upcoming Right-of-Way Our mechanical brush mower and tree cutting crews are working in Bay Lake, Glen and Hazelton townships.

Tree cutting crews will also be working on priority areas throughout the system. You can find the Power Line Right-of-Way Tree Clearing Form at www.mlecmn.net under Quick Links, then Forms; or by calling our Operations Team at 218-429-0435 or 888-724-9798.

please note

In the past we’ve allowed certain trees to remain within the right-of-way. This process has changed and will now include clearing all trees (regardless of species) and brush under our power lines within the limits of our right-of-way.

Why the change? To ensure the safety and reliability of our electric system, to maintain compliance with the National Electric Safety Code (NESC) safety standards and Mille Lacs Energy Cooperative’s board-approved policies.

The regular meeting of the board was held at the cooperative’s office in Aitkin on Oct. 16, 2015 at 9:00 a.m. with all directors present. Routine business included approval of September minutes, approval of manager and director’s expense vouchers and team activity reports. Routine reports included an update on general manager’s activities since last month, the monthly financial report, monthly team reports, the monthly safety meeting and accident and mileage report, employee utilization, MREA board report and the GRE (Great River Energy) board report.

In other action, the board: -Approved work orders for August. -Approved recommended write offs for the month. -Annual Technology Plan Update. -Approved Inside Union contract. -Reviewed policies: 902 – Energy Theft and Vandalism, 101 – Functions of the Board of Directors, 102 – Delegation of Authority to the General Manager, 401 – Collection Procedures and 501 – Application for Membership and/or Electric Service. -Approved distribution of unclaimed capital credit checks to seven local schools adding Isle school district. -Confirmed regular board meeting dates as November 20th and December 18th, 2015 and January 15, 2016. The next meeting is scheduled for November 20th at 1 pm following the Strategic Planning Session.

We recommend that you read your meter(s) occasionally

to verify the reading(s) that show on your billing

statement.

Have you read your meter lately?

5

Jay PorterGeneral Manager

Jay Porter MLEC - Owned by those we serve

The Outlet December 2015

Be prepared for winter storms

When winter temperatures drop and storms hit, it can be challenging to stay safe and warm. Winter storm severity varies depending on where you live, but nearly all Americans are affected by extreme winter storms at some point. We care about your safety, and we want you to be prepared.

Heavy snow and ice can lead to downed power lines, leaving our members without power. During extremely low temperatures, this can be dangerous. During a power outage, our crews will continue to work as quickly and safely as possible to restore power, but there are a few things you can do to prepare yourself.

Stay warm – Plan to use a safe alternate heating source, such as a fireplace or wood-burning stove during a power outage. These are great options to keep you and your loved ones warm, but exercise caution when using, and never leave the heating source unattended. If you are using gasoline, propane or natural gas-burning devices to stay warm - never use them indoors. Remember that fuel and wood-burning sources of heat should always be properly ventilated. Always read the manufacturer’s directions before using.

Stay fed – The CDC recommends having several days’ supply of food handy that does not need to be cooked. Crackers, cereal, canned goods and bread are good options. Five gallons of water per person should also be available in the event of an extended power outage.

Stay safe – When an outage occurs, it usually means power lines are down. It is best not to travel during winter storms, but if you must, bring a survival kit along, and do not travel alone. If you encounter downed lines, always assume they are live. Stay as far away from the downed lines as possible, and report

the situation by calling 218-927-2191 or 800-450-2191.

Winter weather can be unpredictable and dangerous, and planning ahead can often be the difference between life and death. Mille Lacs Energy Cooperative is ready for what Mother Nature has in store, and we want you to be ready, too. For more winter safety tips, visit www.mlecmn.net/content/safety, OR www.ready.gov/winter-weather.

mille lacs Donates to local schools

Each year your cooperative donates all unclaimed capital credit checks to the schools in our service area. This year that total was $14,328.80. Member Service Manager Chris Perrine presented a check for over $2000 to a representative from each school.

Left: Aitkin Superintendent Bernie Novak – using funds for the robotics technology elective program.

Top Right: Crosby-Ironton Elementary Principal Curt Becker - using funds to support their STEAM Program (integrated science, technology, engineering, art and math).

Center, left to right: Student Ana Berry, Chris Perrine, Student Mathew Goepfert, Isle Superintendent Dan Kapsner, Student Avery Tramm – using funds for extra programs for kids and field trips. (continued on page 7)

Bottom Right: McGregor Superintendent Paul Grams – using funds for academic incentives for students.

6The Outlet December 2015

give them something they coUlD Really Use

The gift

is FOR:Name _________________________________

Address _______________________________

_____________________________________The gift is FROM:

Name _________________________________

Address ________________________________

_____________________________________Daytime Phone ___________________________Certificate amount $ ________________________(Recipient’s gift will be applied to their MLEC account)

Any MLEC member would welcome one less bill to pay during the holiday season.

It’s easy - return the completed form with the desired gift amount to: Mille Lacs Energy Cooperative, PO Box 230, Aitkin, MN 56431

non-discrimination statement

Mille Lacs Energy Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, found online at www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter by mail to U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or email at program.intake@usda.gov.

Don’t Take the Merry Out of Your Christmas

Before your family puts up a tree or hangs the stockings this holiday season, first put safety at the top of your list. Too often the twinkling lights people see are on top of a fire truck or ambulance - the result of holiday accidents that could have been prevented.

Trees and lights are danger-prone holiday decorations. According to the United States Fire Administration, Christmas trees start an average of 260 house fires each season, resulting in more than $16 million in property damage. Another 150 house fires are sparked by holiday lights and decorative lighting, costing $8.9 million in damage. Typically, all of these fires are more severe and damaging, resulting in twice the injuries and five times the fatalities per blaze compared to average winter home fires. Unsafe practices while putting up decorations are to blame for even more injuries. Nearly 6,000 individuals visit emergency rooms each year for falls that occur. Four thousand more are treated for injuries associated with extension cords.

When it is time to deck your halls, take these precautions to ensure the safety of you, your family, and holiday guests:

TREES - Real or artificial, short or tall, Christmas trees are often the culprit for danger. Use these safety guidelines in your decorating routine: • Make sure an artificial tree is labeled “fire resistant.” Be aware that “fire resistant” does not mean “fire proof.” Exercise caution when it comes to your tree. • Make sure a live tree is fresh and green. Dry, brittle limbs and shedding needles are a breeding ground for sparks. Water a live tree regularly to prevent it from drying out. • Place any type of tree away from heat sources such as fireplaces, vents, and radiators.

LIGHTS - Festive lights give homes a magical glow both inside and out. When decorating this season, a few simple safety tips can keep your spirits bright. • Do not overload electrical outlets. Most lights are designed to connect no more than three strands. Inspect the wires periodically to make sure they are intact and not warm to the touch. • Never leave lights on overnight or when no one is home. • Only use lights that have been approved by an independent testing laboratory. • Replace any strands that show signs of damage, such as bare or frayed wires, broken bulbs, or loose connections. Faulty lights can send an electrical charge through a tree and electrocute anyone who comes in contact with a branch.

Make sure safety ranks at the top of your “to do” list this holiday season. Like the old Christmas song says, “there is no place like home for the holidays”-especially when your family is safe and your home is filled with good cheer.

- United States Fire Administration, Consumer Product Safety Commission

Holiday masHed potatoes

5 lbs potatoes1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, room temperature1⁄4 cup butter1⁄2 cup sour cream1⁄2 cup milk2 eggs1⁄4 cup onion, chopped1 teaspoon saltSalt and pepper to taste

Peel, cook and mash potatoes until all lumps are removed. Add cream cheese (in small pieces) and the butter. Beat well until cheese and butter are completely melted and mixed. Stir in sour cream. Add eggs and onion to milk and add this to the potatoes with salt and pepper. Beat until light and fluffy. Place in a greased 9-inch casserole. Refrigerate several hours or overnight. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour or until lightly rounded (puffy) on top. Serves 6-8.

Happenings

7

Watt’s Cooking?

Send uS one of your recipeS and if it’S printed in tHe outLet, we’LL credit your account $5.00!

Mail to: Deb Chute - Mille Lacs Energy, P.O. Box 230, Aitkin MN 56431or e-mail to: dchute@mlecmn.com

Thank you to Wendy Hanson of Fridley and Cove Bay on Mille Lacs Lake for sharing the following recipe.

cranBerry Upside down cake

½ cup butter2 cups white sugar, divided2 tablespoons water1 teaspoon ground cinnamon1 – 12 ounce bag fresh or frozen cranberries1 ½ cups cake flour½ teaspoon baking soda½ teaspoon salt6 tablespoons butter, softened½ cup brown sugar2 eggs1 teaspoon vanilla extract¾ cup sour cream

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Generously grease a 9 inch spring form pan. Wrap aluminum foil tightly around the outside of the bottom to prevent leaking, making sure there are no holes in the foil.

Melt the ½ cup butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in 1 ½ cups white sugar, water and cinnamon until sugar has dissolved. Bring to a boil and then add the cranberries. Stir the cranberries to coat with the sauce. Pour into the prepared pan. Sift together the flour, baking soda and salt; set aside.

In a medium bowl, beat the 6 tablespoons of butter with the remaining ½ cup white sugar and the brown sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Stir in vanilla and sour cream. Mix in the dry ingredients. Pour the batter over the cranberries in the pan. Put back in oven for about 50 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool on a rack for 10 minutes, then run a knife around the outer edge. Invert onto a serving plate and remove the spring form pan.

The Outlet December 2015

Onamia Superintendent Bert Strassburg – using funds to purchase more iPads for students.

mille lacs Donates to local schools (continued on page 7)

Minisinaakwaang Leadership Academy (East Lake) Principal Josh Mailhot - using funds to buy iPads for students.

Nay Ah Shing, Upper School – L to R: Chris Perrine Principal, Noah Johnson – using funds for field trips.

FREE INSTALLATION$50 GIFT CARD

Get

and a

look WheRe yoU can Use yoUR co-op connections caRD! Agnew Hardware Hank, Onamia, 320.532.3202 10% discount on all regular priced light bulbs, light fixtures, wiring and supplies.

Dan’s Catering Company, Onamia, 218.851.76435% discount on entired cartered event cost at time of booking.

Ripple River Gallery, Aitkin, 218.678.2575 10% off woodburnings by Bob Carls; monthly specials for cardholders.

Don’t forget the cards pharmacy discount! Find nationwide lodging and other discounts on the Co-op Connections website.

Coop Connections on Facebook to see offers and updates.

8

Regular office hours are Mon-Fri 8:00 to 4:30

24-hr phone #s are927-2191 or

800-450-2191 (toll free)

To report an outage after hours,Choose “1” in our automated

answering system.

Emergency Onlystand-by service is provided during

non-business hours.Off-peak and dual fuel system

consumers should call their electrician for service or repairs.

If digging in MN, Dial 811 for

Gopher State One Call 48 hours before you dig.

or log on to:www.gopherstateonecall.org

Then contact a licensed electrician to locate your secondary wires.

MN Electrical InspectorsPhone call hours:

7-8:30 a.m.

Aitkin County &South East Crow Wing CountyScott Nutting 218-927-6922

Northern Crow Wing CountyBrian Knox 218-543-5282

Mille Lacs CountyTim Emery 320-692-4104

mlecmn.net E-mail Support #:1-888-348-6878

Satellite Tech Support#:888-306-5501

Visit our website - www.mlecmn.net

E-mail us - mlec@mlecmn.net

The Outlet December 2015

They’ll find no joy in their Christmas toywithouthigh speed Internet

better faster high speed Internet

Data Packages up to 150 GB Up to 12 MB Download Speed

Limited time offer - Call today!429-0433 or 800-497-5310