INtouch© is published monthly for members of Franklin Rural Electric Cooperative 1560 Highway 65 • PO Box 437 • Hampton, IA 50441PHONES: 641.456.2557 or 800.750.3557 • FAX: 641.456.5183OFFICE HOURS: Mon. - Fri., 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.GENERAL MANAGER: Becky Bradburn • EDITOR: LeAnn Strother Sign up for our e-newsletter at www.franklinrec.coop

WITH MEMBERS OF FRANKLIN RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

April 2019

Online bill pay at www.franklinrec.coop

April 2019

Visit us online at www.franklinrec.coop

Like us onFacebook

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

SPARKS of news Iowa’s electric cooperatives have

a long history of supporting energy efficiency; in fact, we’ve been offering cost-effective energy efficiency programs since the late 1980s. These programs include rebates and incentives for energy-efficient products, such as EN-ERGY STAR® appliances, water heaters, LED lighting, and heating and cool-ing systems. Franklin REC also offers programs to reduce electric demand, like our residential, agricultural, and commercial rebates and incentives. (See back for articles on two examples.)

Franklin REC works with other co-operatives to develop and deliver energy efficiency programs more effectively and at a lower cost than FREC could alone. Working with other cooperatives, we carefully assess the costs and benefits of each program to determine what to offer our members.

In addition, your electric coopera-tive continues to upgrade facilities to

maximize effi-ciency, including more efficient transformers and upgrades to substations. Generating, transmitting, and distribut-ing electricity more efficiently helps Franklin REC manage costs more effectively, ultimately resulting in lower utility bills for our members.

In 2017 Franklin REC’s investment in energy efficiency was $49,772, which equaled $0.00081 per kWh sold. The average residential member uses 1,650 kWhs/month, so an average of ap-proximately $1.35 goes toward energy efficiency per member each month.

If you have questions and would like to learn more about energy efficien-cy, please contact us at 641-456-2557.

Franklin REC supports energy efficiency

On February 9, 2018, a bill was passed and signed by President Trump reinstating geothermal heat pump tax credits retroactive to January 1, 2017; previously, the credits had been left to expire in 2016.

The bill also extended the credits to December 31, 2021. Homeowners who bought a geothermal heating, cooling, and hot water system between January 1, 2017, and the present still qualify for a 30 percent tax credit.

To save the most on installation, homeowners will want to act fast. The credit is set to decrease each year, dropping to 26 percent in 2020 and 22 percent in 2021. Contact your tax advisor or visit www.energy.gov/savings/residential-renewable-energy-tax-credit to learn more about the federal tax credit.

Franklin REC also offers rebates and incentives on geothermal systems. Please contact FREC at 641-456-2557 or 800-750-3557 for more information on how to save on geothermal installation.

Geothermal tax credit available Franklin REC SpotlightOur spotlight this month is on

director Marvin Janssen, who has been a member of Franklin REC since 1967 and a director since 1980. He holds a Credentialed Cooperative Director Cer-tificate and Board Leadership Certificate from National Rural Electric Coopera-tive Association (NRECA).

Marvin was employed at Franklin REC for 10 years as a lineman, leaving in 1967 to farm and work as an elec-trician. Much has changed since his years as a lineman, especially the equipment that linemen work with. “There have been many improvements in safety. Back then, for instance, we didn’t have bucket trucks, and we climbed poles all the time,” he says.

Marvin and his wife, Betty, live on a farm south of Hampton where they raise corn and soybeans. They have six children, 14 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. In their free time, they travel, play cards, and attend family members’ activities; in particular, they’ve attended many basketball games through the years.

They are members of St. Peter’s United Church of Christ in Geneva, where Marv has served on several church boards. He also has been a Reeve Township trustee for 21 years.

On April 25, FREC wants to give special recognition to the administrative professionals who keep things organized and going smoothly. They are: (from left) Christy Mason, Emily Rush, Angela Drilling, and Brenda DeYounge.

Each April we recognize our line crew for their commitment,

day and night, 365 days a year, to keep the lights

on for our members, often in challenging

conditions. (See article inside for more.) On

April 8, please join us in thanking (from top) Tom

Demro, Al Fink, Brock Beadle. Chace Klein, Andrew Preston, and

Michael Monson.

Becky BradburnGeneral Manager

Marvin JanssenChad FosterMember Services

Representative

A geothermal heat pump or ground source heat pump (GSHP) is a central heating and/or cooling system that transfers heat to or from the ground. Setup costs are higher than for con-ventional systems, but the difference is usually returned in energy savings in 3 to 10 years, and even shorter lengths of time with federal, state, and utility tax credits and incentives.

Thanking Franklin REC’s

linemen!

Honoring our admin staff

This playset was installed dangerously close to underground lines.

An important reminder:Before you start those spring and

summer projects, remember that one free, easy call gets your utility lines marked AND helps protect you from injury and expense. Know what’s below. Always call 811 before you dig.

Iowa law requires that any person planning to engage in any form of excavation must notify the Iowa One Call system at 800-292-8989 or 811 at least 48 hours prior to excavating. The required 48 hours advance notice does not included Saturdays and Sundays or legal holidays. Safety First, Always!

If you currently own an older, inefficient refrigerator, freezer, or window air conditioning unit, FREC will pay you to “Pull the Plug” on that unit and recycle it to a certified recycling agency or landfill. • FREC will rebate up to $50 for the appliance being re-

cycled. That includes: $25 for the appliance being recycled; it must be in operable condition when recycled. The rebate also includes $25 for the removal/recycling expense the member paid to the recycling agency or landfill they deliv-ered the appliance to or the vendor/recycling agency that might have picked it up. (We will need a dated copy of a receipt and “intent to properly dispose or recycle” given to the customer by the vendor, recycling agency or landfill for this $25 to be given.)

• This is for refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners only.• It is also only for appliances on lines served by the REC.• The rebate is limited to three appliances per member per

year. The rebate will be applied as a bill credit. Members can contact the Franklin REC office for a form.

PROGRAM UPDATE: Recycling old appliances

Board room highlights Franklin REC’s board of

directors recently: • Approved repairing the restroom

plumbing and making other improvements in the office,

• Approved replacing the inventory racking in the warehouse,

• Approved replacing four used computers with three new computers,

• Reviewed the First Call service options available to members,

• Approved nominating Dale Schaefer for another term on the Corn Belt Power Cooperative board.

Water heater warranty clarification

Please note: The lifetime warranty on Marathon water heaters applies for the original owner only.

Grain bin requirements

When you start to plan for a new grain bin, please contact your electric cooperative. We will provide assistance in planning for a safe environment for everyone working and living around grain bins. The State of Iowa requires specific clearances for electric lines around grain bins, with different standards for those filled by portable and permanent augers, conveyors and elevators.

The drawings at the right show the specific clearances required for both scenarios. If you have any questions concerning the drawings, please contact your cooperative:

According to the Iowa Electric Safety Code found in Iowa Administra-tive Code Chapter 199 -- 25.2(3) b. An electric utility may refuse to provide electric service to any grain bin built near an exist-ing electric line which does not provide the clearances required by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)C2-2017 “Na-tional Electrical Safety Code,” Rule 234F. This paragraph “b” shall apply only to grain bins loaded by portable augers, conveyors or elevators and built after September 9, 1992, or to grain bins loaded by perma-nently installed augers, conveyors, or elevator systems installed after December 24, 1997. (The Iowa Utilities Board has adopted this language.)

Disclaimer: These drawings are provided as part of Iowa electric cooperatives’ annual public information campaign and are based on the 2017 Edition of the National Electrical Safety Code. To view the actual drawings refer to that publication. Every care has been taken for the correctness of the contents of these drawings. However, the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives and its member cooperatives accept no liability whatsoever for omissions or errors, technical inaccuracies, typographical mistakes or for damages of any kind arising from the use of the contents of these drawings, whether textual or graphical.

In response to actions by the Iowa General Assembly, your REC has established RECare, a program of members helping members.

RECare will provide funds to be distributed by local community action agencies to help pay winter heating bills and to assist in weath-erization of homes of low-income consumers. You may make a one-time contribution or a monthly pledge that will be automatically added onto your monthly electric bill. Even a dollar a month pledge will help others.

RECare Authorization Form• I will contribute $_______ per month. I understand this amount will be automatically added to my

monthly electric bill.

• I will make a one-time contribution of $_________ to RECare. My check is enclosed.

Name _______________________________________________

Address _____________________________________________

City_________________________State____Zip_____________

Account Number_______________________________

Return to your local Touchstone Energy® Cooperative

RECare MEMBERS HELPING MEMBERS

Franklin REC

641-456-2557

800-750-3557

The commitment of a lineworker

National studies consistently rank power line installers and repairers among the most

dangerous jobs in the country. Laboring high in the air wearing heavy equip-ment and working directly with high voltage creates the perfect storm of a dangerous and unforgiving profession.

But these brave men and women are committed to safety, as well as the challenges of the job.

Your electric cooperative’s lineworkers are responsible for keeping power flowing day and night, regardless of national holidays, vacations, birthdays, weddings or other important family milestones.

Family support systemTo perform their jobs successfully,

lineworkers depend on their years of training, experience and each other to get the job done safely. Equally important is their reliance on a strong

support system at home. A lineworker’s family understands

and supports their loved one’s commitment to the greater community during severe storms and outages.

This means in times of prolonged outages, the family and their lineworker may have minimal communication and not see each other for several days. Without strong family support and understanding, this challenging job would be even more difficult.

Community commitmentIn your community and across the

country, electric co-op lineworkers’ mission-focused mentality of helping others often extends beyond their commitment to their work at the co-op.

Lineworkers are often familiar figures in the community. They can be found coaching youth sports teams, volunteering for local charities and serving on local advisory boards.

Thank youMonday, April 8 is Lineworker

Appreciation Day. Take a moment and acknowledge the many contributions they make to our local community. And thank their family members, as well.

Stay safe during planting seasonLong hours and fatigue are a constant battle for farmers during planting season. If you farm, take care of yourself by getting as much rest as possible and allowing yourself breaks to clear your head. Be especially aware of electrical hazards around the farm.

• If your machinery or vehicle comes in contact with a power line, do not get out. Staywhere you are and call 9-1-1 so the appropriate utility can de-energize the power.

• If you come across an accident or incident near a downed power line, alert individuals (from a distance) to stay in thetractor or vehicle as long as there is no imminent danger.

• When using machinery with long extensions or tall antennas and when using ladders, look up to avoid contact withoverhead power lines.

Contact us for additional electrical safety information.

Grain bin requirements

When you start to plan for a new grain bin, please contact your electric cooperative. We will provide assistance in planning for a safe environment for everyone working and living around grain bins. The State of Iowa requires specific clearances for electric lines around grain bins, with different standards for those filled by portable and permanent augers, conveyors and elevators.

The drawings at the right show the specific clearances required for both scenarios. If you have any questions concerning the drawings, please contact your cooperative:

According to the Iowa Electric Safety Code found in Iowa Administra-tive Code Chapter 199 -- 25.2(3) b. An electric utility may refuse to provide electric service to any grain bin built near an exist-ing electric line which does not provide the clearances required by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)C2-2017 “Na-tional Electrical Safety Code,” Rule 234F. This paragraph “b” shall apply only to grain bins loaded by portable augers, conveyors or elevators and built after September 9, 1992, or to grain bins loaded by perma-nently installed augers, conveyors, or elevator systems installed after December 24, 1997. (The Iowa Utilities Board has adopted this language.)

Disclaimer: These drawings are provided as part of Iowa electric cooperatives’ annual public information campaign and are based on the 2017 Edition of the National Electrical Safety Code. To view the actual drawings refer to that publication. Every care has been taken for the correctness of the contents of these drawings. However, the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives and its member cooperatives accept no liability whatsoever for omissions or errors, technical inaccuracies, typographical mistakes or for damages of any kind arising from the use of the contents of these drawings, whether textual or graphical.

In response to actions by the Iowa General Assembly, your REC has established RECare, a program of members helping members.

RECare will provide funds to be distributed by local community action agencies to help pay winter heating bills and to assist in weath-erization of homes of low-income consumers. You may make a one-time contribution or a monthly pledge that will be automatically added onto your monthly electric bill. Even a dollar a month pledge will help others.

RECare Authorization Form• I will contribute $_______ per month. I understand this amount will be automatically added to my

monthly electric bill.

• I will make a one-time contribution of $_________ to RECare. My check is enclosed.

Name _______________________________________________

Address _____________________________________________

City_________________________State____Zip_____________

Account Number_______________________________

Return to your local Touchstone Energy® Cooperative

RECare MEMBERS HELPING MEMBERS

Franklin REC

641-456-2557

800-750-3557

The commitment of a lineworker

National studies consistently rank power line installers and repairers among the most

dangerous jobs in the country. Laboring high in the air wearing heavy equip-ment and working directly with high voltage creates the perfect storm of a dangerous and unforgiving profession.

But these brave men and women are committed to safety, as well as the challenges of the job.

Your electric cooperative’s lineworkers are responsible for keeping power flowing day and night, regardless of national holidays, vacations, birthdays, weddings or other important family milestones.

Family support systemTo perform their jobs successfully,

lineworkers depend on their years of training, experience and each other to get the job done safely. Equally important is their reliance on a strong

support system at home. A lineworker’s family understands

and supports their loved one’s commitment to the greater community during severe storms and outages.

This means in times of prolonged outages, the family and their lineworker may have minimal communication and not see each other for several days. Without strong family support and understanding, this challenging job would be even more difficult.

Community commitmentIn your community and across the

country, electric co-op lineworkers’ mission-focused mentality of helping others often extends beyond their commitment to their work at the co-op.

Lineworkers are often familiar figures in the community. They can be found coaching youth sports teams, volunteering for local charities and serving on local advisory boards.

Thank youMonday, April 8 is Lineworker

Appreciation Day. Take a moment and acknowledge the many contributions they make to our local community. And thank their family members, as well.

Stay safe during planting seasonLong hours and fatigue are a constant battle for farmers during planting season. If you farm, take care of yourself by getting as much rest as possible and allowing yourself breaks to clear your head. Be especially aware of electrical hazards around the farm.

• If your machinery or vehicle comes in contact with a power line, do not get out. Staywhere you are and call 9-1-1 so the appropriate utility can de-energize the power.

• If you come across an accident or incident near a downed power line, alert individuals (from a distance) to stay in thetractor or vehicle as long as there is no imminent danger.

• When using machinery with long extensions or tall antennas and when using ladders, look up to avoid contact withoverhead power lines.

Contact us for additional electrical safety information.

INtouch© is published monthly for members of Franklin Rural Electric Cooperative 1560 Highway 65 • PO Box 437 • Hampton, IA 50441PHONES: 641.456.2557 or 800.750.3557 • FAX: 641.456.5183OFFICE HOURS: Mon. - Fri., 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.GENERAL MANAGER: Becky Bradburn • EDITOR: LeAnn Strother Sign up for our e-newsletter at www.franklinrec.coop

WITH MEMBERS OF FRANKLIN RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

April 2019

Online bill pay at www.franklinrec.coop

April 2019

Visit us online at www.franklinrec.coop

Like us onFacebook

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

SPARKS of news Iowa’s electric cooperatives have

a long history of supporting energy efficiency; in fact, we’ve been offering cost-effective energy efficiency programs since the late 1980s. These programs include rebates and incentives for energy-efficient products, such as EN-ERGY STAR® appliances, water heaters, LED lighting, and heating and cool-ing systems. Franklin REC also offers programs to reduce electric demand, like our residential, agricultural, and commercial rebates and incentives. (See back for articles on two examples.)

Franklin REC works with other co-operatives to develop and deliver energy efficiency programs more effectively and at a lower cost than FREC could alone. Working with other cooperatives, we carefully assess the costs and benefits of each program to determine what to offer our members.

In addition, your electric coopera-tive continues to upgrade facilities to

maximize effi-ciency, including more efficient transformers and upgrades to substations. Generating, transmitting, and distribut-ing electricity more efficiently helps Franklin REC manage costs more effectively, ultimately resulting in lower utility bills for our members.

In 2017 Franklin REC’s investment in energy efficiency was $49,772, which equaled $0.00081 per kWh sold. The average residential member uses 1,650 kWhs/month, so an average of ap-proximately $1.35 goes toward energy efficiency per member each month.

If you have questions and would like to learn more about energy efficien-cy, please contact us at 641-456-2557.

Franklin REC supports energy efficiency

On February 9, 2018, a bill was passed and signed by President Trump reinstating geothermal heat pump tax credits retroactive to January 1, 2017; previously, the credits had been left to expire in 2016.

The bill also extended the credits to December 31, 2021. Homeowners who bought a geothermal heating, cooling, and hot water system between January 1, 2017, and the present still qualify for a 30 percent tax credit.

To save the most on installation, homeowners will want to act fast. The credit is set to decrease each year, dropping to 26 percent in 2020 and 22 percent in 2021. Contact your tax advisor or visit www.energy.gov/savings/residential-renewable-energy-tax-credit to learn more about the federal tax credit.

Franklin REC also offers rebates and incentives on geothermal systems. Please contact FREC at 641-456-2557 or 800-750-3557 for more information on how to save on geothermal installation.

Geothermal tax credit available Franklin REC SpotlightOur spotlight this month is on

director Marvin Janssen, who has been a member of Franklin REC since 1967 and a director since 1980. He holds a Credentialed Cooperative Director Cer-tificate and Board Leadership Certificate from National Rural Electric Coopera-tive Association (NRECA).

Marvin was employed at Franklin REC for 10 years as a lineman, leaving in 1967 to farm and work as an elec-trician. Much has changed since his years as a lineman, especially the equipment that linemen work with. “There have been many improvements in safety. Back then, for instance, we didn’t have bucket trucks, and we climbed poles all the time,” he says.

Marvin and his wife, Betty, live on a farm south of Hampton where they raise corn and soybeans. They have six children, 14 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. In their free time, they travel, play cards, and attend family members’ activities; in particular, they’ve attended many basketball games through the years.

They are members of St. Peter’s United Church of Christ in Geneva, where Marv has served on several church boards. He also has been a Reeve Township trustee for 21 years.

On April 25, FREC wants to give special recognition to the administrative professionals who keep things organized and going smoothly. They are: (from left) Christy Mason, Emily Rush, Angela Drilling, and Brenda DeYounge.

Each April we recognize our line crew for their commitment,

day and night, 365 days a year, to keep the lights

on for our members, often in challenging

conditions. (See article inside for more.) On

April 8, please join us in thanking (from top) Tom

Demro, Al Fink, Brock Beadle. Chace Klein, Andrew Preston, and

Michael Monson.

Becky BradburnGeneral Manager

Marvin JanssenChad FosterMember Services

Representative

A geothermal heat pump or ground source heat pump (GSHP) is a central heating and/or cooling system that transfers heat to or from the ground. Setup costs are higher than for con-ventional systems, but the difference is usually returned in energy savings in 3 to 10 years, and even shorter lengths of time with federal, state, and utility tax credits and incentives.

Thanking Franklin REC’s

linemen!

Honoring our admin staff

This playset was installed dangerously close to underground lines.

An important reminder:Before you start those spring and

summer projects, remember that one free, easy call gets your utility lines marked AND helps protect you from injury and expense. Know what’s below. Always call 811 before you dig.

Iowa law requires that any person planning to engage in any form of excavation must notify the Iowa One Call system at 800-292-8989 or 811 at least 48 hours prior to excavating. The required 48 hours advance notice does not included Saturdays and Sundays or legal holidays. Safety First, Always!

If you currently own an older, inefficient refrigerator, freezer, or window air conditioning unit, FREC will pay you to “Pull the Plug” on that unit and recycle it to a certified recycling agency or landfill. • FREC will rebate up to $50 for the appliance being re-

cycled. That includes: $25 for the appliance being recycled; it must be in operable condition when recycled. The rebate also includes $25 for the removal/recycling expense the member paid to the recycling agency or landfill they deliv-ered the appliance to or the vendor/recycling agency that might have picked it up. (We will need a dated copy of a receipt and “intent to properly dispose or recycle” given to the customer by the vendor, recycling agency or landfill for this $25 to be given.)

• This is for refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners only.• It is also only for appliances on lines served by the REC.• The rebate is limited to three appliances per member per

year. The rebate will be applied as a bill credit. Members can contact the Franklin REC office for a form.

PROGRAM UPDATE: Recycling old appliances

Board room highlights Franklin REC’s board of

directors recently: • Approved repairing the restroom

plumbing and making other improvements in the office,

• Approved replacing the inventory racking in the warehouse,

• Approved replacing four used computers with three new computers,

• Reviewed the First Call service options available to members,

• Approved nominating Dale Schaefer for another term on the Corn Belt Power Cooperative board.

Water heater warranty clarification

Please note: The lifetime warranty on Marathon water heaters applies for the original owner only.