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June 2010

THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE ROUND UP FOUNDATION AWARDS COMMUNITY GROUPS

Newark, Ohio, June, 2010: The Energy Cooperative Round Up Foundation, Inc. awarded $30,185 on June 1, 2010 to the following community groups in our service area:

Homer VFD for a thermal imaging camera
Newark Orchestra Parent Club for violins
Village of Buckeye Lake for park improvements
YMCA of Mount Vernon for capital campaign
That Place on Market in Danville for computer equipment
Individual for a processor for cochlear
Heartbeats of Licking County for retail shop equipment
Granville Athletic Booster for softball field tarp
Redskin Athletic Boosters for basketball hoop in parking lot
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) for disaster supplies and equipment

The Energy Cooperative Operation Round Up is a community service program of its member/consumers. Members “round up” their utility bills to the next dollar and that amount is donated to groups in their nine county service area who meet the funding guidelines. All funds stay in the communities served by The Energy Cooperative and since its inception, the foundation has awarded over $990,000

May 2010

NEW DIRECTORS ANNOUNCED AT THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE’S ANNUAL MEETING

Newark, Ohio, May 18, 2010 –Three Directors were elected by mail ballot to the Board and announced May 18th at the 74th Annual Meeting of Members of Licking Rural Electrification, Inc., doing business as The Energy Cooperative, held at C-TEC in Newark, OH.

Elected to the Board of Directors were incumbent Jack Schmidt, Granville, OH; Dustin Buckingham, Howard, OH; and Daniel Dupps, Heath, OH. Buckingham replaces John Horn who was defeated. Dupps replaces Richard Gummer who resigned.

Nelson Smith, Chairman of the Board, opened with the Chairman’s Report. He stated management and the Board have made positive progress over the past year and management has accomplished nearly all the goals set for them by the Board. He mentioned awards received by the cooperative in 2009 and announced that the cooperative will again sponsor Not Just for Kids Day, a fun and educational event for members, on June 13.

In his Manager’s Report, David Potter, President & CEO, answered the most commonly asked questions that members submitted with their ballots. He explained the rising cost of electric rates due to unfunded environmental mandates to clean pollutants from plant emissions. He also explained the pass-through costs from Buckeye Power, the cooperative’s generation and transmission provider, and the losses taken by Buckeye Power in the wholesale power market, due to the tough economy in 2009. Potter also noted that in order to keep cooperative members’ rates as low as possible the cooperative reduced expenses by $500,000 and reduced the capital budget by 5 percent.

Potter explained the cooperative’s Patronage Capital situation, which according to the Code of Regulations, states that the paying out of capital must not harm the financial condition of the cooperative. Currently the cooperative has a negative equity of 10 percent, therefore it cannot retire Patronage Capital. However, the cooperative does continue to allocate capital each year to its members and pay Patronage Capital to estates monthly.

Potter responded to a third question regarding the cooperative’s efforts towards renewable resources and energy conservation. He described the renewable assets held by The Energy Cooperative which include wind, hydro and bio-mass. The cooperative offers the CFL light bulb exchange program, EnviroWatts and Net-Metering for members who install wind or solar generation at their home.

Guest Speaker, Pat O’Loughlin, COO, VP, Engineering and Power Supply with Buckeye Power, said Buckeye Power and Ohio’s cooperatives are not taking for granted the need to supply reliable and economical electricity now and in the future. Buckeye Power has added generating plants and economical renewable wind, solar and bio-mass energy sources along with investing in state-of-the-art environmental controls. O’Loughlin said The Energy Cooperative’s cost to supply electricity has increased as a result of the investments made to meet future electric needs. O’Loughlin also said that proposed government policies will have a tremendous impact on all electric utilities’ ability to meet consumer’s energy needs in an affordable way. Cooperative members can help, O’Loughlin said, by staying informed and expressing their concerns to their Congressional representatives.

Also speaking were Board Secretary/Treasurer, John Klauder, who gave the Treasurer’s Report; Jay Barker, Chairman of the Operation Round Up Foundation, who reported on Operation Round Up and Board Director, Jack Schmidt, to promote COPA (Co-op Owners for Political Action.)

Margy Klein, Executive Assistant, introduced the winners of the scholarship awards. Entertainment was provided by Bryan Lewis and his band.

Pictured from left to right, David Potter, President & CEO; Daniel Dupps, Director-District 4;
Dustin Buckingham, Director-District 7; Jack Schmidt, Director-District 3

TOUCHSTONE ENERGY HONORS COOPERATIVE EMPLOYEE

Kansas City, MO, May 13, 2010: The 2010 Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives Brand Champion Award was presented May 13 to Andrea Kubik, Communications Manager with The Energy Cooperative, during the annual Connect Conference in Kansas City.

The Brand Champion Award is a significant honor to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the development, growth, and success of the Touchstone Energy brand.

Andrea Kubik is a shining example of why the brand is as strong and successful as it is today,” said Jim Bausell, COO of Touchstone Energy. “This type of leadership on behalf of the Touchstone Energy brand has had an impact in their local, regional and state communities.” Kubik is responsible for organizing two popular brand-themed events for co-op members: Touchstone Energy Kids Day and Arbor Day in addition to leading Touchstone Energy and cooperative awareness seminars for cooperative members.

Touchstone Energy is a national alliance of local, consumer-owned electric cooperatives providing affordable, reliable and safe energy to customers Touchstone Energy cooperatives serve their members with integrity, accountability, innovation and commitment to community.

The Energy Cooperative, based in Newark, Ohio, is a not-for-profit energy enterprise and serves more than 58,000 electric, natural gas and propane members. The Energy Cooperative is a Touchstone Energy® Partner. For more information about The Energy Cooperative, visit www.theenergycoop.com.

THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE RECEIVES SPOTLIGHT AWARD

Kansas City, MO, May 12, 2010: The Energy Cooperative recently received recognition in the 2010 “Spotlight on Excellence” national awards program, sponsored by the Council of Rural Electric Communicators and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). The Energy Cooperative received the Award of Merit in the Best External Newsletter Category for cooperatives having over 50,000 members.

“The judges noted the emphasis on being good stewards of each cooperative’s resources, while still doing the vital job of communicating with members, especially in these difficult and challenging economic times.” said Maggie Tilley, administrator of Spotlight on Excellence.

The annual Spotlight awards competition recognizes the top-rated communication and marketing efforts by cooperatives and related organizations. Participants in the awards competition competed with cooperatives of similar sizes. Cooperative communicators and marketing professionals submitted more than 804 entries in the Spotlight on Excellence program. Faculty members from the University of Missouri – Columbia and the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill judged the entries.

The Council of Rural Electric seeks to advance the education, and professionalism of electric cooperative communicators and their affiliated organizations. It is a volunteer association working on behalf of more than 4,000 electric cooperative communicators across the United States. NRECA, the service organization representing the national interests of cooperative electric utilities, coordinates the Council’s activities.

THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS

Newark, Ohio, May 12, 2010: The Energy Cooperative awarded six college scholarships to high school seniors whose parent(s) or legal guardian(s) are members of the cooperative, receiving electric or natural gas/propane service.

High school guidance counselors in the service territory of The Energy Cooperative selected and worked with eligible students to submit nomination forms. The nomination forms were reviewed by staff from Denison University, who selected finalists to be interviewed. These finalists were personally interviewed at The Energy Cooperative’s Newark office in April and were judged on their scholastic records, personal achievement, school and community activities, poise, personality and appearance during the interview. The awards will be presented at The Energy Cooperative’s annual meeting being held on Tuesday, May 18 starting at 5:00 P.M.at C-TEC in Newark.

The winners of the $2,000 scholarships are:

Genevieve Hager of Northridge High School
Kathleen Hurley of Fairfield Union High School
Devin Hupp and Dylan Osborn both of Licking Valley High School

The runner ups received $1,000 awards:

Kara Anne Miller of Centerburg High School
Austin Boggs of Utica High School

Tamra Londot of Utica High School was selected to receive a $500 scholarship in conjunction with Touchstone Energy® Special Achievement. This scholarship was created to reward those students who have committed themselves to the pursuance of a college education despite unique personal challenges which may have befallen them.

The Energy Cooperative congratulates all students on being chosen to represent their schools and we wish them continued success. We also wish to thank the judges from Denison University for performing a long and difficult task in selecting the winners, and the school guidance counselors for their time and effort in selecting students to represent their schools.

THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE ROUND UP FOUNDATION AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS TO STUDENTS

Newark, Ohio, May 12, 2010: The Energy Cooperative Round Up Foundation, Inc. awarded eight $2,500 college scholarships to students who are graduating seniors, recently accepted to an accredited four-year college or two year technical school and whose parent(s) or legal guardian(s) are active participants in The Energy Cooperative’s Operation Round Up Program.

The Energy Cooperative Operation Round Up Foundation Scholarship Program was created to reward those students who have committed themselves to the pursuance of a college education. The scholarship rewards those students expressing the following values in their lives: Accountability, Integrity, Innovation and Community Commitment. The scholarships will be presented at The Energy Cooperative’s Annual Meeting being held on Tuesday, May 18 starting at 5:00 P.M. at C-TEC in Newark.

The recipients of the $2,500 scholarships are:

Maria Hansen, Danville High School
Rachel Lowe, Maysville High School
Audra Mauter, Newark Catholic High School
Ashley McPeek, Newark High School
Caitlynn Melick, Licking Valley High School
Kristi Swank, Clear Fork High School
Kortney Cartwright, Johnstown-Monroe High School
Donald Thomas, Tri-Valley High School

The Energy Cooperative Operation Round Up Foundation is a community service program of its member/consumers. Members “round up” their utility bills to the next dollar and that amount is donated to groups in their nine county service area who meet the funding guidelines. All funds stay in the communities served by The Energy Cooperative and since its inception, the foundation has awarded over $963,500

April 2010

THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE TO SPONSOR ARBOR DAY FESTIVAL AT THE DAWES ARBORETUM

Newark, Ohio, April 27, 2010 –The Energy Cooperative, in partnership with Touchstone Energy® will be the primary sponsor of this year’s Arbor Day Festival to be held Saturday, May 1st, from 10:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Dawes Arboretum in Newark, OH. The festival is the arboretum’s annual signature event and is held as a celebration of trees, history, and the natural world.

“This is the second time The Energy Cooperative will sponsor the Arbor Day Festival,” stated Brad Byrd, Marketing and Public Relations Director with The Energy Cooperative, “We again want to show our support of the arboretum and their mission. As an electric and gas utility, The Energy Cooperative spends over a million dollars a year in maintaining right-of-ways by trimming or removing trees. We want the public to understand that there can be a nice balance between trees and utility lines when trees are planted safely and responsibly. Safety is our number one goal at the cooperative and we feel that this event is a perfect opportunity to educate the public about safe tree planting distances from overhead and underground utility lines and the importance of calling the Ohio Utilities Protection Service at 811 before you dig. Also, when planted strategically, certain trees can act as energy savers in providing shade for the home during the summer months or blocking the home from wind during winter months.”

The Energy Cooperative will provide two electric safety demonstrations by their electric safety team using a full-scale replica of energized electric lines. The demonstration will show the hazards of power lines and will explain the importance of proper tree trimming. Natural gas safety displays, an energy efficiency wall display, a hybrid electric vehicle and the opportunity for children to dress as a lineman and have their photo taken will also be available.

A paper recycling truck will be on-hand from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. Free trees along with safe tree planting and energy efficiency information will be given away while supplies last. Various door prizes will be drawn throughout the day. This event is free to the general public.

February 2010

THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE ROUND UP FOUNDATION AWARDS COMMUNITY GROUPS

Newark, Ohio, February 2010: The Energy Cooperative Round Up Foundation, Inc. awarded $38,170 at their February 2, 2010 meeting to the following groups:

Newborns in Need for materials to make blankets and clothing for infants
Foundation for Hospice of Central Ohio to upgrade medical equipment
Hope Farm Granville, Therapeutic Riding Resources for a wheel chair ramp for mounting equine
Miller Memorial United Methodist Church for playground equipment
Marne United Methodist Church for playground equipment
STARS to purchase a laptop and supplies for home school presentations
Adams Middle School for Netbooks
Habitat for Humanity of Knox County for a guardrail system for roof safety
Center for Disability Services to install a new furnace
Johnstown Police K-9 Unit towards a new K-9 vehicle purchase

At the February Board meeting the Round Up Foundation also elected the officers for 2010. They are: Jay Barker - Chairman, Dan Hartman – Vice Chairman, Jerry Nethers – Treasurer and Jen Odenweller – Secretary.

January 2010

THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE APPOINTS OKTAVEC TO BOARD

Newark, Ohio, January 28, 2010:Rachel Oktavec, resident of Licking County, was recently appointed to the Board of Directors of The Energy Cooperative. Ms. Oktavec was among three candidates interviewed by existing Board Directors and was chosen to fill a seat vacated in December of 2009. Ms. Oktavec will represent district eight of the cooperative’s membership which includes eastern Licking County and northeastern Perry County.

Ms. Oktavec received her B.A. in Criminology from The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. She received her law degree from Capital University Law School in Columbus, Ohio and she is currently serving as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney with the Licking County Prosecutor’s Office.

Ms. Oktavec also serves on the Licking County United Way Board, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Licking County Board and The Energy Cooperative’s Operation Round Up Foundation Board. Ms. Oktavec is a member of St. Francis De Sales Parish.

THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE OFFERS SCHOLARSHIPS

Newark, Ohio, January 13, 2010: In order to carry on an education and training program that encourages Ohio's youth to further their educational opportunities, The Energy Cooperative offers a scholarship program. Scholarships are awarded to high school seniors whose parent(s) or legal guardian are members of the cooperative receiving electric or natural gas/propane services.

Each January, information is mailed to guidance counselors at the high schools in the cooperative’s service territory. The scholarships are awarded at the Annual Meeting held in May. Please check with your school guidance counselor for all the details. Application deadline is February 26, 2010.

*Members of the immediate families and persons residing in the households of Directors, Managers, and Distribution cooperative employees and OREC or affiliated organization employees are not eligible to participate.

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE - THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE ROUND UP FOUNDATION

Newark, Ohio, January 12, 2010: The Energy Cooperative Round Up Foundation, Inc. will once again offer scholarships to reward those students who have committed themselves to the pursuance of a college education. This scholarship rewards those students expressing the following values in their lives:

Accountability - The candidate demonstrates a high level of maturity through accountability for their actions.

Integrity - The candidate expresses highest standards of character.

Innovation - The candidate demonstrates innovation and determination in development of their future plans and making their goals a reality.

Community Commitment - The candidate has good citizenship traits and a record of contribution to their local community.

Applicants must be a graduating high school senior who has been accepted at an accredited four year college or two year technical school and is the son or daughter of an active Energy Cooperative Operation Round Up Foundation Program participant. Application deadline is March 5, 2010. For more information and qualification, please visit your school Guidance Counselor or visit www.theenergycoop.com/oproundup.aspx

December 2009

THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE ROUND UP FOUNDATION AWARDS COMMUNITY GROUPS

Newark, Ohio, December, 2009: The Energy Cooperative Round Up Foundation, Inc. awarded $46,426 in December of 2009 to the following community groups in our service area:

Moundbuilders Post #1060 VFW to replace two old gas furnaces to heat ballroom
Zanesville High School for two Dell laptops
West Muskingum Athletic Boosters for fire alarm system for Booster Hall
Licking County Aging Program for two HotTot convection ovens for vehicles to deliver meals
Utica Elementary School towards the update of the computer lab
St. Francis de Sales School towards the purchase of new CPU's for computer lab
Licking County Coalition for Housing for new VOIP phone system
Heath Fire Department towards the purchase of a Polaris 6x6 ATV for EMS and fire purposes

October 2009

THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE ROUND UP FOUNDATION AWARDS COMMUNITY GROUPS

Newark, Ohio, October, 2009: The Energy Cooperative Round Up Foundation, Inc. awarded $26,625 in October of 2009 to the following community groups in our service area:

Newark Township Fire Departmentfor a new computer system
The Salvation Army – Zanesville for the “Coats for Kids” program
Newark High School Mentally Handicapped classfor food mixers for the life skills program
4-H Camp Ohiofor a new furnace for the camp
Kno-Ho-Co-Ashland CACtowards an autoclave
Utica High School for a SMART board and necessary equipment
Pathways of Central Ohiotowards replacement of furnaces
Licking County Coalition of Carefor two computer workstations
Hanover Volunteer Fire Department for one new set of structural fire fighting gear
UCP of Central Ohio/Reese Adult Day Center for an awning for green space
Licking County Center for the Visually Impaired for eye exams and eyeglasses for financially disadvantaged
National Heisey Glass Museumtowards replacement of HVAC unit in Archives Room

September 2009

THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE DIRECTORS ACHIEVE CREDENTIALS IN UTILITY COMPETENCIES

Burlington, Vermont, September, 2009: Four Board Directors from The Energy Cooperative recently received the Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD) and Board Leadership (BL) certificates from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).

Achieving recognition were John Klauder - CCD, BL; John Parkinson - CCD, BL; Don Hawk - CCD and Gary Clark - CCD. The Directors were recognized at NRECA’s Region I-IV meeting held in Burlington, Vermont this fall for their commitment to education and attainment of the credentials before an audience of more than 1,500 electric cooperative officials from 14 states, including Ohio.

Today’s electric utility environment imposes new demands on electric cooperative directors, particularly increased knowledge of changes in the electric utility business, new governance skills and a working knowledge of the Cooperative Principles. The Energy Cooperative has a commitment to work through NRECA to sharpen this body of knowledge for the benefit of their electric cooperative member-owners.

The NRECA’s CCD program requires attendance and demonstrated understanding of the basic competencies contained in five core courses:

Director Duties and Liabilities
Understanding the Electric Business
Board Roles and Relationships
Strategic Planning
Financial Decision Making

The NRECA’s BL certificate recognizes individuals who continue their professional development after becoming a CCD. Directors who have attained the BL certificate have completed 10 credits in advanced, issues-oriented courses.

NRECA represents the nation’s more than 900 member-owned electric cooperatives, which provide electric service to more than 42 million people in 47 states. Represented at the meeting were electric cooperatives from: Vermont, North Carolina, Maryland, New Jersey, Delaware, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Indiana, Virginia, Ohio, Michigan, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. For more information about NRECA visit www.nreca.coop

July 2009

THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE SERVES AS STOP ON TEACHER’S ENERGY TOUR

Newark, Ohio, July, 2009 – Forty teachers from across the western half of Ohio made a stop at The Energy Cooperative’s Black Run Propane and Processing Facility as part of the 2009 Energy Sources Tour organized by the Ohio Energy Project. The tour stop was funded in part by PERC (The Propane Education & Research Council).

Employees from the cooperative discussed a number of topics with the teachers including the geological exploration of natural gas, the separation of the various “liquids” from natural gas, propane as an energy source, energy availability and sustainability, alternative energy, environmental impact, conservation and efficiency. The teachers were also provided with live displays that demonstrated the liquid and vaporous forms of propane. At the close of the two-hour session the teachers were treated to a cookout with hot dogs and brats grilled using propane.

“This tour is an excellent opportunity for me to learn about complex energy systems and take that education back to my students. The propane stop is always one of our favorites because The Energy Cooperative puts on a great presentation, especially with the liquid propane versus gas demonstrations, not to mention the brats taste great!” Gary Miller, Middletown High School, OH.

THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE ROUND UP FOUNDATION AWARDS COMMUNITY GROUPS

Newark, Ohio, July 2, 2009: The Energy Cooperative Round Up Foundation, Inc. awarded $32,763 on June 23, 2009 to the following community groups in our service area:

Community Health Clinic for security files and floor repair
National Trail Volunteer Fire Department for a Toughbook
Muskingum Respiratory Care for a lab refrigerator
East Mound Community Development to finish the Job Training room
Muskingum Valley Red Cross for a multi-media teaching package and disaster team supplies
Water’s Edge Community Center for wall pads
Granville Historical Society for building improvements
Muskingum County Agricultural Society for public address sound system for Veteran’s complex
Vision House to help establish a woman’s safe house

May 2009

THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE RECEIVES EXCELLENCE AWARD

May 29, 2009, Newark, Ohio: The Energy Cooperative recently received recognition in the 2009 “Spotlight on Excellence” national awards program, sponsored by the Council of Rural Electric Communicators and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. The Energy Cooperative received Award of Merit in the Best Application of Electronic Communication Category for their “Our Energy, Our Future”- Digital Billboard. The billboard was displayed for a month in three different locations throughout Licking County in support of the campaign to keep energy reliable and affordable for consumers.

“The judges’ descriptions of this year’s entries ranged from ‘extraordinary’ to ‘impressive,’ ” said Maggie Tilley, administrator of Spotlight on Excellence. “The consistent comment was that consumers are being well-served by communications that seek to inform and to add value for cooperative members.”

Participants in the awards competition competed with electric cooperatives of similar sizes in 19 categories. Electric cooperative communicators and marketing professionals submitted more than 744 entries in the Spotlight on Excellence program, now in its 21st year. Faculty members from the University of Missouri – Columbia and the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill judged the entries.

The Spotlight awards competition is an annual event recognizing the top-rated communication and marketing efforts by electric cooperatives and related organizations.

The Council of Rural Electric Communicators was organized in 1982, and seeks to advance the recognition, education, and professionalism of electric cooperative communicators and their affiliated organizations. It is a volunteer association working on behalf of more than 3,100 electric cooperative communicators across the United States.

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the service organization representing the national interests of cooperative electric utilities, coordinates the Council’s activities. Other national organizations supporting the work of the Council are the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation, the National Cooperative Services Corporation, the National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative, and Federated Rural Electric Insurance Exchange.

WHO’S WHO OF THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

May 28, 2009, Newark, Ohio: During the first regularly scheduled Board meeting following the Annual Meeting of The Energy Cooperative, Officers of the Board of Directors were nominated and elected by their peers to fill the following positions:

Nelson Smith, CCD, BL – Chairman

Richard Gummer, CCD – Vice Chairman

John Klauder, CCD – Secretary/Treasurer

Jack Schmidt, CCD, BL – Ohio Rural Electric Cooperative (OREC) Trustee

The Board of Directors includes:

Donald Hawk – District 1

Nelson Smith, CCD, BL – recently re-elected to District 2

Jack Schmidt, CCD, BL – District 3

Richard Gummer, CCD – District 4

John Parkinson, CCD – recently re-elected to District 5

John Klauder, CCD – District 6

John Horn, CCD – District 7

Gary Clark – District 8

Tom Graham – newly elected to District 9

* The designation of CCD (Credentialed Cooperative Director) and BL (Board Leadership Certification) is given to a Board Director after completing a series of certification classes provided by NRECA (National Rural Electric Cooperative Association).

THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE SENDS REPS TO CAPITAL HILL

Newark, Ohio, May, 2009 – Cap and tax were the buzzwords at the recent 2009 National Rural Electric Cooperative (NRECA) Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., where representatives from The Energy Cooperative, Nelson Smith (Board Chairman) Jack Schmidt (Board Director) and Brad Byrd (Marketing and PR Director) joined more than 3,000 directors, CEOs, and cooperative employees from across the nation on Capitol Hill to communicate concerns about proposed climate change legislation.

For two intense days, cooperative representatives met with Congressmen, Steve Austria (R – Ohio 7th District), John Boccieri (D-Ohio 16th District), Jim Jordan (R-Ohio, 4th District), Zach Space (D-Ohio 18th District) and Pat Tiberi (R-Ohio 12th District) with the main objective to ensure that electricity remains reliable and affordable for members of The Energy Cooperative. The meetings also included discussions on renewable energy standards, energy efficiency resource standards, and rural utility service.

In almost every case, the visits yielded positive comments and promises to either oppose the legislation or find ways to protect electric cooperative consumers. While meeting with Rep. Zach Space he was quoted as, “The last thing we need is additional burden on consumers and manufacturers. We need to deal with climate change but rationally, reasonably, and responsibly.”

He added, “I was at the White House today, talking to President Obama about (the climate change bill), and he is aware of our concern. He is committed to making the legislation palatable to Ohioans. I can only vote for it if the burdens and benefits are evenly distributed around the country.”

Cooperatives across the country believe that putting a price on Carbon Dioxide (CO2) may cause electricity prices to rise beyond the reach of many Americans. This will happen if Congress passes the wrong bill or if the EPA regulates CO2 emissions under the Clean Air Act. CO2 regulation by the EPA could cause a serious mess. Congress must stand with main street, not Wall Street. Congress must develop a simple, affordable, flexible and effective solution.

Over 200 cooperatives urged all members of Congress to:

Oppose auctioning of allowances in the electricity sector.
Give allowances to retail electric utilities, based upon CO2 emissions associated with the production of electricity sold by the retail utility.
Set CO2 caps consistent with the commercial availability of technology.
Do not allow Wall Street speculators to set electricity rates by treating CO2 allowances as just another money-making commodity.
Support an “economic safety valve” that limits CO2 allowance prices.

They found members of Congress and their aides in a receptive mood. The message of preserving electricity’s affordability and reliability resonated in Congressional offices at a time when supporters of the Henry Waxman-Edward Markey “American Clean Energy and Security Act” were trying to move the draft legislation out of the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee. The discussion draft of the bill includes provisions for capping greenhouse gas emissions and selling allowances at auction and mandates for renewable energy and energy efficiency.

The NRECA opposes auctioning allowances for the electricity sector. The rate impact cap and trade could have on the bills is feared to be great in regions with reliance on coal based generation. A recent analysis by NRECA showed that a $50-per-metric ton price tag on carbon dioxide (CO2) allowances would cause bills to increase more than 52 percent a month for the average electric cooperative residential consumer in Ohio.

The Energy Cooperative, along with hundreds of other cooperatives across the country will continue to urge Congress to keep the economic future of electric consumers in the forefront of their decision making process. The Energy Cooperative provides the members of the cooperative the opportunity to stay involved with legislative issues through the COPA program (Co-op Owners for Political Action) and the grassroots campaign “Our Energy, Our Future.”

THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE HOLDS ANNUAL MEETING - DIRECTORS ELECTED

Newark, Ohio, May, 2009: Three directors were elected by mail ballot to the board and announced May 18 at the 73rd annual meeting of members of Licking Rural Electrification, Inc., doing business as The Energy Cooperative, held at C-TEC in Newark, OH.

Elected to the board of directors are, from left, John Parkinson, Utica, OH; Tom Graham, Frazeysburg, OH; and Nelson Smith, Utica, OH. Graham replaces Charles Baird who retired.

Members approved two amendments to the Code of Regulations. One was related to electronic balloting and the other provides for directors to attend and participate in board meetings by communication equipment or to conduct meetings by electronic means.

In his manager’s report, Dave Potter, president and CEO, answered the most commonly asked questions that members submitted with their ballots. He presented information on the gas cost recovery rate and explained its components: the cost of natural gas at the wellhead, the cost of transporting gas from wellhead to the service territory, and any over/under recovery of gas costs from previous months.

Potter said the GCR is $0.79 today, which is competitive with other suppliers. He noted that staff has worked to reduce transportation costs, which has resulted in a savings of over $2 million.

Potter said energy prices in the electric sector continue to rise because of lack of resources, environmental regulation, speculation by marketers and lack of diversity of supplies. Some of these costs are within the control of Congress and, because politicians respond to pressure from their constituents, a Political Action Network (PAC) has been established, he said. Cooperative members can contact their congressmen about issues that affect the cooperative, service and rates by joining Co-op Owners for Political Action or COPA, Potter said.

Nelson Smith, chairman, said management has accomplished nearly all the goals set for them by the board. He noted that the cooperative will again sponsor Kids Day, a fun and educational event, on June 28. He said September brought the completion of the FEMA-funded ice storm repairs with FEMA providing $10.5 million of the $16 million needed.

Bob Daniel, vice president, finance, Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives, Inc. (OREC), said that while the poor economy has caused cooperative members to cut back their expenses,

It also has caused electric cooperatives to look closely at expenses and seek new operating efficiencies. Daniel said that in spite of this, electric costs are inching up due to a continuing onslaught of environmental regulations and the costs of fuel.

Daniel said the Obama Administration’s intention to control carbon emissions will cause increases in electric bills. He said moderate regulation in the form of a carbon tax could raise monthly bills by $10 initially, then grow over time. If the Administrations’s actions are extreme and we get a cap and trade scheme, it could mean $50 or more a month, he said.

Cooperative members can help, Daniel said, by staying informed and expressing their opinions to their Congressional representatives.

Also speaking were John Klauder, who gave the treasurer’s report, and Rachel Oktavec, who reported on Operation RoundUp.

Margy Klein, executive assistant, introduced the winners of the scholarship awards.

Entertainment was provided by Dave Landis, who impersonated Sen. George W. Norris, the senator credited with creation of the Tennessee Valley Authority, a forerunner of rural electrification.

April 2009

THE ENERGY COOPERATIVE SPONSORS ARBOR DAY FESTIVAL

Newark, Ohio, April 25, 2009 –The Energy Cooperative, in partnership with Touchstone Energy®, was the primary sponsor of this year’s Arbor Day Festival held Saturday, April 25th at The Dawes Arboretum in Newark, Ohio. The annual festival was the arboretum’s signature event and was held as a celebration of trees, history, and the natural world.

The festival was held from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on a sunny 85 degree spring day which helped to bring in over 3,500 people. Twenty-five volunteers from The Energy Cooperative staffed three separate areas, set up on the arboretum grounds, to promote safety, energy efficiency and conservation.

Five hundred free trees were handed out along with literature explaining safe tree planting. “The Energy Cooperative chose to sponsor this event for a number of reasons,” stated Brad Byrd, Marketing and Public Relations Director with The Energy Cooperative, “Safety is our number one goal at the cooperative and we felt that this event was a perfect opportunity to educate the public about safe tree planting distances from overhead and underground power lines and the importance of calling the Ohio Utilities Protection Service at 811 before you dig. Also, when planted strategically, certain trees can act as energy savers in providing shade for the home during the summer months or blocking the home from wind during winter months.”

The Energy Cooperative held two electric safety demonstrations put on by their electric safety team, using a full-scale replica of energized electric lines. The team showed the hazards of power lines, explained the importance of proper tree trimming, the cause of power outages and why it is necessary for the cooperative to maintain right-of-ways. The Plug-in 1hybrid electric vehicle and two service trucks fueled by propane were on display.

The cooperative sponsored a Shred-It recycling truck where nearly 2,500 pounds of paper were collected on site and shredded. The cooperative also campaigned for Our Energy, Our Future and collected 227 signatures.

PROPANE FIRE TRAINING TEAM RECEIVES AWARD

Newark, Ohio, April 1, 2009 – Congratulations to The Energy Cooperative’s Propane Fire Training Team who was awarded The Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives 2008 Power and Hope Award. Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives developed the Power & Hope Employee Recognition Program to honor cooperative employees who have gone the extra mile to help those in need.

The Propane Fire Training Team, consisting of The Energy Cooperative employees, Bob Herron, Mike Sharkey, Marc Henderson, Scott Campbell, Steve Reynolds, Jerry Lamb, and Brian McKnight, have spent numerous hours over the past 5 years to educate over 1,000 Emergency First Responders (EFRs) across the state of Ohio in the proper handling of propane related fires.

With the assistance of local fire instructors, the team has provided both classroom and hands-on “live burn” training for EFRs. EFRs have been educated in the various equipment used by the propane industry, proper approach and spray patterns for protection during a blaze, and how to successfully turn off the source of the gas. Funding for the training has been provided by the Ohio Propane Gas Association and propane used during the training sessions has been provided in part by The Energy Cooperative.

“We want everyone to return home safe and this type of training is a realistic means to increase the confidence and safety of EFRs when dealing with a fire that starts within a structure, a vehicle, or an outdoor area near a device containing propane, and then threatens or reaches the propane container. We need to educate and protect our heroes so they can protect the public and our investments,” said Bob Herron, Propane Operations Manager with The Energy Cooperative.

The Propane Fire Training Team is slated to provide training to 150 more EFRs starting in April and will continue to schedule more sessions throughout the summer.