News Releases

June 2008

Operation Round Up Awards

In June of 2008 The Energy Cooperative Round Up Foundation, Inc. awarded $30,700 to the following community groups in our service area:

• Hebron Fire Department toward the purchase of a Bullard Thermal Imager
• The Jacksontown Outreach center toward the purchase of shelving units and shopping carts for the food pantry
• The Village of Johnstown toward upgrading playground equipment at Hannah’s Park
• The Utica Volunteer Fire Department for the purchase of Stortz Adapters
• The Sonshine School (Granville) toward the purchase of a rubberized playground
• The Center for Disability Services to purchase a new HVAC unit.

Kids Day Event Held at The Works

Newark, Ohio – The Energy Cooperative hosted its third annual Kids Day event at The Works in downtown Newark on Sunday the 22nd of June. The event was held by the Cooperative to show appreciation to its members/owners.

Over 1600 members of The Energy Cooperative attended and enjoyed a day full of live music by Frosty Morning, pony rides, crafts, face painting, bouncies, magic shows with Dave Lehman, puppets shows, hot dogs, snow cones, popcorn, a health clinic provided by Licking Memorial Health Systems, and free admission to The Works, a local showcase for history, art and technology.

Attendees were also able to witness the debut of the Electrical Safety Demonstration. The demonstration was put on by team members of the Line Department from The Energy Cooperative Electric Division. The demonstration involved a full scale replica of overhead power lines and showed hazards and necessary safety precautions when dealing with live power lines.

Numerous goodies and tee-shirts were given to the children and door prizes were raffled off throughout the day including gift cards and 6 new bicycles.

May 2008

Board of Director Election Results

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 – Ohio Rural Electric Cooperative (OREC) Trustee

The Board of Directors includes: 

Donald Hawk - recently re-elected to District 1

Nelson Smith, CCD, BL – District 2

Jack Schmidt, CCD – District 3

Richard Gummer, CCD - District 4

John Parkinson, CCD - District 5

John Klauder, CCD – recently re-elected to District 6

John Horn, CCD – District 7

Gary Clark  – newly elected to District 8

Charles “Bob” Baird, CCD – 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 Holds Annual Meeting

Newark, Ohio, May 19, 2008 – Licking Rural Electrification, Inc. (the Cooperative) held its 72nd Annual Meeting at the C-TEC facility in Newark, Ohio. Entertainment prior to the meeting was provided by the Hettinga Family from Utica, Ohio. The meeting began with a call to order by Chairman Arland Rogers, followed with an invocation by Mr. Jack Schmidt, the Pledge of Allegiance led by Mr. Richard Gummer and the singing of the National Anthem. The meeting was conducted using the Cooperative’s traditional democratic process.

Chairman Rogers welcomed all of the attendees and read a copy of the Official Notice of the Annual Meeting.  The minutes of the previous meeting were distributed along with an approval of the 2007 minutes. Mr. Rogers discussed the responsibilities of the Board of Directors and reviewed the Strategic Plan implemented by the Board. The goals mentioned concerned safety, service to members, assimilation of technology, distribution reliability, member owned communications, and a financial plan. He also read the revised Mission and Vision Statements created by the Board and noted a number of goals that were met by management of the Cooperative during 2007. Mr. Rogers then introduced the Board of Directors and invited Mr. David Potter, President/CEO of The Energy Cooperative to speak.

Mr. Potter introduced and thanked his staff and his wife, Camilla. Mr. Potter discussed issues of Safety and announced that through the hard work and dedication of employees, Licking Rural Electrification became Safety Accredited in 2007 by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).

Mr. Potter followed by answering 3 of the most often asked questions of the Cooperative’s members. Mr. Potter discussed the Gas Cost Recovery (GCR) rates and explained the GCR is the cost of natural gas at the wellhead, the cost of transporting the gas to the service territory and the over/under

recovery of gas costs from previous months. It is important to note that higher GCR adjustments are not rate increases. The Cooperative earns its margin through the distribution of gas, not through its purchase and resale

 Mr. Potter assured the members that The Energy Cooperative is working hard to find ways to reduce the gas cost while providing reliable service, but he also showed great concern for future energy resources and told members to be prepared for the impending increase in natural gas and other energy prices. He urged members to contact their elected officials regarding reliability of service and rising rates.

Mr. Potter addressed the question of Capital Credits and stated that according to Code, the Cooperative shall pay Patronage Capital to its members if the paying out of capital does not harm the financial stability of the Cooperative. Questions concerning members on fixed incomes were answered by providing ideas for energy conservation, explaining the budget billing program offered by the Cooperative, and assistance programs such as HEAP and LEADs in Licking County.

Mr. Nelson Smith shared the audited highlights of the 2007 financials which included total revenue and refunds. Mr. Daniel Gunsett, legal counsel, reviewed the Amendment to Code regarding easements and right-of-ways. The amendment was approved by the members in attendance.

Mr. Ken Keylor, Vice President, Statewide Services, Ohio Rural Electric (OREC) was the guest speaker for the evening. Some key points from his speech were supply and demand for electricity, limited options for new capacity, viability of existing coal-fired units, and the urging of members to write letters to legislation concerning clean energy technology funding and development.

The Chairman of The Energy Cooperative Round-Up Foundation, Mr. Jay Barker, provided a presentation on the awards given in 2007 which totaled $190,410.00 He quoted past recipients of Round-Up awards and thanked members of the Cooperative for generously rounding up their bills in order to provide the charitable funds available for the Round-Up Foundation.

Ms. Margy Klein presented Scholarship Awards as follows:

Winners of the $2,000 scholarships:

Emily Cassell of Mount Vernon High School. 

Natalie Szemetylo of West Muskingum High School.

Russell Seidell of Granville High School.

John Graham of Tri Valley High School

Runner Ups received $1,000 awards:

Madison Benner of Heath High School.

Jordan Shriver of East Knox High School.

Stephen Bartels of Centerburg High School is the recipient of a $500 scholarship in conjunction with Touchstone Energy® for Special Achievement.

Sean McCoy, a home-schooled student, was selected to participate in the 2008 Youth Tour, which is an

all-expense-paid, week-long trip to Washington, DC during the month of June.  The winner of the 2007 Youth Tour Trip, John Graham of Tri Valley High School, gave a speech during the meeting and told of his experience during his trip. He thanked the Cooperative and its members for the opportunity to participate.

The Board of Director elections were announced by the Teller Committee as follows:

District #1- Donald Hawk

District #6 – John Klauder

District #8 - Gary Clark

With deep appreciation, Mr. David Potter asked the Board of Directors to approach the stage as he presented Mr. Arland Rogers with an award for 36 years of service on the Board. Mr. Rogers retired in May of this year as Chairman. Mr. Potter thanked Mr. Rogers for his dedication over the years, through turbulent times and good times. The meeting was then adjourned by Mr. Rogers, followed by the drawing of door prizes given to the Cooperative’s members.

April 2008

The Energy Cooperative Awards Scholarships and Youth Tour

The Energy Cooperative offers 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 select and work with eligible students to submit nomination forms each spring. The nomination forms for 2008 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 Winners of the $2,000 scholarships are:

1. Emily Cassell of Mount Vernon High School. 
2. Natalie Szemetylo of West Muskingum High School.
3. Russell Seidell of Granville High School.
4. John Graham of Tri Valley High School

The Runner Ups received $1,000 awards:

1. Madison Benner of Heath High School.
2. Jordan Shriver of East Knox High School.

Stephen Bartels of Centerburg High School is the recipient of a $500 scholarship in conjunction with Touchstone Energy® for Special Achievement.

Each year, The Energy Cooperative also commits to sponsoring 1 or 2 high school sophomores or juniors, whose parent(s) or legal guardian are members of the Cooperative, to participate in the Youth Tour. Sean McCoy, a home-schooled student, was selected to participate in the 2008 Youth Tour, which is an all-expense paid, week-long trip to Washington, DC during the month of June.  Sean was chosen for scoring 100% on a test containing questions about The Energy Cooperative’s products and services.

The purpose of the Youth Tour is to educate youth in the principles and practices of the American Democratic System. Recipients visit the Capitol, the National Zoo, the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Vietnam Memorial, Mt. Vernon and a variety of other places.

April 2008

In April The Energy Cooperative Round Up Foundation, Inc. awarded $51,310 to the following community groups in our service area:

• Gratiot United Methodist Church towards the replacement of swing sets and ground protection at Noah’s Park
• Secrest Auditorium towards technology upgrades
• Hanover Volunteer Fire Department to purchase a Panasonic Toughbook computer
• McKean Community Organization towards the purchase of a new mower for the park
• Utica Jr. High School to purchase new shop power tools
• Licking County Sheriff’s Office, Senior Programming Division, towards Emergency Home Finder Beacons for project “Guiding Light”
• Frew Memorial Park Board towards the construction of dugouts and safety netting for baseball and softball diamonds
• Newborns in Need to purchase materials to make clothing and blankets for infants in need
• Central Ohio Mounted Search Unit towards safety, search and evidence protection equipment
• Spencer Half Way House towards a Fire Escape project
• Village of Adamsville towards replacing the roof on the Adamsville Community Building
• East Knox High School for track equipment
• Water’s Edge Community Center for a chain link fence and to resurface the basketball court
• Muskingum County Center for Seniors towards a technological makeover
• St. Francis De Sales Cub Scout Pack 8 for a pinewood derby track
• Muskingum County Board of Mental Retardation towards rubberized resurfacing of the Starlight School playground
  Granville Marching Band for a front banner

January 2008

The Energy Cooperative’s Operation Round Up Provides Funding For Electricity Lab.

Newark, January 12: The Works unveiled their newest display unit the Zap Lab.  The unit will teach children about electricity, magnetism and safety. The lab unit was partially funded by The Energy Cooperative’s Operation Round Up program.  The Zap Lab was designed with input from The Energy Cooperative’s Electrical Engineering Manager, Tom Wilks. Marcia Downes, Managing Director of The Works praised all who donated their time and effort towards making the educational unit a reality.  Pictured are Marcia Downes and Tom Wilks at the opening ceremony.   

December 2007

Operation Round Up Makes Community Awards

Newark, December 12, 2007: The Energy Cooperative Round Up Foundation, Inc. awarded $29,045 to the following community groups:

• Salvation Army of Knox County for playground equipment
• Muskingum Valley Red Cross for a mobile unit
• Big Brother Big Sisters of Muskingum County for office equipment
• Muskingum Valley Y for exercise equipment
• Watkins Memorial Band Boosters for help with uniforms
• National Trail Volunteer Fire Department for personal protective equipment
• Simon Kenton Council of Boy Scouts of America for technological upgrades
• Individual to help with funeral expenses

August 2007

Operation Round Up Makes Community Awards

Newark, December 12: The Energy Cooperative Round Up Foundation, Inc. awarded $22,958 to the following community groups in our service area:

• Pathways of Licking County for technical equipment.
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Licking/Perry Counties for safety handbooks.
• Licking County Coalition For Care for homelessness prevention.
• East Knox High School for a student tour.
• Christ's Table for an upgrade to their kitchen equipment.
• Kokosing Valley Mounted Search And Rescue for a defibrillator.
• Newark Ice Hockey for female hockey equipment.

If businesses would like to contribute an additional donation of $10 to $20 dollars each month please call 800/255-6815 to make the arrangements to do so. 

June 2007

Newark, June 29: The Energy Cooperative Round Up Foundation, Inc. awarded $35,494 to the following community groups in our service area:

• United Way of Knox County for technology upgrades
• Thorn Township Fire Department towards purchase of FIT testing equipment
• Licking County Historical Society for office equipment
• Hartford Fair Natural Resources Park
• Woodlands for security cameras and equipment
• Redskin Athletic Boosters (Utica High School) towards purchase of girls basketball uniforms.

Newark – The Energy Cooperative announced the introduction of a new renewable energy program called EnviroWatts.  “The EnviroWatts program is an exciting new program that offers our electric cooperative members the opportunity to support renewable energy and help fund research and development of new energy options for the future,” said President/CEO David L. Potter.

EnviroWatts is a renewable energy program that gives Cooperative members the opportunity to support renewable energy for as little as $2 a month. EnviroWatts is sold in 100-kilowatt hour blocks and is available to both residential and commercial electric members of the cooperative. Buying just one block of EnviroWatts each month for a year has the environmental impact of not driving your car for three months or not using 2½ barrels of oil.

The renewable energy for the EnviroWatts program comes from methane gas produced from landfills. As organic waste decays, it produces methane gas. Rather than release this gas into the atmosphere, the gas is collected and used to generate electricity. This not only helps improve the environment, but also decreases dependence on fossil fuels, such as coal, natural gas or foreign oil.  A portion of the cost of the 100-kilowatt hour block of EnviroWatts also goes to a renewable energy fund which supports research and development of renewable energy sources in Ohio for electric cooperatives.

“We’re thrilled to be able to offer the EnviroWatts program,” says President David L. Potter. “It’s important to be able to care for our environment and support renewable energy sources for the future. It’s an easy way for cooperative members to show they care about the environment – now and in years to come,” he concluded.

The Energy Cooperative members can sign up for the EnviroWatts program by contacting a Member Services Representative at 800/255-6815

The Energy Cooperative is a Touchstone Energy Cooperative that provides electric service to over 24,000 consumers in Licking, Knox, Ashland, Richland, Muskingum, Perry, Franklin, Delaware and Coshocton counties of Ohio. 

May 2007

Newark, May 9, 2007:  The Energy Cooperative Round Up Foundation, Inc. held an emergency session to authorize disbursement of funds to the Habitat for Humanity of Licking County to begin replacing stolen tools. This is the first time Operation Round Up convened an emergency session to respond to a community group in need, and they granted the maximum amount allowable under these conditions.

Operation Round Up is a community service program of the Energy Cooperative members, and is unique in their ability to respond rapidly in an emergency situation with a minimal amount of “red tape”.   The intent of Operation Round Up is to serve those in need who are within the service community of The Energy Cooperative, especially when other funding sources are not available.

Pictured below L to R is Eli Martin,Rick Wilson, Carolyn Wolfharst, Maxine Becker-Crabill, Marvin Oneson and Kathy Bennett receiving the check from Operation Round Up Foundation Board Member Jack Schmidt.

Newark, May 1, 2007: In April The Energy Cooperative Round Up Foundation, Inc. awarded $44,944 to the following community groups in our service area:

· Licking County Center for the Visually Impaired – to assist the financially disadvantaged of Licking County to obtain eye exams and eyeglasses.
· The American Red Cross of Licking County - for course training materials, educational resources and community disaster education materials.
· Licking County Coalition of Care - for lockable file cabinets and hanging files.
· National Road Elementary in Zanesville - to purchase high quality read aloud books, and shelving units to store books.
· Licking Valley Boosters/Licking Valley High School – for one scoreboard for new baseball/softball complex.
· Heath Volunteer Firefighters Association - towards the purchase of a safety/smoke trailer to be used in fire prevention and safety programs.
· YMCA Mt. Vernon - towards needed repairs and upgrades to their facility.
· West Muskingum Athletic Boosters – towards construction of access road to athletic fields for use by emergency vehicles and maintenance trucks.
· Newark Midland Theatre Association – for tables, soundboard, fire escape ladder, and technology upgrade.

It Makes Cents For Our Community – Operation Round Up is a community service program of the members of The Energy Cooperative. Members round up their utility bills to the next dollar, averaging about 50¢ per year, and pool their donations. The Operation Round Up Foundation has oversight in the distribution of these donations, and is very pleased and grateful for the generosity the members have shown towards their communities with their donations. All donated funds stay in the service territory of The Energy Cooperative and are tax deductible.