Search Results

Last month, Smart Choices featured an article about thinking twice and learning all the facts before accepting a “free” dinner to hear a sales pitch about solar or other “energy-saving” devices. This month, we are featuring a similar article from Iowa Attorney General, Tom Miller. Read the article to discover how many complaints the AG’s office has received, what types of complaints the office has received, and some suggestions for checking out the products in advance. And as always, you can ask for assistance from our office if you have questions or are considering purchasing solar panels or other renewable-energy products. Harnessing the power of solar energy is just one effort many eco-conscious consumers consider when looking to reduce their carbon footprint. A lower energy bill is the goal. Yet the endeavor can, at times, lead to more headaches and cost than consumers anticipated. Following an uptick in consumer complaints against solar panel companies, Iowa Attorney General Miller reminds Iowans to be prepared for a myriad of issues that can crop up when exploring solar panel installations. “Solar energy is a clean, increasingly affordable power source, so it’s great to see more Iowans considering installing panels,” Miller said. “We encourage consumers to do their research before signing contracts.” From 2019 through 2021, the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division received 15 complaints regarding solar energy systems. So far in 2022, the division has already received 40 complaints. Many consumers have reported problems before, during, and after installation of solar panels. Complaints received by the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division have included the following issues: Delays in solar panel installation Exaggeration of energy savings False promises to buy back power Exorbitant financing and fees Claiming false relationships or endorsement of energy companies Improper installation Defective solar panels Warranty service failures Non-communication from solar companies Denial of solar tax credits Failure to cancel and provide a refund Failure to provide contracted services Property damage at time of installation A look at complaints 1. Repair and installation. In many cases, consumers who have started the process of purchasing solar panels have spent thousands or tens of thousands of dollars on the systems. However, at some point the solar company either fails to install the panels, improperly installs the panels, or fails to honor repairs under warranty. One Iowan told the AG’s office that less than a year after purchasing a solar panel system, the company he purchased from was on-site to make repairs for defects. However, the system was improperly reassembled and left in a non-functioning state. Numerous attempts to contact the company via email, telephone, social media, and written letter have been unsuccessful. It is expected that the solar industry will slow in 2022 in the face of manufacturing and supply chain challenges. This could further affect the speed at which installations and repairs occur. 2. Payment plans, tax credits and advertisements. Another complaint received by the AG’s office: A potential customer sought information from a company after receiving an advertisement that claimed the system could be installed at “no cost out of pocket.” The consumer filled out a form and was immediately contacted by a solar company. The rep for the company quoted the system at $30,140. When asked about the “no cost out of pocket” ad, the rep told her she was unaware of such a deal. Another consumer wrote the AG’s office after being denied a solar tax credit after the annual limit passed by lawmakers was reached on the solar credit appropriation. The consumer noted that they had carefully budgeted the cost of the system to include the credits. Remember, tax credits are a reflection of government policies, so there is no guarantee that solar tax credits will be available in the future. It's important to remember there are no free solar panels. If a solar company offers to install solar panels on your home for no money down, it will likely be part of a solar lease or power purchase agreement. According to the Consumer Federation of America, consumers pay a monthly rate for the energy the solar panels produce under these agreements. The solar company you lease through will retain ownership of the panels and benefit from any solar tax credits. While the average solar lease may save consumers money, that continues only if things go smoothly. If a consumer signs a solar lease and changes their mind, sells their home, or the system experiences production issues, consumers can run into costly bills. As for tax credits, the Iowa Solar Energy System Tax Credit expired at the end of 2021. The state made the decision at that time not to pay out credits to customers who were on the waitlist for residential solar systems. According to the Iowa Department of Revenue, the credits had paid an average of $3,498 to each applicant during the 2020 cycle. 3. What to consider. If you are considering the purchase of a solar energy system, the Federal Trade Commission suggests taking several steps before agreeing to a contract: Review your utility bill to see how much energy you used in the last year and what it cost. See what part of the total bill is for “metered” electricity or kilowatt-hours (kWh) of usage and what is for other items such as delivery costs. Even if you reduce the number of kilowatt-hours you buy from the utility, you’ll still need to pay the utility’s fixed charges, like delivery or administrative costs. Evaluate how you use energy, and look for ways to reduce your home's electricity use. Make your home and appliances more energy efficient and ensure your home is properly weatherized to reduce your energy needs. Consider how long you plan to stay in your home. A residential solar system is designed to stay on a home for at least 20 years. Leases and power purchase agreements generally are long term; some last 20 years. If you think you might move in that time, find out how installing a system will affect your ability to sell your house. Ask the solar company about its policy on transferring the contract to the new homeowner after a sale and confirm that what it tells you is the same as what is in the contract. Figure out what size system you need to meet your average energy usage. Learn about the different products available in your area that will work on your house. The customizable calculator from the Department of Energy uses your address and details you provide about a system to help you estimate how much energy it will produce. If you have a homeowner’s association, find out if you need its approval to install a system. Solar systems use one or more inverters to convert direct current (DC) electricity from the solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity used by your appliances and outlets. The amount of power you get from a solar panel system depends on: the average number of hours of direct, unshaded sunlight your roof gets annually the pitch (angle), age and condition of your roof, and the compass direction it faces the size and strength of your system environmental factors such as snow, dust, or shade that may cover the system Contact us to learn more about our policies for homeowners who produce solar power. The Iowa Utilities Board offers a helpful consumer informational guide for on-site generation meant to assist residential or small businesses that are considering installing electric generation on their property. Additionally, the FTC provides consumers with additional helpful tips and considerations when it comes to the purchase of solar panel systems. Finally, remember that the installation of a solar system is still a home improvement project like any other. Protect yourself just like you would if you were hiring for a kitchen remodel or a roof replacement. Take steps such as getting everything in writing, limiting upfront payments, setting a start date and completion deadline, specifying the scope of the work and the equipment that will be installed, verifying advertising claims (for example, is the advertised electrical generation based on Iowa use or on panels located in a state that is sunny all year), etc. See additional suggestions on the Attorney General’s contractor checklist. 4. To file a complaint. If you have encountered issues purchasing a solar panel system, you can file a complaint with the Iowa Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division here or call 515-281-5926 (in the Des Moines area) or 888-777-4590 (outside the metro area).

Personalization is a big trend for college dorm rooms and shared housing facilities. College furnishings—from bedding and décor to kitchen supplies and electronics—are often reflective of interests and future aspirations. One essential for the college residence is safety. There is a tendency for college students to want to bring everything they own, but unfortunately, there may be a limited number of electric outlets. It’s tempting to plug in multiple extension cords and power strips, which can cause cords to overheat, creating shock and fire hazards. Potentially older wiring in student housing and apartments may not be able to handle the increased electrical demand of today’s college student. If use of an appliance frequently causes power to trip off, or if its power cord or the outlet feels hot, the appliance should be disconnected immediately, and the condition reported to the landlord or campus housing staff. Safe Electricity offers the following safety tips for students to help prevent and reduce the risk of electrical fires in their student housing: Only purchase and use electrical products tested for safety. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) publishes a list of approved testing laboratories. Some common approved safety labels include Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL), Canadian Standards Association (CSA) and MET Laboratories (MET). Avoid overloading extension cords, power strips, or outlets. Use power strips with an over-current protector that will shut off power automatically if there is too much current being drawn. Never tack or nail an electrical cord to any surface or run cords across traffic paths or under rugs where they can be trampled or damaged. Use the correct wattage light bulbs for lamps and fixtures. If no indication is on the product, do not use a bulb with more than 60 watts. Instead, use cooler LED light bulbs. Keep all electrical appliances and cords safely away from bedding, curtains, papers and other flammable material. Make sure outlets around sinks are equipped with ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) before use. If they are not, contact the resident assistant, campus housing staff, or landlord. Unplug small appliances when not in use and all electronics when away for extended periods. Smoke detectors should never be disabled, and fire alarms should never be ignored or taken casually as a drill. Every time a fire alarm sounds, residents should calmly and quickly follow practiced procedures and immediately exit the building. Stress to your student that in the event of a fire, it is important to follow safety procedures and get out of harm’s way immediately. After all, property and valuables can be replaced, but lives cannot. Source: Safe Electricity

With the beginning of the school year, safely transporting students to and from school is critical. While in some towns and cities students can walk to school, many more are transported by school bus. According to the Iowa DOT (Department of Transportation), the greatest risk is not riding the bus to school but approaching or leaving the bus. The greatest danger zone is the 10 feet in front, behind and on each side of the school bus. That is because many vehicle drivers don’t stop for school buses as required by law. It’s also possible that bus drivers may be unable to see a student behind, in front of or to the side of the bus. Safety reminders for students Students must be aware of the dangers they face when close to a bus. To remain safe be sure your children understand and follow these rules from the Iowa Department of Education: Stop and look both ways before crossing a street. Make sure the bus driver can see you when you are crossing in front of the bus. If you can't see the driver, the driver cannot see you. Never cross behind the bus. When getting on or off the bus, never cross the street until the bus driver signals it’s OK to cross. If you drop something near the bus, do not pick it up. Instead, tell the bus driver what you dropped, and let the driver instruct you on what to do. In addition, even though riding on the bus is not as dangerous as entering and exiting, students need to be careful while riding. Since shoulder harness seat belts are now required in Iowa in new school buses (the law passed in 2020; Iowa was the fifth in the nation to pass this law) remind your child to wear the seat belt and remain in their seat during the ride. According to School Transportation News, some schools are phasing in seatbelts as they replace buses, rather than retrofitting older models so it’s possible your district’s buses may not all have seat harnesses. Safety reminders for vehicle drivers According to a report on KCCI TV, which covers central Iowa, the Iowa State Patrol has seen more and more drivers ignore school buses. While many instances are not reported, there were 106 citations in 2020. The Iowa Department of Education provides these details for what drivers must legally do when following or approaching a school bus: When the bus’s yellow flashers turn on, that signifies that it is preparing to have a child get on or off the bus. All vehicles behind the bus must come to a complete stop. If you are approaching a bus from the opposite direction, slow your speed to 20 mph when the bus turns on its yellow flashers. On a two-lane road, traffic in both directions must come to a full stop when the lights are flashing red. On a four-lane road, traffic moving in the opposite direction must slow down and proceed with caution when either red or yellow flashers are present. Stop your vehicle at least 15 feet from the bus. Remain stopped until the flashing lights are turned off and the stop arm is pulled back in. According to the KCCI report, the fines for passing a stopped school bus started at $345 in 2021. Drivers should be aware that school bus drivers have cameras. If drivers see an offending driver, they can read the license plate number for the camera to record. This allows law enforcement to charge the offending vehicle driver.

WAIT! Before you give your outdated or dilapidated electronics the heave-ho, consider this earth-friendly advice from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Consider recycling Electronics are made from metals, plastics and glass that require energy and time to reproduce. For example, according to the EPA: Recycling one million laptops saves the energy equivalent to the electricity used by more than 3,500 U.S. homes in a year. For every million cell phones we recycle, 35,000 pounds of copper, 772 pounds of silver, 75 pounds of gold and 33 pounds of palladium can be recovered. But before you donate or recycle … Can you upgrade the hardware or software on your current computer to extend its life? If the answer is no and you ultimately decide to get rid of a computer or other device, destroy all personal information from the device first. Also, remove any batteries from your electronics for separate recycling. Where to donate or recycle Several manufacturers and local and national retailers offer donation or recycling options. The EPA’s Sustainable Materials Management (SMM) tracks and publicizes participants and major companies include Best Buy, Dell, Sprint, Sony and Vizio. SMM participants strive to send 100 percent of used electronics they collect to certified recyclers and refurbishers. For more information about recycling electronics, refer to EPA’s website and other reputable sources. How to remove data There are various ways to permanently erase (or “sanitize”) data from your electronic devices prior to getting rid of them, and methods vary from device to device. According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Earth 911 and other electronic recycling gurus, general guidelines include: Back up data. Save your data to another device or second location (external hard drive or cloud). Delete data. Although files appear to have been removed, data is still there, according to Homeland Security. Even if you empty the virtual trash, the deleted items can still be retrieved. Permanent data deletion requires several steps; spend some time researching how to effectively delete data for the device you are recycling. One source for additional instructions is Earth911. Overwrite data. This is when you delete sensitive information and write new binary data over it. Unless you are a computer expert you might want to consult a professional. Destroy the device. Take your stress out on your device. Physically destructing a device is the ultimate way to prevent someone else from retrieving your personal information. There are also companies that specialize in disintegrating, burning, melting or pulverizing your computer drive and other devices. For more information on removing data, refer to details on Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency website. Source: SafeElectricity.org

Harvesting crops is dangerous work. In Iowa, according to the Iowa Department of Public Health, about half of the 500 farm injuries that occur yearly take place during August through November, our prime harvest months. An ISU Extension publication (Harvest safety yields big dividends) states that almost half of farm injuries occur in August, September, October and November. According to the National Ag Safety Database, injuries are often caused by one of these five contributing factors: stress, negligence, recklessness, fatigue or overexertion. Especially during the pressures of the harvest season, it’s entirely possible for those working to experience one or more of these problems. Take care It’s tempting to forget personal needs during the harvest rush. But mistakes can slow or end work … and cause injuries. It’s vitally important to stay alert and on top of the job at hand. Be sure to: Get adequate sleep so you stay alert while working with dangerous equipment. Remember that your life—and the lives of those who work with you—depend on it. Take regular breaks for eating, drinking, clearing your mind and stretching your legs. Avoid alcohol and drug use. Use extra caution around children. Those ages 19 and younger are more susceptible to getting worn out. Prepare for action Performing routine maintenance before heading to the fields can prevent mishaps. Be sure that all family members and farm workers know the basics of harvest safety, including the location of shut-off switches, power lines, first aid kits and emergency numbers. Someone should also be assigned to check on fields, equipment and—most importantly—the field workers, to be sure that all is well during the grueling harvest hours. On your preharvest checklist, be sure that these tasks are completed to aid in keeping everyone safe: Mow around storage bins and other high-traffic areas. Add gravel to the driveway. Inspect foundations and seals of bins. Control late-season weeds to reduce machine plugs. Check the operator’s manuals for preharvest machine maintenance information and a refresher for all operators on how to safely and effectively use equipment. Ensure tractors have a rollover protective structure (ROPS) and seat belts. Place a reflective slow-moving vehicle (SMV) sign on the back of equipment driven on the road. Start your engines There’s no way around it: farm machinery poses a serious danger. Tractor deaths account for more Iowa farm fatalities than any other source. During harvest season, farmers have a greater risk of injury because they use a variety of machines, some of which may only be used once a year and are not as familiar. Some basic precautions can help avoid accidents: Don’t wear any loose items like strings, shoelaces and jewelry. Be aware of any difficult areas in the field and pay close attention to your equipment and techniques in those areas. Avoid leaning over or resting on moving parts like power take-offs, belts or pulleys. Stand around moving parts as little as possible to reduce your chance of slipping into a dangerous area. Do not remove protective shields and guards from any equipment; they are there to protect you. Human reaction time is usually slower than a machine's movement. Cut the power and stop the engine before you attempt to clear a plug. Regularly clean the steps and platforms of machinery to prevent falls. Respond to emergencies When an accident or injury occurs, every second counts. First aid and CPR training for everyone on the farm can be a lifesaver, as can having a cell phone available to call for medical and emergency assistance. It’s also important to be able to assess dangers such as whether a fire will lead to an explosion and knowing when it’s best to get away quickly. With preparation and care, farmers can ensure the harvest produces thankfulness for continued health and prosperity. ISU Extension offers free safety brochure downloads on a variety of farm safety issues Reduce farm injury risks on roads Harvest safety yields big dividends Evaluate equipment for dangers And more … Find a variety of other Safe Farm brochures under the Related Products section at the ISU Extension store

While we often describe fall as feeling the chill of early morning as we walk outdoors and hearing the crunch of leaves underfoot, the smells of fall are classic, too: roasting marshmallows over a bonfire, breathing in the steam from a mug of hot cocoa, and yes, the fragrance of stew bubbling in a slow cooker all day. The old-fashioned slow cooker has been replaced in many homes by a multi-purpose cooking appliance, and while those appliances can cook more quickly with pressure and offer other “services” such as browning meat before cooking, an old, reliable slow cooker is less expensive to purchase and cheaper to operate than an oven or a cookstove, easy to use and allows you to fill and ignore the cooking process all day. Another bonus: Slow cooking allows you to purchase less expensive cuts of meat that must be simmered to become tender and to cook dried beans rather than purchasing more expensive canned navy or pinto beans. If you have one in your pantry, now is the time to pull it out and dust it off for use this fall. If you are considering purchasing one, here are some tips: Most models have a removable insert for easy cleaning. Check to be sure the model you purchase has that feature. In addition, one with a non-stick coating can be a bonus (but do recognize that you’ll need to be careful not to scratch the coating as you scoop food from the insert). A unit with a heating element that travels up the side of the base provides more even cooking than one that has a heating unit only at the base. An oval-shaped slow cooker can accommodate large cuts of meat easier than a round-shaped one. A glass lid will allow you to check on the food without opening it; removing the lid does slow down the cooking process dramatically. Features such as searing, holding after cooking, ability to program and a thermometer can be useful, but recognize that you will pay extra for them. Size matters. Slow cookers work best when filled at least half-full but no more than three-quarters full. Most slow cooker recipes are written for a unit that holds about 6-7 quarts.

A few years ago, we heard a lot about copper being stripped out of vacant buildings and homes just being built. Power lines and electric cooperative substations in rural areas were hot targets, too. That’s back when the price of copper was high, as much as $4.50 to $4.75 per pound. While the price has dropped to the $2.70 to $2.80 range, copper thefts are still occurring. We just don’t hear as much about the thefts. Why is copper important? Copper corrodes slowly, is malleable, ductile, and a good conductor of electricity and heat. Because of its features, it is used in: Electrical wiring and motors Roofing, gutters and rainspouts Plumbing Fiber optics, cell towers, emergency sirens, irrigation systems, airport control towers and rail lines It’s important to electric cooperatives because copper is used to ground equipment, protecting it from electrical surges and lightning. Copper wire is used in substations and in neighborhood transformers, to step down high-voltage electricity before it goes through power lines to your home or business. What happens when thieves steal copper? Of course, that depends on where the thief is operating. If the thief is attempting to access power lines or high voltage electrical equipment, that person is in great danger of electrocution. The theft of a small amount of copper can cause extensive damage to equipment, costing utilities or building owners thousands or millions of dollars in repairs and replacement. Pulling copper from an electrical system can also cause widespread power outages to households and businesses. Missing ground wires can energize components that normally are safe; anyone who comes in contact with those dangerous components may be injured or killed. What your cooperative does to prevent theft Install fences, warning signs, and powerful lighting at substations and other electric facilities. Install security cameras or sensors to, both, deter thieves and to record or notify authorities of any illegal actions taking place. Some cooperatives stamp copper wire with an ID number so that, if stolen and the thief tries to sell it at a recycling center, the site will recognize where it came from. Work with local law enforcement for extra patrols near potential theft sites. What you can do If you notice anyone hanging around an electric substation or electric facilities (other than your cooperative personnel) call the police. If you see an open gate, open equipment or hanging wire at a substation or around other electric facilities, contact your cooperative immediately. Store wire cutters and other tools in a secure location, install a surveillance camera to deter thieves and have a neighbor watch your home when you are away. Here is an innovative hack: Spray paint your copper pipes black to make them appear to be regular plastic tubing, rather than valuable copper.

Whether you are a veteran hunter or trying it for the first time, you must be familiar with hunting safety rules: wearing a bright orange vest, keeping your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot, and only pointing at your target. Along with those safety requirements, be sure to add these electrical safety tips to your list: Familiarize yourself with the location of power lines and equipment on land where you shoot. Be especially careful in wooded areas where power lines may not be as visible. Take notice of warning signs and keep clear of electrical equipment. Do not place deer stands on utility poles or climb poles. Energized lines and equipment on the poles can conduct electricity to anyone who comes in contact with them. Do not place decoys on power lines or other utility equipment. Anything attached to a pole, except for utility equipment, is an obstruction and poses a serious hazard to line crews. Never shoot near or toward power lines, power poles, transformers or substations. A stray bullet could not only damage equipment, potentially interrupting electric service, but could be deadly to the shooter. Damage to the conductor could drop the line to the ground, causing a possibility of electrocution to those nearby. Don’t make line workers hunt for problems caused in a hunting area; if you cause or simply notice a problem with lines, poles or equipment, let the co-op know. Sometimes damage isn’t noticed for several weeks or months, or unless an outage occurs. Keep yourself and your REC safe this hunting season. Source: SafeElectricity

Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) are an important electrical safety feature. A GFCI outlet contains a sensor that monitors the amount of power going to an electrical appliance. If there is an interruption in current the GFCI cuts the power, potentially saving a life. These monitors are especially critical in bathrooms, kitchens and anywhere else water is present in the environment. Because GFCIs can fail without notice, it’s important to check them monthly. Pick a day you will remember, such as the first or last day of the month, so you are sure to maintain a regular schedule. Follow these instructions to safely test your GFCIs. Shut off power before you test; to confirm the shutoff: Plug in a lamp or other device The item you plug in should not turn on To test the GFCI outlet: Find the test and reset buttons Press the TEST button You should hear a snap sound that trips the outlet THD11011NOV or THP11011NOV To reset the outlet: Once you confirm the GFCI is working properly (that the outlet does not work when tested), press the reset button to restore power to the outlet Retest for all other sockets in your home Other options for testing: You can also buy a GFCI outlet tester with a display and test button GFCI protection can also be installed on circuit breakers to safeguard an entire circuit. They should be tested monthly by pressing the test button on the breaker. If working properly, the interrupter should shut off power to the circuit. Source: Safe Electricity

The weather is turning cooler, and the nights are growing longer. How much you save on energy bills this winter may be dependent on the steps you take now to make your home warmer and more comfortable. Some projects can be tackled by a homeowner (depending on your skill and level of perseverance) while others are best completed by a hired professional. Doors and windows DIY: Replace worn weather stripping around all doors and windows. Caulk around gaps in windows and doors. Install storm doors if you don’t have them. Hire a contractor: Consider replacing older windows and doors with newer, more energy-efficient models. Insulation and air sealing DIY: Add foam insulation gaskets to electrical outlets and switches on external walls (turn the power off first). Seal gaps in attic knee walls, soffits and basement rim joists by stuffing in pieces of insulation. Hire a contractor: Check insulation levels and install according to the recommended level in your area. Heating system DIY: Replace your furnace filter regularly throughout the heating season. Vacuum your in-floor or in-wall vent covers regularly. Hire a contractor: Have a qualified professional clean and inspect your furnace/HVAC system each year, as well as cleaning any HVAC system components that might need it. If your heating and cooling system is older, replacing your system with an efficient electric heat pump system (air-source or geothermal) may be the most energy-efficient option. Contact us or a reputable dealer for information on models, installation, rebates and any tax credits that may be available. Other inexpensive fixes from Building Performance Institute Use the sun’s heat to your advantage. In the fall and winter, keep shades and curtains open to let sunlight heat your home. Close them as the sun sets to keep cold from seeping in. Turn your ceiling fan to “winter mode” with the blades turning clockwise to help push heat down from the ceiling into the room. Move furniture and other objects that may be blocking vents to improve air flow. Keep your doors and windows locked; this helps keep them pushed tight against the weather stripping to prevent air leaks.

Iowa-based builders and contractors are invited to learn about energy-efficiency technologies at the 2023 Momentum is Building (MIB) Conference, scheduled for Feb. 16 and 17, 2023, at The Meadows Events Center in Altoona, Iowa. A major draw for electricians, plumbers and HVAC professionals is the opportunity to earn CEU credits at the conference. MIB attendees can also network with industry professionals, hear from recognized energy-efficiency and building trades experts and gain insight on trending technologies. Registration is open at www.MomentumIsBuilding.com. Sponsored and organized by the Iowa Cooperatives for Energy Efficiency (ICEE), the annual Momentum is Building Conference also connects Iowa’s construction industry with the local services and resources available from Iowa-based electric cooperatives, who serve nearly 650,000 Iowans across 99 counties. “Iowa-based electric cooperatives have long supported energy- efficiency efforts and one of our goals is to help member-consumers use energy wisely,” states Angela Catton, manager of member relations and development at Northwest Iowa Power Cooperative. “We invest in this conference to build relationships between cooperatives and the contractors who provide services to the members we mutually serve.” “Informing contractors about cutting-edge energy-efficiency and beneficial electrification technologies is important to Iowa-based electric cooperatives,” said Ryan Cornelius, vice president of corporate relations at Corn Belt Power Cooperative. “For almost thirty years, the Momentum is Building Conference has provided both electric cooperatives and contractors an opportunity to come together to provide rural Iowans with safe, efficient and cost-effective home comfort solutions.” Tolu Omotoso, director of energy solutions at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) will kick off the conference by covering the evolving relationship between utilities and their members and how to leverage member-owned smart devices in the home for grid services. Other topics include sessions on promoting the value of home certifications and how to prepare contractors for large, new federal home improvement subsidies to come online as well as employee management best practices for small businesses. The conference will close with motivational speaker, author and 5-time “National Coach of the Year,” Jim Miller who will share the value of “Going the Extra Mile.” Miller’s message to attendees will be, “If it’s Important to your success, ‘Do It Anyway’.” MIB 2023 will be held at The Meadows Events Center beginning at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 16, running through noon on Friday, Feb. 17, 2023. Registration is available online at www.MomentumIsBuilding.com. Early Bird registration is available until Jan. 18, 2023. For more information about the conference, please contact our office.

Holiday meals are an important part of the celebrations you share with family and friends. All of that extra baking and cooking, however, can really add up on your energy bills. These simple, cost-saving tips will help you enjoy the festivities while trimming your energy budget. Preheat the oven to the exact temperature required; preheating is not necessary for foods that cook for several hours. Avoid opening the oven door. It wastes energy and lowers the temperature by as much as 25 degrees (F). Use glass and ceramic baking dishes. They retain heat better than metal, allowing you to reduce the oven temperature. Bake multiple batches of cookies or pies at one time to help conserve oven energy use. Match stovetop pots and pans to the size of the burner to avoid wasting energy. Cover pots and pans while cooking to prevent heat loss and reduce cooking time. Clean burners after every use. A clean burner heats more efficiently, using less energy. Slow cookers are an energy-efficient alternative for baking some holiday dishes. Microwaves also use less energy than conventional ovens. Save energy by reheating holiday leftovers in the microwave. By following these measures, you can enjoy a happy holiday season and lower energy bills.