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As your family's routine changes, you can reduce your energy costs with these simple tips. The days are turning shorter, vacation is over, and kids are going back to school. Does your household make the grade when it comes to energy efficiency? Now is the time to get more serious about saving energy. These quick, cost-saving tips will help you adjust your energy use to match your family's new routine. Hit the OFF button Your empty house can still waste plenty of energy. Turn off lights and other devices when you're the last person to leave a room or the house for the day. Simple upgrades, such as LED lights, can help. They use up to 75% less energy than conventional incandescent lights. Program your thermostat You can save a lot of energy by adjusting the thermostat to match your family's school and work schedule. Why waste energy keeping an empty house comfortable?  ENERGY STAR®-certified smart thermostats  optimize savings and convenience by automatically adjusting temperatures based on your schedule. You can also take advantage of advanced features, such as remote control. Plug smarter Electronic devices — such as TVs, game consoles, and chargers — continue to draw power even when no one is home to use them. Advanced power strips and smart plugs provide a simple energy-saving solution. They automatically cut power to devices when they're not in use. Draw the curtain on heat gain Close window treatments when you leave for the day. This action helps block solar heat gain trapped inside your home. Otherwise, your air conditioning system works harder, even at a higher energy-saving setting. Close the door on energy waste As you pack lunches, you may find yourself in and out of the refrigerator a lot. The frequent opening and closing of the door makes the fridge work harder to maintain a consistent temperature and keep things cool. Take out everything you need at once and close the door quickly. This way, lunch ingredients are easier to access and quicker to pack, saving time and energy. Partner with Energy Efficiency Experts Contact our office to explore energy-saving solutions designed to reduce your electric costs. Our energy advisors offer home energy audits to assess your property's efficiency potential. Through this collaborative process, we identify optimization opportunities and deliver tailored recommendations that enhance both your home's comfort and your household's energy savings.

August 11 (8-1-1) is National Safe Digging Day. If you are working on an outdoor project, be aware that careless digging can pose a threat to people, pipelines, and underground facilities. Always call 8-1-1 first. Here are five easy steps for safe digging: NOTIFY Call 8-1-1 or submit a request online (for Iowa, visit www.iowaonecall.com ) at least two to three days before the start of your work. The operator will notify the utilities affected by your project. WAIT Wait two to three days for affected utilities to respond to your request. They will send a locator to mark any underground utility lines. CONFIRM Confirm that all affected utilities have responded to your request by comparing the marks to the list of utilities notified by the 8-1-1 center. RESPECT Respect the markers provided by the affected utilities. The markers serve as your guide throughout the duration of your project. DIG CAREFULLY If you can’t avoid digging near markers (within 18-24” on all sides), consider moving your project location. Taking these precautions may seem like extra steps, but they’re essential for protecting yourself, your community, and critical infrastructure. A single misplaced shovel can result in dangerous gas leaks, power outages affecting entire neighborhoods, or costly repairs that could have been easily avoided. By making that simple 8-1-1 call and following proper procedures, you’re not just completing your project safely—you’re being a responsible member of your community. Remember, when it comes to digging, patience and preparation always pay off. Source: call811.com

Stop by the Touchstone Energy Cooperatives of Iowa Booth in the 4-H Exhibits Building Aug. 7-17! The Touchstone Energy Cooperatives of Iowa are pleased to once again sponsor the 4-H Exhibits Building at the 2025 Iowa State Fair. Our cooperative is proud to be a Touchstone Energy member, which means we’re part of a nationwide network of locally owned cooperatives that provides resources and leverages partnerships to help member-owners use energy wisely. If you’re planning a visit to the Iowa State Fair from August 7-17, make sure to stop by and see us in the air conditioned 4-H Exhibits Building on the southwest corner of the fairgrounds. It’s a great place to take a break from the heat or rain during your day at the fairgrounds. Electric cooperative staff from across the state will hand out plastic hard hats and suckers for the kids while supplies last. Kids can also try on some lineworker safety gear and take fun photos in our cooperative safety selfie station. We look forward to connecting with our cooperative members at the Iowa State Fair this summer. Please stop by our booth and say hello!

The best fireworks display is a safe one! The month of July is always a favorite time of summer. It’s the middle of the season, the kids are out of school, and families across the United States celebrate Independence Day! Typically, on the Fourth of July, we celebrate our nation’s independence with grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, homemade ice cream and other sweet treats, and last but not least, fireworks. The holiday is a time for fellowship with family and friends, but we also want to make sure our members focus on safety. To ensure you have the best Fourth of July possible, we want to remind you about a few important safety tips from The American Red Cross. Nothing says “Fourth of July” like a spectacular fireworks display! The safest way to enjoy this part of the celebration is to head to a local fireworks show . But if you want to put on your own show at home, be sure to follow these safety tips: Always follow the instructions on fireworks packaging and never  give fireworks to small children. Keep a supply of water close by as a precaution. Make sure to wear protective eyewear when lighting fireworks. Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight “a dud.” Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets. Never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures, or flammable materials. Cookouts are a great way to bring folks together on the Fourth. Whether you are grilling in your backyard or at a community park, make sure your feast includes a generous portion of fun and a side helping of safety! We recommend the following safety tips: Supervise your grill at all times. Use the proper tools for cooking on a grill. Never add charcoal starter fluid when the coals have already been ignited. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using grills. Fireworks and cookouts wouldn’t be complete without a sunny day. Here’s hoping we have good weather, and if we do, make sure you are practicing sun safety: Use a broad-spectrum SPF sunscreen and reapply often. Protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses. Drink plenty of water. Watch  for signs of heat stroke (hot red skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; rapid, shallow breathing). However you choose to celebrate, we wish you a safe and Happy Fourth of July!

Consider using the "delay-start" or "Eco" setting on appliances. (Photo: Mark Gilliland) “Peak Demand” or “Peak Energy Times” refer to periods when many people in our community use electricity simultaneously—typically afternoons and evenings in summer, and mornings in winter. Electricity costs more during these high-demand periods than during “off-peak” times, directly influencing our cooperative’s rates. By reducing our collective usage during peak times, we can maintain affordable electricity prices and keep costs down for all members. Why It Matters Because demand levels determine our electricity costs, controlling peak usage keeps power affordable and conserves energy. When you visit our website, watch for the “Peak Alert” monitor. If the needle moves into the red zone, that’s your signal to take action. During normal conditions, the needle remains in the green zone. When the needle moves to the yellow zone, it may be an opportunity for you to be more strategic in managing your electric use. By shifting your energy consumption to off-peak times, you can save on your energy bill and help our cooperative save on costs associated with purchasing additional energy at higher rates or help us avoid building new generation facilities, which can add even more cost in the long run. To be wiser about when and how to use your energy, especially during times of peak demand, consider the following actions: Raise your thermostat a few degrees during summer peak hours. The optimal temperature to keep your house comfortable and humidity levels low is 78 degrees. Run dishwashers and washing machines during off-peak times. Consider using a delayed start on appliances that feature this option. Use cold water for laundry and air-dry dishes when possible. Many laundry soaps are formulated for high-efficiency and cold-water washing. Allowing dishes to air-dray means less work for you…wash, set dishes in a dish rack…and enjoy a little extra free time! Turn off and unplug unused electronics and appliances. Energy “vampires” are appliances and devices that can suck energy…even when they are not in use. Delay charging electric devices until nighttime hours. Recharge yourself AND your smart devices while you sleep. Use ceiling fans instead of lowering your air conditioning. Ensure your fans are moving in the correct direction for the season: Set the fan counterclockwise to create a downdraft and cooling breeze in the summer; clockwise in the winter to create an updraft to circulate warm air throughout the room. Even small adjustments in your daily routine can make a significant difference when we work together. The collective effort of our membership is what makes the biggest impact on controlling costs. Are you saving with the Switch Makes Cents load management program? Switch Makes Cents Program We believe that the greenest kilowatt is the one you never have to use! Join our load management program to take advantage of special rates while helping stabilize cooperative costs. We’ll install a switch on qualifying equipment (air conditioners, water heaters, electric heating systems) that allows brief interruptions during peak times. The interruptions are typically short enough that you won’t notice them, but they make a substantial difference in our overall demand. This program saves you money, reduces power plant emissions for a cleaner environment, and saves our cooperative in purchased power costs. Ready to become an active member in controlling electricity costs? Contact our Member Services team or visit our website and search “Switch Makes Cents” for more details on the program. Start Saving with Your Co-op Our team is happy to answer questions about your bill and provide personalized suggestions for managing your energy use. Together, we can beat the peak and ensure affordable, reliable electricity for our community.

Are you worried about those high summer energy bills? Don’t sweat it. Follow these tips to help you stay cool and save all summer long! Check for attic air leaks  around recessed light fixtures, pipes, wiring, and flues. Seal them with expandable foam or caulk. Make sure your walls and attics are insulated  to levels recommended for our climate zone. A qualified insulation contractor can help. Don’t spend your energy dollars outdoors.  Seal windows with caulk and install weatherstripping around outside doors. Turn on ceiling fans in occupied rooms.  They make your skin feel cooler, reducing the need for air conditioning. Hire a qualified professional  to inspect and clean your air conditioning system. This will help ensure that the system operates at peak efficiency. Call our office  or check our website for programs we offer members to save energy and money. We are happy to discuss ways to make your home more energy efficient! Don’t sweat high summer energy bills when you follow these six tips!

Illuminate those who are making a difference in our community by June 30! Do you know someone in our community who deserves to be recognized for making a difference? Nominate them for the Shine the Light contest by June 30, and they could win $3,000 for their local charity or nonprofit. Our cooperative is pleased to be a part of this statewide annual effort to celebrate our cooperative commitment to community. There are so many incredible volunteers throughout our service area who deserve to be recognized. Sponsored by the Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives of Iowa, this is the fifth year of the Shine the Light contest, which celebrates the people who make our communities better. Three winners will be announced in September, and each will receive a $3,000 donation for their charity or nonprofit. The winners will also be featured in the September issue of Iowa Electric Cooperative Living  magazine and on social media. How to Nominate Member-consumers and employees of Iowa’s electric cooperatives are eligible to nominate local volunteers. If you receive electricity from our cooperative, you’re a co-op member-consumer and we encourage you to nominate someone who is making a positive impact in our community. The volunteer being nominated does not need to be a co-op member-consumer. Minors may be nominated with consent from their parents or legal guardians. Nominees from previous years can be nominated again for another chance to win. Go to www.IowaShineTheLight.com  by June 30 to make a nomination and to review the contest rules. Nominators must provide basic contact information and answer this question in 500 words or less: How has your nominee made a difference in the community, and how might their local charity/nonprofit use the $3,000 donation? Help us shine the light on our community volunteers; make a nomination by June 30!

Prepare now for summer storms. (Photo: US Consumer Product Safety Commission) As we turn the page to June and the severe weather season, our cooperative is prepared for whatever Mother Nature has in store—and we encourage our members to do the same. Severe weather can strike quickly in rural areas, bringing high winds, lightning, and heavy rain that may damage power lines and equipment. Take a few minutes to prepare and learn how to react and respond to severe weather before it happens. How to Prepare Create an emergency kit  that includes a few gallons of water, flashlights, batteries, first aid supplies and prescriptions, moist towelettes, and non-perishable food. If you have pets, keeping a supply of pet food on hand might be a good idea. Charge devices  before storms arrive. As weather watches and warnings are posted, it might be a good idea to begin charging devices. Have a battery-powered radio  to stay informed when power is out. Many news stations and weather-related channels offer streaming of news and weather updates. Downloading a local news station app may serve as a valuable source of information when the power is out. Report  outages directly to the cooperative first by calling our office . Do not report outages via our social media, as our accounts may not be monitored as frequently as our call center. Call 9-1-1 to report any outages to first responders only if smoke, fire, or injury occurs. Get real-time updates on outages in our service territory and across the state by accessing the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives’ statewide outage map at https://www.iowarec.org/outages   Follow our cooperative on social media  or visit our website for the latest updates affecting our members. Stay weather aware by following your preferred news and weather stations. How We Respond When storms hit, our crews will be ready to make repairs as soon as outdoor conditions are safe. Our emergency response plan prioritizes safety while restoring power as quickly as possible. As soon as it is safe to do so, we assess damage to power lines and substations that serve hundreds of members. Then, we repair main distribution lines that deliver electricity to neighborhoods. Finally, we restore service to individual homes. Our line workers often brave challenging conditions—working through the night in rain-soaked fields or clearing fallen trees from remote areas—to restore your power. Working Together During widespread outages, patience is appreciated as we systematically restore service. Your timely outage reports help us pinpoint problem areas and respond more efficiently. Remember: always stay away from downed power lines and report them immediately. By preparing now, we can all weather summer storms more safely and comfortably. Our cooperative is committed to keeping the lights on and restoring power quickly when nature has other plans. Stay safe!

The way we generate electricity is changing. (Photo: Daniel Dan, Pixabay) In early May, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) released its 2025 Summer Reliability Assessment, raising concerns about the potential for electric generation and transmission shortfalls in several regions. Southwest Power Pool (SPP), the regional transmission organization (RTO) that serves Iowa Lakes Electric was placed in an “elevated risk” category for the upcoming summer. Despite this elevated risk, SPP expects to have sufficient generation to meet peak electricity demand this summer. Each year, SPP assesses seasonal risks by evaluating projected electricity use, weather conditions, and system reliability factors such as drought and transmission outages. While forecasts suggest warmer-than-average temperatures and lower-than-average rainfall, SPP has systems in place to respond to potential disruptions. These include calling on reserve resources, delaying maintenance outages, and importing power from neighboring regions when necessary. So, what does this mean for you? The way we generate electricity is changing. As more renewables come online and traditional sources are retired, our cooperative continues to support an all-of-the-above energy strategy. This means embracing renewable resources while also relying on dependable baseload generation like coal, natural gas, nuclear, and hydropower to ensure reliable and affordable power. We are working with our electric generation partners, including Corn Belt Power Cooperative, Northwest Iowa Power Cooperative (NIPCO), and their primary power provider Basin Electric Power Cooperative, to meet summer demand and advocate for policies that support a balanced, resilient energy mix. Our mission remains clear: to provide you with safe, reliable, and cost-effective electricity, today and into the future.

By respecting utility poles, you can keep your community powered and your line workers safe. Most jobs do not require you to climb 40 feet in the air and conduct business within a few feet of high-voltage power lines that carry 7,200 volts of electricity. However, this is just another day at the office for many utility workers. Across the nation, millions of utility poles provide the electricity that powers everything in your daily life — including the brewing of your morning cup of coffee and the lighting you turn off before going to bed. The electricity we depend on would not be possible without the utility workers who maintain and repair these utility poles. It’s important to keep utility poles free from all personal materials such as balloons, fliers, and metal objects like staples or tacks. By respecting utility poles, you can help keep your community powered and your local utility workers safe. This practice is illegal in many areas and creates hazards for the linemen who repair and maintain utility poles and other electrical infrastructure. It can also increase your monthly utility bill. Utility workers use specialized climbing devices to perform regular maintenance and repair damaged power lines at the top of utility poles. Nails, tacks, and other metal objects used to attach objects to utility poles can interfere with the safe operation of the climbing boots used by utility workers. Foreign objects embedded in utility poles can also snag or damage the protective clothing that keeps line workers safe from electrical shock. These men and women already work in extremely hazardous conditions, so everyone who relies on electricity should take steps to make their job as safe as possible. Other items that have been found on utility poles include tree stands for hunting. If you plan on hunting, do not place tree stands or other objects on utility poles. Doing so creates a risk for utility workers and is extremely dangerous for yourself or anyone who uses it. Please keep as much distance between yourself and overhead power lines as possible for your safety. For more information on staying safe around power lines, utility poles, and electricity, visit SafeElectricity.org .

The time you spend deciding between lunchmeat and leftover pizza can cost you cold cash. No one sets out to waste energy, but it's easy to do. Check out these common energy-wasting habits. If they seem familiar, maybe it's time you started making energy efficiency a part of your daily routine. 1. Leaving the lights on in empty rooms This is one of the most common energy-wasting habits and, luckily, one that's easy to fix. By simply turning off lights when you leave a room, you'll save energy and help your bulbs last longer. To save even more, install energy-efficient LEDs. They use at least 75% less energy than conventional incandescent bulbs and last a lot longer. 2. Not adjusting your thermostat Adjusting your home's temperature at night or when you are away is the most cost-effective way to save energy, but it's easy to forget. Programmable thermostats optimize savings by automatically adjusting temperatures based on your schedule. Today's smart models provide advanced features like remote control and self-programming. 3. Falling asleep watching TV It's easy to do. You're relaxing and watching your favorite show. Suddenly, it's 3 a.m., and you wake to an infomercial. All that late-night TV can result in some prime-time energy waste. Click the off button if you're feeling drowsy. If your set is older, upgrade to an ENERGY STAR TV. ENERGY STAR models use less energy than standard sets while providing a great viewing (or sleeping) experience. 4. Taking long showers Did you know that standard showerheads use 2.5 to 3.0 gallons per minute? Just think of all the water and energy those 20-minute showers send down the drain. Everyone likes a hot shower, but keep it to 10 minutes or less. Also, install WaterSense®-labeled showerheads. They use less water than standard units. 5. Running partial loads Operating your dishwasher or clothes washer with just a few dishes or a small amount of clothes may sometimes be convenient, but it's a big waste of energy. Wait until your appliance is fully loaded according to the manufacturer's guidelines before you push the button. Your clothes or dishes will be fully cleaned, and you'll save energy and water. 6. Forgetting to change your furnace filter A dirty air filter forces your heating or cooling system to work harder to keep you comfortable. Change your furnace filter regularly according to the manufacturer's guidelines. Remember to have your heating and cooling system inspected and cleaned annually by a qualified professional. 7. Browsing in front of an open refrigerator The time you spend deciding between lunch meat and leftover pizza can cost you cold cash. According to the Alliance to Save Energy, the average person spends about 10 hours looking at an open refrigerator or freezer every year. That's a lot of time for cold air to escape. Decide what you want and close the door quickly. Change can be difficult. However, with a little extra time and effort, you can save energy and money today and all year long.

May is Electrical Safety Month, raising awareness about using electricity wisely. May is National Electrical Safety Month, held every year to raise awareness about the importance of using electricity safely. While the electric service in your home is generally safe and reliable, it can be dangerous if used improperly. Follow these tips to keep your home and family safe. Partition your power needs Avoid plugging too many devices into one outlet. If you overload an outlet, it can cause surges that may damage connected devices. The outlet can even overheat and cause a fire. Spread out your power needs using multiple outlets or plug devices into an advanced power strip, which provides better protection against surges and fires. Don’t get overextended Despite their name, extension cords aren’t meant to be used for an extended time — they can overheat and cause a fire. Move plugged-in devices closer to an outlet if possible. Never run extension cords under rugs or furniture. Outside, use only extension cords marked for outdoor use. Unplug properly Remember to unplug from the plug, not the cord. The cord is not as strong and pulling on it can lead to frayed wires and broken plugs, which can cause fires. If the plug is hard to access, choose a different outlet or move whatever is in the way. Keep outlets up to code If you have two-pronged (non-grounded) outlets or any that are loose or appear worn, consider replacing them with newer models. Make sure all outlets near a water source — such as the kitchen and bathrooms — are approved ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCI). GFCIs will shut off the outlet circuit if it senses an imbalance, protecting you from electric shock. Outdoor outlets should be properly covered and GFCI protected. Give it the once-over Inspect power tools and other electric devices before plugging them in to ensure they are in good condition and wires are not cracked or frayed. When finished, store powered devices properly to keep them from being damaged by water or excessive heat. Contact a qualified electrician if you suspect there may be issues with your home’s wiring or electrical system. Remember, common sense and good safety habits are your best protection against electrical hazards this month and every month.