Last week, I was doing my part in our nations capital to look out for you. I met with with Congressional staffs that represent the Mid-South Synergy service territory to discuss cooperative issues regarding the EPA, the Rural Utility Service, and the Power Marketing Administration. Since a portion of our power comes from a hydro-electric plant located on Lake Whitney, I wanted to share a little of those discussions with you and an issue that we are facing.

Grimes County Relay for Life Event will take place at Anderson-Shiro High School on Friday May 11th, 2012 starting at 6:00pm.

Mid-South Synergy is a proud sponsor of the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life Event. For more information on participation or donating, please click HERE.

This year, judges are looking for a 30 to 60 second commercial about your cooperative, Mid-South Synergy. You can explore any related topic - the history of Mid-South Synergy, our community involvement, the seven cooperative principles, energy efficiency, or any other message you can dream up.

Why should you enter? Texas Co-op Power will award up to $4,000 in prizes

• $1,500 to the first place winner
• $500 to the second-place winner
• $250 to each of four runners-up
• $1,000 to the school sponsoring the first-place winner

The 2012 Co-op Teeens Power contest opens January 31, 2012 and ends on April 1, 2012. Students in grades 6-12 whose parents or legal guardians are current members of an electric cooperative in Texas are eligible to participate.

Visit TexasCoopPower.com to download the full contest rules and entry forms.

APPLICATION DEADLINES

Youth Tour - March 1st

http://www.midsouthsynergy.com/youthTour.aspx

Scholarships - April 2nd

http://www.midsouthsynergy.com/scholarships.aspx

If you have any questions, please contact Holly Morgan at 936.825.5139.

            So why is it that when it comes to electricity—a necessity in our modern world—many of us grumble and complain when the electric bill comes every month? We expect electricity to be there at the flip of the switch, and when it’s not, we get angry or frustrated.

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Big-screen televisions are claiming a larger share of the home entertainment market in the United States. They’re also using a lot more energy. But informed consumers can find ways to save money on power consumption for years to come.

“The power consumption levels of televisions being sold today are really all over the map,” said Brian Sloboda, a Cooperative Research Network senior program manager.

“Common sense dictates that the larger the television, the more energy it’s going to consume,” Sloboda said. “But what many people do not realize is that there can be huge differences in energy use among different models offering the same screen size.”

Plasma, liquid crystal display and light-emitting diode televisions have displaced cathode ray tube design sets in recent years. That’s prompted many of the leading manufacturers to introduce new models to appeal to consumers looking for different price points.

“One manufacturer makes a 47-inch model that uses about $30 worth of electricity a year. That same manufacturer has another 47-inch model that uses about twice as much power,” Sloboda said.

According to Sloboda, researchers have found that rear-projection televisions are generally more energy-efficient. But the slim design of flat-panel models often offered at lower prices has made them more popular. The LED models are also generally less expensive to operate than LCD models using fluorescent luminescent technology.

“Informed consumers may be able to save money in the long run by looking for the Energy Star logo on the label,” said Sloboda. Products bearing the distinctive blue and white logo have been certified as meeting strict energy efficiency standards set by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency.

CRN also recommends that consumer-members take other steps to help control power consumption of big screen televisions and other home entertainment equipment. Those include adjusting contrasts and brightness to lower intensity levels that reduce energy consumption without diminishing picture quality.

“Co-op consumer-members have been asking a lot of questions about the energy consumption of home entertainment products,” Sloboda said. “If you do your homework before spending your money, you can buy the same size television and spend $20 to $30 a year less in overall operating costs.”

If you have an outage or emergency, please call 936-825-5100 or 888-525-6677.

We appreciate your patience during this time.

The number of Americans served by electric co-ops is increasing faster than the national rate of population growth, according to data compiled by NRECA’s Strategic Analysis Unit and newly released figures from the 2010 Census.

In fact, co-ops are growing faster than even the fastest-growing states, according to population statistics. The population served by co-ops rose at a brisker clip than overall population growth in 45 of the 47 states served by co-ops.

For example, Nevada was the fastest growing state in the nation during the last decade, with a 35.1 percent population increase, according to a Census briefing released March 24. Yet co-op growth outpaced that from 1999 to 2009, with a 42 percent increase.

“This is part of a longer-term trend we’ve been seeing, where co-ops have been exceeding the national average in terms of consumer growth,” said Mike Ganley, director of NRECA’s Strategic Analysis Unit.

The growth rates for the population and co-ops are not precisely comparable, because the Census covers 2000 to 2010, while the latest decade of NRECA data runs from 1999 to 2009.

Still, the pattern is unmistakable?co-op growth is very strong, as the number of Americans served by co-ops jumped an estimated 22.6 percent from 1999 to 2009. Meanwhile, the U.S. population increased by 9.7 percent to 308.7 billion, which Census analysts called the smallest single-decade increase since the 1930s.

Most of the general population increase occurred in southern and western states, which the Census said accounted for 84.4 percent of the national growth in the last 10 years.

Those numbers were reflected in co-op totals. From 1999 to 2009, co-ops in both Texas and Georgia served more than 1 million additional residents than during the previous 10 years. Florida gained more than 500,000 served and North Carolina more than 400,000.

The growth even touched Wyoming, which lost population between 1980 and 1990, but surpassed the national average growth between 2000 and 2010 with a 14.1 percent boost in population. The percentage of Wyoming residents served by co-ops increased even faster?by 17.4 percent.

The recession of 2008-09 slowed growth across the board, as co-ops grew by 0.6 percent in 2009, according to the NRECA Strategic Analysis Unit.

Still, NRECA analysts say, three-quarters of all co-ops experienced a net increase in 2008, even though new housing starts were at all-time lows and customer growth was flat across the country.

While the Census has not yet released extensive new data on rural areas, it is likely that growth within states was more concentrated in suburban and exurban areas. In addition, analysts noted, large gains or losses by a single large co-op can have an exaggerated effect on statewide totals.

“As long as the population shift continues toward the South and the West,” Ganley said, ” it is likely that we’ll see strong continued overall co-op growth.”

By Steven Johnson

The new, free, Co-op Connections app is available for the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Once downloaded, the program prompts you to select your co-op, a choice that becomes locked in place.

“The opening screen will have the card front with the option of going to the co-op’s own Co-op Connections website,” explained Jason McGrade, Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives senior Web development and social media specialist.

“If you select the card, the back of the card will display, showcasing the pharmacy discount information. That can be presented to a pharmacist who can use that information to give the discount if you don’t have your physical card in hand.”

The app features an alphabetized list of the more than 100 national deals the Co-op Connections Card currently offers. “You can select each one and that, in turn, takes you to the deal,” McGrade said. “If it’s an e-commerce deal you click the link provided, or if it’s a coupon code that information is available.”

You can also click to call merchants, as well as the local co-op employee who handles the Connections Card. Another option allows you to save the deal, archiving it to the device.

Among the first to download the app to his iPhone was Steve Rhodes, CEO of Kosciusko REMC. He’s still experimenting with it, but is impressed with what he’s seen so far.

“The convenience of having information about the Co-op Connections Card deals with me and easily accessible via the app is wonderful,” Rhodes told ECT.coop. “I think this will be a very useful tool for electric co-op employees and members.”

In phase two, now under development, the app will include local deals, a search feature and a category setup. The app will also be expanded to other platforms such as Droid.

To download the app, go to the iTunes Store and in the search box type “Co-op Connections.”

From ECT.coop 

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

1. Seal cracks and gaps around your home. As you put away your storm windows consider adding weather stripping around leaky doors and caulking around window frames.  TogetherWeSave.com, a website sponsored by Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives, the branding program of the nation’s not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric co-ops, shows how easy it is to use a caulking gun to seal up leaks around vents, ductwork, and windows. A typical member at Mid-South Synergy can save more than $200 annually by taking this simple step. 

2. Change filters regularly. Change furnace and air conditioner filters monthly. Dirty filters restrict air flow and reduce the overall efficiency of your heating and cooling system by making it work harder on hot summer days.

3. Clean the refrigerator inside and out.  Now’s a good time to not only throw out that leftover fruitcake from the holidays but check the temperature settings on your refrigerator. Ideally, a refrigerator’s temperature should be between 37 and 40 degrees for maximum operating efficiency. When it’s time to replace that old refrigerator, be sure to buy one that’s ENERGY STAR rated. These energy-efficient appliances can save Mid-South Synergy members as much as $100 a year based on calculations from the TogetherWeSave.com.

4. Think sun block.  TogetherWeSave.com points out that by pulling down the shades on your windows this spring and summer, you could save about $35 a year.  Your local hardware store likely carries lots of inexpensive window coverings. Best of all, by blocking the sun, your house will stay cool and comfortable year-round.

5. Enjoy spring breezes.  Use a clothesline during warmer months and let sunlight and breezes dry clothes naturally. This will reduce your electric bill by not running a dryer, and add a genuine clean scent to your family’s laundry. 

Source: U.S. Department of Energy

We’re different because we’re "Looking Out for You". Now, more than ever, that’s important because we need to work together to keep your electric bills affordable.

Congress did not pass a comprehensive climate bill last year. In January the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency began regulating greenhouse gasses—an action made possible by a 2007 Supreme Court decision, followed by rulings allowing the EPA to use the Clean Air Act to curb carbon emissions. Policies dealing with coal ash, even more stringent controls on other power plant emissions, and state renewable energy requirements could also lead to higher costs. It’s hard to predict the future, but one thing seems certain: government regulations are going to increase the cost of doing business.

New regulations won’t be the only culprit. Prices for fuel, materials, and equipment will continue to rise. Although the recent economic slump and corresponding drop in electricity use provided some much-needed breathing room, soon we will need to build new power plants, requiring a significant, long-term investment of time and money.

We’re committed to keeping you informed about policy changes that will impact your electric bill through channels like our monthly e-newsletter, The Synergy Spot, and Mid-South’s website at www.midsouthsynergy.com. We’re going to do everything we can to keep your electric bills affordable.

To accomplish that, we’re controlling costs through innovation. Our energy efficiency programs help you manage your energy use. We also offer home energy audits to make sure you’re getting the best value out of the energy you use every month.

Deploying state-of-the-art solutions helps us control operating costs and improve service reliability. Nationally, co-ops are meeting members’ power needs with a diverse fuel mix, including renewable energy.

While we’re affordable and innovative, above all else we’re member focused. No matter what comes our way we’ll continue to put you, our members, first. Mid-South Synergy is member controlled and locally operated. As a member, you have a voice in how your co-op operates. At our annual meeting each year you have the opportunity to elect fellow members to our board of directors to represent your best interests.

Member control means we are accountable to those we serve, and are dedicated to assisting our communities—your money stays at work close to home. Costs are rising for all of us, but when it comes to your electric bill our rates are set simply to cover the cost of doing business, not to generate profits for distant stockholders.

The bottom line? We exist only to serve you and meet your needs for safe, reliable, and affordable power.

As you can see, we’re different. We’re working together to keep your electric bills affordable. We’re controlling costs through innovation. And we’re continuing to put you, our members, first. No matter what the future brings, one thing is certain. We’re "Looking Out for You".  

• Drape Delivery: Are you using your curtains to capture heat? Make sure drapes and shades are open to catch free solar heat during the day. Close them at night to keep the heat inside.
• Thermostat: Set your thermostat to 68°F (or lower if comfortable).
• Got tape? Though not as durable as foam, rubber, or vinyl, you can use non-porous tape (first aid cloth tape, for example) to keep cold air from squeezing into your home. Tape is good for blocking corners and irregular cracks, and can be used at the top and bottom of a window sash; door frames; attic hatches; and inoperable windows. Reinforce with staples if needed.
• Fan it up: Run ceiling paddle fans on low and reverse the rotation to blow air up in winter. This keeps warm air circulating without cooling you.
• Free vents: Your HVAC system will have to work twice as hard if your air registers and vents are blocked by rugs, furniture, or drapes. Keep them clear to allow air to flow freely.
• Garage Drain: Leave your garage door down. A warmer garage in winter will save energy.
• Rug Relief: Have a spare rug? Use it to cover bare floors for added insulation.
• Cool Food: Don’t make your fridge work too hard. Clean coils every year, and set the temperature between 34°-37° F; leave the freezer between 0°-5° F. Keep the freezer full—frozen food helps your freezer stay cool. When cooking keep lids on pots, and let hot food cool off before placing it in the refrigerator.
• Hot Savings: Heating water accounts for 12 percent of your home’s energy use. Set your water heater temperature no higher than 120°F. For households with only one or two members, 115°F works.

There are other ways to conserve energy, too. Remember, you don’t pay for what you don’t use. When you’re not watching TV or using lights, computers, and other electronics, turn them off. Lower your room temperatures a bit and wear a sweater to stay warm, or place an extra blanket on the bed at night. Find more ways to save at www.TogetherWeSave.com. Source: TogetherWeSave.com, Alliance to Save Energy, EnergySavers.gov 

1.  Get a Furnace Check-Up. While this one may involve the help of a professional, it can be well worth the cost. A simple inspection can ensure that you’ll have heat when you need it. Also be sure to make sure to change your air filter and keep any vents clear.

2.  Apply Weatherstripping to Windows and Doors. This is the most common way to winterize your home. First, identify air leaks around your windows and doors, then measure the perimeters of each to know how much you will need to purchase to seal the cracks around movable joints in your home. There are a variety of different types of products to help you complete this task, but be sure to buy about 5-10% extra to account for waste from measurement or cutting errors. In addition, you can also purchase door sweeps to further seal your home.

3.  Seal the Cracks Around Your Home. Perhaps the simplest way to guard your interior against chilly breezes is to use a commercial sealant. For best results, make sure the area is clean, dry, and free of any previous sealant. Also try to apply the caulk or sealant in one continuous line, as compared to multiple, short applications.

4.  Install Storm Windows. If your home’s windows came with additional storm panes, it is important to install them in the weeks before colder weather starts. Otherwise, plastic insulation kits can give windows of any size or shape a better insulating factor when installed on the inside of the home. Kits start at around $3 per window, and usually include everything needed for installation.

5.  Put a “Blanket” Around Your Hot Water Heater. Just like covering up with a blanket helps you stay warm, a Water Heater wrap will also keep in the heat. Covers, or “blankets,” can be purchased at most home improvement stores for between $35 and $70, and are easy to install without professional help. However, be certain that the placement of a blanket will not void your manufacturer’s warranty.

Schools and community groups joined together with Mid-South Synergy employees to make a difference.  One school, Madisonville Intermediate, supplied the Food Drive with over 4000 cans of food.

Mid-South would like to say a big "Thank you" to our members and friends for helping end hunger in the Brazos Valley.

You can read news stories about the Food Drive here and here.

1. Replace Your Showerhead
2. Add Aerators to Your Faucets
3. Install a Water-Efficient Toilet
4. Switch to CFLs
5. Install a Programmable Thermostat
6. Build or Install an Insulated Attic Hatch
7. Stop Chimney Drafts
8. Drain Sediment From Your Water Heater
9. Replace Your Washing Machine Hoses
10. Add Insulating Window Treatments

Each one of these little projects can range in price from $10 to no more than $250 but will save you so much more on your energy bill by the end of the year. 

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Mid-South Synergy crews will be performing scheduled line maintenance on Tuesday, November 23rd.  Outages between 9am and 1pm will affect the following sub-divisions:

• Chasewood
• Wood Forrest
• McDade Estates
• Old Kentucky Farms
• Ridgelake Shores (southern end)

We appreciate your patience as we perform the work necessary to insure that you have reliable service to your home and business.

Following a few watts of co-op electricity from generation to your home will prove the point.

Step One: Generation

Most electricity used in the United States—70 percent—comes from coal and natural gas-fired power plants. While these sources remain vital to a diverse fuel mix, for years electric co-ops have placed emphasis on utilizing technologies that supplement tried-and-true fossil fuels.

Electric co-ops are global leaders in developing technology that will burn coal more efficiently and possibly extract and store resulting carbon dioxide emissions. Co-ops also use nuclear power to serve 4.9 million consumers nationwide, with plans for new reactors in the works for some.

More than 90 percent of co-ops have invested in some kind of “green” renewable power, utilizing everything from moving water and wind to landfill gas and livestock waste to generate electricity. Though important, renewable energy does come with a few hurdles: it must be reliable—sometimes difficult when the wind stops blowing or the sun stops shining—and it must be connected to where it’s needed by miles of new, often expensive transmission lines.

Step Two: Transmission

Millions of miles of power lines crisscross the United States in a complex grid, moving electricity much as roads move cars. These lines are broken into two main categories: transmission, the high-voltage “interstates” supported by tall towers and covering vast distances; and distribution, the “local roads” running through towns and neighborhoods, into homes and businesses.

Electric cooperatives own and maintain roughly 65,000 miles, or 6 percent, of the nation’s transmission lines and 2.5 million miles, or 42 percent, of its distribution lines, according to NRECA—enough to cover the distance to the moon and back five times over. And this system has increasingly become high-tech.

At least half of all electric co-ops have deployed what’s called advanced meter infrastructure (AMI) in some fashion, a technology that relies on high-tech meters to relay data between a co-op and where electricity is used. The information provided can be used to efficiently track consumption, pinpoint outages, control automated appliances in homes, remotely disconnect power—the list goes on. All of this forms the foundation for what many are calling the “smart grid.”

“The definition of a ‘smart grid’ varies, depending on who you’re talking to and what they’re looking to achieve,” remarks Jay Morrison, NRECA senior regulatory counsel. “The common thread through all smart grid technology is greater communication and integration between all pieces of the grid, from power plants generating electricity to the homes and businesses using it.”

Co-ops are also leaders in what’s called load management or demand response, programs that allow a utility to reduce electricity demand—and keep expensive power plants from switching on to meet it—by controlling when power gets used. A special switch on a consumer’s water heater may allow their co-op to turn it off when extra electricity is needed system-wide, for example.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) recently determined that if this kind of program were applied industry-wide, national peak demand could be cut by as much as 20 percent, reducing the need to operate hundreds of power plants during times of peak electricity use.

Step Three: Use

All it takes is the flip of a switch to bring transmitted watts to their final destination, powering lights and making our homes hum with activity. Electric co-ops are working to improve technology on this side of the power line as well, investing in research and development to improve energy efficiency.

For example, the Cooperative Research Network (CRN), the research arm of NRECA, partners with co-ops across the country to test the most promising applications of LED (light-emitting diode) lighting. These bulbs have the potential to reduce power use by a factor of ten, compared to standard incandescent bulbs.
Co-ops are also working on in-home energy use displays to inform consumers about electricity consumption and real-time costs. These devices help consumers keep better track of the electricity they require, which can lead to a reduction in use by 8 percent to 10 percent, according to CRN studies.

“What began as a simple energy management device to let a consumer know how much electricity was used has morphed into a range of products, from digital displays measuring use and costs to glowing orbs reflecting price changes,” says Ed Torrero, executive director of CRN. “In-home displays are emerging as the last stop on the smart grid express.”

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Scott Gates writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the Arlington, Va.-based service arm of the nation’s 900-plus consumer-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperatives.

Energy-efficient washing machines, easily identified by the Energy Star label, are a priority for any cost-conscious consumer’s list. Approximately 93 percent of all American households have a clothes washer, adding up to 102 million clothes washers across America. About 9 million washing machines are sold each year—efficient models account for slightly more than one-third of sales.

Energy Star-rated washing machines cost slightly more than their less-efficient counterparts, anywhere from $400-1,500, depending on other features selected. To get a handle on how much electricity a particular unit will draw, pay close attention to the yellow energy guide before making a purchase.

An energy-efficient washing machine can save the typical homeowner around $50 a year, or $540-$600 over the life of the appliance. Efficient machines also save more than 5,000 gallons of water annually. The energy and water efficiencies of clothes washers are measured according to their modified energy factor (MEF) and water factor (WF). These criteria generally limit Energy Star qualification to front-loading and advanced top-loading models.

Front-loading clothes washers use a horizontal or tumble-axis basket to lift and drop clothing into the water, instead of rubbing clothes around a central agitator in a full tub. These units use less energy than conventional clothes washers by reducing the amount of hot water needed to clean clothes. Front-loading models also squeeze more water out of clothes by using spin speeds that are two to three times faster than conventional washers, reducing both drying time and energy use.

Energy Star-qualified top-loading models typically use spray valves to rinse clothes, rather than a new tub of water. This method not only reduces the energy required for water heating, but typically saves an average of 15 gallons of water per wash, compared with conventional clothes washers.

Qualified top-loading models also boast sensors to monitor and adjust incoming water temperature. This keeps water hot enough to dissolve the detergent and provide high-performance cleaning, but cool enough to save energy and minimize hot water damage to fabrics. One limitation of efficient top-loading washers is that many models do not offer a high-temperature standard wash option.

By looking for the Energy Star logo and shopping at a store with knowledgeable staff, you should be able to leave with a new washing machine that will, over time, pay for itself.

If a tool, appliance, or holiday display draws more current than an extension cord can carry, it may cause the cord (and whatever is connected to it) to overheat and start a fire. Cords come in many lengths and are marked with a size or gauge. The gauge is based on the American Wire Gauge (AWG) System, in which the larger the wire, the smaller the AWG number.

For example, a 12-gauge wire would be larger and power larger wattage appliances than a 14-gauge wire. A cord, based on its gauge, can power appliances of a certain wattage only at specific distances. As the cord gets longer, the current-carrying capacity of the cord drops. Using the right cord for the job is only the first step in using extension cords safely.

Follow these tips to ensure safe use and make smart connection decisions:

• Look for the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) symbol. The UL mark means that samples of the cord have been tested for safety hazards.
• Never use an indoor extension cord outdoors, as it could result in electric shock or trigger a fire. Extension cords that can be used outdoors will be clearly marked “Suitable for Use with Outdoor Appliances.”
• Extension cords should not be placed underneath rugs or other heavy furniture; tacked in place to a wall or taped down; or used while coiled or bent. Match the length of the cord to your needs.
• Store all cords indoors when not in use. Outdoor conditions can deteriorate a cord over time.
• Unplug extension cords when not in use. The cord will continue conducting electricity until unplugged.
• On cords with more than one outlet, use the covers provided for unused openings. Children and pets face serious injury if they chew on unused outlets or stick sharp metal objects into the openings.
• Do not use extension cords that are cut or damaged. Touching even a single exposed strand of wire can result in an electric shock or burn.
• Never file or cut the plug blades or grounding pin of an extension cord or appliance to plug it into an old outlet. As a safety feature, extension cords and most appliances boast polarized plugs (one blade wider than the other). These special plugs are designed to prevent electric shock by properly aligning circuit conductors. If a plug does not fit, have a qualified electrician install a new outlet.

Source: Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.

But when it comes to energy, the word ‘audit’ should actually inspire interest. Saving money can often be the outcome of a basic energy audit. And with a few techniques you can do at home, you’ll be on your way to reducing energy usage in your home. and a lower bill. Inspired yet?

It’s true that Mid-South Synergy can schedule an auditor to come out to your house, but the truth is there many ways you can do it yourself today. The main question you need to ask yourself: is it time for a do-it-yourself home energy audit?

One of the first steps in making your home energy efficient involves understanding how it uses energy. Just as a doctor has to do a thorough examination of a patient before writing a prescription your home will need a good inspection before most inefficiencies can be identified and corrected. You can easily conduct a basic home energy audit with a simple but diligent walk-through.
When auditing your home, keep a checklist of areas you have inspected and problems you find. Full lists are available online to help you find most trouble spots in a few key areas. Try checking Touchstone Home Energy Cooperatives Home Energy Saver (touchstoneenergysavers. com). This list will help you prioritize your energy efficiency upgrades.

First, make a list of obvious air leaks (drafts). The potential energy savings from reducing drafts in a home may range from 5% to 30% per year, and the home is generally much more comfortable afterward. Check for indoor air leaks, such as gaps along the baseboard or edge of the flooring and at junctures of the walls and ceiling.

Check to see if air can flow through these places:
• Electrical outlets
• Switch plates
• Window frames
• Baseboards
• Weather stripping around doors
• Fireplace dampers
• Attic
 
Also look for gaps around pipes and wires, electrical outlets, foundation seals, and mail slots.

Check to see if the caulking and weather stripping are applied properly, leaving no gaps or cracks, and are in good condition. Inspect windows and doors for air leaks. See if you can rattle them, since movement means possible air leaks. If you can see daylight around a door or window frame, then the door or window leaks. You can usually seal these leaks by caulking or weather stripping them. Check the storm windows to see if they fit and are not broken. You may also wish to consider replacing your old windows and doors with newer, high-performance ones. If new factory-made doors or windows are too costly, you can install low-cost plastic sheets over the windows.

If you are having difficulty locating leaks, you may want to conduct a basic building pressurization test:

1. First, close all exterior doors, windows, and fireplace enclosures.
2. Turn off all combustion appliances such as gas burning furnaces and water heaters.
3. Then turn on all exhaust fans (generally located in the kitchen and bathrooms) or use a large window fan to suck the air out of the rooms.

This test increases infiltration through cracks and leaks, making them easier to detect. You can use incense sticks or your damp hand to locate these leaks. If you use incense sticks, moving air will cause the smoke to waver, and if you use your damp hand, any drafts will feel cool to your hand. Inspect all areas where two different building materials meet, including:
• All exterior corners
• Where siding and chimneys meet
• Areas where the foundation and the bottom of exterior brick or siding meet.

You should plug and caulk holes or penetrations for faucets, pipes, electric outlets, and wiring. Look for cracks and holes in the mortar, foundation, and siding, and seal them with the appropriate material. Check the exterior caulking around doors and windows, and see whether exterior storm doors and primary doors seal tightly.
When sealing any home, you must always be aware of the danger of indoor air pollution and combustion appliance “backdrafts.” Backdrafting is when the various combustion appliances and exhaust fans in the home compete for air. An exhaust fan may pull the combustion gases back into the living space. This can obviously create a very dangerous and unhealthy situation in the home.

In homes where a fuel is burned (i.e., natural gas, fuel oil, propane, or wood) for heating, be certain the appliance has an adequate air supply. Generally, one square inch of vent opening is required for each 1,000 BTU of appliance input heat. When in doubt, contact your local utility company, energy professional, or ventilation contractor.

Heat loss through the ceiling and walls in your home could be very large if the insulation levels are less than the recommended minimum. When your house was built, the builder likely installed the amount of insulation recommended at that time. Given today’s energy prices (and future prices that will probably be higher), the level of insulation might be inadequate, especially if you have an older home.

If the attic hatch is located above a conditioned space, check to see if it is at least as heavily insulated as the attic, is weather stripped, and closes tightly. In the attic, determine whether openings for items such as pipes, ductwork, and chimneys are sealed. Seal any gaps with an expanding foam caulk or some other permanent sealant.

While you are inspecting the attic, check to see if there is a vapor barrier under the attic insulation. The vapor barrier might be tarpaper, Kraft paper attached to fiberglass batts, or a plastic sheet. If there does not appear to be a vapor barrier, you might consider painting the interior ceilings with vapor barrier paint. This reduces the amount of water vapor that can pass through the ceiling. Large amounts of moisture can reduce the effectiveness of insulation and promote structural damage.

Make sure that the attic vents are not blocked by insulation. You also should seal any electrical boxes in the ceiling with flexible caulk (from the living room side or attic side) and cover the entire attic floor with at least the current recommended amount of insulation. Checking a wall’s insulation level is more difficult.
Select an exterior wall and turn off the circuit breaker or unscrew the fuse for any outlets in the wall. Be sure to test the outlets to make certain that they are not “hot.” Check the outlet by plugging in a functioning lamp or portable radio. Once you are sure your outlets are not getting any electricity, remove the cover plate from one of the outlets and gently probe into the wall with a thin, long stick or screwdriver. If you encounter a slight resistance, you have some insulation there. You could also make a small hole in a closet, behind a couch, or in some other unobtrusive place to see what, if anything, the wall cavity is filled with. Ideally, the wall cavity should be totally filled with some form of insulation material.
Unfortunately, this method cannot tell you if the entire wall is insulated, or if the insulation has settled. Only a thermographic inspection can do this. If your basement is unheated, determine whether there is insulation under the living area flooring. In most areas of the country, an R-value of 25 is the recommended minimum level of insulation. The insulation at the top of the foundation wall and first floor perimeter should have an R-value of 19 or greater. If the basement is heated, the foundation walls should be insulated to at least R-19. Your water heater, hot water pipes, and furnace ducts should all be insulated.

For more information, see our insulation section. Inspect heating and cooling equipment annually, or as recommended by the manufacturer. If you have a forced-air furnace, check your filters and replace them as needed. Generally, you should change them about once every month or two, especially during periods of high usage. Have a professional check and clean your equipment once a year. If the unit is more than 15 years old, you should consider replacing your system with one of the newer, energy-efficient units. A new unit would greatly reduce your energy consumption, especially if the existing equipment is in poor condition. Check your ductwork for dirt streaks, especially near seams. These indicate air leaks, and they should be sealed with a duct mastic. Insulate any ducts or pipes that travel through unheated spaces. An insulation R-Value of 6 is the recommended minimum.

Energy for lighting accounts for about 10% of your electric bill. Examine the wattage size of the light bulbs in your house. You may have 100-watt (or larger) bulbs where 60 or 75 watts would do. You should also consider compact fluorescent lamps for areas where lights are on for hours at a time. 

Not only are co-ops locally owned and controlled—by you, our members—they are locally run to serve your needs.

While many Texas electricity consumers pay power bills to companies that answer to far-away stockholders who demand a healthy profit every quarter, local members call the shots at electric co-ops like Mid-South Synergy. Co-ops aren’t under pressure to keep rates high enough to generate big profits. Instead, co-ops try to keep your bill as low as possible while providing high-quality service. Co-ops invest money in excess of operating costs back into the business locally or return the excess (known as margins) to you in the form of capital credits.

And unlike the boards of directors of investor-owned utilities who keep an eye on generating profits for people living far away, your co-op’s directors (fellow members, by the way) have only one thing in mind: keeping lights on safely, reliably, and keeping costs affordable in our local community. That’s why you elected them. And that’s what is so great about co-ops. If you don’t like the direction your co-op is taking, you have the power to change the leadership through democratic means.
You may know the history of the electric cooperative movement, how seven decades ago rural residents banded together to bring the conveniences of electricity to their communities when investor-owned utilities would not extend service. The associations they formed, on the same democratic principles as this great nation, are as strong and relevant today as they were back then.

But co-ops are not just products of a proud past. These days, Americans from all walks of life have come to recognize the co-op approach—members working together to achieve price and service benefits—can work for other needs just as effectively as it delivered affordable power to rural Americans.

The seven principles upon which electric co-ops were founded—voluntary and open membership, democratic member control, and members’ economic participation, among others—are as meaningful today as they were when electric co-ops began in the 1930s.

Leadership at Mid-South Synergy shares the same concerns as you, our members. We are accessible. You can give us a call or send us an e-mail and know someone here is listening. And at our annual meeting, visit with us in person and share insights on how you want your business operated.

In these days of economic turmoil, folks who receive electricity from co-ops are lucky. As locally owned and operated businesses, electric co-ops understand the people they serve. Directors and employees at your co-op share the same values and have the same pride of place as you do because it is our community, too. We act like neighbors because we are neighbors.

That’s the cooperative difference.

They don’t have fangs. They can’t rise out of graves. But beware, they will suck the dollars right out of your bank account. They’re called Vampire Loads and they’re hiding in your home and office.A Vampire Load is an electricity load of purely wasted energy that exists in your electronic equipment. When you think you’ve turned “off ” all your equipment, in reality, these loads are increasing your electricity bill. In other words, your computer or DVD player is quietly costing you money. Now that’s pretty scary.

According to the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory* this “standby power” can equate up to 10% of residential use. If a simple electronic can draw 5 watts per year, it means it can cost you about 5 dollars. Where the equation gets expensive is that many households can have dozens of appliances.The best way to stake this wasted energy is to use a power strip. For example, if you have TV and DVD player next to each other, you can send them to one power strip with an off switch. Use this power strip to power down and prevent these electronics such as your computer from drawing energy.

Also, if you know that you’ll be out for an extended time, unplug some of those appliances such as your kitchen’s microwave. The more appliances you can unplug the more watts you will save.So your instincts were right. There are frightening things in your home. But you can throw the garlic out because with a little time and a few power strips, you’ll be rid of these energy pests.

Older manufactured homes, especially those built before 1994, may have leaking ducts and inadequate insulation. Leaky ductwork can reduce the efficiency of your heating and cooling system by as much as 20 percent. A good time to check for leaks is on a windy day, when you’ll be able to find drafty spots in your home.

Experts recommend going after the big leaks first. That means plugging all holes around chimneys, vents, water pipes and heating system ductwork. Leaky ducts can be sealed with mastic sealant. Avoid the use of duct tape, which can dry out and disintegrate when used on ductwork. Adding insulation to floor, wall and ceiling cavities can improve energy efficiency, but may be a job for a professional contractor.

Once you’ve sealed the major leaks, look for smaller ones—around windows, doors, electrical outlets and light switches. Seal gaps around windows and doors, using caulk on non-moving parts. And replace any worn weatherstripping. Caulk or expanding spray foam can be used where plumbing, wiring, vents and ducting penetrate through walls. Installing foam outlet gaskets in electrical outlets and light switches—especially on outside walls—can save energy, too.

And for safety’s sake, make sure that all combustion appliances, such as furnaces, stoves and water heaters, are properly vented.

For other tips on how to save energy—and money—visit Touchstone Energy’s energy-saving website or call the energy experts at Mid-South Synergy. Find out how the little changes add up at www.TogetherWeSave.com.

Held in Seguin, the Lineman’s Rodeo is not what one might think typically of a rodeo. There are no steers or bucking broncos. This is a full on competition between cooperatives around the state to see which linemen have the right stuff.

With a series of challenges mimicking typical work scenarios, these trials test whose linemen are the most efficient in their job and committed to excellence.

We’re proud to say Mid-South Synergy lineman won 3rd place in the Pole Climb competition. That’s a huge accomplishment considering every co-op in the state came out vying to say they are the best. Line Superintendent Jim Woods attributes the award to our lineman team “working hard and showing professionalism in their job.”

In this event, Mid-South’s linemen were tested in their ability to climb quickly and safely up an electric pole. Once at the top, each lineman had to put an egg in their mouth and come down without cracking the shell.

The Pole Climb journeyman team of Clayten Owens, Jared Anderson, and Jeff Danford scored the winning 3rd rank placing. Apprentices Brandon Taylor, Darren Dean, Jacob Duke, Mathew Petri, and Sam Johnson also had excellent overall times.
Their scores reflected the precision and safety each competitor displayed that day.

“A lot of what linemen do in the field revolve around safety” says Safety Officer Mark Finke who helped prepare this year’s competitors. “That means to get a high score, competitors not only need to finish the challenge but they must complete it safely. Speed is a factor but not the most important one.”

According to Woods, the judges are also grading the scorecards around efficiency. Every bolt or tool needs to be properly handled, placed, and used to get the highest score. “With so many tools used in each competition,” says Woods “the real challenge is not getting them mixed up or confused.”

After months of practice, the team was rewarded for their determination and commitment. Even though our local community and staff already know how efficient and committed Mid-South Synergy lineman are, it’s nice every once in a while to have the rest of the state know that too.

Congratulations to the 2010 Lineman’s Rodeo Team. You make us all proud!

Held in Seguin, the Lineman’s Rodeo is not what one might think typically of a rodeo. There are no steers or bucking broncos. This is a full on competition between cooperatives around the state to see which linemen have the right stuff.

With a series of challenges mimicking typical work scenarios, these trials test whose linemen are the most efficient in their job and committed to excellence.

We’re proud to say Mid-South Synergy lineman won 3rd place in the Pole Climb competition. That’s a huge accomplishment considering every co-op in the state came out vying to say they are the best. Line Superintendent Jim Woods attributes the award to our lineman team “working hard and showing professionalism in their job.”

 In this event, Mid-South’s linemen were tested in their ability to climb quickly and safely up an electric pole. Once at the top, each lineman had to put an egg in their mouth and come down without cracking the shell.

The Pole Climb journeyman team of Clayten Owens, Jared Anderson, and Jeff Danford scored the winning 3rd rank placing. Apprentices Brandon Taylor, Darren Dean, Jacob Duke, Mathew Petri, and Sam Johnson also had excellent overall times.
Their scores reflected the precision and safety each competitor displayed that day.

 “A lot of what linemen do in the field revolve around safety” says Safety Officer Mark Finke who helped prepare this year’s competitors. “That means to get a high score, competitors not only need to finish the challenge but they must complete it safely. Speed is a factor but not the most important one.”

According to Woods, the judges are also grading the scorecards around efficiency. Every bolt or tool needs to be properly handled, placed, and used to get the highest score. “With so many tools used in each competition,” says Woods “the real challenge is not getting them mixed up or confused.”

After months of practice, the team was rewarded for their determination and commitment. Even though our local community and staff already know how efficient and committed Mid-South Synergy lineman are, it’s nice every once in a while to have the rest of the state know that too.

Congratulations to the 2010 Lineman’s Rodeo Team. You make us all proud!

• Last year, Mid-South members had electricity for 99.97 percent of every hour (that’s 59 minutes and 58 seconds out of every hour), the highest percentage in Mid-South history
• Mid-South’s Member Services Department answered over 65,000 phone calls (that’s about 250 calls a day).
• We also served over 70,000 members who walked into one of our offices to pay their bill (that’s over 270 members a day).
• And, we processed over 130,000 mail-in bills (around 500 bills a day).

Learning to track how much electricity your home consumes is a great way to start managing your home’s electric use.

You can purchase devices at stores that provide a constant, digital reading of how much electricity your home—or an individual appliance—is using. One type of device, such as the Kill-A-Watt, fits between an electrical outlet and an appliance to give you an instant reading of how much electricity an appliance draws.

Another type connects to your electricity meter and wirelessly relays information on use to a small screen inside. Called an in-home display, the device looks similar to a wireless weather monitor and can help make consumers more aware of energy being used day to day. Research conducted by the Cooperative Research Network (CRN), the research arm of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, shows that most consumers who have an in-home display use less energy than those without one. And even after homeowners stop paying attention to the devices, most still use 1 to 3 percent less energy than before.

“The question of whether in-home displays catch on and become permanent fixtures in the American home is still open,” said Brian Sloboda, program manager with CRN. “However, for anyone wanting to take a proactive approach to understanding electric consumption, the in-home display may be worth exploring. You could use the knowledge that an in-house display provides to change the way you use electricity in your home and save some money.”

There’s also the old-fashioned way of tracking electricity use: reading your meter. As your home draws current from power lines, your electricity meter keeps a steady record of every watt being used. Many meters today are digital, replacing the older design that uses spinning discs and dials.

Digital versions make tracking energy use a breeze: Jot down the number you see and check it again in a month. The difference between the two represents the amount of electricity that has been used for that month or a typical billing period. Check it more frequently to get an idea of how you use electricity in a given week, or even day by day.

To read an older model meter (with spinning dials), write down the numbers as shown on the small dials from left to right. Some of the dials spin clockwise, some counterclockwise, but record each number closest to the dial hand. Once you have the full reading it can be compared to later readings, as described above.
If you have any questions about reading your meter or learning more about how much electricity your home uses, please contact your electric cooperative.

(Article taken from the February 2010 Texas Co-Op Power Magazine)

You can easily conduct a basic home energy audit with a simple but diligent walk-through. When auditing your home, keep a checklist of areas you have inspected and problems you find. Full lists are available online—Touchstone Energy Cooperatives® Home Energy Saver (at www.touchstoneenergysavers.com) and the Alliance to Save Energy Home Energy Checkup (search for it at www.ase.org) are both useful—and most trouble spots can be found in a few key areas.

Locating Air Leaks

First, make a list of obvious air leaks (drafts). The potential energy savings from reducing drafts in a home may range from 5 percent to 30 percent per year, with a much more comfortable residence the result. Check for indoor air leaks, such as in gaps along a baseboard or the edges of flooring and at junctures of walls and the ceiling.

Inspect windows and doors for air leaks. If you can rattle them, movement means possible air leaks. If you can see daylight around a door or window frame, then the door or window has a leak; you can usually seal these through caulking or weatherstripping.

On the outside, inspect all areas where two different building materials meet, including all exterior corners, siding and chimney junctures, and areas where the foundation and the bottom of exterior brick or siding join. You should plug and caulk any holes or penetrations for faucets, pipes, electric outlets and wiring.
Also, look for cracks and holes in the mortar, foundation and siding, and seal them with the appropriate material. Check the exterior caulking around doors and windows, and make sure exterior storm doors and primary doors seal tightly.

Insulation

Heat loss through the ceiling and walls in your home could be very large if insulation levels are less than the recommended minimum. When your house was built, the builder likely installed the amount of insulation recommended (if any) at that time. Given today’s energy prices (and future prices that will probably be higher), your insulation might be inadequate, especially if you have an older home. Online energy audits will provide more details on checking insulation levels in the attic, walls and basement.

Heating/Cooling Equipment

Inspect heating and cooling equipment annually, or as recommended by the manufacturer. If you have a forced-air furnace, check filters and replace them as needed. Generally, you should change them about once every month, especially during periods of high use. Have a professional check and clean your equipment once a year.

Lighting

On average, lighting accounts for about 10 percent of a home’s electric bill. Examine the wattage size of the lightbulbs in your house. You may have 100-watt (or larger) bulbs where 60 or 75 watts would do. You should also consider using compact fluorescent lightbulbs for areas where lights are left on for hours at a time.

More information on both do-it-yourself and professional energy audits can be found at www.energysavers.gov.

Source: U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

(Article taken from The Texas Co-Op Power Magazine, September 2009)


 

Look for local organizations that recycle appliances. Check with your city to learn if it has a refrigerator recycling program. Find a local scrap metal recycler to haul the relic away. Ask for a guarantee that the unit will be properly recycled.

Members visited booths offering information on the many services and perks that come along with being a part of Mid-South Synergy. This included information on Water Resources, Rheem Marathon water heaters, home energy rebates, the Pay-As-You-Go program, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Our Energy Our Future, right-of way mandates (which included free oak saplings for members), compact fluorescent lightbulbs, the co-op’s scholarship and Youth Tour programs and other member services.

One of Mid-South’s former Government-in-Action Youth Tour participants, Daniel Sanders, was featured in a short video encouraging members to have their children apply for the annual trek to Washington, D.C. The co-op sponsors four high school students each year to take the 10-day educational trip to our nation’s capital. The winners for 2010, Amber Brown, Brittany Zdunkawicz, Caleb Jones, and Jacob Jones, won the trip by creating a video on the topic: “Without electricity, how would your day-to-day life be different?” All four said that it definitely was the trip of a lifetime.

Ah, the dog days of summer are here. Typically in Texas, that means warm days and absolutely scorching afternoons. It can also mean high electric bills. It is important though, especially during this part of the year, to stay cool. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to remain comfortable during the hottest part of the year. And with a little effort, you can still keep that bill affordable.

The best way to beat the heat is to stay indoors in the air conditioning and use a fan to circulate air. Fans help you stay cooler and let you keep your A/C thermostat set a few degrees higher, saving you energy and money. Use caulk and weatherstripping around windows and doors to keep hot air out and cooled air in. Draw the curtains on windows during the hottest part of the day to keep solar heat outside. Keep your thermostat set at 78 degrees or higher. For every degree you can raise the thermostat, studies have found, you will save about 3 percent on your energy bill. Better yet, install a programmable thermostat and use it to turn the thermostat up when you are away from home or in the dead of night, when you’re sleeping and won’t notice.

Keeping that bill down can also be achieved through cooking habits In the evenings, when the temperature has dropped, enjoy a picnic or a cookout in a park or your backyard. Cooking outside has the advantage of keeping oven and stove heat out of the kitchen, where it adds to your air system’s cooling load. If you do cook indoors, use appliances such as microwaves and slow cookers, which use less energy than a stove or oven and don’t add as much residual heat to the air.

Just make sure, indoors or out, wear lightweight clothing and drink plenty of water. If you must work outside, try to do most of your heavy labor in the morning before it heats up. Take frequent rest breaks and stay hydrated. Avoid alcoholic beverages, which can cause dehydration. And know the warning signs that you’ve gotten overheated. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include dizziness, muscle weakness and nausea. If you begin to experience these symptoms, stop what you are doing and get someplace cool right away. If left untreated, this condition can progress to heatstroke, which can kill.  And, during these next few blazing-hot weeks, watch out for your friends and neighbors, especially the elderly or infirm individuals, who might have trouble coping with the heat.

As for us at Mid-South Synergy, we strive every day, in all kinds of weather, to keep electricity affordable and reliability high so you can keep your cool.

But for some of us, we haven’t quite jumped on the bandwagon. It is has nothing to do with resisting the idea of upgrading - we’re completely supportive of lower electric bills. It’s the transition that lacks incentive. The financial investment of crossing over is missing from the equation...that is until now.           

Many of us would love to get rid of that old washer sucking kilowatts each month. Or maybe you’ve got a fridge where you find yourself chipping away aggressive ice formations because leaky door seals deliver Antarctica in a box. We’ve been there, done that, and are still doing it. The holdup on conserving energy is the cost of upgrade. Mid-South Synergy understands this which is why the co-op is offering a Home Energy Rebate program.

“We want to assist our members in their energy conservation plans” says Dianne Sechelski, Chief Member Services Officer at Mid-South Synergy. “It’s not easy to upgrade your HVAC unit or buy a new appliance. But if some of our members know they might have to replace some of these items soon, the good news is that there’s help.”

The assistance Sechelski refers to is coming in the form of energy rebates. These include an assortment of new rebates members can receive for doing home energy upgrades. For instance, members purchasing new energy star appliances can receive back $100 per appliance. Or if you upgrade your attic insulation from R8 TO R38, you could get a rebate back for 550 dollars. HVAC upgrades, programmable thermostats and many other energy conservation purchases will also receive rebates back (see next page for list).

“The idea is that if Mid-South can assist in the cost for members wanting to upgrade, there will be more incentive for them to embrace energy conservation. The benefits add up in the long run, giving them more value with their electric usage” says Sechelski.

And it’s not just for existing homeowners; you can get rebates back if you are building a new home. Mid-South Synergy promotes homebuilders to design their new homes to the standards of what is called a “Touchstone Home.”

What this means is that if you are building a new home and the house meets the Touchstone Home list of energy saving requirements, you will get back a rebate from Mid-South Synergy just for following a few simple guidelines.

Energy conservation is something we all aspire to take part in. It hasn’t always been easy with the prices of energy saving upgrades. But now with the help of Mid-South Synergy and the energy rebate program, it’s become a lot easier. Click on the Energy Rebates icon @ www.midsouthsynergy.com to view list of rebates to begin your savings this year.

1.     Cook outdoors when possible to reduce the load on your air conditioner. Try a solar cooker or oven. Solar cookers and ovens are by far the most energy-efficient cooking appliances. They require no fuel, reduce unwanted summer heat in your home by taking cooking outside and can accommodate any food a slow cooker can. Some solar ovens can reach 500 degrees. To learn more, visit www.solarcooking.org.

2.     Toaster ovens, convection ovens and slow cookers get the job done with less energy than conventional stovetops or ovens, especially when preparing smaller meals.

3.     Use as small a pan, as little water and as little preheating time as possible.

4.     Bake in glass or ceramic ovenware instead of metal. You can turn the temperature down by 25 degrees, and foods will cook in the same amount of time.

5.     Don’t open the door and peek in the oven. Use the oven window instead!

6.     Regularly clean burner pans (the pans under the burners that catch grease). Clean pans more effectively reflect heat to the cookware. Dirty burner pans absorb heat and reduce efficiency.

7.     Use flat-bottomed cookware that rests evenly on the surface of electric coil burners or solid-disk or radiant elements under smooth-top ceramic glass.

8.     Avoid thawing food in the microwave. Thawing food in the fridge is far more energy efficient contributes to the fridge’s cooling and is safer than thawing food on the countertop or in the sink.

9.     Use residual heat. Turn the stove or oven off before cooking is done to allow cooking to continue while reducing energy use. An electric burner element can be turned off two minutes before removing the cookware since it remains hot. Ovens can be turned off 20 minutes before cooking’s done.

10.  Consider substituting one or more stovetop burners with an induction cooker. The typical efficiency of an induction cooker is 84 percent and gas stovetops are 40 percent efficient, according the U.S. Department of Energy. What’s more, induction cookers which require magnetic cookware such as cast iron or enameled steel) produce as much heat as gas and are less costly to operate than a conventional electric burner. To learn more, visit www.theinductionsite.com

 Source : John Bruce(NRECA)

We’re always looking for ways to provide value to our members and our community, especially during tough economic times. Mid-South Synergy’s Co-op Connections Card is a money-saving tool we’re proud to offer our membership. The card connects you with discounts on everything from hotel stays to prescription drugs.

We hope local businesses participating in the Co-op Connections program benefit from increased traffic from Mid-South Synergy members. Businesses can sign up for the program at no cost. For a complete list of all participating businesses in our area, simply log on to our website www.midsouthsynergy.com and follow the Co-op Connections Card link.

The card also gives you access to online savings at more than 95 national retailers like Barnes&Noble.com, Hertz Rental Cars, Best Western hotels and ProFlowers.com. You can check out these great national discounts at www.connections.coop.

One of the most valuable features of the Co-op Connections Card is the pharmacy discount. While it is not insurance, the discount can mean savings of 10 to 60 percent on prescription drugs. The logo and information on the back of your card is recognized at more than 60,000 national, regional, and local pharmacies.

The pharmacy discount has been widely used by members of Touchstone Energy co-ops across the country, resulting in combined savings of nearly $20 million on prescriptions.

Want to find out more? Log on to www.locateproviders.com to search for pharmacies in our area honoring the card. Use code 22203 as the group number under the “Groups” login section. Next, enter your zip code.  

As a Touchstone Energy co-op, Mid-South Synergy strives to serve our members according to four core values: integrity, accountability, innovation and commitment to community. Our Co-op Connections Card is one of the ways we live up to those values.

We’re eager to answer any questions you have about the card and how to take advantage of the discounts it provides. Call us at 936-825-5100 to find out more or click on the Co-op Connections Card icon @ www.midsouthsynergy.com

--Always look for the ENERGY STAR label when buying a new thermostat. 
--Use the pre-programmed settings to maximize energy savings.
--Be sure to have the thermostat installed correctly using a certified HVAC contractor.

Programmable thermostats offer a lot of value by maximizing energy savings without sacrificing comfort. Best of all, they can be tailored to match a family’s schedules. To learn more about buying and setting a programmable thermostat, contact your Energy Advisors at  Mid-South Synergy or visit TogetherWeSave.com. Mid-South Synergy also offers a $25.00 rebate on a Programmable thermostat. To apply for the rebate, complete our rebate application @ http://www.midsouthsynergy.com/emResidentialHomeImprovement.aspx

• Never connect a generator directly to your home’s wiring unless your home has been wired for generator use, which includes having a transfer switch installed by a qualified electrical contractor. The transfer switch will disconnect your home from the power grid. Connecting the generator to a house’s wiring without such a switch can cause current to flow out of your home’s circuitry and along power lines. This situation can hurt or kill anyone coming in contact with the lines.
• Always plug appliances directly into generators or use only heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords. Make sure extension cords are free of cuts or tears and the plug has three prongs. Overloaded cords can cause fires or equipment damage.
• Ensure your generator is properly grounded.
• Never overload a generator. A portable generator should only be used when necessary to power essential equipment or appliances.
• Turn off all equipment powered by the generator before shutting it down.
• Only operate a generator on a dry surface under an open structure.
• Always have a fully charged fire extinguisher nearby.
• Never fuel a generator while it is operating.
• Read and adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions for safe operation. Never cut corners when it comes to safety.

Any time a hurricane approaches the Texas coast, you’re likely to be reminded to take precautions. But the time for planning should begin well before hurricane season arrives.

• Develop a plan for installing covers for windows.
• Don’t waste time taping windows. When a 100 mph wind blows an object at your window, tape won’t stop it.
• Remove weak and dead trees and tree limbs on your property.
• Know whether your home is in a zone that could be flooded.
• Have a “grab and run” bag ready with important papers (like your homeowner’s insurance policy) and prescription medicines in the event you have to evacuate.
• Have a plan in place for where you will go if you evacuate, the route you will take, and how others can contact you.
• Have a survival kit ready with nonperishable food, water, a first-aid kit and other things you may need.
• Keep a battery-powered radio handy. And don’t forget the extra batteries.
• Don’t hesitate to evacuate, especially if you are living in a manufactured home or a house that may not be sturdy enough to stand up to the wind.

For all of us, 2009 was no different.  Mid-South Synergy had a good year financially, but with the slowdown in the economy and the tightening of the credit markets, our growth was the slowest it has been in many years.   You had to make decisions about how to best provide for your family during these tough times.  Mid-South had to make tough decisions this year in order to continue to provide the highest quality service to our members.

One of the major decisions we made this year was to no longer out-source work.  To keep down costs, we challenged the employees of Mid-South to assume additional responsibilities during this time and take on work previously handled by contractors. By doing this, Mid-South continued to provide a secure workplace for our employees while meeting the needs of our members. 

I am proud of how our employees shouldered those tasks and responded to the challenge.  Our continuing focus in 2009 on line maintenance produced our best Member “ON TIME” ever recorded.  You, the members of Mid-South Synergy, rewarded those efforts by giving us our highest ever survey score in “Member Satisfaction”. 

Our employees have worked hard during the past 70 years with one goal in mind -- “to provide quality service at a reasonable price”.  Over the years, our members’ definitions of “quality” and “reasonable” have changed.  What has not changed is the desire of all of us at Mid-South Synergy to strive to exceed our members’ expectations. Since 1940, Mid-South Synergy has been more than a power provider.  Through your efforts, we were created to help bring the dream of a new way of life to this part of rural Texas.  Seventy years later, we – the employees of Mid-South Synergy and our members – are still fulfilling dreams.

I look forward to seeing you at this years’ Annual Meeting as we celebrate the past 70 years and prepare together for our future.

70 years seems like such a long time. But it’s just the beginning of what our members did, can, and will do together.

“It’s here! Electricity Has Arrived!”

This is what Mid-South Synergy was proclaiming during their first Annual Meeting back in 1940. Today, the electric cooperative is just as excited about providing power to homes.

Looking back, it was a challenge just to get the co-op off the ground. Some of our early members will remember coming out of the 30’s with bone-dry bank accounts from ‘The Great Depression’.

Or they’ll recall in the same decade dark, luminous dust clouds destroying crops all over Texas called the Dust Bowl. Before 1940, there was so much effort spent just to live.

Along with these previous setbacks, they didn’t have the support of any commercial electric provider, many banks wouldn’t give loans for electricity, and locally there were some who didn’t understand the technology and frowned at the idea. No one wanted to take a risk on the rural farmer obtaining electricity. When you think about the difficulties, it’s impressive that Mid-South Synergy members were able to start the cooperative in the first place.

But they did. They convinced congress to support electrification of rural America because their instinct told them it would be worth the effort. And today, it’s paid off.

So what kept discouragement from taking reign? How did the individuals in Walker, Waller, Madison, Brazos, Grimes, and Montgomery counties handle the stresses of the beginning – let alone set up an infrastructure for electric service? The simple answer is: they came together.

Coming Together to Gain

Coming together seems like such a generic explanation of why Mid-South Synergy is the organization it is today. But those two words truly made the difference in the beginning. In fact, it’s the way an electric co-op is set-up.

An electric cooperative differs from an investor owned utility company (IOU) in the sense of who the organization caters to. An IOU is created to benefit stockholders and investors, giving the least amount possible for the greatest profit. And it’s a profit that doesn’t always go back into the local community. In fairness, this is the model of many businesses.

But a cooperative is created to benefit members. Any profits are returned to membership through Capital Credits. And to become a member, someone has to build or move into a home on Mid-South’s lines or operate a business in the service territory.

So sticking together to benefit our local community is in the very seams of what Mid-South Synergy is. The founders stood unified realizing electricity would be a huge advantage in their daily lives. It would be so much more than a convenience;  it could be a game changer for the community.

Electric tools alone could allow a farmer to yield higher crop returns. Electricity could also provide water and plumbing inside – a burden previously so tedious it took hours to complete everyday. It would give safer light at night so one lamp’s runaway spark wouldn’t burn the entire house down. The advantages were great and immediate.

Some benefits were not sudden but just as attractive. Education became a huge bonus. According to the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), surveys would show in later years educational levels or rural children increased dramatically upon the introduction of electricity.

NRECA explains “The circle of light cast by a single kerosene lamp at night was small, and there were seldom enough lamps in most homes. Everyone huddled around what was equivalent to 25 watts of light, all trying to do their work such as sewing, reading, or school work.” With more light, the children could perform better in school.

Another long-term impact was the sustainability of the local economy. Factories and stores could now function in our community allowing growth and job opportunities for our members. And with their children getting better educations, there was an able work force ready to fill these new jobs without being forced to find employment in large cities. Opportunity began to knock right next door.

When construction began in 1940, you might understand there was considerable excitement. Quite simply, electricity was the beginning of a new, exciting era.

New Challenges Created

To say our members’ vision succeeded is an understatement. Electricity breathed life into towns like Huntsville, Navasota, Madisonville, and Montgomery. Stores and commerce opened up to new local markets where rural famers could sell their goods.

Mid-South Synergy became recognized locally as a name you can trust and as a new local employer, the co-op hired young men and women to work and bring about this exciting time.

It did still take some effort to get everyone on board. Retired co-op employee Floyd Nowak was with Mid-South Synergy from almost the beginning. He says it might sound strange now, but Mid-South had to “sell the idea of electricity” to some residents.

“We had this display kitchen set up in our first office,” Nowak says. “It had an electric stove with a sink. We would have local residents come in so they could see first-hand how cooking and heating water could be much easier.”

Floyd smiles as he recollects the early years. “Once the women saw how much easier their work would be, rest assured their husbands would be convinced on the rest.”

Electricity continued to do well and became a household fixture in decades that followed. In fact, with new generations being born with no memory of the early days, many began to have no knowledge of what it was like without electric power. The power supply was seemingly endless.

Not until the late 70’s did that perspective begin to change. Events like the oil crisis of 1973 spearheaded an understanding that natural resources were not unlimited.

Also, scientists began to theorize expiration dates on coal and fossil fuels. And added to this was a growing debate that pollution created from power plants was dangerous to the environment. Suddenly, politics surrounded the topic of energy and these concerns had an indirect impact on the cost for electricity.

As these discussions occurred, there was doubt for the first time since the co-op’s beginning if electricity could be affordable and reliable. It was a new type of challenge.

Before, the struggle had always been to get the co-op off the ground. Now, there was doubt if the service had sustainability. But as we see in the beginning, our members stood together to overcome this new challenge.

Only this time it would not be to gain, they would stand together to save.

Solutions Found through Conservation

Answering the challenge to keep electricity affordable is a hard pill to swallow. Energy had been so abundant that the idea of a limit was startling.

Our members didn’t create these obstacles but they did make the decision to find solutions. They supported Mid-South Synergy in researching new technology like Automatic Meter Reading and smart grid technology. They invested in energy saving appliances and shared information with each other on effective ways to save energy.

These efforts in the 80’s and 90’s paved the way into what we call now energy conservation. And the movement has kept costs down and Mid-South Synergy a more efficient electric provider.

Our members have also collectively stood together in raising their voices to congress. You might remember last year’s ‘Our Energy, Our Future’ campaign. The movement involved our members and other co-ops across the nation speaking out to congress requesting fair climate legislation.

Through these efforts, our government listened and did stop the bill that would have cost our members up to 20% more on their rates. With this recent success, it shows our members continue to work together accomplishing what is fair and reasonable for the community.

New Times Remind Us of the Beginning

It’s 2010 and our members’ story is still compelling. We show new growth as our membership becomes over 17,000 (see the charts on the next page) and our line density increases.

Of course, tough challenges do lie ahead. 2009 was a tough year and new national energy policy potentially looms. But if there’s anything we’ve learned as a co-op over the last 70 years, it’s that our members are resilient and adaptable.

With new programs like ‘Budget Billing’ and ‘Pay-As-You-Go’, we’re able to offer easy ways for our members to save. Communication tools like the newly designed www.midsouthsynergy.com and our electronic newsletter ‘Synergy Spot’ help our members connect and organize on a whole new level.

With this ‘synergy’ of new ideas, Mid-South Synergy is a stronger organization than ever before. Our members still stand unified showing their support of reliable, affordable electricity.

The tale of our members’ unbreakable character as they defied a great depression, withstood an energy crisis, outlasted all doubt of whether rural America could handle electricity - still lives today. Only the story’s chapter has changed.

It begins this year with “together we save” but will always read the same at the end:

                “...and we did it together.”

• Stock up on nonperishable food, medicine, baby supplies, and pet food.
• Purchase bottled water. The American Red Cross recommends one gallon of water per person per day.
• Check emergency equipment, such as flashlights, battery-operated radios, extension cords, emergency generators, etc., and buy extra batteries.
• Keep extra cash on hand, since an electrical power outage may prevent you from withdrawing money from automatic teller machines or banks.
• Turn your refrigerator to its coldest setting. If the power goes out, this will keep food fresh longer. If you leave the refrigerator closed, most food will stay frozen or fresh for up to 12 hours.
• Turn off and unplug any unnecessary electrical equipment--especially sensitive electronics.
• Keep first aid kit and manual handy.
• Have nonelectric can opener on hand.
• Place your critical documents, such as birth certificates, insurance documents, special pictures, etc. in a safe box.

For more storm safety tips, click on http://www.midsouthsynergy.com/stormCenter.aspx

Teach children to stay away from such electric facilities as substations, transmission towers and transformers. Remember that electricity can move through conductive materials, i.e., water, metal, wood, aluminum, string and plastics. Put childproof covers on all outlets that children or pets can reach. Any outlets located outdoors, or in moisture-containing areas such as the kitchen, bathroom or garage, should have ground-fault circuit interrupters. Check extension cords for wear and tear and replace any that are cut or frayed. Use extension cords that are rated for the type of work you will be doing. (You can rub extension cords with a bar of soap to prevent pets from chewing on them.) May is National Electrical Safety Month, but the focus on electrical safety should continue year-round.

There’s something satisfying about your office being Mother Nature, your signature seen not with a pen stroke but with acres of lines that blend into the horizon. It’s truly a unique profession when you compare it with other jobs. Their work is also important to the community. When our farmers invest in the land, we reap the benefits. There are good foods to eat and products we can use. It truly brings value to us all.

Mid-South Synergy has an idea of what that’s like. Since 1940, the co-op has been working hard, looking out for you the member. Serving the local community’s interests, part of this effort includes rewarding scholarships. Mid-South believes that when you invest in the local counties you serve, just like the farmer, the hard work brings back return.

Mid-South Synergy’s field is not any fruit or vegetable but rather the minds and lives of our community - and that includes our youth. It’s based on the belief of what can arise if a little effort is “tilled” into the fertile minds of our younger members.

Funded by unclaimed capital credits, the hope and intention is that if we invest into our youth’s education, we can see our young people grow into educated productive individuals.

Over the years that’s exactly what has happened. Dozens of recipients of Mid-South Synergy scholarships winners have gone on to receive their degree. When they come back home, they return with new skill sets and a growing desire to use them locally.

Currently the scholarship committee is determining this year’s recipients. Keep reading in upcoming issues as we proudly announce Mid-South Synergy’s new scholarship winners. We’re excited about 2010 and we know you will be too. Because when we invest in ourselves, we only grow stronger.

1. Seal the cracks and gaps around your home.  Spring may be the right time to put away those storm windows, but it is also a good time to add weather-stripping and caulking around leaky window panes. TogetherWeSave.com shows how easy it is to use a caulking gun to seal up leaks around your house around doors, vents, ductwork and windows. A typical member at Mid-South Synergy can save more than $200 annually. 

2. Change filters regularly. Furnace and air conditioner filters need to be changed monthly and this can really help lower monthly energy bills.  Dirty filters can restrict air flow and reduce the overall efficiency of your cooling system and make it work even harder on hot summer days.

3. Clean the refrigerator inside and out.  Now is a good time to not only throw out the leftover fruit cake from the holidays, but also to check the temperature settings on your refrigerator.  Ideally, a refrigerator’s temperature should be between 37 and 40 degrees for maximum operating efficiency.
When it’s time to replace that old refrigerator, be sure to buy an ENERGY STAR® rated appliance and get a rebate on it from Mid-South Synergy. Energy-efficient appliances can save Mid-South Synergy members as much as $100 a year based on calculations from the TogetherWeSave.com website.

4. Think sun block.  TogetherWeSave.com demonstrates that by pulling the shades on your windows this spring and summer, you could save about $35 a year.  Your local hardware or do-it-yourself stores has lots of inexpensive window coverings. Best of all, by blocking the sun, your house will stay cool and comfortable year-round.

5. Enjoy the spring breezes.  Use a clothesline throughout the warmer months to let the sun and breeze dry clothes naturally.  This will reduce both energy and water bills, and add a genuine clean scent to your family’s laundry.

You can learn more about ways to lower your monthly energy bill by visiting TogetherWeSave.com.

Source : Megan McKoy at ECT.coop

• Wall insulation
• Attic insulation
• Attic ventilation
• Floor insulation
• Draft control
• Windows
• Doors
• Electric Heat Pump
• Electric Water Heating
• Kitchen and Bath Fans
• Ductwork

• Marathon Water Heater - $100.00 rebate on a new Marathon Water Heater when you replace your old one
• Energy Star Appliances - $100.00 per ap­pliance with a maximum of $150.00. (Limit­ed to Refrigerator, Freezer, Clothes Washer, Dishwasher and HVAC window unit)
• Programmable Thermostat - $25.00 per unit with a maximum of 2 units per member
• HVAC Tune Up - Up to $100.00 on one HVAC tune up per member as per specifications. (Prior Energy Audit required)
• HVAC Upgrade - Rebate of $200.00 on a 14 SEER and $400.00 on a 15 SEER Electric Heat Pump. (Limit one per member)
• Attic Insulation - Rebate of $550.00 when attic insulation is upgraded from R8 to R38. (Prior Energy Audit required)

But the real phenomenon brewing is how people are speaking to each other on the web. They’re talking to old friends, making new ones, and even keeping up with family members. Through websites like Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube, we’re getting messages across in ways only seen in Stanley Kubrick films 40 years ago.

For some of us “Old School” people it’s a little strange to have that much access. But it’s becoming more common for members to interact with each other online. And that’s where Mid-South Synergy comes in.
As our members become increasingly younger and new homeowners are surfing the web, it’s becoming ever clear to this Coop that we have to think outside the box.

Old meets new

“Newspapers, magazines, and TV will still remain important,” says Dianne Sechelski, Chief Member Services Officer at Mid-South Synergy, “but we’ve started to look at new ways to communicate.”
These new ways include internet video, social networking sites, and electronic newsletters.  Online formats were once trivial but now are becoming a vital part of Mid-South’s communication plan.
“With almost a third of our membership paying their bills online, it’s easier to see that the Internet is playing a more important role in their daily lives.” says Sechelski.

And Mid-South has kept close attention to this change in trend. With the recent launch of a Twitter account, Facebook profile, and Youtube channel Mid-South Synergy is staying in tune with the times.

You tubed what?

In the past, when you wanted to show your family a home video of your daughter’s recital or that funny video of Spot chasing his tail, you would have to rely on dubbing the VHS tape to another tape, sending it in the mail, and hope that it wouldn’t get lost or broken.

In 2005, three Paypal employees realized this was not practical. Hence, the idea of Youtube was born. And quickly what started out of convenience became a powerful tool for anyone to share a message.
As of 2008, Alexa Internet data services reports that Youtube is the third most visited site under Yahoo and Google.  All of this means Youtube is quickly becoming an industry standard for online videos.
In the efforts to reaching members in this forum Mid-South Synergy has launched it’s own Youtube “channel.” The channel has a new video each week and goes over anything from safety tips to new events happening with the co-op.

I just want the facts

There are some of us though that really just want the low down of what’s happening. If there’s a blackout, we want to know it’s being fixed. A hurricane coming? Tell us your plan. That’s where the social networking sites come in handy.

Facebook and Twitter are networking sites that allow people and organizations to give constant status updates. Usually through text, some of these updates are casual but others can be important.
“Just think about weather on the level of Hurricane Ike,” says Sechelski. “In a situation where you might not be next to a TV or radio, the status updates might just be the better way to find out what’s happening. Twitter is great for that. It’s instant knowledge and a click away.”

Also, if you have a profile, you can have these updates sent to your mobile phone. As long as you’re getting cell coverage you’ll know what’s happening with Mid-south Synergy.
And Mid-South Synergy “tweets” just about everyday. If you don’t know what “tweeting” is, don’t worry, it’s not a bad word. Your grandchild will tell you all about it.

Sticking to the Basics

It’s truly becoming a computer world these days. Our members our seeking information in ways that seemed like distant ideas just a few years ago. But, as Dianne Sechelski says the traditional ways of speaking with members “won’t be abandoned.”

So whether you’re a Mybooker, Facespacer, or any other new-invention-the-internet-can-conjure-up type, just know that Mid-South Synergy will be getting the information to you. But for the rest of us, we’re just happy to keep on reading this magazine. Life just seems easier that way doesn’t it?

Follow us on Facebook @ www.facebook.com/midsouthsynergy
Get Updates on Twitter @ www.twitter.com/midsouthsynergy
Watch us on Youtube @ www.youtube.com/midsouthsynergy

Pay-As-You-Go is innovative because the program doesn’t use traditional paper bills. The service keeps a balance and participants are notified when their balance is low through email, text, or by phone. “When consumers were late in the past,” says Manager of Member Services Michele Kimich, “there would be penalties charged to their electric bills. With Pay-As-You-Go, there isn’t room for late penalties because you’re not late. When your account is low it will notify the member. And when you want to recharge your account, you simply make a payment.” Users are notified well in advance before any disconnect takes place.

Pay-As-Go is now available to all Mid-South Synergy members. Kimich says the program has had “a good amount of customers interested in the program and many have already signed up.” To get started on the program, members can call Mid-South Synergy at 888-525-6677 or go on the website at www.midsouthsynergy.com.