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Limon Office Falcon Office Office Hours: |
August 2007
Manager's Message
As renewable energy and global warming has become a major topic in the media, legislature and among celebrities, reliable and abundant coal as become a “dirty” word. Just saying it conjures up an image of the 1930's with coal dust settling on the streets and in your lungs and the sun blinded by billowing smoke. But, we are a long way from the 1930's, and even though renewable power is the wave of the future, it cannot possibly keep up with a growing world demand for electricity. It is predicted that electricity consumption in China and India will more than triple by 2030 and that South Korea and Mexico will more than double in this same period. The U.S demand for electricity is expected to conservatively grow about 40 percent by 2030 representing a need for over 400,000 MW of new generating plants. Coal, the United States ' most plentiful fossil fuel, will play a major role in meeting this future demand. Currently, electric utilities account for nearly four-fifths of all the coal consumed in the U.S. We have two percent of the world's proven oil reserves, three percent of its natural gas reserves and 27 percent of the recoverable coal reserves. One of the most prohibitive reasons for not building more coal-fired plants is not pollution, but construction costs. It costs almost twice as much to build a 1,000 megawatt coal-fired plant as it does to build a gas-fired plant. However, the cost to produce power by a coal plant is much less than a gas plant. According to figures from our supplier, Tri-State G&T, the total cost of a kWh from coal-produced electricity is about 4 cents. Due to fuel costs, a kWh produced by a gas-fired plant is at least 2-3 times higher. For cost reasons and concerns about possible energy shortages this winter, the government is actually suggesting that we expand the use of coal. Pollution control equipment accounts for up to 40 percent of the cost of a new power plant and 35 percent of operational costs according to the Electric Power Research Institute. These costs, plus operating costs, currently account for about $10 billion of the nation's electric bills each year and will rise even higher under new Clean Air Act requirements. Government and private industry have invested more than $6 billion on development of new technologies to further reduce air pollution by the burning of coal. Two of the leading technologies are fluidized-bed combustion (FBC) and coal gasification. In FBC, crushed coal mixed with limestone is supported on a strong rising current of air. The “fluidized” mixture acts as a boiling liquid, mixing turbulently, thus assuring efficient combustion. The limestone reacts with and removes over 90 percent of the sulfur. Because the operating temperature is lower than in conventional boilers, the formation of nitrogen oxides is minimized. In the gasification method, coal is first gasified and than burned. It is extremely efficient and clean and emissions are comparable to those of a natural gas-fired plant. The emissions have even met California 's clean air requirements, which are the strictest in the country. These and other advanced clean coal technologies hold the promise of generating more power with less fuel, reduced operating and maintenance costs and greater pollution control. But this method has not been proven in large units or at higher attitudes. Forecasting how many coal plants will actually be built in the United States is a challenge. Tri-State G & T is looking to build their plants before the need for more electricity becomes critical and the cost of building increases even more. Economically challenged rural areas, such as Holcomb , Kansas , welcome the increase in employment that a generating facility brings. Ethanol, projected by some to be part of the solution to our fuel transportation crisis, is another factor that may spur growth in coal generation. Coal-fired power plants could be widely utilized to provide steam at adjacent ethanol plants. This co-generation scenario would reduce the carbon footprint even further for new coal plants. Even though we would all like to see more use of renewable resources, the fact remains that coal is an essential part of future generation mix and will remain so for quite some time. It is available, abundant, reliable, cheaper and continually getting cleaner. As an electric cooperative, coal gives us the best opportunity to hold down rates. If we are going to reduce carbon emissions in this country, there needs to be many solutions, not just one. They will take time to implement and much of the technology does not exist today for us to achieve what many are asking us to do. But, we are working on it. We are engaged and involved in renewables where it is cost effective and where it makes sense for our membership. Nevertheless, the fact remains, if you're going to keep the lights on, you're going to have to have more coal-fired generation. Recently, MIT released a study which underscored that fact. It is not just a question of cost, but of providing electric power so that when you flip that light switch, the lights come on. In the Board Room--Delivering AccountabilityOn a daily basis, we all have to deal with large businesses who are only interested in the bottom line and getting the biggest return for their investors. A co-op's mission, on the other hand, is meeting its members' needs for goods and services at the lowest possible cost. To insure that our members' electric power needs are being met, MVEA is governed by directors who:
Moreover, because they care about their friends and families, they work hard to make sure this cooperative is a success and delivers not only electricity to your door, but also accountability. MVEA will face a rise in its operating costs if the price of doing business goes up. But, we work everyday to achieve operating efficiencies as we face these cost increases. When the board has to make that decision to raise rates, you can trust that the decision was based on keeping the business financially strong on behalf of all members. MVEA is not driven by a profit motive to make money for outside investors. We don't have to impress Wall Street every quarter. Rather, we are service-driven and operate at cost. Any margins realized by MVEA is returned to our members. You can bank on the cooperative difference and the dedication of your MVEA board of directors. Photo Contest Winners for 2008 Calendar
Margie Foster, Peyton; Brian Homme, Monument; Marilyn Scott, Colorado Springs; Jenn Wassil, Kiowa; Daniel Leach, Peyton; Ray Kinder, Monument; Deborah Skillicorn, Peyton; Beth Craig, Limon; Courtney Tracy, Franktown; Derek Holden, Kiowa; Susan Spidle, Peyton and Lori Cavanaugh, Kiowa. Congratulations to our winners and thank you to everyone that entered the contest this year! Cruisin' on the Plains
The day will also be filled with activities for entire family. Elvis will be making an appearance, Eastern Plains Spirit Dance Group will be hoofin' it and entertainment will be going on the entire day. You can participate in a poker run and a scavenger hunt, try your hand in the horseshoe tournament, visit vendors or just hang out in the beer garden and relax. Kids can participate in an obstacle course or the many activities available. For those who wish to enter a car, registration is from 8-10 a.m. at Oscar's Grill located on Highway 24. A car parade from Oscar's to the downtown site will start at 10 a.m. The prison guard color guard will also be on hand to kick things off. For more information, call 719-740-0520 or at www.limonchamber.com . See ya there Daddy'o!
Lineman Help Keep You Safe!
If you have a group that is interested in a high voltage display, please contact MVEA. As part of our commitment to the community, MVEA is dedicated to keeping people safe and educated.
Effeciency Today At MVEA!MVEA is kicking off a new energy efficiency campaign and asking for your assistance. We would like to start by lowering our monthly power costs. A little change on your part and our part could go a long way in helping us stabilize our rates and reduce our peak need for power.First, let us explain how your co-op pays for the power we provide to our members. The largest portion of our monthly power cost is a component called a Demand Charge. MVEA is billed this charge based on our highest consumption period, or peak, of the month. By reducing these peaks and spreading out our usage, we could reduce our wholesale power cost and our need for unnecessary generation to accommodate our peak period. Here is how you can help. We will identify our peak hours based on MVEA's past history. We will publish the forecasted peak periods in the local newspapers and in Colorado Country Life Magazine so you can target these time periods to reduce your usage on a month-to-month basis. Your co-op has approximately 38,000 members spread out over 5000 square miles and residential usage is what drives our monthly peak. If you could picture our usage curve on a daily basis, it starts out low and rises dramatically when everyone gets up for work and school. Then around 9:30 a.m., it drops back down until the evening peak. The evening peak varies throughout the year based on when the sun sets. People generally go into the house after the sun sets and turn on lights, prepare dinner, take showers and start laundry. These types of activities help drive our peak. In the wintertime, this peak usually occurs between 5 and 6:30 p.m. and in the summer, between 8 and 9:30 p.m. With a little concentrated effort and awareness of these time periods, we could take a few giant steps toward reducing this peak demand. The smallest of adjustments from each of us could make a big difference. With a force of 38,000 cooperative members and neighbors, we can definitely make an impact. For those of you that have the flexibility to shift the majority of your power usage to off peak periods, MVEA offers a time of day rate. This rate's peak times are between 5:30a.m-12:00p.m and 4:30p.m-10:30 p.m. While this rate will benefit you with lower energy charges during off peak times, you will pay a premium for energy used during the peak times as well as a small increase in the monthly facility charge. Please feel free to contact our office with any questions regarding our time of day rate. So, let's ban together and get the ball rolling. Watch for our peak period notification and remember every little kilowatt counts! MVEA has an AmbassadorHaley Wilkison was one of the students MVEA sent to the Colorado Electrical Education Institute's Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp in Clark , Colorado , this past July. Haley is the daughter of Robert and Lynn Wilkison of Colorado Springs . She was voted to return to camp next year as an ambassador. As ambassador, Haley will help run the camp and help new students feel comfortable and welcomed. During the camp, students from Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma and Wyoming have the opportunity to run for an ambassador position and return the following year. A girl and boy from each state is elected to these positions by the other students and counselors. Those wishing to throw their hat into the ring must have other campers sign a petition in their support and then each candidate must give a speech to the group as to why they feel qualified for this position. After the initial vote, candidates are narrowed down to two boys and two girls from each state. The final speeches and voting are conducted on the last evening of camp during the banquet. Haley is the first MVEA student to win this position and we are very pleased to have her represent our co-op and the state of Colorado . Congratulations! Welcome New Employees!
Need Help Paying Your Utility Bill?The Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) is designed to help low-income households with winter home heating costs. It is not intended to pay the entire cost of home heating . Following are phone numbers for your county LEAP offices. Applications will be accepted from November 1 through April 30. El Paso – 719-442-0007 Elbert – 719-541-2369 Douglas – 303-688-4825 Lincoln – 719-7432404 Washington – 970-345-2238 Pueblo – 719-583-6356 Crowley – 719-267-3546 Arapahoe – 303-636-1100 or, go to the LEAP website at Other agencies in the area to assist with emergency situations: Health & Human Service Information & Referral – 211, 719-955-0742, 866-488-9742 www.ppunitedway.org Pikes Peak Community Action Agency: Administration office - 719-471-7870 Eastern El Paso County – 719-347-2976 Eastern Colorado Springs – 719-385-7930 Fountain Area – 719-382-8515 Northern Churches Cares - 719-277-7470 Tri-Lakes Cares – 719-481-4864 Salvation Army – 719-636-3891 Red Cross - 719-632-3563 New Hope Shelter - 719-578-9190 (Colorado Springs) Silver Key (60 and over) – 719-632-1521 Army Emergency Relief (military personnel and retirees) – 719-526-4783 The Home Front Cares (active military, reservists and National Guard) – Military Service Center Get in the LOOP with compact florescent light bulbsMVEA urges you to join in conserving power by installing compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) in your home and business. The Energy Star© qualified bulbs can last up to 10 times longer than a standard light bulb and use 2/3 to ¾ less energy. The first CFL bulbs were developed in the 1980's and were expensive. Many people complained about dim light output, flickering, noise, funny colors and sizes that were too big to fit in many fixtures. Today's CFLs cost much less while offering great performance. They have instant turn-on, quick warm-up and great light quality. They come in a wide variety of shapes, most of which are no larger than the standard bulbs they replace. MVEA has joined the national Energy Star© campaign to encourage all Americans to install CFLs. A component of this effort is MVEA's CFL Fund Raiser in which non-profit organizations can sell CFLs as a fundraiser for their organization. MVEA will provide these light bulbs to the non-profit groups at less than wholesale cost. Groups can expect to make approximately $1 for every bulb they sell. If you are a member of a non-profit group within MVEA's service territory and would like more information on how your group can participate, contact MVEA member services department at 719-495-2283 or 719-775-2861. Energy Efficiency today at MVEA! DCP Utility Consulting |
2007 News Archive |
Electric Consumption and Demands of the Future 
The votes are in and we have our winners for the 2008 Calendar Photo Contest. We had almost 160 great entries this year and it was torture for the group choosing the top 13. The number one choice was submitted by Marilyn Thornberry of Kiowa. The rest of the winners in order of voting were: 
Cruise out to Limon on September 15 to the 17 th Annual Hub City Classic Car Show for a close up look at some beautiful cars and motorcycles and a whole lotta fun. The streets will be lined with roadsters, coupes, street rods, antique cars and motorcycles for you to drool over and vote on. 
MVEA Linemen (left to right) Dan Witt, Andrew Easler and Mike Fields explain to the Peyton Fire Department the dangers of high voltage lines and how to stay safe. Dan, and several of the other MVEA linemen, have been busy with high voltage displays throughout the year. They recently gave a demonstration for over 80 people employed by District 49. “People get much more out of a demonstration rather than just a lecture,” says Dan, “This is one of the reasons we built the high voltage trailer. It is so important that people realize just how dangerous electricity can be.” 
MVEA welcomes two new employees to the co-op. K.C. Jones is the new consumer relations representative in the Falcon Operations Center . K.C. was formerly employed by Oceania Cruises as a cruise specialist. 
MikeMcCormick is working in the Limon Headquarters as our new apprentice lineman. Mike comes to us from Wilmar Electric where he was an apprentice electrician. Welcome to MVEA. 
Fund raising opportunities!