August 2008
The Perfect Storm is Brewing
If you attended our annual meeting this year, you heard board president Joe Martin speak of the perfect storm. A perfect storm is when all the elements come together with precise timing to create a disastrous consequence. In this case, the elements are related to providing electricity to our members and consist of increase in demand, obstacles to building new generation and climate change legislation – three elements that are brewing to create a perfect storm that will be disastrous for electricity consumers.
Colorado, as with every other state, has a growing appetite for electricity. However, we have done very little to ensure that our power generation grows with the demand. The window within which we can act to maintain reliable power supplies is getting to be tighter and tighter. If we want to continue to meet our current and future electricity requirements reliably, we've got to expand our electricity infrastructure.
Connected to this is the rising cost of construction. The same power plant built in 2000 would cost twice as much to build in 2008 and it will cost even more in 2010. And, consumers will ultimately have to absorb the cost of construction. We all agree that we would like to depend on renewable resources instead of fossil fuels to produce our electricity, but at this point in time, that is not possible. The Alliance for Climate Protection, a bipartisan group that former vice president Al Gore chairs, estimates the cost of transforming the nation to so-called clean electricity sources at $1.5 to $3 trillion over a 30 year period. Yes, they did say a “trillion.” But according to Robbie Diamond, president of Securing America's Future Energy, a bipartisan think tank, weaning the nation away from fossil fuels cannot even be accomplished in a decade. In 2005 according to government statistics, the U.S. produced nearly 3.7 billion kilowatt hours of electricity, with coal providing slightly more than half of that energy. Nuclear power accounted for 21 percent, natural gas 15 percent and renewable sources, including wind and solar, about 8.6 percent. The Energy Department predicts that coal's share of electricity generation is expected to grow come 2030 while renewable energy would still only provide 11 percent of the nation's power.
But, if we don't build more generation soon, we will not even have the capability to produce enough energy regardless of the fuel source. Legislation is making it more and more difficult to build additional capacity. It is one thing to say, “we're going green,” but another to accomplish. The major problem seems to be no game plan. Laws are being proposed without the consequences considered. Yes, it is a wonderful thing to get all your energy from that “free” wind and solar, but how is that going to be accomplished? In reality, it is not free and who should pay for the additional costs associated with renewables. What happens when the sun isn't shining or the wind isn't blowing? We can only hope with research, these problems will be solved. But, that is in the future and we need to plan some generation now so we have enough electricity 5-10 years from now. Research, a hope and a prayer is not going to cut it. We need action. Our current generating plants will not do the job and if permits to build new ones are continually denied, we are going to be in big trouble sooner than we think.
Recently, the U.S. Senate debated legislation to add additional costs to generation of electricity by enacting a Cap & Trade system for reducing carbon dioxide emissions. It is estimated that this proposed legislation would have increased an average residential bill by $40-50 per month. The legislation died on the Senate floor. It is a safe bet that when the newly elected president is sworn in and the Congressional delegates take their seats, climate legislation will be a high priority and you, the consumer, will feel the pain.
If we stay on our current path, we will be facing an energy crisis in the very near future. If you want to leave a legacy for your children, don't let it be a lack of electricity.
The perfect storm is brewing and it will hit us unless we do something now. I cannot urge you enough to talk with your legislators and make them give you answers to some very difficult questions. You can contact your legislators by logging onto www.ourenergy.coop . Join the other 300,000 + Americans that have begun the dialogue with their legislators to get answers to their questions and concerns.
MVEA Board Elects New Officers
The MVEA board of directors elected new officers at their July board meeting. The following will serve the members as: president, Joe Martin; vice president, B.D. “Bud” Paddock; secretary-treasurer, Milton Mathis and assistant secretary, Allen Gresham.
MVEA member, Gary Martin, was elected to the board to represent district 7 at the June Annual Meeting. Mr. Martin, his wife Leann and their three children live in Monument.
New Dawn Brings Hope
“By the dawn's early light” took on a special meaning this July 4 for 116 people in Limon participating in the first annual Eastern Plains Relay For Life. This dawn brought with it the hope of a cure. As cancer survivors kicked off the event with the first lap, it was apropos that we be cheered on by Willie Layton who was standing on his brother's porch on the edge of the track. Willy is just beginning his journey to become a cancer survivor while we were walking to celebrate our success. We had all been in his shoes and hoping he would soon be in ours. During the lap, I talked with Blanche Burgess who has been cancer free for 25 years and hoped I would be able to say those words some day. As the survivors completed their first lap, all of the teams took the field as one large group and I felt the support that friends and relatives gave when I was undergoing treatment. As the night wore on and only one or two members of each team walked the track, I also remembered the times after chemo when I felt like the only person in the world having to endure this treatment. As the chairperson of this event, a survivor and a family member who had lost loved ones to cancer, the gamut of emotions during the night was incredible and I felt so fortunate to still be alive to experience them. When my grandmother died of cancer in 1944, there was not even a treatment and now we talk of a cure.
For many participants, the Relay is not only a tangible way to make a difference in the fight against cancer, but also a way to celebrate those that have survived and remember those who lost their battle. As I talked to people throughout the night, they told stories of family and friends. It was a way for everyone to express their feelings on how this disease had taken its toll and touched their lives.
By 7 a.m. July 5 after watching a spectacular sunrise, all of the team members gathered again to take one last lap and hear the closing words of the Relay. Through this experience, we have made new friends, renewed acquaintances and grown closer to our friends and family that walked with us. There was great pride in all of us over the fact that this small group of individuals raised nearly $19,000 for cancer research and services through sponsorships from individuals and businesses in our community. A special thanks to Mountain View Electric Assn, KC Electric and Tri-State G&T who, under the Touchstone Energy Brand, were the Hope Sponsors of the event. Other outstanding sponsors included Limon Chrysler Dodge Jeep, Superior Builders, Aquila and Lincoln Community Hospital. Without the support of the communities, this event could not succeed. Thank you to everyone that participated and donated. Your money and time will make a difference in the fight against cancer.
Surviving the Winter
Out here in Colorado, extreme, cold temperatures associated with winter weather such as ice and snow storms make staying warm and safe a challenge. We hope you don't get snowed in, but just in case, here is how to create a winter survival kit for your home to help you and your family survive the cold grasp of winter.
The Essentials:
- Food: Food that requires no cooking or refrigeration, such as bread, crackers, cereal, canned foods, and dried fruits. Remember baby food and formula if you have young children.
- Water: In case water pipes freeze or rupture, keep a supply of tap water or purchase bottled water. The recommended amount of water to keep is 5 gallons per person.
- Medicines: Roads may be inaccessible for several days due to a winter storm. Make sure to order or refill any prescriptions that family members may need.
- Animal Feed and Water : Don't forget to have an extra stock of pet food for household pets and hay, feed and fresh water for livestock.
Emergency Materials:
- Alternate methods to heat your home:
- Dry firewood for a fireplace or wood stove
- Kerosene for a kerosene heater
- Furnace fuel (coal, propane, or oil)
- Electric space heater with automatic shut-off switch and non-glowing elements
- Blankets
- Matches
- First Aid Kit and instruction manual
- Multipurpose, dry-chemical fire extinguisher
- Flashlight
- Battery-powered radio, clock/watch
- Extra batteries
- Shovel
- Rock salt
- Non-electric can opener
When creating a winter survival kit for your home, take into consideration factors that are specific to your home and family. For instance, if your home is isolated or on the outskirts of a residential area, making it more difficult for help to reach you, make sure to stock additional amounts of food, water, and medicine. Listening to weather forecasts regularly can provide you with several days notice to allow you to check emergency materials and to stock-up on essential supplies. You can also check the weather forecasts by going to MVEA's website at www.mvea.coop and clicking on the weather icon.
Don't get caught unprepared!
Cruisin' on the Plains!
Cruise out to Limon on September 6 to the 18th 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.
The day will also be filled with activities for the entire family. Entertainment will be going on all 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. We won't leave out activities for the kids.
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!
Mark your calendar for the Touchstone Energy
Cook-offs
Touchstone Energy Resources - Save Money and Energy
Visit the Touchstone Energy site to get the latest in energy saving advice. The website also has a great Kids Zone with not only fun and games, but also information geared towards children on energy efficiency, energy facts and renewable energy. CFL Charlie is a great new character to help your child understand the importance of saving energy. To access the site, you can go to the MVEA website at www.mvea.coop and hit the Touchstone Energy link at the very top right of the page or just go to www.touchstoneenergy.cooperative.com .
MVEA's website also offers an energy calculator and an energy library to help you get your home ready for winter. These links are displayed right on the front page. Take advantage of the information out there to help you save energy and money.
Need Help Paying Your Utility Bill? Click Here
Get in the LOOP with compact florescent light bulbs
Fund raising opportunities!
MVEA 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
DCP Utility Consulting will be conducting an attachment audit of MVEA's overhead electric distribution system for approximately ten months (until summer 2007). The purpose of the audit is to insure that all joint use attachments to our poles are in compliance with applicable safety codes and that appropriate joint use agreements are in place for all attachments. DCP employees may require access to your property in order to complete their work on our system. They are only gathering data and should be able to complete their tasks at any given location very quickly. Please extend them the same cooperation you would extend to an MVEA employee. If you have questions please call Mike Garland at 719-495-2283 or 800-388-9881.
