MECA-11759-July-Augu.. - Michigan Country Lines Magazine
Contents
1. Fo OSCODA ALCONA Presque Isle Electric amp Gas Co op 19831 M 68 Hwy P O Box 308 Onaway 49765 Business Office amp Billing 989 733 8515 Toll free 800 423 6634 Gas Emergency Toll Free 800 655 8565 pieg com Most PIE amp G natural gas rates and charges are not regulated by the Michigan Public Service Commission JULY AUGUST 2015 5 eo ees aea mg CRAIG BORR Legislation Would Strengthen Tie Between Our Peninsulas he Mackinac Bridge opened to vehicle traffic between the upper and lower peninsulas nearly 60 years ago To this day it continues to be a vital commercial link as well as a symbol of what Michiganders can do when we work together for our state s benefit Legislators in Lansing may soon have an opportunity to debate legislation that could be a similar bridge for enhanced flows of electricity between our two peninsulas But it will take a great deal of determination and willpower to move this legislation forward There are likely to be many detractors as there were when we built the Mighty Mac Legislation was recently introduced in the Michigan Legislature that could result in the development of an additional high voltage transmission link between the peninsulas The Senate version of SB 282 was introduced by Sen Tom Casperson while the House version HB 4575 was introduced by Rep Triston Cole Currently our two peninsulas do2. Call 866 999 4571 with your account number s ready For first time check By Phone 24 7 payment by phone please call PIE amp G Member Services at 1 800 423 6634 to request a Personal Identification Number PIN to set up account SEE WHAT IS AEL ABOUT ON EXEDEANTERNETS ST EAE GAE J Don t miss out on the high speed Internet service that delivers 140 of its advertised speed so you can shop connect stream and share ne FJ Bex online the way you want 0 FF EAC H M 0 NTH FOR THE FIRST 12 MONTHS exede Kakaa aae INTERNET FREE EE ACTIVATION a 888 256 8348 www pieg com 150 Activation Fee Waived FCC 2013 Measuring Broadband America Promotional price of 10 off for 12 months applies to the 10 GB service package through the first 12 months of service After that it reverts back to the regular monthly price of 49 99 month If you choose a higher level package the price of that package will be discounted 10 month through the first 12 months of service Service not available in all areas Minimum 24 month commitment term Actual speeds will vary Use of Exede service is subject to data transmission limits measured on a monthly basis Exede is a service mark of ViaSat Inc MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES JULY AUGUST 2015 9 Home is Where the Local Co op Artists on ArtPrize oined the largest open art competition in the world Grand Rapid s ArtPrize has made its mark on the art world It has been covere
3. 212 lb sweet onion sliced thin 14 c balsamic vinegar 1 T fresh thyme leaves or 1 t dried 1 c pure maple syrup salt and pepper Remove bratwurst from casing and mix bratwurst and burger until evenly combined Make small patties to match the size of your rolls Salt and pepper to taste and grill or pan fry burgers to taste Slice rolls add burgers and top with onion jam and arugula if desired To make onion jam melt butter and olive oil in a dutch oven Add onions and saut on low stirring occasionally for 15 20 minutes There should not be any color or browning this process will evaporate the extra water in the onions and concentrate the sweet onion flavors Low and slow is the ticket here When the onions are soft but not quite translucent add balsamic vinegar maple syrup and thyme and cook until liquid is incorporated into onion mixture Put into 2 3 jars and enjoy May keep in refrigerator for up to three weeks Hot water bath or freeze and keep 6 months Great on grilled fare pizzas and omelettes Denise Chapel Gaylord a ee ee SURGERS Bacon Blue Cheeseburger pictured 14 lb bacon cut into 1 c crumbled blue 14 inch slices cheese 2 lb 90 lean 8 burger buns ground hamburger lettuce sliced tomatoes sliced onions your choice of condiments t garlic powder 1 t onion powder salt and pepper to taste In a large skillet cook sliced bacon until crispy Remove from
4. wou 3 Mii z z e p F P i i Ea r 1 r a lt 1 k P Pt EE g ER reo 4 i Le ERE i a J i a a i e gt ir pag 4 i I 1 r a lle i i i i i P iaf 4 Hp k ip j j Hi oe al 1 r Fg E P j ii 5 j IEPS E I ut H j FA a i Craig Snook s artwork created with shredded paper makes a kaleidoscope of colors that represents the beauty of a Michigan woodland landscape JE Tea e ase as ee T g Pi fee EE aa eee eo SEA EGS nancy EEE FI oe TF a shee oP woe pe ose ow a a i An tee EE ay i eee eactsvangu CEUTE TI TESTEI eee Lily Lihting Li Kostrzewa s urban interweave artwork is acrylic and mixed media on canvas compared to all of the other exhibition opportunities available to the vast majority of contemporary artists A Traverse City artist and member of Cherryland Electric Cooperative Royce Deans says that with the sheer volume of people having exposure to his artwork the feedback is immediate and thrilling ArtPrize is a good place to try out some new ideas in front of people It can be a little dangerous The opportunities that ArtPrize exposes participating artists to can be anything from potential buyers connections with fellow artists and even future employers Grand Rapids artist and member of Great Lakes Energy Cooperative Lily Lihting Li Kostrzewa credits her current teaching p
5. gone and with them a living piece of history So the next time you see one say thanks Because we all know freedom isn t free And it s never too late to thank a veteran E Jack O Malley Mystery Photo Contest Winner The May 2015 Mystery Photo contest winner is Michael Mattox a Midwest Energy Cooperative member who correctly identified the photo as Turnip Rock in Port Austin MI just off the shore in Lake Huron The unique shape of the rock island is the result of thousands of years of erosion by storm waves W Nk ME ai F Fai Upgrade from Standing Seam to Designer Oxford or Rustic Shingle plus avoid Order in the month of July and receive r future rust with a 2 upgrades free upgrade to worth up to energy efficient non rusting aluminum Financing Available Call Today 844 638 2576 844 METAL ROOFS VISIT OUR SHOWROOMS FLINT 6140 Taylor Drive CHARLOTTE 1875 Lansing Road AmericanMetalRoofs com See dozens of pictures Enter to win a Metal Roof Request a Quote Severe Storm Preparedness Kit Checklist C Water fill up bathtubs and containers with water for washing and also stock up on bottled water for consumption O Food at least enough for 3 to 7 days non perishable packaged or canned food juices foods for infants or the elderly snack foods non electric can opener cooking tools fuel paper plates
6. W Jolly Rd Okemos MI 48864 517 913 3531 E mail cdorr meca coop Association officers are Robert Schallip Cloverland Electric Cooperative chair man Mark Kappler HomeWorks Tri County Electric vice chairman and Eric Baker Wolverine Power Cooperative secretary treasurer Craig Borr is presi dent and CEO Unsolicited letters photos and manu scripts are welcome Country Lines however will not be responsible for their safe keeping or return The appearance of advertising does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services advertised Change of Address Please notify your electric cooperative See page 4 for contact information Printed by a Z 5 rT k b Gav WITH 7 SOY INK MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES IN THIS SOUL OUR ENERGY Legislation Would Strengthen Tie Between Michigan s Peninsulas Craig Borr HOME COOKING A New Twist On The All American Burger Christin McKamey amp Our Readers FEATURE Home Is Where the Art Is Local Co op Artists On ArtPrize Emily Haines ON THE COVER Trichromatic Spectra created by Thomas Linder was a past entry in the ArtPrize competition held annually in Grand Rapids MI Linder s artwork is a kinetic inflatable installation involving thousands of LEDs that are controlled by computer animation Photo courtesy of Artprize Some co op editions have a different cover SAFETY Water and Electric
7. rent a dock or boat notify the owner of safety violations immediately Have your boat s system especially with onboard generators checked at least annually and when something is added or removed Ropes string masts and rigging also conduct electricity don t be the common ground between water and electricity E See SafeElectricity org for more tips In Every Photo Presque Isle Gas amp Electric Co op is pleased to announce our new Photo Contest Co op members are invited to submit photos now through Sept 21 Selected photos will be published in Michigan Country Lines during 2015 Upcoming topics and deadlines are All About Michigan due July 20 Sunrises Sunsets due Aug 20 and Kids At Play due Sept 21 Details and instructions for photo submission including contest rules topic list publication date and submission deadlines can be found online at htto bit ly 1 JXSAth We look forward to seeing your best shot MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES JULY AUGUST 2015 13 14 ND MNCS JACK S JOURNAL One Last Mission orld War II seems like ancient history to a lot of folks After all it ended nearly 70 years ago Never mind that 16 million Americans served and over 400 000 lost their lives in a war spanning 61 countries Despite the staggering statistics school history books dedicate little more than a page or two to what many today call The Greatest Generation Recently I was privil
8. skillet and drain on paper towel discard fat or save for other use Mix bacon with the hamburger and add the garlic powder onion powder salt and pepper Divide the burger mixture into 8 portions Divide each portion in half and flatten into patties 44 inch thick using waxed paper Place 2 T blue cheese in center of 4 patties and top with another patty Seal by pressing edges together Cook in large skillet or grill until medium well or your choice of doneness Remove from heat and place onto bottom half of buns and top with more blue cheese and favorite toppings Serves 4 Ann Brown Niles SUBMIT YOUR RECIPE Thanks to all who send in recipes Please send in your favorite Candy recipes by Aug 1 and Easy Chicken recipes by Sept 1 Enter your recipe online at countrylines com or send to handprinted or typed on one side please Country Lines Recipes 2859 W Jolly Rd Okemos MI 48864 Please note the co op from which you receive your electric service Contributors whose recipes we print in 2015 will be entered in a drawing and Country Lines will pay the winner s January 2016 electric bill up to 200 Photos 831 Creative MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES JULY AUGUST 2015 7 YOUR CO OP STATE OF MICHIGAN BEFORE THE MICHIGAN PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION NOTICE OF HEARING FOR THE REGULATED GAS CUSTOMERS OF PRESQUE ISLE ELECTRIC amp GAS CO OP CASE NO U 17848 e Presque Isle Electric amp Gas Co op r
9. years Farm owners receive a certificate and a display marker for their farm The official green and yellow markers are sponsored by Michigan electric utilities like Presque Isle Electric Gas Co op to commemorate the dramatic changes electricity brought to farm operations and family life The land was originally purchased in 1914 by brothers Aubrey and Milton Browning and has passed down to several members of the family The original homestead consisted of a two room log home a shop building and a barn Over the years the owners primarily produced hay raised livestock and sold timber Other structures were built on the farm including a granary combine shed tractor shed woodshed chicken coop garage and a shop Producing clover and alfalfa seed was the main source of income Aubrey attended at least two World Fairs held in Chicago where he first learned of electricity When a new home was being built in those days it was wired for electricity even though electricity was not yet available in rural northeast Michigan One of the first septic systems in the area was installed with the help of Michigan State College Through reading common sense and self education Aubrey Scott and Pat Browning left and center with PIE amp G Director Sally Knopf right was definitely a forward thinking man Aubrey served on the local school board and on the township board Later he helped to establish the Presque Isle Soil Conservation Di
10. Ludington Lapeer Portland Services Inc AllTemp Comfort Inc Adams Htg amp Clg Porter amp Heckman ESI Htg amp Clg 906 632 5543 866 844 HEAT 4328 231 873 2665 800 445 4328 517 647 6906 AEST Carsonville Indian River Mount Pleasant Sunfield HOROI E E AN Certified Temperature M amp M Plmb amp Htg Walton s Htg amp Clg Mark Woodman 906 341 5065 Innovations 231 238 7201 989 772 4822 Plmb amp Htg 810 300 7748 517 886 1138 visit us at waterfurnace com 2015 WaterFurnace is a registered trademark of WaterFurnace International Inc WA PAM Smarter from the Ground Up July August 2015 Vol 35 No 7 Executive Editor Casey Clark Editors Christine Dorr Gail Knudtson Publisher Michigan Electric Cooperative Association Design and Layout Ciesa Design Michigan Country Lines USPS 591 710 is published monthly except August and December with periodicals postage paid at Okemos MI and addi tional offices It is the official publication of the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association 2859 W Jolly Rd Okemos MI 48864 Subscriptions are authorized for members of Alger Delta Cherryland Cloverland Great Lakes HomeWorks Tri County Midwest Energy Ontona gon Presque Isle and Thumb electric cooperatives by their boards of direc tors Subscriptions for nonmembers are 6 per year POSTMASTER SEND ALL UAATO CFS Letters to the editor should be sent to Country Lines 2859
11. Presque Isle Electric amp Gas Co op July August 2015 FIGAN OUNTRY INES ome Is Where The Local Co op Artists On ArtPrize Wouldn t it be nice to set the temperature of your house based more on comfort and less on your bank account As the temperatures rise homeowners around the world are finding that a WaterFurnace geothermal system is a smart way to reduce your carbon footprint and utility bills at the same time WaterFurnace units use the clean renewable energy found in your own backyard to provide savings up to 70 on heating cooling and hot water Its good for the environment great for your budget and thanks to a 30 federal tax credit now s the best time to act Call your local WaterFurnace dealer today to learn more YOUR LOCAL WATERFURNACE DEALERS Bad Axe Clifford lonia Muskegon Traverse City B amp D Htg Orton Refrig amp Htg Home Experts Adams Htg amp Clg Geofurnace Htg 989 269 5280 989 761 7691 800 457 4554 231 873 2665 amp Clg Berrien Springs DeWitt Jackson Kiessel Geothermal 251 9451000 WaterFurnace S amp J Htg amp Clg Comfort 1 Htg Htg amp Clg D amp W Mechanical Michiana 517 669 3705 Lenawee Htg 231 747 7509 231 941 1215 269 473 5667 Grand Rapids 517 764 1500 Palms TR Big Rapids Total Comfort Kalkaska Lakeshore PENINSULA Stratz Htg amp Clg Resource LLC Kalkaska PImb amp Htg Improvements e 231 796 3717 616 406 3182 231 258 3588 989 864 3833 A AAT Caro Hart
12. all 877 296 4319 m f Compact Fluorescent Light CFL bulbs LED light bulbs Outdoor LED 1 or 2 bulb fixtures Ceiling fan with light kit CFL fixture Smart power strip Room air conditioner Dehumidifier Dishwasher Clothes washer Clothes dryer Refrigerator Chest freezer TV 21 50 Wel se Energy z Optimization ONLINE michigan energy org PHONE 877 296 4319 Energy Optimization programs and incentives are applicable to Michigan service locations only Other restrictions may apply For a complete list of participating utilities visit michigan energy org Varies by retailer via in store mark down Varies by retailer via in store mark down 10 15 10 10 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 50 Cool down with summer rebates Summer is here Are you in the market for a new ceiling fan room air conditioner or dehumidifier What about a more energy efficient refrigerator or freezer Shop for ENERGY STAR appliances and save with rebates offered by the Energy Optimization program Visit michigan energy org presqueisle for a full list of available rebates ENERGY TIP Receive your rebate faster by using the online application PIE m S SAFETY Check Your Boat Dock and the Neighbors Too Imost one half of Michigan is comprised of water so its easy to see why Michigan boasts a thriving recreational industry and leads the nation with ap
13. and plastic utensils Blankets Pillows and Seasonal Clothing Items First Aid Kit Medicines Prescription Drugs Special Items for babies and the elderly Toiletries Hygiene items Moisture wipes Flashlight Batteries Radio and Clock Battery operated also consider purchasing an NOAA weather radio Telephone Fully charged cell phone with extra batteries and a traditional not cordless landline telephone Emergency Numbers Keep a list of emergency telephone numbers including the local utility company Cash with some small bills and Credit Cards Banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods Keys Toys Books and Games Important documents in a waterproof container or bag insurance cards medical records bank account numbers Social Security card birth certificates etc Tools keep a set with you during the storm Some items include duct tape screw drivers work gloves safety goggles etc Vehicle fuel tanks filled Pet care items ample supply of food and water proper identification immunization records medications a carrier or cage muzzle and leash Keep family and friends out of flooded basements to avoid electrical shock Keep family and friends away from all downed power lines during or after a storm OOO OOo E S E Be sure to follow all manufacturers recommendations when using a generator to avoid tragedy Never plug it into a wall outlet or directly into the home s wiring and neve
14. d by the likes of The New York Times and GQ and lauded as both a great art experiment and lambasted as the art equivalent of a reality TV show The art competition opens up to any adult artist with the 50 entry fee and a venue willing to act as its pop up gallery for the event When it launched in 2009 no one knew what to expect but after the first week local restaurants had run out of food hotels were booked solid and over 200 000 people came from around the country to check out the phenomenon The big twist is the two 200 000 grand prizes and eight category awards resulting in more than 500 000 awarded by both the public and a jury of art experts Whether you love the artful canvas that Grand Rapids becomes once a year or prefer your art in a climate controlled museum amongst whispered commentary ArtPrize has some very real rewards for Michigan artists A large number of people see my work at ArtPrize It is a large scale event by any measure says John Dempsey who lives on the Ocqueoc River and is a member of Presque Isle Electric amp Gas Co op The number of people who come to see ArtPrize is extremely large Acrylic on canvas of a factory ceiling by Colleen Whittaker s Michigan map is made from authentic license John Dempsey plates fitted together like a puzzle 10 eS a on PE al E T gii r 3 R E o s a oats 2 an i F ie yi ii i TE Es Ha ee at g has ETIRI Ri NAME ib GA
15. eged to join 150 WWII veterans and volunteers as they set off to rewrite a page in history during a Tour of Honor thanks to Mid Michigan Honor Flight Embarking on a one day tour of Washington D C that included stops to Arlington National Cemetery Iwo Jima and of course the National World War II Memorial veterans learned first hand the scope of this country s gratitude Dedicated in 2004 the WWII Memorial serves as a fitting tribute to the magnitude of this global conflict Set between the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial stone architecture bronze sculptures and water features pay homage to both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters More impressive though were the tourists who stopped to salute or shake hands with members of the Honor Flight as they walked by Hearing young and old alike say thank you reminded me that in an era when history might be lost to the archives there are still many who care Averaging 92 years old many veterans pass before having an opportunity to see the monument built in their honor Honor Flights transport WWII and terminally ill veterans to Washington D C where they can visit the memorials dedicated to their service and sacrifice Paired with an attentive guardian each vet was personally escorted from one memorial to the next with a volunteer staff of medics on call in case of emergency Every effort is made to make this a once in a lifetime experience From the corridor of flag
16. equests Michigan Public Service Commission approval for its report relative to its Times Interest Earned Ratio TIER Ratemaking Mechanism for the 12 month period ended December 31 2014 and the Company s requested Regulatory Cost Monthly Charge Adder RCMCA for a 12 month period for its Regulated Gas Division customers If the request is granted Regulated Gas Division customers will be assessed a RCMCA monthly charge of 1 90 per month per account beginning the first billing month following issuance of a Commission Order in this docket e The information below describes how a person may participate in this case e You may call or write Presque Isle Electric amp Gas Co op 19831 M 68 Highway P O Box 308 Onaway Michigan 49765 800 423 6634 for a free copy of its application Any person may review the application at the offices of Presque Isle Electric amp Gas Co op e The first public hearing in this matter will be held DATE TIME Thursday July 30 2015 at 9 30 a m This hearing will be a prehearing conference to set future hearing dates and decide other procedural matters BEFORE Administrative Law Judge Suzanne D Sonneborn LOCATION Michigan Public Service Commission 7109 West Saginaw Highway Lansing Michigan PARTICIPATION Any interested person may attend and participate The hearing site is accessible including handi capped parking Persons needing any accommodation to participate should contact the Commission s Executi
17. ers This legislation could also expedite the development of newer cleaner generating capacity for the Upper Peninsula an area of our state that recognizes all too well what can happen when there is only one significant generation resource and no meaningful way to access bulk electricity from the Lower Peninsula where most of Michigan s electrical generating capacity is currently located Further development of renewable energy particularly wind can also be enhanced with additional connectivity between the peninsulas The Thumb region of Michigan s Lower Peninsula has been identified as the best region for developing wind energy A more robust transmission link will allow us to export wind from the Thumb area to the Upper Peninsula or perhaps export wind from the Great Plains and Upper Midwest to utilities throughout Michigan If Michigan legislators have the fortitude to enact this legislation and we eventually fund and construct a new more robust transmission link between our peninsulas I believe we will look back someday like we often do when crossing the Mighty Mac and feel a very real sense of accomplishment that we as Michiganders have done something to benefit many generations Time will tell m ALL AMERICAN FAVORITE Enjoy new twists on well known favorites Bratburger Summertime Sliders 1 pkg bratwurst 1 Ib 80 20 ground beef 2 pkg pretzel dinner rolls Onion Jam 3 T butter 14 c olive oil
18. irement of capital credits Since its inception the co op has retired approximately 9 million in capital credits The term capital credit simply represents your ownership or equity interest in the co op You furnish capital equity when you pay for service AND the co op s income exceeds expenses to finish its fiscal year with a positive margin Positive margins become capital credits through a process known as allocation The co op allocates credits to each member who took service during the years of positive margins The amount of the capital credits is proportionate to the revenue received from each member for their energy use Each dollar of positive margin is tracked and accounted for by allocation to each member The co op provides members this amount of capital credits on their account s each year PIEGG s unique not for profit cooperative business model owned by those we serve was necessary when for profit utilities chose not to serve rural areas Area leaders wanted the benefits of electric service but had to do for themselves what private industry would not they had to form their own cooperative utility For more information see How Capital Credits Work below E Brian J Burns President amp CEO How Capital Credits Work John and Mary Doe are PIE amp G members This is how their capital credits work 1 John and Mary Doe use electricity at their 5 After the audi
19. ity Stay Safe Near Boats Docks READERS PAGE Tour of Honor Recognizes Heroic Men And Valiant Women Of Our Country Jack O Malley Mystery Photo Winner Fil z wi ka r m A Michigan s Electric Cooperatives countrylines com MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES JULY AUGUST 2015 3 PIE Board Of Directors Allan Berg Vice Chairman 989 734 0044 1117 E Heythaler Hwy Rogers City MI 49779 Sandy Borowicz 231 627 9220 5341 Carlson Rd Cheboygan MI 49721 John F Brown Chairman 231 625 2099 21 W Devereaux Lake Rd Indian River MI 49749 Sally Knopf 989 734 4196 1849 W 638 Hwy Rogers City MI 49779 Kurt Krajniak 989 379 3037 7630 Wallace Rd Alpena MI 49707 Daryl Peterson Treasurer 989 742 3145 P O Box 54 Hillman MI 49746 David W Smith Secretary 989 785 5345 P O Box 180 Atlanta MI 49709 Robert Wegmeyer 989 379 2311 16181 Beaver Lake Park Rd Lachine MI 49753 Raymond Wozniak 989 766 2498 6737 State St Posen MI 49776 PRESIDENT amp CEO Brian J Burns bburns pieg com PIE amp G Board Returns 1 87 Million 9 Million Returned Since Inception he Presque Isle Electric amp Gas Co op board of directors recently authorized a 1 87 million capital credit retirement to members Checks are expected to be mailed in October for members who took service in the mid 1980s and 2004 This will mark the fifth year in a row the PIE amp G board has authorized a ret
20. mended MCL 460 1 et seq 1969 PA 306 as amended MCL 24 201 et seq 1982 PA 304 as amended MCL 460 6 et seq 2008 PA 295 MCL 460 1001 et seq and the Michigan Administrative Hearing System s Administrative Hearing Rules 2015 AC R 792 10401 et seq May 28 2015 YOUR CO OP OPTIONS TO PAY YOUR PIE amp G BILL AND REPORT METER READINGS PIE amp G offers several convenient ways to pay your bills or submit meter readings No additional fee is charged for any of these options Choose Your Way to Pay How to Pay Your Bill Please make check or money order payable to PIE amp G Enclose your payment Mail a es and bill stub with meter reading in the return envelope with stamp i Inside during office hours Monday Friday 8 a m 4 30 p m OR At Office rie Outside in drop box anytime check or money order only no cash in drop box Online Payments Visit pieg com Click on Manage My Account to set up online access Enroll e Online pieg com Manage My Account log on to Ebill and click on Financial Information on left click link in chart under Select the Account to Add automatic bill payments for either Set up checking or savings account Automatic Payments or Set up credit debit card OR e Contact PIE amp G to request Auto Pay form to be mailed for your signature and return to PIE amp G for monthly withdrawals from your bank account checking savings or debit card or on your credit debit card
21. not operate as one when it comes to electricity Michigan policy utilities and regulators control the Lower Peninsula while Wisconsin interests and utilities dominate the Upper Peninsula All too often these competing interests and policies do not align and customers are caught in the middle In addition to creating a more robust electrical tie the legislation would form one resource adequacy zone to include both peninsulas as well as increase reliability by reducing electrical congestion costs involved in the flow of energy between the peninsulas These congestion costs are a hidden tax in the cost of electricity Portions of the northern Lower Peninsula as well as the Upper Peninsula have some of the highest Craig Borr Michigan Electric Cooperative Association President and CEO 1 preset he a oe ie leet fea congestion costs Residents who live in these congested areas have higher electric costs because of this hidden tax These costs could be dramatically reduced and in some cases eliminated if we as a state have the will to invest in a more robust transmission link between the peninsulas Since most of Michigan s electric cooperatives are net buyers of wholesale electricity this legislation could create more competitive markets with additional buyers and sellers of wholesale energy as well as renewable energy and that should provide tangible long term benefits for electric cooperative consum
22. osition at Kendall College of Art and Design to her participation in ArtPrize Lily s daughter Isabella Kostrzewa entered the ArtPrize young filmmaker awards and won second place Her prize allowed her to purchase video equipment to continue her passion While exposure to a massive audience and opportunities is rewarding many artists have also benefited on a very personal level Royce Deans kitsch 2 kunst is a matrix of 36 panels with original paintings I gained a lot of confidence as an artist says Craig Snook an artist who splits his time between Saginaw and Lakeview and is a member of HomeWorks Tri County Electric Cooperative It was a great learning experience and it is fun being known as an ArtPrize artist Colleen Whittaker a Traverse City artist and member of Cherryland Electric Cooperative says overhearing people comment on her artwork allowed her to capture uncensored opinions from the public The feedback was overwhelmingly positive but the ones I remember are the critical comments which I keep in mind while creating new work Feedback from such a wide variety of people is invaluable in my quest to create art that appeals to a wide range of people while still being true to my artistic vision E ArtPrize 2015 will take place Sept 23 Oct 11 Visit Artprize org for more information MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES JULY AUGUST 2015 11 YOUR CO OP Upgrade Save with ENERGY STAR A
23. ppliances ENERGY STAR Rebate Amount Product Appliance wasting money and energy Wish you could replace that old malfunctioning refrigerator or dishwasher but don t know where to start or if you can afford it If so a smart way to begin your search is to look for appliances with the ENERGY STAR label Presque Isle Electric and Gas Co op s Energy Optimization program offers dozens of rebates to help offset the purchase price Look for the ENERGY STAR label ENERGY STAR is a trusted brand for quality products that use significantly less energy than required by minimum federal standards ENERGY STAR products provide the same features that youre already used to but can use up to 75 percent less energy than standard models 7 ake a look around your home are outdated appliances Rebates While ENERGY STAR qualified products can cost a bit more up front compared to standard versions the initial investment is almost always recouped by the long term savings that result To encourage the purchase of ENERGY STAR products and appliances PIEWG s Energy Optimization program offers rebates see chart Purchase your new ENERGY STAR appliances at the store of your choice then apply for a rebate from the Energy Optimization program Simply fill out the rebate form online at michigan energy org and mail fax or email it to the Energy Optimization program to receive your check Please visit michigan energy org for more information or c
24. proximately 1 million registered pleasure boats For boating and water safety there are items you must legally have on your watercraft life vests fire extinguisher throwable flotation device and properly working lights but make sure the boat and the dock are safe too To help prevent accidents the National Electrical Contractors Association says e All installations should be performed by a professional electrical contractor All dock receptacles must comply with the National Electrical Code which mandates a ground fault circuit interrupter GFCI A GFCI measures a circuit s current and senses any imbalance such as a discharge into the water which trips the GFCI and cuts off the power Test a GFCI at least monthly Locate it along the ramp to the dock so it can be easily tested by local fire departments Metal dock frames should have bonding jumpers that connect all metal parts to an on shore Theres A Story grounding rod This means any dock part that becomes energized by electrical malfunction will trip the GFCI or circuit breaker Ask neighbors if their dock electrical systems have been inspected and are up to Code Household wire is not suitable for boats Do not use wire nuts these are for solid conductor wire which should never be on a boat or splice connectors can cut wire strands Fuses are rated to protect the wire not the stereo If a fuse blows continuously something else is wrong If you
25. r operate in an enclosed space For additional safety information please visit
26. s lining a path to the departure gate at Cherry Capital Airport to the Pin Curl Girls singing us off at Reagan International Airport to the welcome home celebration at the U S Coast Guard Base in Traverse City no detail was overlooked rr a GE l ha ie E i L 3 k aly ae L RB E r E i in E And while attention to detail is obviously critical to the enjoyment and safety of those participating in an Honor Flight the unplanned displays of gratitude were often the most touching A man walking through Arlington National Cemetery dropping his bags to salute our three bus motorcade A group of middle school students stopping to give thanks A tour guide inviting a veteran to share his story A veteran commenting softly in front of the Freedom Wall I never thought I d see this Reporting for WTCM Radio I wasn t paired with a veteran like most others traveling that day Still I had a few sentimental moments of my own As I silently thanked my dad for his service in the Pacific Theatre as a member of the Fifth Air Force in New Guinea I had the undeniable feeling he was with me while I paid reverence to a monument he didn t live to see Harry Truman once said Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid They have earned our undying gratitude America will never forget their sacrifices Within the next five years most if not all of our WWII veterans will be
27. strict The present owner is Jerry Scott Browning who continues to make and market mixed hay Jerry plans to pass the farm on to his sons to ensure the farm is cared for and preserved for future generations E Your Board in Action At their most recent meetings the PIE amp G Board of Directors e Appointed Ann Douglas Jacqueline Robinson Joyce Foster Daniel Kandow and Jennifer Standen to serve three year terms on the Presque Isle Electric amp Gas Communities First Fund board of directors commencing May 1 2015 Authorized capital credit retirements in 2015 in the amount of 1 87 million the fifth consecutive year the board has retired capital credits Reviewed prior to filing IRS Form 990 Discussed and reviewed the 2015 10 year Financial Forecast as presented by CFO Sobeck Listened to and accepted the team reports of CFO Sobeck manager of information systems Kieliszewski manager of operations and engineering Szymoniak and CEO Burns E HOLIDAY CLOSINGS PIE amp G will be closed Friday July 3 to observe Independence Day and Monday Sept 7 for Labor Day Payments may be made anytime at our drop box online at pieg com or by Pay by phone 1 866 999 4517 and will be posted on the next open business day To report electric emergency call 1 800 423 6634 or 989 733 8515 To report gas emergency call 1 800 655 8565 MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES YOUR CO OP w OTSEGO mm NA
28. t the Board of Directors approves allocation of the year s margins to John and Mary and the rest of PIE amp G s members as Capital credits Until retired they home for comfort and convenience 2 John and Mary pay their become members equity in PIE amp G electric bills each month PIE amp G tracks their energy use and totals the revenue 6 The board of directors may authorize a cash retirement of a received from the Does portion of the capital credits to members determining the total amount to pay from which years of 3 PIE amp G s fiscal year ends in December Final financial service and how they will be paid obligations for the year are 7 John and Mary should see their capital credit allocation notice in the top right message area of their June July or August billing statement depending on their monthly due date If their account is active 4 Income received over and above expenses margin and they owe a balance the capital credit retirement is determined will appear as a line item credit on their energy bill met staff closes the books which are then audited Browning Family Farm Receives Centennial Designation Township as a Centennial Farm To be designated as a Centennial Farm a property must 7 he Historical Society of Michigan recently certified the Browning farm in Case be a working farm of 10 or more acres that has been continuously owned by the same family for at least 100
29. using the traditional paper format The proof of service shall indicate service upon Presque Isle s attorney Shaun M Johnson at Dykema Gossett PLLC Capitol View 201 Townsend Street Suite 900 Lansing Michigan 48933 Any person wishing to appear at the hearing to make a statement of position without becoming a party to the case may participate by filing an appearance To file an appearance the individual must attend the hearing and advise the presiding administrative law judge of his or her wish to make a statement of position All information submitted to the Commission in this matter becomes public information thus available on the Michigan Public Service Commission s website and subject to disclosure Please do not include information you wish to remain private Requests for adjournment must be made pursuant to the Michigan Administrative Hearing System s Administrative Hearing Rules R 792 10422 and R 792 10432 Requests for further information on adjournment should be directed to 517 284 8130 A copy of the Presque Isle s request may be reviewed on the Commission s website at michigan gov mpscedockets and at the office of Presque Isle Electric amp Gas Co op For more information on how to participate in a case you may contact the Commission at the above address or by telephone at 517 284 8090 Jurisdiction is pursuant to 1909 PA 106 as amended MCL 460 551 et seq 1919 PA 419 as amended MCL 460 54 et seq 1939 PA 3 as a
30. ve Secre tary at 517 284 8090 in advance to request mobility visual hearing or other assistance The Michigan Public Service Commission Commission will hold a public hearing to consider Presque Isle Electric amp Gas Co op s Presque Isle April 29 2015 application for a TIER ratemaking mechanism review for the 12 month period ended December 31 2014 for its Regulated Gas Division Presque Isle represents that no revenue adjustment is required Presque Isle requests adjustments to the schedule of Special Charges related to certain services provided to its membership Presque Isle also requests an RCMCA of 1 90 per month per account beginning the first billing month following issuance of a Com mission Order in this docket for its Regulated Gas Division customers All documents filed in this case shall be submitted electronically through the Commission s E Dockets website at michigan gov mpscedockets Requirements and instructions for filing can be found in the User Manual on the E Dockets help page Docu ments may also be submitted in Word or PDF format as an attachment to an email sent to mpscedockets michigan gov If you require assistance prior to e filing contact Commission staff at 517 284 8090 or by email at moscedockets michigan gov Any person wishing to intervene and become a party to the case shall electronically file a petition to intervene with this Com mission by July 23 2015 Petitions to intervene may also be filed
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