MECA-11851-September.. - Michigan Country Lines Magazine
Contents
1. In a large bowl combine pasta tuna celery onions Seafood Pasta Salad peas and parsley In a small bowl combine yogurt Betty Poradek Stephenson mayonnaise lemon juice dill salt and pepper Pour sauce over pasta toss gently Cover and e 8 oz pkg imitation crab meat cut up refrigerate at least two hours Serves 10 e 8 oz bag frozen mini shrimp thawed optional e cup chopped celery e 1 2 T chopped green onion including some tops e 1 can water chestnuts chopped e 8 oz frozen peas thawed e 1 lb bag rotini noodles cooked e dash dill weed e 1 c Miracle Whip e 8 oz sour cream Mix all pasta together and chill for several hours Keeps up to three days in fridge SUBMIT YOUR RECIPE Thanks to all who send in recipes Please send in your favorite Easy Chicken recipes by Sept 10 Chili recipes by Nov 1 and Gluten Free recipes by Dec 1 Enter your recipe online at countrylines com or send to handprinted or typed on one side please Country Lines Recipes 201 Townsend St Suite 900 Lansing MI 48933 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 8 SEPTEMBER 2015 STATE OF MICHIGAN BEFORE THE MICHIGAN PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION Case No U 17778 In the matter on the Commission s own motion reg2. Married for 46 years my wife Connie and raised our family in Highland Michigan coached soccer and football at Milford High served as Charter President on the Highland Jaycees on the Highland Volunteer Fire Department and became Association President retired from GM after 30 years of service was involved with Loud Township and the Tri Township Ambulance Board was elected to and served as Chairman on the Montmorency County Board of Commissioners belong to the Elk Country Gobblers Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation and served as Treasurer Chairman and currently as Vice Chairman I m currently the President of the Howard and Neva Klein Homestead Association a family owned estate dedicated to wildlife preservations and conservation welcome the opportunity to serve my community on the PIE amp G Board MONTMORENCY DISTRICT DARYL PETERSON Hillman Thank you for the trust you ve placed in me with my election to the board of directors for the last two terms have also served as treasurer during that time and l m again asking for your support During my service on the board electric rates have remained fairly stable gas rates have decreased our equity has grown by 5 and our financial position is sound We have returned capital credits to you for four consecutive years have taken numerous courses which have given me an understanding of the co op and its mission l m a very conservative decisio
3. CEO Brian J Burns bburns pieg com 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 2014 CEO Annual Salary 162 480 2014 Director Compensation Rate 750 per regular meeting 200 per special meeting New memberships in 2014 Electric 1 159 Natural Gas 164 2014 Non member Revenue 144 373 Most PIE amp G natural gas rates and charges are not regulated by the Michigan Public Service Commission Presque Isle Electric amp Gas Co op is an equal opportunity provider and employer Your Touchstone Energy lt x Cooperative SEPTEMBER 2015 Meet Your Candidates See instructions on the cover wrap of this magazine for voting details CHEBOYGAN DISTRICT SANDY BOROWICZ Cheboygan have appreciated the opportunity to serve on the PIE amp G board for the past year This experience has deepened my understanding of the cooperative philosophy as well as the business structure of non profit organizations want to continue to actively serve the people and communities of northeast Michigan and would very much appreciate your vote to allow me to continue to do so as a member of the PIE amp G board My husband and have been PIE amp G members for over 40 years and we are lifelong residents of Cheboygan County have a degree in human re
4. Suite 900 Lansing MI 48933 Subscriptions are authorized for members of Alger Delta Cherryland Cloverland Great Lakes HomeWorks Tri County Midwest Energy Ontonagon Presque Isle and Thumb electric cooperatives by their boards of directors POSTMASTER SEND ALL UAA TO CFS Association officers are Robert Schallip Cloverland Electric Cooperative chairman Mark Kappler HomeWorks Tri County Electric vice chairman and Eric Baker Wolverine Power Cooperative secretary treasurer Craig Borr is president and CEO CONTACT US Michigan Country Lines 201 Townsend St Suite 900 Lansing MI 48933 517 351 6322 cdorr meca coop 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 IN THIS ON THE COVER The 4 300 square mile Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary located on Lake Huron in Alpena protects one of America s best preserved and nationally significant collections of shipwrecks Some co op editions have a different cover Photo courtesy of NOAA Thunder Bay NMS IN YOUR WORDS Our new question of the month section of Michigan Country Lines Let us know your answer and it may appear in the next month s issue or on your electric co op s social media site Please answer the question in your own words at http bit ly 1MgI7W5 Now the question W
5. 4 742 055 Balance Sheet ASSETS Maraki Plante tee ido EE A ee eed eee oe ee 128 094 751 130 989 659 Accumulated Depreciation ic0 044c4een bese ds eeeeeres ss 51 744 886 54 738 554 Ner Uulity Plate eae 46d hce aa a D Ae bee Bem Be SD 76 349 865 76 251 105 Investments in Associated Organizations 0000 0 23 651 084 23 960 796 Cash amp Cash Equivalents 6640 tcuve eter eeeeaeeeecegenes ss 1 647 495 2 311 764 Accounts Receivable ooo anaa 6 e4464 4868 64404 eh be eee es 4 542 215 5 016 658 Materials amp SUB DIGS ss te cece act hnetpeaeead Hawn eed S3 2 5 1 277 856 1 455 279 Ohar ASSSlS a as A SKN AEE SEDER Bee eee 360 230 397 577 Deferred Debits alee ay 64 2 44 446 RDEREA SERRE OE TSE ORDER ESOS 317 964 284 987 HOPAIASSEES 24 ons Os veda kk 44 EDO E SES RE YE DESERTS 108 146 709 109 678 166 EQUITIES amp LIABILITIES Margins amp Equities Paronage Capital 0 28ss08s bebe eetecceee renee nese 42 793 997 48 585 300 OUNGT ECU ie sae a a 1 123 264 1 319 079 Total Margins amp Equities 0 0 0 ce ene 41 670 733 47 266 221 Liabilities Eng lerm DED 2 ee eh ede ee eee eee eee a 50 387 301 48 131 300 Neuss PEN ec o ii ae 5 200 000 4 750 000 NCOCUPLER Payable ire 10 805 948 9 518 540 Other Current amp Accrued Liabilities 0 00004 82 727 12 106 Total Liabilities 000 00 000 0000 a 66 475 976 62 411 946 TOTAL EQUITIES amp LIABILITIES 0 000 108 14
6. frayed areas more carefully once you turn the circuit breaker off Turn off the electric power to the heating unit at the circuit breaker panel Remove its side cover to gain access to the blower Using a vacuum cleaner brush attachment clean any dust deposits off the blower You may find bearing oil cups on the blower motor of older systems Put a drop of oil in each cup Find the fan control switch and adjust the temperature setting lower Common settings are on at 135 degrees and off at 100 degrees Try using 110 and 90 degrees This starts the blower sooner and keeps it running longer as the heat exchanger heats up and then cools down Replace the cover and make sure all the cabinet screws are tight Also check the tightness of any cabinet screws you can find Having the cabinet well sealed improves efficiency by maintaining the proper air flow through the coils or over the heat exchanger surfaces With a heat pump also check the cabinet screws on the outdoor condenser unit Set up the thermostat so the furnace starts Hold a stick of lighted incense near all the joints in the ductwork both return and supply air ducts to check for air leaks If you find leaks wipe dust off the surfaces and use mastic a gooey non hardening material around the leaking joints This is a good time to change your furnace filter or clean a central air cleaner element Consider installing a more effective filter element than the low cost f
7. s Statement of Operations and Balance Sheet for the years ending December 31 2014 and 2013 are included in this annual report As indicated by these financial reports the cooperative has completed another successful year Our electric and natural gas operations continue to provide competitive energy alternatives for you Our independent auditor Harris Group has confirmed that the financial statements and records presented to them accurately reflect the financial position of the cooperative The reports of the results of our operations are in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles It has been my distinguished pleasure to serve as treasurer for the past year Daryl Peterson Treasurer Statement of Operations 2013 2014 OPERATING REVENUES 0 00008 eee 46 156 932 OPERATING EXPENSES Cost of Purchased Power 000 cee eee ee eee eens 26 634 255 Operations amp Maintenance Expense 00 8 899 910 Oe Gl OW T usb Meche Pe tte ese de A 3 512 749 IMME Slee ee GS A REMARKS ee EERE ORS OREO ea ws 2 043 203 eRe Se i he KM ADD AAR ER SSEESSEREO RES 1 126 459 Total Operating Expenses 0 0 0 0 ccc 42 816 576 Member Capital Contribution 0 0 0 0 0 eee 3 340 356 NON OPERATING MARGINS Capital Credits G amp T and Other 0 0 ee eee 2 147 473 1 681 344 Non Operating Margins Other 0 00 00 128 309 279 645 NET MARGINS a 4 858 525
8. the Energy Optimization website michigan energy org WECC has subcontracted with JACO Michigan Energy Options Franklin Energy Morgan Marketing Partners and Honeywell to assist with the implementation of the EO Programs MECA contracted with KEMA as the independent 3rd party evaluation contractor for the certification of kWh savings In 2014 PIE amp G collected 525 947 through the Energy Optimization Surcharge and spent 346 051 resulting in an over collection of 179 896 which will be applied towards the 2015 EO Program delivery expenses and goal achievement Presque Isle achieved 2 251 MWh of energy savings in 2014 For every dollar spent on energy efficiency programs customers will save 3 61 in avoided energy costs The full report can be obtained at michigan energy org or http efile mpsc state mi us efile Fuel Mix Report The fuel mix characteristics of Presque Isle Electric amp Gas Co op as required by Public Act 141 of 2000 for the 12 month period ended 6 30 15 COMPARISON OF FUEL SOURCES USED Regional average fuel mix used Your co op s fuel mix FUEL SOURCE I 58 4 60 4 i 0 6 0 7 10 3 8 9 De Ga 1 4 0 5 ACTAE 20 9 24 6 8 4 4 9 0 9 0 7 0 3 0 4 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 6 7 3 2 0 4 0 5 NOTE Biomass above excludes wood solid waste incineration includes landfill gas and wind includes a long term renewable purchase power contract in Wolverine s mix Your Co op s Fuel Mix Reg
9. 6 709 109 678 166 MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 13 SUN TREA By Emily Haines he eerie romance of a shipwreck is something that seems saved for epic adventure novels or blockbuster Hollywood movies But just off the coast of Lake Huron near unassuming Alpena MI is one of the most treacherous stretches of water in the Great Lakes a place called Thunder Bay If the name itself sounds ominous it s because Thunder Bay offers up unpredictable shifts in weather alarming gales fog banks and notoriously rocky shoals that play ghostly host to an area fittingly called Shipwreck Alley There lies the remains of over 200 ships only about 100 that have been physically discovered While it s difficult to imagine the friendly beaches of the Great Lakes as anything but welcoming these deep and traitorous waters were once bustling byways for both recreational and business mariners not all that ended at their intended destination It s easy to stay motivated and excited in your work when you re dealing with such a robust historical landscape said Stephanie Gandulla maritime archeologist and media coordinator for Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary There are so many stories lying just below the surface of the Great Lakes 14 SEPTEMBER 2015 SURE THUNDER BAY NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY Twisted hull of the German freighter Nordmeer 1954_4 966 Those stories just increased substantially as th
10. Presque Isle Electric amp Gas Co op September October 2015 i f a D4 i 2 a mi ne a r ie f tae Ag Ir ee EA at el 2014 Annual Report see page 12 ji i lg Ps yi Peery i i ra a y 5 i q T 1 nf a i r 4 4 J 7 Ja p i d i J r t k 3 r t J9 ba t E p P e Wia it F a D US 4 Meet Your Director Candidates O PIE amp G Special Meeting WATERFURNACE UNITS QUALIFY FOR A 30 FEDERAL TAX CREDIT THERE S A TREASURE IN YOUR BACKYARD You may not realize it but your home is sitting on a free and renewable supply of energy A WaterFurnace geothermal comfort system taps into the stored solar energy in your backyard to provide savings of up to 70 on heating cooling and hot water And for a limited time youv ll receive our Symphony comfort platform FREE with the purchase of select geothermal packages Contact your local WaterFurnace dealer today to learn how to tap into your buried treasure 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 D amp W Mechanical 989 269 5280 989 761 7691 800 457 4554 231 873 2665 231 941 1215 Berrien Springs DeWitt Kalkaska Kiessel Geothermal UPPER WaterFurnace S amp J Htg amp Clg Kalkaska Plmb amp Htg Htg amp Clg PENINSULA Michiana 517 669 3705 231 258 3588 231 747 7509 269 473 5667 pieces Grandville Lapeer Po
11. REGULATED NATURAL GAS DIVISION CUSTOMERS OF PRESQUE ISLE ELECTRIC amp GAS CO OP CASE NO U 17336 R Presque Isle Electric amp Gas Co Op Presque Isle requests Michigan Public Service Commission Commission approval to reconcile its gas cost recovery GCR costs and revenues for the 12 month period ended March 31 2015 for its Regulated Gas Division The reported undercollection is 421 486 Presque Isle is currently collecting the undercol lection of 421 486 through the GCR Plan authorized by the Commission on June 3 2015 in Case No U 17695 e The information below describes how a person may participate in this case 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 The first public hearing in this matter will be held DATE TIME Thursday October 1 2015 at 9 00 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
12. 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 300 as amended MCL 462 2 et seq 1919 PA 419 as amended MCL 460 54 et seq 1939 PA 3 as amended MCL 460 1 et seq 1969 PA 306 as amended MCL 24 201 et seq 1982 PA 304 as amended MCL 460 6h et seq and the Michigan Administrative Hearing System s Administrative Heari
13. and LaFarge cement plant in winter By Sawyer Boyd Spruce 3 Birch reflections in NE Michigan By Daniel McCormick Atlanta 4 Clockwise Natural copper from Keewenaw Peninsula Baby robin near Rapid River Kitchiti Kipi Michigan s largest natural spring near Manistique By Lisa Mleczewski Cheboygan Presque Isle Gas amp Electric Co op members are invited to submit photos now through Sept 21 of Kids at Play for the Nov Dec issue Upcoming topics for We look forward 2016 include Best of Selfies due Nov 15 and Cute Pets due Dec 15 to seeing your best shot Details and instructions for photo submission including contest rules topic list publication date and submission deadlines can be found online at http bit ly 1JX5Afh MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 11 12 Your Co ops 2014 Annual Report To Our Member Owners We are pleased to report that 2014 was a very favorable year for your cooperative There were no major weather events storms and temperatures were colder than normal This kept maintenance expenses down and had a positive effect on energy sales resulting in record level net operating margins In keeping with our mission we continued to invest in and rehabilitate the infrastructure that delivers energy to you In 2014 total utility plant investments were just under 3 million Natural gas has become an important part of your cooperative s success Our objective remai
14. arding the regulatory reviews revisions Case No U 17785 determinations and or approvals necessary for Presque Isle Electric and Gas Co op to fully comply with Public Act 295 of 2008 NOTICE OF OPPORTUNITY TO COMMENT On November 24 2014 in Case No U 17770 et al the Michigan Public Service Commission Commission ordered Presque Isle Electric and Gas Co op to file an Energy Optimization EO Plan on or before August 1 2015 to comply with the Clean Renewable and Efficient Energy Act 2008 PA 295 MCL 460 1001 et seq Because August 1 2015 fell on a Saturday the Presque Isle Electric and Gas Co op was allowed to extend the filing deadline to August 3 2015 On August 3 2015 Presque Isle Electric and Gas Co op filed its Energy Optimization Plan with the Commission Any interested person may review the filed Energy Optimization Plan on the MPSC website under Case No U 17785 at www michigan gov mpscedockets or at the office of the Commission s Executive Secretary 7109 West Saginaw Lansing Michigan between the hours of 8 00 a m and 12 00 p m and 1 00 p m and 5 00 p m Monday through Friday or at the offices of Presque Isle Electric and Gas Co op 19831 M 68 Highway Onaway Michigan Written and electronic comments may be filed with the Commission and must be received no later than 5 00 p m on October 5 2015 Written comments should be sent to the Executive Secretary Michigan Public Service Commission P O Box 30221 Lan
15. d on several PIE amp G boards such as Communities First Fund the Nominating Committee and the Election amp Credentials Committee Formerly served as a Presque Isle County building inspector served on the NE Michigan Affordable Housing board and was believe in the cooperative business structure and maintaining local control consider myself to be fiscally responsible am a hard working individual and would be honored to serve as your representative on the PIE amp G board Thank you for your consideration and would welcome your vote Don t miss your co op s 2015 Annual Meeting Onaway High School Friday Oct 23 10 a m Registration starts at 8 30 a m Lunch is provided See you there To Indian River Onaway High School 4475 M 33 Just like you these candidates are member owners of the co op Your vote is important an addit you are the m ional 50 if Present at Ceting See the back cover of this magazine and the ballot cover wrap for voting details MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES S 6 PORTABLE GE and instructions for your generator Do NOT cut corners when it comes to safety These tips are merely supplemental and are not intended to substitute reading of the Owner s Manual Carbon Monoxide and Ventilation e Using a generator indoors CAN KILL YOU IN MINUTES Exhaust contains carbon monoxide a deadly poison gas you cannot see or smell e NEVER run a
16. e marine sanctuary has grown from 448 square miles to a remarkable 4 300 miles as of last September This means expanding both research and educational programs as well as a multi year plan to characterize every known shipwreck in the sanctuary Characterizing can mean a variety of informational components including having a site map photography data and sonar images or even knowing the name and vessel information It s no wonder our student programs appeal to our younger visitors said Gandulla You don t have to be able to scuba dive 300 feet to have an interaction with maritime history We provide and encourage hands on experiences both in and on the water The experiences are anything from a class trip to the sanctuary s impressive Visitor s Center with over 10 000 feet of exhibits participating in a program on shipwreck archeology or building underwater robotics There are also glass bottom boat tours that allow visitors to view shiowrecks without ever getting their feet wet Gandulla says it s not uncommon for students who have had a field trip in elementary or high school or invested themselves in a Shipwreck Alley class to later become a volunteer as an adult aga he bow of the schooner EB Allen 1864 1871 The Florida 1889 1897 still sits upright with its T Package freight still inside While all of this is available in our state s backyard people from around the world come to mar
17. e your heating system saves energy and 2015 Residential HVAC Rebates keeps the winter chill at bay Rebate Schedule an HVAC tune up Per Unit Before the snow starts falling and temperatures J P ECM Furnace take a plunge schedule a tune up with your heating RAVE a E T E a 150 ventilation and air conditioning HVAC contractor To find a qualified contractor nearest you visit ECM Blower Motor 150 Michigan energy org or call 877 296 4319 replace motor in existing furnace Pipe Wrap Insulation 0 80 ft Time for a new furnace Get one with installed on electric water A heater outlet ey a variable speed motor If your HVAC contractor says your furnace is working too hard to heat your home or the time has eeraa er MOS 20 come for a replacement ask for a furnace with an electronically commutated motor ECM An ECM Come out ahead adjusts operating speeds ensures optimal airflow From rebates to helpful tools and friendly advice and uses less electricity saving you up to 800 you ll gain more control over your energy use and over 10 years feel more comfortable all year long m E T j i 4 i gt a a d s i r ji q ey ee T9 7 A Tee gt a a oe Ds a as F Pi F i a i LA fo Oe Y a j Ee A F 4 E _ gt a a About Michigan Here are some creative photos from PIE amp G members 1 Kayaking at the Presque Isle lighthouse By Sandy Blumenthal Presque Isle 2 Alpena quarry
18. generator indoors or in partly enclosed areas such as garages e ONLY use outdoors and far from windows doors vents crawl spaces and in an area where adequate ventilation is available and will not accumulate deadly exhaust gas e Using a fan or opening doors and windows will not provide sufficient ventilation e It is recommended that you install battery operated carbon monoxide alarms detectors indoors according to manufacturer s instructions recommendations Gasoline Fueling and Burn Safety e If tank is over filled fuel can overflow onto a hot engine and cause fire or explosion e Do not overfill the fuel tank Always allow room for fuel expansion e Never add fuel while unit is running or hot Allow generator and engine to cool entirely before adding fuel e Never store a generator with fuel in the tank where gasoline vapors might reach an open flame spark or pilot light e Many generator parts are hot enough to burn you during operation and while the generator is cooling after turning off Avoid coming into contact with a hot generator SEPTEMBER 2015 NERATOR SAFETY TIPS Electrocution Hazard and Electrical Shock Hazards e Connecting a portable electric generator directly to your household wiring can be deadly to you and others A generator that is directly connected to your home s wiring can back feed onto the power lines connected to your home and injure neighbors or utility workers e Do not co
19. hat in your life are you most thankful for O SAFETY How To Use A Portable Generator Safely 7 OUR ENERGY Maintain Your Home s Heating System Efficiency James Dulley QO HOME COOKING Fresh and Flavortul Seafood Recipes You Will Love Christin McKamey amp Our Readers l A FEATURE Sunken Treasure At Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary Emily Haines QO READERS PAGE Communicating In The Age Of The Emoji Jack O Malley Guess Our New Mystery Photo MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 3 4 PIE OTSEGO 4 ms ae gt a OSCODA ALCONA Board Of Directors Allan Berg Vice Chairman 1117 E Heythaler Hwy Rogers City MI 49779 989 734 0044 Term Expires 2017 Sandy Borowicz 5341 Carlson Rd Cheboygan MI 49721 231 627 9220 Term Expires 2015 John F Brown Chairman 21 W Devereaux Lake Rd Indian River MI 49749 231 625 2099 e Term Expires 2017 Sally Knopf 1849 W 638 Hwy Rogers City MI 49779 989 734 4196 Term Expires 2015 Kurt Krajniak 7630 Wallace Rd Alpena MI 49707 989 379 3037 e Term Expires 2016 Daryl Peterson Treasurer P O Box 54 Hillman MI 49746 989 742 3145 e Term Expires 2015 David W Smith Secretary P O Box 180 Atlanta MI 49709 989 785 5345 e Term Expires 2017 Robert Wegmeyer 16181 Beaver Lake Park Rd Lachine MI 49753 989 379 2311 Term Expires 2016 Raymond Wozniak 6737 State St Posen MI 49776 989 766 2498 e Term Expires 2016 PRESIDENT amp
20. iberglass ones that many systems use This may not help indoor air quality much but it can keep the air flow paths cleaner for more efficient heat transfer Check the accuracy of the wall thermostat You may actually be keeping your house warmer than you realize Tape a bulb thermometer on the wall next to your furnace Check the thermometer reading when the furnace shuts off and note the difference between it and the thermostat setting Now you will know where to set the thermostat to get the indoor temperature you desire If it is inaccurate replace it with a new electronic setback model MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 7 SEAFOOD FAVORITES Fior seood apes yowile Crab Casserole Dill Shrimp Salad pictured Virginia Rubingh Ellsworth Mary Babcock Port Austin e b fresh frozen crab meat e 4c cooked small shells or penne pasta e 2c sour cream e 1 lb cooked fresh shrimp diced 1 c frozen peas 1 c small diced celery Ya c chopped green onions including tops Ya c minced fresh parsley 10 oz plain Greek yogurt 1 c mayonnaise Ya c fresh lemon juice 2 T snipped fresh dill e Yt salt e t white pepper e 1 T lemon juice e pinch garlic salt e 1 c cheddar cheese divided e 8 0z pkg cream cheese softened e 2 T Hellman s mayonnaise e 1 t Worcestershire sauce e 1 T milk Mix all ingredients together in a casserole dish Sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese on top Bake at 325 for 25 30 minutes
21. ional Average Fuel Mix A EMISSIONS AND WASTE COMPARISON TYPE OF Jos iVn Your Regional EMISSION WASTE E Average Sulfur Dioxide 5 1 7 6 Carbon Dioxide 1 559 2 170 Oxides of Nitrogen 1 7 2 0 High level 0 0072 0 0083 Nuclear Waste Regional average information was obtained from the MPSC website and is for the twelve month period ending 8 31 2014 Presque Isle Electric amp Gas purchases 100 of its electricity from Wolverine Power Cooperative which provided this fuel mix and environmental data MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 17 18 Communicating in the Age of the Emoji By Jack O Malley N few years ago my son stood before a display of old rotary phones in an antique store puzzled by the seemingly ancient devices How did people text with those he asked chuckled before the thought occurred to me An entire generation now exists who ve never known life without mobile phones text messages Google or social media In today s world of technology a new digital language based on acronyms and emojis has emerged allowing people to communicate instantly with little more than a few letters and characters In the old days we huddled around the handset during a long distance call everyone listening and talking at the same time because the calls were too expensive for everyone to have a separate turn talking guess I m officially an old fogie LOL Mobile phones have become such an essential part of our li
22. irt dust or corrosive vapors e Inspect the generator regularly e Always disconnect the spark plug wire and place the wire where it cannot contact the spark plug to prevent accidental starting when setting up transporting adjusting or making repairs to the generator Source American Red Cross with technical advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention the National Fire Protection Association publisher of the National Electric Code and the U S Consumer Product Safety Commission W Maintain Your Home s Heating System Efficiency By James Dulley ith the heating season soon upon us make sure your heating system is running at its maximum efficiency Doing a simple heating system tune up yourself improves its efficiency resulting in significant annual cost savings However don t skip your regular professional maintenance calls just because you have done your own heating system mini tune up There are many areas within a heating system that only a qualified technician can evaluate and adjust properly The first items to check are for safety With a gas or propane furnace put several drops of soapy water on any gas line fittings you find If the water bubbles at all there are leaks Leave your house immediately and call your gas company to have it repaired With a heat pump check to make sure the insulation on all of the external wiring looks correct You can inspect potential bad spots damaged or
23. iscretion of the board chairman but members are asked to keep comments to less than five minutes The following will be considered 1 Establish the 2016 Power Supply Cost Recovery Factor to be applied to the cooperative s retail member consumers kilowatt hour use The Power Supply Cost Recovery Factor represents the power supply costs as established by the cooperative in conjunction with Wolverine Power Cooperative The factor is established annually and reviewed monthly Notices of changes or additions to the cooperative s rates or service rules shall be sent to all members as required by P A 167 by first class mail or by publication in Michigan Country Lines at least 30 days prior to their effective date Participation Any interested member may attend and participate Persons needing any accommodation to participate should contact Presque Isle Electric amp Gas Co op at 800 423 6634 a week in advance to request mobility visual hearing or other assistance Comments may also be made before the meeting date by calling CEO Brian Burns at 800 423 6634 or by email at bburns pieg com MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES Stay Warm amp Cozy This Winter s your furnace or boiler ready for another winter Use heating rebates Do you dread the thought ot high energy costs The following Energy Optimization rebates The Energy Optimization programs brought to are now available you by Presque Isle Electric amp Gas Co op can help make sur
24. n maker have been a Hillman resident for 45 years and have always tried to promote better jobs education and the environment for our area DIRECTOR AT LARGE SALLY KNOPF Hawks live with my husband Eldon in Belknap Township near Rogers City We own a Centennial Farm and have been members of the co op for 51 years was elected to the PIE amp G Board of Directors in 1990 and served until 2008 served as Board Secretary for 16 years was elected as Director At Large in 2009 have also previously served as director on each of the boards of Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative and Rural Electric Supply Cooperative RESCO As a director participated in the education programs and attained qualification as a Certified and Credentialed Director and Board Leadership The current issues facing the co op today cover a wide variety of topics and it takes time and experience to understand the workings of the energy industry feel strongly that reliable and affordable energy now and for the future is very important would like to serve the members of PIE amp G again and would appreciate your vote ELIAS TARATUTA Hawks a treasurer of the Hawks Community Improvement Association am a life long resident of Hawks MI and had various occupations owner of an income tax service licensed investor licensed building contractor and real estate agent am proud to be an Army military police veteran have serve
25. ng Rules 2015 AC R 792 10401 et seq August 18 2015 SEPTEMBER 2015 Natural Gas Rates Returning To Previous Level From April to September 2015 PIE amp G temporarily reduced the Gas Cost Recovery GCR from 0 5417 ccf to 0 4829 ccf However increases in transportation costs in the region have resulted in higher natural gas costs to the cooperative Effective with bills rendered in October natural gas rates will be as indicated below Note that only the GCR is changing by returning back to the previous level of 0 5417 cct October 2015 October 2015 October 2015 q 188 Distribution 0 4544 ccf 0 3203 ccf 0 2336 ccf GCR 0 5417 ccf 0 5417 ccf 0 5417 cct Total ccf 0 9961 ccf 0 8620 ccf 0 7753 ccf Public Act 295 The Clean Renewable and Efficient Energy Act 2014 Annual Energy Optimization Report Presque Isle Electric amp Gas Co op Electric Association MPSC Case Number U 17372 Presque Isle Electric amp Gas PIE amp G contracted with the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association MECA to administer the Energy Optimization efforts in order to comply with PA 295 MECA filed a 4 year Energy Optimization plan with the MPSC on Aug 1 2011 as required by PA 295 This EO plan was approved by the MPSC on Nov 10 2011 and we began implementing the plan Jan 1 2012 The Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation WECC was selected to implement all Residential Commercial and Industrial Programs and
26. nnect your generator directly to your home s wiring or into a regular household outlet e Always start or stop the generator only when no electrical loads are connected e Overloading your generator can seriously damage your valuable appliances and electronics Do not overload the generator Do not operate more appliances and equipment than the output rating of the generator Prioritize your needs A portable electric generator should be used only when necessary and only to power essential equipment e Use the proper power cords Plug individual appliances into the generator using heavy duty outdoor rated cords with a wire gauge adequate for the appliance load Overloaded cords can cause fires or equipment damage Do not use extension cords with exposed wires or worn shielding e Do not operate the generator in wet conditions such as rain or snow e The generator must be properly grounded If the generator is not grounded you run the risk of electrocution Check and adhere to all applicable federal state and local regulations relating to grounding Generator Placement and Operation e Allow at least five feet of clearance on all sides of the generator when operating e Generators can be used during a wide variety of weather temperatures but should be protected from the elements when not in use to prevent shorting and rusting e Operate the generator only on level surfaces and where it will not be exposed to excessive moisture d
27. ns the same today as it was 20 years ago when we began delivering it to members expand gas service in a financially responsible manner to benefit as many members as we can Our employees hard work was reflected in the results of our 2014 American Customer Satisfaction Index ACSI survey Members gave us a score of 85 This rating exceeds that of such notable companies as Apple 84 Southwest Airlines 78 and Nike 78 We thank our employees for their efforts to earn this score In 2014 the board of directors continued its commitment to the cooperative business model by authorizing 1 882 100 in capital credit retirements To date the board has authorized the return of more than 9 million in capital to members Thank you for your continued support as we strive to be your trusted energy and community partner Respectfully John Brown Brian J Burns Chairman of the Board President amp Chief Executive Officer Where Your a ne Goes SEPTEMBER 2015 Cost of Power Operations amp Maintenance Depreciation Interest amp Tax Expense Operating margin 2014 Statistical Summary ELECTRIC NATURAL GAS Active Meters 33 04 0 rg ee 8 950 Energy Sold 244 248 074 kWh 7 989 884 CCF New Services nor SS le ae A ee ee 209 Miles of Line 3 852 overhead 584 1 011 underground Treasurers Report Daryl Peterson Presque Isle Electric amp Gas Co op
28. our guess at countrylines com or send by mail to Country Lines Mystery Photo 201 Townsend St Suite 900 Lansing MI 48933 Include the name on your account address phone number and name of your co op a ett you plan to Stay in E your home a metal roof i G AN j icheaper than asphalt ae lt Order in the month of September amp receive a from steel to Aluminum plus a as yr r r a a F i n ii p Fi SH your garage or outbuilding when added to your order TEI i oo La CE r B i an a a TF i j ron i Ba E a E ha ja ri NT HII F Bakes q i Fi j Lm J 1 D i 1 4 l T PE i CE Toughness and low maintenance requirements make metal roofing Financing Available perfect for the demanding needs of 1 844 638 2576 agricultural applications Each roof is hand crafted and 844 METAL ROOFS finished with custom made trims l and accessories available in i CHARLOTTE 1875 Lansing Road AMR s high standards of View our website to see a gallery of roofs we ve functional durability are met installed in and around Michigan or to request a quote by utilizing only the best materials and the most qualified installers who AmericanMetalRoofs com f PREV attain a minimum of 300 training hours t T u li Ue hati me CNETEY Woe rove _ FALL SAVINGS MEIC in FULL BLOOM with Exede Internety am y Don t miss ou
29. rtland Great Lakes Big Rapids Total Comfort Porter amp Heckman ESI Htg amp Clg Services Inc Stratz Htg amp Clg Inc Resource LLC 810 664 8576 517 647 6906 906 495 5543 E RAGRC TE SOUS U acted ack Michigan Center Sunfield Manistique ef T ge Hart Ludington Comfort 1 Mark Woodman Hoholik Enterprises Alllemp Comfort Inc Adams Htg amp Clg 517 764 1500 Plmb amp Htg 906 341 5065 866 844 HEAT 4328 231 873 2665 Mt Pleasant 517 886 1138 Carsonville Indian River Walton Htg amp Clg Traverse City Certified Temperature M amp M Plmb amp Htg 989 774 1566 Geofurnace Htg amp Clg Innovations 231 238 7201 231 943 1000 810 300 7748 GET A Mater Furnace L Smarter from the Ground Up Symphony T ymp y VISIt waterfurnace com event 600 value WaterFurnace is a registered trademark of WaterFurnace International Inc 1 Get a FREE Symphony with select geothermal packages Promotion ends December 18th 2015 Michigan s Electric Cooperatives countrylines com September 2015 Vol 35 No 8 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 pub lished monthly except August and December with periodicals postage paid at Lansing MI and additional offices It is the official publication of the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association 201 Townsend St
30. s Executive Sec retary at 517 284 8090 in advance to request mobility visual hearing or other assistance The Commission will hold a public hearing to consider Presque Isle s June 16 2015 application to reconcile its 2014 2015 GCR costs and revenues for the 12 month period ended March 31 2015 for its regulated natural gas divi sion Presque Isle represents that the Company experienced an undercollection gas costs exceeded gas revenues of 421 486 Presque Isle states that it is currently collecting the undercollection through its GCR plan authorized by the Commission in Case No U 17695 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 Documents 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 mpscedockets michigan gov Any person wishing to intervene and become a party to the case shall electronically file a petition to intervene with this Commission by September 24 2015 Interested persons may elect to file using the traditional paper format The proof of service shall indicate service upon Presque Isle s attorney Shaun M Johnson Dykema Gossett PLLC Capitol View 201 Townsend
31. sing Michigan 48909 with a copy mailed to Presque Isle Electric and Gas Co op 19831 M 68 Highway Onaway Michigan 49765 Electronic comments may be e mailed to mpscedockets michigan gov All comments should reference Case No U 17785 Comments received in this matter become public information posted on the Commission s website and subject to disclosure Please do not include information you wish to remain private The Commission will review the energy optimization plan together with any filed comments and provide a response within 60 days of the filing of the application indicating any revisions that should be made If the Commission suggests revisions the Cooperative will file a revised EO plan no later than 75 days after the filing of the application A Com mission order will be issued on or before the 90th day following the filing of the application NOTICE TO MEMBERS OF PRESQUE ISLE ELECTRIC amp GAS CO OP A special Board Meeting is set for September 29 at 9 a m at the cooperative s Onaway office The board of directors will consider changes to the cooperative s rates and tariffs at its meeting on September 29 2015 to be held at 19831 M68 Highway Onaway Michigan The meeting will start at 9 a m and is open to all mem bers of Presque Isle Electric amp Gas Co op The session will begin with an opportunity for members to provide direct input to the board of directors Time con straints on each member s comments will be at the d
32. source management and was employed for 28 years with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan have worked with many business government and industry leaders throughout northern Michigan continue to be involved with the Cheboygan Area Chamber of Commerce and have served a term as board chairman continue to volunteer with our local church and have been an active member of the Cheboygan County Farm Bureau for over 40 years JOHN MORRISON Cheboygan a retired in July 2009 but now work part time for The Salvation ane Army in Cheboygan am a volunteer Ombudsman for the State of p t Michigan visiting eight nursing homes in five counties each month as a rights advocate for residents also volunteer as chaplain for our local Hospice program in Cheboygan serve on the N E M C S A Board of Directors and am a committee chairperson spent 35 years as a Salvation Army officer pastor administrator serving in five states and seven cities throughout the Midwest and on the East Coast In my last appointment prior to retirement was responsible for an annual budget of 12 million and for over 300 employees am married with two children 8 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren MONTMORENCY DISTRICT BARRY DANKS Atlanta was raised on Lockwood Lake near Atlanta earned a Mechanical Technical degree and an Associate degree in Business Administration My wife and now live on Gilchrist Creek 2 miles from where grew up
33. t on the high speed Internet service that delivers 140 of its advertised speed so you can shop connect stream and share online the way you want A Toxchuone Energy Cooperative KT 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 For complete details and the Data Allowance Policy visit www localexede com Exede is a service mark of ViaSat Inc
34. vel at Visit D wo n Ss 25 ie If you re interested in a trip to the Visitor s Center visit thunderbay noaa gov visit Or to book a glass Beyond the rich and special maritime history of bottom boat tour go to alpenashipwrecktours com this area it s also a remarkable place to vacation soroa iSO cell O98 2a62805 said Gandulla We have world class recreational opportunities available to us in Michigan and we Project Shiphunt feel very strongly about sharing them with people from around the globe m On July 13 2011 the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary NMS announced the discovery of two Great Lakes shipwrecks The discoveries were part of Project Shiphunt an exciting archaeological expedition soonsored by Sony and the Intel Corp that included five high school students from Saginaw For more on the project visit thunderbay noaa gov shiphunt htm Monohansett Site For a sneak peek at the kind of discoveries you can expect take a look at the Monohansett a ship wrecked in 1907 that lies in three sections just 18 feet below water thunderbay noaa gov shipwrecks monohansett htm Photo below With the hull broken just forward of the boiler house and the ship listing hard to port the wreck of the Norman which claimed the lives of three sailors is an intense dive experience Photos by NOAA Thunder Bay NMS MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 15 Se ar 16 STATE OF MICHIGAN NOTICE OF HEARING FOR THE
35. ves we have a hard time functioning without one Like an extra appendage we rely on a cell s convenience intelligence and sheer ability to do almost anything Want to play Scrabble Download the app Want to enhance a photo Download an app Want to check Facebook Download the app Want to shop Download an app There are apps short for applications programs designed specifically for use on portable devices for everything Just ask my wife She ll tell you SMH that s shaking my head for all you rookies out there Our reliance on digital technology can only be ascertained when we forget our cell Ever reached for your phone to make a quick call or send a text SE EMBER 2015 only to realize you left your cell on the charger at home Panic ensues I ve actually broken into a sweat and driven an hour round trip just to have my phone on hand Times have sure changed since was a lad These kids might run circles around me when it comes to their smart phones but had something they didn t The most popular rotary phone ever made an original Fisher Price Chatter Telephone toy And let me tell you it was GR8 m Jack O Malley lt Where in Michigan is This Every co op member who identifies the correct location of the photo at left by Oct 10 will be entered in a drawing to win a 50 electricity credit from their electric co op We do not accept Mystery Photo guesses by phone Enter y
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