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Ensure your holidays are merry and bright—and safe—by following a few tips on lighting displays. Every holiday season, U.S. fire departments respond to an average of 200 home fires that started with lighted trees, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Electrical problems were the cause of one-third of these incidents. Fortunately, these fires are not common; however, when they do occur, they are almost always serious. To make sure your holiday season remains cheerful, keep the following safety tips in mind while decorating your home: Use lights that have been tested for safety . Look for the "UL" mark on the tag, which indicates that Underwriters Laboratories, a global leader in testing, inspection, and certification, has approved the lights. Inspect lights for broken or cracked sockets , frayed wires, or loose connections. If you encounter any of these problems, discard the lights. Limit the number of light strands to three per outlet . For added safety, use a power strip with a built-in circuit breaker instead of a wall outlet. Replace incandescent lights with LEDs . They generate less heat, making them a safer choice both indoors and outdoors. LED lights also last much longer and use 75% less electricity — two additional reasons to make the switch. Use the right lights . For outdoor decorations, use only light strings and extension cords rated for outdoor use. Be careful with extension cords . Avoid running extension cords in high-traffic areas where people could trip over them. Don't hide extension cords under rugs or beneath furniture, where they could fray or overheat. Turn off lights late at night or when no one is home . Make safety more convenient by plugging decorations into timer controls, which automatically turn lights on and off according to a set schedule. Plug safely outdoors . Make sure outdoor lights are plugged into a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet. These are designed to protect against shock by automatically turning off when a change in electrical flow occurs. Before you brighten up the holidays with indoor and outdoor light displays that everyone will love, keep everyone safe with these tips.

National Cooperative Month recognizes that we are "Powered by Purpose." Each October, cooperatives across the country recognize the value of the cooperative business model and celebrate what it means to be a member of a cooperative. Owned and democratically governed by the members we serve, we are “Powered by Purpose,” which means our commitment to our members goes beyond our power lines. We make decisions that ensure safe, reliable, cost-effective power, but we also support community programs through donations, volunteering, and initiatives that benefit local residents.  Co-ops exist to serve our members, our neighbors, and our communities. When you flip a switch in your home, you're not just accessing electricity from any utility company. You're tapping into a network built by neighbors, for neighbors. You own a piece of this cooperative, and your voice matters in how we operate. From our boardroom to your living room, democratic member control is at work. At its core, being a cooperative means we are member-owned and locally controlled. Members have a voice in how our co-op operates. Unlike investor-owned utilities, our co-op doesn’t exist to make profits for distant shareholders. We exist to serve you—our members, our neighbors, and our communities. That purpose is what sets us apart. It’s why we were founded, and it’s what continues to drive every decision we make. As we celebrate National Cooperative Month, remember this: you're not just a customer paying a bill. You're an owner with equity, a neighbor with a voice, and a community member with the power to shape how we serve everyone. Thank you for placing your trust in us. Together, we're not just keeping the lights on—we're building a brighter, more sustainable future for our community. Because when we say we're "Powered by Purpose," that purpose is you. This National Cooperative Month, we challenge you to discover everything your cooperative membership offers. Whether you're interested in reducing your energy bills, learning about new efficient technologies, or getting more involved in cooperative governance, we're here to help you make the most of being a member-owner. Contact us today, and let's explore how your cooperative membership can work harder for you.

It's spooky how much energy waste happens while you sleep. Lots of things can keep you up at night, but your energy bill shouldn't be one of them. Energy makes your life easier and more comfortable, but wasting it while you're asleep is like something out of a bad dream. Don't be scared. ..!  Open  your eyes and take steps to eliminate these late-night energy losses. Out-of-control thermostat Adjusting the thermostat at night or when you're not at home is one of the best ways to reduce your energy costs. However, it's easy to forget, and the thought of getting out of a comfortable bed to change the temperature doesn't sound very appealing. Programmable thermostats make things simple by automatically adjusting temperatures based on whatever schedule you set. Newer "smart" models can even learn your habits and adjust accordingly. They know when you're sleeping and when you're awake, so you don't have to worry about it. Energy-sucking vampires You've seen them late at night, those tiny lights from cable boxes or game consoles glowing in the dark. These and other energy vampires are lurking in your home all night long, drawing power and draining your energy budget while you sleep. Slay the energy vampires by unplugging chargers and other devices that you don't use very often. Plug other stuff into smart power strips, which automatically cut power to devices when they're not in use. Lights burning the midnight oil You probably don't have any oil lamps in your home, but leaving lights on all night can waste a lot of electricity and money. Common culprits include lights left on in the laundry room, bathrooms, and outdoors, as well as decorative lights. Go through your house and turn off all lights before you hit the sack. Timing controls are a good fit for decorative lights. Occupancy or motion sensors might be a good choice to control outdoor lights, as well as areas that you don't visit very often, such as a work room or storage room. Your nightmare's over. Now you can rest easy and wake up to a more efficient home and lower energy bills.

Consider cybersecurity as “cyber hygiene” to keep your home and family protected from criminals out to steal your personal information. October is recognized as Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and it is a great time for us to raise awareness about cybersecurity and ways to keep your home and family safe.   Electric co-ops protect the private information of members and ensure hackers don’t tamper with the reliability of the electric grid, but consumers have a lot at stake, too. Think about losing all the photos on your smartphone or having bank or credit card information stolen from your computer.   Cyber criminals all over the world are on the prowl through the internet, and they’re getting better at what they do.   Consider thinking of cybersecurity as “cyber hygiene.” Just like washing your hands will help keep you from getting bacteria, there are simple things you can do to protect yourself online. The first step is to make cyber hygiene a habit by incorporating basic security steps into your daily mindset.   Here are the six tips for protecting yourself from internet danger at work and home, as recommended by top cybersecurity experts:   Create a strong password. If your passwords are exposed, cybercriminals can buy them and gain unlimited access to your accounts and sensitive information. Additionally, if you’ve used a password for multiple online accounts, cybercriminals will be able to access any accounts that use the password. So, if you use the same password for multiple accounts, it’s time to change your password to a new, strong password! Make your passwords complex and even consider a “passphrase,” which contains a phrase or sentence. Keep software updated. Notices of updates don’t just add flashy features to your apps—they often add security patches to protect against new security threats. Updates usually come automatically from the software company, whether it’s for the computer, mobile device operating system, one of the many functional apps (like Facebook), or a link to your favorite sports team. But take a level of caution on updates as well. You can check regularly for updates either from your device or by going to the application’s website. Be suspicious of update notices that arrive by email, especially if they claim to require urgent action. Visit the application’s website to make sure the update is legitimate. Don’t click on any link or attached files unless you know where it will take you.  A lot of the computer hacking problems you hear about in the news result from people clicking on links or attached files that infect their computers or mobile devices. An email can even be disguised to look like it’s coming from your best friend, so simple diligence can be extremely beneficial. Take a moment and move your cursor over a link to reveal the full address before clicking it. You’ll see a lot of confusing symbols, but you should also be able to recognize the name of the legitimate source. If you don’t, find another way to verify the link. Don't use flash drives. Those little thumb drives or jump drives you insert into your USB port may be handy ways to share lots of photos or other large documents, but as your mother might say, you don’t know where they’ve been.  These portable memory devices have been another common way computers get infected with damaging software. Instead, learn to use Dropbox or other software solutions for transferring large files. Stay safe on social media. Social media is a popular place for staying connected and up on the latest news and trends. It’s no surprise that cybercriminals take advantage of its popularity to try to scam you to gain access to your money, personal information, and online accounts. Be cautious about entering contests, being lured to apply for job offers and “work-from-home” opportunities, or accepting friend requests from people you don’t recognize or even people you may know but to whom you are already connected. If anyone asks for payment up front or promises free money, discounted items, or prizes that are too good to be true...it probably is. Protect the kids. Don't forget that children also need to be aware and practice good cyber hygiene. They should know not to send out information such as birthdates and other ID numbers, as well as details like how long the family will be away on vacation. Learn to use parental control options on your hardware and software.   Remember, good cyber hygiene doesn't require technical expertise, just consistent habits and healthy skepticism. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and make cybersecurity a priority for you and your family every day of the year.

Vinyl clings with the image above are available for free to place on farm equipment. As many of our members turn their attention to the upcoming harvest season, we encourage our agricultural communities to also focus on personal safety and the dangers that may exist during fall operations.     “Safe Fields. Powerful Yields”  is a safety campaign developed for our area agricultural producers, as we often receive an uptick in powerline contacts reported during spring planting and fall harvest. While contact with equipment and a powerline can cause costly outages and repair downtime, our top priority is the safety of equipment operators.   Safe Fields. Powerful Yields  reminds agricultural producers to be aware of powerlines in and around their equipment, fields, and other locations associated with their operations. Our campaign kit includes posters, table tents, and window clings communicating valuable life-saving information on what to do and who to call when seconds count.   If your equipment comes into contact with an energized or downed power line, contact 9-1-1 immediately and stay inside the equipment until the power is de-energized. In the event of smoke or fire, exit the cab by making a solid jump out of the cab (without touching it) and hop away to safety. If you make contact with a power line, always assume it is energized. Downed lines can energize the ground around them up to 35 feet away. Use a spotter and deploy flags to maintain safe distances from power lines and other electrical equipment when working in the field. Maintain a 10-foot clearance around all utility equipment in all directions. Consider the equipment and cargo extensions of your vehicle. Lumber, hay, tree limbs, irrigation pipes, augers, and even bulk materials can also conduct electricity.   Safe Fields. Powerful Yields.  is a safety program developed by Northwest Iowa Power Cooperative (NIPCO), an Iowa electric generation and transmission power cooperative headquartered in Le Mars, Iowa, which provides wholesale electric and transmission services to seven electric distribution cooperatives in western Iowa, including ours. If you would like to receive a Safe Fields. Powerful Yields.  farm safety awareness kit containing the information detailed in this article in an easy-to-reference poster, table tent, and window cling, visit NIPCO’s safety education page at www.nipco.coop/safety-education  and scroll down to the Safe Fields. Powerful Yields.  section or call our co-op office.   Planting seeds of safety when working around power lines can be the difference between safe harvests and one interrupted by a costly contact with energized power lines.   ​It’s more than a field. It’s a life .

Plan your routes carefully, especially when entering and exiting fields. (Photo: Safe Electricity) National Farm Safety and Health Week is observed from September 21 to 27. As Iowa farmers prepare for another busy harvest season, we want to remind everyone about a critical safety message that could save your life: Look Up and Live. Every year, agricultural accidents involving electrical infrastructure pose a serious risk to farmers and their families. With corn and soybean harvests in full swing across our cooperative's service territory, now is the perfect time to review essential electrical safety practices. Before entering any field, take a moment to survey your surroundings. Look for overhead powerlines, guy wires, and electrical equipment that may pose hazards to your operations. Modern agricultural equipment continues to grow taller and wider, making contact with electrical infrastructure an increasing concern. Grain augers, combines, and other machinery can easily reach heights that bring them dangerously close to power lines. Maintain a minimum clearance of 10 feet from all overhead lines when operating equipment. This includes not just the equipment itself, but also any attachments, booms, or raised components. Remember that power lines can sag, especially during hot weather or when heavily loaded. What appears to be adequate clearance in the morning may become dangerous by afternoon. Plan your routes carefully, taking into account the location of electrical infrastructure. When moving equipment between fields, scout the path ahead of time and identify potential hazards. Contact our cooperative if you need assistance identifying electrical hazards or if vegetation near powerlines needs attention. Your family depends on you returning home safely each day. This harvest season, make "Look Up and Live" your constant reminder to stay alert and stay safe around electrical infrastructure.

With the changing season, you have some work to do. The weather is becoming colder and the nights longer. At the same time, summer heat, humidity, and storms may have taken a toll on your home and property. With the changing season, you have some work to do. Here are some indoor and outdoor maintenance tips to help your family stay safe and comfortable this fall and winter while also saving energy. Inside Check your heating system . Hire a qualified professional to inspect and clean your heating system. Doing so will help ensure efficient performance and alert you to any potential maintenance or repair issues. Change your furnace filter . Dirty filters restrict airflow, causing your heating system to work harder to maintain your desired comfort level. Change your furnace filter regularly, following the manufacturer's instructions. Clean your chimney . Hire a qualified professional to clean your chimney. Cleaning typically includes an inspection for soot buildup, obstructions, cracks in the chimney liner, and signs of water damage. Air seal your basement . Check for air leaks around pipes or wiring holes on outside walls. Seal any leaks with expandable spray foam. Also, check for gaps where the wall meets the ceiling. Fill smaller gaps with caulk; fill larger gaps by stuffing in pieces of insulation. Test detectors . Replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and test them to ensure they work correctly. Wired detectors should also have fresh battery backups. Replace any detectors that are 10 years old or older. Outside Seal windows and doors . Check windows and exterior doors for gaps that allow warm air to escape. Seal any gaps with caulk or weatherstripping. Look at outdoor lighting . As nights become longer, check outdoor security lights and switch out bulbs at or near the end of their life. LEDs are highly efficient, last longer than conventional bulbs, and work well in cold temperatures. Clear gutters and downspouts . Blocked gutters can keep water from melting snow from draining. This can lead to the buildup of ice dams. Clear gutters and downspouts of leaves and other debris. Trim trees away from your house . Heavy ice and snow can cause tree branches to break off and fall to the ground. If they are hanging over your roof, they can cause serious damage. Maintain your generator . Make sure your generator is ready to go if needed. Change the oil and the fuel filters, as well as the spark plug and air filter, as recommended. Start it up and let it run for a few minutes to test it. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines regarding maintenance and safe operation. Sustain your snowblower . Before the snow falls, change the oil and the spark plug on your snow blower. Inspect belts and auger paddles for wear and tear, and replace them as needed. Check the shave plate and skid shoes for wear, and reverse or replace them as necessary. Stock up Make sure you have everything you need to stay safe and warm during extreme weather. These include: Emergency supplies, such as blankets, flashlights, non-perishable food, and a first-aid kit. Fuel for your generator and snowblower should be stored in a safe place, away from your living space. Adequate supplies of rock salt or other deicers. With a bit of time and effort now, you'll be ready no matter what the weather has to offer this autumn and winter.

August 11 (8-1-1) is National Safe Digging Day. If you are working on an outdoor project, be aware that careless digging can pose a threat to people, pipelines, and underground facilities. Always call 8-1-1 first. Here are five easy steps for safe digging: NOTIFY Call 8-1-1 or submit a request online (for Iowa, visit www.iowaonecall.com ) at least two to three days before the start of your work. The operator will notify the utilities affected by your project. WAIT Wait two to three days for affected utilities to respond to your request. They will send a locator to mark any underground utility lines. CONFIRM Confirm that all affected utilities have responded to your request by comparing the marks to the list of utilities notified by the 8-1-1 center. RESPECT Respect the markers provided by the affected utilities. The markers serve as your guide throughout the duration of your project. DIG CAREFULLY If you can’t avoid digging near markers (within 18-24” on all sides), consider moving your project location. Taking these precautions may seem like extra steps, but they’re essential for protecting yourself, your community, and critical infrastructure. A single misplaced shovel can result in dangerous gas leaks, power outages affecting entire neighborhoods, or costly repairs that could have been easily avoided. By making that simple 8-1-1 call and following proper procedures, you’re not just completing your project safely—you’re being a responsible member of your community. Remember, when it comes to digging, patience and preparation always pay off. Source: call811.com

Stop by the Touchstone Energy Cooperatives of Iowa Booth in the 4-H Exhibits Building Aug. 7-17! The Touchstone Energy Cooperatives of Iowa are pleased to once again sponsor the 4-H Exhibits Building at the 2025 Iowa State Fair. Our cooperative is proud to be a Touchstone Energy member, which means we’re part of a nationwide network of locally owned co-ops that provides resources and leverages partnerships to help member-consumers use energy wisely. If you’re planning a visit to the Iowa State Fair from August 7-17, make sure to stop by and see us in the air conditioned 4-H Exhibits Building on the southwest corner of the fairgrounds. It’s a great place to take a break from the heat or rain during your day at the fairgrounds. Electric co-op staff from across the state will hand out plastic hard hats and suckers for the kids while supplies last. Kids can also try on some lineworker safety gear and take fun photos in our co-op safety selfie station. We look forward to connecting with our cooperative members at the Iowa State Fair this summer. Please stop by our booth and say hello!

As your family's routine changes, you can reduce your energy costs with these simple tips. The days are turning shorter, vacation is over, and kids are headed back to school. Does your household make the grade when it comes to energy efficiency? Now is the time to get more serious about saving energy. These quick, cost-saving tips will help you adjust your energy use to match your family's new routine. Hit the OFF button Your empty house can still waste plenty of energy. Turn off lights and other devices when you're the last person to leave a room or the house for the day. Simple upgrades, such as LED lights, can help. They use up to 75% less energy than conventional incandescent lights. Program your thermostat You can save a lot of energy by adjusting the thermostat to match your family's school and work schedule. Why waste energy keeping an empty house comfortable?  ENERGY STAR®-certified smart thermostats  optimize savings and convenience by automatically adjusting temperatures based on your schedule. You can also take advantage of advanced features, such as remote control. Plug smarter Electronic devices — such as TVs, game consoles, and chargers — continue to draw power even when no one is home to use them. Advanced power strips and smart plugs provide a simple energy-saving solution. They automatically cut power to devices when they're not in use. Draw the curtain on heat gain Close window treatments when you leave for the day. This action helps block solar heat gain trapped inside your home. Otherwise, your air conditioning system works harder, even at a higher energy-saving setting. Close the door on energy waste As you pack lunches, you may find yourself in and out of the refrigerator a lot. The frequent opening and closing of the door makes the fridge work harder to maintain a consistent temperature and keep things cool. Take out everything you need at once and close the door quickly. This way, lunch ingredients are easier to access and quicker to pack, saving time and energy. Partner with Energy Efficiency Experts Contact our office to explore energy-saving solutions designed to reduce your electric costs. Our energy advisors offer home energy audits to assess your property's efficiency potential. Through this collaborative process, we identify optimization opportunities and deliver tailored recommendations that enhance both your home's comfort and your household's energy savings.

The best fireworks display is a safe one! The month of July is always a favorite time of summer. It’s the middle of the season, the kids are out of school, and families across the United States celebrate Independence Day! Typically, on the Fourth of July, we celebrate our nation’s independence with grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, homemade ice cream and other sweet treats, and last but not least, fireworks. The holiday is a time for fellowship with family and friends, but we also want to make sure our members focus on safety. To ensure you have the best Fourth of July possible, we want to remind you about a few important safety tips from The American Red Cross. Nothing says “Fourth of July” like a spectacular fireworks display! The safest way to enjoy this part of the celebration is to head to a local fireworks show . But if you want to put on your own show at home, be sure to follow these safety tips: Always follow the instructions on fireworks packaging and never  give fireworks to small children. Keep a supply of water close by as a precaution. Make sure to wear protective eyewear when lighting fireworks. Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight “a dud.” Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets. Never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures, or flammable materials. Cookouts are a great way to bring folks together on the Fourth. Whether you are grilling in your backyard or at a community park, make sure your feast includes a generous portion of fun and a side helping of safety! We recommend the following safety tips: Supervise your grill at all times. Use the proper tools for cooking on a grill. Never add charcoal starter fluid when the coals have already been ignited. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using grills. Fireworks and cookouts wouldn’t be complete without a sunny day. Here’s hoping we have good weather, and if we do, make sure you are practicing sun safety: Use a broad-spectrum SPF sunscreen and reapply often. Protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses. Drink plenty of water. Watch  for signs of heat stroke (hot red skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; rapid, shallow breathing). However you choose to celebrate, we wish you a safe and Happy Fourth of July!

Consider using the "delay-start" or "Eco" setting on appliances. (Photo: Mark Gilliland) “Peak Demand” or “Peak Energy Times” refer to periods when many people in our community use electricity simultaneously—typically afternoons and evenings in summer, and mornings in winter. Electricity costs more during these high-demand periods than during “off-peak” times, directly influencing our cooperative’s rates. By reducing our collective usage during peak times, we can maintain affordable electricity prices and keep costs down for all members. Why It Matters Because demand levels determine our electricity costs, controlling peak usage keeps power affordable and conserves energy. When you visit our website, watch for the “Peak Alert” monitor. If the needle moves into the red zone, that’s your signal to take action. During normal conditions, the needle remains in the green zone. When the needle moves to the yellow zone, it may be an opportunity for you to be more strategic in managing your electric use. By shifting your energy consumption to off-peak times, you can save on your energy bill and help our cooperative save on costs associated with purchasing additional energy at higher rates or help us avoid building new generation facilities, which can add even more cost in the long run. To be wiser about when and how to use your energy, especially during times of peak demand, consider the following actions: Raise your thermostat a few degrees during summer peak hours. The optimal temperature to keep your house comfortable and humidity levels low is 78 degrees. Run dishwashers and washing machines during off-peak times. Consider using a delayed start on appliances that feature this option. Use cold water for laundry and air-dry dishes when possible. Many laundry soaps are formulated for high-efficiency and cold-water washing. Allowing dishes to air-dray means less work for you…wash, set dishes in a dish rack…and enjoy a little extra free time! Turn off and unplug unused electronics and appliances. Energy “vampires” are appliances and devices that can suck energy…even when they are not in use. Delay charging electric devices until nighttime hours. Recharge yourself AND your smart devices while you sleep. Use ceiling fans instead of lowering your air conditioning. Ensure your fans are moving in the correct direction for the season: Set the fan counterclockwise to create a downdraft and cooling breeze in the summer; clockwise in the winter to create an updraft to circulate warm air throughout the room. Even small adjustments in your daily routine can make a significant difference when we work together. The collective effort of our membership is what makes the biggest impact on controlling costs. Are you saving with the Switch Makes Cents load management program? Switch Makes Cents Program We believe that the greenest kilowatt is the one you never have to use! Join our load management program to take advantage of special rates while helping stabilize cooperative costs. We’ll install a switch on qualifying equipment (air conditioners, water heaters, electric heating systems) that allows brief interruptions during peak times. The interruptions are typically short enough that you won’t notice them, but they make a substantial difference in our overall demand. This program saves you money, reduces power plant emissions for a cleaner environment, and saves our cooperative in purchased power costs. Ready to become an active member in controlling electricity costs? Contact our Member Services team or visit our website and search “Switch Makes Cents” for more details on the program. Start Saving with Your Co-op Our team is happy to answer questions about your bill and provide personalized suggestions for managing your energy use. Together, we can beat the peak and ensure affordable, reliable electricity for our community.