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The holiday season is finally upon us, and Santa and his elves have been especially busy as they gear up for their biggest night of the year. It’s no secret that Santa is known for running an efficient workshop–– how else could he make all those toys in time for Christmas Eve? Rumor has it that one way Santa ensures an efficient workspace is through energy-saving measures. Here are four ways Santa saves energy in his workshop: Santa leaves his decorations up year-round, so by using LED holiday light strands, he’s able to save on his monthly energy bills. LED holiday strands can last up to 40 seasons, which make them a great option for any festive home. Santa requires several power tools to make a year’s worth of new toys. That’s why he insists on using cordless power tools with the ENERGY STAR® rating. According to energystar.gov , if all power tools in the U.S. used ENERGY STAR®-rated battery chargers, 2 billion kWh hours of electricity could be saved––that’s equivalent to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 1.7 million tons! Mrs. Claus loves to keep warm by the fire in the evenings, and Santa knows one of the best tricks to ensure fireplace efficiency. While a fireplace can keep a small area of your home cozy and warm, it can also pull heated air from the room through the chimney. That’s why Santa always closes the fireplace flue when a fire isn’t burning. Santa also saves energy by using power strips. Power strips are ideal for workshops, craft nooks, game rooms, and other spaces in your home. With one simple switch, you can conveniently control several devices and electronics that are plugged into the power strip. This holiday season let’s take a page from Santa’s book and remember to save energy when possible. With these four tips, you’ll be well on your way to savings (and we hope, Santa’s “nice” list!) .

With just days until the election, there is still time to support issues that are important to our cooperative. Co-ops Vote is a program built to give members of the cooperative community access to resources and information needed to vote…and vote with co-op issues in mind. Voting with an understanding of what policies your candidates support and how they will impact electric co-ops will help ensure continued access to reliable electricity and innovative energy solutions throughout rural America. Together, we have the power to educate lawmakers, build awareness about our issues and concerns, and support legislative priorities that are important to our communities. The co-op voice is powerful and it starts with you! The Co-ops Vote website  provides helpful information about cooperative issues and many other great resources to ensure you are equipped with the knowledge needed to support America’s electric co-ops as they work hard to provide reliable, cost-effective, safe, and sustainable energy for rural communities. Co-ops Vote lists five simple steps to become a Co-op Voter. They are: Register to vote:  Check to make sure your registration is current Learn voter details for your state : Get information on deadlines, absentee voting and polling places Get educated: Learn about issues critical to keeping your electricity affordable and reliable Know the candidates and policymakers:  Learn about the candidates running in your local area to see what energy policies they support and how they would impact your access to reliable, cost-effective energy. Share your story:  Talk to your family and friends about your co-op, tell them why you’re a Co-op Voter and ask them to join you at the polls. Rural communities depend on voters like you to ensure elected officials truly represent us. Become a Co-op Voter today.

As hunting season approaches, we remind our members to prioritize safety in the great outdoors. While pursuing game, it’s crucial to be aware of electrical equipment in your surroundings. Keep these essential tips in mind: Maintain a safe distance from all electrical equipment. Never shoot at or near power lines or insulators. Familiarize yourself with the location of power lines and equipment in your hunting area. Stay alert in wooded areas where power lines may be less visible. Avoid placing deer stands on utility poles. Don’t hang decoys on power lines or other utility equipment. Following these guidelines will help prevent accidents and ensure a safe hunting experience for everyone. Remember, your safety is our top priority. Enjoy the hunt and stay safe out there.

While you’re busy in the kitchen preparing your family’s holiday feast, Safe Electricity wants to help keep your family safe and your energy bills low. According to the National Fire Protection Agency, cooking equipment is the cause of approximately 40-percent of home structure fires. As you prepare to show off your cooking and baking skills this holiday season, remember the following tips to avoid shocks or fires: Inspect all small appliances and electric cords to make sure they are in good condition before use. Don’t use appliances if cords are cracked or frayed. Read the operating instructions of any appliance before use. When purchasing new kitchen appliances, look for UL-Listed appliances with automatic shut-off features. Never plug more than one high-wattage appliance, such as a microwave or toaster oven, into a single outlet. Stay focused and attentive to baking, brewing, and simmering foods. Make sure outlets near sinks are equipped with properly tested ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) to prevent shocks. Always know the location of a working fire extinguisher and how to operate it. Cooking is also a great area in which to save energy. Keep these energy-efficient tips in mind while preparing your holiday meals this year: Think small. Opt for a smaller appliance, such as a toaster oven, air fryer, or microwave, whenever possible. Efficient microwave ovens use around 50 percent less energy than conventional ovens. Turn the oven or stove burners off a few minutes before your food is ready —they will remain hot enough to finish cooking the food. Bake with ceramic or glass pots and pans— this will allow you to lower the oven temperature by about 25 degrees Fahrenheit. Self-cleaning ovens use less energy for normal cooking because of the higher insulation levels built into them. If you own one, plan to clean it right after you’ve finished baking something so it doesn’t have to heat up a second time. Don’t peek. Opening the oven door can lower the internal temperature as much as 25 percent. Don’t cover oven racks with foil. This reduces heat flow and increases cooking time. Make sure your pan covers the coil of your range. If you can see coil peeping out from the sides of your pan, you need a bigger pan (or a smaller burner). Put a lid on it. Cover pans while cooking to prevent heat loss. Plan ahead. Defrosting food in the microwave may be convenient, but it costs nothing more to defrost in the refrigerator. These key ingredients will create the perfect recipe for saving both energy in the kitchen and money on your electric bill this holiday season!

There’s been a paradigm shift in Americans’ top priority for spending money on their homes. According to the Shelton Group’s recent survey, homeowners now want safety and security over comfort. Buyers are requesting smart home features to be built in right out of the gate, and builders are meeting these demands. Interoperability, security, and ease of use are essential for these smart systems. According to Branded Research, builders cite the top benefits of convenience, eco-friendliness, and safety. Homeowners want the convenience, peace of mind, monitoring, safety, and security that come with such systems, according to Z-Wave’s 2022 survey. Builders who embrace smart technology see that it increases home values in today’s highly competitive marketplace. Homebuyers are willing to pay more for smart features. According to Statista, smart home sales in the United States are projected to reach almost $47 billion by 2025, approximately double that of 2020. Ensuring smart home security However, with a smart home system, there’s always a risk of hackers invading privacy and gaining access to personal information. Builders can help ensure system security by moving the operation of all those smart devices from the cloud to an onsite network at the home, with the help of a device called a “hub.” The hub comes with open source, community-driven software that can be installed on a variety of platforms and provides numerous integrations, allowing the user to control a device or entire category of devices. This strategy removes all the individual apps controlling the many smart devices, reducing the chance of unaccountable third parties or companies gaining access to data about device usage. A recent study of connected devices across the industry by Northeastern University found that 72 of the 81 devices were sending information to third parties. For wireless open-source systems, Wi-Fi routers should provide good security by incorporating a strong firewall or built-in virtual private network (VPN). Routers should also have at least two Wi-Fi bands and the ability to create a guest network. Smart devices can be assigned to this network, which makes it harder for hackers to access sensitive ID or account information. Consider a router that supports Wi-Fi 6 and WP3 encryption, which makes smart homes much harder to infiltrate even without a firewall. Security tips for buyers Although protocols have been and are in development to improve both privacy and security to the connected home, there are other ways homeowners can boost security. Encourage your buyers to follow these smart home security practices: Avoid sharing personal information with devices. Review privacy and security settings. Use authorized apps only. Choose apps based on professional and user reviews. Always change the default password and enable two-factor authentication when possible. Periodically delete stored data. Opt out of sharing data with third parties. Install File Integrity Monitoring (FIM), which provides alerts about any unusual activity. Keep all devices updated to the latest versions. Periodically check connected devices on the router for suspicious activity. Turn off the Wi-Fi network when it’s not in use. Partner up Homeowners are increasingly turning to home security companies as trusted providers of smart home technology. Consider partnering with one of these companies in your area to help educate yourself on how to use these systems securely.

An energy vampire is a device that drains power even when it’s turned off or not in use. These can include everything from that second TV in your guest room to those phone chargers that aren’t charging anything. If that doesn’t seem frightening enough, remember that vampire power can cost you up to $100 a year or more on your energy bills. Ward off vampire energy drains with these measures: Unplug devices that are rarely used. Examples include a TV, lamps, or other plugged-in devices in a spare or guest room. Use a power strip with a switch to control groups of devices, such as an entertainment center with a TV, stereo, and game console. Use advanced power strips for computers and other devices. These “smart” power strips can sense when a device is not being used and will shut off the power automatically. Purchase ENERGY STAR®-certified electronic devices. ENERGY STAR ® products typically draw less standby power than standard models. If the cost of energy waste is still keeping you up at night, there are plenty of simple ways to save. Switch to LED bulbs. They are 75% more efficient than traditional incandescents. Adjust your thermostat at night or when you’re not at home to save energy. A Wi-Fi programmable model makes it easy by automatically adjusting temperatures according to your schedule. With these and other cost-saving measures, you can rid your home of energy waste and make it more comfortable and efficient.

In a world where connections often seem fleeting, communities remain the bedrock of our shared experiences. Whether rooted in geography, interests, or even virtual spaces, communities unite people, fostering a sense of belonging that enriches our lives. This October, we join over 30,000 cooperatives nationwide in celebrating National Co-op Month. It’s a time to reflect on what makes cooperatives unique and to celebrate the power of co-op membership. As your local electric cooperative, we’re more than just a utility provider. We’re a not-for-profit organization built by and for the communities we serve. Our mission goes beyond providing reliable power – we’re committed to enhancing your quality of life. Being locally operated allows us to adapt swiftly to our members’ evolving energy needs. But our commitment doesn’t stop at keeping the lights on. Our employees and directors are deeply invested in our local community because this is our home, too. That’s why we actively support local economic development projects, youth programs and scholarships, charitable giving initiatives, and other programs that make our community a better place to live. At the heart of our co-op are the seven cooperative principles, which guide our actions and embody the spirit of the cooperative movement. These principles serve as our compass, helping us navigate challenges and opportunities while staying true to our purpose. As we celebrate National Co-op Month, we invite you to reflect on the unique value of your co-op membership. We’re more than just an electric utility – we’re a community partner dedicated to improving life for all our members. Our mission is reliable power, but our purpose is people – the local communities we’re proud to serve. This October, let’s celebrate the power of cooperation and the strength of our community. Together, we’re building a brighter future for all.

Space heating can really take up a lot of space on your energy bills; it accounts for more than 45% of a typical home's annual energy use, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Upgrading to a new unit can help you save energy and money, but how do you know when the time is right? For most heating systems, there are certain telltale signs of trouble. Consider making a change if: Your heating system is noisy . You could have an undersized duct system or a serious repair issue. You're frequently calling the repairman . Wear and tear on aging equipment may continue to cost you more in repair bills. Some rooms are too hot or cold . This could be a sign of leaky ducts, poorly designed ductwork, or system performance issues. Your home has humidity problems or excessive dust . Poor equipment operation or leaky ductwork can increase humidity levels inside your home. Your heating system is 10 years old or older . If telltale signs indicate it's time to consider replacing heating and cooling equipment, ENERGY STAR®  provides more insight on systems to consider. Looking to save more? Once your new heating system is in place, take these simple steps to improve system performance and home comfort: Change the air filter on your unit once a month or according to the manufacturer's guidelines. A dirty filter restricts airflow and wastes energy. Check for air leaks in attic joists, exterior plumbing and electrical accesses, as well as doors and windows. Seal with expandable foam, insulation strips, caulking, or weatherstripping. Set your thermostat to a lower temperature at night or when you're away from home. Install a programmable thermostat to add convenience and increase savings. Hire a qualified professional to perform a home energy audit. An auditor will help you target the most effective opportunities to make your home more energy efficient. By combining your heating system upgrade with smart conservation strategies, you can save money and stay comfortable all winter long.

Generators can provide reliable backup power in case of an outage. This can be critical for households with family members who depend on powered medical equipment. When choosing a generator, it's important to find the right type and size unit to fit your needs. How do you choose the right size generator for your home? The answer depends on what you want to use it for. For powering some lights and several appliances, a small portable unit would work. For long-term protection, including powering an air-conditioning unit, a standby generator would be the better choice. Add up the total wattage of the equipment or appliances you wish to run. Check the owner's manual or serial plate for wattage rating. Some appliances, such as refrigerators or dishwashers, have a start-up wattage that is higher than the running wattage. This must be calculated in the total. If no start-up wattage is listed, assume it's three times the running wattage. Safety counts Always operate generators safely according to the manufacturer's instructions. Never attempt to connect your generator to the electrical system. The electricity you generate can back-feed to utility lines, where it can endanger lineworkers. A transfer switch, properly installed by a qualified electrician, can prevent the generator from sending electricity back through the transmission line. As always, if you have any questions, please contact us. Our energy advisors are always happy to help!

Northwest Iowa Power Cooperative (NIPCO) is a wholesale electric generation and transmission power cooperative serving seven electric distribution cooperatives in western Iowa, including Woodbury County REC.  Together, the NIPCO family of electric cooperatives power nearly 33,000 rural, western Iowa member-consumers in ten counties, ensuring the safe and reliable delivery of power and keeping western Iowa powering forward.   NIPCO, in partnership with its member co-ops, developed the “Safe Fields. Powerful Yields.”  safety campaign for our area agricultural producers as we often receive an uptick of powerline contacts reported during spring planting and fall harvest. While contact with equipment and a powerline can cause costly outages and repair downtime, our number one concern is for equipment operators and their safety.   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 makes contact with an energized or downed power line, contact 9-1-1 immediately and remain inside the equipment until the power is de-energized. In case 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 it 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 ten-foot clearance around all utility equipment in all directions. Consider equipment and cargo extensions of your vehicle. Lumber, hay, tree limbs, irrigation pipes, augers, and even bulk materials can also conduct electricity.   If you would like to receive a Safe Fields. Powerful Yields.  farm safety awareness kit containing this information in an easy-to-refence 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 directly.   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 .

Are you planning a home renovation? It's a great chance to remake your energy bill, as well. From lighting to appliances to building materials, your choices can help improve your home's comfort and efficiency.   Kitchen Adding new appliances? Purchase an ENERGY STAR®-qualified refrigerator and dishwasher; they use less energy than standard models. Install high-efficiency LED fixtures and lamps for under-cabinet and ceiling lighting. LEDs use 75 percent less energy than conventional lamps and last a lot longer.   Bathrooms Install WaterSense-labeled low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators to conserve water and reduce your water heating costs. While you're at it, seal air leaks and install the appropriate insulation in the walls behind tubs and showers. Finally, control moisture and save energy by installing ENERGY STAR®-qualified ventilation fans.   Basement By finishing your basement, you can add living space without adding to your energy budget. Insulate basement walls and crawl spaces based on recommended levels. Seal air leaks around plumbing and wiring holes on outside walls. Replace older, single-pane windows with glass block or ENERGY STAR®-certified high-performance windows. It's also a great opportunity to replace your old clothes washer and dryer with new ENERGY STAR models.   Room additions A bigger home doesn't necessarily mean bigger energy bills. Ask your contractor about advanced framing techniques. Advanced framing can help improve the insulating value of your new walls. Make sure all new windows and doors are ENERGY STAR®-certified. Heating and cooling for an expanded home is also a factor. If you need to upgrade, choose ENERGY STAR-certified systems. Ductless mini-split heat pumps can also provide high-efficiency heating and cooling for your addition.   Home energy audit If you're not planning a major renovation, you can still improve the efficiency of your home. Call our office for a home energy audit to assess your home. You'll receive a customized list of energy-saving recommendations and information on our rebate programs that will improve comfort and efficiency all year long.

The Touchstone Energy Cooperatives® of Iowa are pleased to once again sponsor the 4-H Exhibits Building at the 2024 Iowa State Fair. We are 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 8-18, make sure to stop by and see us in the air-conditioned 4-H Exhibits Building on the southwest corner of 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 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!