As a residential member of Steele-Waseca Cooperative Electric, you have the opportunity and the responsibility to be a grass roots cooperative supporter. For over 30 years, the Action Committee for Rural Electrification (ACRE) has been working to support candidates for the US Senate and House of Representatives that understand and advocate on behalf of electric cooperatives and their members. Now you, as a cooperative member have the ability to strengthen this support by joining a special program – Co-op Owners for Political Action (COPA). You don’t have to look further than the morning headlines to see that the energy issues are important to this nation. It does not take a lot of time or money for you to be a cooperative advocate. Your contribution will go to support both state and national political candidates, regardless of party, who support public policy that is consistence with the mission of member-owned electric cooperatives. Just say yes! It is easy to join. Just fill out this PDF (Portable Document Format) form, e-mail the cooperative’s office at swce@swce.coop, or phone the office to receive a sign-up form.
By joining ACRE-COPA you will support elected officials who will:
Protect our economy when making energy laws.
Assist your efforts to use energy more efficiently.
Help rebuild your cooperative after a storm.
Keep your energy bills affordable because it improves your quality of life.
Help your cooperative keep your energy service reliable.
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Save energy this season!
Spring and Summer in Minnesota are a beautiful but busy time of the year. People start to shake off the winter blues and head outside. It is a time to get started on those projects that waited all winter. Take some time to find little ways to save energy.
--While spring cleaning, be sure to clean under and behind your refrigerator to help it run more efficiently.
--Clean and dust light bulbs to get the maximum illumination for your money.
--When cleaning windows, make sure they are sealed properly.
-- Trim any plants or vines growing near your air-conditioner. Vacuum and clean the coils. Clean or replace the filter. Have the unit checked by a qualified professional.
--Change the direction of your ceiling fans. In winter, fans should push warm air downward. In summer, they should be set to draw air upward.
--If you have a sliding door, make sure the track is clean. Dirt buildup from coming in and out can damage the door seal and create gaps where air can escape.
--If you are redecorating for spring, consider installing insulated, thermal-back drapes. They can help block out the sun and keep your house cooler.
Summer is a great time to take a vacation. You’ve thought about rest and relaxation. Have you thought about how to save energy while you are gone? Often, while you’re away your house could be using more energy than it needs to. Before you leave on your next trip, take a few minutes and make some minor changes to save energy.
--Unplug all of the electronic devices in your home such as computers, televisions, microwaves, VCR’s, cable TV boxes, dust busters, cell phone chargers, baby monitors, battery chargers, and alarm clocks.
--Be sure to turn off your lights and use timers to give your home that “lived-in” look. Unplug the rest, especially the touch lamps.
--Your refrigerator can be one of the biggest energy users in the home. You may want to adjust the setting on your refrigerator to 38 degrees and your freezer to 5 degrees while you are away. Make sure your refrigerator and freezer doors are closed tightly.
--Unless you have tankless unit, your water heater continues to keep the water warm whether you are using it or not. Turn down the setting while you are on vacation.
--There is no reason to keep your home at a comfortable temperature while you are on vacation. Simply adjust the heating or air settings to a reasonable temperature to avoid damage such as mold in the summer or frozen pipes in the winter. Turn off and unplug all space heaters while you are gone.
--Make sure you are not running your dehumidifier in continuous mode. Consider turning it down or off.