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Leslie Beard Chief Operating Officer WIN Energy REMC Better things come to those who wait The old saying about good things coming to those who wait is only partially true for Leslie Beard. She was hired not long after college as a customer service representative at WIN Energy REMC in 2000. But she was a marketing graduate, and that’s what she really wanted to pursue. She then patiently waited, learning all about the cooperative business and WIN Energy’s consumers, moving next into the billing department. Finally, after 10 years, a marketing position was created at the southwestern Indiana electric cooperative. Beard applied and was offered the new position. Fast forward 10 more years to December 2020: After supplementing her past education and experiences with a master’s degree in business administration and many other leadership and personal growth opportunities the REMC offered, Beard was promoted to the chief operating officer. "Once I got into the cooperative,” she recalled, “I realized this is a really great place to work. I believed in the business model, and the values, and what we do. And even though I wanted to be in that marketing position, the time that I spent in customer service and the billing department made me better suited for the marketing position. I learned a lot and was able to apply what I learned.” Working in customer service and billing through the 2000s, Beard was able to apply what she learned at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business. But the most important thing those experiences provided, she noted, was the opportunity to learn all the moving parts of the electric utility. “If I would have gone right into a marketing position, I would not have had the knowledge and background to be as successful as I was with having that previous experience,” she said. “Timing is everything in our industry. We don't have a lot of turnover, and so sometimes waiting pays off.” Once she started in marketing in 2010 as a one-person department, she was able to use her deeper understanding of the business to better connect with consumers. Five years later, her role grew dramatically when she was promoted to director of marketing and member services. In that position, she directed and supervised 13 employees in the billing, member services, marketing, purchasing, and warehousing departments. Rounding out her first year in the COO position, Beard looks back fondly on her previous roles and how they helped her get to where she is now. “You have to work toward where you want to be, and it takes time. But it's definitely been good for me.” CAREER SUMMARY Coming out of college, Leslie Beard took a job at an REMC. Her experiences in several departments enhanced her background for the chief operating officer position she now holds. TIMELINE 2000 — Hired at WIN Energy REMC as a customer service representative: Answered phones, assisted with billing questions, service requests and other responsibilities. 2002 — Billing representative: Created billing statements; processed service orders; worked with marketing projects; created bill inserts and other written communications; developed an in-depth understanding of the computer system. 2010 — Manager of marketing and communications: Developed and implemented marketing, member service, communication, advertising, and education initiatives. Managed energy efficiency and load control programs. 2015 — Director of marketing and member services: Directed and supervised 13 employees including billing, member services, marketing, purchasing, and warehousing departments; developed and managed strategic public relations and communication plans; responsible for all communication with news media as the spokesperson for the cooperative; managed a key accounts program; coordinated education programs, school and youth programs, and other community involvement activities. December 2020 — Chief Operating Officer: Advises and assists the CEO on all matters pertaining to the general management, competitive positioning, and operation of the cooperative; provides leadership and counsel to the cooperative’s department directors; directs and supervises the finance, operations and engineering, corporate services, marketing, purchasing, and warehousing departments; serves as acting CEO if necessary.

The end of the year will be here before we know it, which means the opportunity to take advantage of our 2021 rebates is ending soon. Southeastern Indiana REMC’s rebate programs were created to provide energy-saving services to our members while assisting with the costs. Air-source Heat Pump Program Air source heat pumps can mean substantial savings for energy-wise consumers. If you’re considering replacing your existing fossil fuel system, replacing a non-air source heat pump or other resistant electric system, or planning to build a new home, investigate this program. Electric Lawn Equipment It’s never too early to plan for the seasons ahead. Our electric lawn equipment rebate helps you save on new equipment while being eco-friendly. We’re offering rebates on electric lawnmowers, leaf blowers and string trimmers – up to $50 toward the cost of new equipment. HVAC Tune-up Receive a rebate of 50% off a qualifying HVAC tune-up cost. Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment check-ups must be performed by a licensed HVAC contractor to ensure your system is operating efficiently. Tune-ups cannot be self-performed. Attic insulation Program Proper insulation is the best way to maximize comfort and minimize energy bills. Adding insulation to your home is a sound investment that is likely to pay for itself quickly in reduced utility bills. Geothermal Program The energy saving potential provided by geothermal heat pump technology far exceeds that of all other consumer-based heating and cooling methods. Install a new geothermal heat pump system, in a new home, replace your existing fossil fuel system or replace existing air-to-air heat pump and receive $1,750. Water Heater Program When installing a new heat pump/hybrid water heater, replacing an existing gas water heater with an electric water heater, or just replacing an old electric water heater, SEIREMC will reimburse $50 for a standard water heater (40 gallon or larger) with a DRU installed and $600 for a heat pump/hybrid water heater (all in one units). For more information on our rebate programs, contact our office at 812-689-4111.

As general manager of Southeastern Indiana REMC, I am very proud of the impact our cooperative has had in making southeast Indiana a better place to live, work and raise a family. One way we do this is through Operation Round Up, our charitable program that demonstrates one of our cooperative principles, Concern for Community. We feel a strong responsibility to the people in our service territory that goes beyond simply providing safe, reliable power. One of the most rewarding aspects of Operation Round Up is that it is an extension of the concept of neighbor helping neighbor that built our electric cooperative. Just as our forefathers joined together to build their own electric systems when private power companies refused to serve rural areas, Operation Round Up helps co-op consumers reach out to worthy causes in their communities and work together to help one another. Since the program’s inception in 2016, Southeastern Indiana REMC has awarded $594,637.06 to various groups and organizations through the Operation Round Up program, helping with a variety of community-focused projects throughout our seven-county service area. None of this would be possible if it weren’t for the generosity of our members who round up their bills to the nearest whole dollar each month to help fund the program. We’re also blessed to have seven members of our board of trustees who volunteer their time to oversee the grant approval process. In December, we will begin accepting applications for the next round of grants. If your group or organization is planning a community-focused project or program within our seven-county service territory, you may want to apply for an Operation Round Up grant. Visit the Operation Round Up page on our website for eligibility requirements and to download an application. Applications will be accepted Dec. 1–31. Keith Mathews General Manager

Manager of Operations Dubois REC Finding a home at the electric cooperative Patrick Lichlyter wasn’t sure what career he wanted to pursue after high school. But once he hired on as an apprentice lineman at an electric cooperative, he knew he never wanted to leave. And despite changing roles and duties three times since then, he’s still at the place he’s always wanted to be. Today, the 60-year-old Lichlyter is manager of operations at Jasper-based Dubois REC. No longer working atop power poles with 7,200 volts of electricity, he makes it his top professional and personal duty to ensure the linemen under him get to go home at the end of every day. “I feel that I'm responsible for those guys out there. When they walk in here in the morning until they leave, I will do whatever it takes to make sure these guys get their job done right, done safely, and get home to their families.” Lichlyter said he loved the work as a lineman: being outdoors, working with a team of “such good guys,” and doing physical labor. But around 2007, when he was 46, he had his first bout with crippling back spasms that left him face-down in a trench one day. The sporadic problems continued for a few more years, coming out of the blue during seemingly small tasks, and he began to worry if he could continue doing the physically demanding lineman’s job. “I didn’t know if I could make it being a lineman the rest of my life,” he said. “But I wanted to retire here.” In 2010, a position in the metering department opened at the cooperative, and Lichlyter saw an opportunity to stay with the place he loved without the physical stress on his back. In 2015, an energy advisory role was also added to his duties which gave him a chance to work with the electric cooperative’s consumers directly, solving problems and helping them with high electric bills. But he missed the camaraderie and being with the special group of workers who literally keep the lights on. In 2017, the manager of operations position opened. Lichlyter wasn’t certain he was the person for that advanced position, but his CEO at the time and the linemen he once worked with all encouraged him to go for it. “Once a lineman, always a lineman,” he said. “This was my opportunity to get back with those guys and work with them again.” No matter what the job is at the co-op, however, Lichlyter points out, every employee and job is valued. That’s what makes the co-op special. “Everybody is somebody here. Everybody cares about the people here, and cares about the consumers. It's just a special atmosphere.” CAREER SUMMARY Though Patrick Lichlyter wasn’t sure what Dubois REC even did when he signed on as an apprentice lineman in 1987, he knew right away it was the kind of place he wanted to work until he retired. Despite recurring back problems that would make linework impossible, he was given other opportunities at the REC and today manages the outdoor operations. TIMELINE 1987 — Hired at Dubois REC as an apprentice lineman: working with line crews and learning the trade while taking both hands-on and instructional classes in the four-year apprenticeship program. 1991 — Graduated from a four-year apprenticeship training program as a journeyman lineman: working outdoors building, repairing and maintaining overhead and underground power lines; of ten working with energized power lines. 2010 — Moved to meter department: testing meters; hooking up three-phase metering; replacing existing meters throughout the system when the REC moved to automated meters. 2015 — Added energy advisor to meter department duties: investigating the causes behind a high bill; conducting blower-door tests; checking home insulation; and working with consumers to reduce energy use. 2017 — Promoted to manager of operations: overseeing construction, maintenance, and operation of the power distribution system; overseeing all safety practices and rules for the line department; working with other staff to maintain efficient daily operations; overseeing the purchasing of line trucks and other vehicles; overseeing the cooperative’s compliance with state and federal rules and regulations.

Shooting near electrical equipment can be costly and deadly Hunting season brings outdoorsmen of all skill levels and experience into rural Indiana, often to unfamiliar areas. While most hunters follow safe hunting practices, Indiana’s electric cooperatives remind all those afield to be mindful of their surroundings and to be aware of electric power lines and equipment in the air and electrical equipment on the ground. “Skilled hunters understand the potential hazards of discharging a firearm and would never shoot blindly toward electric infrastructure,” said Brandon Linville, Director of Operations at Southeastern Indiana REMC. “But there have been instances over the years of accidental damage and intentional vandalism to some power poles and hardware.” Electrical equipment damaged by gunshot is costly to the utility and to customers relying on that power. The damage can even spark a fire. SEIREMC encourages all hunters and gun owners to be aware of electrical equipment in their surroundings while enjoying the great outdoors. Here are things to keep in mind: Never shoot near or toward overhead power lines, power poles or substations. A stray bullet can cause damage to equipment. Sometimes the damage, such as to an insulator, isn’t noticed until it rains. Then it can cause an outage or a fire. Familiarize yourself with the location of power lines and equipment on land where you are hunting. Landowners are encouraged to remind those hunting on their property to be aware of power lines and other electrical equipment. Damage to the conductor can happen, possibly dropping a line from its perch. If it’s dry and the electricity goes to ground, there is the possibility of electrocution and fire. Be especially careful in wooded areas where power lines may not be as visible. Take notice of warning signs and keep clear of electrical equipment. Do not use utility poles or towers to support equipment used in your hunting activity or for supporting deer stands. Energized lines and equipment on the poles can conduct electricity to anyone who comes in contact with them, causing shock or electrocution. “We want everyone to enjoy the great outdoors and all rural Indiana has to offer,” noted Linville. “Electrical equipment can be found even in remote areas and is sometimes hard to see. Please just be aware of what’s out there.” Electrical safety tips for hunters This hunting season, electric cooperatives encourage all consumers to be aware of electrical equipment and take necessary precautions while hunting: Take notice of posted warning signs and keep clear of electrical equipment. Do not shoot at or near power lines or insulators. Know where power lines and equipment are located on the land where you hunt. Be especially careful in wooded areas where power lines may not be as visible. Do not place deer stands on utility poles or climb poles. Energized lines and equipment can conduct electricity to anyone who comes in contact with them, causing shock or electrocution. Do not place decoys on power lines or other utility equipment. Any non-electrical equipment attached to a pole can pose an obstruction and serious hazards to our line crews. Source: NRECA General tips hunters should keep in mind It is not only important for hunters to adhere to electrical safety rules, but it is also very important follow basic hunters’ safety rules. Here are a few to keep in mind: Always carry these emergency items: first aid kit, cell phone, whistle and flashlight. Tell someone where you will be hunting and what time you plan to return. Familiarize yourself with the area you want to hunt. Wear appropriate clothing: enhance your visibility to other hunters by wearing brightly colored apparel, pack sufficient clothing to be prepared for weather changes, and dress in layers. Always be alert when hunting near developed areas and trails since other recreationalists are also in the wooded areas. Unless you are 100 percent sure what you're shooting at, never take the shot. Tree stands are the leading cause of hunting injuries. If you use one, make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions and inspect the stand for wear before use. Wear a full body harness. Obtain permission from landowners if hunting on private land. If you're using a portable electric generator on your hunting trip, make sure you do not run it in a confined area like a cabin or RV. Make sure it's used outside where there is plenty of ventilation.

Indiana’s electric cooperatives urged Congress to provide full funding for broadband to meet the growing demand for high-speed internet service. Congress is expected to take up a sweeping infrastructure bill this year that will include broadband expansion to rural communities and underserved urban areas for decades to come. While the telecommunications industry and stakeholders broadly agree broadband access and affordability are critically important, there isn’t always agreement on how to make that happen. Some segments of the industry, including large telephone, fixed wireless and satellite companies, advocate for any new broadband infrastructure programs to fund networks at much lower speeds than cooperatives and others are striving to build. Cooperatives want their consumer-members to have access to broadband that will be reliable and affordable, and meet their speed needs now and for years to come. That is why electric cooperatives advocate that any new federal programs must fund broadband infrastructure capable of: • Enabling businesses to meet the needs of consumers • Empowering businesses to relocate to any community • Providing opportunities for teleworkers and students at the same level regardless of geography • Enabling anchor institutions to fully provide for their entire communities • Making precision agriculture capabilities possible so agriculture producers can improve efficiencies. Source: https://www.electric.coop/nreca-to-congress-be-bold-in-funding-broadband-that-meets-future-demand Electric Co-ops and Indiana’s Leaders Work Together to Bridge Broadband Divide We serve as a partner and knowledge source for Indiana’s leaders, including Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch. Crouch’s staff asked Indiana Electric Cooperatives to arrange meetings with some of the REMCs and community partners who are actively solving the internet crisis. In July, Crouch attended the first in a series of roundtables at South Central Indiana REMC in Martinsville. The meeting included representatives from five REMCs and two community partners. During the roundtable, Crouch asked the REMCs how broadband connectivity efforts were going in their communities. They also discussed the broadband grant program administered by the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs. “It's encouraging to know we have partners here in Indiana electric co-ops who are invested in connecting Hoosiers and want to help expand broadband throughout Indiana,” Crouch said. New Study: Cooperative Membership Helps Economic and Social Well-Being Worldwide: Benefits of cooperative membership exceed prioritized broadband access and extend past U.S. borders. A new report by the International Cooperative Research Group, the research arm of the U.S. Overseas Cooperative Development Council, reveals members of cooperatives in countries spanning four continents are more likely to have above-average incomes, a better sense of overall well-being, and improved access to social support systems. This report shows co-ops improve the quality of people’s lives in communities around the world. They provide unique economic opportunities for the members they serve. Cooperatives help members increase their prosperity directly through access to credit and higher earnings, and indirectly by helping to provide access to financial education, mentors and training. The combined result is that members are better prepared to serve as effective business owners and leaders in their communities. The report also said cooperatives offer a socially conscious business model, inherently concerned with community well-being. This translates to cooperative members having stronger overall trust in their communities. The data shows valued cooperative benefits extend beyond the impacts on income and include social and community advancements. Source: https://www.electric.coop/new-study-co-op-membership-helps-economic-and-social-well-being-worldwide

Three ways your co-op is working for you “By working together, pooling our resources and building on our strengths, we can accomplish great things.” ~ Ronald Reagan SEIREMC understands the importance of working together to accomplish great things. Here are some of the ways we have recently been working with others on behalf of our members. Working with Legislators Senator Chris Garten visited Southeastern Indiana REMC’s headquarters on Tuesday, July 27th to talk about issues affecting the quality of life in southeast Indiana. During his visit, he toured the headquarters facilities, currently under construction, and participated in an informative Q & A session about important issues affecting the cooperative and its members. Here are a few of the topics that were discussed. SEIREMC’s diligent efforts to reclaim right-of-way (ROW) to improve system reliability and line-loss. The importance of state and federal funding to help make rural broadband projects possible. The unique partnership that SEIREMC has in its joint venture with SEI Communications to provide a fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) project to the members of Southeastern Indiana REMC. The financial impact of recent legislative action regarding pole attachments on rural electric cooperatives. On Thursday, July 29th, SEIREMC and SEI Communications were invited to attend a broadband roundtable meeting with Lieutenant Governor, Suzanne Crouch, and several other Indiana cooperatives. The purpose of the meeting was to: Provide feedback about broadband initiatives in rural Indiana. Discuss challenges and opportunities associated with obtaining funding for these projects. Discuss the crucial need for accurate data regarding internet speeds and availability from the unserved and underserved residents of rural Indiana. Working with Other Co-op’s Cooperation among cooperatives is one of our core principles. In addition to giving and receiving help during extensive storm restoration efforts, co-op’s come together to develop programs and services that benefit our members in a number of ways. Here are some examples. Broadband programs to help breakdown the rural/urban digital divide. Grassroots initiatives to amplify the political voice of rural Indiana residents. Residential and commercial rebate programs to help our members use energy efficiently and save money. Working with Community Organizations Commitment to community is also one of our core principles. In the past few months your REMC has been very active in community activities across our seven-county service area. We love being actively involved in our communities and helping to support the work of other groups and organizations to help improve the quality of life in southeast Indiana. Here are some of the ways we have recently been involved. 4-H Fairs Event Sponsorships Operation Round Up Program Working effectively together is crucial to building a strong community and improving the quality of life for all. It is an ongoing effort that will require teamwork, tenacity, and a desire for continual growth and improvement. Southeastern Indiana REMC demonstrates its commitment to these things every day and will continue to do so, in keeping with our mission to safely provide reliable electricity and diversified services to the members and communities we serve.

Operation Round Up funds totaling $47,430 have been awarded to 23 recipients from the REMC’s seven-county service territory. This grant money is made possible through the generosity of the REMC membership by rounding up their monthly electric bill to the nearest dollar amount. Projects that will benefit from this round of Operation Round Up grants include: Dearborn County: $5,204 Aurora Emergency Rescue Unit – Lockable Filing Cabinet CARE Team of Dillsboro/Food Pantry – Griddle, Grill, Banner, Casters, and Storage Cabinet First Baptist Church of Dillsboro – Back to School Bash School Supplies Franklin County: $2,000 St. Michel School – Playground Equipment Jefferson County: $12,610 Milton Township Volunteer Fire Company, Inc. – Firefighting Gear Replacement Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Southeast Indiana – Laptops and Software Friends of Ohio Theatre, Inc. – 3D Printer Shawe Jr/Sr High School Theatre Department – Stage Lighting and Audio Equipment Ivy Tech Community College-Madison – AED(s) Big Oaks Conservation Society – Author Kevin Lovegreen Visit and Presentations Jennings County: $4,270 Jennings County Council on Domestic Violence – All-in-One Office Copier Senior Resource of Jennings County, Inc. – Food Ohio County: $5,000 Rising Sun SAY Soccer – Uniforms, Balls, Pennies, Field Paint, Etc. Rising Sun volunteer Fire Department – Auto Extrication Tools Ripley County: $14,060 Milan Volunteer Fire Department – Build SCBA Air Tank Stock Holton-Otter Creek Volunteer Fire Department – Flashlights and Flagpole Town of Osgood – Stand-alone Emergency Generator Ripley County Humane Society – Furnace Shelby Christian Church – Travel Expenses to Perform Skits Safe Passage – Support Pet Crates, Carriers, and Supplies New Marion Fire Department – AED, Pagers, and Batteries Switzerland County: $4,286 Ohio Valley Youth Boxing Club – Boxing Equipment Switzerland County Emergency Response (SCER) – Computer Tablets The Operation Roundup Board of Trustees meets twice a year to review grant applications and select the recipients. The nine-member board of trustees is appointed by the REMC board of directors and consists of one representative from each of the seven counties in the REMC’s service territory and two REMC representatives. The next opportunity to receive an Operation Roundup grant is January 2022. Applications will be accepted in December 2021. For more information about the Operation Round Up program visit www.seiremc.com.

Most adults have a vague memory of a time when “checking for messages” meant listening to an answering machine. We carried on with our days without relying on cell phones and managed just fine. But today, we are more connected than ever through our smart phones and other devices. Our phones are so much more now––from cameras to calendars to social media connections––and truly disconnecting from them can be tough. But it’s even harder for our kids to unplug because they only know life with these tiny screens. It’s difficult for them to imagine life without computers, gaming devices, tablets or cell phones. But there’s great value in unplugging for children and adults, even if it’s for just a short period of time. For kids, time away from the screen to be outside with other children allows them to connect with nature and others in a way that a virtual experience simply does not allow. They are able to experience life in the moment and allow their creativity and energy to break free. Fortunately, we have access to great community programs and organizations that provide children with a safe place to play, learn and grow, while cultivating new skills and interests. These types of clubs and programs offer kids an opportunity to explore activities and interests outside of school academics. Children can investigate areas they might not otherwise have access to and discover new interests and passions. They often learn new skills and strengthen existing ones. It’s no secret that the broader the range of experiences and activities children are exposed to, the more likely they are to find their own path and possibly a career. Community programs also foster important leadership development and public speaking skills. Through guided and informal play and activities, children learn problem-solving and interpersonal skills that enable them to resolve conflicts peacefully and improve interpersonal relationships. Adults can also find meaningful opportunities to spend time with the kids when we all unplug. From board games to craft projects to playing in the park, there are many ways we can unplug for some family fun. While you and your children are disconnecting, take a moment to identify potential energy savings. Unplug electronics that are not in use to avoid “vampire” energy loss. This is the energy that is drained from technology and electronics even when they are not in use. For example, although it is turned off, your TV is waiting to receive a signal from the remote and your DVR is waiting to record the next show or perform an update. Let’s encourage youngsters to step away from the screens and join in. To play and be part of an organization that helps them connect with others and find meaningful interactions and explore new activities and interests. When you do plug back in, Southeastern Indiana REMC is here to help you save money and energy by connecting you with our energy saving programs and services. While we’d love to see you in person, we’re also just a call or click away.

Electrical overloads: Unloading the circuit When Ralphie Parker’s “old man” attempts to plug his “major award” — the infamous plastic leg lamp — into an overloaded wall outlet in the classic movie “A Christmas Story,” there first came a “snap of a few sparks” and the “whiff of ozone” before the lamp blazed forth in the living room front window. While that’s a funny movie scene, those at Southeastern Indiana REMC remind you overloaded circuits and sparks are never funny. Local fire departments respond to an average of more than 35,000 home fires involving electrical distribution and lighting equipment each year, causing 490 deaths and 1,200 injuries nationwide. “It’s easy to plug in too many devices onto the same circuit,” said Brandon Linville, Director of Operations of SEIREMC. “Everyone has a role in keeping homes safe — whether it’s the cooperative keeping consumers informed or homeowners doing their research.” The electrical system of many older homes, especially, are not properly equipped to respond to today’s increased power demands and may lack the needed number of conveniently placed outlets. Relying too heavily on extension cords and multi-plug power strips may mean your home doesn’t have enough outlets. Instead of grabbing an extension cord or multiple-outlet plugs that turn your outlets into octopuses, call a qualified electrician who can install more outlets and update circuits and wiring. To prevent problems, here are some tips to unload those outlets: Never plug more than two appliances into an outlet at any one time; don’t “piggyback” extra appliances on extension cords or wall outlets. Use only outlets designed to handle multiple plugs. Know the amount of power you’re placing on an outlet or circuit. Some recommend each outlet or circuit should not exceed 1,500 watts. Major appliances (refrigerators, dryers, washers, stoves, air conditioners, etc.) should be plugged directly into their own wall outlet since they are heavy power users. If you find you are overloading an outlet or circuit in your home, you may need to contact a professional to help resolve the problem. An electrician can add outlets and inspect your home’s wiring system.

Interested in transitioning to an electric vehicle? Electric cooperatives are investing in EV programs to help you reach your goal. It’s another way they’re working for you. Many co-ops have implemented educational outreach programs and instituted EV and home charger rebate programs. Some provide home installation services. Plus, tailored electric rates can be offered for off-peak EV charging. Though public charging presents new challenges for managing the grid, it also provides opportunities. That’s why electric co-ops must be early partners in the evolving EV environment to ensure new public and fleet vehicle charging stations in co-op communities don’t jeopardize the delivery of the safe, affordable and reliable power on which you depend. Look for the electric utility industry to be a major player in transforming economic sectors like transportation and agriculture as the need for more electricity grows. According to a National Academies of Science study, the transportation sector alone will require a 170% increase in electricity generation by 2050 — plus a three-fold expansion of the transmission grid. With electric vehicle use increasing, the successful buildout of robust EV charging infrastructure in rural America is critical. As more and more EVs begin traveling highways and byways, expect more creative partnerships between electric co-ops, the federal government, and other stakeholders. How the postage increase is affecting your electric co-op Electric cooperatives serve some of the most remote and economically disadvantaged communities in the state. This comes with certain challenges. The latest: postal rate increases well above inflation. The new rates — which took effect on Aug. 29 — will impact the bottom lines of electric co-ops, which use the U.S. Postal Service for critical functions like billing, distributing director election materials and meeting notices, and mailing other important communication to members. Some state laws require mailed notices for certain communication, and a lack of adequate internet service in many rural areas means moving billing and other outreach to online-only is not always a viable option. The Postal Service increased rates for nonprofit marketing mail by an average of 7.8%. Until recently, the agency had been required by law to tie increases to inflation, which has been about 1.5% to 2% in recent years. But a new Postal Regulatory Commission ruling allowed the USPS to deploy a new pricing formula that is far more onerous to nonprofit groups, according to a report by the Alliance of Nonprofit Mailers (ANM). Increases included 5.7% for first class letters, 10.4% for flats (including magazines and newsletters) and 8.6% for parcels. It’s vital that communication remains affordable for millions of electric cooperative consumers, but the USPS appears to be targeting rural areas with unprecedented increases well beyond anything we’ve seen in the past. Maintaining Cyber, Physical Security are High Co-op Priorities Protecting the nation’s electric power grid and ensuring an affordable, reliable, and secure supply of electricity are top priorities for electric cooperatives like Southeastern Indiana REMC. The North American power system is incredibly complicated. System owners and operators, who have the greatest expertise in responding to and mitigating potential threats and vulnerabilities, are working together across the industry and with government agencies to prepare for existing and potential threats to the electric grid’s reliability and security. The electric sector uses a defense-in-depth strategy to protect critical assets. Through this approach, a variety of hazards to electric grid operations, including severe earth and space weather, cyber incidents, vandalism and other natural and manmade events can be addressed. The electric power sector continuously monitors the bulk electric system. If an event impacts consumers, this strategy, combined with experience from decades of lessons learned maintaining and supplying power to the country, has resulted in more efficient restoration of power. Electric cooperatives work closely with government agencies on critical infrastructure protection matters, including sharing needed information about potential threats and vulnerabilities to the bulk electric system. Sources: https://www.cooperative.com/programs-services/government-relations/Documents/Legislative%20Issues/20210416%20EV%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf https://www.electric.coop/unprecedented-mail-rate-hike-could-hit-co-ops-and-statewides-hard https://www.cooperative.com/programs-services/government-relations/Documents/Legislative%20Issues/Grid%20Security%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf

Operations Coordinator Carroll White REMC From both sides now Diana Martinez used to be a “face” of Carroll White REMC as the member services representative working closely with consumers who had billing issues and questions. Now, she’s made a 180-degree shift. As operations coordinator, she literally and figuratively has gone from front to back: from the front offices to the back operations; from helping individual consumers on their side of the meter to helping bring that electricity to all the meters. In the operations position she’s finding more responsibility working closely with the line superintendent, dispatching a service crew or crews when there are outages, processing work orders, working with mapping and staking engineers. She still gets talk to consumers, she noted, mostly by phone. “There are a lot more calls to answer — especially after a storm. But the job duties definitely changed.” When the previous operations coordinator announced her retirement in 2018, Diana applied. “I wanted to learn more about the other side of the REMC. Being a member services representative in the front, I helped members. But I wanted to see what happens out in the field with a line crew and get that background, as well.” She quickly familiarized herself with the technical ins and outs of electric operations. “There are a lot of things that now make sense when I answer the calls about blinking lights or why this or that happened. When someone calls in about a line down, now I know not just what to ask but why I’m asking it. Before, I didn't really have a whole lot of knowledge with that. But you could ask me anything about payments, and I could tell you,” she noted with a wink at the defensiveness. “I definitely do like knowing both sides now.” Diana said one of the great things about working at her hometown REMC is the opportunity to find new professional challenges without leaving town or even changing employers. “There's always room for growth. You can reach other goals you would like to achieve,” she said. “I absolutely love that because then you already have a relationship with all the employees, you know the different departments and what they do and how they all interact with each other. REMCs are great places to work, very family oriented, and there are always opportunities to grow.” CAREER SUMMARY Diana Martinez’s cooperative career began in the front office, working with consumers paying for their electrical service. But she jumped at the chance to shift gears to the back of the building and delve into the operations keeping that service flowing. TIMELINE 2011 — Hired at Carroll County REMC (now Carroll White REMC) as member services representative. Responsibilities included working with consumers paying bills; processing payments and revenue; handling fees; working with and organizing financial documents. 2018 — Moved to operations coordinator of the cooperative. Responsibilities include answering outage calls; dispatching line crews; processing work orders; maintaining equipment inventory; working closely with line superintendent, mapping and staking.