Grilling Safety Tips

The joys of summer: swimming, fishing and grilling. Enjoy mouth-watering food with safety in mind.

Safety Tips

  • Propane and charcoal barbecue grills should only be used outdoors.
  • The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
  • Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area.
  • Never leave your grill unattended.
  • Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it.

Source: nfpa.org

Opt For Electric

  • Electric grills are safe and can be used either indoors or outdoors.
  • Grill within minutes: electric grills heat up quickly and efficiently.
  • No gas leaks to worry about.
  • Electric grills require less preparation.
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EV Fast Charger Coming Soon!

Grand Forks will soon be the latest North Dakota city to offer a public fast charging opportunity for electric vehicle (EV) drivers.

In the coming weeks, Nodak Electric Cooperative will unveil a new ChargePoint DC fast charging station in the Wendy’s restaurant parking lot at 3760 32nd Ave. South. DC fast charging allows EV drivers  to charge their vehicle’s battery up to 80% in just 30-60 minutes – a vital resource for those traveling to our community.

Stay tuned to Nodak Electric’s Facebook page and website for more details on this exciting installation!

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Around The Co-Op

Charbonneau Retires

Brian Charbonneau, district crew foreman for the Cavalier service center, retired from Nodak after 30 years of service. A Rolla, N.D., native, Brian attended Bismarck State College for lineman school. He started with Nodak in 1990 and was promoted to foreman in 2012.

 


Foerster Promoted

Mike Foerster has accepted the position of Cavalier crew foreman after the recent retirement of Brian Charbonneau. Mike joined Nodak’s Cavalier crew as a journeyman lineman in 2013. A graduate of Bismarck State College and a Fordville, N.D., native, Mike resides in Cavalier.

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Electricity Brings Everyday Value

Even though I work in the energy industry, like most people, I still don’t think much about the electricity I use. I expect the lights to turn on when I flip the switch and the coffeemaker to work each morning. Because electricity is so abundant, we don’t think much about it. Since many of us have been spending more time at home during the past few months, we have likely been using more energy there. And yet, we still expect an endless supply of power with uninterrupted service 24/7. The only time we really think about electricity is when the power goes out, or maybe when the monthly bill arrives.

Given how electricity powers our modern lifestyle every day, it’s a great value, especially when compared to other common services and expenses. For example, think back to the cost of just about any consumer item 20 years ago. Consider the cost of groceries or a cup of your favorite specialty coffee from a few years back. In comparison, the cost of electricity has remained largely flat, unlike most other consumer goods.

Like many of you, I have a cellphone to stay connected, and I subscribe to cable TV and Netflix so I can enjoy more viewing options. Many of us consider these necessities for modern-day life. We can see what we are getting for our money, and we pay the price for those services. In contrast, when we use electricity, we don’t necessarily “see” all that we are getting for our money.

But considering what electricity does for us, it’s a tremendous value for our quality of life as well as our budgets. For comparison, consider the average rent increase has been nearly 4% from 2014 to 2019 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index, or CPI. The cost of medical care increased 3% during that time, and education was not too far behind at 2.6%. So, where did electricity rank? The CPI shows electricity increased by less than half a percentage point at 0.4% nationwide over that time period.

The bottom line: Electricity brings everyday value. In fact, Nodak Electric Cooperative members on average had electricity available to them 99.97% of the time last year. Considering that electricity is something we all use around-the-clock, I’m very proud of our track record. At the same time, we are striving to increase our service reliability, reduce those brief interruptions and reduce costs. We are continuously working to improve our operations to ensure a smarter grid and ensure we have the right energy mix. Nodak Electric Cooperative provides the reliable service you expect and deserve as a valued member of our cooperative.

We recognize that the past few months have been challenging for many of our members, and we’re here to help. If you have questions about your account, please give us a call. Nodak is your electric co-op, and our sole purpose is to serve you and the needs of our community. That’s everyday value.

In response to the COVID-19 crisis, we made the decision back in March to postpone the annual meeting to a time when we felt safe gathering a large group of people. In light of the continued threat and social distancing guidance, your board of directors has decided to hold an annual meeting as a “business-only” meeting. We have two business items we need to take care of – approval of last year’s annual meeting minutes and approval of the results of the board of directors election. Both of these items will be conducted through mail-in ballots only.

For many of us, the annual meeting is one of the highlights of our membership in the cooperative. With that in mind, it’s a very difficult decision to not bring you all together for an evening of fellowship. Unfortunately, the conditions aren’t conducive to doing so, and we will have to wait until next spring to give it another try. It’s hard to do, but it’s the safe thing to do. Your board chairman and I will record messages for the membership and place them online for you to review. Until we can get together again face-to-face, stay safe, everyone.

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New Interactive Display Wall To Enhance Nodak Service

Nodak Electric Cooperative is continuously looking for ways to better serve our members. That’s why we have replaced our outdated dispatch mapping display with a new, innovative and interactive live wall system.

Nodak has always used some form of mapping display in its everyday work. These maps show future project zones, crew locations and storm outage areas. For many years, the information had been displayed on a large paper map taped together on a metal backing. Magnets were used to indicate crew locations and Post-it notes identified the positions of downed poles or other line issues. Nodak recognizes that technology is constantly changing and improving, and the cooperative chose to be proactive and forward-thinking when choosing the next stage of this important resource.

By researching and monitoring dispatch control centers around the country, the team discovered what was available to best fit the needs of the cooperative and benefit the membership. The new 9-by-20-foot live wall is made up of 16 ultra-thin LED display panels. The system allows dispatch to quickly assess an outage and dispatch crews while providing up-to-date information about the outage situation. In addition, the system will monitor the entire grid in real time.

Safety is top priority. Nodak’s goal was to design a system to accommodate its Outage Management System (OMS) and Automated Vehicle Locating (AVL) system. The OMS helps predict outage areas and highlights outage areas on a map. The AVL system applies the location of each vehicle. The live wall system allows Nodak to display both of those programs on the same map with the ability to add electronic notes, which are displayed graphically.

For efficient maintenance, Nodak developed apps for the line crews to use in the field through their iPads. Crews receive information for outages, maintenance, pole inspections and repairs. When changing out equipment in the field, new and accurate information is sent with a push of a button and the information is automatically updated for dispatch.

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Notice Of Rescheduled Annual Meeting

To the members of Nodak Electric Cooperative, Inc.:

You are hereby notified that the Cooperative’s September board meeting will serve as the rescheduled 80th Annual Meeting in lieu of holding an in-person meeting of members this year due to COVID-19. To accommodate this change, business will be conducted as follows:

1. Reports:
Annual reports from Cooperative board chairman, Luther Meberg, and President & CEO, Mylo Einarson, will be made available via video at nodakelectric.com and on the Cooperative’s Facebook page in September.

2. Election of three directors:
Listed below are the candidates either nominated by petition or selected by the Committee on Nominations. The members of the Committee on Nominations are appointed by the board of directors.

District 1 | (one 3-year term) | Cheryl Osowski | Grafton

District 2 | (one 3-year term) | Peter Naastad | Hatton

District 3 | (one 3-year term) | Steven Smaaladen | Aneta

3. Approval of 79th Annual Meeting minutes:
Voting by Mail. For the election of directors and approval of the 79th Annual Meeting minutes, the board of directors has authorized the mailing of an absentee ballot to each member upon request. Since the election this year is uncontested, Nodak is asking members who are interested in voting to call the office at 701-746-4461 or 1-800-732-4373 to receive an absentee ballot. Canvassing of the election will be conducted by the election committee prior to Sept. 8, 2020.

The 79th Annual Meeting minutes, nonimating committee meeting minutes and affidavit of mailing are available online at here.


Attention corporate members

If you are a member corporation, cooperative, school, church or township (or other nonnatural person) of Nodak Electric Cooperative, Inc., and want to be represented at the members’ meeting(s), please request a Designation of Voting Representative form and one will be mailed to you. The form must be completed and signed by an authorized officer of the organization. This form must be completed annually.

In order for the member corporation, etc., to participate in business matters, this form must be received by the secretary of Nodak on or before the date of the members’ meeting(s). This form may be mailed with your ballot to Nodak.

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Unfamiliar Vehicle In Your Driveway?

It could be one of our contractors

For Nodak Electric to provide safe and reliable electricity at the most affordable cost, we use contractors to assist with tree trimming, pole testing, trenching/boring and utility box painting. Please know that employees of these contractor crews will always have vehicles labeled with Nodak Electric stickers to officially mark their affiliation with the cooperative. Members will not be approached, under any circumstances, for payment by either a representative of Nodak Electric or one of its contractors for these types of services.

If you have any questions or concerns about a contractor who has visited your property, please contact Nodak Electric at 1-800-732-4373.

Nodak has hired the following contractors

North Plains Utility Contracting – Trenching/plowing
RAM Utilities- Pole inspection
Rhino Contracting – Boring/trenching
Joe Ritter Painting – Metal refinishing service
Dakota Tree Service – Tree trimming
AW Power – Tree trimming

These contractors are currently working in our service area. They will have a Nodak Electric decal on their vehicle. If you have any questions, please contact us at 800-732-4373.

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6 Ways To Pay Your Bill

  1. SmartHub app – View and pay your bill using this app with your smartphone or tablet. The app is available at your favorite app store.
  2. Pay online – View and pay your bill online with the SmartHub app or with the one-time payment option using a checking account or credit/debit card.
  3. Pay by phone – Pay your bill securely by phone 24/7. Call toll free 1-844-846-2690 and follow the automated prompts to pay by check, credit or debit card.
  4. AutoPay – Choose an automatic payment deduction from a checking or savings account. This is set up as a recurring payment on the due date shown on your bill. Contact our office to get set up or access the form on our website.
  5. Pay by mail – Mail your check along with the stub conveniently located at the bottom of your bill to Nodak Electric Cooperative in the envelope provided with your statement. Please allow 3 to 5 business days for delivery.
  6. Drop box – Drop your payment (with bill stub) in the box located at Nodak Electric’s headquarters building in the parking lot.
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Energy Efficiency Tip Of The Month

Want to light up your outdoor space without increasing your energy use? Try outdoor solar lights! They’re easy to install and virtually maintenance free. Remember, solar lights work best when the solar cells receive the manufacturer’s recommended hours of sunlight.

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Youth Tour Winner To Visit Washington, D.C.

Nodak’s student delegate to the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s (NRECA) Electric Cooperative Youth Tour will have to wait one more year to experience the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The Electric Cooperative Youth Tour is an all-expenses paid, seven-day trip to Washington, D.C., and was scheduled this year for June 18-25. Unfortunately, the educational adventure was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Emma Cullen of Thompson, N.D., this year’s chosen student, will now join more than 1,500 students on next year’s trip.

The Youth Tour gives high school students the excitement of traveling, meeting new nationwide friends, learning about America’s history and visiting with current federal government leaders from their states. The trip includes visits to Gettysburg, Capitol Hill, the Smithsonian and a rally with hundreds of students from across the country. This opportunity is open to select sophomore or junior students whose homes are served by electric cooperatives. Interested students apply by submitting an essay. This year’s essay prompt was: “If chosen as a Youth Tour delegate, you will travel to Washington, D.C., to experience and learn about America’s rich history. What moment in American history do you wish you had been a part of and what would you have contributed?”

Nodak had a great number of students apply for the Youth Tour, but Emma’s submission rose above the rest. Her family lives in rural Thompson, on a few acres with cats, a dog and a large garden. Emma is home schooled and is active in band, summer theater, track and cross country at Thompson High School. In her free time, she enjoys crafting (knitting, painting and drawing) and reading (historical fiction is her favorite genre). After high school, she plans to study Dietetics at the University of North Dakota.

Nodak congratulates Emma for writing an outstanding essay and earning the opportunity to attend the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour. We will keep you posted on Emma’s trip next year.

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Tree Trimming Underway

Nodak does vegetation management as one way of maintaining the electric system. This maintenance controls the cost of delivering safe and reliable electric service.

Tree trimming is very important to Nodak. To help with the process during the summer months, Nodak hires tree trimming contractors. This year, AW Power and Dakota Tree Service crews are contracted by the cooperative to remove trees and brush from the electric lines. Qualified line clearing workers perform all tree pruning and vegetation management work as supervisors and Nodak lineworkers maintain close contact with crews to ensure safety and adherence to proper vegetation maintenance procedures. This season, crews will be clearing trees in the areas of Adams, Cavalier and Hoople.

The work is expected to start mid-May and continue until freeze-up.

Safety first! Keep in mind, power lines broken by branches could remain electrified. By being proactive and removing limbs and trees from power lines, Nodak reduces these potential hazards. To ensure public safety, call Nodak at 800-732-4373 to report any trees that interfere with power lines.

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