Southwestern Electric Cooperative

Southwestern Electric Cooperative, Inc. provides electric energy and other services to 20,000 member-owned accounts in communities throughout the St. Louis Metro East area and Southwestern Illinois.

Southwestern Electric is one of the most progressive and fastest growing electric distribution cooperatives in the United States. Southwestern was formed in 1939 to improve the quality of life for its customers by providing electric service to rural homes, farming operations and businesses in Madison, Bond, Fayette and the surrounding counties. The cooperative’s directors have worked diligently to reduce the cost of service by buying wholesale power at competitive prices so that retail rates remain stable. At the same time, our cooperative works to grow its customer base by promoting residential, commercial and industrial development, thereby spreading out the fixed cost of service over a growing membership base.

As a not-for-profit utility, Southwestern Electric is committed to providing high quality energy services to our member-owners at the lowest possible prices.

Southwestern is guided by the simple belief that over time, being a member-owned and member-controlled energy company is in the best interests of our families, neighbors and communities.

What is an Electric Cooperative?

An electric cooperative is a member-owned and controlled utility that provides electricity and associated services at cost to its consumer-members.

Electric cooperatives were established by rural pioneers in the late 1930s and early 1940s. Cooperatives like Southwestern Electric brought electricity to rural areas that the investor-owned utilities wouldn’t or couldn’t serve, turning on the lights for thousands of farmers and rural Americans.

Rural electrification was made possible by the Rural Electrification Administration (REA) created by Executive Order of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt on May 11, 1935, and later by enactment of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 on May 20, 1936. REA made low-interest loans available to bring power lines to rural areas. The REA program took off, soon becoming so popular and successful that electric cooperatives became known as “REAs.”

Nearly seventy years later, electric cooperatives like Southwestern are the primary providers of electricity in rural areas of downstate Illinois. Cooperatives serve small businesses and industries, farms, residences, cabins and recreational homes.

Today, as was true seventy years ago, cooperatives are governed by a unique form of democracy. Consumer-members, who own the cooperative, guide it through the election of directors who represent their interests on the cooperative’s board of directors.

Local control through an elected board of directors ensures all members an equal voice in the operation of their electric cooperative. The one-member one-vote concept is not only a right of all cooperative members...it’s a responsibility.

CEO & BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Kerry Sloan, CEO Highland
Alan G. Libbra, President, Alhambra
Richard M. Gusewelle, Vice President, Edwardsville
Ronald Schaufelberger, Secretary, Greenville
Barbara Tedrick, Treasurer, Vandalia
Carl Barth, Sorento
Jim Grapperhaus, Troy
Ann M. Schwarm, Loogootee
Ted Willman, Greenville
Randy Wolf, St. Elmo

Statement of Objectives

Southwestern Electric Cooperative exists to serve its consumer-members in the best manner possible. The cooperative will:

Strive to provide the best possible service to all persons within the cooperative’s service area.
Provide energy at the lowest sustainable prices, consistent with the highest standards of service.
Provide dependable service, develop a stable financial structure, maintain a sound organization and train leadership on a long-range basis.
Promote the safe and efficient use of electricity, electrical appliances and equipment in the home and on the farm.
Work to stimulate and support initiatives that will promote economic development.
Constantly strive for higher standards of electric service.
Keep consumer-members informed about their cooperative’s operations, plans, problems and progress, illustrating how member participation influences cooperative policy.
Develop the democratic process as it applies to consumer-members, encouraging their participation in cooperative affairs.
Ascertain that no person shall—regardless of race, color, religion, sex or national origin—be barred from participating in the cooperative’s democratic process.
Develop understanding and support of cooperative objectives, plans and programs.
Provide leadership and cooperate with community and civic groups in fostering programs that contribute to the area’s development.
Work to improve the standard of living for all members.

Rates and Services

Southwestern Electric Cooperative has a rich tradition of offering special services to its members—services that go beyond providing basic electricity, including:

Energy audits are provided by a staff of experts who can provide suggestions on how to lower your heating and cooling bills.

Economic development is a priority of your cooperative, which works closely with community development groups to bring new jobs to the area. Southwestern Electric is a member of the St. Louis Regional Commerce and Growth Association, the Southwestern Illinois Leadership Council, National Rural Economic Development Association, Madison County Community Development, and area chambers of commerce.

Security lights provide home security and safety. The cooperative offers security lights on a monthly rental basis. Contact the Engineering Department for details.

Cooperative employees support the “Crime Watch” program by using their radio equipment to notify law enforcement officials of crimes in progress, threatening weather, fires, accidents and other emergencies.

Energy Resource Conservation (ERC) Loan is a five percent loan program offered to Southwestern Electric members to improve the energy efficiency of existing homes. Loans are available for high efficiency electric heat systems such as a geothermal heating and cooling unit or an air-to-air heat pump; air conditioning system replacements; thermal windows and doors; insulation, caulking, weather stripping or other approved energy saving devices.

The Southwestern is a monthly member publication containing information on weatherization, energy conservation, electrical wiring, safety, special features and Southwestern Electric incentive programs. The Southwestern provides you with the information you need to make informed decisions about your cooperative.

Be An Active Member of Your Cooperative

Members play a vital role in their cooperative by becoming active in the organization they own. If you have a complaint, concern, compliment, idea or suggestion for the cooperative, please contact the chief executive officer, an employee or one of your directors.

All cooperative members are welcome to participate in the organization’s monthly board meetings provided they offer sufficient advance notice. This enables the board to allow ample time for the member.

The cooperative holds an annual meeting which is the most important event of the year for your member-owned utility. At the annual meeting, members participate in the operation of their cooperative through:

The election of directors
Voting on bylaw amendments
Providing a voice and a vote in any other business that is important to the cooperative’s operation.

Once again, please feel free to contact any director, employee or the chief executive officer to offer your suggestions, complaints, concerns or ideas regarding Southwestern Electric Cooperative. This is your organization—your contributions add to its ability to effectively serve the entire membership. You can reach us at (800) 637-8667.

You Control Your Energy Usage

Electric meters are routinely checked for accuracy. As a matter of fact, it’s extremely rare that a meter is found to be inaccurate.

If you feel your home is consuming more energy than it should, consider your family’s lifestyle and the appliances in your home. Here is a list of some common home appliances and the average amount of energy that they use per month. Remember that electricity is measured by the kilowatt-hour (kWh), which is the amount of electricity required to operate a 100-watt bulb for 10 hours.

HOME USAGE
Average monthly kWh, unless otherwise specified

Aerator System (½ HP, 3 amps) - varies with motor size 260

Air conditioner (room) 1 kWh/hour

(central) 2.5-3.5 kWh/hour

Clothes dryer 5 kWh/load

Dehumidifier (8.5 kWh/day if run continually) 200

Dishwasher 30-48

Freezer, standard (12-15 cu. ft.) 100-190

Freezer, frost-free (12-15 cu. ft.) 150-240

Furnace electric controls 5

Furnace blower (varies) 100-200

Furnace, oil (cold months) 75

Heater, portable 1.5 kWh/hour

Heaters, space heaters (750 watt, 12 hours daily) 270

(1,500 watt, 12 hours daily) 540

Humidifier 20

Microwave 16

Radio-stereo 6

Range 100-150

Refrigerator, standard (12’-16’) 100-120

Refrigerator, frost-free (16’) 150-230

Refrigerator, frost-free (20’) 225-275

Swimming pool pump (½ HP, 12 hours daily) 402

Television (color, 4 hrs/day) 30-40

Washing machine (automatic) 8

Water heater (standard) - varies with family size 400

Water heater (quick recovery) - varies with family size 500

Waterbed heater (varies) 100

Water pump - varies with depth 40

The “Smart” Electric Meter

Through a cooperative-wide program, all Southwestern Electric accounts are now connected to the Automated Meter Reading (AMR) system—often referred to as the “Smart” meter. The AMR retrieves the meter data on the same date each month through a telecommunications network.

In addition, AMR means more precise trouble-shooting capabilities, streamlined billing and engineering procedures, and savings in time and money.

Even though your cooperative obtains your monthly meter reading, you may also monitor your meter readings by simply checking the five-digit dial on your meter.

Cooperative meters are sealed to prevent meter tampering and for safety purposes. If a meter seal is found broken without authorization, the member will be assessed a $250 penalty and backbilled for estimated lost revenue and incurred damages.

If you find it necessary to remove a meter for any reason, please contact the cooperative beforehand and make the proper arrangements to have the meter seal broken.

Remember, when it comes to your electric meter, it’s “hands off” for you and your electrician. If in doubt, always call your cooperative for help. And if you need a meter removed for any reason, your cooperative will help make the job a safe one.

Paying Your Bill

Because of the cooperative’s non-profit nature, it is essential that all members pay their bills on time. If a member doesn’t meet his or her bill obligation, all other members will eventually have to make up the difference through higher rates.

If your bill is higher than usual and you think a billing error has been made, please contact the cooperative’s billing department to discuss the matter.

You might consider signing up for Levelized Billing, Electronic Bill Payment Service, or paying by credit/debit card.

From time to time, anyone could have a problem paying a bill. In these instances, contact the cooperative as soon as possible. If your electric service is disconnected, you will incur even greater expense.

You may be able to work out payment arrangements with the cooperative, keeping your service on.

In any event, maintaining a current electric bill helps both you and the cooperative.

LEVELIZED BILLING PROGRAM

Levelized billing is based on a rolling 12 month average, available after establishing 12 months of consumption history. Regardless of the weather conditions in our area, your levelized amount may vary only a few dollars each month. Contact our billing department at (618) 664-1025 or (800) 637-8667, extension 5917 for details.

PAYMENT OPTIONS

• Electronic Funds Transfer

This is a convenient payment option for our members. With your

authorization, we will inform your bank or credit union of the amount due on your current monthly electric bill. The amount will automatically be deducted from your checking or savings account. Simply fill out the electronic bill payer authorization application included with the member guide and return it to Southwestern Electric.

• Automatic Debit or Credit Card Method

On the due date of each month, your current monthly electric bill will

automatically be deducted from your debit or credit card. Southwestern Electric accepts debit or credit card payments from VISA, Mastercard, Discover and American Express. Simply fill out the credit card authorization application included with the member guide and return it to Southwestern Electric. To make a payment over the phone, call (800) 637-8667.

PAYMENT LOCATIONS

• Southwestern Electric Greenville Office: 525 US Rt. 40

• Southwestern Electric St. Jacob Office: 10103 Ellis Road

• St. Elmo Warehouse: I-70 at St. Elmo exit (south side of interstate)

• First National Bank of Staunton: located north of Behme’s Market

• Vandalia Farm Bureau Office: located 1125 Sunset

ELECTRONIC BILL PAYMENT

Electronic Bill Payment with Southwestern Electric is a snap! Okay, make that...click. Southwestern Electric Cooperative makes it easy to pay your bill electronically. Log on to our web site at http://www.sweci.com and click our online billing link. Create a password for your account, and with a few clicks you can pay your bill on the Internet. It’s that easy!

Operation Round Up

Southwestern Electric members may “Round Up” their bill to an even dollar amount. The extra change you contribute each month is put in a charitable trust. The trust, in turn, makes contributions to area organizations like fire departments, food pantries and other service organizations. Through Operation Round Up, we can make a difference in the lives of people who live in our communities.

For questions or comments regarding Operation Round Up, contact Sandy Nevinger at (800) 637-8667.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

The cooperative also participates in the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Call one of the offices in your area listed below:

BCMW Community Services, Inc.

909 E. Rexford Street,

Centralia, IL 62801-0729

Ph: (618) 532-7388

Counties served: Bond, Clinton, Marion and Washington

CEFS Economic Opportunity Corp.

1805 S. Banker Street

Effingham, IL 62401-0928

Ph: (217) 342-2193

Counties served: Christian, Clay, Effingham, Fayette, Montgomery, Moultrie and Shelby

Illinois Valley Economic Dev. Corp.

223 S. Macoupin Street

Gillespie, IL 62033-0088

Ph: (217) 839-4431

Counties served: Calhoun, Greene, Jersey and Macoupin

Madison Co. Community Development

130 Hillsboro Ave., Suite 102

Edwardsville, IL 62025-1636

Ph: (618) 692-7040, ext. 6485

County served: Madison

St. Clair Co. Community Action Agency

19 Public Square, Suite 200

Belleville, IL 62220-1624

Ph: (618) 277-6790

27 N. Illinois St.

Belleville, IL 62220-1624

Ph: (618) 257-9246, extension 3342

County served: St. Clair

When the Power Goes Out

Electric Service is one of your most dependable purchases. Power interruptions are usually infrequent and brief. However, there are times, due to the acts of nature, when your service will be interrupted.

When the power is off:

1. Check the fuses or circuit breakers in your service box panel. If

necessary, replace any fuses or reset the circuit breakers. Remember to check the primary cartridge fuses in the fuse box or main circuit breaker.

2. If you have no power at all, check with nearby neighbors to see if they are without power. This will help determine if the power outage is caused by the transformer serving you or if there is a line outage.

3. If you are still out of power or know the cause, call the cooperative. Be sure to give your name and account number. Call the cooperative as

soon as trouble is discovered.

4. For all service outages call: (800) 637-8667 or (618) 664-1025.

A dispatcher is on duty 24 hours a day.

Call JULIE Before You Dig

Planning to Dig? Call JULIE First!
JULIE is a free service that is available 24 hours a day/365 days a year.
48 HOURS BEFORE YOU DIG: 1-800-892-0123
www.illinois1call.com

Safety Tips

Do not stack metal irrigation pipe under a power line. Never raise a length of pipe near a power line. Forgetting this is often fatal.
The 120-volt electric current in your wiring can kill you! Respect it.
Pull the entrance switch or fuse before working on wiring, or any equipment connected to the wiring.
The best advice on working on your wiring is this: Don’t. When in doubt about installation or repair, call a competent electrician.
If a fuse blows or a breaker trips, find out the cause before you restore current to that circuit. Look for damaged wires, bare wires, defective outlets and defective appliances first.
If you get so much as a tiny electrical tingle from any part of your water system, disconnect your water heater and pump immediately. Then look for the trouble.
Use proper insulators for wires attached to outbuildings.
Never use your finger for a voltmeter.
Always place wires, especially extension cords, where nothing will rub them or drop on them.
Pull the plug, not the wire.
A penny stuck in the back of the fuse, or a fuse of higher rating than the one that blew, can start a fire.
Don’t place wiring, or anything attached to your wiring, where you can reach it from the bathtub or where it can fall in.
If you see one of our cooperative wires down, or hanging too low, call us immediately. Then stand guard so that no one touches it.
Make sure your wiring meets National Electrical Safety Code Standards. Use only first-class materials. Look for the Underwriters Laboratories label (UL) and be sure it covers the appliance instead of just the cord.

Propane Plus

Propane Plus, a subsidiary of Southwestern Electric Cooperative, offers a variety of programs and dependable service at competitive prices. Offices are located near Vandalia and Highland. For delivery information, pricing, and set-up options call: 800-70-LPGAS (1-800-705-7427).

Long Distance Telephone Service

Southwestern Electric—in cooperation with BTC Communications—offers long distance telephone service through PowerNet Global Communications. This long distance service is one of the lowest-cost long distance services available. You can call anywhere in the state of Illinois for 4.5 cents per minute or anywhere out of state in the Continental U.S. for 4.9 cents per minute. You can also have your own personal 800 number to receive calls from family members or acquaintances. Incoming calls on your 800 number are billed at the rates noted above. Rates are consistent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There are no monthly fees, no minimums, no long-term agreements. Your current provider may charge a fee for switching your service—PowerNet Global Communications will reimburse you for this charge at your request. For more information or to enroll call (800) 239-7420 today! Applications are also available at our Greenville and Maryville office locations.

Security Lights

Security lights provide homes with safety and security. These lights are available on a monthly rental basis. Call Southwestern Electric’s Engineering Department for further details.

Thinking of building a home? Now is the time to go all-electric.

If you’re in the design stage or planning stages of building your home, or if you’re considering changing out your current heating and cooling system, Southwestern Electric Cooperative can help. We’ll enable you to make informed decisions about your heating and cooling system. We can advise you on appliance choices and point out options like high performance fluorescent fixtures—small things that can add up to big differences in terms of your energy bill.

From a blueprint, Southwestern Electric Cooperative’s energy advisors can perform a heat load analysis, estimate your annual operating cost based on our rates, and answer some of the questions you may have about the heating and cooling system that you’re considering.

THE ALL-ELECTRIC ADVANTAGE
All-electric homes are clean, safe and efficient. You don’t have to worry about carbon monoxide because there’s no combustion. If you use radiant heat, there are no blowers, so you don’t have to worry about particulate matter being added to your home’s air supply. And if you opt for a geothermal system, you’re choosing the most energy efficient heating and cooling system on the market.

YOUR PARTNER IN PLANNING
Southwestern can offer an unbiased opinion as to how your home likely will perform in terms of energy efficiency. We’re your partner in planning. While there are many good contractors in the market, even an experienced contractor may fall short in some areas when it comes to building an energy efficient home. We can act as your advocate. It’s your home, your money—and we want to see you invest it in a manner that benefits you.

AT YOUR SERVICE
For more information about building an energy efficient home—or for tips on how to make your existing home more energy efficient—call Southwestern Electric Cooperative’s energyadvisors, John Winter or Marla Pourchot at (618) 664-1025.

Southwestern Electric Cooperative, PO Box 549, Greenville, IL 62246. Ph: 800.637.8667 Email: info@sweci.com