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MARCH 2021
Win a smart home technology package See Page 3
Dig into the benefits
of geothermal systems
Visit our website at www.livingwithenergyiniowa.com
Electric bus fleets:
Saving fuel, helping
the environment
Irish recipes for
St. Patrick’s Day
Iowa Association of
Electric Cooperatives
Volume 74 • Issue 3
EDITOR
Ann Thelen
ART DIRECTOR CONTENTS M AR C H 2021
Joel Clifton
________________________
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Features
Chuck Soderberg
D I R E C T O R O F C O M M U N I C AT I O N S 6 Digging into the benefits of
Erin Campbell geothermal systems 6
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Steve Seidl, District 5 – President With geothermal heating and cooling
Don Shonka, District 2 – Vice President
systems, the power of the earth can be
2
Roger Solomonson, District 3 – Secretary/Treasurer 4
harnessed to heat and cool your home
3
Darrell Jensen, District 4 – Asst. Secretary/Treasurer
6
Gordon Greimann, District 6 5
Neal Heldt, District 7 renewably and efficiently. 1
Kenneth VandenBerg, District 1
Marion Denger, Prairie Energy Cooperative –
NRECA Representative 8 Irish recipes
Brian Krambeer, MiEnergy Cooperative –
Managers’ Representative We’ve assembled a scrumptious
________________________
collection of Irish-inspired recipes, all
Living with Energy in Iowa magazine (ISSN: 1935-7176) is published
monthly by the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives, a not-for-
from Iowa’s co-op cooks. PLUS: Find
out how you can receive a $25 credit on
8
profit organization representing Iowa’s member-owned local electric
cooperatives. Association address: 8525 Douglas Ave., Suite 48, Des
Moines, IA 50322-2992. The phrase Living with Energy in Iowa is your power bill!
a mark registered within the state of Iowa to the Iowa Association of
Electric Cooperatives. The magazine does not accept advertising.
Editorial Office: 8525 Douglas Ave., Suite 48, Des Moines, IA
10 Electric bus fleets: Saving fuel
50322-2992. Telephone: 515-276-5350. E-mail address:
editor@livingwithenergyiniowa.com. Living with Energy in Iowa
and helping the environment
magazine does not assume responsibility for unsolicited items.
Electric buses are an emerging
Website: www.livingwithenergyiniowa.com
technology that can help address some
Postmaster: Send address changes to Living with Energy in Iowa
of the issues caused by diesel-powered
10
magazine, 8525 Douglas Ave., Suite 48, Des Moines, IA 50322-2992.
Periodicals Postage Paid at Des Moines, Iowa, and at additional
mailing offices.
buses while still providing quality
Change of Address: Every local electric cooperative maintains transportation.
an independent mailing list of its members, so please send your
change of address directly to your local electric cooperative’s
office. Living with Energy in Iowa magazine cannot make an Favorites
address change for you.
© Copyright 2021, Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives. 3 Statewide Perspective 14 Home Technology
No portion of the editorial, photographic or other content of Living
with Energy in Iowa magazine or its website may be reproduced Renewable Energy: Setting Smart home tech for
without written permission of the editor.
realistic expectations your budget
3 Editor’s Choice Contest 15 Out Back
Win a smart home Tiny huts on the farm
technology package
ON THE COVER
Congratulations to Kim Scharfenkamp,
a Southwest Iowa Rural Electric
Cooperative member, for providing the
cover image for this month’s issue!
She captured this beautiful image of a
rainbow in Ringgold County. To have your
photo considered for a future cover, email
high-quality images (in high resolution) to
editor@livingwithenergyiniowa.com.
If we select your photo, you’ll be
awarded with $100.
800-292-8989
2 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA March 2021
S TAT E W I D E PE R S PE C T I V E
Setting realistic expectations for
renewable electric generation
BY C H U C K S O D E R B E R G
There has been a lot of talk lately
about when America will transition U.S. electricity generaon from selected fuels
AEO2021 Reference case (2010-2050)
to a 100% renewable electric grid. billion kilowahours
Some utilities, states and cities have 6,000
2020
announced plans to be fully powered history projecon
other
by renewable sources by a specific 5,000 renewables renewables
date. Reducing carbon emissions is 4,000
hydro 42%
also a major focus of the presidential 21% wind in 2050
in 2020
administration. As we talk about a 3,000 solar
clean energy economy, it’s important 2,000 natural gas
to set realistic expectations about the
timeline. 1,000 coal
Iowa’s locally owned electric nuclear
0
cooperatives have been balancing the 2010 2020 2030 2040 2050
need for safe, reliable, affordable and Sources: U.S. Energy Informaon Administraon, Annual Energy Outlook 2021 (AEO2021)
environmentally responsible power
for decades. Our state’s electric co-ops higher renewable percentages will take renewables will collectively surpass
have long promoted energy efficiency time as we are also responsible for natural gas to be the predominant
efforts with the belief that the greenest balancing the needs of safety, reliability source of generation in the U.S.
kilowatt-hour is the one you never use. and affordability for the member- According to the EIA report, the
From 2010-2019, Iowa’s electric co-ops consumers we serve. While renewable share of natural gas-fired generation
invested more than $120 million in energy continues to grow, it will take in the U.S. will remain relatively
energy efficiency measures, saving at decades before that category outpaces constant through 2050, and the
least 4.9 billion kilowatt-hours. That’s natural gas and coal generation contribution from the coal and nuclear
enough energy to power more than nationwide. fleets will drop by half. Technological
490,000 homes for a full year. In its Annual Energy Outlook advances in battery storage will make
2021, the U.S. Energy Information intermittent renewable sources like
Incorporating more Administration (EIA) projects that wind and solar more reliable and
renewable energy the share of renewables in America’s dependable, which are the top reasons
As economic conditions allow, electricity generation mix will increase why natural gas and coal have been
electric co-ops are incorporating from 21% in 2020 to 42% in 2050. Wind stalwart baseload generation sources.
more renewable sources of generation and solar generation are responsible
into the energy mix. Moving toward for most of that growth. By 2030, Electric cooperatives are making
great strides
EDITOR’S CHOICE CONTEST Because electric cooperatives are
owned and governed by the member-
Win a smart home technology package consumers we serve, it’s important
to keep you informed on how power
Smart home devices can add comfort and supply decisions are made and why.
convenience to your life while helping to save Electric cooperatives are making
energy. This smart home starter set features an
all-new Echo Dot smart speaker with clock and
great strides in reducing greenhouse
Alexa, four smart bulbs and four smart plugs. gas emissions and incorporating
The package is valued at $115. Learn more about more renewable energy sources into
these technologies on Page 14 of this issue. the generation mix. Like all things,
change will take time. Be assured that
Visit our website and win! we are moving in the right direction
Enter this month’s contest by visiting www.livingwithenergyiniowa.com no later than as we transition to a clean energy
March 31, 2021. You must be a member of one of Iowa’s electric cooperatives to win. There’s economy.
no obligation associated with entering, we don’t share entrant information with anyone and
multiple entries from the same account will be disqualified. The winner of the Fitbit Charge 4 Chuck Soderberg is the executive vice
from the January issue was Mary Eller, Consumers Energy. president and general manager of the
Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives.
March 2021 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA 3
IN THE COMMUNITY
New state funds available to support innovative
rural projects and housing assessments
Gov. Reynolds and the Iowa interpret this hard data with
Economic Development Authority supplemental information, as
(IEDA) recently announced two well as to implement through
competitive funds available for rural changes to development
communities with a population codes, local ordinances and
under 20,000. Specifically, funding housing incentives specific
of up to $400,000 has been allocated to their community needs in
to the following two funds for partnership with Iowa State
current fiscal year (FY) 2021 University Extension and
through FY 2022: Outreach.
Rural Innovation Grant Guidelines and scoring rubric
Program – Provides up to for both programs are available on
$300,000 in grants supporting the Office of Rural Revitalization’s
creative, non-traditional ideas website. The programs, defined
that focus on current issues in Iowa Administrative Code, are
and challenges faced by rural administered by the Center for
communities associated with Rural Revitalization, a division
the themes of community of IEDA, in consultation with the
investment, growth and Governor’s Empower Rural Iowa
connection. Initiative Task Forces.
Rural Housing Assessment Applications for FY 2021 are
Grant Program – Provides currently being accepted via members and expert professionals.
up to $100,000 to support iowagrants.gov and are due by Successful applicants will be
the use of publicly available April 16, 2021. Applications will be informed in June.
online information through scored by a volunteer panel that will For additional program parameters
the “Profile of Iowa” tool and include the Governor’s Empower and information, contact Liesl Seabert
rural community efforts to Rural Iowa Initiative Task Force at rural@iowaeda.com.
QUOTE OF THE MONTH POWERFUL IMAGE
“Co-ops really are This month’s “Powerful Image” comes to us from western Iowa, where
Jeff Ten Napel, Osceola Electric Cooperative’s general manager, captured
about constructive, a photo of beautiful sun dogs. According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac,
sundogs are formed by moisture filtering the sunlight. Sundogs appear
when sunlight hits clouds of ice crystals, and the ice acts as prisms.
positive ideas to help A sundog is seen about 22 degrees to the left or right of the sun. Sundogs
often form in pairs on either side of the sun. While they frequently appear
the communities that white, sometimes they are quite colorful, looking like patches of rainbow.
The colors usually go from red closest to the sun, to blue on the outside of
they serve. That’s the sundog.
how we’re going to
look at the tough
days ahead in terms
of the pandemic and
everything else.”
– National Rural Electric Cooperative
Association CEO Jim Matheson
speaking at the U.S. Energy
Association’s State of the Energy
Industry Forum held virtually Jan. 28.
4 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA March 2021
DID YOU KNOW?
The Iowa Association of Electric
Cooperatives maintains a statewide
outage map online at www.iowarec.
org/outages. The map refreshes
automatically every 15 minutes and
shows outage data that is reported by
IAEC member cooperatives.
Some electric co-ops report outages
automatically while other co-ops report
their outages manually every few hours
only during major outage events.
For information regarding specific
outages or to report your outage,
always contact your local electric co-op
directly. It’s also important that your
local co-op is notified if your phone
number or other contact information
changes.
If you see downed power lines,
always stay away from the lines and
poles. Always assume the lines are
energized and report any damage to
your local electric cooperative.
National
Ag Day
is March 23
Food brings everyone to the table.
And this past year, the individuals
that feed the world have kept us
His job is dangerous enough. going no matter what. Iowa is a
When you see utility crews at work, slow down and national leader in the production
move over. You have the power to protect a life. of corn, soybeans, eggs and pork.
Show your appreciation for Iowa’s
farmers to celebrate #AgDay21.
March 2021 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA 5
Digging into the benefits of
BY E R I N C A M P B E L L
Later this spring, we’ll see farmers
out in the fields digging into the
earth to plant crops. The ground
beneath us has incredible benefits.
In fact, you can also harness the
power of the earth to heat and
cool your home renewably and
efficiently.
Geothermal heating and
cooling systems – also referred
to as ground source heat pumps
– use underground loops to
take advantage of the constant
temperature below ground to keep
you comfortable. In the winter, the
loop system removes heat from the
ground and transfers it into your
living space. In the summer, the
loop system transfers warm energy
from your home to be absorbed by
the cooler ground. Efficient, renewable energy system? It comes down to the loops.
Geothermal systems are An underground loop system
A proven technology supremely efficient, renewable and needs to be trenched or drilled
Geothermal technology isn’t new; will save homeowners substantially in your yard to take advantage of
in fact, Iowa’s electric cooperatives on heating and cooling costs, the earth’s constant temperature.
have been promoting geothermal according to Sayers. The average Once installed, a water-based
systems to members since the 1980s. savings of geothermal compared solution circulates through the loop
Jim Sayers was one of those co-op to an aging conventional HVAC system to transfer the heat energy.
employees who worked to educate system is around $1,400 annually, Electricity is needed to operate the
members about the many benefits accounting for 40%-70% savings. heat pump, ground loop pump and
of geothermal throughout his And while the installation cost of a distribution fan or pump.
34-year career in communications geothermal system is higher than Because it uses the earth, a
and energy services at Corn Belt conventional HVAC systems, it is so geothermal system is the most
Power Cooperative. Headquartered efficient that it can pay for itself in efficient heating and cooling system.
in Humboldt, Corn Belt Power as little as five to seven years. Rates In fact, it is 400% more efficient
Cooperative is a generation and and incentives are important in than conventional HVAC systems.
transmission electric cooperative determining payback. Geothermal systems are also known
owned by its member systems. “The good news is that there are for having low maintenance costs.
Sayers retired from the co-op in federal and state tax credits available Sayers says, “With all the attention
2018 and found an opportunity to to help defray the installation on wind and solar these days, we
continue educating others about costs,” says Sayers. “Currently, the often forget about geothermal as a
geothermal technology’s advantages federal tax credit for geothermal renewable option. If a homeowner
as the cooperative engagement installation is 26%, and the Iowa tax is considering investing in a solar
coordinator for the Geothermal credit is 20% of the federal credit, array, I would encourage them to
Exchange Organization (GEO). for a total tax credit of just over 31% first think about energy efficiency
“You retire from a job, but you of the geothermal installation cost measures and then consider
don’t retire from your passion. And in 2021.” installing a geothermal heating
my passion includes Iowa’s electric So why is the installation of a and cooling system because it uses
cooperatives and geothermal,” says geothermal system higher than stored, renewable thermal energy all
Sayers. installing a conventional HVAC day, every day, year-round.”
6 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA March 2021
geothermal systems
Resources for more information and cooling systems, maintains special geothermal electric rates
The cost of installing a a list of geothermal system and incentives to make the system
geothermal system will vary by professionals you can contact at even more affordable. Contact the
location, the size of your home, www.geoexchange.org/directory/. member services staff at your co-op
equipment installed and local Learn more about geothermal at to learn more.
incentives. GEO, a non-profit GEO’s consumer education website
trade association that promotes at www.geothermalforall.com. In Erin Campbell is the director of
the manufacture, design and addition to the tax credits, many communications for the Iowa Association
installation of geothermal heating of Iowa’s electric cooperatives offer of Electric Cooperatives.
House graphic: Enertech Global
6
2
4 3
5
1
1 Ground loop
The earth absorbs and stores
almost 50% of the sun’s solar
energy. Because of this, the
temperature four to six feet below 5 Radiant heating (optional)
ground is consistently between 45- Known as the most comfortable
70 degrees F. A geothermal system type of heating, radiant heating
transfers heat from one place to 3 Indoor heat pump uses a series of pipes under a
another using a ground loop field The loop field transfers heat to the home or building’s floor to circulate
buried in the yard. The loop field home through an indoor geothermal warm water, which heats the entire
circulates a water-based solution heat pump kept indoors through space evenly.
through a series of pipes. forced air and radiant heating and
cooling. 6 Hot water
2 Flow center A hot water assist, known as a
The flow center resides on your 4 Forced-air heating and cooling desuperheater, allows the system
unit or a wall near the geothermal In a forced-air system, an air-handler to capture excess heat to assist a
system. It pumps the water-based disperses the ground’s heat to air in a water heater. This cuts hot water
solution in the ground loop to the home or building through ductwork costs 25-40%. Geothermal systems
house or building unit to disperse and vents. In the cooling mode, the can also provide 100% of the hot
heating or cooling. process is simply reversed. water needed for a home.
March 2021 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA 7
Champ
3 pounds potatoes, about 12
8 scallions
6 tablespoons butter
salt and pepper to taste
6 tablespoons milk
Cut potatoes in chunks, boil in large pot with
salted water to cover. Cook until tender, about 25
• R E C I P E S • minutes, drain. Slice scallions, including some of the
green tops. Melt butter in the pot used to cook the
potatoes. Add the scallions, cook on low heat about
10 minutes. Peel potatoes and mash with salt, pepper
and milk. Stir into scallions and heat through.
Serves 8
Francene Holstein • Persia
Harrison County Rural Electric Cooperative
Corned Beef Casserole
1 large onion, sliced
1 medium/large head cabbage, shredded
2 cans corned beef hash
2 cans cream of mushroom soup
salt and pepper to taste
Spray a deep sided baking dish (can use cast
iron Dutch oven) with non-stick spray. Layer all
ingredients evenly starting with the onions, then
Sausage Coddle cabbage, corned beef hash, mushroom soup, salt and
pepper. This usually makes 2 or 3 layers depending
on size of baking dish. Bake covered at 350 degrees F
1 pound beer-flavored brats or pork
for 45 minutes, uncover and bake another 15 minutes
sausages, cut into bite-sized slices
½ pound smoked bacon, cubed
or until cabbage is tender. Serves 8
2 onions, thinly sliced
3 carrots, chopped Robin J. Koob • Alexander
4 large potatoes, peeled and sliced Franklin Rural Electric Cooperative
POTATO salt and pepper to taste
2-Cup Stew
FAMINE 1 teaspoon parsley, dried
Potatoes 1 cup beef stock
transformed 1½ cups Guinness beer
the Irish ½ cup heavy cream 2 cups stew meat
diet when 2 cups onion, chopped
they were Cook the sausages and bacon in a large skillet 2 cups potatoes, diced in 1-inch pieces
introduced on medium heat for 10 minutes until browned 2 cups carrots, sliced in 1-inch pieces
from the on both sides. Spray or butter a 9x13-inch 2 cups celery, sliced in ½-inch pieces
New World 1½ teaspoons salt
baking dish. Place 1/3 of the onions, carrots,
in the late 2 cups frozen peas
16th century.
potatoes and the meats in the baking dish,
2 cups frozen whole kernel corn, optional
Ireland’s cheap sprinkle with salt and pepper, if desired, and
and plentiful 1/3 of the parsley. Repeat layers two more times.
food source Warm the beef stock in a medium saucepan Bring meat to a boil, lower heat and simmer for 5
was later over medium heat, add beer and cream. Do minutes. Strain broth; return to pan bringing meat
decimated not boil. Once warm, pour over the casserole. and broth to a simmer. Add onions, potatoes, carrots,
when potato Bake at 325 degrees F for 1½ hours until the celery and salt. Cook until tender. Add peas and corn
F U N FAC T S
harvests were vegetables are tender. Serves 6 the last 5 minutes.
hit by blight
in the 19th Christine Mimick Keller • Norfolk Vickie Johnson • Osceola
century. North West Rural Electric Cooperative Clarke Electric Cooperative, Inc.
8 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA March 2021
Irish Muffins Irish Stew TRADITIONAL
STEW
3 cups flour 1 cup carrots Soups and
1 cup raisins 1 cup potatoes stews are
½ cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar 1 cup cabbage popular Irish
1 tablespoon caraway seeds 1 cup onions dishes. A
1 tablespoon baking power salt and pepper to taste traditional Irish
1 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon sugar stew is very
¼ teaspoon baking soda 2-inch thick brisket hearty and
1 egg 1 cup water filling, with
1¾ cups buttermilk ingredients
¼ cup butter, melted In a large bowl, peel and cut carrots, potatoes, like potatoes,
cabbage and onions. Add salt, pepper and sugar. onions, carrots,
F U N FAC T S
Mix flour, raisins, sugar, caraway seeds, baking Set aside. In a deep-dish, oven-durable pan place diced lamb
powder, salt and baking soda in large bowl. Beat cut brisket, water, salt and pepper (can use cast chops and
egg and buttermilk together in a small bowl. Stir Canadian
iron pan). Bake brisket at 400 degrees F for 1 hour bacon.
into flour mixture. Fold butter in batter. Spoon making sure water level stays 1 inch or more deep.
batter in a muffin tin (with paper liners). Bake at Add veggies and bake covered at 350 degrees F for
400 degrees F for 20-30 minutes, until toothpick another hour. Check liquid level and keep at 1 inch
comes out clean. or more at all times or veggies will burn. Can be BILLIONS OF
POUNDS
cooked in a large oval slow cooker, adjusting heat as More than
Annalee Buffington • Marshalltown needed.
Consumers Energy 41.5 billion
pounds of beef
Betty Sorden • Webster • T.I.P. Rural Electric Cooperative is produced
Reuben Bake each year for
2 tubes crescent rolls
Blarney Bundt Cake St. Patrick’s
Day. About 2.5
billion pounds
F U N FAC T S
1 pound Swiss cheese, sliced
1 yellow cake box mix of cabbage is
1½ pounds deli corned beef
1 package pistachio instant pudding also produced
8 ounces sauerkraut
4 eggs for the same
2/3 cup Thousand Island salad dressing
1 cup water event.
1 egg white, lightly beaten
½ cup vegetable oil
3 teaspoons caraway seeds, optional
½ teaspoon almond flavoring
¼ cup chocolate syrup
Unroll one tube of dough, press into greased powdered sugar
SODA IS A
9x13-inch pan and bake at 375 degrees F for BREAD
8-10 minutes. Layer half of the cheese and all the Soda bread is
Beat cake mix, pudding, eggs, water, oil and a classic Irish
corned beef. Combine sauerkraut and dressing, almond flavoring together for 2 minutes at bread, often
spread over corned beef. Top with remaining medium speed. Pour 2/3 of the batter into a greased served with
cheese. Put the second crescent roll over cheese. and floured Bundt pan. Add chocolate syrup to soup. This
Brush with egg white. Top with caraway seeds if the remaining batter. Pour this into the pan and brown bread
F U N FAC T S
desired. Bake at 375 degrees F for 12-16 minutes. swirl a bit with a knife. Bake at 350 degrees F for is made with
Serves 4-6 50 minutes, test for doneness. Glaze with a thin whole wheat
frosting or dust with powdered sugar. flour and
Melissa Schultes • Dedham buttermilk.
Raccoon Valley Electric Cooperative Carol DeJong • Sibley • Osceola Electric Cooperative, Inc.
INVENTED
Wanted: Sweet Corn Favorites! IN AMERICA
Like St.
The Reward: $25 for every one we publish! Patrick’s Day,
corned beef
Iowa-grown sweet corn is a summertime favorite! Share your EMAIL: and cabbage
delicious recipes that use sweet corn as an ingredient. If we run yours recipes@livingwithenergyiniowa.com is strictly an
in the magazine, we’ll send a $25 credit for your electric co-op to (Attach your recipe as a Word document American
apply to your power bill. Recipes submitted also may be archived on or PDF to your email message.) invention.
our website at www.livingwithenergyiniowa.com. MAIL: In Ireland,
F U N FAC T S
The deadline is March 31, 2021. Please include your name, address, Recipes cabbage is
telephone number, co-op name and the recipe category on all Living with Energy in Iowa often paired
submissions. SERVINGS: Please also provide the number of servings 8525 Douglas Ave., Suite 48 with bacon or
per recipe. Des Moines, IA 50322-2992 with lamb.
March 2021 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA 9
Electric bus fleets:
Saving fuel and helping the
BY M A R I A K A N E V S K Y
Millions of Americans and
thousands of Iowans depend on
public bus transportation every day.
Whether you’re an adult on your way
to work or a child going to school, you
can rely on a bus to take you where
you need to go.
But most buses in America are
diesel-powered, which produce
harmful exhaust fumes when
breathed in and greenhouse gas
emissions that contribute to climate
change.
Electric buses are an emerging
technology that can help address some
of the issues caused by diesel-powered
buses while still providing the same Electric school bus programs are in progress in a few states
such as Virginia, Maryland and Minnesota, but California leads
quality of transportation to many the transition with a goal of replacing all of the state’s school
Americans. buses with electric buses by 2040 – a total of 30,000 buses.
Applications and technologies
for electric buses buses. However, hybrid electric barriers to overcome before making
There are two main applications for buses are heavier than traditional the full transition to electric bus fleets.
electric bus fleets: school buses and buses since they carry both an For any electric bus technology, the
public transit. For each application, electric motor and a gasoline engine, main barrier is cost. For example,
there are three types of electric bus which can reduce passenger vehicle
technologies that can be used: hybrid capacity. Fuel cell electric buses have One of the main challenges of
electric buses, fuel cell electric buses no tailpipe emissions and hydrogen transitioning diesel-powered bus fleets
and battery electric buses. is a renewable resource, but the cost to electrified fleets is the current lack of
A hybrid electric bus uses both an is higher than any other electric bus charging infrastructure. New charging
electric motor and a gasoline engine to technology type. Battery electric buses infrastructure will be crucial to support
increased use of electric buses.
power the bus. Electricity is generated have no tailpipe emissions, are the
through regenerative braking to most energy efficient and have low
charge a battery connected to the operating costs; however, they have a
electric motor, which lessens the need more limited driving range than other
for gasoline. electric bus technology types.
Fuel cell electric buses contain Generally, electric bus fleets
hydrogen fuel cells, which need to be provide many benefits, such as fuel
refueled with hydrogen to charge the cost savings, maintenance cost savings
battery that powers the bus. and emissions reductions. Since there
A battery electric bus is plugged are fewer fuel costs and maintenance
directly into the grid to charge the costs, school districts and transit
battery that fully powers the bus. agencies can save money over time by
switching to electric buses. Electric
Pros and cons with bus fleets have fewer diesel emissions,
each technology or none at all, which improves
Each of these technologies has pros overall public health by making
and cons. Hybrid electric buses are the air cleaner for the surrounding
the easiest transition since they are community or school.
closest to traditional diesel-powered That said, there are still several
10 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA March 2021environment
battery electric school buses can
cost up to $200,000 more than a
comparably sized diesel school bus. Iowa: Expanding the use of
If a school district or transit agency
doesn’t receive any outside financial
alternative fuels
support, the purchase can be difficult The Clean Cities program
to justify. Additionally, new charging coordinated at Iowa Economic Fuel economy
infrastructure will be necessary to Development Authority is a designated
support the electric buses, which will member of the U.S. Department
add to the overall cost. of Energy’s Clean Cities program. Idle reduction
Public and private stakeholders work
Expanding use of electric together to increase adoption of
bus fleets alternative fuels, advanced vehicle
Several areas of the country, like technologies and energy-efficient Biodiesel
Seattle and Los Angeles, are making transportation strategies.
commitments to electrify their bus Iowa Clean Cities Coalition
transit fleets in the next 20 years or stakeholders include local Natural gas
so. Even smaller cities are moving governments, metropolitan planning
toward electrification of buses. Iowa’s organizations, private fleets, non-
first electric buses, a zero-emissions profits, associations, industry Hydrogen
alternative to the current diesel- representatives, colleges and
powered fleet, debuted in the Des universities, and businesses committed
Moines metro in October 2020. to sustainable practices. Collaborative
Electric school bus programs are Propane
efforts include educating fleets,
in progress in a few states, such as developing infrastructure to support
Virginia, Maryland and Minnesota. alternative fuel vehicles, disseminating
Still, California leads the transition technical information, and raising Electricity
with a goal of replacing all of the awareness through meetings,
state’s school buses with electric buses workshops and webinars.
by 2040 – a total of 30,000 buses. To learn more, visit www.iowaeda. Ethanol
Many electrified fleet pilot projects com/iowa-energy-office/clean-cities.
show that electric buses can provide
cost-effective and clean transportation
to Americans, although there will
be challenges along the way. While
electrified fleets aren’t mainstream
yet, one thing is clear: partnerships
between utilities, transit agencies and
school districts will be crucial for
success.
The shift toward electric buses will
take time, but as progress is made, we
can all expect to benefit from cleaner
air and a more environmentally
friendly future.
Maria Kanevsky is a program analyst for
the National Rural Electric Cooperative
Association, the national trade association
representing more than 900 local electric
cooperatives.
March 2021 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA 11SAF E T Y M AT T E R S
Prepare and make a plan
BY A N N T H E L E N A N D D E R R I L L H O L LY
The spring season will soon usher Importance of early preparation
in changing weather. In Iowa, March The CDC is stressing the
22-26 is Severe Weather Awareness importance of early preparation.
Week. Checking and updating supplies
The week is designed to refresh, before they are needed can prevent
remind and educate everyone about the need for shopping trips during the
the seasonal threats from severe run-up to threatening storms or other
weather and how to avoid them. emergencies. If shopping excursions
It’s also a great time to make and are needed, officials recommend that
practice your emergency plan and a limited number – one or two people,
build or update your emergency considered low risk be designated to
preparedness kit. make all necessary shopping runs.
As many Iowans have experienced In the event of any emergency or
firsthand, families always need to March natural disaster, you’ll want to be
be prepared for emergencies, and
ongoing concerns triggered by the 22-26 prepared to shelter in place for several
days if necessary. FEMA recommends
COVID-19 pandemic have prompted having an emergency kit stocked
several new recommendations for is Severe Weather with all essential supplies in one or
evacuation planning, emergency Awareness Week. two containers that are easy to access.
supply kits and community shelter Visit ready.gov/kit for a full checklist
operations. of disaster kit items and additional
check for expiration dates for these recommendations.
Updated CDC guidance products regularly.” Spring and summer often bring
“We did a lot of work in 2020 to Funk recommends that those severe storms, so now is the time
update our guidance for natural items be included in personal go kits to make a kit, make a plan and stay
disasters to include COVID-19 and the family’s cache of emergency informed. That’s the best way to care
guidance,” says Capt. Renee Funk, supplies. She also suggests that when for yourself in your family.
DVM, of the Centers for Disease you review the expiration dates of
Control and Prevention (CDC). Funk perishables, like canned goods, other Ann Thelen is the editor of Living with
received her Doctorate of Veterinary Energy in Iowa. Derrill Holly writes on
foods and medications, you replace consumer and cooperative affairs for
Medicine from Iowa State University any cleaning items or protective gear the National Rural Electric Cooperative
and her Masters of Public Health that might also be out-of-date. Association.
and Tropical Medicine from Tulane
University.
Many of the precautions and
revisions implemented as part of the
pandemic response are expected to be
among the CDC’s recommendations
in place for 2021. Some are likely to
12 WAYS
WAYSTO
TOPREPARE
PREPARE
remain in place permanently.
Funk, who serves as the CDC’s
associate director of emergency EXIT
management, says personal protective
gear, hygiene items and cleaning
Sign up Make a Plan Save for a Practice Test Family Safeguard
products are among the most for Alerts Rainy Day Emergency Communication Documents
prominent additions to every family’s and Warnings Drills Plan
emergency supply preparation lists.
“We recommended a hand sanitizer
that’s at least 60% alcohol, disinfectant
wipes and two masks for each
person,” Funk says. “Those things Plan with Make Your Know Assemble or Get Involved in Document and
Neighbors Home Evacuation Update Your Community Insure Property
should be considered permanently Safer Routes Supplies
added to your go kit, and you need to
12 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA March 2021E N E R GY M AT T E R S
Extreme weather leads to unprecedented
measures to protect electric grid
BY E R I N C A M P B E L L
The word “unprecedented” has several states in the Midwest.
been used often over the past 12 SPP issued the EEA orders to
months, but there really is no other prevent a damaging regional
way to describe what happened in the blackout which could have taken
electric industry last month. days to restore. EEA Level 3 orders
On Feb. 15 and 16, utilities across are extremely rare and are only
the Midwest, including several local implemented when absolutely
electric cooperatives in western and necessary. In fact, these are the first
north-central Iowa, implemented Level 2 and Level 3 orders issued in
load control measures and temporary the power pool’s 80-year history.
power disruptions to reduce electric To comply with the Level 3 orders,
demand on the grid. These highly some local electric cooperative
unusual control measures were substations were taken offline for
needed to prevent a catastrophic about an hour at a time on average.
system-wide blackout. Electric Unfortunately, these outages
demand reached historic highs due occurred with almost no advanced
to electric heat use during record- warning as SPP manages electric
breaking arctic weather that lingered supply and demand minute-by-
over a large portion of the country. To minute in real time. Local electric
put it simply, there was not enough Impacted electric co-ops in Iowa distribution cooperatives had
available generation/supply to meet Utilities that are members of just minutes to initiate substation
this exceptionally high electric use. SPP, including several Iowa electric outages and they worked to avoid
distribution cooperatives served by interrupting service to critical
The grid’s “air-traffic controllers” Corn Belt Power Cooperative, L&O facilities.
Many electric utilities across the Power Cooperative and Northwest These load control measures
country are members of regional Iowa Power Cooperative (NIPCO), were unprecedented in our region,
transmission organizations (RTOs) needed to shed specific amounts stemming from historically frigid
and independent system operators of electric load at particular times weather impacting a vast portion
(ISOs), also referred to as power to maintain a safe and functional of the country over a prolonged
pools. These federally regulated electric grid under the EEA Level 2 period. While extremely rare, this is
entities work on a regional scale to and Level 3 orders. The SPP-related another example of how your local
coordinate, control and monitor outages that affected some Iowans electric co-op works to protect the
supply and demand on the electric were part of a larger electric demand electric grid.
grid. RTOs do not own the power management effort that impacted
grid, but they do work as “air-traffic
controllers” of the grid to ensure Erin Campbell is the director of
communications for the Iowa Association
reliable supplies of power, adequate of Electric Cooperatives
transmission infrastructure and
competitive wholesale electricity
prices on behalf of their member
utilities. Most Iowa electric utilities
are members of one of two RTOs:
Southwest Power Pool (SPP) or
Midcontinent Independent System
Operator (MISO).
SPP issued unprecedented Energy
Emergency Alert (EEA) Level 2 and
Level 3 orders to its member utilities
across several states on Feb. 15 and
16, calling for high levels of electric
demand reduction/curtailment to
match available supply.
March 2021 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA 13HOME TECHNOLOGY
Smart home tech for your budget
BY M A R I A K A N E V S K Y
Smart home devices can add
Photo Source: Abby Berry, NRECA
comfort and convenience to your
life, but the price tag for some
of these devices can be another
story. Since many smart home
technologies are new and cutting-
edge, the cost of owning these
devices can sometimes be a major
barrier. Luckily, there are several
inexpensive options for smart home
devices that won’t break the bank Smart home speakers,
while still offering nearly all the like the Amazon Echo
same benefits. Dot shown here, offer a
wide range of features
that provide consumers
1 Smart home speakers. Smart convenient control of
home speakers provide a wide smart home devices.
range of features, such as
playing music, calling friends
or family, or even locating a Google Assistant works best 3 Smart light bulbs. Smart light
misplaced smartphone. One of with other Google products, bulbs can be controlled through
the most useful aspects of smart rather than Amazon or Apple your phone or by voice if
home speakers is that they act products. Several smart home connected to your smart home
as a smart home hub for your speakers, especially smaller, speaker. Some features include
other smart devices. Each smart entry-level types like the the ability to choose different
speaker comes with a voice Amazon Echo Dot and Google lighting colors and shades,
assistant, like Amazon Alexa or Home Mini, can cost as little dimness levels and the ability
Google Assistant, which can be as $30 or less. This makes them to turn them on or off entirely.
used to control additional smart more affordable than the larger There is an extensive market for
devices in your home. versions, like Amazon Echo smart LED bulbs, but some of
When choosing a smart home and Google Home, while still the less expensive options are
speaker, make sure your other offering nearly all the same the Wyze Bulb, the Lifx Mini
smart devices are compatible features. and the Ikea Tradfri, with prices
with the system. For example, ranging from about $8 to $20 per
2 Smart plugs. This technology bulb. For multi-bulb fixtures,
works by directly inserting an alternative to buying several
the smart plug into an outlet, smart bulbs is to buy a smart
then plugging your device light switch to control the entire
into the smart plug. This can fixture.
make any device “smart” by If you’re looking to buy more than
connecting it to your Wi-Fi one smart home device, make sure
Smart plugs through the smart plug. They the devices are compatible with your
can make can also be used with smart smart home hub (Google Home Mini
any device home speakers. One of the with Google products, or Amazon
“smart” by best features of a smart plug Echo Dot with Amazon products)
connecting it
to your Wi-Fi. is that it can help you reduce to ensure the best performance of
Smart plugs can your monthly energy use. This all devices. As with any smart home
be controlled can be done by programming device, access to a secure and stable
through a automatic shut-off times to Wi-Fi connection will be crucial to
smartphone app prevent devices from drawing properly use the technology.
and can also
be used with energy when they’re not in use.
smart home There are plenty of inexpensive Maria Kanevsky writes on consumer and
speakers. and well-performing smart cooperative affairs for the National Rural
plugs available under $20. Electric Cooperative Association.
14 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA March 2021OUT BACK
Tiny huts on the farm
BY VA L E R I E VA N KO OT E N
A while back on Facebook, an
acquaintance posted a picture of a
field with little, peaked buildings
dotting its surface. “What are these
tiny huts?” she asked. “Are they some
kind of tiny houses?”
Those of us who had grown up
on farms chimed in immediately –
they were A-frames, built for “free
range” hogs but used more and
more infrequently in the present
when most porcine entities are now
gathered in large confinement sheds.
A-frames were a huge part of my
growing up on a hog farm, where we
raised thousands of hogs annually.
Each hut held a mama sow and
her piglets, which made for strong,
healthy pigs growing up in fresh
air and able to move where they
wanted. However, this also made
the care of these hogs much more
labor-intensive, as they would escape
through the smallest of cracks in
fences and gates and needed to have
their houses replenished with straw
in cold and wet weather.
Early morning chores
Many was the rainy early morning wet but relatively safe and easy. a “woof” that was intimidating and
that my sister and I huddled under Vaccinating the piglets was another a bite that could maim. We were
the blankets, savoring the last few story. Dad would spread ground equipped with a fence panel to hold
minutes of warmth, fully expecting corn out several hundred yards from up, if needed, to divert the angry
at any moment my father to yell up the A-frames and the sows would, assault. For a couple of tweenagers,
the steps: “Get up, girls. We need to understandably congregate there. As though, the panel might as well have
bed A-frames.” fast as we could, we’d zip from one been a hula hoop. We didn’t have the
Depending on the direction that A-frame to another, catch the piglets strength to hold it against a raging
the rain or snow was coming from, by the back leg and hand them to my sow and knowing that made the
bedding up A-frames was a necessity dad, who would jab them with the entire process an exercise in speed
to keep the animals dry and was syringe and then drop them into a and anxiety. We were, in effect, the
a process that entailed riding on a bushel basket so we’d know which weakest link.
cart or wagon behind the tractor had been inoculated. The age of A-frames may be
with several straw bales on board. finished, and though I may wax
At each A-frame, my dad would stop Protective mothers nostalgic for them, I’ll pass on fending
the tractor, and Amber and I would The mothers may have been off enraged sows, thank you.
throw a few “paragraphs” of straw otherwise occupied, but they were
into the hut, knowing that the sow Tamworths and Durocs – strong, Valerie Van Kooten is a writer from Pella
who loves living in the country and telling
would trample it down into a nest for hearty stock but also fiercesome its stories. She and her husband Kent have
her young. mothers. One squeal from a piglet three married sons and two incredibly
Bedding A-frames was cold and and they were headed our way with adorable grandsons.
March 2021 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA 15WE NEVER STOP.
Not everyone starts their day at the same time, or in the same way.
But no matter when or how, your local Touchstone Energy cooperative is
there to help you power every moment of it.
To learn more, visit TouchstoneEnergy.com
YOUR SOURCE FOR POWER. AND INFORMATION.You can also read
