EV charging station at Access Energy Cooperative office - See Page 12 Dig into the benefits of geothermal systems Irish recipes for St. Patrick's Day
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MARCH 2021
Access Energy Cooperative offers lineworker scholarship program See Page 5
EV charging station at
Access Energy Cooperative
Visit our website at www.accessenergycoop.com office – See Page 12
Dig into the benefits of
geothermal systems
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
ACCESS ENERGY COOPER ATIVE NEWS
UPCOMING EVENTS LOCAL PERSPECTIVE
Beneficial electrification
emissions and saves on
BY K E V I N W H E E L E R
Are you interested in saving Small steps to help the
money on energy costs and in doing environment
your part to help the environment? For people looking for more
Wouldn’t it be great if you could do environmentally friendly options,
March 15 Scholarship deadline both? You can through a choosing electric appliances,
March 15 NEW – Lineworker concept called “beneficial tools and cars is an
scholarship deadline electrification.” This utility easy solution. Whether
industry term means that through electric lawn
March 31 Photo contest deadline innovations in energy mowers, blowers and
April 2 Office closed for technologies are creating weed trimmer or through
Good Friday new ways to use electricity electric water heaters and
in a way that reduces overall other appliances, beneficial
April 12 Lineworker emissions and energy costs. electrification is a means
Appreciation Day In essence, by being to reducing greenhouse
plugged into the grid, the gases and helping our
Even when our office is closed,
environmental performance of environment. It can also translate
you can call us at 866-242-4232,
electric devices improves over time. into a better quality of life.
24 hours a day, seven days a week
As Access Energy Cooperative and
for answers to billing and account How we’re doing our part to
other utilities shift to more options
questions, paying your bill, and service help the environment
that include renewable energy
interruptions. As the overall energy sector
sources to make existing generation
technologies cleaner, electricity will continues to evolve, Access Energy
Access Energy Cooperative is require less fossil fuel per kilowatt- Cooperative and AECI strive to
dedicated to exceeding members’ hour of energy produced. take advantage of the advances
expectations for safe, reliable and
efficient service, while being a So, here’s how this concept impacts in technology and the market
good citizen in our communities. you. Electric appliances, such as your opportunities as they become
Office: Access Energy Cooperative water heater, clothes dryer, oven and available. This means we can
1800 W. Washington St., P.O. Box 440 even your lawn care equipment have leverage the flexibility of the grid to
Mount Pleasant, Iowa 52641
the potential to become greener. offer a broader range of renewable
Phone: 319-385-1577 or 866-242-4232
Fax: 319-385-6873 When Access Energy Cooperative’s power selections as we continue
Call Before You Dig (Iowa One Call): 8-1-1 power generation cooperative: to bring safe, reliable and efficient
Website: www.accessenergycoop.com
Associated Electric Cooperative, Inc. service to our members.
Facebook: facebook.com/AccessEnergyCoop
Twitter: twitter.com/AccessEnergyC (AECI), takes advantage of advances We also promote energy
E-mail: contactus@accessenergycoop.com in technology and the market at the efficiency through programs like
Office Hours: Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
generation point (how the electricity weatherization rebates and our
Friday, 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Call our office 24/7: 319-385-1577. is produced), those efficiencies are Access to Green Energy Program
Payments can be placed in dropbox under flag pole. inherently passed along to you, the (see right). In addition, through
Visa and MasterCard accepted. consumer-member. our SmartHub app, we offer our
General Manager/CEO: Kevin Wheeler members the convenience and
Editor: Kimberly Davis Electricity is getting cleaner ability to manage and monitor
Assistant Editor: Cherity Wibben
Officers and Directors:
Because large appliances have a their energy use. To save you
Marvin Newton District 3 President typical lifespan of about 10 years, money, we also offer a variety of
Marvin Larson District 1 Vice President the high-efficiency electric oven you rebates for both residential and
Robert Chesnut III District 3 Secretary
have today could be powered by more business members. Visit www.
David Hollingsworth District 1 Treasurer
Fred Hickenbottom District 1 Director renewable sources in the years ahead. accessenergycoop.com for details
Jerry Barker District 2 Director As Access Energy Cooperative and specifics.
Robert P. Smith District 2 Director
is able to tap into more renewable We care about our community
Larry White District 2 Director
Michael Holtkamp District 3 Director options in the future, your electric because we live here too. I hope
appliance has the potential to you’ll reach out to Access Energy
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
become greener. Cooperative, your trusted energy
4 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA March 2021
LINEWORKER SCHOLARSHIP
reduces Access Energy Cooperative offers
energy costs lineworker scholarship program
Access Energy Cooperative is
pleased to announce a new lineworker
partner, to discuss available scholarship program! One $2,000
renewable energy options and to scholarship will be awarded per year
learn about more ways to reduce to a student enrolled, or planning to
your energy use. Because when you enroll, in a one- or two-year electric
participate in the energy efficiency lineworker program, such as the
programs and incentives we offer, Northwest Iowa Community College
you’re doing your part to save Powerline program in Sheldon or the
energy and better our environment. Utilities/Lineman Program at State
While each member’s reduction Technical College in Linn, Missouri.
might be small, together, they can Award recipients may also become semester. To apply for payment,
lead to significant savings of money eligible for an internship at Access award winner must provide to
and emissions. And that means a Energy Cooperative. Selection criteria the cooperative office: proof of
brighter future for all of us. will be based on academics; school, enrollment for second semester
work, and community involvement; and grade transcript for first
essay (see below); and an interview at semester.
ACCESS TO GREEN the cooperative office (to be scheduled Payment of the second $1,000
ENERGY PROGRAM in March). will be made upon completion
Want to take reducing your of the second semester. To apply
carbon footprint a step further? Timeline for payment, award winner must
Members can participate in March 15 – Application deadline provide to the cooperative office:
the “Access to Green Energy” April 15 – Scholarship winner proof of enrollment for third
Program. You can purchase announced semester and grade transcript for
blocks of green energy to be second semester.
Award recipients have until
added to your bill. Details can March 31, 2022, to apply for the
be found on our website at Application process
initial scholarship payment.
www.accessenergycoop.com. Where to obtain an application:
If the award recipient requires At all area high school guidance
more time to allow for acceptance counselor offices
Kevin Wheeler is the general manager/ in a qualified lineworker Contacting the Access Energy
CEO of Access Energy Cooperative. program, an extension must be Cooperative headquarters office
requested in writing prior to in Mt. Pleasant at 866-242-4232
expiration of the award. Contact Visiting our website at
V E G E TAT I O N M AN AG E M E N T mktg@accessenergycoop.com for www.accessenergycoop.com,
information. and downloading the application
Contractor Eligibility requirements
and either faxing, mailing or
bringing it to our office; or
news Must be a high school graduate
Must maintain a grade point
average of 2.5 or above
submitting the form online.
Applications are due in our office
March 15, 2021.
Brady Bennett with Must reside in southeast Iowa
Wilderness Land in the general Access Energy Submit the following documents
Management will Cooperative service area to: Access Energy Cooperative,
be working as a (Preference may be given to an Lineworker Scholarship, P.O. Box
contractor for applicant who is a member, or 440, Mount Pleasant, Iowa 52641
Access Energy
Cooperative
dependent of a member, of Access - Application
in the areas Energy Cooperative) - High school transcript
around Batavia and Bonaparte. If you - Short essay describing future
ever have a question about a serviceman Disbursement career plans and explanation of
representing the cooperative, please call Payment of the first $1,000 will be why applicant is interested in a
our office at 866-242-4232. made upon completion of the first career as a lineworker.
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 11ACCESS ENERGY COOPER ATIVE NEWS
STUDENT LEADERS THANK YOU!
Access Energy We love hearing from our
Cooperative members and received this
thank you in early February,
scholarship when a winter storm impacted
program our service territory.
ive you
I want to g
eam a big
and your t
OU for
Available to high school seniors:
THANK Y
eat job in
doing a gr
$9,000 in scholarships. Six $1,500
eather.
awards, two in each of the
cooperative’s three districts. such bad w
Applicants must be high school
st
– Steve Hir
seniors receiving post-secondary
education, and their parents or legal
guardians must be members of the
cooperative.
Where to obtain an application:
At area high school guidance
counselor offices
By contacting the Access Energy
Cooperative headquarters office
in Mt. Pleasant at 866-242-4232 E V C H AR G I N G STAT I O N
By visiting our website and:
– Downloading the application
and either faxing, mailing or Charge your electric vehicle
bringing it to our office; or
– Submitting the form online
Applications are due in our office
at the co-op
March 15, 2021. Access Energy Cooperative has
Winners will be chosen and installed a Chargepoint electric
announced at their senior awards vehicle charging station in the parking
ceremonies. lot in front of our office in Mount
Pleasant.
When are the scholarships given? The charging station is available
$500 of the $1,500 scholarship for public use for any electric vehicle.
will be awarded to recipients at the The current rate to use the charging
completion of their first semester station at Access Energy Cooperative
of post-secondary education, with is our regular single-phase rate for
proof of enrollment for the second electric service at $0.10 per kwh.
semester. The remaining $1,000 If you have questions about
will be awarded after completion charging electric vehicles, or whether
of the third semester, with proof of or not an EV is right for you, visit our
enrollment of the fourth semester. website at www.accessenergycoop.
For more information, and com under the “Going Green” tab for
applications, visit our website at a section on electric vehicles.
www.accessenergycoop.com.
12 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA March 2021LE G AL M AT T E R S EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Statement of Summer
non-discrimination help
USDA prohibits discrimination in
all its programs and activities on the
basis or race, color, national origin, sex,
http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_
filing_cuts.html and at any USDA
office or write a letter addressed
wanted
disability, age, reprisal or retaliation to USDA and provide in the letter Part-time help is needed
for prior civil rights activity. (Not all all of the information requested this summer in Access Energy
prohibited bases apply to all programs.) in the form. To request a copy of Cooperative’s operations
Recipients are required to notify the complaint form, call (866) 632- department. Applicants must
applicants with disabilities and 9992. Submit your completed form have graduated high school
Limited English Proficiency (LEP) or letter to the USDA by: mail: U.S. by summer 2021 and must
persons of their right to free language Department of Agriculture, Office enroll in post-secondary
assistance and accommodations and of the Assistant Secretary for Civil education in the fall. Contact
provide free language assistance and Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, Diane Magnani at dmagnani@
accommodations upon request. SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; accessenergycoop.com.
To file a program discrimination fax: (202) 690-7442; or email: program.
complaint, complete the USDA intake@usda.gov.
Program Discrimination Complaint This institution is an equal
Form, AD-3027, found online at opportunity provider.
SAF E T Y M AT T E R S
Access Energy Cooperative
lineworkers work on
dangerous equipment, PHOTO CONTEST
keeping your power on.
The last thing they need to
worry about is being hit by Win $50 in
an oncoming vehicle.
Access Energy
If you see them working on
the side of the road, move
Cooperative’s
over to the other lane and
slow down. Give them
photo contest
room to work – we all We are
thank you! holding
our annual
photo
contest
with selected entries
to be used in the 2022 Access
Energy Cooperative calendar.
Energy Efficiency Each photographer whose entry is
selected as one of the 13 featured
Tip of the Month photos will win $50. Submit all
entries by March 31, 2021, to:
Don’t keep your refrigerator too cold. The Department of Energy
PHOTO CONTEST, C/O
recommends a temperature setting of 35 to 38 degrees
ACCESS ENERGY COOPERATIVE
for the fresh food compartment and zero degrees for
PO BOX 440
the freezer. Make sure the refrigerator doors are sealed
MT. PLEASANT, IA 52641
airtight to maximize efficiency.
Visit www.accessenergycoop.
Source: www.energy.gov com for complete rules.
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
