5 Minutes Blog

Take action today

The EPA, in a proposed New Source Performance Standard for greenhouse gases (GHG), has effectively outlawed coal as a fuel source for the next generation of power plants.  The proposed standards would require new coal plants to install carbon capture and storage, a technology that is not yet commercially available and is prohibitively expensive.  This would eliminate coal as a fuel source for future generation and reduce America's fuel diversity.  Tell EPA you oppose this proposed GHG standard for power plants.

Take Action Now by clinking on the link below to contact EPA and object to this proposal.

https://ssl.capwiz.com/nreca/issues/alert/?alertid=61364576

 

Free t-shirts

Our Family Fun Day event is almost here.  We hope you can make it.  And yes, we have free t-shirts, too.  http://www.hwe.coop/familyfunday.htm

New rebates

We have some exciting new rebates on the way, starting June 1.  Be sure to check it out and give them some serious consideration:  http://www.hwe.coop/ee.htm 

Spring member trip

Our Spring Member Trip is heading to Michigan Stadium on May 16. We hope you can join us. Read all about it here: http://www.hwe.coop/events/springmembertrip.htm

Jobs

In today's economy, the one word title is probably all we need to catch your attention. Yes, Hancock-Wood has several jobs available, which you can view here: http://www.hwe.coop/aboutus/employment.htm

Scholarships available

If you know of a HS senior living on our lines, you may want to remind him/her that Hancock-Wood offers scholarships, and the dealine is February 1. Applications are available here: http://www.hwe.coop/community/scholarship.htm

'Tis the saving season

During the holiday season, consider using ENERGY STAR-qualified lights and strands to decorate. They use 70 percent less energy than regular lights and last up to 10 times as long. They also give off less heat, reducing the risk of fire.

Slaying energy vampires

Did you know that you're sharing your home with "energy vampires" -- electronic and electrical devices that continue to suck electricity even when turned off? On average, these items are responsible for an estimated 10 percent of the electricity you use every month.

Here's a tip from Hancock-Wood that can help you drive a stake through the heart of these vampires, saving energy and money.

One way to identify energy vampires is to look for devices with remote controls -- TVs, DVRs and audio equipment, for example. Then target gaming consoles, computers, monitors and printers as well as chargers for cell phones, iPods, small DVD players and laptops. Chargers draw energy even when they're not charging anything.

An easy way to seal the coffin on energy vampires is to plug components of your computer or home entertainment system into a power strip. With a single flip of a switch, you can fully cut power to them.

In addition, don't forget to unplug any appliances -- such as coffee makers and toasters ovens -- with digital clocks when you aren't using them. As TogetherWeSave.com has shown, pulling plugs and employing power strips can save you $222 in electric bills per year.

For other tips on how to save energy -- and money -- visit Touchstone Energy Cooperatives energy-saving website, www.TogetherWeSave.com.

It's here this week!

The big day is almost here, and if you want to be there, you need to sign up today.

Annual Meeting just 12 days away

Be sure to sign up for the big event of the year -- the Annual Meeting -- which is free and open to all members.  You'll enjoy a fantastic free hearty breakfast, free giveaways, door prizes and even pony rides.  We hope you can come.