EIEC News
It’s a new school year and students and teachers are getting ready for a fresh year of learning!
From kindergarten through college, students attend school to gain knowledge about a broad variety of subjects and learn new skills that will prepare them for the future. Teachers provide that knowledge along with a welcoming environment for learning.
In a similar vein, Eastern Illini Electric Cooperative is continually learning in order to advance technology that improves electric service, reliability, safety and in turn, enhances quality of life for the members we serve in our local communities throughout our 10 county service territory.
We keep abreast of industry trends because the energy sector is rapidly changing. Innovations in technology and energy types are fueling demand for more options. On the member front, people are looking for more ways to manage their energy use with smart technologies. Members expect more convenient payment methods – whether through automatic bill pay, pre-pay, online or in person.
At Eastern Illini, we’re working to help sift through the options for our members in ways that benefit the greater community. At the same time, we never lose sight of the top priority–which is to provide safe and reliable electricity.
Technology improves efficiency at EIEC
For example, automated meter reading (AMR) is the technology of automatically collecting energy consumption data and transferring it from the electric meter to the co-op. Because this information can be collected remotely, it enhances our system’s efficiency, helps control costs and improves work processes.
Similar to AMR, advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) is an integrated system
of smart meters, communications networks and data management systems that enables two-way communication between utilities and consumers. In the event of an outage, AMI helps to distinguish between events that impact a single home or multiple outages. This is critical because resolving either issue is a very different process. The two-way communication is integral to AMI because it provides a means to verify that power has been restored after an outage. However, one of the biggest benefits from improved technologies, especially for outages caused by extreme weather is pinpointing the outage location, which helps to reduce risk for crews.
In addition to providing essential information during major outages, Eastern Illini analyzes AMI data for anomalies including faults, damaged meters or energy theft. Detecting these problems early helps our cooperative save money and improve reliability for the whole community.
Member’s interest in renewables is at an all-time high. Nationally, the increasing use of solar energy is paving the way for new methods of generating and using electricity. U.S. energy experts say we won’t be able to meet national energy goals without solar. That’s why we continue to research how best to adjust our energy mix and explore emerging technologies for members.
At Eastern Illini, our “school year” is never over. We continue to learn from our members about their priorities, and we will continue to research the issues so that we can better serve you, now and in the future.
Going the extra mile for members
Tim Frick began his cooperative career on December 26, 1985. He remembers the day well, because he received a ham as a belated Christmas present from Illini Electric and was quite surprised that his new employer gave him a gift on his first day of work. Tim recalls many memorable moments as he reflects on a career spanning most 33 years.
He was originally hired to deliver water heaters and work on the dual heat program. The water heaters were Sepco and Tim estimates he probably delivered over 1,000 of them! That’s quite a feat since each water heater weighed over 400 pounds. He still hears from members today that those water heaters were made to last. The calls now from members regarding the water heaters have to do with how the heck do they get them out of heir basements! Tim smiles and reminds himself that 30 some years ago his job with the cooperative involved hands on, physical work that used his muscles and manpower. Today, his responsibilities entail talking with members about their electric use, consulting with members about building energy efficient new homes, and haring information on ways members can make their existing homes more energy efficient.
Throughout his career, Tim has gone the extra mile for members. He consulted with a member in Watseka to find a work around for installing the meters needed for the dual heat program. The member was very appreciative of Tim’s extra effort and wrote letters to management touting Tim’s willingness to help. Tim just sees it as part of his job and the cooperative way of doing business. Tim meets all kinds of people as an Energy Specialist for Eastern Illini. Sometimes he deals with members who are upset with their electric use and that can be challenging. A few years back, Eastern Illini conducted a survey and randomly gave away $100 bills to members who completed the survey. Tim delivered the money to the winners. At one home, when Tim told the member she had won $100, she was elated and became very excited. She told him, if she didn’t have a bad knee, she’d run out the door and hug him!
“I appreciate the many tools and techniques EIEC has provided to employees over the years,” says Tim. “I hope members know that as a not-for-profit cooperative, EIEC is very conscious of the financial aspects of the business and does an excellent job providing safe and reliable energy at an affordable cost.”
Tim wants members to know that their suggestions and feedback are always welcomed and appreciated. Tim feels Eastern Illini Electric Cooperative is a phenomenal place to work.
Tim resides near Longview with his wife of 41 years, Susan. He has two daughters, Amy and Lori and six grandchildren ranging in age from 5 to 14. His free time is often spent attending sporting events in which his grandchildren are participating. He is also an avid Illini and Cardinals fan. Until fall 2017, Tim farmed 650 acres of corn and soybeans. He decided to get out of the farming business and that has freed him up to spend more time camping. Tim and his family really enjoy camping. They began with tent camping, progressed to pop-up campers, then a travel trailer and now pull a 5th wheel to their campsite.
Tim enjoys traveling and one of his all-time favorite trips was to Alaska. He rode a train through the interior of Alaska taking in the spectacular wildlife and enjoying the breathtaking scenery. He then boarded a cruise-ship to experience another perspective of Alaska. The glaciers were amazing and a day trip on a catamaran provided magnificent glimpses of whales spouting from their blow holes and breaching (jumping out of the water). He hopes to return to Alaska someday and again soak in Alaska’s midnight sun and scenic views.
In the meantime, Tim will continue to spend his days as an Eastern Illini Energy Specialist going the extra mile for members. To set up an appointment for an energy audit, give Tim a call at 217-202-6394 or send him an email at tim.frick@eiec.coop. Tim is always ready to meet with members and offer assistance regarding electricity, energy efficiency and even provide some creative ideas about how to get a 400 pound water heater out of the basement!
You are invited to a member appreciation movie event at the Watseka Theatre on Monday, October 14, 2019 beginning at 5:00 p.m. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the showing of SHREK. We will provide the popcorn, small drink, and hot dog. Bring your kids, your grandchildren, or be a kid at heart and come be our guest for the evening.
Let us know your coming and how many people you’ll be bringing with you by registering here:
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Eastern Illini Electric Cooperative’s Board of Directors is made up of co-op member/owners – just like you. They are tasked with setting the policies and guidelines that Eastern Illini’s management team then carries out. Each year, three of the nine positions on the board are up for election. Board terms are for three years.
Credentials Committee:
The 2018 Credentials Committee met at the office of Eastern Illini Electric Cooperative in Paxton on Thursday, April 12, 2018 to determine the eligibility of candidates who had filed nominating petitions for the June 7, 2018 director election. Directors will be elected in Directorate Districts 3, 4 and 6. Attending the meeting were Herb Aden of Newman, Dale Gillette of Chatsworth, Roy Johnson of Penfield, Terry Kaeb of Hoopeston and Mark Waldbeser of Loda. In accordance with the cooperative’s bylaws, the Board of Directors appoints members of the Credentials Committee to serve a 1-year term.
Herb Aden was selected as chairman of the committee.
The committee reviewed the qualifications of Joel Hastings of Loda, District 3; Steve Meenen of Melvin, District 3; Bruce Ristow of Cissna Park, District 4 and Brad Ludwig of Fithian, District 6 who had each filed nominating petitions. No other candidates filed petitions. After reviewing the petitions, affidavits, and qualifications, the Credentials Committee determined that all candidates are eligible to serve as directors of the cooperative. There being no other business to come before the committee, upon a motion made by Mark Waldbeser, seconded by Dale Gillette and unanimously approved, the meeting was adjourned.
June 7, 2018 Election Information
District 3 (Contested Election)
Joel Hastings, Loda Candidate
Joel Hastings is General Manager of Operations at Nexstep Commercial Products. He has responsibility for overseeing manufacturing and distribution for O-Cedar products. Hastings has over 30 years of business experience in transportation, distribution and warehousing. He has worked for SuperValu Distribution Center, ACE Building Center, CX Roberson and Prairie Farms Dairy.
Hastings is a member of the Paxton First United Methodist Church and served on the Pastor Parish Board. He also served on the SuperValu Credit Union Board.
Hastings is a graduate of McKendree University. He is the son of Dave and Judy Hastings of Paxton and the brother of Cliff Hastings. Hastings, and his wife, Mary, reside near Loda in Ford County. They have two daughters. Asti is a senior at McKendree University and Jolee is a sophomore at PBL High School.
Steve Meenen Melvin Incumbent
Steve Meenen has served on the EIEC Board of Directors since 2006. He is currently District 3 Director and assistant secretary/treasurer. He received NRECA Credentialed Certification in 2008. He sees serving EIEC members as a privilege. He has served on many EIEC committees: executive, audit and finance, land use and facilities, and policy, regulation, member and public relations.
These experiences have given him a solid background to help implement decisions for EIEC. Meenen believes cooperatives are one of the best ways to do business. He believes in the philosophy of servant leadership for the common good of the whole. He sees giving back to his community as a way to enrich his life and to help build better organizations. Meenen is a farmer, a DuPont Pioneer Hi-Bred seed sales representative and a highway commissioner in Wall Township. He resides near Melvin in Ford County, with his wife, Kimberly and sons, Mitchell and Spencer.
District 4
Bruce Ristow Cissna Park Incumbent
Bruce Ristow was elected as a director of EIEC in 2006. He received the NRECA Credentialed Certification in 2008 and Board Leadership Certification in 2017.
Ristow cares about his neighbors and his community and wants to do all he can in decision making to provide the best electrical service to EIEC members while being fiscally responsible.
He is active in his church as Sunday school teacher and has served on the board of Eastern FBFM and 30 years as Fountain Creek Township trustee and clerk.
Ristow farms and is a DuPont Pioneer Hi-Bred seed sales representative. He and his wife, Pam, reside near Cissna Park in Iroquois County.
District 6
Brad Ludwig, Fithian Incumbent
Bradley J. Ludwig was elected as a director of Eastern Illinois Power Cooperative in 1985 and has served EIEC as chairman, vice chairman and is currently serving as secretary/treasurer. Ludwig has received the NRECA Credentialed Certification, NRECA Board Leadership Certificate, and the NRECA Director Gold Certificate. Ludwig also serves as Director for Prairie Power, Inc. and is finance committee chairman. Ludwig’s goal is to keep electric rates reasonably priced while providing excellent electric service to members. He takes his fiduciary duty very seriously.
Much like his commitment to EIEC, Ludwig values the opportunity to belong to organizations where he can impact the community and people associated with it. He is a farm owner/operator and an insurance agent. He and his wife, Sally, reside near Collison in Vermilion County.
If you can’t attend our annual meeting on June 7 to vote, consider filling out a Proxy Ballot and giving it to an Eastern Illini member this is going to attend.