My VIP Savings is similar to an internet mall where you can enjoy savings at over 1,000 of your favorite online stores including, Walmart, Macys, Best Buy and Target just to name a few – plus, you receive CashBack dollars on every qualifying purchase. To get started, sign up for a complimentary My VIP Savings account (have the group number from the back of your Co-op Connections card handy) and to make sure you get credit on your purchases, enter the participating online stores through the My VIP Savings website.

Additional information on both of these exciting new programs

Due to redistricting (to achieve equal representation according to each district’s population), there are five seats on this year’s ballot. The seats currently held by Tom Wolf (District I), Gordy Bates (District II) and Bob Hauer (District III) will be open for election this year. Directors Wolf and Hauer have filed for reelection; Director Bates has announced his retirement effective June 13, 2012. In addition to these three seats, there are open seats in Districts One and Three for two-year terms. See our District Map.

The candidate receiving the most votes in each district will fill a three-year term; the candidate receiving the second most votes will serve a two-year term.

Qualifications:
• Candidates must reside within MVEC’s service area.
• Candidates may not be employed by, or financially involved with, a competitor or business selling electric energy or supplies.
• If elected, candidates must be able to attend monthly board meetings, typically held the last Monday of each month at 8:30 a.m.

Voting takes place by mail or at the annual meeting on June 13, 2012. If you are interested in being a candidate for MVEC’s Board of Directors or would like more information, email deannc@mvec.net or call 952.492.8288 or 800.282.6832 by April 3, 2012. Additional information will be published in future issues of the Electric Eye and posted online.

Kay and Mark Halla of The Mustard Seed have received a local Touchstone Energy Community Award from MVEC.
High Quality Photo

Mark and Kay Halla, owners of The Mustard Seed, a landscaping and garden center in Chaska, have been named by MVEC as recipients of a local Touchstone Energy Community Award.

The Mustard Seed’s impact on the community includes a partnership with Grow Eat Share (which encourages kids to develop skills and combat childhood obesity) and holding seminars on rain gardens and water management through the Blue Thumb program. The garden center is a field trip destination for thousands of school children, and they promote green construction, environmental awareness and social stewardship.

The Hallas plan to donate their $500 award to Love, INC, an organization that serves eastern Carver County. Their entry is now up for consideration for a $1,000 state award to be announced in February.

The Mustard Seed is located at 6055 Highway 212 East, outside of Chaska. Their website is www.themustardseedinc.com.

Lines were drawn according to townships, with consideration of Minnesota River boundaries (see map below). Many members in District I were reassigned to either District II or III. If you are unsure of your district, check the bill messages on next month’s February bill to confirm your district.

2012 elections
In anticipation of new boundaries, the Board of Directors chose not to fill seats as directors retired. Therefore, this year, five seats will be up for election:
• District I:  Tom Wolf, incumbent, plus an open seat.
• District II: One seat open as incumbent Gordy Bates is
   not seeking re-election.
• District III: Bob Hauer, incumbent, plus an open seat.
In another Bylaw Amendment, the election process was streamlined when members voted to no longer require nominations by committee. Any member wishing to run for board director may be on the ballot by nominating themselves; watch for details in February’s Electric Eye or contact DeAnn at deannc@mvec.net.

The 2012 Annual Meeting will be held Wednesday, June 13, at the Scott County Fairgrounds in Jordan.

The load management receiver is located next to your electric meter, typically as shown below:

What is a load management receiver?
A load management receiver is a device that interrupts power to certain products on MVEC’s Energy Wise programs, including air conditioners, water heaters, plenum heaters and garage heaters. You receive a lower electric rate in exchange for allowing MVEC to interrupt power to those products.

Why is the load management receiver being exchanged?
The load management receivers need to be exchanged because the Federal Communications Commission eliminated the frequency on which the existing receivers communicate.

Will this cost me anything?
No – there is no cost to our members.

Will this change my Energy Wise program?
No – your Energy Wise programs will not change.You will still receive the same great rate.

Who will be doing the receiver exchange?
MVEC has contracted with a local electric company, Power House, to conduct the receiver exchanges. They will have MVEC logos on the side of their vehicles.

How can I tell if the load management receiver is activated?
There are three lights on the front of the load management receiver. If the light next to the word “Demand” is lit, the receiver is activated and interrupting power to the products installed on the Energy Wise program.

MVEC would like to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!