Bon Homme Yankton Electric - All Rights Reserved

Alex Caba Journeyman Lineman

by@byelectric.com — Fri, 27 Jan 2023 21:26:41 +0000

/sites/default/files/2023-02/BYFebruary2023CoverED.jpg Friday | January 27, 2023

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Alex Caba Journeyman Lineman

Alex Caba Earns Journeyman Certification

Bon Homme Yankton Electric Lineman Alex Caba recently completed the Lineworker Certification Program through Norfolk’s Northwest Lineman College. Completion of the program certifies Caba as a journeyman lineworker.

A major component of finishing the program is time. Caba had to complete 8,000 hours of on-the-job training. He also had to pass 40 different tests as part of the apprenticeship. The tests cover a variety of topics including safety, transformer connections, mapping, and other topics like line construction and line work.

Caba began working for Bon Homme Yankton Electric in 2019. Prior to that he attended line school at Mitchell Tech and worked at B-Y Electric as summer help for two summers.

Photo: Board President Paul Voigt (r) presents Alex Caba with his apprenticeship completion certificates

Manager's Column-Power Supply Credits

by@byelectric.com — Fri, 27 Jan 2023 21:12:56 +0000

/sites/default/files/2023-02/BYFebruary2023CoverED.jpg Friday | January 27, 2023

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February 2023 Manager's Column: Bill Credits

Offsetting winter bills by passing through power supply credits

Stephanie Horst, General Manager

“Baby, It’s Cold Outside”, is a popular Dean Martin Christmas time song that clearly earned its airtime on December 22, 2022 when a low of -18 °F temperature and wind chills of -48 °F greeted us that morning. This day created an all-time load peak for East River Electric and in the Southwest Power Pool (SPP). Generation in the SPP footprint was all running and thankfully was sufficient to meet the load needs.

With these cold temperatures, electric bills will be impacted if you have electric heat. I personally experienced that with my electric in-floor heat that was finished being installed and started on December 7. By the way, December is not the time to start in-floor heat; the concrete basically is a great big popsicle and to heat that up, the system will run nonstop, and boy did it. Although my electric bill was high, I am thankful for the B-Y Electric heat rate. It is a stable rate that isn’t dependent on commodity prices like propane and natural gas. I will keep you posted on my experience with my in-floor electric heat as my project concludes.

At the December 21, 2022 Board Meeting, the Board approved passing on a bill credit that B-Y Electric received from Basin Electric to our members. This credit was applied to the January 1, 2023 electric bills which helped keep the bills lower in spite of the higher heating usage. The Board also approved the 2023 budget. No rate increase will be needed in 2023 to cover the budgeted expenses. I am proud to work with a great group of employees and directors whose daily decisions contribute to the success of B-Y Electric while keeping money in our members’ pockets in this time of volatility.

Later in this newsletter, employees were recognized for their milestone years of service at B-Y Electric. I look back on the six years that I have been here and am astonished with the volume of change and challenges we have faced. We had an employee exodus with retirements, several FEMA storms including the 2017 May Day ice storm and the 2022 May Derecho, IT and cyber security implementation, facility security upgrades, new technology implementation, increased load growth, and navigating through the Coronavirus Pandemic. Of course, there were many others, but these major ones would have crippled us if we didn’t have the dedicated employees that we have. They have been asked for more and more and when needed to shift at a moment’s notice, each and every time they rise to the occasion. To be blessed with such a great team, feels like winning the championship every day!

The forecast shows another cold snap with snow is on the way. Our ditches are full, and any new snow and wind will make travel dangerous, even short trips. Be prepared. Keep a winter survival kit in your vehicles. My seven-mile work commute includes bringing snow boots, coveralls, two blankets, water, granola bars, a power bank, and Hot Hands. What do you travel with when Baby, it’s cold outside?

Angie Rempfer New Member Service Rep

by@byelectric.com — Fri, 06 Jan 2023 20:01:45 +0000

/sites/default/files/2023-01/BYJanuary2023CoverED.jpg Friday | January 6, 2023

Angie Rempfer Joins Team

You may have already talked to Angie Rempfer on the phone or at the front counter since she started work on November 28, 2022.

Angie’s official title is Member Service Representative. Since we are a member owned cooperative, “customer service rep” just doesn’t quite cover taking care of our members.

She will be helping members with their electric bills, processing payments, signing up new members and many other duties as she gets up to speed.

Angie, her husband, Jeremy, and two daughters live south of Scotland where they farm and raise livestock. Angie and her family are active with Cavalry Baptist Church in Yankton, enjoy the outdoors and like going on ATV trips. She also owns a long-arm quilting business.

Welcome to the cooperative, Angie!

January 2023 Manager's Column: Fraud Prevention

by@byelectric.com — Fri, 06 Jan 2023 19:40:15 +0000

/sites/default/files/2023-01/BYJanuary2023CoverED.jpg Friday | January 6, 2023

Know the Signs of a Scam

General Manager Stephanie Horst

It’s no secret that consumers with a water, gas or electricity connection have long been targets for utility scams, but fraudsters have changed their tactics since the Covid-19 pandemic. As consumers became more reliant on technology for work, school and commerce, scammers noted these shifts and adapted their tactics to this changed environment.

Impostor scams are the number one type of fraud reported to the Federal Trade Commission. While scam artists may come to your door posing as a utility worker who works for the “power company,” in today’s more connected world, attempts are more likely to come through an electronic device, via email, phone or text.

Common types of scams

A scammer may claim you are overdue on your electric bill and threaten to disconnect your service if you don’t pay immediately. Whether this is done in-person, by phone, text or email, the scammers want to scare you into immediate payment so you don’t have time think clearly.

If this happens over the phone, simply hang up. If you’re concerned about your bill, call us at 605-463-2507. Our phone number can also be found on your monthly bill and on our website, www.byelectric.com. If the scam is by email or text, delete it before taking any action. If you’re unsure, you can always contact us or use the SmartHub app to check the status of your account. Remember, while B-Y Electric employees may give you a courtesy call regarding a past due bill or expired credit card, our member service representatives will be calling from Tabor and will never demand immediate payment. In fact, to preserve our member’s security, we will recommend you call the secure payment line (888-395-5315) or log into your SmartHub account to make any electronic payments.

Some scammers may falsely claim you have been overcharged on your bill and say they want to give a refund. It sounds easy. All you have to do is click or press a button to initiate the process. If you proceed, you will be prompted to provide banking or other personal information. Instead of money going into your bank account, the scammers can drain your account and use personal information such as a social security number for identity theft.

If this “refund” scam happens over the phone, just hang up and block the phone number to prevent future robocalls. If this scam attempt occurs via email (known as a “phishing” attempt) or by text (“smishing”), do not click any links. Instead, delete it, and if possible, block the sender. If you do overpay on your energy bill, B-Y Electric will automatically apply the credit to your next billing cycle. When in doubt, contact us.

Defend Yourself Against Scams

Be wary of call or texts from unknown numbers. Be suspicious of an unknown person claiming to be a utility worker who requests banking or other personal information.

Never let anyone into your home that you don’t know unless you have a scheduled appointment or reported a problem. B-Y Electric employees wear uniforms with the B-Y Electric logo. When we perform work on our members’ property or come into your home, our employees are professionals and will always identify themselves.

We want to help protect our community against utility scams, and you can help create the first line of defense. Please report any potential scams to us so we can spread the word to prevent others in the community from falling victim.

December 2022 Manager Column-Electric Rates Stable

by@byelectric.com — Thu, 08 Dec 2022 16:57:24 +0000

/sites/default/files/news/317384898_461446019437309_537462443914422106_n.jpg Thursday | December 8, 2022

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Inflation affecting buying power, but electric rates staying the same

General Manager Stephanie Horst

Inflation seems to be the topic of all conversation, and rightfully so. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, they calculate that $100 in September 2021 has the same buying power as $108.20 in September 2022. That means our dollar isn’t going as far as is it did last year. It is evident in everything that we are purchasing. Food in all categories is up 11.2% and energy 19.8%.

With all these price increases, did you know that B-Y Electric has not increased rates? In fact, not only are we keeping rates the same, but back in April, your Board of Directors approved a $267,000 bill credit to be applied to our member’s electric bills. This bill credit was passed on to our members from a credit we received from East River Electric and Basin Electric on our power bill. In October, the Board of Directors also approved a $170,300 Capital Credit retirement in addition to another $281,200 getting passed through from East River and Basin. This will be a credit on our members’ December 1st electric bill. That means $718,500 stayed in our members’ wallets in 2022.

So, what does 2023 look like? We are currently working on our 2023 budget, and it indicates no rate increase will be needed. We are however working on a new four-year work plan and long-range plan. These plans will be accounting for all the material increases we are seeing and as we borrow money at a higher interest rate, it could impact future rates. But that is why we do these plans, so that we can anticipate when a rate increase would be necessary.

Over 60% of our expenses is due to power costs. Both Basin Electric and East River Electric are projecting rates to remain stable.

Stable electric rates are not the only responsibility we bear, but so is reliability. We continue to invest in our distribution system with regular maintenance and replacement of our aging lines. East River has also committed to reliability to B-Y Electric members with a new substation in the lake area. The Lewis and Clark substation addresses the load growth and future load growth in the area while adding support to the Gavins substation. Construction will begin sometime this year and projected completion Spring/Summer of 2023.

With the holidays approaching, so does the cold weather. If you have electric heat, you are going to weather out this winter season well. Like I mentioned before, our rates are the same, unless your usage increases, your electric bill isn’t going up. If you are doing new construction, you may want to consider an all-electric heating system. Our heat rate remains stable, it does not go up and down with commodity prices. We also offer rebates on heat-pumps and resistance heat. Contact Aaron in our office for more information at 605-463-2507.

For those members who qualify, state assistance is available for home heating costs. The South Dakota Department of Social Services’ website is a great resource including the current income guidelines and an online application: https://dss.sd.gov/economicassistance/energyassistance/lowincome.aspx

Employment Opportunity

by@byelectric.com — Fri, 18 Nov 2022 19:13:18 +0000

/sites/default/files/news/CSROnPhone2resized.jpg Friday | November 18, 2022

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Member Service Representative II
Bon Homme Yankton Electric Association, Inc. located in Tabor, SD is looking for a motivated individual to assist and educate members of the cooperative with a variety of tasks.

Member Service Representative II

Bon Homme Yankton Electric Association, Inc. located in Tabor, SD is looking for a motivated individual to assist and educate members of the cooperative with a variety of tasks.

Must be able to multi-task, be proficient in Microsoft Office products, have a creative eye for graphic design, adapt to technology, and promote the cooperative way of doing business.

Duties include but are not limited to: creating the monthly newsmagazine, social media posts, updating the website, public outreach programs, youth education, answering the phone, waiting on members at the front counter, making bank deposits, posting payments, collecting on past due accounts, filing, assist in organizing events and supporting staff.

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement. Comprehensive benefit package.

Send your resume and cover letter to: Bon Homme Yankton Electric, ATTN: Nicole Einrem, PO Box 158, Tabor, SD 57063 or email to by@byelectric.com by December 22, 2022.

This cooperative is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

Anthony Walloch Hired

by@byelectric.com — Wed, 26 Oct 2022 16:51:13 +0000

/sites/default/files/2022-11/Anthony%20Walloch.JPG Wednesday | October 26, 2022

Anthony Walloch Hired

Anthony Walloch of rural Scotland has been hired as a Journeyman Electrician.

Anthony started work on October 4 and will be quickly getting acquainted with the service area and our members.

He attended Mitchell Technical Institute and received his degree in Electrical Construction and Maintenance. List Electric of Yankton gave him his start and he was able to complete his apprenticeship with them to earn his journeyman card.

When he’s not doing electrical work, he’s dedicated to farming.

Welcome to the cooperative, Anthony! We are excited to have you on board!

Jenn Boska Promoted

by@byelectric.com — Wed, 26 Oct 2022 15:57:55 +0000

/sites/default/files/2022-11/Jenn%20Edited.jpg Wednesday | October 26, 2022

Jenn Boska Promoted

Jenn Boska has agreed to fill the vacuum left with Teresa’s departure.

She was hired three years ago as the Member Service Representative. Jenn has grown over time accepting more and more responsibilities. Her outstanding performance made this promotion an obvious decision for the cooperative.

She has a lot of learning to do and big shoes to fill but we are confidant she will not only succeed but thrive!

We hope to have the Member Service Representative position filled as soon as possible.

Teresa Holland Resigns

by@byelectric.com — Wed, 26 Oct 2022 15:52:22 +0000

/sites/default/files/2022-11/Teresa%20%281%29%20Top%20Pick.jpg Wednesday | October 26, 2022

Teresa Holland Resigns

In high school, Teresa Holland participated in the DECA program designed to prepare students for leadership positions and the future workforce. Her placement at B-Y Electric sparked the intention to work at this cooperative.

When the opportunity came about, she started work in 1999 as the face and voice of the cooperative as the Cashier/Receptionist. She moved into the Member Service Representative position in 2004 and worked with appliance sales, the incentive programs and also provided tech support to our Internet customers. A retirement in 2007 resulted in Teresa taking on her dream job as the billing technician. She was responsible for keeping track of all the meter readings, calculating the electric bills and all of the detail oriented work that goes into those processes.

After 23 years at this cooperative, Teresa has decided it’s time to move on and employ her extensive knowledge as the Finance Officer for the City of Tyndall.

Thank you, Teresa, for all you have done for this cooperative! Good luck to you with your new endeavor!

November 2022 Manager's Column: Small Change Changing Lives

by@byelectric.com — Wed, 26 Oct 2022 15:33:08 +0000

/sites/default/files/news/General%20Manager%20-%20Stephanie%20Horst.jpg Wednesday | October 26, 2022

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We hope you will think of as more than your energy provider, but also as a catalyst for good in our community.

Small Change Can Change Lives

The holiday season is fast approaching. Some call it the most wonderful season of all. That’s because we associate it with family traditions and gathering with friends and loved ones. It’s a time of giving and spreading joy.

Giving back reminds me of the many good things we have right here in our community and why it’s so important to spread the good as far as we can, especially to the most vulnerable in our local area. I’m also reminded of how wonderful our community is and what a big impact we can have when we work together.

When you are a member of B-Y Electric you now can help us spread the good throughout the year. Through our Operation Round Up® program that we recently launched; your donations will help local organizations in our service territory. This voluntary program will begin with rounding up your electric to the next dollar starting with the December 1, 2022 electric bill. This is an opt-out program which means that we will automatically enroll you, but you can contact us and opt-out at any time.

When you “round up” your monthly bill from B-Y Electric and donate to this fund, you’re making a big difference in the lives in our community. You are helping to meet an immediate, critical need, but just as importantly, you are showing that B-Y Electric members care about the community around them.

Over the years, our community-focused programs, have supported local schools and young people, EMS systems, and town events, but on a small scale. A program like Operation Round Up® with our members’ pooled money of less than $12.00 a year can make a bigger difference. The program is also run by a committee of members who evaluate the applications and determine the appropriate support.
The cooperative principle “concern for community” is part of B-Y Electric’s mission. It defines who we are as an organization. When we first brought electricity to this community in 1945, the quality of life improved. But other things also need to be addressed and through the years, this co-op has been at the forefront of bringing improvements to the quality of life in this community. It’s why we joined Operation Round Up®.

Across the country, more than 350 electric co-ops have an Operation Round Up® program, and together, raised millions for local communities. This shows that small donations from electric co-op’s members like ours, over time, can collectively make a big impact.
As a local cooperative, we have a stake in this community. It’s why we support local organizations. We hope you will think of as more than your energy provider, but also as a catalyst for good in our community.

I hope all our members have a joyous holiday season.

To learn more about Operation Round Up®, visit https://byelectric.coop/operation-round-up.