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You expect reliable and affordable electricity from your electric cooperative, so how does your co-op deliver on that promise? A complex network of electricity generators and tens of thousands of miles of electrical lines work together to ensure that enough electricity is available on the coldest winter morning and during the dog days of summer. What happens when the demand for power overwhelms the ability to provide it? That’s a particularly vexing question given the transition taking place in how electricity is produced and shared across this network. The key to meeting the energy needs so essential to your quality of life is balancing electricity supply with demand. While that may sound simple, there is a complex web of facilities and organizations that work together to make it happen each day. Regional transmission organizations coordinate, control and monitor the electric grid across several states in a region. Think of them as energy traffic managers on an interstate highway system, regulating the number of cars – in this case, electricity – and their destination. Even so, on some days there is an imbalance in that system that leads to rolling power interruptions or blackouts—so-called “max-gen” events. In those cases, supply simply can’t keep up. In the Midcontinent region comprised of 15 states, there were six max-gen events from 2006-2016. Since 2016, there have been 15, including three last July and August alone. Simply, that’s because power plants that generate electricity are being closed faster than new producers come online. In most cases, traditional large-scale power suppliers such as coal and nuclear plants are being closed and replaced by alternatives on a much smaller scale. And this gap is closing more quickly despite the development of new natural gas-fueled power plants. As more electric utilities pursue zero- or low-carbon initiatives by 2035 and beyond, this challenge will grow more complex. So, what’s the answer? Electric cooperatives and others in the energy sector will continue to develop renewable options and pursue new technologies. But absent new large-scale alternatives and advances in energy storage, the stalwarts of today’s energy fleet—coal and nuclear energy facilities—must continue to operate in many regions. In some, they remain the most cost-effective options for producing electricity.

Electric cooperatives remind Hoosiers of electrical water hazards During the summer, many Hoosiers will be enjoying their pools and surrounding lakes around the state. Indiana Electric Cooperatives reminds pool owners and lake-goers of electrical dangers around water, noting that water and electricity do not mix. When using the pool this summer, avoid electric shock by using battery-operated appliances or waterproof covers for items near the pool when possible. If someone in the pool feels electricity -- almost like a stinging feeling – or appears to have been shocked, do not dive in. You could be shocked, too. Instead, turn off the power and use a non-metal shepherd’s hook to pull him or her out of the water to safety. Electrical shock can cause paralysis and the victim will need assistance immediately When using long-handled pool cleaning equipment, always look up and around to make sure there are no low-hanging power lines connected to a home or pool house nearby. The same safety concerns are in play around lakes and rivers, too, along with a few more. Avoid running electric appliances with extension cords out to where you are sunbathing/swimming. They present both a shock and trip hazard. Avoid swimming or going in the water near boats plugged into shore power or docks with electrical services. If you are in the water and feel electricity, stay calm and swim to shore if you can but do not touch a metal ladder or any other metal objects. Staying safe while near the water is simple but these tips can be easily forgotten. Create a checklist for your family and friends to review before the start of warmer weather.

Electrical overloads: Unloading the circuit When Ralphie Parker’s “old man” attempts to plug his “major award” — the infamous plastic leg lamp — into an overloaded wall outlet in the classic movie “A Christmas Story,” there first came a “snap of a few sparks” and the “whiff of ozone” before the lamp blazed forth in the living room front window. While that’s a funny movie scene, those at Southeastern Indiana REMC remind you overloaded circuits and sparks are never funny. Local fire departments respond to an average of more than 35,000 home fires involving electrical distribution and lighting equipment each year, causing 490 deaths and 1,200 injuries nationwide. “It’s easy to plug in too many devices onto the same circuit,” said Brandon Linville, Director of Operations of SEIREMC. “Everyone has a role in keeping homes safe — whether it’s the cooperative keeping consumers informed or homeowners doing their research.” The electrical system of many older homes, especially, are not properly equipped to respond to today’s increased power demands and may lack the needed number of conveniently placed outlets. Relying too heavily on extension cords and multi-plug power strips may mean your home doesn’t have enough outlets. Instead of grabbing an extension cord or multiple-outlet plugs that turn your outlets into octopuses, call a qualified electrician who can install more outlets and update circuits and wiring. To prevent problems, here are some tips to unload those outlets: Never plug more than two appliances into an outlet at any one time; don’t “piggyback” extra appliances on extension cords or wall outlets. Use only outlets designed to handle multiple plugs. Know the amount of power you’re placing on an outlet or circuit. Some recommend each outlet or circuit should not exceed 1,500 watts. Major appliances (refrigerators, dryers, washers, stoves, air conditioners, etc.) should be plugged directly into their own wall outlet since they are heavy power users. If you find you are overloading an outlet or circuit in your home, you may need to contact a professional to help resolve the problem. An electrician can add outlets and inspect your home’s wiring system.

Don’t add electrical hazards to your home office inbox During the pandemic, most office environments either closed and sent workers home to work remotely when and where feasible or created rotating work schedules. These changes were done to help mitigate the spread of the virus and keep workers safe. But setting up a temporary or full-time office at home can create a new kind of health issue — electrical safety. “Bringing electrical equipment home from the office or adding new equipment to make your home office fully functional can create some safety concerns of their own,” said Brandon Linville, Director of Operations at SEIREMC. “Take the same attitude toward electrical safety in your home office so you’re not trading concerns about the virus in the office for electrical and fire concerns at home.” Things to consider for a home office: Designate a place for your office space. Even if it’s just temporarily rearranging a home desk or a side table, establish a comfortable place for your laptop or desktop computer, printer, and whatever equipment you need. This will keep you from having to continually move equipment and will avoid stretching power cords that could become tripping hazards. If you bring older office equipment home, check those electrical cords and connections that perhaps have been pinched behind the credenza for years. Make sure they are not damaged or loose. Make sure outlets in older homes hold plugs snugly. Avoid circumventing the grounded three-prong plugs on your equipment with adapters to fit in older two-slot outlets. Do not overload outlets with multiple power strips. Avoid using extension cords for extended periods. Even if you’re using them temporarily, avoid long, flimsy, multiple outlet cords. Always unplug extension cords from the wall when you are not using the equipment. Do not run electrical cords through high-traffic areas, under carpets, or across doorways. Beware of equipment heating beyond normal operations. Beware of discolored plastic casings on the equipment or discolored outlet covers. Turn off all appliances at the end of the day to save energy and ensure added safety. If your home is older or you require many electrical devices, you probably should have a licensed electrician come out for an inspection. The electrician may suggest installing additional outlets, arc-fault circuit interrupters, and circuits to avoid overloading existing outlets and overusing extension cords and power strips. These updates will make your workspace more attractive, practical, and, most importantly, safe. Making your home safe for the office Overloaded electrical circuits pose both an electrocution and fire hazard. While most homes were not designed to be a home office, the Electrical Safety Foundation International recommends these steps to stay safe from electrical hazards: If you must use a power strip, use a name-brand product from a reputable retailer. Low-quality or counterfeit power strips may contain wiring that isn't adequate to carry the load. Place power strips where there is plenty of air circulation to disperse heat. Do not use adapters that allow plug-grounded cords (three-prong) to be used in ungrounded (two-slot) outlets. Do not bind, kink or knot electrical cords. Never run power cords under rugs or where chairs can roll over them. Keep cords close to a wall to avoid trip hazards. Keep all non-critical electrical items unplugged until you need to use them. Consider charging battery-operated devices in another area. If your computer screen flickers or fades, or you detect a burning smell, power down and contact an electrician. Make sure outlets are protected by ground-fault circuit interrupters if moisture may be present and arc-fault circuit interrupters for added protection. If your home office becomes permanent and needs more or upgraded outlets, have a licensed electrician conduct an inspection of your home office equipment’s electrical needs. Neatness counts when it comes to safety Many home offices were set up during the pandemic — some probably in spaces not originally intended for an office or even prolonged occupancy — like a nook in the attic, corner of a garage or basement or even a “she shed” in the backyard. To make the space comfortable, small portable air conditioners, fans, dehumidifiers or space heaters may be used. If so, here are a few reminders: Keep papers organized and all combustibles at least three feet from a space heater or other heat sources. Do not plug items like space heaters, A/C units and dehumidifiers into power strips or an outlet with other items. Make sure outlets are protected by ground-fault circuit interrupters if you are in an area that experiences dampness.

Creating Connections and Expanding the Possibilities Many of you are probably familiar with the classic novel, Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. In this story, the main character, Pip, is continually evaluating himself and his situation as he strives to improve and advance his station in life. The fundamental ideas of ambition and self-improvement are at the center of the story. Southeastern Indiana REMC is also continually evaluating its programs and services, ambitiously striving to improve the quality of life and place in southeastern Indiana. As we work through the strategic initiatives defined by the Board of Directors and management team, we continue to evolve and explore new ideas to create connections and expand the possibilities. As we begin a new year, we remain committed to our mission to safely provide reliable electricity and diversified services, while maintaining our values of integrity, accountability, innovation, and commitment to community. We also continue to focus on the ongoing strategic initiatives and priorities defined in our 2020-2023 Strategic Plan. We anticipate the completion of our headquarters facilities building project in late spring and look forward to moving into the new administrative building in June. Many of the plans we have put into place over the past couple of years are proving their effectiveness as we continue to see improvements in line loss and reliability in our electric division. As our world becomes increasingly connected, we are diligently working to break down the digital divide in southeast Indiana with our new fiber division. We began building a state-of-the-art fiber optic network and providing high-speed broadband internet service in 2021. SEI Fiber is now available in the Elrod, Versailles, and Hopewell areas and will soon expand to include the Jennings, Five Points, and Pleasant areas. The expansion of this project is top of mind for us, knowing that this service opens the door of opportunity for many new and emerging technologies as we move into the future. While the world continues to grapple with moving beyond COVID-19 and its effects, global supply-chain challenges, and the growing role of artificial intelligence, we will continue to seek solutions and define programs and services with our members best interests at heart. 2022 will be a year of great expectations and we look forward to creating new connections with our members and the communities we serve as we expand the possibilities together. Keith Mathews SEIREMC General Manager

Christina Schoenherr Jackson County REMC Vice President of Human Resources A new world across the street When Christina Schoenherr and her family moved from suburban Philadelphia to her mother-in-law’s hometown of Brownstown, Indiana, the New Jersey native knew she was moving far from the life she’d always known. Fortunately, she didn’t have to travel far to find a job. Right across the street from her new home, Jackson County REMC was looking to replace a retiring customer service representative. The position would also take on the REMC’s first full-time human resources duties. Talk about serendipity: Christina held a master’s degree in HR. A neighbor, who also worked at the REMC, told Christina about it and suggested she apply. “I was in Indiana only for a few months … I didn’t know what a cooperative was,” she said. “Everything kind of fell into place. I couldn’t have planned a better move: a job doing what I just got a master’s in literally next door to my house.” There was a lot of acclimating, learning about cooperatives and the electric industry, she noted. But the small company aspect of the REMC was familiar to her, and she liked that. “Everybody here was so nice.” Since she was the first on-staff HR person, the cooperative’s manager asked her to tell him what an HR person did. “They had an HR job description,” she said, “but when I started, it was kind of like, ‘OK, you’ve done this before, and we haven’t. So, what do we need?’ “I’ve been very fortunate to be the first person in this position because I have been able to tailor it to the needs of the cooperative and my strengths,” she added. Christina just celebrated her 10th year at the cooperative. In those years she’s seen Jackson County REMC grow from 68 employees to now over 85. In addition, the cooperative added fiber internet services. Through the growth, Christina has maintained the same HR responsibilities, but the overall scope of her role has grown with the cooperative. “It’s just evolved into a staff level position. Instead of just day-to-day duties, I’m doing more strategic and special organizational level projects.” “A lot of times, when people think of the cooperative, they think of either customer service or linemen. And those are very important jobs here. But people forget that there is engineering and accounting and so much more. It is huge.” She added that cooperatives are just good places to work for young people wanting to stay in their community. “They’re small, and they’re families, and you can get involved in almost whatever you want.” And being based in smaller communities, the office, as Christina found, can be right across the street. CAREER SUMMARY New to Indiana, Christina Schoenherr was fortunate to find a job in her specialty — human resources — virtually across the street from her new home. Now the New Jersey native is serving in an expanded role to meet the needs of the growing cooperative and its consumers. TIMELINE October 2011 — Hired at Jackson County REMC as human resources specialist. Responsible for all HR administration functions and administrative support for the president/CEO and the board of directors. May 2018 — Human resources and marketing manager. Responsible for previous HR functions plus marketing and communication for the cooperative. May 2019 — Vice president of human resources. Responsible for all HR administration functions plus strategic planning initiatives, grant proposals, regulatory compliance reporting, and special project management.

The following members have been appointed to the 2022 nominating committee by the SEIREMC board of directors. District 4 Center, Hogan and Washington townships in Dearborn County; Randolph Township in Ohio County; and Posey and York townships in Switzerland County. Tammy Elbright 2511 SR 156, Rising Sun, IN 47040 812-584-2312 Donna Huber 2576 Miller Brick Lane, Rising Sun, IN 47040 513-519-3089 Colleen Perfect 4515 Smith Road, Rising Sun, IN 47040 812-584-5218 District 5 Cass, Pike and Union townships in Ohio County; Caesar Creek Township in Dearborn County; and Brown, Shelby, and Otter Creek townships in Ripley County. Lonnie Sparks 4523 W. Railroad Road , Holton, IN 47023 812-756-4107 Arlene Knudson 4163 N. County Road 800 W., Holton, IN 47023 812-621-0577 Rebecca Westerfield 5521 W. County Road 200 S., Holton, IN 47023 812-584-5324 District 9 Jackson, Johnson, Franklin, Center, Delaware and Washington townships in Ripley County. Larry Armbrecht 928 W. Tanglewood, Versailles, IN 47042 812-756-2141 Greg Evans 2696 N. County Road 200 W., Versailles, IN 47042 812-756-1454 Danny Geisler 191 W. County Road 450 S., Versailles, IN 47042 812-756-5317 Members interested in running as a director candidate in the 2022 director election should contact one of the nominating committee members from the applicable district. To be eligible, your primary residence must be located within the district you are running in.

If your white Christmas goes dark from an electrical blackout, an electric generator can be a great resource for homeowners, especially if the storm and damage is severe and the outage is prolonged. But small portable generators pose risks homeowners need to guard against: carbon monoxide poisoning, electrocution or electric shock, and fire. Risk #1: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Small generators use a combustion engine that usually burns gasoline or other liquid fuels. Like any gas-powered machine, these small engines produce carbon monoxide. To prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, keep generators outdoors, away from doors, windows and vents. Position your generator's exhaust away from your home and locate the generator downwind, if possible. Risk #2: Electrocution or Electric Shock To avoid the risk of electrocution, do not use a generator in rainy or wet conditions. It's also important to not handle the generator with wet hands to avoid electric shock. Before plugging appliances or electronics into your generator, make sure your generator is sized appropriately for the total electric load you want it to run. Make sure the cords all fit appropriately and are undamaged. To keep utility workers, neighbors and those in your household from electrocution dangers, never plug your generator directly into your home's wiring. "Backfeeding" sends power from the generator throughout your house in reverse and can even feed onto your electric utility's power lines. Workers attempting to restore power might unexpectedly encounter this high voltage, which could cause fatal shock. To prevent a "backfeed," have a professional install a transfer switch if you want your generator to run your home's electrical system during an outage. Risk #3: Burns and Fire When using a generator, store extra fuel in an American National Standards Institute-approved container in a cool, well-ventilated place away from fuel-burning appliances. Before refueling your generator, turn it off and let it cool. Gasoline spilled on hot engine parts could ignite. Keeping these three risks in mind when installing or using your home's generator will aid in your safety, your home and others. Source: ESFI, Safe Electricity, Red Cross Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning device inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area. Keep generators outdoors, away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors. Opening doors and windows or using fans will not prevent CO buildup in the home. Although CO can't be seen or smelled, it can rapidly lead to full incapacitation and death. Even if you cannot smell exhaust fumes, you may still be exposed to CO. If you start to feel sick, dizzy or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air RIGHT AWAY. DO NOT DELAY. Install CO detectors in central locations on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas to provide early warning of accumulating carbon monoxide. Test the batteries frequently and replace when needed. If the carbon monoxide alarm sounds, move quickly to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door. Source: Red Cross Generator Dos and Don'ts DO operate a generator outdoors in an area with plenty of ventilation. DO install CO alarms inside the home to provide an early warning of carbon monoxide. DO NOT plug a generator into the wall without installing a transfer switch to prevent backfeed. DO turn the generator on before plugging in appliances. DO NOT touch the generator with wet hands to avoid electrocution. DO turn off the generator before refueling with gasoline to allow it to cool down. DO NOT overload the generator. DO use a heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cord rated at least equal to the sum of the connected appliances. DO NOT use a generator as a permanent solution. DO consult the owner's manual for your generator for specific safety instructions. Source: ESFI, redcross.org

Leslie Beard Chief Operating Officer WIN Energy REMC Better things come to those who wait The old saying about good things coming to those who wait is only partially true for Leslie Beard. She was hired not long after college as a customer service representative at WIN Energy REMC in 2000. But she was a marketing graduate, and that’s what she really wanted to pursue. She then patiently waited, learning all about the cooperative business and WIN Energy’s consumers, moving next into the billing department. Finally, after 10 years, a marketing position was created at the southwestern Indiana electric cooperative. Beard applied and was offered the new position. Fast forward 10 more years to December 2020: After supplementing her past education and experiences with a master’s degree in business administration and many other leadership and personal growth opportunities the REMC offered, Beard was promoted to the chief operating officer. "Once I got into the cooperative,” she recalled, “I realized this is a really great place to work. I believed in the business model, and the values, and what we do. And even though I wanted to be in that marketing position, the time that I spent in customer service and the billing department made me better suited for the marketing position. I learned a lot and was able to apply what I learned.” Working in customer service and billing through the 2000s, Beard was able to apply what she learned at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business. But the most important thing those experiences provided, she noted, was the opportunity to learn all the moving parts of the electric utility. “If I would have gone right into a marketing position, I would not have had the knowledge and background to be as successful as I was with having that previous experience,” she said. “Timing is everything in our industry. We don't have a lot of turnover, and so sometimes waiting pays off.” Once she started in marketing in 2010 as a one-person department, she was able to use her deeper understanding of the business to better connect with consumers. Five years later, her role grew dramatically when she was promoted to director of marketing and member services. In that position, she directed and supervised 13 employees in the billing, member services, marketing, purchasing, and warehousing departments. Rounding out her first year in the COO position, Beard looks back fondly on her previous roles and how they helped her get to where she is now. “You have to work toward where you want to be, and it takes time. But it's definitely been good for me.” CAREER SUMMARY Coming out of college, Leslie Beard took a job at an REMC. Her experiences in several departments enhanced her background for the chief operating officer position she now holds. TIMELINE 2000 — Hired at WIN Energy REMC as a customer service representative: Answered phones, assisted with billing questions, service requests and other responsibilities. 2002 — Billing representative: Created billing statements; processed service orders; worked with marketing projects; created bill inserts and other written communications; developed an in-depth understanding of the computer system. 2010 — Manager of marketing and communications: Developed and implemented marketing, member service, communication, advertising, and education initiatives. Managed energy efficiency and load control programs. 2015 — Director of marketing and member services: Directed and supervised 13 employees including billing, member services, marketing, purchasing, and warehousing departments; developed and managed strategic public relations and communication plans; responsible for all communication with news media as the spokesperson for the cooperative; managed a key accounts program; coordinated education programs, school and youth programs, and other community involvement activities. December 2020 — Chief Operating Officer: Advises and assists the CEO on all matters pertaining to the general management, competitive positioning, and operation of the cooperative; provides leadership and counsel to the cooperative’s department directors; directs and supervises the finance, operations and engineering, corporate services, marketing, purchasing, and warehousing departments; serves as acting CEO if necessary.

The end of the year will be here before we know it, which means the opportunity to take advantage of our 2021 rebates is ending soon. Southeastern Indiana REMC’s rebate programs were created to provide energy-saving services to our members while assisting with the costs. Air-source Heat Pump Program Air source heat pumps can mean substantial savings for energy-wise consumers. If you’re considering replacing your existing fossil fuel system, replacing a non-air source heat pump or other resistant electric system, or planning to build a new home, investigate this program. Electric Lawn Equipment It’s never too early to plan for the seasons ahead. Our electric lawn equipment rebate helps you save on new equipment while being eco-friendly. We’re offering rebates on electric lawnmowers, leaf blowers and string trimmers – up to $50 toward the cost of new equipment. HVAC Tune-up Receive a rebate of 50% off a qualifying HVAC tune-up cost. Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment check-ups must be performed by a licensed HVAC contractor to ensure your system is operating efficiently. Tune-ups cannot be self-performed. Attic insulation Program Proper insulation is the best way to maximize comfort and minimize energy bills. Adding insulation to your home is a sound investment that is likely to pay for itself quickly in reduced utility bills. Geothermal Program The energy saving potential provided by geothermal heat pump technology far exceeds that of all other consumer-based heating and cooling methods. Install a new geothermal heat pump system, in a new home, replace your existing fossil fuel system or replace existing air-to-air heat pump and receive $1,750. Water Heater Program When installing a new heat pump/hybrid water heater, replacing an existing gas water heater with an electric water heater, or just replacing an old electric water heater, SEIREMC will reimburse $50 for a standard water heater (40 gallon or larger) with a DRU installed and $600 for a heat pump/hybrid water heater (all in one units). For more information on our rebate programs, contact our office at 812-689-4111.

As general manager of Southeastern Indiana REMC, I am very proud of the impact our cooperative has had in making southeast Indiana a better place to live, work and raise a family. One way we do this is through Operation Round Up, our charitable program that demonstrates one of our cooperative principles, Concern for Community. We feel a strong responsibility to the people in our service territory that goes beyond simply providing safe, reliable power. One of the most rewarding aspects of Operation Round Up is that it is an extension of the concept of neighbor helping neighbor that built our electric cooperative. Just as our forefathers joined together to build their own electric systems when private power companies refused to serve rural areas, Operation Round Up helps co-op consumers reach out to worthy causes in their communities and work together to help one another. Since the program’s inception in 2016, Southeastern Indiana REMC has awarded $594,637.06 to various groups and organizations through the Operation Round Up program, helping with a variety of community-focused projects throughout our seven-county service area. None of this would be possible if it weren’t for the generosity of our members who round up their bills to the nearest whole dollar each month to help fund the program. We’re also blessed to have seven members of our board of trustees who volunteer their time to oversee the grant approval process. In December, we will begin accepting applications for the next round of grants. If your group or organization is planning a community-focused project or program within our seven-county service territory, you may want to apply for an Operation Round Up grant. Visit the Operation Round Up page on our website for eligibility requirements and to download an application. Applications will be accepted Dec. 1–31. Keith Mathews General Manager

Manager of Operations Dubois REC Finding a home at the electric cooperative Patrick Lichlyter wasn’t sure what career he wanted to pursue after high school. But once he hired on as an apprentice lineman at an electric cooperative, he knew he never wanted to leave. And despite changing roles and duties three times since then, he’s still at the place he’s always wanted to be. Today, the 60-year-old Lichlyter is manager of operations at Jasper-based Dubois REC. No longer working atop power poles with 7,200 volts of electricity, he makes it his top professional and personal duty to ensure the linemen under him get to go home at the end of every day. “I feel that I'm responsible for those guys out there. When they walk in here in the morning until they leave, I will do whatever it takes to make sure these guys get their job done right, done safely, and get home to their families.” Lichlyter said he loved the work as a lineman: being outdoors, working with a team of “such good guys,” and doing physical labor. But around 2007, when he was 46, he had his first bout with crippling back spasms that left him face-down in a trench one day. The sporadic problems continued for a few more years, coming out of the blue during seemingly small tasks, and he began to worry if he could continue doing the physically demanding lineman’s job. “I didn’t know if I could make it being a lineman the rest of my life,” he said. “But I wanted to retire here.” In 2010, a position in the metering department opened at the cooperative, and Lichlyter saw an opportunity to stay with the place he loved without the physical stress on his back. In 2015, an energy advisory role was also added to his duties which gave him a chance to work with the electric cooperative’s consumers directly, solving problems and helping them with high electric bills. But he missed the camaraderie and being with the special group of workers who literally keep the lights on. In 2017, the manager of operations position opened. Lichlyter wasn’t certain he was the person for that advanced position, but his CEO at the time and the linemen he once worked with all encouraged him to go for it. “Once a lineman, always a lineman,” he said. “This was my opportunity to get back with those guys and work with them again.” No matter what the job is at the co-op, however, Lichlyter points out, every employee and job is valued. That’s what makes the co-op special. “Everybody is somebody here. Everybody cares about the people here, and cares about the consumers. It's just a special atmosphere.” CAREER SUMMARY Though Patrick Lichlyter wasn’t sure what Dubois REC even did when he signed on as an apprentice lineman in 1987, he knew right away it was the kind of place he wanted to work until he retired. Despite recurring back problems that would make linework impossible, he was given other opportunities at the REC and today manages the outdoor operations. TIMELINE 1987 — Hired at Dubois REC as an apprentice lineman: working with line crews and learning the trade while taking both hands-on and instructional classes in the four-year apprenticeship program. 1991 — Graduated from a four-year apprenticeship training program as a journeyman lineman: working outdoors building, repairing and maintaining overhead and underground power lines; of ten working with energized power lines. 2010 — Moved to meter department: testing meters; hooking up three-phase metering; replacing existing meters throughout the system when the REC moved to automated meters. 2015 — Added energy advisor to meter department duties: investigating the causes behind a high bill; conducting blower-door tests; checking home insulation; and working with consumers to reduce energy use. 2017 — Promoted to manager of operations: overseeing construction, maintenance, and operation of the power distribution system; overseeing all safety practices and rules for the line department; working with other staff to maintain efficient daily operations; overseeing the purchasing of line trucks and other vehicles; overseeing the cooperative’s compliance with state and federal rules and regulations.