FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER/CEO: Dennis Svanes

When I look at the photos of our equipment at Coffeyville distribution point — riddled with bullet holes — there’s no other way to describe it: this was an act of domestic terrorism. The damage was senseless, and the frustration we feel at 4 Rivers is immense. This isn’t just vandalism. This act caused tens of thousands of dollars in damage, disrupted communication service, and introduced potential power quality issues like surges and sags. Most concerning of all, it created a life-threatening hazard for our linemen and the community.

We’ve reported the incident to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), and we hope those responsible are identified and held accountable. If you have any information, please contact the Sheriff’s Department, KBI or our office directly.

LET ME BE VERY CLEAR. When power equipment is struck by bullets, hit by trees, entangled in farm machinery or touched by an animal or person, it becomes unpredictable and dangerous. If you ever see damaged equipment, stay away and call us immediately.

Now, switching gears — I want to follow up on last month’s article about home solar systems. In it, I shared why many systems don’t save money once the time value of money is factored in. That article stirred up some backlash online from solar sales groups. However, I stand by what I said.

Often, salespeople overpromise savings, ignore maintenance costs, and gloss over the long-term financial picture. The truth is, unless you’re able to purchase solar components at wholesale prices and handle the installation yourself — as a qualified electrician who also does roofing — the economics rarely pencil out.

We often hear from members dealing with failed systems, only to discover the installer is no longer in business or that repair costs are sky-high. That’s why I’m bringing this up again as a warning: CAVEAT EMPTOR — LET THE BUYER BEWARE.

To lower your electric bill, start with energy efficiency. It works. Add insulation. Replace old doors and windows and seal around them. Upgrade inefficient appliances. Consider replacing your A/C unit and be sure to keep it serviced for maximum efficiency as seasons change. These steps will reduce your energy consumption — and if you still decide to install solar down the road, you’ll likely need fewer panels for the job.

While this message is sobering, it’s in the spirit of serving and caring for our members. Wishing you and your loved ones a safe and enjoyable summer.

(Originally printed in July's KCL Centerspread)