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Security Light $9.82 per month Add outdoor lighting ​to your property, pay with your monthly bill. Other sizes are available for commercial applications. ​ Security lights must be installed on an Orange County REMC pole. If there is not a pole at the desired location, please call our office to schedule an appointment with a Staking Engineer. Additional charges will apply to set a new pole. ​ CONTACT US

In Memory of REMC Personnel Rodney Hager , 1946-2023 Rodney Bowen Hager, 77, of Orleans, passed away at 4:44 AM on December 10, 2023 at his home. He was born November 1, 1946 in Paoli, IN, the son of Kenneth and Marietta (Brown) Hager. In 2001, he was elected to the Orange County REMC Board of Directors. In 2002, he was elected to represent Orange County REMC on the Indiana Statewide Association which represents thirty-eight Indiana REMC’s, he became region 7 director, representing 5 southern Indiana REMC’s. He later served at president of the Statewide Association. He was serving as the Orange County REMC board member on the Hoosier Energy Board of Directors at the time of passing. ​ Janice Case, 1942-2022 Born May 12, 1942 in Salem, she was the daughter of Lester and Ruby (M atthew) Hauger. She married Thomas Cecil Case March 10 , 1962 and he preceded her in death January 12, 2022. Janice was a homemaker and worked 13 years for Orange County REMC. She enjoyed quilting, gardening, sewing, and oil painting. Janice restored antique furniture and did some upholstering. She was a member of the Orleans Church of Christ and graduated from Salem High School in 1960. ​ Eugene Roberts, 1939-2020 It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Eugene Roberts. Our beloved friend and director passed away July 17, 2020. Eugene had been a Director at Orange County REMC since 1986 and also was appointed to the Hoosier Energy Generation and Transmission Board for the last 26 years. His dedication and knowledge of the industry is one of the reasons for our success. Eugene will be greatly missed. ​ Larry Clements, 1966-2020 Larry J. Clements age 54 of Paoli, passed away April 1, 2020 at IU Health Paoli Hospital. He was born February 9, 1966 in Paoli to parents, Arthur Clements Jr. and Diane (McMichens) Clements. He married Teresa Morrison on April 2, 1988. Larry worked as a meter technician for Orange County REMC since 1997, and was a volunteer firefighter for both Paoli and Southeast townships. He was a National Weather Service Skywarn Certified Storm Spotter and a member of Indiana Dodge Club. ​ Ralph Draper, 1946-2018 Ralph Dwane Draper, 71, of French Lick, Indiana, entered into eternal rest on November 13th, 2018 at IU Health Paoli Hospital in Paoli, Indiana. He was born on December 8th, 1946 in Herrin, Illinois to Ralph M. and Esther L. Draper. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents. He was a United States Army Veteran in the Vietnam war and a member of the French Lick American Legion Post 76, Orleans Masonic Lodge F & AM #153 and Loyal Order of Moose. He retired as an Operations Manager at Orange County REMC, had worked for Cinergy and was a member of I.B.E.W. Local 1393. ​ Helen Mae (Walker) Proctor, 1940-2018 Helen Mae (Walker) Proctor, 78, of Orleans, passed away at 3:43 PM on April 24, 2018, at her residence. She was born March 26, 1940 in Crawfordsville IN, the daughter of Clarence and Vera (Quinn) Walker. She married Herschel Gene Proctor, June 13, 1978, and he preceded her in death, February 23, 2018. She retired from Orange County REMC after 29 years and was a member of Orleans Tri-Kappa. Danny L. Arnold, 1949-2018 Danny Lee Arnold of Bedford, Indiana passed away unexpectedly on Monday, October 29th, at his home. Danny was born on March 7, 1949 in Sullivan Indiana to parents, the late Russell Arnold, Jr. and Shirley (Barrow) Humphrey. He served seven years in The United States Army Reserves leaving with an honorable discharge of Staff Sergeant.​ Dan retired from Orange County REMC after working 42 years in the utility business. Though modest of his accomplishments, he was proud to be the first person elected to the board of Cooperatives Federal Credit Union, serving six years as president of Co-op FCU, serving 10 years on the National standing committee representing a four-state area, as well as being chosen to represent the industry at an off-peak energy symposium. ​​ ​ (James) Mark Williams, 1952-2016 James Mark Williams, 64, of Orleans, passed away peacefully at his home on Oct. 8, 2016 at 9:01 AM. He was born on May 12, 1952 in Bedford, Indiana, the son of Larry Lee and Barbara Rose (McCart) Williams. Williams retired from Orange County REMC after 37 years of employment as a lineman. He was an active member and past master of the Orleans Masonic Lodge 153, the Bonds Chapel United Methodist Church and the National Rifle Association.​ ​ Brent Minton, 1979-2012 On Oct. 2, Brent Minton, a 33-year-old employee of Orange County REMC, was fatally injured in an accident as he loaded a utility pole onto a truck at the electric cooperative’s headquarters. The pole slipped out of the rigging, struck Minton and killed him instantly. ​ Minton was a journeyman lineman and worked at Orange County REMC for 12 years. He lived in Orleans and was a graduate of Paoli Jr./Sr. High School. Minton also served as an elder at the Dogwood Community Church in Paoli. He was an amazing example of what an employee, husband, father, son and Christian should be. Brent left a legacy of true love and humor. He is survived by his wife, Crystal; two children, Benjamin and Miley; parents Richard and Dinah Minton; and sister Kasie Lewellyn. ​ Bert Holsapple, 1931-2009 Bert E. Holsapple, 77, Orleans, died March 18 at Jewish Hospital in Louisville, Ky. Bert was born Sept. 24, 1931, in Orange County, to his parents, Claud and Allie (Baker) Holsapple. He married Ruth (Springer) Holsapple on April 23, 1955. He graduated from Orleans High School with the class of 1950 and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Bert was a member of the Orange County REMC board of directors, representing District 3 since 1970. This district includes all of Northeast Township in Orange County and Bono Township in Lawrence County. ​ Bert was a farmer, a member of the Lost River Baptist Church, Claysville, where he served as a deacon; and the Rob Morris Masonic Lodge in Campbellsburg. He was a former member of the Orleans Community School Board and Farm Credit Services of Mid-America’s Board of Directors. He received the “2004 Master Farmer Award” and was selected by the Orleans FFA as the “Honorary Chapter Farmer.”​ ​ Justin Moon, 1986-2008 Orange County REMC employee Justin Moon was fatally injured in a non-work related auto accident at 9:18 on March 8. Justin and his wife Autumn (Buchanan) Moon were traveling on U.S. 150 east of Paoli when the accident happened. Another vehicle struck a deer, which was sent through the windshield of Moon’s vehicle. Justin suffered brain injuries and was taken to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis where he was later removed from life support. Autumn suffered minor injuries in the crash. ​ His parents are Denny and Tammy (Webster) Moon and sisters are Misty Ross of Paoli and Jenny Hall of Virginia. He was hired at Orange County REMC as a member services technician in August of 2006. He was enrolled in the Hoosier Energy meter technician program. Justin was a very friendly young man who made everyone around him laugh. He was a wonderful person who would do anything asked of him. He will be sadly missed by his friends and co-workers at the REMC as well as anyone who met him. Justin was 21 years old and a 2005 Paoli High School graduate.

Operation Round Up What is Operation Round Up? We are pleased to offer a program designed to gather voluntary contributions from members to assist people in the communities served by your cooperative. Funds have been disbursed to local libraries, senior scholarship, schools, police departments, churches, and other organizations. Guidelines for awarding this money address needs such as food, clothing, shelter, health care and other community services. Funds are never used for political or administrative purposes. Each month, members who wish to participate in Operation Round Up can have Orange County REMC automatically round their electric and/or fiber bill to the next highest dollar. The cost to you will be less than a dollar a month and will average about $6.00 a year. Think about how many people and organizations can be helped with this small act. Since 2003, $601,746.23 has been given back to local communities through Operation Round Up. ​ Watch this video to learn more. DISBURSMENT LIST Important Dates ​Cycle 1 Application deadline: February 16, 2024 Board of Trustee Meeting: March 4, 2024 Cycle 2 Application deadline: June 14, 2024 Board of Trustee Meeting: July 1, 2024 Cycle 3 Application deadline: October 18, 2024 Board of Trustee Meeting: November 4, 2024 ​ INDIVIDUAL APPLICATION ORGANIZATION APPLICATION Operation Round Up November 2023 Members who wish to participate in Operation Round Up can have Orange County REMC automatically round their electric and/or fiber bills... Operation Round Up July 2023 Members who wish to participate in Operation Round Up can have Orange County REMC automatically round their electric and/or fiber bills... Operation Round Up March 2023 Each month, members who wish to participate in Operation Round Up can have Orange County REMC automatically round their electric and/or... 1 2 3

Clearing a Path to Reliability Trees are majestic, beautiful, and good for the soul. But we also know that our members depend on us to deliver reliable power to their homes and businesses. That’s why Orange County REMC strives to balance maintaining the beautiful surroundings we all cherish with ensuring reliable electricity. You might not realize it, but there are several benefits to regular tree trimming. RELIABILITY Keeping power lines clear of overgrown vegetation improves service reliability. After all, we’ve seen the whims of Mother Nature during severe weather events with fallen tree limbs taking down power lines and utility poles. While many factors can impact power disruptions, about half of all outages can be attributed to overgrown vegetation. This is why you sometimes see Orange County REMC crews or contractors out in the community trimming trees near power lines. Our trimming crews have been trained and certified based on the latest industry standards. In fact, all U.S. electric utilities are required to trim trees that grow too close to power lines. Scheduled trimming throughout the year keeps lines clear from overgrown or dead limbs that are likely to fall, and we are better able to prepare for severe weather events. Plus, we all know it’s more cost effective to undertake preventative maintenance than it is to make repairs after the fact. SAFETY Working near power lines can be dangerous, and we care about your safety and that of our lineworkers. For example, if trees are touching power lines in our members’ yards, they can pose a grave danger to families. If children can reach those trees, they can potentially climb into a danger zone. Electricity can arc, or jump, from a power line to a nearby conductor such as a tree. Any tree or branch that falls across a power line creates a potentially dangerous situation. A proactive approach lessens the chances of fallen trees during severe weather events that make it more complicated and dangerous for lineworkers to restore power. AFFORDABILITY As a co-op, Orange County REMC always strives to keep costs down for our members. If trees and other vegetation are left unchecked, they can become overgrown and expensive to correct. A strategic vegetation management program helps keep costs down for everyone. When it comes to vegetation management, there are ways you can help too. When planting new trees, make sure they’re planted a safe distance from overhead power lines. Medium-height trees (40 feet or smaller) should be planted at least 25 feet from power lines. Taller trees (over 40 feet) should be planted at least 50 feet from power lines. You can also practice safe planting near pad-mounted transformers. Plant shrubs at least 10 feet from the transformer door and 4 feet from the sides. If your neighborhood has underground lines, remember to contact 811 before you begin any project that requires digging. We have deep roots in our community, and we love our beautiful surroundings. It takes a balanced approach, and our vegetation management program is a crucial tool in ensuring service reliability. Matt Deaton General Manager/CEO

Spring into safety on the farm It’s planting season for many of Indiana’s roughly 94,000 farmers. While you prepare to plant the crops that keep the world fed, Orange County REMC reminds you to keep electrical safety in mind. According to the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 62 farm workers are electrocuted each year in the U.S. Here are safety tips for farmers to keep in mind this season: Make sure farm equipment like planter arms and sprayers safely clear overhead power lines. Tall equipment can easily become entangled in power lines and pose an electrocution risk. Keep a minimum of 10-foot distance from power lines in all directions. Consider asking your electric cooperative to move overhead lines around buildings or frequently used pathways. If you’re planning any new construction, consult your cooperative for information on minimum clearances and the location of overhead lines. Keep a safe distance from power poles and guy wires when working the land or planting crops. If your equipment strikes and damages a guy wire or power pole, do not try to fix it yourself. Call your electric cooperative immediately. If your farm equipment becomes entangled with power lines, call 911, keep others away and stay calm. If you must exit the equipment for life-threatening reasons, exit by jumping away, landing with feet together, then shuffle three tractor lengths away with feet together. Never re-enter or touch equipment in contact with a power line. Avoid touching anyone who had electrical contact. If you are planning a controlled burn, mow and remove vegetation at least 15 feet around any pole prior to burning. Apply fire retardant to the area as recommended by the manufacturer prior to burn period. Do not directly spray or treat a pole. Should a burn get out of control and endanger poles or other equipment, call 911 immediately. Prevent fires from passing under power lines, as smoke contains carbon particles that conduct electricity. High smoke concentration near lines can cause an electrical discharge from the line to the ground, posing risks to firefighters. When using water hoses near power lines, extreme care must be taken to avoid contact, as water conducts electricity, turning the stream into a conductor. SOURCES: U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, National Agricultural Statistics Service, Virginia Cooperative Extension, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Evergy, Kansas State University Know what to do if electrical contact occurs If you’re inside farm machinery that snags a power line: Call 911 immediately. Keep others away and remain calm. DO NOT try to exit the equipment. If you must exit the equipment for a life-threatening reason such as fire, don’t touch the machinery and the ground at the same time with any part of your body or clothing. With the door open, prepare to jump. Stand up, elbows tucked into your stomach and your hands held close to your chest. Jump out and away from the machinery. Land with your feet together and touching. Don’t stumble. Shuffle away with your feet touching each other and the ground at least three tractor lengths away from the machinery. Ensure that no bystanders come within 40 feet of machinery. Once away from the equipment, never attempt to get back on or touch the equipment. If you’re outside the machinery when you notice a farmer comes in contact with a downed power line: Stay at least three tractor lengths away. Tell the person on the machinery to stay where he or she is. Call 911 and ensure no bystander moves within 40 feet of machinery. Keep your planned burn under control Controlled burns can be a beneficial way to clear a field of debris. But they must be planned carefully and correctly. Here are safety tips if power lines are nearby: Mow and remove vegetation at least 15 feet around any pole and apply fire retardant to the area as recommended by the manufacturer prior burning. Do not directly spray or treat the pole. Do not allow the fire to cross under power lines in large areas. Smoke contains carbon particles which can conduct electricity. If the concentration gets high enough, an electrical discharge from the line to the ground, similar to lightning, can occur. When working below power lines with water hoses, keep water streams out of overhead lines. Water will conduct electricity and the water stream will act as a conductor. Should a burn endanger poles or other electrical equipment, call 911 immediately.

Don’t add an electrical tragedy to the trauma of a flood “Electricity and water don’t mix” is a safety rule we’ve all heard. But when flooding occurs in our home, the cautionary voices can be drowned out by the swell of the stress and water. Don’t jump in and add a tragedy to the trauma. If water has risen above or come into contact with electrical outlets, baseboard heaters or other electrical systems, do not go into the water, added NAME. “You can be shocked or killed. Not only can electricity travel through water, it can shock you through a wet floor.” Here are some things to keep in mind before and after a flood. Before the flood If you live in a flood-prone area: Keep an emergency kit of batteries, medications, etc., ready if you must leave immediately, or if services are cut off. Keep important documents in a waterproof container. Create password-protected digital copies. If your basement requires a sump pump, install a backup pump that uses a battery and sounds an alarm in case the main pump fails or the electricity is out for an extended time. If flooding is forecast or imminent: Move electrical appliances and devices out of your home or to an area in the house above the expected level of flood water. Follow any directives to turn off utilities. To switch off the main power to your home, flip each breaker off first, and THEN turn off the main breaker. You may also need to shut off the main valve for your home’s gas and water. After a flood If you’ve had to evacuate, do not enter a flooded area until it has been determined safe to do so by a first responder or other authority. Once you return home, do not touch a circuit breaker or replace a fuse with wet hands or while standing on a wet surface. If your home experienced flooding, keep the power off until an electrician has inspected your system for safety. Have an electrician inspect electrical appliances that have been wet, and do not turn on or plug in appliances unless an electrician tells you it is safe. Most wet appliances will require replacement. Sources: Electrical Safety Foundation International, FEMA, Electrical Safety Authority Dos and don’ts of cleaning up after the flood Sources: FEMA, Electrical Safety Authority What to replace or repair When cleaning up after a flood, keep in mind that not all appliances can be salvaged. Some can be repaired by the original manufacturer or approved representative, but many should be thrown away and replaced. Throw away breakers, fuses, disconnect switches, GFCIs, arc fault circuit interrupters and surge protection devices if they have been submerged in water. Things that may be repairable include panels, switchgear, motor control centers, boilers or boiler controls, electric motors, transformers, receptacles, switches, light fixtures, electric heaters and appliances such as water heaters, ovens, ranges and dishwashers. In MOST cases, though, these will need to be replaced. Depending on the type of wire or cable and the extent of the damage, electrical wiring may need to be replaced. Just because you can’t see any damage doesn’t mean there is no damage. A licensed electrical contractor should make that determination. Never just allow the equipment or wiring to “dry out” and attempt to power it up later.