E3 Smart Program: Empowering tomorrow's leaders through early energy education

In the dynamic landscape of energy education, the E3 Smart Program, run by the Ohio Energy Project (OEP), stands as a beacon of inspiration, leading the charge to empower students and teachers across Ohio. The E3 Smart Program's mission is clear: to inspire leadership and energy innovation.

The E3 Smart Program breaks barriers and fosters energy literacy in our communities. Since the program is provided to teachers at no charge, thanks to cooperatives like North Central Electric, it is more accessible to rural schools. By removing budget barriers, teachers can bring critical energy science content to their classrooms and communities.

NCE is a dedicated supporter of the E3 Smart Program, as two of our seven cooperative principles play directly into the E3 Smart Program - Education, Training, and Information, and Concern for Community. We are happy to support our rural schools. NCE sponsors four teachers within our territory, and we play a pivotal role in bringing the E3 Smart Program to life for rural students.

NCE is looking to support additional teachers in our territory. If you or a teacher you know is interested in learning more about this FREE program, give us a call at 419-426-3072.

The E3 Smart Program leaves a powerful impact on our local communities. By empowering students and teachers with knowledge about energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, and conservation, the E3 Smart Program is laying the foundation for a brighter and more sustainable future.

The Great Eclipse

On April 8, the moon's orbit will place it directly between Earth and the sun, casting nightlike darkness on a path starting in the South Pacific at about 11:42 a.m. Eastern time and ending about five hours later somewhere over the North Atlantic.

The 100-mile-wide path of totality (where the event will be seen as a total eclipse) goes directly across Ohio. The total eclipse will last nearly four minutes in the center of that path.

The next total eclipse visible in Ohio won't happen until 2099, so don't miss out!.

How to safely watch a solar eclipse:

Plan ahead and make sure to get a pair of solar eclipse glasses to use on April 8.
Carefully look at your solar filter or eclipse glasses before using them. If you see any scratches or damage, do not use them.
Before looking up at the sun, stand still and cover your eyes with your eclipse glasses or solar viewers. After glancing at the sun, turn away and remove your filter — do not remove it while looking at the sun.
The only time you can look at the sun without a solar viewer is during a total eclipse. When the moon completely covers the sun's bright face, and it suddenly gets dark, you can remove your solar filter to watch this unique experience. Then, as soon as the bright sun begins to reappear very slightly, immediately use your solar viewer again to watch the remaining partial phase of the eclipse.

January outage report

NCE experienced 12 outages in January, with the majority caused by weather and equipment.

The longest outage occurred after an insulator flashed over, causing the outage. When an insulator "flashes over" it means that there is a crack in the material. On this specific night, it was raining and water got into the insulator causing it to "flash" or spark and requiring repairs to reenergize the line.

Click here to view the outage map

Clearing the path for reliability

Did you know electric utilities are required to trim trees and other types of vegetation that grow too close to overhead power lines? We know you love your trees, and we will do everything we can to avoid trimming them.

Three ways to help limit tree trimming:

Plant trees in the right place. Trees that will be less than 40 feet tall should be planted at least 25 feet away from power lines (>40 feet tall should be at least 50 feet away).
Don't block pad-mounted transformers. Plant shrubs at least 10 feet away from transformer doors and 4 feet from transformer sides.
Report hazardous branches. If you spot a tree or branch that is close to power lines, please let us know.

Trimming improves safety for all. Let's work together to enjoy the beauty of trees and reliable electricity.

A look inside this month's Ohio Cooperative Living

The March issue of Ohio Cooperative Living is now available online! NCE-specific information begins on page 17, and highlights include:

Reliability vs. Resiliency
Maintaining reliability
2023 Annual outage report

Find the digital here!

NCE Homepage

Programs & Rebates

SmartHub

America's Electric Cooperatives PAC

Outage Information