Developing relationships with local businesses and members is a core part of North Central Electric Cooperative’s services. Its vision statement says the cooperative strives to provide members with “highly reliable electric service, superior customer service, and innovative energy solutions.” Finding the best talent to help a cooperative prosper and grow is a difficult yet vital challenge. 

Following the resignation of 10-year Energy Services Advisor Scott Carbary in April, the cooperative retained two energy services advisors to provide the same high level of customer service North Central members expect.   

Many members met Andrew Finton and Don Foster at the North Central annual meeting, the Crawford County Fair, and the Attica Independent Fair, where they talked about energy efficiency and appliance rebates. Both men bring experience in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) field plus extensive energy efficiency knowledge.  

Finton graduated from Cincinnati State University with a degree in electro-mechanical engineering and has served as an energy manager for the Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance. He grew up in the Milan area and resides back in the area.  

“I enjoy having the opportunity to help members understand where their energy is going and how to put some of those dollars back in their own pockets by investing in energy efficiency measures that will have a quick return on investments while improving the quality of life,” Finton said. “Our energy rebate program is a great way to educate our members on what is the best route for their energy efficiency needs.” 

Don Foster is a LaGrange resident and longtime member of neighboring Lorain-Medina Rural Electric Cooperative. He has worked  locally in the HVAC industry for 22 years.  

“Some of the members I have come across, I have been to their homes before but as a HVAC contractor,” Foster said. He has received training from WaterFurnace, Carrier, York, Lennox, Samsung, Fujitsu, Rheem, and Arzel. I enjoy working with members in finding solutions to more efficiently use their electricity. I enjoy the fact that every day presents a new set of challenges,” Foster said. 

He will focus on helping residential and commercial members use their electricity as efficiently as possible. He enjoys conducting energy audits and using a blower door.
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The blower door is the most effective way of showing the members where their energy losses are. There can often be easy, inexpensive ways to reduce energy waste,” Foster said.  

Both energy services advisors will keep up to date with the latest technology and energy efficiency concepts by attending hands-on workshops and training offered throughout the year by Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives, the statewide association headquartered in Columbus.

To learn more about how Finton and Foster can help members manage energy use, contact the Member Services Department at 1-800-426-3072 or online at www.ncelec.org. 