Lightning and Surge Protection

Bluestem offers lightning and surge suppression equipment (for its members only) that can either be leased or purchased from the cooperative. 

The Lightning and Surge Suppression Ring is installed into the meter socket and then the meter into the ring. The meter extends out about four inches further after the ring has been installed.

The cooperative can install a Meter Base Surge Suppression Device (MBSSD) at your electric meter to protect your home from lightning strikes and other major power surges. Our technicians do the installation for a one-time fee of $69.95 and applicable sales tax. A service fee of $4.95 per month will be added to your monthly bill. The Lightning & Surge Suppression Ring comes with a warranty that has a $50,000 maximum coverage per household for standard white appliances ($5,000 per appliance). The MBSSD will always remain the property of the cooperative.

For more information on the Lightning and Surge Suppression Program, contact us.

Security Lights

Bluestem offers inexpensive outside lighting options to provide your home or business with added security, safety and convenience. Members have the option to purchase or rent the lights.  

• Purchase - A LED security light may be purchased and installed for $200 (plus tax).  The light must be installed on a pole which is on the low-voltage side of the transformer. It cannot be installed on any primary poles.  You are responsible for repairs, replacement parts and the electricity to run the light. 
• Rent - A fee of $11.55 per month per lamp is added to your monthly energy bill.  This covers the cost of the light, installation, replacement parts and electricity to run the light.  Lights can be installed on any existing Bluestem pole; no extra poles will be set for security lights.

Contact Us today for more information on how to get your security light.

Electric Water Heaters

It's easy to convert your nonelectric water heater to an electric one or replace your electric water heater with another electric unit.

Bluestem sells 40, 50, 85, and 105 gallon Marathon water heaters. The tanks have a lifetime warranty and the elements have a six-year warranty. As an added bonus, an electric water heater installed on the Bluestem's system, that meets the qualifying requirements, will receive a rebate. Find more information on our rebates. For Bluestem's price listing please contact the office.

​Find more information on Marathon water heaters