Northern Electric Cooperative takes holiday lighting seriously.

For more than 40 years it has been a tradition to decorate the vast lawn in front of the main headquarters in Bath with lights and figurines. The Redfield office also gets in on the fun with its own display.

At the Bath headquarters hundreds of LED lights are used to celebrate Christmas and ring in the New Year. This includes the large star that is placed above the display every year. The star and the twinkling lights serve as a festive welcome to drivers who are entering Aberdeen on U.S. Highway 12.

The creativity of Northern Electric Cooperative crews are also on display in Redfield. Old wire spools are used in that display to create a snowman and Christmas bulbs. With all the construction on the Northern Electric system there is often a surplus of these spools. The Redfield display is a way for the office to show off its holiday electric cooperative pride and recycle unused materials at the same time.

LED lighting is a key component in both displays, making the season merry and bright without breaking the bank. According to energy.gov a string of 50 LED lights costs a mere 13 cents to operate during the holiday season. Old ceramic incandescent light bulbs cost about $13 to operate per string during 40 days of illumination.

So, as you are out and about during the next few weeks please drive by both offices and take a look at these creative, festive, and joyful displays. The lights will be illuminated through January 6.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Northern Electric Cooperative!