NEW MEMBER
WELCOME GUIDE
SERVICE AREA We serve members across seven counties in the Texas Hill Country including Bandera, Bexar, Kendall, Kerr, Medina, Real and Uvalde. Our service area is divided into nine districts, each with its own director.
4,600+ MILES OF POWER LINES
27,000+ MEMBERS
1,400+ MILES OF FIBER-OPTIC LINES
8,000+ FIBER SUBSCRIBERS
4,600+ KW FROM SOLAR GENERATION
120+ EMPLOYEES
37,000+ ACTIVE METERS
92% MEMBER SATISFACTION
YOU’RE THE BOSS Bandera Electric Cooperative is a not-for-profit, member owned utility. As one of our newest members, you’re also our newest owner.
VISION
MISSION
Our vision is Reimagining Rural America.
Our mission is lighting the grid to empower our members.
OFFICE LOCATIONS Bandera Headquarters
Boerne
3172 State Hwy 16 North Bandera, Texas 78003
1100 N. Main Street Suite 104 Boerne, Texas 78006
Leakey
Comfort
485 West Ranch Road 337 Leakey, Texas 78873
739 Front Street (Hwy 27) Comfort, Texas 78013
IF YOU NEED TO REACH US FOR ANY REASON, WE’RE JUST A CALL OR CLICK AWAY. OUR OPERATING HOURS ARE 7:30 A.M. TO 5:30 P.M. MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY. Call toll-free: 866.226.3372 BanderaElectric.com | myBEC app | Bandera.SmartHub.coop Report outages any time by phone, online or in the mobile app.
Replace your HVAC, pool pump, windows, doors and more with zero down, interest-free on-bill financing through the Energy Saver Program.
The Energy Saver Program includes Apolloware, BEC’s energy analytics platform, to maximize energy savings.
BANDERAELECTRIC.COM/ENERGYSAVER
MEMBER RIGHTS At Bandera Electric you are more than a customer—you’re a member. This means that in addition to quality electric service, you are also entitled to benefits such as capital credits, rebates and direct involvement in the business of the cooperative.
RELIABLE AND AFFORDABLE SERVICE
MEMBER REBATES
BEC continually improves its electric system infrastructure to strengthen reliability for all members. BEC’s rates are lower than state and national averages, saving members energy and money.
Rebate programs are offered throughout the year to encourage energy efficiency, electric vehicle ownership and renewable energy. Learn more at BanderaElectric.com/Rebates.
ANNUAL MEETING
YOUR SHARE OF CAPITAL CREDITS
BEC members are encouraged to attend the annual meeting of the membership to conduct the business of the cooperative. Visit BanderaElectric.com/AnnualMeeting.
The Cooperative distributes excess capital credits to its members as financial conditions permit. Learn more at BanderaElectric.com/CapitalCredits.
POWER OF CHOICE
TEXAS CO-OP POWER
BEC offers unique programs and rates, renewable energy options, energy efficiency programs, light bulb recycling and more. The power of choice is yours.
Members receive Texas Co-op Power magazine each month online and via mail, which includes stories, information and important updates from the Cooperative.
BANDERAELECTRIC.COM/MEMBERSHIP
Rural living doesn’t mean slow internet anymore. Get connected with fast, reliable and affordable BEC Fiber.
BANDERAELECTRIC.COM/FIBER
OUR PRINCIPLES 1
DEMOCRATIC MEMBER CONTROL
VOLUNTARY & OPEN MEMBERSHIP
2
MEMBERS’ ECONOMIC PARTICIPATION
3
COOPERATIVE PRINCIPLES All cooperatives follow the same set of principles. They guide the way we do business. These principles spotlight the value of belonging to a cooperative.
AUTONOMY & INDEPENDENCE
4
EDUCATION, TRAINING & INFORMATION
5
COOPERATION AMONG CO-OPS
6
CONCERN FOR COMMUNITY
7
BEC TECHNOLOGIES BEC is the utility of the future, leading the way in advanced technologies from fiber broadband to energy analytics and renewables.
BEC FIBER INTERNET
SOLAR ENERGY
BEC Fiber is the most advanced broadband technology in the Texas Hill Country. Fiber improves electric reliability and provides members with high-speed internet. Learn more at BanderaElectric.com/Fiber.
BEC offers residential and commercial solar systems and provides members the opportunity to subscribe to our community solar farm in Leakey. Learn more at BanderaElectric.com/Solar.
APOLLOWARE
ENERGY SAVER PROGRAM
Smart, secure cloud-based energy management system to help you visualize and take control of your energy use to save money. Learn more at BanderaElectric.com/Apolloware.
BEC covers the upfront cost of energy efficiency improvements. Members repay the costs, with no interest fees, through their monthly electric bill. Learn more at BanderaElectric.com/EnergySaver.
EV CHARGING SOLUTIONS
ENERGY STORAGE
BEC provides affordable Electric Vehicle charging stations throughout our service territory to promote sustainability in the Texas Hill Country. Learn more at BanderaElectric.com/EVs.
BEC offers affordable battery storage solutions that can be used with our without solar to provide seamless back up power in the event of an outage. Learn more at BanderaElectric.com/EnergyStorage.
YOUTH PROGRAMS We seek to provide education and training for our members—especially our young members. That is why we award annual scholarships and send students on the Government-in-Action Youth Tour to Washington D.C.
SCHOLARSHIPS BEC offers ten scholarships annually to local high school and home-schooled graduating seniors and currently enrolled college students. Students are eligible to apply if their guardian is a BEC member. BEC scholarships may be applied toward tuition, fees and expenses at any accredited four-year university, college, junior college, or TEA-approved technical or trade school that offers an associate degree.
YOUTH TOUR BEC sends high school students on a week long, all-expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C. each summer as part of the Electric Co-op Government-in-Action Youth Tour. Students have the opportunity to visit many of the nation’s exciting museums, memorable landmarks and meet students from around Texas and the United States. Students meet their state representatives and visit the state and U.S. Capitols.
BANDERAELECTRIC.COM/YOUTH
UNDERSTANDING YOUR BILL YOU PAY YOUR BILL EVERY MONTH, BUT WHAT EXACTLY DOES IT MEAN? METER READING
ENERGY CHARGE
This information includes data related to your previous and current meter readings.
This cost reflects the actual cost of electricity BEC purchases for you, our members.
YNNN NNNN
Manage your account with Manage account with the newyour myBEC mobile app! the new myBEC mobile app!
Bandera Electric Cooperative Bandera Electric16 Cooperative 3172 Highway North 3172 PO Highway Box 667 16 North PO Box 667TX 78003-0667 Bandera, Bandera, TX 78003-0667
Sign up today at Sign up today at BanderaElectric.com/myBEC BanderaElectric.com/myBEC s Make Payments s Make Payments s Track Usage s TrackElectric Electric Usage s Report s ReportOutages Outages
Contact us at: 1-866-226-3372 Contact us at: 1-866-226-3372 Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. oror e-mail usus atat mas@banderaelectric.com e-mail mas@banderaelectric.com Visit usus online atat BanderaElectric.com Visit online BanderaElectric.com
MEMBER NAME 122232 34 ELE1CTAV RIC0.398 DRIVE BAJANE NDERASMITH TX 7 80 03 123 MAIN STREET BANDERA TX 78003-4990
5 2232 C-7
AT DFA AT FTA FTF ATT TFD DAA DAT AAF TDF DAD FDT DF AFD TAF FFT FDT DDT ATA TFT ADT DA
ACCOUNT NUMBER NUMBER ACCOUNT NUMBERMEMBER MEMBER NUMBER 00000000 0000000 123456001 123456
NAME NAME MEMBER NAME Jane Smith
READING NO READING NO DAYS TOTO PREVIOUS PRESENT DAYS PREVIOUS PRESENT 03/08/2021 2831 58297 60913 06/01/2021 46159 46773 SERVICE LOCATION: 1234 DRIVE SERVICE LOCATION: 197ELECTRIC LONNIE LANE SERVICE SERVICE
FROM FROM
02/08/2021 05/01/2021
SERVICE DESCRIPTION SERVICE DESCRIPTION 1234 ELECTRIC DRIVE 123 Main Street
KWH KWH MULTIPLIER MULTIPLIER USAGE USAGE 1 1 2616 614
BILLING DATE BILLING DATE 03/09/2021 06/02/2021
METER METER NUMBER NUMBER 000000 12345
TYPE TYPE SERVICE SERVICE Electric Electric
Days kWh kWh/Day Days Total Total kWh Avg. Avg. kWh/Day Previous Balance Payments Received 2831 2616 9319 Balance Forward 614 Balance Forward 2,616 kWh x $0.067075 == Energy Charge Energy Charge 614 kWh x $0.067075 Same Period Last Year 1749 6025 Same Period Last Year 2931 785 2,616 kWh x $0.021358 == Distribution Charge Distribution Charge 614 kWh x $0.021358 Availability Charge Availability Charge Operation Round Up Mission 1 Apolloware Saver Did you know that we have an app for your convenience? 2 Energy Saver The myBEC app allows you to pay your bill, monitor your ***Mission AMOUNT DUE ELECTRIC *** usage, and set up alert notifications and much more. Ready Operation Round Up to get started? Download the new myBEC app today!(Available on the App Store and Google Play) *** AMOUNT DUE ELECTRIC *** YOUR CREDIT CARD WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY CHARGED ON 03/25/2021 - DO NOT SEND PAYMENT
71.78 71.78CR 0.00 0.00 175.47 41.18 55.87 13.11 25.00 25.00 0.66 14.25 72.23 257.00 .23
COMPARISONS COMPARISONS
Current Billing Period Current Billing Period
SAM
PLE
166.00
CURRENT CURRENTAMOUNT AMOUNTDUE DUEBY BY03/25/2021 06/18/2021 TOTAL TOTALAMOUNT AMOUNTDUE DUE Gross GrossAmount AmountDue DueAfter After03/25/2021 06/18/2021
Bandera BanderaElectric ElectricCooperative Cooperative 3172 3172Highway Highway16 16North North PO POBox Box667 667 Bandera, Bandera,TX TX78003-0667 78003-0667
Account Number Account Number Member Number Member Number Current Amount Due Current Amount Due Credit Due DateCard Draft Date Credit Card Draft Total Amount Due Amount
257.00 166.00 257.00 166.00 257.00 174.30 123456001 0000000000 12346 0000000
257.00 166.00 03/25/2021 06/18/2021 257.00 166.00
Gross Amount Due After 06/18/2021 174.30 Check here for change of address and complete form on back. JANE SMITH 123 MAIN STREET BANDERA, TX 78003-0000 MEMBER NAME 1234 ELECTRIC DRIVE BANDERA TX 78003-0000
Check here for change of addressCOOPERATIVE and complete form on back. BANDERA ELECTRIC 2 PO BOX 204299 BANDERA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE DALLAS TX 75320-4299
PO BOX 34087 SAN ANTONIO TX 78265-4087
DISTRIBUTION CHARGE This charge represents the price of delivering power to your home or business. This cost allows us to maintain substations, right-of-ways, poles and distribution lines that deliver electricity to you.
AVAILABILITY CHARGE This charge covers expenses associated with having a meter at your home or business, including monthly readings, billings, repairs, meter testing and maintenance.
APOLLOWARE AND ENERGY SAVER CHARGES Members who make energy efficiency upgrades through the optional Energy Saver Program pay back the cost of improvements on their monthly electric bill for up to 10 years, zero down, interest-free.
ROUND UP If you choose to round up your electric and/or fiber service bill to the next whole dollar in support of the BEC Charitable Foundation, the amount will appear here.
EASY WAYS TO PAY PAYMENT LOCATIONS
CASH, CREDIT OR CHECK
Pay in person at any of our offices or use our 24-hour payment drop boxes. Payment kiosks are located at select offices. Members can use Fidelity Express Payment Centers, which may charge a processing fee and take longer to submit your payment.
Make payments at one of our offices, online through your myBEC account or by phone toll-free at 866.226.3372. We accept cash, credit, checks and e-checks.
PREPAY
AUTOPAY
PAPERLESS BILLING
With PrePay, you put electricity in your home just like you fill the gas tank in your car, you pay for it before you use it. Purchase small amounts every few days, or fill up the tank and not worry about it for several weeks. When your supply is low, you simply purchase more electricity.
Put your account on auto-pilot by setting up your account to automatically draft your payment. Sign up for automatic payments using your debit, credit, checking or savings accounts. Log in to myBEC online or on the mobile app to set it up today!
Small things, like reducing mailbox clutter, can make a big difference in helping the environment. Sign up to receive your statements online and eliminate the need for a paper bill to be mailed each month. View or download a copy of your bill at any time with myBEC online or in the app.
MOBILE APP The new myBEC mobile app makes it easy to manage your account wherever you go. Its user-friendly interface makes paying your bill a breeze.
ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT
SERVICE INTERRUPTIONS
Pay your fiber or electric bill, set up auto pay, update payment methods, and more.
Report outages, view our outage map and see your estimated service restoration.
ENERGY USAGE
STAY CONNECTED
See and compare daily, monthly or annual energy usage at a glance to stay on top of your bill.
Get alerts, set up account notifications, find our social media links or contact us, all in the app.
Visit BanderaElectric.com/myBEC
BE PREPARED Bandera Electric keeps a close eye on potentially threatening weather year-round. We employ extensive technology and resources to restore power to our members safely and efficiently. Make sure your contact information is up to date in the event of an outage.
KEEP AN OUTAGE KIT ON HAND
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Store essentials such as a flashlight, batteries, first-aid kit, blankets and nonperishable food in a central location, where they can be easily located.
Follow BEC on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn for up-to-date information and important notices.
STAY IN THE KNOW
CRITICAL CARE LIST
Visit BanderaElectric.com/OutageMap or use the myBEC mobile app to view realtime outage information, restoration times and more. Tune into Ranch Radio FM 92.3 in case of energy emergencies.
Members who require life-sustaining equipment will receive high priority as we restore power, but you should have an emergency plan in the event of an extended outage. Learn more at BanderaElectric.com/CriticalCare.
REPORT OUTAGES 866-226-3372 OR USE THE MYBEC MOBILE APP
BEC FOUNDATION Your change makes a big difference in the community. The foundation provides grants to local nonprofits with a focus on education, safety and overall concern for community.
ROUND UP YOUR BILL SHOP AMAZONSMILE MAKE A DONATION
BANDERAELECTRIC.COM/FOUNDATION