7 minute read
Your Electric Co-op
Executive Vice President and General Manager
Bobby Ferris
Lovington
1300 W. Avenue D • P.O. Drawer 1447 Lovington, NM 88260 575-396-3631 Tatum • 575-398-2233 Plains • 806-456-3322 Toll-Free • 800-510-5232 Website • www.lcecnet.com
@LeaCountyCoopOffice Hours
“Owned By Those We Serve” This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Board of Trustees President
John Graham, Lovington, District 1
Vice President
Robert Caudle, Lovington, District 1
Secretary-Treasurer
Dan Hardin, Lovington, District 4
Charles Garner
Seminole, TX, District 7
Travis Glenn
Tatum, District 3
C.J. Kinsolving
Crossroads, District 6
Randall McCormick
Lovington, District 5
Kenny Wallace
Lovington, District 1
Jason Swann
Plains, TX, District 8
LCEC Offers Levelized Budget Payment Plan
Rising energy prices can adversely affect your monthly energy bills. In addition to following conservation tips, our residential members can utilize Lea County Electric Cooperative’s Levelized Budget Payment Plan (LBPP) program. The program offsets increased energy costs for heating during the winter months and cooling during the summer months with lower consumption months by spreading and leveling electricity consumption into manageable monthly bills. This plan is particularly helpful for anyone on a budget or limited income.
With our LBPP, we calculate your bill by simply averaging the kilowatt-hours you have consumed during the past twelve months applied to current rates. We also use the current month’s fuel adjustment cost in calculating the 12-month average. Since you are paying an average of your monthly consumption each month, you may pay for more or less electricity than you have consumed, as shown by your meter reading.
The difference between your LBPP amount and your actual billing amount is called a balance forward. We will take one-twelfth (1/12) of your balance forward and add or subtract to your twelve (12) month average to calculate your total LBPP monthly amount due. The LBPP is calculated in this manner to keep you from owing Lea County Electric or Lea County Electric owing to you for more power than your budget amount covers.
If you have used more electricity than you have paid for by the time you leave or choose to exit the LBPP program, you will be required to pay the amount due. If you have paid for more electricity than you have used, the credit balance will be applied to your current bill or refunded to you.
For more information, please contact one of our Customer Service Representatives today: 575-396-3631 800-510-5232
Reporting an Outage
Power outages occur for many reasons: bad weather, vehicle accidents, or planned system maintenance, to name a few. LCEC personnel are available 24-hours a day, seven days a week, to take your reports of outages.
To report an outage:
1. Call 575-396-3631 or 800-510-5232, Option 2. 2. Log in to SmartHub on your computer or your device. 3. Go online to https://www.lcecnet.com/ outage-center
When calling, if possible, have the following information available:
• Name of the account holder: If you are calling for a relative or a neighbor, it’s essential we know the member’s name you are calling for. • Meter or member number: This helps us locate your location in our system quickly. • The physical address of the location: Some members have more than one meter, so having a physical address allows us to know which meter is experiencing the outage. • Good contact phone number: In case we need more information or to verify when power has been restored. • Nature of the problem (if known): If a pole is down, a line down, loud pop, etc. • The number of people in your area without power (if known): Is it just you or are your neighbors out, too?
If a power line is down, do not go near the area! Move to a safe location before you call on the downed line.
Remember, the more information you have at the time you call on the outage, the more it will help LCEC crews determine the issue and restore the power quicker.
High-Volume Call Answering System
Our high-volume automated call answering system helps relay problems to our staff quickly and effectively during significant interruptions. This system helps us pinpoint issues during major events, which allows us to dispatch crews more efficiently.
Although the automated system can be frustrating at times, it will enable us to take a high volume of calls in a short amount of time. We, as would you, prefer direct contact during outage situations. However, during periods of high call volume, our automated system collects outage information, thereby allowing LCEC staff to focus on restoring your power.
Dan O'Neill 11th grade, Estancia Valley Classical Academy Edgewood in Santa Fe County Central New Mexico Electrical Cooperative
I’ve been working as an assistant manager for an online company called Contractor Exam Academy. I’ve also been volunteering for Presbyterian Hospice at Kaseman Hospital. I assist in the office with computer and paperwork. I plan to volunteer in the inpatient unit at Presbyterian Kaseman Hospital. However, because of the COVID-19 situation, volunteers are not allowed on the hospice unit. I am planning to attend the University of New Mexico after graduation. I am interested in radiology and my goal is to be accepted one day to the UNM School of Medicine.
Eli Terry 11th grade, Floyd High School near Floyd in Roosevelt County Roosevelt County Electric Cooperative
During the COVID-19 quarantine, I have had more time to focus on my FFA and 4-H projects. Since I did not have school from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. or have track practice or track meets, I have found a lot to do at home. I have been taking dual credit college classes online, refinishing and painting furniture, raising laying hens, and raising 6 Holstein calves as well. Most recently, I have been studying and taking some practice tests for the ACT. All these projects have kept me really busy. Currently, my plans and dreams for the future are to attend and graduate college at Eastern New Mexico University to become a speech therapist. I am interested in a bachelor’s degree in communication disorders and a master’s degree in speech therapy. I like the idea of going to college close to home and being able to finish with a master’s degree all at one college. I have looked into the speech therapy program, and I have seen that the program is well respected. Other than higher education goals, I hope to be happy in my life and serve God.
Ella C. Guerro 10th grade, Magdalena Municipal Schools Alamo Navajo Reservation in Socorro County Socorro Electric Cooperative
I have been taking walks with my dog, going fishing at my pond, riding my bike with my cousins, and taking care of my family. My plans for the future are to attend Emory University to become a sports therapist.
Emma Montgomery 12th grade, Artesia High School Piñon in Chaves County Central Valley Electric Cooperative
With the whole family being home, I’ve been able to spend a lot more time with them, which I’m very thankful for. Next year, I will be attending Texas Tech University and majoring in agricultural communications. I hope to serve the agriculture industry by marketing, advertising, and designing for a major agriculture magazine or company.
Heidi Garcia 11th grade, Belen High School Veguita in Socorro County Socorro Electric Cooperative
During this time in quarantine, I’ve picked up new hobbies like writing and making bracelets, but just like everyone else, I’ve been binge-watching my favorite Netflix shows. Once I graduate from high school, my biggest dream would be to study at the Anglo American University in the Czech Republic. I want to travel, meet new people, and learn about different cultures. I want to major in business and come back to the U.S. and go to law school. I want to live in Denver, Colorado, because I love urban cities, especially Denver because it’s close enough to my family.
Helen Bright 11th grade, Quemado High School Between Pie Town and Quemado in Catron County Socorro Electric Cooperative
I have had lots of time to do some of my favorite things, like art and music. On top of that, our ewe had a lamb which she refused to take care of, so I also ended up taking care of a lamb. I also really enjoy the art of cosplay (costume play), when I have felt like quarantine was hard all I had to do was get dressed up, and in some ways, I felt better as it is a way for me to deal with the constant stress of life on my shoulders. For my future, I haven’t completely thought out everything I want; I don’t have some
