2024 March NAEC Center Pages

MEL COLEMAN CEO

Restoring power safely and efficiently

We do our best to avoid them, but there’s no way around it: power outages occasionally happen. Most of the time outages are rare and only last a few hours. But if major storms impact our area, extended outages can be unavoidable.

When the lights go out and it’s safe for our crews to begin the restoration process, they start by repairing power lines and equipment that will restore power to the greatest number of people in the shortest time possible.

The process typically begins with inspecting and repairing any damages to transmission lines or substations. Next are repairs to the larger main distribution lines that service a great number of homes and businesses. After those repairs are made, crews work on tap lines, which deliver power to transformers, either mounted on utility poles (for above-ground service) or placed on pads (for underground service). Finally, individual service lines that run between the transformer and the homes are repaired.

We can’t control the weather, but we can prepare for it. We keep a supply of equipment on hand, so we can quickly get to work in the event of an outage. When widespread outages occur, multiple crews will be out in the field simultaneously working to repair damage at multiple locations. We also coordinate with nearby co-ops to bring in additional crews when necessary.

A proactive approach to maintenance helps minimize the chance of prolonged outages. This is why you see our crews and contractors periodically trimming trees and clearing vegetation near rights-of-way. We love trees too, but it only takes one overgrown limb to knock out power for an entire neighborhood. Trimming improves power reliability for our entire community. In addition to managing vegetation, we regularly inspect utility poles, power lines and other critical equipment to maintain a more reliable system.

If you experience a power outage, don’t assume a neighbor reported it. It’s best to report the outage yourself by calling (870) 895-3221 or by using the NAEC app. If you have a medical condition that requires electrical equipment, always have a backup plan in place. This plan could include a portable generator, extra medical supplies or moving to an alternate location until power is restored. If you plan to use a generator for backup power, read all safety information and instructions before use.

Mother Nature can be unpredictable, but as a member of North Arkansas Electric Cooperative, you can feel confident knowing we’re standing by, ready to restore power as quickly and safely as possible.

Avoid third-party payment fees, delays

NAEC offers better, free payment options

North Arkansas Electric Cooperative (NAEC) wants members to be aware of possible drawbacks to using third-party payment services. All payment methods offered by the co-op include no additional charge; however, many third-party payment services charge users a fee.

Also, some third-party payment services mail NAEC a check for the electric bill once users pay them rather than using a direct payment method. Depending on when the payment is processed, this could lead to the co-op not receiving payments by the due date of the 14th. Even electronic payments from banks, credit unions and other third-party payment services can take up to 24 hours to post to your NAEC account.

NAEC offers several payment options. The most convenient is automatic bank draft. Enrolling in this free service ensures the bill is paid on time each month and eliminates the cost of a stamp, a lobby visit or trip through the drive-thru lane.

Automatic bank draft is an electronic transfer from a member’s checking or savings account to NAEC’s each month. The member will continue to receive an itemized statement of the bill unless he or she prefers E-Bill notifications only. On the 10th of each month (or the next business day if the 10th falls on a weekend), the amount of the bill will be deducted from the account.

To enroll in automatic bank draft, please call NAEC at (870) 895-3221 during regular business hours, or sign up through the Member Account Portal at naeci.com or the NAEC app.

Other NAEC payment methods include:

• Member Account Portal — Visit naeci.com, click “Account Login,” and enter user ID and password. If using for the first time, please click “New User” to get started. The system accepts payments from a checking or savings account and a debit or credit card. Members without a user ID and password can pay online using the "Quick Pay" feature on the portal home page.

• NAEC Mobile App — Log in to an account. The app accepts payments from a checking or savings account and a debit or credit card. The account number/user ID and password are the same as those used to access the Member Account Portal.

• Phone — Call (870) 895-3221 to make a payment with a Member Services employee during business hours or any time through our automated system.

• NAEC offices — Visit the Ash Flat, Salem or Mountain Home offices. The Salem and Mountain Home offices, including the drive-thru, are open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. The Ash Flat office is open 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Night deposit boxes are available at each office; please do not put cash in the deposit boxes.

• Mail — Send a payment in the return envelope enclosed in the statement.

Operation Round Up scholarship applications due April 11

The North Arkansas Electric Cooperative (NAEC) member-funded Operation Round Up® program awards thousands of dollars in scholarships to local graduating high school seniors each year. In 2023, 14 students were awarded $1,000 scholarships, and three students were awarded $4,000 scholarships to be disbursed in $1,000 installments for up to four years.

NAEC is accepting applications for the 2024-2025 scholarship program. The application is available at naeci.com or through high school counselors’ offices.

Applicants must mail or deliver the typed application to NAEC by April 11. They must include a transcript and three letters of recommendation.

To be eligible for the scholarship, high school seniors must graduate at the end of the 2024 school year, and their parents or legal guardians must be NAEC members. Applicants also must have a grade-point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale through the first semester of senior year. The scholarship must be used to attend an accredited institute of higher learning on a full-time basis. For more information, please contact Tori Moss, marketing and communications director, at (870) 895-6210 or tmoss@naeci.com

Members can help fund future scholarships by enrolling their accounts in Operation Round Up. Volunteers allow their balance to be "rounded up" to the next dollar each month. Call (870) 895-3221 to join today!

Applications for Youth Tour due to NAEC by March 15

North Arkansas Electric Cooperative, along with the state’s 16 other electric cooperatives, will provide an all-expenses-paid trip June 15-21 to Washington, D.C., for a selected group of high school students.

While on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, students will join 1,800 other teenagers from across the country in exploring world-class museums, viewing national monuments, meeting elected officials, and much more.

Applicants must be high school juniors during the 2023-2024 school year with a parent or legal guardian who is an NAEC member. After reviewing applications, NAEC will select applicants for interviews to determine the winners.

The application is available at naeci.com and through high school counselors. NAEC must receive completed applications by March 15.

For more information about Youth Tour, please contact Tori Moss at (870) 895-6210 or tmoss@naeci.com