north arkansas electric cooperative
Keep fall and winter energy costs in check by making sure your heating system and your use of it are as efficient as possible.
Take steps to reduce usage in colder weather
Ensure heat pump’s thermostat is not set to emergency. This also can be referred to as “E Heat,” “EM Heat” or “Supplemental Heat.” This setting only uses the heat strips of your unit, which will cost you more than 22
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twice as much as the correct setting of “Heat.”
unattended and only operate it away from flammable items.)
Avoid adjusting nonprogrammable thermostats more than two degrees at a time. If you increase the set temperature by more than two degrees, the auxiliary heat strips will kick on to get to the desired temperature quicker.
Schedule a checkup of your heating system by a licensed heating and air dealer. They can ensure your unit is operating at its most efficient. This can extend the life of your unit as well. Energy efficiency upgrades to a home, such as added insuLimit use of space heaters. lation or replacing an electric Most space heaters use 1,500 furnace with a high-efficiency watts and are not designed to heat pump, can be costly in the heat a large room. Continually short term but lead to substantial operating one 1,500-watt space savings on a home’s energy costs heater can increase your bill by in the long term. NAEC’s energy approximately $120 a month. advisers can offer suggestions For those using space heaters in on the efficiency measures that their well houses, NAEC’s energy would benefit your home most. advisers suggest heat tape and NAEC offers qualifying meminsulation if possible. (Safety is ber low-interest loans to fund key if using a space heater. We energy efficiency improvements. recommend you never leave one Call 870-895-3221 for details.
NORTH ARKANSAS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
TOMASZ ZAJDA/ADOBE STOCK; VZ_ART/ADOBE STOCK; GRANT HYSLIP
Winter’s colder temperatures cause heating systems to run longer and more often as members try to stay warm. Heating a home usually accounts for more than 40 percent of energy costs, according to research done by the U.S. Department of Energy. Properly maintaining a heating system and knowing energy efficient practices can help keep your energy costs in check. Here are steps NAEC’s energy advisers suggest you take to ensure you are heating your home as efficiently as possible:
Auto bank draft: NAEC’s easiest option to pay bill
Learn cyber security basics Being “cyber smart” is vital as we are more connected than ever before, and cyber attacks and breaches become more sophisticated. Here are a few tips we can take to limit our risk of falling victim:
Enable multi-factor authentication. Multi-factor authentication adds that necessary second check to verify your identity when logging in to one of your accounts. By requiring multiple methods of authentication, your account is further protected from being compromised, even if a bad actor hijacks your password. Use strong passphrases/password manager. Choosing complex, unique passwords is a good way to stop your account from being hacked. An easy way of keeping track and remembering your passwords is by using a password manager. Perform software updates. Don’t postpone updates. Having the latest security software, web browser and operating system on devices is one of the best defenses against online threats. Do your research. Research before downloading anything new to your device, such as apps. Before downloading any new learning app on your device, make sure it’s authentic by checking who created the app, what the user reviews say, and if there are any articles published online about the app’s privacy and security features. More co-op news on page 26
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Automatic bank draft is the most convenient payment method NAEC offers, especially while lobbies remain closed due to the pandemic. Enrolling in this free service ensures the bill is paid on time each month. It also eliminates the cost of a stamp or time spent in the drive-through lane. Automatic bank draft is an electronic transfer from your checking or savings account to NAEC’s each month. If you enroll, you can continue to receive an itemized statement of the bill either by mail, email or both each month. On or about the 10th of every month, the amount of the bill is deducted from your account. To enroll in automatic bank draft, please call 870-895-3221. You also can sign up for bank draft by logging into your account on the Member Account Portal at naeci.com. If you’ve never accessed your account online, you can get started by visiting naeci.com and clicking on the “Account Login” button in the top right. Then, click on the “New User” link on the log-in screen to create a user ID and password. Please contact NAEC during business hours if you need assistance.
north arkansas electric cooperative
Cooperatives follow seven common principles ACE Hardware, State Farm, REI, Land O’Lakes and North Arkansas Electric Cooperative all share something in common: We’re all cooperatives. Although we are in different industries, we all share a passion for serving our members and helping our communities to thrive. In fact, all cooperatives adhere to the same set of seven principles that reflect our core values of honesty, transparency, equity, inclusiveness and service to the greater community good. October is National Co-op Month, so this is the perfect time to reflect on these principles that have stood the test of time but also provide a framework for the future.
surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing the cooperative; setting up reserves; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.
4. Autonomy and Independence Cooperatives are autonomous organizations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements with other organizations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control as well as their unique identity.
1. Open and Voluntary Membership Membership in a cooperative is open to all people who can reasonably use its services and stand willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, regardless of race, religion, gender or economic circumstances. 2. Democratic Member Control Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. Directors are elected among the membership and are accountable to them.
NAEC linemen Shane Goodson (in bucket) and Briar King (on pole) help restore power to South Louisiana Electric Cooperative Association members after Hurricane Ida. Mutual aid exemplifies the principle of cooperation among cooperatives.
3. Members’ Economic Participation Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. At least part of that capital remains the common property of the cooperative. Members allocate 26 22
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NORTH ARKANSAS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
5. Education, Training and Information Education and training for members, elected directors, CEOs and employees help them effectively contribute to the development of their cooperatives. Communications about the nature and benefits of cooperatives, particularly with the general public and opinion leaders, help boost cooperative understanding. 6. Cooperation Among Co-ops By working together through local, national, regional and international structures, cooperatives improve services, bolster local economies and deal more effectively with social and community needs.
7. Concern for Community Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies supported by the membership.