OCTOBER 2022
THE MESSENGER A Publication for North Arkansas Electric Cooperative Members
NAEC recommends research before installing solar North Arkansas Electric Cooperative encourages members to analyze the pros and cons before buying or leasing a solar facility. Questions to consider in advance include: • Is the estimated energy savings worth the investment? Will your average monthly electric bill exceed the monthly payment for your solar facility plus your minimum NAEC bill? The electric distribution charge is commonly called a minimum bill and is $1.04 a day for a residential single-phase service. It is intended to cover the fixed costs of the service. • Do any estimated savings provided by the solar vendor use NAEC’s kWh rates and factor in NAEC’s electric distribution charge? • Is it more cost-effective to invest in other energy-saving measures, such as a new air-source heat pump or more insulation? • Do you understand the net-metering billing process outlined in NAEC’s tariff approved by the Arkansas Public Service Commission? • Is the solar vendor licensed and insured?
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Can the solar vendor provide references from within NAEC’s service area? • Does the desired spot for the panels receive adequate sunlight? Are trees or structures in the way? • Is there a large upfront payment? • Will you own the panels, or will they be leased? • Are there any hidden costs, such as a roof that needs to be replaced before installing the panels? What would the cost be to remove and reinstall panels if a roof must be replaced? • Are there ongoing maintenance fees? • How long is the warranty for the panels, inverter and other components? • How long has the solar installer and solar manufacturer been in business? • Are rebates or other financial incentives available? • Do you plan to remain in your home through the length of the loan? Will you reap the benefits of the investment? • How will it affect your property insurance? Members have reported higher insurance costs after installing solar; one member’s policy was canceled. For more information, please visit naeci.com/solar.
Focused on
YOU.
Electric cooperatives were created to serve our members. Because we’re a co-op, we’re able to adapt to our community’s unique needs. That’s the power of co-op membership. OCTOBER IS NATIONAL CO-OP MONTH
ITEMS FOR BID NAEC has the following items for sale to the highest bidder. They may be viewed at the Salem office from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays. Use the bid form below and send in an envelope marked "Bid" to NAEC, P.O. Box 1000; Salem, AR 72576. Bids must be received by 1 p.m. Oct. 21. NAEC reserves the right to refuse any or all bids. Photos of the items may be found at naeci.com/equipmentsales. Please call 870-895-3221 with any questions. Unit
Description
5010 2010 Chevy Equinox 2018 Chevy Silverado 2500HD, Extended Cab, Diesel, 4x4, Auto, Standard Bed 2018 Chevy Silverado 2500HD, Extended 2912 Cab, 6.0 gas, 4x4, Auto, Standard Bed 2017 Chevy Silverado 2500HD, Extended 3936 Cab, 6.0 gas, 4x4, Auto, Standard Bed 2902
VIN
Mileage
2CNALDEW2A6392564
90,765
1GC2KUEG3JZ261832
135,620
1GC2KUEY0JZ262557
156,125
1GC2KUEG7HZ262704
142,455
Bid
Name Phone Address City State ZIP Code
MEMBERS’ ECONOMIC PARTICIPATION — NAEC members who had electric service in 2021 received their mailed capital credit certificate in September. Please call 870-895-3221 with any questions on your capital credits.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIP OF THE MONTH Don’t keep your refrigerator too cold. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends a temperature setting of 35 to 38 degrees for the fresh food compartment and zero degrees for the freezer. Make sure the refrigerator doors are sealed airtight to maximize efficiency. — energy.gov
DAILY HIGHS & LOWS — AUGUST 2022 Average Daily High: 88.61° compared to 89.77° in 2021
TEMPERATURE
Average Daily Low: 67.36° compared to 68.47° in 2021 Total Rainfall Amount: 4.7” compared to 3.59” in 2021 Warmest Day: Aug. 3, 95° at 2 p.m. Coolest Day: Aug. 19, 59.5° at 6 a.m.
DAYS
CONTACT NAEC
RIGHT-OF-WAY
870-895-3221 info@naeci.com naeci.com
Scheduled ROW work is complete for 2022.
IMAGES: STUDIO HARMONY/ADOBE STOCK; NRECA; LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS/ADOBE STOCK
ON THE FRONT Operation Round Up® Trustee Ralph Moore presents Jody Sparks, Fulton County Senior Life Program manager, with a $500 donation to go toward lunches for senior citizens.