NOVEMBER 2020
THE MESSENGER A Publication for North Arkansas Electric Cooperative Members
Paying directly through NAEC offers fastest processing NAEC wants members to be aware of possible drawbacks to using third-party payment services. All payment methods provided by the co-op include no additional charge; however, many third-party payment services, such as doxo, charge their users a fee. Also, some third-party payment services mail NAEC a check for the electric bill once a user pays 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. 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. Automatic bank draft is an electronic transfer from a member’s bank account to NAEC’s each month. The member will continue to receive an itemized statement of the bill. On or about the 10th of the month, the amount See PAYMENTS on back.
Monitoring lines for reliability North Arkansas Electric Cooperative uses a variety of monitoring and automation technologies that improve power reliability, shorten outage times and reduce labor time for employees. Personnel in our 24/7 dispatch center take outage calls and use many of the tools listed here as well as others to predict an outage location. This helps those working in the field restore power faster. They also coordinate crews and help keep them safe. Through our supervisory control and data acquisition software system, dispatchers also monitor alarms, which can help predict an outage prior to it happening. Power Sensors, Fault Locators Power sensors and fault locators provide near real-time reporting on electrical usage or power consumption, voltage, current and more — information critical to ensuring the power grid can meet the growing demand for electricity.
Advanced Metering Infrastructure AMI provides NAEC real-time data. In addition to meter reading, this data helps us detect faults and potential problems, resulting in increased power reliability.
Fiber Optic Cable Fiber optic cable is being installed below most lines to allow NAEC to communicate among substations, offices and downline devices. This communication path is critical in monitoring the electrical grid and will allow us to control some devices, such as reclosers, from the co-op.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIP OF THE MONTH Keep cold air out to save energy. Seal air leaks around pipes and any gaps around chimneys and unfinished spaces behind cupboards and closets. — energystar.gov
Reclosers A recloser acts like a circuit breaker for power lines. When a problem occurs, the recloser temporarily shuts off power. If the problem is temporary, the recloser restores power. (This is why you sometimes see the power blink.) If the problem persists, the recloser will shut off power until repairs are made. These devices will be connected to our fiber network in the future.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING! — Our offices will be closed Thursday, Nov. 26, and Friday, Nov. 27. In the event of an outage, call 870-895-3221 or use the NAEC app to report.