Shop Local for Yuletide Pride and Prosperity Trace McCuan, CEO
’Tis the season, and most of us will spend this month shopping for, buying, wrapping and giving gifts. If you value our community like I do, you might go out of your way to buy locally. I love the feeling of walking into my favorite locally owned shop, restaurant or store and knowing that the products, labor and profit involved can make a positive impact on my community. The spirit of Main Street is embodied in these businesses, just like it is in Nueces Electric Cooperative. Electric co-ops are as local and communitycentered as they come. Founded to bring electricity to communities that didn’t interest the big, investor-owned utilities, electric cooperatives have been a cornerstone of community and economic development in rural America and beyond for decades. The feeling I get when I frequent local businesses in our community is the same feeling I get when I walk into work at the co-op every day: pride. I am proud to be a part of an organization that serves the community in which we live instead of a group of shareholders who might never set foot in our service territory. In fact, last December, NEC launched our latest endeavor into encouraging our members to shop local with our Co-op Connections Card program. To date, we have added more than 15 local businesses in our community to our Co-op Deals. This means that each business has agreed to offer a discount exclusively to NEC members. For more information on these deals, visit https://nueceselectric.org/connectionscard, come by our office or give us a call at 361-387-2581. This is just another perk of being a member-owner of your cooperative. 20
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This is all possible because NEC is not for profit. When we make more money than we need to keep the lights on safely and reliably, we return it to our members in the form of capital credits. This means that after all co-op expenses are paid, any additional money we earn goes back into our community instead of into a shareholder’s pocket. And because we are owned by you, our members, we have a vested interest in making sure our community prospers. We do this by investing in economic development and community service programs. I hope you view NEC not just as your electric utility but also as a local business that brings pride and prosperity to our community. We believe that being a part of this community is the most valuable gift, and we hope you feel the same way. Merry Christmas and happy holidays to everyone in your family, from everyone at your co-op family.
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Giving Efficiency With the holiday rush starting earlier every year, get a jump-start on your shopping list with some great green gifts. Using the tips below, you can have everything wrapped up before the ho, ho, ho turns into go, go, go! Green giving is thoughtful on many levels. The person receiving the gift has a new gadget that can keep electric costs low year-round. Choosing a green gift can be easy, too. Be aware of energy use. Look for energy ratings on large appliances and televisions, or select unplugged gifts—think renewable, reusable and recyclable. Even something as small as packaging and wrapping can make a difference. Look for items with lightweight packaging. And think about wrapping your gift in something like a fabric bag that can be reused or even an accessory like a scarf to tie things up. For decorators: LED Christmas lights ($15–35). These energyefficient lights are becoming easier to find. They save on holiday electric bills and stay cool to the touch. For a festive package, wrap in a decorative stocking. For gardeners: solar garden lights ($15–$50). Available in endless colors, styles and sizes, solar garden lights can be a lovely addition to your favorite green thumb’s garden. To up the green quotient, wrap in a burlap bag. For cooks: toaster oven ($60–$140). Especially great for the empty nester or those cooking for only one or two, toaster ovens are a good alternative to heating a large standard oven. For movie buffs or sports fans: Energy Star-rated TV (prices vary). TVs are getting bigger and better. But before you give something that uses too much energy, look for the Energy Star label. It will offer the smallest impact possible on electric bills. For techies: smart strip ($20–$40). This cutting-edge technology is great for plugging in electronic gadgets. Not your average power strip, smart strips offer designated outlets that make it easy to power down certain devices to save energy while not affecting others plugged into the same strip. You’ll find many options once you start looking for green gifts, so get creative. Remember that what you give affects future electric bills, and give the green light for energy-smart gifts this year! www.nueceselectric.org
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MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR NEC will be closed Monday and Tuesday, December 25-26, for Christmas, and Monday, January 1, for New Year’s Day.
Give friends and family the Best of Texas. The Best of Typically Texas Cookbook features more than 700 best-loved recipes (with more than 300 desserts) from two of our most popular cookbooks. Now available at NEC. Come by and purchase your copy today!
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2017 Annual Memb Nueces Electric Cooperative kicked off its 78th annual membership meeting on October 12, 2017 with a full house at the Richard M. Borchard Regional Fairgrounds in Robstown, Texas. Year over year, this has provided an excellent venue for NEC to host this annual even where all members of the co-op can learn about and celebrate their partnership with NEC. The red-shirted employees and dozens of volunteers opened the doors of the arena as members poured in by the hundreds. Approximately 1,400 people attended the meeting enjoying catered barbecue with family and friends, winning door prizes and fun times for the kids. “I am elated to bring you a recap of our successful 2016 year,” said NEC President Brian Menking. “As a memberowned cooperative, we are able to come together every year to share our progress and show members how your investment in the Co-op can help benefit you and your family.” Once inside, members made their way through the registration lines facilitated by NEC employees to register for their chance to cast their ballots for the board of director’s election. Tickets for deliciously catered barbecue dinners from Corpus Christi’s own Howard’s BBQ and Catering Company were given as members made their way through the venue line. While folks registered to vote and others ate at tables prepared by co-op event coordinators, the Texas A&M
Kingsville Jazz Combo serenaded the crowd with a fully-orchestrated jazz ensemble. Adjacent to the arena, a designated kid’s area was available for children to play and be entertained as parents looked on. The kids participated in artsand-craft activities, jumped in the inflated bounce house and petted farm animals such a chickens, ducks, rabbits, pigs, and goats in excitement. As the meeting began, President
performance in 2016. “With nearly two years under my belt as Chief Executive Officer of Nueces Electric Cooperative, I can truly say that I am proud to a part of such a strong, progressive electric cooperative,” stated NEC CEO Trace McCuan. “As a cooperative, we are owned by you to serve your electrical needs. I am honored to be working with NEC employees, leadership and your Board of Directors and they should be commended for the work in effecting new processes to support the Co-op’s mission for years to come.” The total revenue for NEC was $99,256,037 with expenses of $89,847,823 and a net margin of $9,408,214. In 2016, $6.1 million was returned to members in the form of capital credits and PowerPerks Adjustment credits previously known as the Merry Christmas credit. After counting all the votes, the election results were finally announced: Incumbent Dr. Rumaldo Juarez remains the director for District 1, incumbent Gregg Truesdale remains the director for District 2, and incumbent Donald Wayne Herrmann remains the director for District 4. At the end of the meeting, Chief Retail Officer Frank Wilson and Chief Financial Officer Adriana Pena kept the crowd’s attention by announcing names for final agenda item of the night: door prizes. Among those given out were a Yeti cooler, an office chair, a Frost Bank gift basket and a grand prize of hundred of dollars in bill credits.
“As a member-owned cooperative, we are able to come together every year to share our progress and show members how your investment in the Co-op can help benefit you and your family.”
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- NEC Board President Brian Menking Menking called the meeting to order by introducing Pastor Dale Brynestad from Messiah Lutheran Church in Calallen who offered the invocation. The U.S. Navy color guard presented the American colors as the jazz band performed the national anthem in the background. Menking passed the microphone, after reciting the pledge of allegiance, to recognize special guests and NEC employees. The minutes for the 2015 annual meeting were approved and Menking along with NEC CEO Trace McCuan reviewed the co-op’s business
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embership Meeting
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SHOUT OUT: A special shout out to NEC member Millie Kirchoff who attended this year’s Annual Meeting and displayed her newest trophy from Texas Co-op Power Magazine. This apron signifies her SIXTH award from submitting recipes to the magazine since 2010. Way to go!
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Ramiro De la Paz Memorial
SCHOLARSHIP
Nueces Electric Cooperative awards high school seniors of cooperative members scholarships each year. This year, there are three different types of scholarships that will be awarded. Students planning to attend a 4-year college or university in Texas are eligible to apply. Two Grand Prize scholarships of $4,000 and ten $1,000 scholarships will be awarded. Students planning to attend a 2-year college or vocational school in Texas for a career related to the electrical industry (GIS mapping, communications, engineering, etc.) are eligible to apply. Ten $1,000 scholarships will be awarded. Applicants must be a member or reside in the home with a parent or legal guardian who has been a Nueces Electric Cooperative member for a minimum of six months as of the application deadline date.
NEW: Any member/dependent of a member planning to attend a Texas lineman’s college are eligible to apply for a new scholarship. Two $5,000 scholarships will be awarded.
Two $5,000 scholarships and
Two $4,000 scholarships and
Twenty $1,000 scholarships
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co Ca l l i lle ng g stu e -b all de oun nt s d
ts ou I f y p a re n s r er u b o , m y or e me o - op a ar he C win o f t co u l d h i p ! rs yo u h o l a sc
For Applications & Details: www.nueceselectric.org
Application deadline: February 12
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2018
Youth Leadership Tour Win the trip of a lifetime!
The Govenment-in-Action Youth Leadership Tour 2018 is an all-expense-paid trip for high school juniors to learn about different aspects of the government, meet their members of Congress and visit historical sites. Each year, NEC sends four delegates from the cooperative to participate. This year’s trip will begin in Austin, Texas on Wednesday, June 6 and continue on to tour sites in Washington D.C. before the trip concludes on Friday, June 15. The travel package, valued at more than $3,000, includes air transportation to and from Washington D.C., hotel stay, meals, admission fees, and $250 cash for extra expenses. PLUS: Each winner will also receive a $1,000 scholarship, should they attend an accredited Texas college or University.
Essay Topic: You are in charge of the energy efficiency
program at your school. Describe ways you would recommend for your school to use electricity more efficiently.
Application Deadline: January 17, 2018
How to apply: Complete the 2018 Nueces Electric Cooperative Youth Leadership Tour Application form which can be found on nueceselectric.org Submit a 400-600 word essay on the topic “You are in charge of the energy efficiency program at your school. Describe ways you would recommend for your school to use electricity more efficiently.” Finalists will interview to determine the final four winners that will take this Youth Leadership Tour trip of a lifetime. Applicants must have consent of and reside in the home with a parent or legal guardian who is a current Nueces Electric Cooperative member.
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2018
Christmas Card Contest
RULES:
Entries must be hand-drawn and follow the contest theme of combining electricity or lineworkers with a Christmas or holiday component. All entries must be received by 5 p.m on Wednesday, January 24. All submitted works must be an original concept and not a copy of anyone else’s copyrighted material. If your image infringes upon another’s copyright, it will be disqualified. Upon submitting your work to NEC for this contest, you are solely responsible for any infringement on copyrighted materials. Artwork must be delivered to the NEC offices or emailed in a JPG format that does not exceed 1MB. A one-page submission form (found on nueceselectric.org) must also be completed and returned with the artwork submission to be considered a complete entry. All artists must be dependents of a current member of Nueces Electric Cooperative. Children 18 and under are eligible to participate. One grand prize winner and one runner up will be determined in each of the three age categories, listed below. Winners will be annouced in the March edition of Texas Co-op Power magazine. The three grand prize winners will each receive a $100 electric bill credit and a $100 Wal-Mart gift card. The three runner ups will each receive a $50 electric bill credit and a $50 Wal-Mart gift card. NEC will also determine which of the winners’ artwork will be featured on the 2017 NEC Christmas Cards. Visit NuecesElectric.org for the submission form.
Three $200 GRAND PRIZES
Christmas Card Categories 8 & Under
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Payment Options: Pay Online www.nueceselectric.org Access your account 24 hours a day from any computer to view usage, make payments or manage your account. Just click on “Pay Your Bill”, on the left side of our Homepage and it will take you to the SmartHub account portal.
Pay With Your Smart Device Download the SmartHub app to your iPhone or Andriod device. View usage, weather impacts, make payments and manage your account any time of the day.
Auto Draft: Sign up to have your bank account or credit card drafted for your monthly bill. You can sign-up via your SmartHub online account.
Equal Payment Plan Through this payment program, a member’s usage is averaged for the year and the member makes equal payments each month. See more information and sign up online under the Member Services ->Payment Options menu tab, or call the office.
Pay by Phone: 800-NEC-WATT (800-632-9288)
Pay in Person: Pay your bill at any one of our Customer Service centers located in Calallen, Ben Bolt, Ricardo or Orange Grove.
Pay by Mail: P.O. Box 659821, San Antonio, TX 78265
Pay at the Payment Kiosk Quick, easy, and accessible 24 hours a day, the Kiosk is located at the Calallen office. Payments post immediately to your account.
Payment Services Pay using any Fidelity Express Pay Stations or for an additional $1.50 service charge. Search online to find a payment station near you.
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Find us on the web at: www.nueceselectric.org Call us at: 361-387-2581 or 1-800-632-9288 Your Elected Board of Directors: Brian Menking: District 8, President Bill Hartman, District 7, Vice-President David Rosse, District 3, Secretary Treasurer Tommy Ermis, District 6, Asst Secretary-Treasure Johnny Alvarado, District 9 Gladys Lippincott, District 10 (Retail) Donald Herrmann, District 4 Maxine Stewart, District 5 Gregg Truesdale, District 2 Rumaldo Z. Juarez, District 1
Main Office / Mailing Address: 14353 Cooperative Ave Robstown, TX 78380 (Calallen) M-F 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Ben Bolt Service Center: 5646 S. Hwy 281 Alice, TX M-F 8 - 12/ 12:30 - 4 Ricardo Service Center: 123 CR 1026, Ricardo, TX M-W-F 8 - 12 / 12:30 - 4 Orange Grove Service Center: 5302 W. FM 624 T-Th 9 - 12 / 1 - 4 (FM 624 & Hwy 281)
Use the NEC Outage Viewer to view outages 24-hours a day with any device. The Outage Viewer is located on the homepage our website.
NEC Power Providers
PLEASE NOTE: The (CRs) listed below have completed the process to qualify to serve NEC area members. This provider list is subject to change. For the most up-to-date list of providers, please monitor our website nueceselectric.org or you can obtain a list from any NEC office.
AP GAS & ELECTRIC COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL APOLLO POWER & LIGHT COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL BLUESTAR ENERGY COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL ONLY CHAMPION ENERGY SERVICES COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL CONSTELLATION ENERGY COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL ONLY CORAL POWER SOLUTIONS LARGE COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL DYNEGY COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL ENERGY TRANSFER LARGE COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL ENERTRADE ELECTRIC LARGE COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL HINO ELECTRIC COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL MPOWER /MP2 COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL ONLY NEC CO-OP ENERGY RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL & INDUST TENASKA LARGE COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL ENCOA (TERM) COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL ONLY SMARTCOM ENERGY SERVICES COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL ONLY STARTEX POWER LARGE COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL SOURCE POWER & GAS COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL V247 RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL & INDUST
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