You’re a member, not a customer That’s the cooperative difference! Trace McCuan, CEO
Many businesses use the word “member” to describe their customers. Places like Sam’s Club or Costco and even American Express like to refer to their customers as members. You pay a fee to buy their goods and services, but that is really all you get for the “membership.” No right to vote for the Board of Directors or to participate in any meaningful way in the organization. In cooperatives like Nueces Electric Cooperative, membership really does mean something more than just the right to buy electricity. Coops of all types are founded on seven cooperative principles that give us guidance and strategic direction. Membership also gives you rights as an owner of this co-op. Economic linkage NEC is connected to you. There is a business relationship that serves you (the member) and the co-op. Since co-ops are solely owned by people in the community, they have a mutual interest to ensure that both the co-op and the member do well and prosper. Transparency As an owner of the co-op, you have a right to know how it operates and how decisions are made that directly impact you. If the co-op is transparent and combines this trait with integrity and fairness, it will build trust with the members. Cognition In this case, cognition is best defined as how your co-op thinks. It includes the current and historical identity, the mission and the sense of shared values with co-op members. Research, education and training are critical functions that NEC must conduct on an ongoing basis to ensure that we always have the best information to make decisions. The cooperative business model is one of the best, but like any enterprise, it is up to the people who work at the co-op, who serve on the board and the members like you to ensure that the principles and values do not fade over time. First and foremost, NEC strives to be thought of as a member-owned cooperative that gives you the best value of any utility. If we succeed, our community thrives and you will always value being a member – not just a customer. 18
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Power Line Safety Tips Do not attempt to move a downed power line or anything else in contact with it by using an object such as a broom or stick. Nonconductive materials including wood or cloth can conduct electricity if even slightly wet. Be careful not to touch or step in water near a downed power line. Do not drive over downed power lines. If your car comes into contact with a downed power line while you are inside, stay in the car. Honk your horn to summon help, but warn others to stay away from your car. If you must leave your car because it is on fire, jump out of the vehicle with both feet together and avoid simultaneous contact with both the car and the ground. Shuffle away from the car.
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Here’s a fact you might not know: You don’t have to touch a power line to be in danger; high-voltage electricity can jump to anyone who gets too close. Fortunately, there are many ways to stay safe around power lines, whether they’re in the air or on the ground. Look up before raising a ladder or pole to make sure that it will not come within 10 feet of any power lines. Use wooden or fiberglass ladders outdoors. Metal ladders conduct electricity. Contact Nueces Electric Cooperative immediately to report downed power lines, which can carry an electric current strong enough to cause serious injury or even death. Electricity tends to move from a high-voltage zone to a low-voltage zone—and it could make that journey through your body. You should assume that all downed power lines are live. You cannot tell just by looking at a power line whether it is energized. Move at least 10 feet away from it and any nearby object it is touching, such as a fence or a tree limb. The ground around power lines also might be energized. The proper way to move away from a downed line is to shuffle away with small steps, keeping your feet together and on the ground at all times. This will minimize the potential for an electric shock. If you see someone who is in direct or indirect contact with a downed line, do not touch the person—or you could become the next victim. Call 911 and your cooperative for help.
Never drive over downed power lines or step in water near them.
A solid investment in your electric cooperative As a member of NEC, you make an investment in the co-op every time you pay your bill. This collective investment in the co-op benefits you and the community immediately and over time. So what exactly is this monthly investment, and how do you benefit from it? The customer charge is a monthly investment that helps your co-op cover the expenses of maintaining the overall electric system. Combatting cyber security threats and maintaining poles, wires, substations and co-op equipment takes strategic planning and significant resources. The customer charge essentially ensures that all equipment operates properly and staff is trained and www.nueceselectric.org
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ready so the lights turn on when you need them. Regardless of how much electricity a particular family uses, the cost of delivering power to that house is the same. As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, we believe the operational costs should be spread fairly and equitably across all of our members, regardless of the level of electricity use. That is why every member pays the customer charge each month to cover basic operational costs. All members are charged the same amount for the cost of operation since all members benefit from the same service. In essence, this gives each co-op member an equal share in NEC’s opera-
tion. If your power provider has NEC send you one bill with both delivery and provider charges, you may see two customer charges. In this case, there is one associated with the costs of delivery and one with the costs of generation. Your monthly investment ensures you have access to safe, reliable and affordable power when you need it. We appreciate and value the investment that you make in the co-op each month, and we strive to use that investment wisely for the benefit of all members of our community. To learn more about the customer charge, please contact NEC at 800-NEC-WATT.
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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. Students planning to attend a Texas lineman’s college are eligible to apply. Two $5,000 scholarships.
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Applicants must 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.
Two $5,000 scholarships and
Two $4,000 scholarships and
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For Applications & Details: www.nueceselectric.org
Application deadline: February 10
Twenty $1,000 scholarships
DREAMSTIME IMAGES
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Energy Sources Activity Did you know Americans use electricity that is generated from different fuel sources? Some fuel sources are renewable, meaning they harness natural energy from the Earth’s resources, and some are non-renewable, meaning they use fossil fuels. Do you know which energy sources are renewable and non-renewable? Use safety scissors to cut out the images below and place them in the correct row. Use the answer key to check your work.
Renewable Sources
Non-Renewable Sources
Answers: Renewable Sources: Hydro, Wind, Biomass, Solar Non-renewable Sources: Natural Gas, Nuclear, Coal, Oil
Coal
Wind
Solar
Hydro
Natural Gas
Biomass
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Oil
Nuclear
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Take a lesson from Cupid. Don’t miss the mark on Valentine’s Day savings. ThisMountain Valentine’sView Day, let NuecesAssociation’s Electric Cooperative’s This Valentine’s Day, let Electric Co-op Connections Card help you cover the flowers, chocolates, else you need for a romantic evening. Co-op Connectionsdinner, card helpand youeverything cover the flowers, chocolates, dinner and everything else you need for a romantic evening.
Find all the ways to save at
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AFCIs prevent home fires Over the past 30 years, modern electrical devices have dramatically transformed American homes. These same devices also have contributed to the shocking number of electrical fires this country suffers every year. Existing homes can be overwhelmed by today’s electrical demands, putting them at greater risk of arc faults and arc-induced fires.
H I G H WAY S TA R Z - P H OTO G R A P H Y | I S TO C K . CO M
An arc fault is a dangerous electrical problem caused by damaged, overheated, or stressed electrical wiring or devices. Arc faults can occur when older wires become frayed or cracked, when a nail or screw damages a wire behind a wall, or when outlets or circuits are overburdened. In the United States, arc faults cause more than 30,000 home fires each year, resulting in hundreds of deaths and injuries, and more than $750 million in property damage. The solution to this problem is an arc-fault circuit interrupter, or AFCI. The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that AFCIs could prevent more than half the electrical fires in the U.S. every year.
Power Tip A crackling fire in the hearth warms the house, but don’t let it heat up your electric bill! Caulk around the fireplace hearth, use a fireplace insert and keep the damper closed when no fire is burning.
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What Is an Arc Fault?
AFCIs and the NEC
Be cautious when hanging pictures; a nail or screw can damage a wire behind the wall and cause an arc fault.
lives. Homebuilders in some states complain that the increased AFCI requirements will significantly increase the cost of a new home while improving safety very little. Yet the cost of installing additional AFCIs in a home, depending on its size, is $140–$350, according to the Electrical Safety Foundation International. Safety advocates maintain that the added cost for AFCI protection is well worth the benefits provided to homeowners—especially if it prevents a fire that could consume the entire home. www.nueceselectric.org
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NUECES EC WISHES YOU A
HAPPY PRESIDENTS DAY
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Since its 2008 edition, the National Electrical Code has included significantly expanded requirements for AFCI protection in all new homes. However, states and cities must formally adopt the code’s current edition for these new provisions to take effect. Local adoption and enforcement is key to preventing fires, protecting homes and saving
Monday, February 20
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A L E N A O Z E R O VA | I S TO C K . CO M
Texas winters are unpredictable. Cold weather often requires folks to use more electricity than normal to keep the house warm. Consequently, you might already have received a higher bill this winter—and you might be wondering how to avoid the next one. As we endure the last of the Texas winter (we hope), you and your family can still adjust your energy behaviors to cut your electric bills. To help avoid higher-than-normal energy bills, Nueces Electric Cooperative encourages you to use electricity efficiently. Setting the thermostat to 68 degrees when home—and lower when you’re away—saves money. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that lowering the thermostat 10–15 degrees for eight hours a day can trim heating bills 5–15 percent. Other tips to reduce energy use: Turn off and unplug nonessential lights and appliances. Close shades and blinds at night to reduce heat loss through windows. Open them on sunny days to capture solar heat. If possible, avoid using inefficient and costly backup electric resistance heating and space heaters. Change furnace filters often. Long-term home repairs and upgrades that save energy: Install and set programmable thermostats. Seal air leaks around doors, windows, plumbing, wiring and any other places where air can infiltrate. Ensure that exterior walls and attics contain the recommended amount and type of insulation. At NEC, we provide more ways for our members to monitor their usage and prevent Bundle up this winter and save on heating bills. high bills. We can review your account to make sure the bill is correct and accurate examine your meter to determine whether it is working the way it should. One more important thing to remember: If you wish to take advantage of any of these services, please call NEC at 1-800-NEC-WATT before your bill is due. That way, we can work through your questions in a timely manner to avoid further inconvenience. 24
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S T E V E D E B E N P O R T | I S TO C K . CO M
Lower Thermostat To Lower Bills Study Up for Home Safety Why is there a different kind of outlet in my bathroom? Why does the circuit breaker trip whenever my portable air conditioner comes on? What’s the difference between a power strip and a surge protector? Do you know everything you should about your home’s electrical system and appliances? If you’re like most people, the answer is probably “No.” It’s time to change that. Commissioning an inspection of your home’s electrical system not only can identify problems but also can help familiarize you with its basic electrical elements and needs. Many of the conditions that cause electrical fires and incidents can be detected during a home electrical system inspection. You should have an electrical system inspection conducted if: - Your home is 40 years old or older. - You purchase a previously owned home. - Your home has undergone a major renovation. - You have added major new appliances within the past 10 years. Learn to identify potential electrical hazards and correct them. Understanding your home’s electric system and making a few easy changes to improve safety also can lead to savings on your utility bills. Is your home ready for the challenge? www.nueceselectric.org
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Payment Options: S T E V E D E B E N P O R T | I S TO C K . CO M
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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 GDF SUEZ COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL HINO ELECTRIC COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL MPOWER /MP2 COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL ONLY NEC RETAIL ELECTRICITY 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 NUECES ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
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