Looking ahead to new cooperative opportunities Trace McCuan, CEO
Co-ops are cool, and that bodes well for our future. That’s not only our sentiment at Nueces Electric Cooperative; it’s also shared by Mel Coleman, outgoing president of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. “We may be 75 years old, but we’re the center of activity like never before,” Coleman said during an address at the 2017 NRECA Annual Meeting. “Our challenges might be difficult, but our choice should be very easy because there’s never been a better time to be part of the electric cooperative movement.” We couldn’t agree more.
Fuel of the Future:
Working from its firm foundation in the past, the cooperative model fits neatly with the forwardlooking spirit of the times. An accelerated drive to develop and expand technology—and to put it to use for the benefit of co-op communities—places electric cooperatives on the frontline of the industry. Co-ops are positioned to take advantage of technological developments that could mean an even bigger role for electricity—“the fuel of the future”—in people’s lives. “It’s possible, maybe even probable, that in our lifetimes, electricity will be the energy source for the vast majority of our vehicles, heating systems, and other home, farm and business needs,” Coleman said.
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Cool for the Community:
This timely outlook extends beyond electricity and technology to community-minded uses of resources and collaboration. At an uncertain moment of division in the country, for example, disaffected Americans are relying on co-ops to fulfill their needs. Millennials are using co-ops as a tool for social media organizing and social service programs. Cooperatives continue to help vulnerable groups including senior citizens, disabled people, veterans and families in need, plus the organizations that assist them. “The concern for the people we serve gives us an ideal platform to influence energy policy in ways that put our communities, consumer and our members first,” Coleman said. “Put simply: Co-ops are cool.”
Going Above and Beyond:
Cooperatives face an unprecedented opportunity to take advantage of the high-profile position that we now occupy. We look forward to going above and beyond our longstanding commitment to safe and reliable service at a reasonable price, providing greater benefits for our members by capitalizing on new ways of thinking that has always animated the co-op movement. As Coleman said, “Now that we’re in the spotlight, we must be great.”
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www.nueceselectric.org 1.800.NEC.WATT
2017
Youth Leadership Tour
WINNERS
ClaraGrace Pavelka Sophomore Calallen High School Corpus Christi
Ashleigh Cranford
Brooke Barrington
Jessica Pena
Junior Texas Connections Academy Orange Grove
Junior Calallen High School Corpus Christi
Sophomore SG Academy High School Kingsville
Follow along with us on Facebook during our trip to Washington D.C. June 7-16 at www.Facebook.com/NuecesElectric www.nueceselectric.org
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CONGRATS ON $100 MILLION! Touchstone Energy Cooperatives congratulates the nation’s electric co-ops for saving their members more than $100 million on prescriptions! Thank you for demonstrating commitment to community by giving your members the gift of Co-op Connections.
The One Card That Does It All www.NuecesElectric.org/ConnectionsCard
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Prevent DIY Projects From Calendar Landing You in the Hospital Dates: June 14
C AT H E R I N E Y E U L E T | I S TO C K . CO M
Summer has a way of sprouting do-it-yourselfers. If you like to work around your house and yard, make sure you take the proper steps to do it safely, using these tips: Everybody likes to feel like the master of their domain, but it’s best to leave complicated jobs—especially those involving electricity—to the professionals. Even the most seasoned amateur handymen and women should stay away from jobs that could put them in danger of injury or starting a fire. If you do work with electricity, your tools need to have insulated grips to keep them from conducting a current into your body. Switch off the circuit breaker that corresponds to the project you’ll be working on. If you’re repairing a lamp, appliance or other plugged-in device, unplug it before you start your work. Plug any power tools you use into outlets equipped with ground-fault circuit interrupters. GFCIs prevent you from getting shocked. If you need an extension cord for a power tool, choose a cord that measures less than 100 feet. Water and electricity don’t mix, so don’t use power tools in wet or even damp areas. If you’re drilling into a wall for a project, check the placement of electrical or plumbing features so that nails, Wear long sleeves, protective shoes and long screws, hammers or power pants when mowing or working around the yard. tools do not come into contact with wires or pipes. Safeguards on outdoor electric tools are there for a reason. Always make sure they are in place before operating. If a power tool trips an electrical safety device while in use, stop using it. Take the tool to a manufacturer-authorized repair center for service. Shield your eyes with safety goggles and ears with hearing protection, and suit up with heavy-duty gloves, dust masks and other safety gear recommended for each tool before you power up. Wear sturdy, protective shoes or boots, and long pants and sleeves when using power tools—even your lawn mower. Tie back long hair, jewelry, hoodie strings, scarves and other loose-dangling items that could get caught. www.nueceselectric.org
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Director Election Packet pick up for District 1 (Calallen area) District 2 (Driscoll, Corpus Christi area) and District 4 (Agua Dulce, Orange Grove area)
July 1
Nueces Electric Charities Grants Deadline
July 31
Director Petitions to be returned to the co-op
August 8
Verification of Petition Signatures by Executive Secretary
August 28
Last Day Primary Election/Meeting (if necessary)
October 12
Annual Meeting at Richard M. Borchard Fairgrounds
A N D R E S R | I S TO C K . CO M
Happy Father’s Day from Nueces EC Sunday, June 18
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Heat and Cool Efficiently
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As much as half of the energy used in your home goes to heating and cooling. Making smart decisions about your home’s heating, ventilating and air conditioning system can have a big effect on your utility bills—and your comfort. Take the following steps to increase the efficiency of your heating and cooling system. Change your air filter regularly. Check your filter every month, especially during heavy use months (winter and summer). If the filter looks dirty, change it. At a minimum, change the filter every three months. A dirty filter slows down airflow and makes the system work harder to keep you warm or cool, wasting energy and money in the process. A clean filter prevents buildups of dust and dirt in the system that can lead to expensive maintenance or early system failure. Tune up your HVAC equipment yearly. Just as a tuneup for your car can improve gas mileage, an annual tuneup of your heating and cooling system can improve efficiency and Schedule an HVAC comfort. tuneup to keep Install a programmable thermostat. your house cool this summer. “Smart” thermostats are ideal for people who are away from home during set periods of time throughout the week. Through proper use of preproin the summer or cold in the winter. Next, seal any grammed settings, a programmable thermostat can other ducts that you can access in the heated or save you about $180 every year in energy costs. cooled part of the house. Seal your heating and cooling ducts. Ducts that Consider installing Energy Star-qualified heatmove air to and from a forced-air furnace, central ing and cooling equipment. If your HVAC equipair conditioner or heat pump are often big energy ment is more than 10 years old or not keeping wasters. Sealing and insulating ducts can improve your house comfortable, have it evaluated by a the efficiency of your heating and cooling system professional. If it is not performing efficiently or by as much as 20 percent—and sometimes much needs upgrading, consider replacing it with a unit more. that has earned Energy Star approval. Depending First, focus on sealing ducts that run through on where you live, replacing your old heating and the attic, garage or crawl space, if you have one. cooling equipment with qualified models can cut Use duct sealant (mastic) or metal-backed (foil) your annual energy bill by more than $115. tape to seal the seams and connections of ducts. Before you invest in a new HVAC system, Do not use duct tape, despite its name. though, make sure that you have addressed the big After sealing the ducts in those spaces, wrap air leaks in your house and ducts. Sometimes these them in insulation to keep them from getting hot are the real sources of problems. 22
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Electrical Safety Activity Instructions: Mark the four electrical hazards shown below with an “X.” Use the safety tips to identify the hazards. Share these tips with your family and friends, and remember to always play it safe near electricity!
Electrical Safety Tips: Do not overload electrical outlets. Overloaded outlets are a fire hazard! Keep liquids and drinks away from all electronics, like TVs, computers and gaming consoles. If the liquids spill, they could cause shock or fire! Never place items like clothing or toys on top of a lamp! Leaving flammable items near lightbulbs creates a fire hazard. Never leave electrical cords in an area where people walk! The exposed cord creates a tripping hazard. www.nueceselectric.org
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Texas Division of Emergency Management Hurricane Preparedness Guidelines Preparing for Hurricane Season: June 1- Nov.30 Evacuation Planning: When a hurricane threatens, listen for instructions from local officials. When they call for an evacuation in your area, get going without delay. Discuss evacuation plans with your family BEFORE hurricane season June 1 – Nov. 30. Make a checklist of what you need to do before you leave town and review it. Monitor NOAA weather radio and local TV and radio broadcasts during storm season. Prepare an emergency supply kit including: radio, flashlight, extra batteries, extra eye glasses, bottled water, non-perishable food, dry clothes, bedding, insurance information, important documents, medications, copies of prescriptions and special products for babies, seniors, medically fragile family members, and pets. Learn evacuation routes before storm season. When there’s a hurricane in the Gulf, keep your gas tank as full as possible. Expect traffic delays in an evacuation. Register in the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR) online at https://STEAR.dps.texas.gov or Dial 2-1-1 to register if you have a disability or medical needs or if you simply do not have transportation: Gulf coast residents in evacuation zones
with a disability or medical needs -- who do not have friends or family to help -- or do not have transportation should register in STEAR in advance.
División de Administración de Emergencias de Texas Directrices para Huracanes Preparando para la temporada de huracanes durante el 1 de junio hasta el 30 de noviembre
Evacuación en caso de Huracán: Cuándo exista una amenaza de huracán, escucha las instrucciones de funcionarios locales. Cuando llamen para una evacuación en su área, sálgase del área lo más pronto posible. Discute los planes de evacuación con su familia ANTES de la temporada de huracán, que comienza el 1 de junio hasta 30 de noviembre. Haga una lista de lo que usted debe hacer antes de salir de la ciudad y revísela. Escuche la radio y televisión durante la temporada de huracanes. Prepare un equipo de emergencia incluyendo: radio, linterna, repuesto de baterías, anteojos extras, agua embotellada, alimentos no perecederos, ropa extra, ropa de cama, información de seguro, documentos importantes, medicinas,copias de recetas medicas y productos especiales para bebés, las personas mayores, miembros de la familia médicamente frágiles, y animales domesticos. Aprenda sus rutas de evacuación antes de la temporada de huracanes. Cuando hay un huracán en el Golfo, mantenga el tanque de gasolina lleno. Este consiente de que habrá demoras de tráfico. Puede regístrese con el ‘State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry’ (STEAR) vía su sitio web: https://STEAR.dps.texas.gov o llamando al 211 para registrarse, si usted tiene una discapacidad o necesidades médicas o si simplemente no tiene transporte. Los residentes de la costa del golfo en zonas de evacuación con una discapacidad o necesidades médicas – quiénes no tienen amigos o familiares para ayudarle--o no tienen transporte debe registrarse con STEAR por adelantado. 24
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www.nueceselectric.org 1.800.NEC.WATT
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 GDF SUEZ 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 NUECES ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
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