Always practice safety near power lines
Recognizing May as National Electrical Safety Month Trace McCuan, CEO
Alex and Isaiah Lopez were exploring Oakland Lake Park after school on a Wednesday afternoon as they did almost every day. They were playing in the wooded park with friends when Alex, 12, stepped into a puddle near power lines downed in a storm the night before. An electrical shock passed through the puddle and into his body, killing him. “Go get help,” 11-year-old Isaiah told their friends. “I’m going to save Alex.” Isaiah reached down to grab his older brother, when he, too, was electrocuted. This tragic incident took place March 29, 2017 in Fort Worth, Texas. I share this story with all of you because it can serve as an important reminder that electricity is always dangerous. This is why safety is our number one priority here at NEC. The month of May is National Electrical Safety Month and in recognition of that, I would like to discuss some common misconceptions about electricity and some helpful safety tips. It can be easy to think that when the storm has passed, the danger must be gone as well. However, downed power lines, broken poles, or any outside interference with electric utility equipment can be very dangerous. Many people think that a power line lying on the ground must not be energized because the line is grounded but there are many factors that can contribute to a downed line still being fully energized while on the ground. Downed power lines can hurt or kill you, even if they do not spark, hum or “dance.” Stay away from anything touching the line, such as a tree, fence, vehicle, etc. Do not touch someone being shocked by a downed line; you could be hurt or killed. We ask all of our members and the community to assume that all power lines are energized and 18
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dangerous at all times. It is never safe to touch a power line with a pole, antenna, broom or any other object. Please let our linemen with proper training and safety equipment handle those situations. Downed lines are most common after storms and high winds. If you are outside after a storm, be alert for lines that may be hard to see in streams or puddles. Water is a good conductor of electricity, making the situation even more dangerous. NEC recommends that everyone stay at least 10-20 feet away from downed or low-hanging power lines at all times. From any distance, when moving away from a downed power line, shuffle with your feet close together and on the ground. When a live wire touches the ground, electricity travels through the ground in all directions. Voltage decreases as distance from the wire touching the ground increases. If you run or take large steps, you could conduct electricity from one leg at one voltage to another leg at another voltage, which increases the potential for severe injury or even death. Shuffling is the safest method for moving away from a downed power line. If your vehicle contacts a power line, stay inside until rescue workers say it is safe to leave. Do not touch the vehicle and the ground at the same time. If you must leave the car because of fire or other danger, jump away from the vehicle so that you do not touch the vehicle and the ground at the same time. Land with your feet together and shuffle away, keeping your feet close together and on the ground. And as always, if you see damage to any NEC equipment, including downed, or low hanging power lines, you should stay clear of the area and call NEC immediately at 1-800-NEC-WATT. www.nueceselectric.org
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Are You Safety Savvy? MAY IS NATIONAL ELECTRICAL SAFETY MONTH. Take this quiz from the Electrical Safety Foundation International to find out how much you know about electrical safety in your home.
1. True or False: Using a corded telephone during a lightning
storm is safe.
a. True
b. False
2. Why do some outlets have three holes? a. To provide more voltage b. The third prong is the “ground.” c. To accommodate foreign appliances d. It keeps the plug from falling out.
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3. When using a portable generator during a power outage, you
4. The most common scenario for electrocutions while using
power tools is _________ . a. the equipment coming into contact with water b. the equipment coming into contact with electrical wires c. the equipment malfunctioning d. exposure to bare wires by grabbing a cord with cracked or broken insulation
5. Smoke alarm batteries should be changed every: a. month b. 6 months c. year d. 2 years
6. You shouldn’t swim near docks or marinas because: a. Boats may not see you and run you over. b. There could be lost fishing equipment in the water such as
hooks or tangled line. c. The water might be electrified by docks or boats that leak electricity into the water. d. All of the above
7. In a study conducted by Temple University’s Biokinetics Labo-
ratory, what percentage of children 2–4 years old were able to
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remove the plastic outlet covers from sockets in less than 10 seconds? a. 25 percent b. 50 percent c. 75 percent d. 100 percent
8. The proper way to safely move away from a downed power line
is to _____ until you are 35 feet away. a. take small hops with your feet together b. keep your feet together and on the ground at all times c. skip so that only one foot is on the ground at a time d. crawl on all fours
9. True or False: You can be electrocuted using a tree trimmer near
a power line even if you don’t touch the wires. b. False
a. True
10. True or False: Swallowing a button-cell battery can be fatal. a. True b. False 11. What age group has the highest risk of death from fire? a. 15 years and under b. 21–35 years c. 50–64 years d. Adults over 65
12. Birds are able to perch on power lines without risk of injury
because: a. Those power lines do not have power running through them at that time. b. The unique skin on the feet of birds protects them. c. Sitting on one wire does not provide a ground or connect a circuit, so the current doesn’t leave the wire and continues on its path. d. Birds’ bones are hollow, allowing the current to pass through them without harm. Answers: (1) b; (2) b; (3) e; (4) b; (5) c; (6) d; (7) d; (8) a; (9) a; (10) a; (11) d; (12) c
should _________ . a. connect generators directly to the household wiring only when an appropriate transfer switch is installed to prevent “backfeeding” along power lines, which can pose a risk to utility lineworkers making repairs b. position the generator outside the house and away from doors, windows or vents that could allow carbon monoxide to enter the home c. make sure the generator is properly grounded d. plug it into a ground-fault circuit interrupter e. All of the above
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TEXAS CO-OP POWER LOCAL PAGES NEWSLETTER
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This spring, let your Nueces EC’s Co-op Connections card
help local you cover everything fromConnections gardening and This spring, let your cooperative’s Co-op cardfarming help youtools cover everything from gardening and farming tools to home improvement and energy-efficiency projects. to home improvement and energy-efficiency projects.
Find all the ways to save at
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The value of membership Service is our mission. Elec-
The districts up for election this year are 1, 2, and 4. Beginning June 14, director petition packets will be available for pickup.
Calendar Dates: June 14....................................................................................... 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 October 12........................................ Annual Meeting RMB Fairgrounds www.nueceselectric.org
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tric co-ops were established to provide safe, reliable and affordable power. This has remained our mission since day one. You are a member, not a customer. Cooperatives are businesses owned by members. Members elect the coop’s board of directors and can run for seats on the board. Your votes and participation help shape the co-op’s direction. We are not for profit. Unlike investor-owned utilities, which operate to make profits for stakeholders, electric co-ops do not earn profits. Instead, revenue remaining after expenses is returned to members in the form of capital credits. We are community-focused. Electric co-ops are committed to local community development programs and projects such as Habitat for Humanity, Relay For Life, Youth Tour and others. All co-ops are guided by Seven Cooperative Principles: Voluntary and Open Membership; Democratic Member Control; Members’ Economic Participation; Autonomy and Independence; Education, Training and Information; Cooperation Among Cooperatives; and Concern for Community. We are committed to innovation. Electric cooperatives are able to respond quickly to changing member needs. We are committed to experimenting and innovating in ways that benefit the communities and members we serve.
Don’t Use a Wet Appliance
If a spring storm floods your home, your washing machine and clothes dryer could wind up waterlogged—and that’s not safe. Have a professional check for damage to your electrical system and appliances. Before beginning to clean up a flooded house, turn off the electricity and unplug all appliances. Waterlogged appliances, especially those with motors close to the ground, could be damaged and should not be used until properly cleaned, dried and inspected. Open all appliances and wipe them clean. Allow water to drain out and let them dry completely, which could take up to a week. Never plug a wet appliance back in before a service technician checks it for electrical damage. Before restoring your electricity, wipe clean all outlets that the water may have touched, and call a service technician to inspect the system. To prevent your home from flooding while you’re away, turn off the water before you leave. Also, consider adding downspouts to your gutters to divert water so it won’t pour onto the ground near the house. NUECES ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
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10 Simple Spring Energy Savers Power Tip Air-dry clean dishes to save energy. If your dishwasher does not have an automatic air-dry switch, then turn off the dishwasher after the final rinse and prop the door open slightly so the dishes will dry faster.
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YOURNAME EC thanks all our veterans and wishes everyone a peaceful
MEMORIAL DAY
Happy Mother’s Day from Nueces EC
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Follow these springtime tips to help save energy and lower your electric bill: 1. Call a qualified technician to service your central air-conditioning system. HVAC equipment needs servicing every year to head off major problems and keep the system running smoothly all summer. 2. As long as the spring weather is mild, open a window instead of turning on the air conditioner. Draw soft spring breezes into the home by turning on your ceiling fans. 3. Cook outside on the grill as soon as the weather permits it. When you don’t turn on the cooktop or oven, you don’t heat up your house. 4. Close the shades. It’s tempting to leave them open on beautiful, sunny spring days. If it’s hot outside, that heat can find its way into your house through the windows and tempt you to crank up the AC unnecessarily. 5. If it’s sunny but not hot outdoors, throw those curtains open and let the natural daylight illuminate your home. Then, turn off any lights. You won’t need them. 6. Don’t have a programmable thermostat yet? It’s time. Sometimes spring weather calls for heat, and sometimes you need the AC. A programmable thermostat will help you limit how much energy you use for either by automatically turning the temperature up or down as needed. 7. Seal the ducts in your central air-conditioning system. Leaky ducts can push your cooling costs up by as much as 30 percent. 8. Likewise, caulk around windows and electrical outlets so cool air can’t escape your house and hot air can’t get in. 9. Keep your home’s humidity levels low by running kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans—but only until the smoke or steam clears. Running them for too long will suck more than humidity and odors from your home. Those fans can send your comfortable, conditioned air out of the house. 10. Change your AC filter. A clogged filter forces your system to work harder and use more energy. It also can send the dust and allergens it collects right back into your indoor air.
Sunday, May 14
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PROPERLY SIZING YOUR
HVAC UNIT
An improperly sized HVAC unit can wreak havoc on your home. An oversized unit can cause your system to “short cycle”—constantly turning off and on. An undersized unit will run constantly to keep up with demand. Consider the factors below and choose an HVAC system that works best for your home.
SIZE MATTERS
The square footage of your home can help determine the load capacity of your HVAC unit, but it should not be the only factor considered when reviewing unit sizes. Enlist the help of a licensed professional to determine the best HVAC unit for your home.
GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION
The region in which your home is located will factor into how much capacity you need per square foot. MARINE
COLD/VERY COLD
HOME’S ORIENTATION
How sunlight hits your home during different times of the day impacts the load capacity required to properly heat or cool your home.
MIXED-HUMID HOT-DRY MIXED DRY HOT-HUMID
INSULATION EFFECTIVENESS
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The better insulated your home is, the fewer BTUs (British Thermal Units) per square foot your home will need to stay at the desired temperature.
A reliable energy partner will help you determine how each of these factors affect your system’s load capacity. Contact your electric co-op for more information.
Source: Department of Energy
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How Does Your HVAC Flow? Your HVAC system plays a key role in your comfort, so keeping it in tiptop shape is important. The connections at vents and registers in your heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system are common spots for air leaks and disconnected ductwork. Make sure these areas are well sealed where they meet floors, walls and the ceiling. Sealing and insulating ducts can help with common comfort problems, such as rooms that are too hot in the summer or too cold in the winter. Leaky ducts can reduce heating and cooling system efficiency by as much as 20 percent. Sealing and insulating ducts increases efficiency, lowers your energy bills and can often pay for itself in electricity savings. Clean the area around the outdoor components of your HVAC system. As the seasons change, it’s a good idea to have a professional inspect and tune up the HVAC system. Don’t forget to change air filters regularly. Dirty filters lower efficiency and increase the cost of operating your HVAC system.
Hire a professional to get your HVAC system ready for summer.
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Why appliances need surge protection
Power surge protection puts up guards in two places: (1) Where electricity enters your home and (2) inside your home where equipment is connected to electricity through indoor outlets.
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You’ve invested plenty in the appliances in your home. Computers, TVs, stereos, refrigerators and more. None of this equipment is cheap, and you take good care of it. Are you also protecting your equipment from power surges? If your home does not have surge protection, consider getting it. Today’s electronic equipment and appliances are very sensitive. Anything you plug in can be damaged or even destroyed by a power surge. These anomalies are brief, unpredictable increases in voltage that can enter your home through the power, telephone or cable TV lines. Several things can cause power surges. The most common cause is lightning, but other causes can include an object coming in contact with a power line, or electric-power equipment suddenly starting up or drawing extra power. Power surge protection puts up guards in two places: 1) where electricity enters your home, and 2) inside your home where equipment is connected to electricity through outlets. A meter-based surge protector protects your home at the power entry point, which is where your home and equipment are most vulnerable. Plugin devices for surge protection inside the home protect your equipment at the outlet point. www.nueceselectric.org
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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 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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