AT-Cost ELECTRICITY MEMBER CONNECTIONS
AT-Cost ELECTRICITY
2016
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for your homeAnnual AND BUSINESS
It’s that time of year again; NEC is gearing up for the 2016 annual meeting, which will be held on Thursday, October 13. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for voting, kids activities and dinner; the meeting will begin at 7 p.m. The annual meeting is a special time for co-op members to gather, share experiences, hear from co-op leadership and, perhaps most importantly, vote to elect your new board members. NEC employees work hard to host this fun event, and we encourage you to attend and exercise some of the many rights you have as a member of an electric cooperative. We know the food, games and prizes are the best parts of the meeting, but there is so much more to the event. Did you know the annual meeting is an occasion to discuss and learn more about the issues affecting our community? This is an opportunity to learn more about the topics that impact you and talk about what we as a community can do to address our most pressing challenges and take advantage of available opportunities. Your annual meeting is also the occasion to exercise one of the greatest benefits of being an electric co-op member: voting for the upcoming year’s board of directors. 20
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Membership Meeting
Your electric cooperative is not owned by far-away investors, and it is not run by an appointed board of directors. Your electric cooperative is run by a democratically elected board that is given the privilege to serve because of your vote. So, at this year’s annual meeting, not only will you have a blast (and maybe win a prize!), but you will feel good knowing that you had a voice in a very important decision that impacts one of our most vital resources, electricity. From all of your friends at NEC we hope to see you in October at the annual meeting.
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Thursday, October 13, 2016 Richard M. Borchard Regional Fairgrounds - Robstown, TX
5:30 p.m. Registration, Voting*, Kids Activities & Dinner 7:00 p.m. Business Meeting & Door Prizes
Why Attend? • • • • • • •
Dinner for members & immediate family $10 bill credit for attending Vote for Board of Directors $2,500 in door prizes & bill credits Meeting goodie bag Learn about co-op programs Kids activities & fun!
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HALO-Flight, Inc.: a look three decades later No one plans for tragedy. We plan for marriages and births. In fact, when asked, most people feel that tragedy will never happen to them. The reality of unintended, unplanned-for tragedies has been the daily focus of the professional team at HALO-Flight, Inc., a non-profit air ambulance organization, for nearly 30 years. In 1987, at the impetus of South Texas citizens motivated by a desire to reduce the window of time between tragedy and the most appropriate levelof-care treatment, HALO-Flight, Inc. was born. Much has changed since the early days of HALO-Flight, Inc. Today the organization is outfitted with three Bell 407 aircraft and one Bell 429 aircraft. Services and professional staff are located throughout the region to expedite transport into trauma centers and specialty care facilities. HALO-Flight bases are located in Alice, Beeville and Corpus Christi. The Corpus Christi Base serves as the operations center, as well as the home for the aircraft dedicated to service for Driscoll Children’s Hospital. Today, each flight is staffed with flight-certified professionals including a critical care registered nurse and a paramedic along with a veteran pilot. Each aircraft is outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment along with trauma-related medications so that as transport occurs, treatment continues. Communication is a vital part of the HALO-Flight experience. From the first call for help to the in-flight conversations with the receiving facility, each aircraft boasts multifaceted communications equipment to aid in flying, landing and expediting the next leg of the patient’s recovery. Trauma sustained in automobile accidents caused by distracted drivers, unexpected mishaps resulting in major blood loss or significant burns, or other life-threating neurological and cardiovascular episodes often require care within minutes to maximize outcomes. For nearly three decades, HALOwww.necretail.com
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Flight, Inc. has been viewed as the premier provider of helicopter air ambulance services in South Texas. As the only non-profit helicopter emergency medical service in South Texas, HALO-Flight’s mission is to provide expert, medical transport for the critically ill or injured regardless of their ability to pay. Working in collaboration with healthcare professionals and first responders, HALO-Flight provides onthe scene emergency medical services throughout the Coastal Bend. Additionally, HALO-Flight provides medical transport service between South Texas healthcare facilities, as well as to facilities outside of the Coastal Bend area for physician-ordered specialty care in cases, for example, such as burns and other conditions deemed appropriate for helicopter air ambulance transport. Living in South Texas affords many the opportunities to enjoy the wide open spaces, hunting terrains and fishing environments envied by people all over the country. But with this vast array of natural playground and remote natural habitat comes competition for timely access to medical care. HALOFlight offers a unique solution in the Guardian Ranch Plan which enables the professionals at HALO-Flight to work with ranchers and land owners greater than 20 minutes from groundbased first responders to set up a landing zone and launch process for their ranch property. Needless to say, a great deal of upfront work goes in to making
this happen, and it is not the solution for everyone. The Guardian Plan also accommodates individuals wishing to mitigate a possible financial hardship resulting from air ambulance transport. The Membership extends to all members of the household and details can be found on our website or by contacting Membership Service at HALO-Flight. Businesses can also provide this peace of mind for their employees and their household members through a special Business Plan program; and many cities and counties, municipal water departments and electric cooperatives such as Nueces Electric Cooperative offer their customers the opportunity to enroll for just $1 per household per month through their monthly billing. Guardian Plan Memberships are available through the Cooperative and can be found at http://nueceselectric. org/content/halo-flight. South Texans in a 28,000 square mile area in the 26 counties of the Coastal Bend and South Texas are covered by the helicopter medical transport 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. As a non-profit organization, HALOFlight continues to seek sources of support from granting institutions, corporate partners and citizens interested in sustaining the life-saving mission of HALO-Flight. With support from the community, HALO-Flight can write another 30 year chapter in the helicopter air ambulance support legacy for the next generation of South Texans.
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How to be energy efficient in humid climates Why does a 95°F day in one of the Gulf Coast states feel hotter than the same temperature in the Southwest? Why do dry heat and humid heat feel so different, and how does this affect your strategy for home energy efficiency? While there are many common ways to achieve energy efficiency across all warmer climates, there are some important differences that vary by geography. Heat and humidity vs dry heat Generally speaking, when there is more moisture in the air, the temperature feels hotter than it actually is because moist air is closer to saturation than dry air. On a humid day, when the air is saturated with water, evaporation is much slower. Simply put, high humidity will make the air feel hotter while low humidity will make the temperature feel cooler. Heat reduction is priority one In warm climates, the majority of energy used to make the home feel comfortable is spent on home air conditioning and cooling. The first priority is heat reduction. However, in humid areas, moisture reduction is nearly as important as lowering the indoor air temperature. If a home has too much moisture, indoor air quality can be comprised and mold and mildew problems can develop.
Energy efficiency for hot and humid climates The first line of energy defense is to ensure that your home is properly insulated and sealed in order to keep the heat and humidity that surround the house from getting inside. Leaky ducts, windows and doors can cause energy loss, making the HVAC system work much harder to wring the moisture out of the air and exacerbate potential indoor air quality issues. Homes that are “sealed tight” are easier to keep cool and dry. Next, make sure your HVAC system is the right size. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that most current residential systems are oversized. If your unit is too big, you will pay higher energy bills, and you won’t get the efficiency level or comfort you want and expect. It is also likely that the unit is “short cycling,” constantly turning off and on, never achieving optimum efficiency. When the unit runs in short bursts, it will not operate long enough to eliminate all of the humidity in your home. Damp, cool indoor air creates a muggy atmosphere that can lead to the growth of mold and mildew. This can be a particular concern for those who suffer from allergies, as many allergens thrive in damp conditions. If you are considering a new HVAC system, be sure to choose equipment that is the correct size and meets or
exceeds the seasonal energy efficiency ratio for the capacity requirement, such as Energy Star-rated systems. DIY humidity reduction There are some basic steps you can take to lower the humidity in your home to help make it feel cooler and more comfortable. Start by reducing the humidity you are already producing. The kitchen and bathrooms are the biggest contributors to higher humidity levels. Check to ensure that your range hood is ducted to the outside, as recirculating range hoods are not effective in controlling moisture (or odors). When cooking, and especially when boiling water, run the vent fan. In the bathroom, run the vent fan when bathing or showering. Keep the fan on up to 30 minutes after you have finished in order to eliminate the residual moisture in the air. If you can reduce the indoor humidity level, you may be able to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature with a higher thermostat setting and ceiling fans. The air movement from the ceiling fan will create a “wind chill” effect, lowering the temperature and increasing comfort. Finally, check gutters and downspouts for leaks or blockage. If rainwater leaks out and saturates the ground surrounding your home, some of the moisture can eventually migrate into your house.
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Safety tips for outdoor activities Outdoor adventures such as swimming, camping, and hiking are rewarding ways to connect with nature. However, a few common-sense precautions can help to ensure a safe, fun excursion. When planning your outdoor trip, make certain you know the area and weather forecast. Buy a map and plan to go with at least one other person. Give a copy of your itinerary and list of any equipment you’re bringing as well as the make, year, and license plate number of your car to someone your trust. Find out the location of the nearest hospital and also the nearest ranger station and phone, as cell phone coverage is not always available. Take a basic first aid course so you can deal with common mishaps. The American Red Cross even offers a Wilderness and Remote First Aid course, designed to teach folks how to respond to emergencies—such as animal-bite wounds, broken bones, plant poisoning, lightning strikes, and hypothermia—when help is more than one hour away. Make sure everyone in your group is physically able to handle the trip. If you have a medical condition, get the approval of your doctor beforehand and pack extra supplies of any required medications. Make an emergency checklist of necessary items for each potential situation
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and include accordingly. Although an overnight trip may not be planned, pack as though it were, with extra clothes, food, water, a compass, blankets, a radio with batteries, flashlights, waterproof matches, and a whistle. At the top of any emergency checklist should be a first aid kit. While available in a variety of sizes and prices, you may wish to assemble one at home, so you can tailor it to your specific needs. Remember to pack all items in a waterproof container. Here are lists of essential and optional materials to include:
• Essential: First aid manual, bandages, gauze, medical tape, knife, tweezers, scissors, pain reliever, antiseptic, antibiotic ointment, antacid, burn ointment, insect repellent, sunscreen, mirror, plastic gloves, pen/pencil, notepad. • Optional: Ace bandage, antiallergy, anti-itch, children’s medications, thermometer, ice pack, irrigation syringe, sling, splint, snake-bite kit, bee-sting kit, saline solution. These tips offer a good start to a safer outdoor adventure and can help make for a great outdoor trip.
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Outdoor safety for children Warm, sunny days beckon the child in all of us to head outside and play. Safe Electricity recommends that families review and stress to children to follow simple electrical safety rules for safe outdoor play. Children often do not understand the dangers of electricity. Make them aware of overhead power lines and electrical equipment, and emphasize they should never climb or play near them,” said Molly Hall, executive director of Safe Electricity. Safe Electricity recommends that children be taught to follow these rules: • Never climb trees near power lines. Even if the power lines are not touching the tree, they could touch when more weight is added to the branch. • Fly kites and model airplanes in large open areas like a park or a field, safely away from trees and overhead power lines. If a kite gets stuck in a tree that’s near power lines, don’t climb up to get it. Contact your local electric cooperative for assistance. • Never climb a utility pole or tower. • Don’t play on or around padmounted electrical equipment. • Never go into an electric substation for any reason. Electric substations contain high-voltage equipment, which can be deadly. Never rescue a pet or retrieve www.necretail.com
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a ball or toy that goes inside. Call your local electric cooperative instead. When designing an outdoor play area for your children, do not install playground equipment or swimming pools underneath or near power lines. Protect all family members from serious shock and injuries by installing and using outdoor outlets with ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI). Use portable GFCIs for outdoor outlets that don’t have them. Be careful using electrical appliances outdoors, even if plugged into GFCI-equipped outlets. “Water always attracts kids, but water and electricity never mix,” warns Hall. “Teach older children to exercise caution before plugging any electrical gadget outdoors, and keep all electrical appliances at least ten feet away from hot tubs, pools, ponds, and puddles. “Spring showers bring more than tempting puddles for kids to splash in, they can also leave electric hazards behind,” Hall adds. “Flooded areas are never safe spots to wade or play in, and may be in contact with energized electrical equipment or fallen power lines.” Make sure all of your family members know to stay away from downed power lines and wires, and tell children to report to an adult any fallen or dangling wires. NEC Retail September 2016 Texas Co-op Power
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Shield your home from energy loss Walls. Floors. Ceilings. Attic. These are some of the prime areas of a home that need insulation in order for you to maximize energy efficiency. According to the Department of Energy (DOE), adding insulation to your home is a sound investment that is likely to quickly pay for itself in reduced utility bills. In fact, DOE estimates that you can reduce your heating and cooling needs up to 30 percent by properly insulating and weatherizing your home. If your home is more than 20 years old and was not specifically constructed for energy efficiency, additional insulation can likely reduce your energy bills and increase the comfort level of your home. The actual amount of savings for each home depends upon several factors—the current level of insulation, your climate, efficiency of your heating/ cooling system and your utility rates. On average, older homes have less insulation than homes built today, but even
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adding insulation to a newer home can pay for itself within a few years. You first need to determine how much insulation you already have in your home and where it is located. For those with the DIY spirit, you can conduct an insulation audit yourself: Look for: Where your home is, isn’t, and/or should be insulated, the type of insulation in your home, and the R-value and the thickness or depth (inches) of the insulation. A prime area that is chronically under-insulated is the attic. In any climate, attic insulation is essential to help keep warm air inside in the winter and prevent hot attic air from heating your living spaces in the summer. Heat flows naturally from a warmer space to a cooler space. During winter months, this means heat moves directly from heated living spaces to adjacent unheated attics, garages, basements and even outdoors. It can also travel indi-
rectly through interior ceilings, walls and floors—wherever there is a difference in temperature. During summer months, the opposite happens—heat flows from the exterior to the interior of a home. Proper installation of insulation creates resistance to heat flow. The more heat flow resistance your insulation provides, the lower your heating and cooling costs will be. Today, you have choices when it comes to selecting insulation for the home, including an environmentallyfriendly option made of recycled materials, such as scrap blue jeans. It looks similar to chopped up blue jeans and is treated for fire safety. With an insulating R-value similar to fiberglass insulation, this blue-jean insulation is a great option. While an older home will never be as efficient as a new home, an insulation upgrade will make a noticeable difference in your energy use and wallet.
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