MEMBER CONNECTIONS
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Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow John L. Sims, NEC CEO
When I came to Nueces Electric Cooperative in 1994, I knew I was not coming to an ordinary Co-op. In the past 20 years as CEO, I have witnessed amazing changes in the industry. Technology alone has completely altered our way of doing business. With technology came deregulation and the opportunity for Nueces Electric Cooperative to expand and offer Co-op electricity to all of Texas.
Competing in the Texas retail electricity market can be daunting. It is a fast-paced industry filled with smoke and mirrors. Consumers are constantly being immersed with promises of false gifts and the “best” rates. Educating consumers, encouraging them to choose NEC Retail, and then showing them why they should stay while being immersed in the sea of promotional offers has become a way of life. But we are fortunate. With no contracts and honest affordable rates, NEC has created a business model where our members stay with us because they want to, not because they have to. Members have expressed time and time again how much they appreciate our excellent service and transparency. In return, NEC appreciates the trust and teamwork from members. In the past 20 years since I was hired as the CEO of NEC Retail’s parent company, Nueces Electric Cooperative, Inc, our employee base has almost doubled. We have hired highly qualified individuals who understand and keep up with systematic change while valuing the mission of the Co-op. As with all organizations, the Co-op is only as good as the quality of employees we hire to serve members. We look for employees that have embody the ideals of working for members; who understand that we work for main street not wall street. 18
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In 20 years, your elected Board of Directors has worked cautiously to balance the advancement of technology with the heart of the Co-op members and employees. It is very easy to say yes to everything and hard to say no. Your elected Directors evaluate all financial decisions very carefully, always keeping the impact their decisions will make on the members and employees in mind. Together we have tried to look into the future, to see what the Co-op will be in another 20 years, and position the Co-op to conquer any obstacles that may come our way. 20 years at the Co-op has flown. I have a few more gray hairs, a few less hairs on my head, but a great appreciation for the members, the employees and the Directors who work together everyday to make Nueces Electric Cooperative the best Co-op we can be. The week after the October 8, 2015 Annual Membership Meeting, I will officially take my leave and retire. I have thoroughly enjoyed a productive career and I am looking forward to spending time with family and helping my church. For several months now a CEO Search Committee, comprised of four Board of Directors and one NEC Staff Member, have work diligently with national CEO search firms. I am confident the next CEO will continue to implement the great path that has been laid and will most likely expand it for the better. In 20 years we have come so far. I am excited to see what the next 20 has in store and look forward to watching Nueces Electric Cooperative and NEC Retail grow and continue to exceed expectations.
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A Letter From The Board
CEO Retirement & Replacement Search After 21 years of dedicated service as CEO of Nueces Electric Cooperative, John L. Sims will be retiring effective October 16, 2015. Throughout his tenure as CEO the Cooperative has experienced considerable growth and modernization to keep up with today’s challenges in the electric utility industry. To ensure this continued growth and success of NEC, your Board of Directors has begun the process to search for and hire a new CEO. A CEO Search Team was appointed by the Board to guide the recruitment process and also decided to obtain the services of a national search firm to conduct the search. The Board solicited proposals and after reviewing three firms that responded, decided to contract with the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) to conduct the search. On July 9, 2015, the Board met with the lead person of NRECA that will conduct the search. The position is being advertised state-wide and nationally and has a cut-off date of August 19, 2015 to receive applications. On September 15, 2015, after an initial period of screening applications for “best fit” applicants by NRECA, NRECA and the Board will review and screen a pre-final list that will be selected for face-to-face interviews. During the week of October 12-15, 2015 the Board will conduct face-to-face interviews of the finalists with a possible announcement date of the new CEO on October 16, 2015. The Board appreciates your support and understanding during this time of transition and will keep you informed as the search process continues. Any inquiries about the position and how to apply should be directed to: Mr. Dan Brewer at: www.jobtarget. com/c/job.cfm?site_id=227&jb=24557064 Thank you, Brian Menking President NEC Board of Directors District 8
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Rumaldo Z. Juarez, Ph.D. Chair, CEO Search Team NEC Board of Directors District 1
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2015 Annual Membership Meeting
Thursday, October 8, 2015 Richard Borchard Regional Fairgrounds Robstown, TX 5:30 p.m. Registration, Voting*, Kids Activities & Dinner *Voting closes at 7 p.m.
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 goody bag Learn about co-op programs Kids activities & fun!
What is an Annual Meeting? The Annual Meeting is a membership benefit of being a member-owner of your electric co-op. You will enjoy dinner, kids activities, music, educational booths, and most importantly: you will vote for Board of Directors. Each year, three Board of Director positions are up for election. All members vote for all Directors, regardless of which district they are running for. Additionally, all attendees hear about the financial health of the Co-op and gain insight into current and future major projects. This meeting is extremely popular among members, some have been coming since they were children themselves. We look forward to seeing you there! NEC Retail June 2015 Texas Co-op Power
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Solar Power For Members It is a project that has been in the works for over a year. Two mass member surveys, monthly Board of Director meetings, six renewable energy committee meetings, and several conference calls, e-mails, and side conversations later...we have a verdict: solar power for members wins!
Through the NEC Retail Roofless Community Solar Program, any NEC Retail residential or commercial member—especially those that rent or lease their properties—can purchase 100Watt panels in the shared array to offset their electric usage charges.
Whew, we are tired.
The solar facility will incorporate single-axis tracker technology that follows the sun’s path across the sky, maximizing solar exposure and power generation by as much as 15% over traditional fixed systems. CEC’s RemoteMeter™ software will automatically track each member’s power generation and integrate into NEC Retail’s billing system to provide monthly on-bill credits.
Thank you to the thousands of members who took time to complete the surveys. Your feedback was the driving force behind creating a successful initiative for members to access community solar power. NEC employees and your elected Board of Directors completed their due diligence with our contracted company Clean Energy Collective , or CEC for short, to ensure members received a fair purchase price and a fair energy credit. CEC will develop a 700 kW (AC) solar PV facility, giving members the opportunity to own local clean energy generation through CEC’s roofless solar program. This array will be the first large-scale solar garden in the Coastal Bend with 7,000 panels available for purchase by any NEC Retail member.
“We’re pleased to partner with CEC to bring this new and exciting roofless community solar model to fruition,” said John L. Sims, CEO. “Roofless solar allows the greatest number of consumers to participate in and enjoy the benefits of locally produced clean power.” NEC Roofless Solar panels are exclusively for NEC Retail members only. NEC Retail, the only not-for-profit co-op electricity provider in Texas, is able to serve all consumers in Texas who have the ability to choose their electricity provider. To purchase panels or receive a quote, please contact CEC directly at www.NECrooflesssolar.com or 844-232-253.
How does the program work?
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Contact Clean Energy Collective directly to discuss how many panels you would like or for more information by visiting www.NECrooflesssolar.com or 844-232-253
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CEC will work with NEC to access your usage to accurately customize your needs with your electric bill. You can not purchase more panels than you need to accommodate your electric bill.
Purchase
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CEC will notify NEC Retail of your agreement. NEC Retail will receive your monthly generation and will place a credit your bill each month for the amount of energy your panel(s) generated.
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NEC Retail June 2015 Texas Co-op Power
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Keep Water Recreation Safe
Keep long tools like ladders, pool skimmers and pruning poles away from power lines.
Know What’s Overhead Do-it-yourself projects can be overwhelming, but knowing what’s overhead can keep you from getting in over your head. Before starting a job, survey the area. If you discover a possible hazard, take steps to avoid it and make sure everyone else involved is aware, too. Other safety tips for DIY projects include: - Use caution when using long tools like ladders, pool skimmers and pruning poles to keep them from getting near power lines. - Keep equipment and yourself at least 10 feet from power lines. - Never trim trees near power lines. Have a professional do the job. - Never use water or blower extensions to clean gutters near electric lines. - If it is raining or the ground is wet, do not use electric power or yard tools, or touch electrical equipment. - When working outside, use extension cords that are rated for outdoor use. Do not allow power cords to tangle. - Use heavy-duty, three-prong extension cords for tools with three-prong plugs. Never remove or bend back the third prong on extension cords. It is a safety feature designed to reduce the risk of electrocution or shock. - Make sure outlets in garages and outdoors are equipped with ground-fault circuit interrupters. If you do find yourself in over your head, don’t just wing it. Call a licensed professional to help you finish the job.
—Safe Electricity 22
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One of the best places to enjoy summer fun is in the water—but the hidden hazard of electric shock drowning is always possible when recreation takes place near boats and docks that are plugged into shore power. Without proper inspection and supervision, these electrical systems can leak electricity into the water, presenting a hazard for anyone in the vicinity. NEC Retail encourages anyone who participates in water recreation activities to learn about and take action to prevent electric shock drowning. Take the time to inspect all electrical systems on or near the water to ensure that they are safe. It is also recommended that individuals do not swim around docks with electrical equipment or boats plugged into shore power. Safe Electricity, along with the American Boat and Yacht Council and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers/National Electrical Contractors Association, recommends adhering to these rules to enhance water recreation safety and accident prevention: All electrical installations should be performed by a professional electrical contractor familiar with marine codes and standards, and should be inspected at least once a year. Docks should have groundfault circuit interrupters on the circuits that feed electricity to the dock. The metal frames of docks should be bonded to connect all metal parts to the alternating current safety ground at the power source. That will ensure that any part of the metal dock that becomes energized because of electrical malfunction will trip the circuit breaker. Neighboring docks can also present a shock hazard. Make your neighbors aware of the need for safety inspections and maintenance. Marinas should comply with the National Fire Protection Association code and the National Electrical Code. Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind for your boat’s electrical system, particularly those with AC systems: Regardless of the size of boat, maintenance of the electrical system should be done by a professional familiar with marine electrical codes. Have your boat’s electrical system checked at least once a year. Boats should also be checked when something is added or removed on their systems. Boats with AC systems should have isolation transformers or equipment leakage circuit interrupter protection. All equipment should comply with ABYC standards, and should be serviced by an ABYC-certified technician. Learn more at SafeElectricity.org and abycinc.org. www.necretail.com
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Take Control of Summer Energy Bills Here are five easy ways to minimize your energy use : Sun block. Half of all of the heat that enters your home comes in through
the windows. Invest in a thick shade or window film to block out the summer sun. Save up to 15 percent on your cooling bill by shading west-facing windows, which absorb the most afternoon sun. For the hottest parts of your house, consider installing an awning or planting trees in front of windows to shade the house. Quick change. A filter for your air-conditioning system costs only a few dollars (about $5 for a high-quality, pleated model), but can save you much more if you change it every month during the summer. Dirty air-conditioning filters prevent airflow and make the system work harder. One degree. For every degree warmer that you turn up your thermostat during airconditioning season, you’ll save up to 2 percent on your cooling costs. Try setting your thermostat at 78 degrees, and turn on a ceiling fan. Wind chill. Fans don’t cool the air, but they make the air feel cooler by moving it around the room and against your skin, which creates a wind chill effect. When the fan is running, you can move your thermostat three to four degrees higher without noticing a difference in your comfort level. Cool touch. Replace every incandescent lightbulb in your house with a compact fluorescent lightbulb or a light-emitting diode fixture. The replacements cost more at first than incandescents, but CFLs use 75 percent less energy, and LEDs use less than one-tenth. Both of these energyefficient versions pay for themselves and then some over their lifetimes. Plus, they emit far less heat than incandescent bulbs, so they don’t add heat to your home’s air or make the air conditioner work harder.
Hands off the Thermostat It’s summer... and it’s hot!
But every degree you turn your thermostat down costs you an extra 3% on your electric bill. This combined with other summer heat issues (i.e. your refrigerator works harder) makes your summer electric bill creep up.
Winning!
Our slogan is No Rate Games and NEC Retail means it! As a valuable member one of the perks you enjoy is an honest rate. You recognize the value of your co-op membership; how it pays you back; consistent service; and a no contract variable rate which on average fluctuates less than 1 cent.
Save on your energy bill by planting trees in front of windows to shade the house. www.necretail.com
FOTO GRAFIA IN C. | iSto ck.com
During these hot summer months every penny counts. NEC Retail’s current rate is 1 cent LESS than this time last year. So know that while your bill may still contain higher usage in the summer heat, NEC Retail works to help you out as much as we can.
Happy Summer Y’all! NEC Retail June 2015 Texas Co-op Power
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Taxes Defined NEC Retail members may have noticed a “new� tax that is not so new after all. The Co-op is simply better accounting for a few taxes that all electricity providers must charge. These line-itemed taxes have not raised or impacted your bill. In a nut shell, NEC Retail members have always been paying these cost. Previously the funds came from the overall Co-op margins. Now, we have them as proper line items on bills. Thank you for understanding and being valued members of the Co-op. We are 100% transparent with member-owners at all times. Because that is the cooperative difference. For more definitions of terms of your electric bill, please visit: www.puc.texas.gov/consumer/electricity/bill_e.aspx
Public Utility Commission Assessment (PUCA)
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Play & Win! If Your Account Number is:
10340-002
YOU WIN $25 off your electric bill! Call, NEC Retail before the 20th!
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A fee the State of Texas requires to be paid by all electric users regardless if they are non-profit or not. The funds go to operate the Public Utility Commission of Texas.
Miscellaneous Gross Receipt Tax (MGRT)
A tax the State of Texas requires to be paid to them and is then returned to various cities to help in operating costs. Both of these taxes are mandatory and NEC Retail has no choice in charging them. The Co-op does not keep them. We must then must pass them on to the proper government entity.
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