NEC Retail Member Newsletter

MEMBER CONNECTIONS

855-NEC-RD4U | necretail.com 855-NEC-RD4U | necretail.com

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Merry Christmas to Members!

It’s the happiest time of the year for NEC Retail members!

This year, the Nueces Electric Cooperative Board of Directors approved $5.5 million in Merry Christmas Credits and $1 million in Capital Credits.

If you joined NEC Retail prior to October 2014 and remain loyal to us today, your NEC Retail Christmas Gift Credit will be enclosed on your December electric bill.

This bill reflects a special “Christmas Gift Credit” from NEC Retail to YOU! We hope you will use this extra money to make this holiday a time for giving back to your community and cherishing family and friends.

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Texas Co-op Power NEC Retail December 2014

NEC Retail has successfully worked hard to be your efficient, reliable, accountable, at-cost and customer-owned power provider. We are pleased that, for the fifth-straight year, this extra effort allows us to give you this special gift at the most important time of the year.

The dollar value of your gift depends on your electricity bills from NEC Retail between January and October 2014. The amount is identified on your bill as a credit on the line that says “Merry Christmas - Thank You!” Thank you for choosing NEC Retail as your electricity provider. We wish you and your loved ones a blessed Christmas and a very happy 2015!

www.necretail.com

NEC Member Clarisse Blair is a BIG winner!

Sugar and spice and everything nice make a good cake; but love and childhood memories make a delicious, and now award-winning, cheesecake.

Clarisse said she was reading an article in Texas Co-op Power magazine about Texas pecans and though, “I have a good recipe I could send.” And it sure was!

Congratulations to NEC member Clarisse Blair for placing in the Texas Co-op Power Holiday Baking Contest. She won $500 for her Texas Pecan Praline Cheesecake recipe which can be found in this issue of Texas Co-op Power. With each bite just as delicious as the first, the recipe is the perfect mixture of pecans, creamy cheesecake, and just the right amount of sweetness to tame any dessert craving.

She was in Branson, MO on vacation with her husband, Harold, when she received the call that she was a winner. She said, “I just got so tickled. I just laughed and laughed because I was tickled to pieces.” Living in Texas, the pecan capital of the world, you know your pecan dessert is something special when it outshines the competition.

Clarisse’s mother developed the recipe in the 60’s when the family lived in Carrizo Springs, TX. While she has made the cheesecake all her life, she reserves the cheesecake treat for family holidays or very special occasions when she “needs a good cheesecake like this one.”

While Clarisse has made some “tweaks” to her mother’s recipe, such as baking it in a water bath, she says the secret ingredient is “a lifetime if sweet memories.”

Congratulations Clarisse!

Clarisse Blair received $500 for her Texas Pecan Praline Cheesecake recipe from the Texas Co-op Power Holiday Baking Contest.

www.necretail.com

1.855.NEC.RD4U Grand Prize An all-expense paid Youth Leadership trip to Washington, D.C. with approximatly 125 other Texas Youth Leaders, $250 spending money, and clothes for each day you are on the trip.

Eligibility High school sophomores & juniors who are dependents of active NEC members.

Contest Rules 1. The essay must correspond with the NEC title topic.

2. The essay must be between 300-500 words in length, typed and double-spaced 3. Questions should be addressed to: NEC Youth Tour Contest coordinator, Julie Bedsole 361-767-7321 or jbedsole@nueceselectric.org 4. The application, essay, and a photo of the contestant must be recieved bythe deadline.

Judging All essays will be judged on accuracy of information, grammar, originality, and content. Winner(s) will be notified by March 31st.

2015 Short Essay Topic: As a teenager, what is your one most valued use of electricity?

Name ___________________________________________________________Grade _______________________ Address_______________________________________________________________________________________ City, State _______________________________________________T-Shirt Size (Circle one- Unisex) S M L XL Zip Code ________________ Telephone # _____________________ E-mail ______________________________ High School______________________________City _______________________ County ___________________ To enter the Youth Tour contest, contestant’s legal guardian must be an active member of Nueces Electric Co-op:

Parents/Guardian: Father ______________________________ Mother _________________________________ NEC Account Name __________________________________ NEC Account # _____________________________ E-Mail: _________________________________ Telephone # __________________________________________ Youth Tour Winner Requirements  Must be able to fly in an airplane, ride in a car, bus, or boat for up to 12 hours (with breaks) in a single day.  Must be able to assist NEC in promotion of the Youth Tour program at the October Annual Membership Meeting.  NEC reserves the right to select the runner up or another contestant for the Youth Tour Trip if the winner if found to be a poor representative of the Youth Tour program and NEC.  The winner’s guardian must sign a waiver of release for the winner to participate on the Youth Tour.  All essays become the property of Nueces Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Contestant’s Statement By signing below, I attest that I fully understand all of the rules and requirements of this contest and what will be required of me in the event I should win the contest.

Signed ______________________________________ Date _________________________________________ Submit essay entry along with this cover page and a photograph suitable for publication to: Nueces Electric Co-op, Inc.; Attn: Youth Tour Contest, 14353 Cooperative Ave, Robstown, TX 78380 or e-mail to: jbedsole@nueceselectric.org or fax to: 361.933.1178

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Texas Co-op Power NEC Retail December 2014

Essay Entries MUST be recieved before 5:00 p.m. Friday, January 30, 2015

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1.855.NEC.RD4U

Calling All High School Seniors!

NEC Scholarship Program Now Open For Applications Download the application and track down your GPA and your SAT/ACT! Any high school senior who is a direct dependent of a Nueces Electric Cooperative Member is eligible to apply for the Ramior De La Paz Memorial Scholarship.

The Ramiro De La Paz Memorial Scholarship is funded by escheated (unclaimed) capital credits that the state of Texas grants back to NEC to utilize for youth education programs.

Download your application at www. necretail.com (under Youth Programs) and submit it to Nueces Electric Cooperative by Friday, February 13, 2015.

www.necretail.com

Two $4,000 scholarships and

four $1,000 scholarships Print the Application at: www.necretail.com (Under Youth Programs)

Deadline:

Friday, February 13., 2015

Mail to:

Nueces Electric Cooperative Attn: Scholarship Program 14353 Cooperative Ave Corpus Christi, TX 78380

Co-op Power NEC Retail December 2014 Texas 足足

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www.necretail.com

1.855.NEC.RD4U

The Survey Says: NEC Retail Members Give the Co-op a

92% Approval Rating!

Thank you to the almost 1,000 members who took the Member Satisfaction Survey!

Survey Q&A Members asked some great questions and it’s important that we answer. We are always open to feedback and to being held accountable for your investment in the Co-op.

Q. Would like to see easier payments, currently have to use a debit card, would like to be able to pay direct from my bank account, would just be easier.

A. We are glad you asked! You can sign up for NEC Automatic Bank Draft or use the eBilling account management site located at www.necretail.com to pay with a check. You can also pay using your bank’s bill payment center (if it is offered) or simply call 1.800.NEC.RD4U and pay over the phone with a check.

Q. Why are all problems are referred to AEP? A. NEC pays five cents of every kWh you purchase to AEP (or other powerline companies such as Oncor, Centerpoint, or Texas New Mexico Power) to maintain your powerlines and meters. The powerline companies, in return, ensure the powerlines stay in good working order so your electricity can be distributed to your home. Therefore, if there is an outage or a problem with your meter, you should contact your power line company directly.

Q. On the billing and payment part, I would like to be able to schedule my payment. Right now I have to remember to go in there and make payment.

A. You are correct, at this time we do not have this feature but we will take your feedback and look into how to make this possible. In the meantime, NEC Retail can help you signup for a monthly bank draft or recurring credit card payments, in which your amount due will be drafted from your account on the date the bill is due.

Q. Advertise your ability to accept energy produced by members who have solar panels. solar shingles, or wind generators hooked up to the grid. I had to ask before I equipped my home with solar generation capability. Once I reached the right fellow it went smoothly. You should make him known to members.

A. Absolutely! If you are purchasing distributed generation contact Frank Wilson at 361-767-3865 x 223. Frank can help you with a buy-back agreement for the energy you produce.

Q. I question the cost as well as the necessity of running so many advertisements on television. As an owner, I would like to know the cost/benefit of doing this.

A. Being good stewards of members investment in the Co-op is our top priority, however we do have an obligation to members to encourage the public to join the Co-op, which ultimately benefits all members. The most effective way to get our message out is via TV. At the moment, our advertising cost averages out to about $1 a month per account.

Q. When comparing rates on powertochoose.org, NEC Retail rates are in the highest category. NEC’s rates run about $.126/kwh vs some companies’ rates of $.077/kwh.

Being a non-profit company that gives back to it’s consumers, how do you justify these higher rates?

A. These rates are called loss-leader rates. They take a loss to raise the rates later. NEC Retail prides ourself in being honest about our rate and we do not play these rate games. NEC Retail’s rate is all-inclusive, meaning we do not add-on any surcharges or fees.

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Texas Co-op Power NEC Retail December 2014

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1.855.NEC.RD4U

“Have had NEC for years ever since 1998 when we moved out into the country - Then when we moved back into Corpus Christi, elected to stay with NEC because rates are excellent (LOL - since you HAVE to have electricity), at any rate less than most of the “energy” solicitors who knock on our door wanting us to switch energy companies - No Thank you!

When I ask what rates are, they are always higher, even if only a penny- Especially like the fact that being a member/ owner of NEC, we get money back on our electric bill toward the end of the year! Wow, sometimes, I get a month or two of credit - Sure is nice not to have to pay an electric bill because of that. Will stay with NEC as long as I’m in area where NEC is!”

“I’m very satisfied with NEC and recommend it to everyone.”

“We live half the year in MN and half in Corpus Christi. Our electric rate with you is .488. In MN it is 1.122. Why the difference? Probably because we have no co-ops and no choice in MN. Thanks!!!!”

“I like the fact that you do not require a long term contract.”

“We continually brag on what an outstanding service we get from NEC in comparison to any other provider.

Thank you for your service through the years. We also use NEC for our local Lions Club and the same score would apply.”

“Thank you for offering a co-op to our area. I still find folks around who are not aware of the co-op...maybe find more opportunities to make yourself known in the area...and try to explain how a co-op works - in simple terms - to folks who are not familiar with a co-op. (I came here from Oklahoma so I didn’t need an explanation when I learned about NEC.)”

NEC Retail received MANY very nice compliments from Members!

Here Are Just A Few...

“I think the concept of Cooperatives is a great way to do business and I am happy to be a part of this one.”

“When I receive literature from other electric companies I literally throw their advertisements in the trash before opening them. That is how much faith and trust I have in Nueces Electric Co-op!”

“I am proud to be a Co-op member! I love everything about NEC it is like belonging to a family and I feel like a part of that family.”

“NEC has been very dependable over the last 10 years. Keep up the good work.”

“Because of prompt attention by NEC personnel, I was able to defeat the take over of (another provider) when they scammed me and changed my account from NEC to them. Thanks” “I love the magazine....interesting to read about other co-ops and people, and to find out what is going on around the state.”

“From the very first morning I signed up with Nueces with the lovely ladies in your Corpus Christie office, until this very day; I am completely satisfied with EVERYTHING about Nueces. You are a great service company, and I am glad I found you.”

www.necretail.com

Co-op Power NEC Retail December 2014 Texas ­­

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www.necretail.com

1.855.NEC.RD4U

Use Space Heaters and Electric Blankets Safely Nothing sends chills down your spine quite like winter weather creeping its way

Give Your Electric Bill a Vacation, Too Heading out for the holidays?

Taking a vacation can be costly. A great way to save money is to give your electric bills a vacation, too. Follow these tips to ease your mind about your electric bills and let you enjoy that vacation: Unplug appliances. TVs, DVD players, VCRs, cable TV boxes, microwave ovens, coffeemakers and toasters use electricity when they’re plugged in—even when turned off.

Make the refrigerator warmer. The fridge temperature can be as high as 40 degrees without spoiling food; the freezer can reach 5 degrees. These settings can save up to 40 percent on the refrigerator’s electric usage. If you are going on an extended trip, empty the fridge and turn it off.

Set the thermostat higher/lower. Lowering the heat—to no lower than 55 degrees— typically can save you 10 to 30 percent on heating costs. Or you can shut the air conditioner off—or at least consider setting it higher than normal, to about 80 degrees.

A programmable thermostat can make these adjustments automatically.

Turn down the water heater. If you are going on a lengthy trip, turn your water heater down to the lowest setting. This can save you up to $10 a month.

Use timers to turn lights on and off each night. Timers save energy and give the appearance that someone is home. Use compact fluorescent bulbs for lights that will be on the longest. They use about 75 percent less power and last up to 12,000 hours.

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Texas Co-op Power NEC Retail December 2014

into your home. To save money and stay warm, many folks turn down the central heat and plug in space heaters or electric blankets. While these products may be a simple solution for the cold, they can also cause fires if caution is not used.

Safe Electricity offers these tips for safely using space heaters and electric blankets: Choose a product with a safety certification. Look for the UL, ETL or CSA mark on the device. These verify that the product has been tested and is safe to use.

Also, look for a space heater that has guards around heating elements and automatically shuts off if it tips over or overheats. And only use an electric blanket with an automatic shut-off designed to prevent overheating. Read and follow all instructions.

Check space heaters and electric blankets before use. Cords should not be frayed, brittle or cracked. The blanket should not have any charred or dark areas. Plug space heaters directly into the outlet, and never use an extension cord.

Many fires start when flammable products are placed too close to heating devices.

Space heaters should be kept at least 3 feet from bedding, curtains, clothing, paper and other flammables; they also should be placed away from high-traffic areas and on a level, hard, nonflammable floor surface—NOT on carpets, furniture or countertops.

Do not attempt to warm your entire home using space heaters. Space heaters are useful in small areas, such as a study or living room. If you need to keep large areas warm, your home heating system will do the job more efficiently.

Pets should never be allowed to sleep close to space heaters or on top of electric blankets. Electric blanket wires should never be bent or tucked under a mattress.

Always remember to turn off space heaters and electric blankets when not in use.

Never leave them on unattended or after going to bed. Replace old or damaged electric blankets or space heaters.

For more safety tips, visit SafeElectricity.org.

Keep space heaters at least 3 feet from flammable objects, out of the path of foot traffic on a level, hard, nonflammable floor surface.

www.necretail.com

www.necretail.com

1.855.NEC.RD4U

Notice from AEP Texas Central Company Notice of Transition Property and Transition Charge Rates by the Special Purpose Entity

TC-3 Statement to Customers: Pursuant to Ordering Paragraph 5 and 6 of the Financing Order (Application of AEP Texas Central Company for Financing Order, Public Utility Commission of Texas Docket No. 39931 (March 8, 2012)) and Section 6.1.1.2.3.1 of AEP Texas Central Company’s Tariff for Electric Delivery Service, notice is hereby given that the Transition Property and the Transition Charge Rates contained in Sections 6.1.1.2.1 and 6.1.1.2.1.1 of the tariff are owned by the Special Purpose Entity and not by the REP nor by AEP Texas Central Company.

TC-2 Statement to Customers : Pursuant to Ordering Paragraph 12 of the Financing Order (Application of Central Power and Light Company for Financing Order to Securitize Regulatory Assets and Other Qualified Costs, Public Utility Commission of Texas Docket No. 21528 (March 27, 2000)) and Section 6.1.1.2.1 of AEP Texas Central Company’s Tariff for Electric Delivery Service, notice is hereby given that the Transition Property and the Transition Charge Rates contained in Sections 6.1.1.2.1 and 6.1.1.2.1.1 of the tariff are owned by the Special Purpose Entity and not by the REP nor by AEP Texas Central Company.

TC-1 Statement to Customers: Pursuant to Ordering Paragraph 13 of the Financing Order (Application of AEP Texas Central Company for Financing Order, Public Utility Commission of Texas Docket No. 32475 (June 21, 2006)) and Section 6.1.1.2.2 of AEP Texas Central Company’s Tariff for Electric Delivery Service, notice is hereby given that the Transition Property and the Transition Charge Rates contained in Sections 6.1.1.2.2 and 6.1.1.2.2.1 of the tariff are owned by the Special Purpose Entity and not by the REP nor by AEP Texas Central Company.

Take Note Of The New Payment Address s to: Mail Payment NEC Retail 32 PO Box 6598 TX San Antonio, 78265

Merry

CHRISTMAS

NEC will be closed Thursday, December 25th, and Friday, December 26th, for the Christmas holiday

We will also be closed Thursday, January 1st.

We wish you and yours a safe and Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

Play & Win! If Your Account Number is:

34135-001

YOU WIN $25 off your electric bill!

Call, NEC Retail before the 20th!

www.necretail.com

Co-op Power NEC Retail December 2014 Texas ­­

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