NEC Retail August 2014 by Nueces Electric

Member ConNECtions www.necretail.com

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Electricity Remains a Good Value John L. Sims, NEC CEO

In today’s world, you won’t find

many items that cost less than $5. You can purchase a gallon of milk, a gallon of gas or a Big Mac meal from McDonalds. But did you know that an average day’s worth of electricity costs less than $5? Even in our country’s shifting energy climate, electricity remains a good value. In fact, electricity has the lowest cost per day of any of the items listed above. And not all of those items are necessary for daily life! As CEO of Nueces Electric Cooperative, I urge you to think about your daily necessities (electricity and gasoline, to name a couple), and then think about the cost of the special treats we allow ourselves to purchase on a weekly basis (maybe even on a daily basis for some items!). We don’t often question the cost of a Big Mac

President Brian Menking, Alice

meal – it costs over $2 more to buy a Big Mac meal than it does to purchase a day’s worth of power. And yet, we frequently become frustrated if our electricity rates rise. It makes sense; we have become increasingly reliant upon electricity. Electricity has, for many of us, gone from a luxury commodity to a necessity and an expectation. We expect the lights to come on when we flip the switch, and we expect our power to stay on during the best and worst conditions. How else would we keep our food fresh, our homes cool in the summer or warm in the winter? It is easy to cut a Big Mac out of your spending routine here and there to save a few dollars. But we cannot simply cut electricity out of our budgets if times get tough or we decide that we want to scale back our spending in order to save.

So the next time you crave a Big Mac, remember your electric bill, and think about what a great deal you’re getting for your dollar!

Nueces Electric Cooperative Leadership

Secretary-Treasurer David Rosse, Kingsville

Directors Gladys Lippincott, Retail Maxine Stewart, Freer Johnny Alvarado, Ricardo Donald W. Herrmann, Robstown Gregg Truesdale, Robstown Rumaldo Z. Juarez, Corpus Christi

Assistant Secretary Tommy Ermis, Agua Dulce

Chief Executive Officer John L. Sims

Vice President Bill Hartman, Orange Grove

Perhaps that is why it is so upsetting to us when our rates increase, even if only in small increments. It is nearly impossible for us to think about what our lives would be like if we did not have electricity. If at times it doesn’t seem that electricity is affordable, remember – even as the demand for electricity grows – annual cost increases still remain low, especially when compared to other consumer goods such as medical care, education, gasoline and, yes, even Big Macs. Electricity is still a great bargain. And also remember this: as the CEO of NEC, your local electric cooperative, I am committed to making sure that you and your family always have safe, reliable and affordable electric service in your home.

Texas Co-op Power NUECES EC June 2014

Chief Financial Officer Robbie Sorrell

Line Superintendent Manuel Mayorga

Chief Operating Officer Varzavand Irani

Manager, Safety, Environmental & Job Training Services Cassy Hill

Chief Compliance Officer Sarah Fisher Manager, Retail Division Frank Wilson

Director of Information Technology Sergey Seryogin

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Youth Tour 2014 Victoria Wahlen & Rebecca Lancaster may not have had the opportunity to discuss politics with the President, but they did have the opportunity to sit down with Representative Blake Farenthold and discuss co-op priorities. They fit the visit to the Senator in between VIP tours of monuments and riverboat parties on the Hudson. What can they say, it’s just another day on the NRECA’s Youth Tour trip! Victoria said, “I knew I was going on a cool trip but I was not prepared for how awesome it really was!” NEC encourages any High School Sophomore or Junior (whose parents are members of the Co-op) to apply for the trip. You can download the application at www.necretail.com under the community menu option. To apply all you have to do is write a short essay. Entries are due at the end of January. Put it on your calendar now and don’t miss out!

1.855.NEC.RD4U

Save The Date

Annual Membership Meeting Thursday, October 9, 2014 Richard Borchard Regional Fairgrounds Robstown, TX

Youth Tour winners Victoria and Rebecca, along with Scholarship recipient Alexis Wahlen, enjoyed a quick meet and greet with the NEC Board of Dircetors.

5:30 Registration, Voting*, Kids Activities & Dinner 7:00 Business Meeting & Door Prizes

Join Us and Receive: • Dinner for members • $10 bill credit for attending • Vote for Board of Directors • 75 door prizes including $75 bill credits • 75th Anniversary co-op goody bag • Free 75th Anniversary commemorative book • Learn about co-op programs • Kids activities & fun!

2014 Youth Tour winners Victoria ( left) and Rebecca at the White House www.necretail.com

*Voting closes at 7:00 p.m. Co-op Power June 2014 Texas

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NEC Retail Gives Back To Veteran’s Annual discount program delivers saving to past and active military

NEC Retail, the competitive retail electric provider subsid-

iary of parent company Nueces Electric Cooperative, recently honored current and past military members with an extra $25 off of their electric bill. The newly established Military Appreciation Credit proved to be a hit among NEC Retail members with 1,873 members submitting their verification to receive the discount. In total, NEC Retail members received approximately $47,000 during its inaugural year. Giving back to members is nothing new to NEC Retail. Since 2005, the Co-op has given back 31 million dollars in the form of Merry Christmas Credits, Capital Credits and through Nueces Charities, Inc. Additionally, members who choose to refer friends and family to the Co-op have enjoyed an additional $279,000 back in their wallets. As a not-for-profit, member-owned and operated company, NEC Retail’s goal is to save members as much as possible while continuing to provide top rated service and electricity to members spanning all over the state of Texas. In 2005 Nueces Electric Cooperative became the only deregulated cooperative of its kind in the nation. Now consumers living

on investor-owned utility lines such as AEP, Centerpoint, Oncor or Texas New Mexico Power are able to enjoy the perks of being an owner of their electric company, including the valuable member-friendly programs that make NEC Retail stand among electric providers. In April 2013, NEC Retail implemented a Burned Veteran program to provide $50 off a severely burned veteran’s electric bill during the hot summer months. At the same time, NEC Retail created the Military Appreciation Credit. “As a small company who employees several veteran’s, including myself, we recognize and appreciate the commitment these men and women made,” states John L. Sims, NEC CEO. “It’s not much, but every penny helps these days and we just wanted to do something a little extra to say thank you for serving your country.” Current and active military, who are members of NEC Retail, are invited to sign-up for the annual Military Appreciation discount. After verification is proven one time, members will continue to receive the credit each year on their May or June electric bill. To find out more about the program, visit www. necretail.com or call 361-767-3865.

Using energy efficient window treatments A recent study by two federal agen-

cies used rigorous science and analysis to dissect window-covering choices— how you use them, where you install them and whether they really save energy. These days, every penny counts, which is why NEC Retail always recommends finding ways to be energy efficient around the house.

Windows account for 25 to 40 percent of annual heating and cooling costs, especially in older homes. Blinds, shades, films and drapes are all good options to consider if old or inefficient windows can’t be replaced. According to a joint government and industry research effort (including the U.S. Department of Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the Window Covering Manufacturers Association), window coverings—blinds, shades, curtains and awnings—could save significant amounts of energy at a relatively low cost to the consumer. Researchers next want to quantify how much energy consumer households could save based on the dominant types of window coverings used,

Texas Co-op Power June 2014

in which climate zones people live and how U.S. households currently operate their window treatments. In the meantime, you may want to give your window treatments a second look when it comes to cooling, heating and comfort in your home. It’s important to remember that location, placement and materials are key. Windows facing west let in the hottest light and need the most coverage, while windows facing south are the most important natural light source and only need light coverage. With these tips and other carefully selected window treatments, you can reduce heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer – keeping your house comfortable and your energy bills lower.

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Lite Up Texas Notice If you receive the Low Income Electric Discount Program credit please note it will end on the September 2014 electric bill. You will notice a decline in the discount amount on your bill in September. Pursuant to the Texas Legislature the discount will go from 82% to 15 % in September 2014. For additional information and program requirements you can call 1-866-454-8387 or go to the Public Utility Commission of Texas website at http://www.puc. state.tx.us/consumer/lowincome/Assistance.aspx. El Programa de descuento eléctrico terminará en la factura eléctrica de 2014 Septiembre. Se observa una disminución en la cantidad de descuento en su factura en el mes de septiembre. En virtud de la Legislatura de Texas el descuento será del 82% al 15 % en 2014 Septiembre. Para obtener información adicional y los requisitos del programa puede llamar a 1-866454-8387 o sitio web http://www.puc.texas.gov/consumer/loweincome/ Assistance.aspx de la Comisión de Servicios Públicos. www.necretail.com

During summer months, our homes can be extremely hot, making living conditions uncomfortable. Before you fire up your air conditioner, try cooling off with a ceiling fan first. Using ceiling fans can actually raise your thermostat setting by 4 degrees and still feel just as comfortable. Source: U.S. Department of Energy

Co-op Power June 2014 Texas

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NEC Educates 300 + Texas Firefighters & Industry Leaders on Dangers of Solar Power As the amount of home solar installations increases on the roofs of homes and businesses, firefighters are facing more dangers than ever when a home or business with solar panels catches fire.

With solar technology growing in South Texas, Corpus Christi based Nueces Electric Cooperative felt it was vital to bring photovoltaic (PV) safety training to Texas Firefighters. NEC enlisted the help of training expert Capt. Matthew Paiss of the San Jose (Calif.) Fire Dept., a nationally recognized expert on handling rooftop solar generation during a fire. Capt Paiss

electricity. Even during dawn or dusk, a solar panel will have lower electrical current but they will still create a shocking amount of voltage. In September 2013, a warehouse in New Jersey caught fire. It took firefighters a full day to gain control of the blaze. Ultimately the 7,000 solar panels on the roof hindered the fire fighters ability, and as a result the fire chief refused to send firefighters onto the roof of the facility. News headlines then dubbed solar panels as “Death Panels” with headlines reading “Why Firefighters are Scared of Solar Rooftops” Capt. Paiss has made it his mission to make sure firefighters across the nation are properly trained to work with

“You can see smoke, you can see fire, but you can rarely see PV.” - Fire Captain Matthew Paiss, and expert PV Safety trainer taught five courses over three days from July 10-12, 2014. The class helped approximately 300 firefighters and industry leaders identify and associate fire safety dangers with solar panels. What is a photovoltaic (more often referred to as a solar) panel? It is a panel comprised of photoelectric cells which generate electricity from solar radiation, and any kind of light at all will activate the panels. Just because the sun may not be at full capacity does not mean panels are not creating

solar panel technology so they don’t become “death panels”. Capt. Paiss helps firefighters understand what solar panels are, the circuitry that connects them to the power grid and how to shut it off, and the structural signs to look for that will indicate the structure is enabled with solar panels. Capt. Paiss provides case studies for the attendees to work through and brings samples so they get a firsthand look at the materials used. According to Capt. Paiss, solar panels are particularly hazardous to firefighters for a number of reasons. First, there is

Congratulations to the agencies below who received PV Safety certificates Alamo Fire Department Alamo Heights Fire Dept Annaville Fire Department Ata-Bexar Co. Line VFD Atascosa County Fire Dept Austin Energy Bayside Fire Department BlueBonnnet EC Bodine Scott Renewables Boerne Fire Department Castroville Fire Department CC Army Depot City of Pleasanton Fire Dept Converse Fire Department Corpus Christi Fire Dept CPS Energy 24

Texas Co-op Power June 2014

Del Rio Fire & Rescue Devine VFD District 2 Fire & Rescue Eagle Creek VFD Edinburg Fire Department Falfurrias VFD Flatonia Fire & Rescue Freer Fire Department Goliad Fire Department Gregory VFD Guadalupe Valley EC Jim Wells County EMS & FD Kingsville Fire Department Kleberg Fire Department Live Oak Fire Department Lockhart Fire Rescue

Magic Valley EC Mathis VFD McAllen Fire Department Medina EC Mission Fire Department N. Hays County Fire & Rescue NAS Corpus Christi NAS Kingsville Natalia VFD Nixon Fire Department Nueces County ESD # 4 Orange Grove Fire Dept Pharr Fire Department Pioneer Energy Placedo VFD Port Lavaca Fire Department

Portland Fire Department Primrose VFD Reagan Wells VFD Robstown Fire Department Round Mountain VFD San Benito Fire Department Santa Maria Volunteer FD Santa Maria Volunteer FD Schertz Fire Rescue South Padre Island Fire Dept State Fire Marshall’s office Texas Electric Cooperative University City Fire Dept Van Vleck Fire Department Victoria Fire Department Wharton County EC www.necretail.com

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The Cost of Solar Power

a possibility of electric shock. Even if the utility cuts power to the home, the solar panels could still be producing electricity. Because the electricity from the panels can’t be shut off or once they are shut off by a trained professional they need time to “bleed” the power out of the system. Secondly, solar panels are a building construction hazard and can make it difficult for firefighters to navigate the roof in order to cut a ventilation hole. Finally, there is a concern that a panel system adds weight and could lead to an increased chance of the roof collapsing during a fire. It should be noted that when it comes to fire safety, the solar industry’s track record is excellent — with only a few documented cases in which the solar system actually caused a fire which was generally due to improper wiring or equipment malfunctions. In fact, fire officials say when installed properly, PV system are no danger to the home. “The general home owner should not worry at all about PV system as long as it’s installed by somebody who’s licensed and knows what they’re doing,” Capt. Paiss said. Homes and business with solar panels may catch on fire (for any number of reasons not associated with the solar panels) and when they do, South Texas needs confidently trained firefighters to safely and appropriately handle the situation. “It’s important to our communities that firefighters have a basic understanding of how solar works so they don’t reflexively fear fighting a fire involving solar panels,” said John L. Sims, CEO of Nueces Electric Cooperative, “We really wanted to do this as a community service to volunteer fire departments and city fire departments as it is not a mainstream training topic available to Texas firefighters. This course would normally cost a firefighter $250 to attend to receive continuing education credit.” With the price plummeting to install solar panels, more South Texans are jumping on the renewable energy wagon. “It is important for residents to notify your electric company and your 9-1-1 coordinator that you are installing panels,” says Sims, “This will help should you need fire assistance.” For more information on the training provided by Captain Matthew Paiss, visit his website at http://energyresponsesolutions. com. www.necretail.com

Over the past 20 years, the price of PV (solar) modules has tumbled, and with it, PV arrays are emerging as an ever-growing part of the nation’s renewable energy supply. According to the Solar Electric Power Association, the price of PV modules plummeted from $9 per watt in 1992 to $1.15 per watt in 2012. NearZero, a non-profit research institute based in Stanford, Calif., recently surveyed 21 experts about solar’s outlook. The consensus was that “for the next 15 years at least, PV prices will continue to head down.” In February 2014, SunPower, the second biggest US solar PV manufacturer, said it had succeeded in reducing manufacturing costs by 20 per cent over 2013, following a similar fall a year earlier (and the year before that). And it managed to obtain an even bigger (25 per cent fall) in the balance of systems costs. Commercial and utility-scale solar systems are seeing similar shifts—a setup that once necessitated an outlay of more than $3,600 per kilowatt in 2011 can now be put in for about half that amount. In addition to solar power, high-temperature solar thermal energy (concentrating solar power) has begun making some tiny inroads as a roundthe-clock power source in the Southwest. The technology uses long troughs of shiny parabolic mirrors that concentrate the sun’s rays on receiver tubes filled with synthetic oil (or a tower containing molten salt). The fluid gets heated to as high as 750 degrees Fahrenheit before being pumped through heat exchangers to create steam that spins a turbine-generator. Concentrating solar power is seen by some as a possible way to stockpile renewable electricity for later use—the heated material can continue to produce power even when the sun doesn’t shine. “Although solar power remains more expensive than more traditional forms of power generation, we’re excited about its potential,” says John Sims, NEC Chief Executive Officer. “If you’re considering putting in solar panels, or any type of ‘backyard’ renewable generation at your home, make sure to contact us first to make sure the system meets our interconnection standards.” Co-op Power June 2014 Texas

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NEW WAYS TO CON

NEW WEBSITE Pay your bill, look up service areas or get details co-op offers and perks on your desktop or mobile device. 26

Texas Co-op Power June 2014

EASIER ENROLLMENT Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve improved our online enrollment so new members can start enjoying all the benefits of the a co-op even faster.

MEMBER REFERRAL PROGRAM Get a $60 credit off your electric bill each time you get a new member to sign up.

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refer A friend www.necretail.com

EARN $60 It pays to be a member of an electric cooperative. Get a $60 credit on your next electric bill for every person you get to sign up for NEC Retail. There’s no limit to how many referrals you can get! Find completed rules at necretail.com

start spreading the joy

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Just fill out these cards, cut them out and hand them to your closest friend, family member or co-worker. You’ll receive a $60 bill credit for each new member you get to sign up.

SO MANY REASONS TO SWITCH:

For Business or Home

• Get your electricity AT COST for home or for business • No hidden fees or rate surcharges • NEC Retail is a not-for-profit retail electric provider • NEC Retail is member-owned, much like a credit union necretail.com • NEC Retail gives back to its members • NEC Retail consistently has the fewest customer complaints

Switch 855-nec-rd4u today!

referring member name:

account number

SO MANY REASONS TO SWITCH:

For Business or Home

• Get your electricity AT COST for home or for business • No hidden fees or rate surcharges • NEC Retail is a not-for-profit retail electric provider • NEC Retail is member-owned, much like a credit union • NEC Retail gives back to its members • NEC Retail consistently has the fewest customer complaints

www.necretail.com

Switch today! necretail.com 855-nec-rd4u referring member name:

account number

Co-op Power June 2014 Texas