AT-Cost ELECTRICITY MEMBER CONNECTIONS
AT-Cost ELECTRICITY
Powered by People for your home AND BUSINESS
855-NEC-RD4U | necretail.com
for your home AND BUSINESS
Priority No. 3:
Reliability Trace McCuan, CEO
It’s a simple premise: when you flip the switch at home, the lights should come on. And at NEC we work hard to ensure you have electricity every hour of every day. It’s what we do; we’re here for you, our member-owners. Even as we maintain our distribution system to provide you with reliable electricity or forecast power for retail, we face continual threats. But being a professional organization, we are well prepared for them all. At NEC we have to prepare for all scenarios because we are a different sort of utility. The standard Co-op way is to maintain power lines and provide power to members all in one package. Because NEC is the only deregulated electric Co-op in Texas, we have to not only plan for the eight counties we maintain power lines for, but we also have to prepare for electrical issues throughout the state of Texas which occur on power lines not owned by NEC (such as AEP, CenterPoint, Oncor, and Texas New Mexico Power). Power Line Maintenance One of the ways we establish reliability on our power line system is through a rigorous maintenance program . The Co-op invests a significant budget each year to inspect and replace weathered or fractured power poles. Additionally, we invest in trimming trees from the hundreds of miles line which serve our members. You see, when you only average approximately 13.5 members per mile of power line, you have to ensure that each mile of line is strong enough withstand high winds, heavy rain, dusty drought conditions, and other destructive elements. The Co-op has a 5-year continuous maintenance plan to ensure our power lines can stand the test of time. 20
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Occasionally you will receive a call from the Co-op informing you of a planned outage. Occasionally, the equipment we use to bring power to your home might need major repairs or updates. When this happens, as a way to keep our crews and you safe, we plan an interruption to electric service. Behind every good plan is a strong engineering team. We are fortunate to have a well-established engineering department, as well as a strong IT team who is able to accommodate the industries rapidly changing advancement of technology. Purchase Forecast Our preparation for reliability begins months before you flip the switch. A power purchase forecast is exactly what it sounds like – an estimate or prediction of how much electricity will be needed in the future. We all depend on power to meet our daily needs, but the amount we use varies from season to season, day to day and even hour by hour. This is why NEC’s power supplier, STEC, plans far in advance to make sure there is enough power available to meet electricity demands. As demand fluctuates with the retail market, NEC must do our best to estimate how much we will need to buy, while being careful to not buy more than we need. It’s a careful balancing act that we must maintain to ensure all members receive power both reliable and at an affordable price. Working For You At NEC, we can’t predict the future, but we can be prepared for what it holds. We work hard every day to make reliability a priority, because you are our main priority and letting you down is not an option.
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Spring Storms
Report Power Outages
All to often Texans’ fear hurricanes, but the reality is spring storms have proven to pack a larger punch. As spring arrives, make sure you’re prepared to handle storms that come with the changing season.
Be sure you report power outages directly to the company who maintains your power lines. Once you report your outage, view their website’s outage viewers to stay updates on restoration efforts.
When a storm does arrive, your power line company must battle the elements to find problem areas and restore service as quickly and safely as possible.
AEP Delivery Areas 1-866-223-8508 www.aeptexas.com
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Your Power Line Company Must Diagnose the Problem. You might see your power company trucks driving up and down your street . You want to know why the lights are out and when they’re coming back, but first crews must find the problems and (in the event of mass outages) they have to make a strategic plan. Efforts are made to restore power to the largest number of consumers as quickly as possible. Then crews fix problems impacting smaller groups of homes. Steps to Restoring Power.
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When an outage occurs, line crews work to pinpoint problems. They start with high-voltage transmission lines. Transmission towers and cables that supply power to thousands of consumers rarely fail. But when damage occurs, these facilities must be repaired before other parts of the system can operate. Next, crews check distribution substations. Each substation serves hundreds or thousands of members. When a major outage occurs, line crews inspect substations to discover if problems stem from transmission lines feeding into the substation, the substation itself, or if problems exist down the line.
CenterPoint Delivery Area 1-800-332-7143 centerpointenergy.com Oncor Delivery Area 1-888-313-4747 stormcenter.oncor.com Texas-New Mexico Power (TNMP) 1-888-866-7456 / tnmp.com
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If the problem cannot be isolated at a distribution substation, distribution lines are checked. These lines carry power to large groups of members in communities or housing developments. If local outages persist, supply lines (also called tap lines) are inspected. These lines deliver power to transformers, either mounted on poles or placed on pads for underground service, outside businesses, schools, and homes. If your home remains without power, the service line between a transformer and your home may need to be repaired.
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Report & Monitor. Unfortunately when your power is out, there is not much NEC Retail can do. You must call your power line company directly. (see side bar) Each month, a large portion of your electric bill goes to your power line company who maintains your power lines and electric meters. After you notify your power line company about your outage, use your smart device to monitor their outage map.
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Stay away from down power lines. Electricity could still be flowing through them. Hear thunder? Head inside. If you can hear it, you could be in danger from lightning. Stay indoors at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder—a recommendation from the National Weather Service. If you’re outside and can’t seek shelter indoors, avoid high ground, water, tall isolated trees, and metal objects like bleachers or fences. Unplug your electronics. Avoid using TV’s, computers, or game systems, which can carry power surges. Keep a battery-powered radio on hand for weather updates. Use generators wisely. Do not plug generators into power outlets. Doing so could electrocute a line worker. Place generators outdoors under a well ventilated patio. Keeping a generator inside will cause carbon monoxide poisoning and possible death. Be careful with candles. Place candles out of children’s reach and in a glass or clay container. Stay Inside. Postpone the baseball game and stay inside.
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Watt Does It Mean? Glossary of electrical terms
The language of electricity is just as complicated as the process that creates it. This glossary of electrical terms could be enlightening. (Pay special attention to the “translation” for each term.)
Ampere Definition: A measure of how much electricity moves through a conductor; an indicator of the size of circuit breakers and fuses. Abbreviation: A or amp Translation: An ampere is akin to the amount of water flowing through a hose in a certain amount of time. Example: Amperes equal watts divided by volts: A 1,000-W heater at 120 V draws 8.33 A.
Energy Definition: The ability to do work. Translation: One kilowatt-hour is the amount of energy trans-
ferred in one hour at the rate of 1 kilowatt. Energy measures the quantity of work done. Example: When you pay for the number of kilowatt-hours on your electric bill, you’re buying the amount of energy transferred by electrical transmission into your home over a certain period.
Joule
ate 168 MW.
Volt Definition: A unit of electric force that measures the “pressure” of electricity. Abbreviation: V Translation: The electromotive force that moves electrons.
Watt Definition: The standard unit of electrical power that is equal to the work done at the rate of 1 joule per second. Abbreviation: W Translation: People convert energy—measured in barrels of oil, tons of coal and cubic feet of natural gas, for example—into power, tabulated in watts. Example: Operating a 60-W lightbulb requires power, measured in watts. After an hour, you can measure the amount of energy that was consumed in joules or kilowatt-hours.
Work Definition: The act of exerting force over a distance.
Now that you know more about electricity and how it works, check your knowledge with this pop quiz on how much it takes to power appliances that provide convenience and comfort:
Definition: A unit of electrical energy equal to the work done when a current of 1 amp passes through a resistance of 1 ohm for one second. Abbreviation: J Translation: One joule is equal to the work it takes to make a watt of power for one second.
Kilowatt-hour Definition: A unit of work or energy equal to the amount produced by 1 kilowatt in one hour. Abbreviation: kWh Translation: Kilowatt-hours (energy) = kilowatts (power) x hours (time) Example: A 100-W lightbulb burning for 10 hours uses 1 kWh.
Power Definition: The rate at which work is done or energy emitted or transferred. Translation: A unit of power is 1 joule per second (1 watt). Power measures how long energy must be applied to get work done. Example: The capacity of a power plant is described in megawatts; for example, Antelope Station, the natural gas-fired plant near Abernathy owned by Golden Spread EC, can gener-
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Outdoor Safety Tips To Share With Kids Between the springs storms When the weather is nice, many children enjoy going outdoors to fly kites, climb trees and play with their friends. Although playing outdoors is fun and healthy, there are electrical hazards that children need to be aware of to stay safe. Safe Electricity offers a variety of tips to share with children before they head outdoors. Stay away from pad-mounted transformers, the green metal boxes that contain the aboveground portion of an underground electrical installation. These cabinets carry high voltages and are safe when locked, but they can be deadly if someone reaches inside. If you see one in your neighborhood that is open, call authorities and your cooperative immediately. Never enter an electrical substation for any reason. If a ball or other toy crosses the fence surrounding a substation, call your cooperative for help. Substations hold deadly amounts of electricity and should only be entered by professionals. Always be aware of overhead power lines. Do not fly kites or model planes near power lines or electrical substations. A kite string can conduct electricity from an overhead line directly to the person on the ground. Be careful when using metallic balloons for a party. Metallic-coated balloons conduct electricity, so never tie one to a child’s wrist or waist. If the balloon comes into contact with electricity, the child could receive a fatal shock. Ensure that your children are protected from the electrical service connection to your home. Keep ladders or long poles stowed and away from youngsters who might be tempted to use them to reach the wires connected to your house. Also be aware of these lines around pools. Pool skimmers can be long enough to reach service connection lines. Under no circumstance should anyone climb trees near power lines. If branches are touching the wires, the tree could be energized. Even branches not touching power lines could become energized if a child’s weight is added. Finally, storm fronts can move rapidly, and lightning can strike 10 miles in advance of a storm. Remember the rule of thumb from the National Weather Service: “When thunder roars, go indoors.” Make sure kids know that it is not safe to be outside during a storm. —SafeElectricity.org
Tamper-resistant receptacles have a safety feature to keep objects and tiny fingers out.
Tamper-Resistant Receptacle A permanent safety solution
Lost Mo untain St ud io | Sh ut tersto ck.com
Remind children to avoid overhead power lines when playing outdoors.
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Nearly seven children a day in America are shocked or burned when they slide keys, pins, paper clips and other small objects into electrical outlets in their homes, according to the Electrical Safety Foundation International. Up to a dozen of these kids die monthly from the resulting injuries. That means every room in your house that has an electrical outlet—and that’s probably every single room—presents a danger to children who might be tempted to play with outlets. It costs about $2 per outlet to replace a home’s old receptacles with updated, tamper-resistant versions. These new outlets are designed with a built-in shutter system that prevents objects besides electrical plugs from entering the slots. The shutter won’t open as little fingers poke them with small objects, but plugs can open it and fit into the slots because they apply equal pressure simultaneously to both sides of the shutter. Tamper-resistant receptacles are safer than removable outlet caps because they are built in, and children are unable to detach them. The National Electrical Code requires new homes to be built with tamper-resistant receptacles, but it’s up to the owners of older homes to upgrade their outlets.
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New Lower Pricing for RooflessSolar! There has never been a better price for RooflessSolar. NEC Retail members can save thousands of dollars in electricity costs every month. Receive all the benefits of solar with nothing on your roof - and now at a lower price!
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Clean Energy to the Utility
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Bill Credits to your Electric Bill
NEC Retail
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We Build CEC builds and maintains an optimally sited RooflessSolar array in your area delivering power to your local utility.
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Sign Up You sign up for RooflessSolar and purchase panels in the solar array to meet your desired power (offset).
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You Save You receive credits directly on your electric bill for the solar power produced, saving you money.
Call us today for a free RooflessSolar quote: 361-236-4255 Or visit us online at: NECRooflessSolar.com
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Check out the NEW TIME!
As part of your spring cleaning, hire a professional to conduct annual maintenance on your AC unit.
Enjoy Springtime With Energy Savings Spring has sprung! Put mild springtime temperatures to work for
your energy bill with these easy suggestions:
Hire a heating and air-conditioning professional to check out your air-conditioning system and window AC units. Annual spring maintenance can keep your AC running smoothly. Ask the pro to change or clean the filters while there. Open the windows. As soon as it’s warm enough to feel comfortable indoors without heat, turn it off and invite inside the warm outdoor air. Natural breezes will freshen a stuffy house that’s been closed up all winter. Keeping the heat and AC turned off for as long as possible can save you a bundle on energy. Let in the sunshine. Throw open the drapes or blinds during the day to let bright, warm sun rays into your rooms on mild days. When summer heat arrives, close those drapes during the day to keep the sun from overheating your house. If you have a programmable thermostat, use it. Set it to automatically adjust the temperature so you’re not cooling an empty house. Switch the direction of ceiling fans. During spring and summer, fan blades should rotate counterclockwise, pushing cooler air down into the room. Using ceiling fans will allow you to increase your thermostat’s temperature setting by up to 4 degrees without sacrificing comfort. Have a cookout. Prepare dinner on your outdoor grill on nice evenings rather than using the stove or oven. Appliances that create heat tend to heat up the whole house. Run the dishwasher and clothes dryer after dark. No need to add heat to your home’s air during the day when it’s warm outdoors. Caulk and weatherstrip windows and doors. You read about this every spring because you should do it every spring. Caulking doesn’t last forever. Dress for the weather. Shed the sweaters and socks when it’s warm outside so you can delay the start of air-conditioning season inside. Turn down the water heater. If you snuck it up a couple of degrees during the winter to make your showers extra steamy, it’s time to lower it to 120 degrees. Not only is that hot enough, it’s also a safer temperature than anything higher, especially if kids or older family members are showering in your home. www.necretail.com
Arbor Day Tree Giveaway Save The Date! Friday, April 29th Time: 3 - 6 p.m.
Pick up your free seedling tree at any NEC location: • Calallen • Ben Bolt • Ricardo • Orange Grove • Robstown Full details and locations can be found at www.nueceselectric.org
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Lite-Up Texas is Back A low income electric discount program LITE-UP TEXAS is back. The Low Income Electric Discount Program will run May 2016 through August 2016. 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.texas.gov/consumer/low income/ Assistance.aspx. Ha regresado LITE-UP Texas. El Programa de Descuento en la Electricidad para Personas de Bajos Ingresos estará en vigor de mayo 2016 a agostó 2016. Para mayor información y los requisitos del programa usted puede llamar al 1-866-454-8387 o visitar el sitio web de la Comisión de Servicios Públicos de Texas en: http://www.puc.texas.gov/consumer/lowincome/Assistance.aspx.
Payment Options Pay Online www.necretail.com. Access your account 24 hours a day from any computer. Just click on “Pay Your Bill”, on the homepage and it will take you to the SmartHub account portal.
Auto Draft:
Play & Win! If Your Account Number is:
20051- 001
Sign up to have your bank account or credit card drafted for your monthly bill. You can sign-up via your SmartHub online account.
YOU WIN $25 off your electric bill! Call, NEC Retail before the 20th!
Level Billing Payment Plan Through this plan, 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 Why NEC menu tab, or call the office.
Pay by Phone:
Calendar Dates: April 29, 2016 ............Arbor Day June 15, 2016 ............ Director Election Packet Pick-up for Districts: 6 (Agua Dulce Area), 7 (Orange Grove Area), 8 (San Diego Area), 10 (NEC Retail). August 1, 2016 ...........Nueces Electric Charities Grants Deadline
855.NEC.RD4U (855.632.7348)
Pay by Mail: PO Box 659832, San Antonio, Texas 78265
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.
October 13, 2016 ...... Annual Meeting RMB Fairgrounds 26
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If you have already submitted your proof of military service, you do not need to submit it again. You will automatically receive the credit each year. If you have not submitted proof of military service, it’s easy! Simply visit www.necretail.com (under Military programs) for the variety of ways you can submit your information to the Co-op.
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