NEC Retail Co-op Electricity News our electricity consumers can use!

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MEMBER CONNECTIONS

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Our Personal Best John L. Sims, NEC CEO

Recently, our enrollment office reported that we were breaking our personal best enrollment records. That means more of our neighbors, friends and family are discovering the Co-op and are benefitting from being a member-owner of their electric Co-op.

is often times looks like it is more than the promotional rates being advertised. Nothing is free, and NEC Retail will not participate in rate games. We simply recognize that our members are smarter and deserve to be treated better than a rate game.

I guess this means the secret is getting out; NEC Retail is truly the best of the best.

We promote an honest, all inclusive rate. You might hear our advertising spokes person promoting “The rate you see is the rate you pay.” Many companies promote a 2,000 + kWh rate in their advertising. The average home uses 1,000 kWh. Then after the consumer gets their bill, they have several miscellaneous charges and fees. An example is a consumer thinks they are getting a rate of 10.5 cents per kWh. The top of their electric bill says their power cost is 10.5 cents and then all of the other distribution charges and fees are added on top of the 10.5 cents. The consumer has to be smart and look on the next page (the illusive “throw away” page) to see that they are really paying 15.9 cents. So NEC Retail’s 13 cent rate is actually much better than people realize.

Promoting a member-owned electric cooperative is a tall order. Most consumers don’t understand what a Co-op is or how we all work together to ultimately financially benefit each other. Choosing to be a part of a Co-op is a long-term choice. The longer you are with the Co-op, the more you get back from your investment. Each year the Co-op gives back millions to members in Capital Credits (equity you accrue annually returned to you over a five year period) and in Merry Christmas Credits. Both programs are based on the amount of electricity you use. Even after you leave the Co-op, members still receive checks! Which is why we ask you to let us know your forwarding address. Consumers tend to be confused by the term “member” instead of “customer”. After all, people are members of wholesale grocery clubs, athletic clubs, or organizational clubs. In a way, you could call NEC Retail a club. We are a special club made up of electric consumers who are choosing to support main street, not wall street. We are not owned by investors and we are run by a memberelected Board of Directors. The industry has convinced consumers they need a contract. Who truly wants to sign one more contract than they have to? NEC Retail gives an honest rate that 18

Texas Co-op Power NEC Retail September 2015

Many members are taking advantage of the $60 member referral bonus to help decrease their electric bill. Many members utilize this credit so much that they don’t even have an electric bill. They make it a practice to simply spread the word, utilize the referral coupons, and when their friends sign-up, they get the $60 bonus. It’s easy and a great way to help your Co-op and your electric bill. Thank you for appreciating and participating in your Co-op. Together we make great things happen! While we are thankful for a record breaking summer, it is our practice to be our personal best every day. Because we work for you and that is the cooperative difference. www.necretail.com


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If you are a High School Sophomore or Junior, You could win an all-expense paid trip to Washington D.C.

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Entry Deadline is: January 29th For More Information Visit:

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Member Resources -> Youth Programs

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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 *Student’s guardian must live in a home or own a business served by NEC.

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!

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NEC Retail September 2015 Texas Co-op Power

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Caulk This Way s ura ngaw | D ol la r P h oto Club

Simple tricks for sealing cracks

Like a coat with a broken zipper, a home with air leaks doesn’t do a good job of resisting the elements. Even small gaps and cracks can keep the building from operating at its maximum level of energy efficiency. Fortunately, you can seal gaps and cracks inexpensively by using caulk. Here are some tips to help you get the best possible results when caulking around the home. Selection: You can find caulk for a wide range of applications. Acrylic latex caulk is good for general uses, indoors and out. It’s also easy to clean up if you make a mistake. Silicone caulk is more challenging to use but is best for sealing tile, glass and metal. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations on the label to make sure you’re buying the right sealant for the job. Preparation: Caulk is packaged in sealed tubes. Embossed markings along the nozzle correspond to different bead sizes, which you can match to the joint you plan to fill. To open, snip the tip of the nozzle, cutting at an approximately 45-degree angle, and pierce the interior seal with a nail or other sharp object. To ensure that the caulk adheres properly, you should clean the area first, removing any old caulk left over from previous applications and wiping away dust. Application: There’s no exact science to caulking, but you’ll develop a feel for the consistency of the material and the tension in the caulk gun. Hold the nozzle at a 45-degree angle to the joint and position the tip so the caulk adheres to the adjacent surfaces. Pull—don’t push—the gun along the seam, applying the caulk 2 to 3 feet at a time. For a clean look, apply the caulk in a single, unbroken bead whenever possible. Caulk is more difficult to remove after it’s dried, so keep rags handy to clean up mistakes as soon as they happen. Completion: After you’ve drawn a bead along the joint, finesse the caulk into the seam. This process, known as “tooling,” helps the caulk adhere to the surface while removing any rough patches. Press the caulk into the joint by running a moistened finger, paintbrush handle or other object along the surface. Because your work will likely improve as you go along, it’s best to start with the least noticeable cracks and work up to the more prominent ones. —Energy Efficiency Resource Center

Using CFLs is one of the best ways to trim lighting costs for your home.

Efficient Lighting Lowers Electric Bills Increasing your lighting efficiency is one of the easiest ways to decrease your energy bills. If you replace 25 percent of your lights in high-use areas with compact fluorescent lamps, you can cut your lighting energy bill by about 50 percent. Always look for the Energy Star label when shopping for lighting products. Nueces Electric Cooperative offers these money-saving guidelines for lighting your home or office:

Indoor Lighting Use energy-efficient compact fluorescent lamps in fixtures to provide high-quality and high-efficiency lighting. Fluorescent lights are much more efficient than incandescent bulbs and last six to 10 times longer. CFLs pay for themselves by saving energy over their lifetimes.

Older homes in particular can benefit from sealing gaps and cracks.

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Outdoor Lighting

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Texas Co-op Power NEC Retail September 2015

Many home and business owners use outdoor lighting for decoration and security. When shopping for outdoor lights, you will find a variety of products, from low-voltage pathway lighting to light-emitting diode area lighting to high-sodium, motiondetector floodlights. Some stores also carry lights powered by small photovoltaic modules that convert sunlight directly into electricity; consider solar-powered lights for areas that are not close to an existing power supply line. www.necretail.com


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Think Outside the Home As the heat begins to dwindle and autumn appears on the horizon, homeowners find themselves working outdoors to ready homes for the change of season. Help prevent common outdoor electrical hazards by remembering these safety guidelines.

Always keep yourself and equipment at least 10 feet away from a power line. Electricity can jump to nearby objects. Before planting trees near a power line, do some research or speak with a professional to ensure there’s enough space for it to grow. If you suspect that a tree is too close to power lines, report it to your cooperative. Power lines are also underground. Call 811 before you dig to identify where all your underground utilities are located. Then you can avoid them when you plant trees, build fences or work on other underground projects.

Outdoor Outlets

SLRadc lif f e | iStock.com

Power Lines

Have all outdoor outlets equipped with ground-fault circuit interrupters, which automatically cut power when a plugged appliance comes into contact with water or “leaks” electricity. Portable GFCIs are available for use with traditional outlets. Install weatherproof electrical boxes or covers on outdoor outlets. Warn children—and remind yourself—to avoid outdoor outlets when they’re wet or when it’s raining.

Position the generator outside the home and away from doors, windows and vents. Do not plug a generator directly into a home outlet without a transfer switch installed to prevent backfeeding, which could harm utility lineworkers making repairs or anyone who might come into contact with a downed power line. Make sure your generator is properly grounded and rated to handle the load of the appliances you want it to power.

Generators

Extension Cords

Between 1999 and 2012, 79 percent of the 931 carbon monoxide fatalities in the United States were associated with generators; 24 percent of the carbon monoxide fatalities associated with a generator occurred when it was used inside an attached garage or shed that was not properly ventilated. Make sure your home is properly equipped with carbon monoxide alarms and test them monthly.

Extension cords are meant to provide a temporary solution and should not be used long-term or permanently. Never use an indoor extension cord outdoors. Outdoor cords will be labeled “For outdoor use” and are often orange. Never attempt to extend the length of an extension cord by connecting it with another extension cord. Be sure the amperage rating for the extension cord is higher than the amper-

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age of the electrical product being used with it. Only use extension cords that have been approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as UL or CSA. The laboratory’s mark should appear on a tag near the cord’s plug.

Additional Tips Store fuel such as gasoline or kerosene in approved containers and away from any potential heat sources, such as a furnace or space heater or even direct sunlight. When storing electrical products in your garage, use containers to prevent exposure to water or damage caused by animals. If you have a swimming pool, spa or hot tub, avoid electric shock drowning by having an electrician inspect and upgrade your equipment in accordance with applicable local codes and the National Electrical Code.

NEC Retail September 2015 Texas Co-op Power

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NEW WAYS TO CON T NEW WAYS TO CON T

NEW WEBSITE Pay your bill, look up service areas or get details co-op offers and perks on your desktop or mobile device. 22

Texas Co-op Power NEC Retail September 2015

EASIER ENROLLMENT We’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.

www.necretail.com


refer A friend www.necretail.com

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

start start spreading spreadingthe thejoy joy

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

NEW WAYS TO CON

SO MANY REASONS TO SWITCH: SO MANY REASONS TO SWITCH: • Get your electricity AT COST for home or for business

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Powered by People Powered by People For Business or Home For Business or Home

Get your electricity COST for home or for business • •No hidden fees or rateATsurcharges No hidden or rate surcharges • •NEC Retail isfees a not-for-profit retail electric provider NECRetail Retailisismember-owned, a not-for-profit much retail electric provider • •NEC like a credit union necretail.com 855-nec-rd4u • NEC Retail is member-owned, much like a credit union • NEC Retail gives back to its members necretail.com 855-nec-rd4u NECRetail Retailconsistently gives back to members • •NEC hasitsthe fewest customer complaints • NEC Retail consistently has the fewest customer complaints

referring member name: referring member name:

Switch Switchtoday! today!

account number account number

Powered by People Powered by People

SO MANY REASONS TO SWITCH: SO MANY REASONS TO SWITCH: • Get your electricity AT COST for home or for business

For Business or Home For Business or Home

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

NEW WEBSITE Pay your bill, look up service areas or get details co-op offers and perks your Powered byonPeople desktopPowered or mobile device. by People

necretail.com necretail.com

www.necretail.com

Switch today! Switch today! necretail.com necretail.com 855-nec-rd4u 855-nec-rd4u

EASIER ENROLLMENT We’ve improved our online enrollment so new members can start enjoying all the benefits of the a co-op even faster.

referring member name: referring member name:

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

account number

Co-opnumber Power NEC Retail September 2015 Texas account

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Play & Win! If Your Account Number is:

66244-001

- Ox ford- | iStock.co m

Power Tip Periodically inspect your dryer vent to ensure that it’s not blocked. This will save energy and may prevent a fire.

Nueces Electric will be closed Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day. We wish you a safe and happy holiday.

YOU WIN $25 off your electric bill! Call, NEC Retail before the 20th!

Lite-Up Texas

Low income bill payment assistance program The 84th Texas Legislature has approved the LITE-UP TEXAS program to be in effect for 12 months beginning September 2015. Discounts will appear on your electric bill September 2015 thru August 2016 as long as you are enrolled in the program. If you are self-enrolled in the program, continue to self-enroll at every eligibility period. 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 La octogésimo cuatro legislatura de Texas ha aprobado el programa LITE-UP TEXAS por 12 meses a partir del septiembre de 2015. Los descuentos aparecerán en su factura eléctrica de 2015 Septiembre a través de agosto 2016 siempre que se encuentre inscrito en el programa. Si usted está inscrito en el programa, sigue haciéndolo durante cada período de elegibilidad. Para obtener información adicional y los requisitos del programa, puede llamar al 1-866-454-8387 o visite el sitio web de Comisión de servicios públicos de Texas en http://www.puc.texas.gov/consumer/lowincome/Assistance.aspx.

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