th Anniversary
Cooperative
Member ConNECtions Newsletter 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
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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 August 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
www.nueceselectric.org
www.nueceselectric.org
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.nueceselectric.org 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!
1.800.NEC.WATT
Prize Drawing:
Provide Your Latest Contact Information and You Could Win! NEC is asking all members to submit your latest contact information. Many times members do not realize they forget to change their phone or e-mail address on their account. These are two vital and cost-effective ways the Co-op connects with members. Use any one of the below methods to provide the Co-op with your latest contact information and your name will be entered into a prize drawing. Ten lucky members will win cool Co-op prizes! Drawing will be held on Tuesday, September 30th. The Co-op will contact all winners that week.
Ways to enter:
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Cut-out this slip and mail it in
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Call 1.800.632.9288 and speak with a Member Service Rep
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E-mail: membercare@nueceselectric.org
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Use the Contact Us page at www.nueceselectric.org
Account Number: ___________________________________ Name: __________________________________________ Youth Tour winners Victoria and Rebecca, along with Scholarship recipient Alexis Wahlen, enjoyed a quick meet and greet with the NEC Board of Dircetors.
Billing Address: ____________________________________ City, State, Zip: ____________________________________ Cell Phone: _______________________________________ Home Phone: ______________________________________ E-Mail Address: _____________________________________
2014 Youth Tour winners Victoria ( left) and Rebecca at the White House www.nueceselectric.org
Co-op Power August 2014 NEC Texas
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www.nueceselectric.org
1.800.NEC.WATT
NEC Volunteers for Emissions Testing Free Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi Program Helps Save on Gas, Improves Air Quality
The Pollution Prevention Partnership (P3) at Texas
A&M University-Corpus Christi recently came to the Co-op and provided free vehicle emissions testing to the majority of NEC’s 63-unit fleet. This type of testing not only helps NEC identify potential maintenance issues, but it will also help the Co-op save on gasoline costs and improve the Coastal Bend air quality on Ozone Action Days. NEC Facilities Supervisor, Jesus Olivarez, who manages fleet maintenance said the testing took less than three minutes per vehicle. Thanks to the funding grant that allows the P3 program to operate, NEC received free repair vouchers for the vehicles found to be releasing harmful exhaust emissions, such as carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons. Chris Cisneros-Guzman, Program Manager of the P3, says that 35 percent of the pollutants in our air come from the vehicles we drive. The goal of the program is to reduce pollution and to assist our community to remain in compliance with national air quality standards.
Ozone Action Days are called by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality between March and November, when conditions are most favorable for the accumulation of unhealthy ground-level ozone pollution. It is recommended that during these days, groups that are sensitive to the pollutants reduce exposure by limiting prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors. The good news for NEC members is that anyone is eligible to have their personal or business vehicles tested for free as well. For more information, call 361.825.3070 or visit http://autocheck.tamucc.edu/. The Pollution Prevention Partnership started in 1995 to address air quality issues in Corpus Christi, an ozone near-nonattainment area. The P3 delivers a range of environmental assistance programs and services including environmental education, pollution prevention, and environmental compliance assistance to citizens, schools, businesses, industry, and governments throughout the Coastal Bend.
Chris Cisneros-Guzman, Program Manager of the Pollution Prevention Partnership (P3), and her assistant evaluate the emissions data of an NEC vehicle. The P3 program is a Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi grant-funded initiative to improve air quality.
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Texas Co-op Power NEC August 2014
www.nueceselectric.org
www.nueceselectric.org
Welcome New Employees Nick Weber was hired in early June as a Groundman / Apprentice Trainee. At just 21 years old, Nick moved to South Texas from Friend, Nebraska where he just finished Lineman School. As a single guy, Nick enjoys fishing, Mountain Dew, and the challenge of big projects. Nick has five brothers and one sister. John Guzman was hired as a Journey Lineman. He came to NEC from the City of Robstown Utilities. John is married with two girls and two boys which he enjoys spending time with when he is not at work. Vladimir Lobanov was hired as the IT Tech. He is originally from Maldova (eastern Europe) but has lived in the US since he was 11 years old. Vladimir is a graduate of King High School and Texas A&M University—College Station where he studied management information systems. Vladimir enjoys playing the drums and a good cheeseburger. Jon Shepard was hired as a Design (staking) Technician. Jon is originally from Atlanta, GA but has moved seven times in five year with his previous position at the Davey Resource Group. Jon has been inventory mapping and utilizing Milsoft for some time so the transition will be smooth. In his spare time, Jon enjoys playing the blues guitar and fly fishing. He and his wife, Hayley will be moving to Calallen. Bill Gunn was hired as the Communications Technician. In his role, Gunn is responsible for metering and telecom communication. Originally born in Lubbock, raised in Corpus Christi and San Antonio and, he has lived in Orange Grove for the past seventeen years. Bill came to NEC from TXDOT where he was a radio coordinator. In his spare time, Bill enjoys deer hunting and spending time with his wife and two daughters. www.nueceselectric.org
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Save The Date
th
Annual Membership Meeting Thursday, October 9, 2014 Richard Borchard Regional Fairgrounds Robstown, TX 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! *Voting closes at 7:00 p.m.
Co-op Power August 2014 NEC Texas
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www.nueceselectric.org
1.800.NEC.WATT
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
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
Texas Co-op Power NEC August 2014
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.nueceselectric.org
www.nueceselectric.org
1.800.NEC.WATT
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.nueceselectric.org
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 August 2014 NEC Texas
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www.nueceselectric.org
1.800.NEC.WATT
Pay Your Bill and Get Immediate Satisfaction W
hile speaking with a colleague about technology, author John Brunner once said “It’s supposed to be automatic, but actually you have to push this button.” NEC brings you a new technological advancement that allows you to automatically pay your bill, with just a few pushes of a button. NEC has diligently worked this past year to provide convenient and accessible options for members to pay their bills outside of normal business hours. Members can pay online, use a smartphone app, pay with an automated phone payment system, and now members are able to pay using an outdoor payment kiosk. All four of these options are set-up to instantaneously post a payment to an NEC account. The payment kiosk is mounted in the drive-thru at the Calallen NEC office. If all goes well, and the kiosk is well received by members, NEC could possibly consider installing kiosks at service centers so members can make cash, check or credit card payments outside of normal business hours at any of our facilities.
The new payment Kiosk is located at the Calallen office and is accessible to members 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s easy to use and your payment is immediately reflected on your account. Check out the process AND the benefits of the kiosk: 1. Use the scanner to scan the barcode on the front of your ellectric bill or enter your account number 2. Confirm your last name 3. Select your payment type. The Kiosk accepts cash, checks, or credit cards. 4. Choose to pay the entire balance, pay part of the balance or sign-up for recurring payments with your credit or debit card. 5. View your payment history, billing history or current bill using the kiosk. 6. The payment will process and post to your account immediatly. 7. Print the receipt and you are done!
August 1st - October 30th:
Get $5 off your bill. How? Make your electric bill payment using the new payment Kiosk! *one credit per account
Pay your bill using your phone! 1. Search your App store and download the SmartHub App 2. Open and enter “Nueces Electric” (you will only need to do this once - it will save the NEC page as your setting)
3. Log into your account (if you used eBill, your log-in information will remain the same - there is no need to create another account. If you would like access, click on the link next to “new user” and sign up)
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Texas Co-op Power NEC August 2014
www.nueceselectric.org
www.nueceselectric.org
1.800.NEC.WATT
Lite Up Texas Notice 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
You Could Win a
$
25
Energy Bill Credit
If your account number is:
3754900 Call, NEC before the 20th of the month to receive your electric bill credit!
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 1-866-454-8387 o sitio web http://www.puc.texas.gov/consumer/loweincome/Assistance. aspx de la Comisión de Servicios Públicos.
NEC Power Provider List Competitive Retailers Qualified To Serve Consumers Located in the Nueces Electric Co-op (NEC) Electric Distribution Service Area* Updated 07/10/2014
Regardless of the company you choose as your power supplier, remember that your energy delivery needs will always be the responsibility of Nueces Electric Cooperative (NEC) and you have the right to contact us with questions regarding your electricity needs at any time. PLEASE NOTE: The (CRs) listed below have completed the process to qualify to serve NEC area member-consumers and you may choose one of them for your power supplier.Some of these providers do NOT serve residential services. This provider list is subject to change. Please monitor the Texas Co-op Power magazine (sent monthly to all NEC members) and/or our website at www.nueceselectric.org for updated CR provider lists. These can also be obtained at any NEC office:14353 Cooperative Ave, Corpus Christi, TX 78410 (located at the intersection of CR52 & CR69); 123 County Road 1026 in Ricardo, TX; 5646 S. Hwy 281, Alice/Ben Bolt, TX; or 5302 W. FM 624, Orange Grove, TX
Competitive Retail Power Provider AFFORDABLE ENERGY, L.P./AP GAS & ELECTRIC BENEFICIAL POWER LLC – APOLLO POWER & LIGHT
Phone Number 1-877-544-4857
E-Mail/Website COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL
1-855-750-5556
COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL
866-BLUESTAR (866-258-3782)
COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL ONLY
CHAMPION ENERGY SERVICES
1-877-653-5090
COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL OVER 40,000 KWH/YEAR
CONSTELLATION NEW ENERGY CORAL POWER SOLUTIONS CORAL POWER, LLC
713-767-5400
DYNEGY
877-4DYNEGY (877-439-6349)
ENERGY TRANSFER EVERYTHING ENERGY GDF SUEZ
800-375-5702
BLUESTAR ENERGY
COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL ONLY
HINO ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY
1-866-446-6797 Monday-Friday, 8 am-5 pm
MPOWER /MP2
1-888-202-4770
NUECES ELECTRIC CO-OP RETAIL DIVISION (NEC RETAIL) TENASKA ENCOA (TERM) SMARTCOM ENERGY SERVICES
1-855-NEC-RD4U (1-855-632-7348) 713-341-7365 713-771-7400
LARGE COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL ONLY dms@dynegy.com COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL LARGE COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL ONLY COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL www.hinoelectric.com COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL ONLY www.necretail.com RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL LARGE COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL ONLY COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL ONLY COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL ONLY
STARTEX POWER
LARGE COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL (50 KW OR LARGER)
SOURCE POWER & GAS
COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL
V247 POWER
1-855-888-9888 or 1-832-629-1119
RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL
WPS ENERGY SERVICES
1.800.NEC.WATT www.nueceselectric.org
IMPORTANT: NEC MEMBERS HAVE THE CHOICE TO RECEIVE EITHER 1 BILL -WITH BOTH NEC AND YOUR PROVIDER CHARGES, SENT BY NEC -OR 2 BILLS - A BILL FROM NEC FOR DELIVERY CHARGES AND A BILL FROM YOUR PROVIDER FOR YOUR POWER SUPPLY CHARGES. BE SURE TO DISCUSS YOUR PREFERRED BILLING WITH YOUR CHOSEN PROVIDER.YOUR DELIVERY CHARGES FROM NEC WILL BE THE SAME REGARDLESS OF WHO YOU CHOOSE AS YOUR PROVIDER, & REGARDLESS OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ONE BILL OR TWO BILLS.
Co-op Power August 2014 NEC Texas
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