Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow John L. Sims, NEC CEO
When I came to Nueces Electric Cooperative in 1994, I knew I was not coming to an ordinary Co-op. In the past 20 years as CEO, I have witnessed amazing changes in the industry. Technology alone has completely altered our way of delivering electricity to your home or business and how we monitor usage, outages and line loss. Engineers are better able to design systems to maximize power flow and re-route power as needed due to outages.
Our metering systems and billing systems have come the farthest. It wasn’t that long ago that many members read their own meter and called the Co-op each month with their readings. Can you imagine reading your own meter today? Advanced digital meters not only allow the Co-op to more accurately read meters, but the information helps members understand your own electric usage patterns, allows for quick invoice processing, and decreases meter theft. With advanced technology has come advanced materials. The quality of line NEC uses is far superior than that of 20 years ago. We now use non-corrosive power poles along major roads and insulators are not made of porcelain anymore. Copper ground-wire has been replaced with an incredibly strong copper-clad wire that is both cost efficient for the Co-op and prevents theft as it is not worth much on the black market. Better use of materials and advanced technology has enabled the Co-op to decrease line-loss by approximately $3.5 million! In the past 20 years, our employee base has almost doubled. We have hired highly qualified individuals who understand and keep up with systematic change while valuing the mission of the Co-op. As with all organizations, the Co-op is only as good as the quality of employees we hire to serve members. We look for employees that have embody the ideals of working for 18
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members; who understand that we work for main street not wall street. In 20 years, your elected Board of Directors has worked cautiously to balance the advancement of technology with the heart of the Co-op members and employees. It is very easy to say yes to everything and hard to say no. Your elected Directors evaluate all financial decisions very carefully, always keeping the impact their decisions will make on the members and employees in mind. Together we have tried to look into the future, to see what the Co-op will be in another 20 years, and position the Co-op to conquer any obstacles that may come our way. 20 years at the Co-op has flown. I have a few more gray hairs, a few less hairs on my head, but a great appreciation for the members, the employees and the Directors who work together everyday to make Nueces Electric Cooperative the best Co-op we can be. The week after the October 8, 2015 Annual Membership Meeting, I will officially take my leave and retire. I have thoroughly enjoyed a productive career and I am looking forward to spending time with family and helping my church. For several months now a CEO Search Committee, comprised of four Board of Directors and one NEC Staff Member, have work diligently with national CEO search firms. I am confident the next CEO will continue to implement the great path that has been laid and will most likely expand it for the better. In 20 years we have come so far. I am excited to see what the next 20 has in store and look forward to watching Nueces Electric Cooperative grow and continue to exceed expectations.
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1.800.NEC.WATT
A Letter From The Board
CEO Retirement & Replacement Search After 21 years of dedicated service as CEO of Nueces Electric Cooperative, John L. Sims will be retiring effective October 16, 2015. Throughout his tenure as CEO the Cooperative has experienced considerable growth and modernization to keep up with today’s challenges in the electric utility industry. To ensure this continued growth and success of NEC, your Board of Directors has begun the process to search for and hire a new CEO. A CEO Search Team was appointed by the Board to guide the recruitment process and also decided to obtain the services of a national search firm to conduct the search. The Board solicited proposals and after reviewing three firms that responded, decided to contract with the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) to conduct the search. On July 9, 2015, the Board met with the lead person of NRECA that will conduct the search. The position is being advertised state-wide and nationally and has a cut-off date of August 19, 2015 to receive applications. On September 15, 2015, after an initial period of screening applications for “best fit” applicants by NRECA, NRECA and the Board will review and screen a pre-final list that will be selected for face-to-face interviews. During the week of October 12-15, 2015 the Board will conduct face-to-face interviews of the finalists with a possible announcement date of the new CEO on October 16, 2015. The Board appreciates your support and understanding during this time of transition and will keep you informed as the search process continues. Any inquiries about the position and how to apply should be directed to: Mr. Dan Brewer at: www.jobtarget. com/c/job.cfm?site_id=227&jb=24557064 Thank you, Brian Menking President NEC Board of Directors District 8
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Rumaldo Z. Juarez, Ph.D. Chair, CEO Search Team NEC Board of Directors District 1
Save
The
Date
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 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! Co-op Power June 2015 NEC Texas
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1.800.NEC.WATT
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Keep Water Recreation Safe
Keep long tools like ladders, pool skimmers and pruning poles away from power lines.
Know What’s Overhead Do-it-yourself projects can be overwhelming, but knowing what’s overhead can keep you from getting in over your head. Before starting a job, survey the area. If you discover a possible hazard, take steps to avoid it and make sure everyone else involved is aware, too. Other safety tips for DIY projects include: - Use caution when using long tools like ladders, pool skimmers and pruning poles to keep them from getting near power lines. - Keep equipment and yourself at least 10 feet from power lines. - Never trim trees near power lines. Have a professional do the job. - Never use water or blower extensions to clean gutters near electric lines. - If it is raining or the ground is wet, do not use electric power or yard tools, or touch electrical equipment. - When working outside, use extension cords that are rated for outdoor use. Do not allow power cords to tangle. - Use heavy-duty, three-prong extension cords for tools with three-prong plugs. Never remove or bend back the third prong on extension cords. It is a safety feature designed to reduce the risk of electrocution or shock. - Make sure outlets in garages and outdoors are equipped with ground-fault circuit interrupters. If you do find yourself in over your head, don’t just wing it. Call a licensed professional to help you finish the job.
—Safe Electricity 20
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One of the best places to enjoy summer fun is in the water—but the hidden hazard of electric shock drowning is always possible when recreation takes place near boats and docks that are plugged into shore power. Without proper inspection and supervision, these electrical systems can leak electricity into the water, presenting a hazard for anyone in the vicinity. NEC encourages anyone who participates in water recreation activities to learn about and take action to prevent electric shock drowning. Take the time to inspect all electrical systems on or near the water to ensure that they are safe. It is also recommended that individuals do not swim around docks with electrical equipment or boats plugged into shore power. Safe Electricity, along with the American Boat and Yacht Council and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers/National Electrical Contractors Association, recommends adhering to these rules to enhance water recreation safety and accident prevention: All electrical installations should be performed by a professional electrical contractor familiar with marine codes and standards, and should be inspected at least once a year. Docks should have groundfault circuit interrupters on the circuits that feed electricity to the dock. The metal frames of docks should be bonded to connect all metal parts to the alternating current safety ground at the power source. That will ensure that any part of the metal dock that becomes energized because of electrical malfunction will trip the circuit breaker. Neighboring docks can also present a shock hazard. Make your neighbors aware of the need for safety inspections and maintenance. Marinas should comply with the National Fire Protection Association code and the National Electrical Code. Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind for your boat’s electrical system, particularly those with AC systems: Regardless of the size of boat, maintenance of the electrical system should be done by a professional familiar with marine electrical codes. Have your boat’s electrical system checked at least once a year. Boats should also be checked when something is added or removed on their systems. Boats with AC systems should have isolation transformers or equipment leakage circuit interrupter protection. All equipment should comply with ABYC standards, and should be serviced by an ABYC-certified technician. Learn more at SafeElectricity.org and abycinc.org. www.nueceselectric.org
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Take Control of Summer Energy Bills windows. Invest in a thick shade or window film to block out the summer sun. Save up to 15 percent on your cooling bill by shading west-facing windows, which absorb the most afternoon sun. For the hottest parts of your house, consider installing an awning or planting trees in front of windows to shade the house. Quick change. A filter for your air-conditioning system costs only a few dollars (about $5 for a high-quality, pleated model), but can save you much more if you change it every month during the summer. Dirty air-conditioning filters prevent airflow and make the system work harder. That means a higher bill. One degree. For every degree warmer that you turn up your thermostat during air-conditioning season, you’ll save up to 2 percent on your cooling costs. Try setting your thermostat at 78 degrees, and turn on a ceiling fan to help circulate the air. Wind chill. Fans don’t cool the air, but they make the air feel cooler by moving it around the room and against your skin, which creates a sort of wind chill effect. When the fan is running, you can move your thermostat three to four degrees higher without noticing a difference in your comfort level. Cool touch. Replace every incandescent lightbulb in your house with a compact fluorescent lightbulb or a light-emitting diode fixture. The replacements cost more at first than incandescents, but CFLs use 75 percent less energy, and LEDs use less than one-tenth. Both of these energy-efficient versions pay for themselves and then some over their lifetimes. Plus, they emit far less heat than incandescent bulbs, so they don’t add heat to your home’s air or make the air conditioner work harder.
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How “Green” Is Your Home?
FOTO GRAFIA INC . | iStoc k.com
Save on your energy bill by planting trees in front of windows to shade the house.
An energy audit uncovers where you need to seal air leaks with weatherstripping.
Want to know whether your home wastes precious resources such as energy and water? Do a little digging. Here are three ways to educate yourself about your family’s habits and your home’s energy efficiency: First, round up copies of all of your electric bills for the past year. They will reveal to you exactly how much energy you used each month. Knowing how much energy your family actually uses—and whether it spikes during certain months— will help you change any wasteful habits. Second, get an energy audit. The auditor will uncover places in your house—like in the attic and around windows—where gaps, cracks and other holes in your home can let your air escape and invite the outdoor air indoors. Once you know that, you’ll know where you need to seal those leaks with caulk or weatherstripping. Third, check appliances and fixtures. Are your appliances more than 10 years old? If so, they’re far less efficient than newer models on the market today. Are your appliances Energy Star-rated? Likewise, are your faucets, showerheads and toilets low-flow? Replacing them with water-conserving models will make a difference both in your water bill and your family’s environmental footprint. Co-op Power June 2015 NEC Texas
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Here are five easy ways to minimize your energy use during the hot months: Sun block. Half of all of the heat that enters your home comes in through the
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Co-op Employee Rescues Red Tail Hawk Federally protected bird was rehabilitated and released
It’s not often you see a juvenile redtailed hawk. If you do see one, you might not even recognize it as a federally protected raptor. In May, Nueces Electric Cooperative Metering Supervisor, Bill Gunn, was working near a communications tower outside of Orange Grove, TX and noticed the bird on the ground. During his two-hour timeframe at the tower, the bird sat patiently and watched Gunn work. When Gunn was ready to leave he inspected the bird more closely. “I knew it was a red-tailed hawk because I could hear others flying above. They have a very distinctive call,” said Gunn, “I knew something 22
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wasn’t right with this one and it needed some help.” Fortunately for his new carnivorous sidekick, Gunn knew a thing or two about red-tailed hawks and was familiar with the federal regulations surrounding native north American raptors. Knowledge coupled with easy access to the near-by Texas State Aquarium who successfully rehabilitates birds through their Second Wildlife Rehabilitation Hospital. Gunn contacted the aquarium who advised him where to take the bird. Knowing the bird was federally protected, Gunn made sure he was pro-
tected in the event he was pulled over with the raptor in his possession. “They assured me that by making the call, I was authorized by the aquarium to put the bird in a box and transport it,” stated Gunn, “I’m a cautious driver, but that certainly would have been the day my tail light was out.” Six weeks later, the Aquarium contacted Bill and let him know the bird was doing well. The original diagnosis stated the bird was simply young and must have fallen out of the nest. The Texas State Aquarium staff worked with the bird to provide nutrition and encouraged it’s hunting and flying habits until the hawk was big enough to survive on its own. www.nueceselectric.org
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The hawk was released at a community park near the Nueces Electric Cooperative office. Gunn’s family was on hand and it was a joyous site to watch the rehabilitated bird jump out of the create and quickly flew off into the blue sky. The whole release lasted less than three seconds. The red-tailed hawk is one of the most widely scattered hawks in America and can thrive in a variety of environments. While hawks do not normally nest on south Texas distribution poles, it is not uncommon to find a nest perched higher up in the communication towers. There is a belief that hawks bring good luck. This must be true. At the time he found the hawk, Gunn was an Communications Technician. Shortly after, the Metering Supervisor at the time resigned and Gunn was asked to take his place. Good luck or just good timing, the Co-op was happy to support Gunn and the bird. In an industry that is often touted as negatively impacting the environment, the reality is Co-op’s do what we can to be good environmental partners to animals and land alike. All utilities have a responsibility to protect and reduce our environmental impacts. According to the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), Squirrels and other wildlife trigger approximately 11% of outages nation-wide. Coop’s work closely with state Parks and Wildlife on a consistent basis to ensure wildlife is protected while meeting the growing electrical needs of consumers. Still, wildlife does greatly impact electrical distribution systems. Over the past few years NEC has aggressively gone to 100% “cover-up” on all new construction and maintenance items. This means anytime NEC employees touch a pole it is covered with bird guards. The guards not only help the Co-op minimize outages, but protects wildlife including a variety of birds, squirrels, snakes. Nueces Electric Cooperative applauds Bill Gunn for being observant and taking the extra steps to help the red tailed hawk. We hope the good luck keeps shining on him and all he does for the members of Nueces Electric Cooperative. www.nueceselectric.org
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NEC Renewable Demonstration This past year has rotated around renewable energy. The Co-op has sent surveys, written articles, and had many internal meetings on the future of energy and how the Co-op will adapt to the growing renewable energy industry. The future of electricity is uncertain. But as technology continues to grow at a rapid pace, the future promises to be exciting. How will electricity be generated? Will energy storage be a possibility? With tight EPA regulations which restrict generation facility growth, how will the evergrowing demand for electricity be met? While the future is never certain, NEC leadership decided the place to start is basic renewable energy education. This past spring NEC built a renewable demonstration. It is located at the entrance to the Calallen NEC headquarters office and is available to members 24 hours a day. The demonstration highlights the top four sources of renewable energy. In addition, eight solar panels sit on top and a wind turbine was placed in the parking lot. The output of both energy sources can be viewed in the lobby resource room. While the solar panel output is pretty consistent, it is certainly fun to watch the wind turbine’s output as it tends to have a dramatic rise and fall. This interactive step is the first of many to come as renewable resources continue to emerge and the Co-op continues to adapt to industry changes.
school & youth
FIELD TRIPS Nueces Electric is excited to offer field trips to area schools and organizations! Visit the community link located at www.nueceselectric. org to view the program and submit an application. Bring your students to see the Co-op, learn about renewable energy, non-renewable energy, how electricity is made, and how electricity travels from the power plant to our homes. Participants will also receive a tour of the Co-op and , in some cases, will meet NEC lineman and have the opportunity to check them out in action. Teachers and organization sponsors can customize the agenda to fit the allowed time frame. Each field trip will be complete with curriculum, activities and lunch will be provided. Additionally, NEC understands most schools will need transportation funding assistance. This year, NEC has the ability to help a select number of schools with transportation grants. Grants will be given on a first-come, firstserve basis. Field trip time-slots are limited to only a few per month, so please submit your application in advance. Where to find the application: www.nueceselectric.org in the “Community� menu tab For questions or additional information, please e-mail communications@nueceselectric.org.
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Eight Convenient Ways To Pay Your Bill Pay Online or Use the Smarthub App www.nueceselectric.org The easiest way to pay! Access your account 24 hours a day from any computer to manage your account. Just click on “Make a Payment” on the homepage.
Pay by Phone: Due to Payment Card Industry (PCI) Compliance standards, NEC is limited in the ability to take credit card numbers over the phone. These standards are nationally implemented to secure consumers finances and hinder identity theft. To make a payment via the phone you can call 24 /7 and pay via the electronic phone payment system at 800-NEC-WATT (800-632-9288).
Pay by Automatic Credit or Bank Draft: If you prefer to not use the computer, you can still sign up to have your account drafted for your monthly bill.
Use the Easy Pay Kiosk Quick, easy, and accessible 24 hours a day, the Kiosk is located at the Calallen office. Payments post immediately to your account.
Pay in Person: Use any one of our Customer Service centers located in Calallen, Ben Bolt, Ricardo or Orange Grove.
Pay using a Fidelity Express Pay Station There is an additional $1.50 service charge.
Pay by Mail:
Use the enclosed envelope that comes in your bill or set-up your banking bill-pay system to send your payment to: NEC, P.O. Box 659821, San Antonio, TX 78265-9121
NEC Power Providers 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 BLUESTAR ENERGY CHAMPION ENERGY SERVICES
Phone Number 1-877-544-4857
COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL
866-BLUESTAR (866-258-3782)
COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL ONLY
1-877-653-5090
COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL OVER 40,000 KWH/YEAR
713-767-5400
DYNEGY
877-4DYNEGY (877-439-6349)
ENERGY TRANSFER EVERYTHING ENERGY GDF SUEZ
800-375-5702
752600
COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL ONLY
HINO ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY
1-866-446-6797 Monday-Friday, 8 am-5 pm
MPOWER /MP2
1-888-202-4770 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
If Your Account Number is:
COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL
1-855-750-5556
CONSTELLATION NEW ENERGY CORAL POWER SOLUTIONS CORAL POWER, LLC
NUECES ELECTRIC CO-OP RETAIL DIVISION (NEC RETAIL) TENASKA ENCOA (TERM) SMARTCOM ENERGY SERVICES
E-Mail/Website
Play & Win!
1-855-888-9888 or 1-832-629-1119
YOU WIN $25 off your electric bill! Call, NEC before the 20th! 1-800-NEC-WATT (800-632-9288)
RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL
WPS ENERGY SERVICES
www.nueceselectric.org IMPORTANT: NEC MEMBERS HAVE THE CHOICE TO RECEIVE EITHER 1 BILL -WITH BOTH NEC AND YOUR PROVIDER CHARGES, SENT BY
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