John L. Sims, NEC CEO
The Renewable Spirit
Through 2014, Nueces Electric Cooperative researched, and we continue to research, renewable energy and possible opportunities we can invest in to generate power outside of the traditional power plant model. We also researched how our members felt about renewable energy and we received overwhelming interest and response. At this point, NEC has not invested in a long-term renewable energy agreement outside of South Texas Electric Cooperative, STEC, our primary generation resource. We continue to look into options which do not have to be subsidized by members. What we also heard is that members are also asking for education. What is renewable energy, what are the options, cost, etc... In 2015, members will learn about our new education programs which will be offered to members as well as to the general community. But let’s start with a broad look at the nation’s cooperatives and the resources currently be utilized. Electric cooperatives across the country are actively expanding their fuel portfolios to include an array of renew18
Texas Co-op Power NEC February 2015
able sources, including wind, solar, geothermal, biomass, manure and hydro. As of April 2014: • Nationwide, co-ops own and purchase over 5.9 GW of renewable capacity — in addition to roughly 10 GW of preference power contracts with federal hydroelectric facilities. • Co-ops own 1.1 GW of renewable capacity and have long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) for over 4.8 GW. • Including federal hydropower, coops own or purchase over 10 percent of U.S. renewable capacity. • Currently, 95 percent of NRECA’s distribution members (794 out of 838) offer renewable options to 40 million Americans. • The IRS has approved $900 million in CREB allocations for cooperative renewable development.
U.S. Electric Co-ops using any renewable energy source.
U.S. Electric Co-ops using Wind Energy.
U.S. Electric Co-ops using Solar Energy.
Nueces Electric Cooperative’s renewable content is 9.5% of the electricity we purchase as compared to the statewide average of 10.7%. Wind is our primary renewable resource followed closely by Hydroelectricity. Your voice is being heard and we will be sure to do our part to make you proud and provide a cost-effective, sustainable program.
U.S. Electric Co-ops using Hydroelectric Energy. www.nueceselectric.org
New Service Center Hours Ricardo 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday & Friday
Orange Grove 9 a.m. -4 p.m. Tuesday & Thursday
While the hours are changing, we will still be accessible. Members will still be able to drop off payments at both locations 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Additionally, all members have access to our online enrollment and payment options, as well as direct care by calling 1-800-NEC-WATT (800-632-9288) or visiting www.nueceselectric.org. These hours only affect payment operations. Line crew operations will remain full-time at each location. Member Care and keeping cost down is our top priority as we continue to provide excellent service to members throughout our electric distribution territory.
Welcome New Employees Ruben Kennedy
Alan Sanders
Ruben comes to the co-op from Ashland, AL where he previously worked for the Davey Resource Group, an industry-respected utility consulting company. Ruben holds a B.S. in Geography from Jackson State University. For a short time he was in a professional rock group, but these days he enjoys some good fishing, hunting and working on cars. After moving so much with the Davey Group, Ruben is looking forward to the stability and growth this position offers. Welcome aboard Ruben!
An original South Texas guy, Taylor comes to NEC from Robstown, TX. A graduate of Tuloso-Midway, Alan is excited to be working for NEC. He actively searched out a position with the company. He enjoys anything outdoors including surfing. Welcome aboard Alan!
Design Technician
Taylor Bennett,
Groundman Apprentice Taylor comes to the co-op from Northwest Lineman College located in Denton, TX. Originally from Chico, CA, Taylor actively searched out the lineman profession and is accomplishing his goals by coming on board with NEC. As an apprentice, Taylor will be taking courses and fulfilling the requirement to be a Department of Transportation Certified Journey Lineman, which means in four years, Taylor will be master of his field and will have the ability to run his own crews. Taylor moved to the area with his wife Amelia and they just found out on New Years Day that they are expecting their first child. Welcome aboard Taylor!
www.nueceselectric.org
Meter Reader
Nathan Balboa Meter Reader
Nathan is more than excited to be working for NEC! He is coming to the co-op after working nine years for HEB. A W.B. Ray High School graduate, Nathan is a DJ on the side and just enjoys good music. He is not sure where this job will take him but he is looking for to the advancement opportunities the co-op offers. Welcome aboard Nathan!
Nueces Electric Cooperative is currently searching for a Journeyman Lineman. If you know anyone who would be a good fit for the co-op, have them look at the job description and apply online at www.nueceselectric.org.
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1.800.NEC.WATT
Breaker Box Safety Basics © i Stock.com | l pkoe
we use electricity in our homes throughout the day, but we rarely think about
how it gets to the wall outlets or switches. Distribution lines bring electricity to homes and most commonly connect to a house through a service drop. The electricity goes through the meter box to the service panel, which is typically found in a basement or garage. The service panel, often called a breaker box, is where breakers and fuses protect the wires inside your house from electrical overload.
Time To Upgrade Electric Service?
You should consider getting your electric service upgraded if the following applies to you: -You recently remodeled or added a room. -You have new large appliances, such as a hot tub, water heater or air conditioner. -You plan on charging an electric vehicle. -Circuits trip, lights flicker or electronics turn off when you run several devices at the same time. -You live in an older home. Older homes were not designed to accommodate today’s electronics and appliances, so you may need upgraded electric service to power your home properly. If these apply to you, consult a qualified electrician. An electrician will be able to tell you if you need a service upgrade or if your electric service has another issue. Learn more about the electricity in your home at SafeElectricity.org.
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©iStock.com | sylvan works
If your lights flicker, circuits blow or lights go out when you plug in electronics or appliances, your home may need an electric service upgrade. Electric service upgrades can be expensive and complicated. However, the alternative is an unstable electrical system that can cause shocks and fire.
With so much electricity funneling out of the breaker box, it is important to not only know how to use a breaker box, but also how to do so safely. AFCIs—arc-fault circuit interrupters—are installed directly in newer breaker boxes, and are designed to protect against fires caused by arcing faults in home electrical wiring. Arcing faults can be triggered by overloaded circuits, damaged wires, cracked wire insulation, loose or improper connections, faulty electrical equipment and overheated electrical wires.
Clearly labeling breakers will allow you to quickly shut off or reset the correct one when needed.
contact a qualified electrician to have them installed.
An AFCI monitors current flow and can distinguish between normal, working arcs and unwanted, dangerous arcs. When an unwanted arcing condition is detected, it shuts down the circuit. It is important to note that AFCIs do not provide protection against all of the possible circuit faults that can cause fires, but they are a significant step forward in electrical fire safety. If your breaker box does not feature AFCIs,
If an appliance is malfunctioning, or if the circuit breaker tripped during a power outage, it may be necessary to cut off or switch on the power at the breaker box. If you must flip a switch at the breaker box, always remember to step away and look away as you do so. You want to protect your eyes and body just in case an arc should occur. Never attempt to turn off power at the breaker box if you must stand in water to do so. If you cannot reach your breaker box safely, call your electric utility to shut off power at the meter. Be sure to call a qualified electrician or your landlord if blowing fuses or tripping circuit breakers are a recurring problem. This means there is something wrong with your electrical system, and it needs to be inspected. SafeElectricity.org www.nueceselectric.org
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1.800.NEC.WATT
Save Energy and Money With Your Next Television include a television. Quite often, it includes more than one television—and sometimes, even more than one per household member. With televisions being such a regular part of our lives, NEC wants you to know how you can save energy and money with your next television purchase. It pays to be energy-wise when shopping for televisions. The cost of owning a television adds up when you take into account the cost of operation. Big factors in determining power consumption include the size of the screen, the type of TV and the picture settings. After you have made decisions about what you want for viewing quality, then look for the Energy Star-certified label which keeps more money in your pocket.
© iStock.com | . shock
Television technology continues to expand—from the different types of TVs to their various features. Look for aspects that can have an impact on efficiency and the cost of operation, such as: -Automatic brightness control, which controls the brightness of the TV relative to the brightness of the room. -Local dimming, in which sections of LED backlighting are turned off or dimmed to help produce deep blacks and save energy. When choosing a new TV, look for features that have an effect on efficiency and the cost of operation, such as the type of TV, -Preset picture settings, screen size and picture settings. which are options you can
in the brightness and contrast ratio.
choose that reflect changes
Even if you are not ready to purchase a new TV, there are still things you can do to be more efficient and thrifty. Because electronics that are turned off sometimes still draw power, a power strip can be used to plug in multiple electronic devices, and the power can be cut off from these devices with a simple flip of a switch. Power strips can be efficiently put to use in a spare room where electronics are not used very often, or in an area where there is a large concentration of electronics, like in an office. Using smart power strips is another energy-saving option. Plug the television into the control outlet on the smart strip. It detects when the control unit is off and shuts off power to peripherals, such as a DVD player and gaming console, which are plugged into the automatically switched outlets. www.nueceselectric.org
© i Stock.com | pa d npe n
in today’s world, it’s hard to find a house in which home entertainment does not
Changing the way you shave could save 300 gallons of water a month.
Waste Less Hot Water Every drop of hot water you conserve could add up to savings on your energy bill. Think about how often you run the hot water faucet or an appliance that uses hot water— and whether you could either turn it off or use cold water instead.
Here are six ways to use less hot water: 1. Swap your old showerhead for a low-flow model that bears the Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense label. Typical showerheads deliver 2.5 gallons of water per minute; WaterSense models spray out no more than 2 gallons per minute. 2. Set a timer for five minutes, and turn the shower off when the alarm rings. Turn the water off while you lather up your hair, and turn it back on to rinse out the shampoo. 3. Plug the sink while you’re shaving rather than running water the whole time to rinse your razor under the spigot. You could save up to 300 gallons of water a month this way. 4. Soak pots and pans instead of scraping them under running water. They’ll clean up quicker, and you’ll save water and energy. 5. Fix a leaky hot water faucet. Often, it’s a simple repair, but even replacing it will cost less than you’ll pay for years of wasted water and energy that escape through a leaky tap. 6. Wait until you have a full load in the dishwasher before you run it.
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1.800.NEC.WATT
Did You Know? al eksandr-ma nsurov-ru | i Sto c k | T hi nksto c k
February 18 is National Battery Day. In 1800, Alessandro Volta’s “voltaic pile” was the first battery producing a reliable, steady electric current. More than two centuries later, we use batteries to power countless devices almost everywhere. Use the occasion to check all the batteries in your car-
© iStock.com | Bryn gelzon
bon monoxide and smoke alarms.
Ice Isn’t Always Nice Although much of the state is unaccustomed to snow and ice, temperatures can fall below freezing even in South Texas. Snow and ice snap tree branches and cause electric lines to sag. To make our families safe and comfortable during a winter power outage:
‘All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.’ —Charles M. Schulz Happy Valentine’s Day February 14 24
Texas Co-op Power NEC February 2015
- Report any outages. - Turn off electrical appliances that were operating at the time the power went off, including your heating system. Leave one light on so you’ll know when service has been restored. - Keep warm by closing off rooms you don’t need and use only safe sources of heat, such as a wood stove. Do not burn charcoal indoors—it releases carbon monoxide, which is deadly. If you operate lanterns or fuel-fired cookstoves or heaters, make sure that you have adequate ventilation to keep harmful fumes from accumulating. - Don’t drive unless absolutely necessary until road conditions improve. If you must drive, go slowly and lightly pump your brakes to stop. - Be extra careful not to slip on treacherous ice. Nueces Electric Cooperative encourages you to stay safe this winter. www.nueceselectric.org
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Calling All High School Seniors! NEC Scholarship Program Now Open For Applications Download the application and track down your GPA and your SAT/ACT! Any high school senior who is a direct dependent of a Nueces Electric Cooperative Member is eligible to apply for the Ramiro De La Paz Memorial Scholarship. The Ramiro De La Paz Memorial Scholarship is funded by escheated (unclaimed) capital credits that the state of Texas grants back to NEC to utilize for youth education programs. Download your application at www. nueceselectric.org (under Community) and submit it to Nueces Electric Cooperative by Friday, February 13, 2015.
www.nueceselectric.org
Two $4,000 scholarships and
four $1,000 scholarships Print the Application at: www.nueceselectric.org (Under Community)
Deadline:
Friday, February 13, 2015
Mail to:
Nueces Electric Cooperative Attn: Scholarship Program 14353 Cooperative Ave Corpus Christi, TX 78380
Co-op Power February 2015 NEC Texas 足足
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www.nueceselectric.org
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 2015 through August 2015. 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 2015 a agostó 2015. 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.
Number in Household 1
Annual Income (125%) $14,588
2
$19,663
3
$24,738
4
$29,813
5
$34,888
6
$39,963
7
$45,038
8 Each additional add
$50,113
1.800.NEC.WATT
Some of us take electricity for granted. But no matter where you go, your electric co-op makes sure it follows. Learn more about the power of your co-op membership at TogetherWeSave.com.
YOU’RE EVERYWHERE THESE DAYS. SO IS YOUR POWER.
$5,075
For More Information Call 1-866-454-8387
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Texas Co-op Power NEC February 2015
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www.nueceselectric.org
1.800.NEC.WATT
Eight Convenient Ways To Pay Your Bill Pay Online 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 “Pay Your Bill”, on the upper left corner of our 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. Pay in Person: Use any one of our Customer Service centers located in Calallen, Ben Bolt, Ricardo or Orange Grove.
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 by Mail: 14353 Cooperative Ave ~ Robstown, TX 78380
Pay using a Fidelity Express Pay Station There is an additional $1.50 service charge.
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
Phone Number
E-Mail/Website
1-877-544-4857
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
1-866-446-6797 Monday-Friday, 8 am-5 pm
MPOWER /MP2
1-888-202-4770
3259900
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 ONLY
HINO ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY
NUECES ELECTRIC CO-OP RETAIL DIVISION (NEC RETAIL) TENASKA ENCOA (TERM) SMARTCOM ENERGY SERVICES
Play & Win!
1-855-888-9888 or 1-832-629-1119
RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL
YOU WIN $25 off your electric bill! Call, NEC before the 20th! 1-800-NEC-WATT (800-632-9288)
WPS ENERGY SERVICES IMPORTANT: NEC MEMBERS HAVE THE CHOICE TO RECEIVE EITHER 1 BILL -WITH BOTH NEC AND YOUR PROVIDER CHARGES, SENT BY February 2015 NEC Texas Co-op Power www.nueceselectric.org 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
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