We Make It Look Easy John L. Sims, NEC CEO
Once upon a time I was given some good advice. It was, “If you make something look easy, you are doing an excellent job.” As we drive down the roads, the power lines, transmission lines and substations are so common in our everyday life that most people don’t pay attention to them. It is very easy to flip on a light switch and have electricity. The reality is the inner-workings of the co-op are very complex. It takes a much more than a village to get the power to your lights switch. The basic idea behind electric generation and distribution has remained consistent for over 120 years. But in 120 years the technological development of our society has exponentially devoured software program after software program. Each time technology advanced, we had to as well. You may have read my article in last months magazine which addressed my 21 years with the Co-op. In it I wrote about how it wasn’t that long ago that members read their own meters and contacted us with their reading so we could bill them. In 21 years, our technology has been the axel of change within the electricity industry. From the time a member contacts us, to your bill each month, technology has impacted the way we operate. When a member calls the co-op, we are able to identify that member using an advanced phone system. Or members log onto our website and download information or contact the co-op using a variety of electronic contact us forms. Members are able to pay their bills online and completely manage their account with their cell phone. 18
Texas Co-op Power NEC September 2015
Every single one of our power poles has GPS coordinates and every piece of equipment on each power pole contains an inventory ID. We have the ability to track every vehicle in our fleet. Laptops and cell phones have become an indispensable tool for our line crew. The majority of our meters electronically send readings to the Co-op each month. We then use a very technical program which interconnects with the ERCOT power grid and sends that reading all over the state to the appropriate power provider. As we deal with accounting, personal information, and distribution monitoring programs, cyber security has become an everyday word and a common topic of discussion. Even the way we are able to manage, route, and reroute electricity has advanced to the point that we are more efficient that ever during times of outages. And when outages do occur, members are able to see restoration efforts first-hand on our website using the outage viewer. In the Co-op’s mission statement, we promise members that we will improve their quality of life and provide reliable and cost efficient electric service. As technology advances we must continuously adjust our process and service for you, the members of the Co-op who are accustom to the ability to flip the switch and have power. Technology has intertwined our community, our state and our nation. With the help of highly trained employees, a strong Board of Directors, and a caring membership ... we make it look easy.
www.nueceselectric.org
www.nueceselectric.org
1.800.NEC.WATT
If you are a High School Sophomore or Junior, You could win an all-expense paid trip to Washington D.C.
Save
Entry Deadline is: January 29th For More Information Visit:
www.nueceselectric.org
About Us -> Community -> Youth Connections
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 *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!
www.nueceselectric.org
Co-op Power September 2015 NEC Texas
19
www.nueceselectric.org
1.800.NEC.WATT
Caulk This Way Simple tricks for sealing cracks
s ura ngaw | D ol la r P h oto Club
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.
p hotos.com
Outdoor Lighting
20
Texas Co-op Power NEC 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.nueceselectric.org
www.nueceselectric.org
1.800.NEC.WATT
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-
www.nueceselectric.org
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.
Co-op Power September 2015 NEC Texas
21
www.nueceselectric.org
1.800.NEC.WATT
Properly Prepared in the Field By Avan Irani, NEC Chief Operations Officer
A new safety device is now being used in addition to the wide range of safety related and personal protective equipment already issued to all NEC employees. Especially to those required to work around energized (high voltage) facilities. The tool is known as V-Watch and is essentially a personal voltage detector. Varying forms of voltage detectors are already used at the Co-op, but what sets this apart is the fact that it is to be worn by the line worker around their necks about chest high. V-Watch then serves as a warning device to the line worker or first responder when he or she approaches a downed line that is still energized, thus potentially avoiding a serious accident. Unlike fires or most gases, electricity cannot be seen, heard or smelled. This device will alert our crews when arriving on the scene of an accident or following a weather event that has damaged several structures. It will allow them to not only keep themselves out of from harm’s way, but also allows them to react quicker to the hazard and alert the public, if present. NEC is constantly looking at means and tools to improve not just reliability but the overall safety of every one of its employees. When such tools come available and are a good fit within our operations, we add the tools to our arsenal. The weather activity this year so far has been nothing but a series of thunderstorms accompanied by high winds and lighting. Our crews have valiantly and safely battled everyone of them thus far. A combination of the hazards our crews face when responding to such calls and the frequency of the calls led us to proceed with this purchase. 22
Texas Co-op Power NEC September 2015
Power Women There are 67 co-op’s in Texas and 860 in the entire United States. Co-op’s serve 42 million members in 3,141 counties. With the Co-op’s are a variety of positions. There are male dominated areas such as engineering, metering and line crews. Other areas may be female dominated such as member care, communications, and human resources. Now that doesn’t mean only males or females can work in one area or another; and it’s not saying males or females are better in one area over another; it’s just how the chips fall in most co-ops. The Safety position is a male dominated position. And that’s exactly what makes these two ladies stand out among the crowd. Cassy Hill, safety manager for Nueces Electric Cooperative, and newly appointed Safety Coordinator, Lanita Bell, with Rusk County Electric Cooperative who serves under Safety Director, Robert Bryson, and CEO Richard McLeon. Recently, Lanita visited NEC to pick up some pointers for her new position. It peaked a curiosity and made an impact to see these two pathway pavers together. “Including Lanita, I am only familiar with four co-op safety professionals who are women,” said Hill. When asked about the job, and possible differences, Hill says the roles are the same. You have the same knowledge, the same expectation, and you follow the same black and white OSHA and TXDOT rules, the difference is in the way you interact with employees. She says, “I don’t feel like I have to be tough. In fact if I try to be a “tough guy,” I will not be taken seriously at all and won’t get the respect I need to do my job.” “I try to be a better listener and tend to care about the employee’s family life. I understand that what happens behind the scenes, affects what happens on the job. I’m not saying consequences won’t be the same, but at least I’m aware of any distractions,” Hill adds. Hill said she has had some wonderful male mentors. They have been her biggest cheerleaders and are always there to help. Without a doubt, these two women know their stuff, and while small accidents happen, they work hard to keep co-op employees safe on the job so at the end of each day every worker goes home to their family. www.nueceselectric.org
www.nueceselectric.org
1.800.NEC.WATT
Happy Labor Day
Teaching Tomorrow’s Workforce Today This summer, Nueces Electric Cooperative was proud to be one of the volunteer work sites chosen to participate in a Teacher Externship program. The program was facilitated by the Hammond’s Education Leadership Program who received a grant from Workforce Solutions of the Coastal Bend. The initiative is aimed at expanding area teachers knowledge of area trades which do not require four-year university degrees. At NEC, the majority of our positions utilize on-the job training. The Co-op supports the employee’s certification to grow within the position and the company. This program hits home. As a member-owned cooperative, Co-op’s are traditionally a stable place of employment. As such, they tend to retain employees for the longevity of their career. Throughout the U.S., most Co-op’s are facing mass retirements and are evaluating the next generation of the workforce. “This was a great opportunity for NEC to support our community and at the same time bring exposure to careers in the utility industry, especially in the Coastal Bend area where we have trouble attracting qualified canwww.nueceselectric.org
didates for some positions,” said Julianne Coleman, NEC Administrative Assistant. The Co-op hosted two-day sessions for groups of teachers. In order to participate, each teacher had to submit an application and upon returning to school, will create a sample program which will help their peers better understand what opportunities are available and the skill set needed. During the two-days the teachers were with the Co-op, they had the opportunity to examine departments and the skills required for each. Additionally, they went into the field to see a construction job and gain first-hand knowledge of the inner workings of the Co-op and how it all ties in together. “I am sure they will never look at a utility pole the same again!” said Safety Manager Cassy Hill. Pictured above: The first of two sets of teachers who visited the co-op representing Flour Bluff ISD, West Oso ISD, Collegiate Academy, and Corpus Christi ISD. Co-op Power September 2015 NEC Texas
23
www.nueceselectric.org
1.800.NEC.WATT
Welcome to NEC
- 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.
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. 24
Texas Co-op Power NEC September 2015
Jason Shields Journey Lineman Jason is a Corpus Christi native and graduate of King High School. He has been in the utility industry for several years in both the electric and telecommunications fields. Jason said he loves being in this line of work and is looking forward to along career with NEC. In his spare time, Jason simply enjoys spending time with his wife, family, and friends. Jordan Frost Lineman Apprentice Jordan comes to NEC from Oregon. After graduating from Northwest Lineman College in Idaho, Jordan worked for a contractor in Minnesota. He soon took the advice of a close friend who had already been hired by NEC and made the trip down himself. He is looking forward to stationary employment, working for a quality company, and completing the NEC Lineman Apprentice program. IN his spare time, enjoys fishing. Eli Medina Meter Technician Also a Corpus Christi native, Eli comes to the Co-op from oil field industry where he worked as an electrician with liquid measurement meters. HE formerly traveled a lot in the field and is looking forward to consistent schedules, longevity and a life-long career. Eli is married and has eight kids. In his spare time, he enjoys having as much fun as he can with his family. www.nueceselectric.org
www.nueceselectric.org
1.800.NEC.WATT
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 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. 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
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). 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 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 04/14/2014
PLEASE NOTE: At this time, the competitive retailers (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. Please note that 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 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.
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
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
STARTEX POWER
4CHANGE ENERGY
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
COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL 1-855-888-9888 or 1-832-629-1119
RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL
855-784-2426
www.4changeenergy.com RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL
WPS ENERGY SERVICES
www.nueceselectric.org
LARGE COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL ONLY
LARGE COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL (50 KW OR LARGER)
SOURCE POWER & GAS V247 POWER
If Your Account Number is:
12229100
COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL ONLY
HINO ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY
NUECES ELECTRIC CO-OP RETAIL DIVISION (NEC RETAIL) TENASKA ENCOA (TERM) SMARTCOM ENERGY SERVICES
Play & Win!
YOU WIN $25 off your electric bill! Call, NEC before the 20th! 1-800-NEC-WATT (800-632-9288)
Co-op Power September 2015 NEC Texas
25