nec retail co-op electricity news our electricity consumers can use!

www.necretail.com18 Texas Co-op Power NEC Retail September 2015

MEMBER CONNECTIONS855-NEC-RD4U | necretail.com Powered by People

MEMBER CONNECTIONS855-NEC-RD4U | necretail.com Powered by People

John L. Sims, NEC CEO

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

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

Promoting a member-owned electric cooperative is a tall order. Most consumers don’t understand what a Co-op is or how we all work together to ultimately financially benefit each other. Choosing to be a part of a Co-op is a long-term choice. The longer you are with the Co-op, the more you get back from your investment. Each year the Co-op gives back millions to members in Capital Credits (equity you accrue annually returned to you over a five year period) and in Merry Christmas Credits. Both programs are based on the amount of electricity you use. Even after you leave the Co-op, members still receive checks! Which is why we ask you to let us know your forwarding address.

Consumers tend to be confused by the term “member” instead of “customer”. After all, people are members of wholesale grocery clubs, athletic clubs, or organizational clubs. In a way, you could call NEC Retail a club. We are a special club made up of electric consumers who are choosing to support main street, not wall street. We are not owned by investors and we are run by a member-elected Board of Directors.

The industry has convinced consumers they need a contract. Who truly wants to sign one more contract than they have to? NEC Retail gives an honest rate that

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

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

Many members are taking advantage of the $60 mem-ber referral bonus to help decrease their electric bill. Many members utilize this credit so much that they don’t even have an electric bill. They make it a practice to simply spread the word, utilize the referral coupons, and when their friends sign-up, they get the $60 bonus. It’s easy and a great way to help your Co-op and your electric bill.

Thank you for appreciating and participating in your Co-op. Together we make great things happen! While we are thankful for a record breaking summer, it is our practice to be our personal best every day. Because we work for you and that is the cooperative difference.

www.necretail.com NEC Retail September 2015 Texas Co-op Power 19

www.necretail.com 1.855.NEC.RD4U


save the Date

2015 Annual Membership MeetingThursday, October 8, 2015Richard Borchard Regional FairgroundsRobstown, TX

5:30 p.m. Registration, Voting*, Kids Activities & Dinner

7:00 p.m. Business Meeting & Door Prizes

• Dinnerformembers&immediatefamily• $10billcreditforattending• VoteforBoardofDirectors• $2,500indoorprizes&billcredits• Meetinggoodybag• Learnaboutco-opprograms• Kidsactivities&fun!

*Votingclosesat7p.m.

Why Attend?

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 activi-ties, 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!

Entry Deadline is: January 29th

For More Information Visit:

www.necretail.comMember Resources -> Youth Programs

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

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



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 oper-ating 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 pos-sible 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 mis-take. 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 noz-zle 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 mis-takes 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

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Caulk This Way Simpletricksforsealingcracks

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

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

Outdoor LightingMany home and business owners use out-door 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, motion-detector floodlights.

Some stores also carry lights pow-ered 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.

Efficient Lighting Lowers Electric Bills

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

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AS ThE hEAT BEgiNS to dwindle and autumn appears on the horizon, home-owners find themselves working out-doors to ready homes for the change of season. Help prevent common outdoor electrical hazards by remembering these safety guidelines.

Power LinesAlways 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 OutletsHave 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 your-self—to avoid outdoor outlets when they’re wet or when it’s raining.

GeneratorsBetween 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.

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.

extension CordsExtension 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-

age of the electrical product being used with it.

Only use extension cords that have been approved by a nationally recog-nized testing laboratory, such as UL or CSA. The laboratory’s mark should appear on a tag near the cord’s plug.

additional tipsStore 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.

Think Outside the Home

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NEW WAYS TO CON T

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

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

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

refer A friend

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

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SO MANY REASONS TO SWITCH:• Get your electricity AT COST for home or for business• No hidden fees or rate surcharges• NEC Retail is a not-for-profit retail electric provider• NEC Retail is member-owned, much like a credit union• NEC Retail gives back to its members• NEC Retail consistently has the fewest customer complaints

referring member name: account number

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Switch today!

start spreading the joy

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

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NEW WAYS TO CON T




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www.necretail.com 1.855.NEC.RD4Urefer A friend


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refer A friend


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Lite-Up Texas Low income bill payment assistance programThe 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 adicio-nal 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/con-sumer/lowincome/Assistance.aspx.

If Your Account Number is:

Play & Win!

6 6 24 4 - 0 0 1

YOU WIN $25 off your electric bill!

Call, NEC Retail before the 20th!

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

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

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