Co-op News
MEDINA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
Decrease High Winter Use Before It Begins
MESSAGE FROM
CEO MARK ROLLANS
LAST WINTER BROUGHT UNPLEASANT
WEATHER extremes to South Texas. We
saw average temperatures in the 30s some
days. Nearly every home was forced to run
its heating system longer and harder than usual—and many
members saw unwelcome higher bills as a result.
We recognize that high bills cause worries. Every one of us
at your co-op pays a utility bill, too, so we personally understand your need to keep the household budget balanced while
keeping your family warm.
The easiest way to deal with high bills is to prevent them,
and the best way to prevent a higher-than-expected energy
bill is to look for ways to decrease the amount of energy used.
One thing we can’t change, no matter how hard we try, is
that colder weather means most folks use more electricity to
keep the house warm. Members who track their electric use
with SmartHub see this firsthand. They see day-to-day electricity use rise on cold days and fall again when it warms up,
even just into the mid-60s.
There are steps you can take to be prepared and manage
your energy use and resulting bill. The old advice of turning
off lights you aren’t using applies any time of year, but here
are some tips for colder weather:
Seal any gaps that create drafts in your home, and make
sure you have adequate insulation. If you live in a pier and
beam home or a mobile home, make sure there is insulation
under the floor and proper skirting.
Keep an eye on the thermostat to conserve energy, and set
it as low as comfortably possible. The Department of Energy
recommends 68 degrees in the winter. Keep shades, curtains
and blinds closed at night to reduce significant temperature
changes inside the house.
Avoid using electric space heaters. They use more electricity than you think. In fact, the average space heater costs
about 15 cents an hour to operate. That doesn’t sound like
much, but using a single space heater throughout the month
could add approximately $108 to your bill. If your only option
is to use space heaters, limit them to one room and only use
them while you are in the room.
MEET US ON
THE AIRWAVES!
This data from the SmartHub account of one of our employees shows
what a difference the temperature can make in electric use. When the
temperature drops, like it did February 23 and 24, electricity use rises
significantly. This was a Monday and Tuesday, and the homeowner
was away from home at work for more than 10 hours. However, her
use more than quadrupled from the prior days due to the low average
temperatures.
I have to share that we have an employee who confesses to
using space heaters to keep her dogs warm on her porch. On
days when she does that, she sees a big increase in the amount
of electricity she uses.
Water heaters are sometimes located outside a home or
along an outside wall. If that is the case, your water heater
may also be working overtime against the cold to keep the
water in the tank warm. Consider setting it up on a timer or
investing in a water heater blanket, which Medina EC offers a
rebate for (MedinaEC.org/Rebates).
Our member service reps will work with you every way
they can to help manage higher winter bills. We can review
your account to make sure the bill is correct and accurate. We
can set up a free energy audit to identify your home’s biggest
energy users and sources of inefficiency. If needed and if you
meet eligibility requirements, we can arrange a payment plan
that will fit your budget.
We are your cooperative, and we are here to work for and
with you. I hope this winter we can all enjoy the cool weather
without the high electricity use!
Tune in December 8
Broadcast is 8:30—9 a.m.
Radio: 1460 AM
Online: KCWM.net
Until next time,
Mark Rollans
Listen as we discuss a review of 2015
and the major projects planned for
2016.
Do you have a question for the co-op? Or is there something you would like to hear us cover on the broadcast?
Let us know at MyCoop@MedinaEC.org.
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Texas Co-op Power MEDINA EC December 2015
MedinaEC.org
1-866-MEC-ELEC (632-3532) | MEDINAEC.ORG
Medina Electric
Cooperative
BOA RD O F D IRE CTO R S
VOTING DISTRICT 1
Larry Huesser, (830) 363-7651
Wayne W. Scholtz, (830) 426-1328
Glenn Schweers, (830) 741-3250
VOTING DISTRICT 2
Jimmie Raines, (830) 591-8437
Chris Surles, (830) 965-5538
Kenneth White, (830) 232-6541
VOTING DISTRICT 3
Annette Sorrells, (361) 231-0173
J. L. Gonzalez, (956) 286-1863
Rodolfo H. Rodriguez, (210) 846-1092
CE O
Mark Rollans, 1-866-MEC-ELEC, ext. 1045
COOPERATIVE OFFICES
Headquarters
2308 18th St., Hondo 78861
Area Offices
Hondo Office
237 Hwy. 173 N., Hondo 78861
Dilley Office
1718 W. FM 117, Dilley 78017
Rio Grande City Office
2235 FM 755, Rio Grande City 78582
Uvalde Office
2604 Hwy. 90 E., Uvalde 78801
Bruni Office
1300 FM 2050 N., Bruni 78344
CONTACT US
CALL US
1-866-MEC-ELEC (632-3532)
Option 2: Report an outage
Option 3: Pay bill, get account balance
Option 5: Speak to a representative
EMAIL
Info@MedinaEC.org
FIND US ONLINE AT
MedinaEC.org
Facebook.com/MedinaEC
Twitter.com/MedinaECtalks
MedinaEC.org
Co-op Power
December 2015 MEDINA EC Texas
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MEDINA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
DON’T FORGET TO PICK
UP YOUR CALENDAR!
2016
safety calendar
2016 calendars and Farmers’ Almanacs
are available in all Medina EC offices
while supplies last. Stop by and pick
yours up today!
A lineman doing work for NRECA International overseas high fives a woman after bringing
electricity to her area for the first time. Photo courtesy of NRECA International
Opportunities to Give Back:
NRECA International and Operation Round Up
DOES YOUR FAMILY GIVE BACK as part of your holiday traditions? Here are two coop-
erative-related opportunities for charitable giving you may want to consider if you
are looking for something to give to over the holiday season. Both these opportunities accept donations throughout the year.
NRECA International
National Rural Electric Cooperative Association International is an organization
that provides people in developing countries with access to safe, reliable and affordable electricity. They accept donations throughout the year in any amount. One hundred percent of your donation will help implement critically needed electrification
projects throughout the developing world, and all donations are tax deductible. To
make a donation, visit NRECA.coop/What-We-Do/International-Programs.
Over the last 50 years, NRECA International has provided 110 million people in 42
developing countries with access to safe, reliable and affordable electricity. NRECA
is the national service organization for more than 900 not-for-profit rural electric
cooperatives, including Medina EC. To learn more about how NRECA International
improves the quality of life for people around the world, visit nrecainternational.
coop, email nreca.foundation@nreca.coop or call (703) 907-5645 today.
TELL US
YOUR
STORY.
Have a story about the co-op
you want to share? We are
your cooperative, and we
want to know your story. Tell
us how the cooperative has
impacted your life. It can be
something small or something
big. We might share your
story in a future issue of Texas
Co-op Power.
Email your story to MyCoop@
MedinaEC.org.
Operation Round Up
Operation Round Up provides families and organizations in the 17 counties served
by Medina EC with financial assistance in times of need. When you sign up to give
to the Operation Round Up program, your monthly bill will be rounded up to the
next whole dollar and the extra spare change will go to the Operation Round Up
fund. For less than $12 a year, you can make a difference in your area. ORU also
accepts one-time donations throughout the year in any amount. To learn how to
sign up or to make a one-time donation, visit MedinaEC.org/ORU.
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Texas Co-op Power MEDINA EC December 2015
MedinaEC.org
1-866-MEC-ELEC (632-3532) | MEDINAEC.ORG
May Your Holidays Be
Merry and Bright.
Our offices will be closed at noon on
Thursday and all day Friday, December
24-25, and on Friday, January 1, to allow
our employees to celebrate the holiday
season with their families.
As always, crews will remain available in
the event of any power outages.
MedinaEC.org
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December 2015 MEDINA EC Texas
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MEDINA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME
GOVERNMENT-IN-ACTION
YOUTH TOUR
Renewal Required
for Agricultural
Sales Tax Exception
IF YOU ARE CLAIMING a sales tax
exemption on electricity used in the
production of agricultural, you must
renew your exemption by December
31 through the Office of the Texas
Comptroller of Public Accounts.
Otherwise, the co-op will be required to
charge sales tax beginning in January.
How To Renew Exemption Certificates
There are several options for renewing
your exemption certificate: online, by
phone or by mail. Those seeking renewal
information can visit MedinaEC.org/
Agriculture.
Only one certificate is required for
members with multiple qualifying meters.
You can submit your new exemption
form, along with the customer number(s)
to which your certificate applies, and
a telephone number where you can be
reached by:
You’re a high school student. You’re smart; you have big dreams.
Maybe you’ve never been out of the state, and maybe you’ve never
flown on a plane, but you want to travel—experience a big city,
visit historic landmarks and meet people. Sound like you? Then the
Government-in-Action Youth Tour is your tour. Apply now!
Deadline is January 15. For more information, visit
MEDINAEC.ORG/YOUTHTOUR.
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Texas Co-op Power MEDINA EC December 2015
Fax: (830) 426-2796
Email: Info@MedinaEC.org
Mail: Medina Electric Cooperative
Attn: Ag Renewals/Exemptions
PO Box 370
Hondo, TX 78861
In Person: At any one of our offices.
MedinaEC.org
1-866-MEC-ELEC (632-3532) | MEDINAEC.ORG
Life-Support Registry
Update your account if you have a medical need for electricity
CONSTANT ELECTRICITY IS IMPORTANT TO EVERYONE, but for some people it is a
medical necessity. If you or someone in your home depends on an electrically
operated health aid, Medina EC wants to know so we can place your account on
our Life-Support Registry.
To be placed on the Life-Support Registry, you will need to fill out a Life-Support Registry form. You can find these at MedinaEC.org/Life-Support-Registry
or at any of our local offices. You will need to attach a physician’s directive or prescription for verification purposes.
Accounts on our LifeSupport Registry list
receive notification before
any planned outages and
are a priority for restoration during unplanned
outages. Make sure you
notify the cooperative of
any changes in phone numbers so we can update your
account and have correct
contact information.
Being on the Life-Support Registry will not keep
your account from being
disconnected for nonpayment. It also does not
guarantee uninterrupted
electrical service. Outages
occur for reasons outside
Individuals who rely on life-support equipment should
of the cooperative’s control
obtain backup equipment, such as a generator.
and are unavoidable.
Individuals who rely
on life-support equipment should obtain backup equipment, such as a generator
or battery backup system, and should have an emergency plan, including a place
they can go in the event of an extensive power outage. They should also be sure
to have at least one phone that does not rely on electricity for reporting outages.
Our outage reporting system pulls account information based on your phone
number, so be sure you have all phone numbers listed on your account. It is also a
good idea to keep your account number, meter number and Medina EC’s number
in an easily accessible location. You can stop by any of our offices and pick up a
helpful magnet where all that information can be written.
Members who have a generator may be interested in having a GenerLink
device installed to operate the generator. This safe and easy solution is $15 per
month. Medina EC crews will visit your home, install the device, look at your generator and give you an idea of what appliances it can power. Without GenerLink,
operating a generator can require installation of transfer switches, subpanels and
rewiring work. Generators that aren’t connected correctly create a safety hazard
for people in the home and for Medina EC employees working to restore power.
MedinaEC.org
These members won the cash door prize
for attending the District 1 Nominating
Meeting held in February of 2015.
Member Control
COOPERATIVES LIKE MEDINA ELECTRIC
are based on Seven Cooperative Principles, one of which is Democratic
Member Control. Like any successful
democracy, active member participation is crucial.
That is why it is so important for
members to plan on attending their
District Nominating Meeting. This is
where Medina EC members interested
in serving on the board of directors
can be nominated to run for election.
Members who are interested in running for a board position can also be
placed on the election ballot through
the petition process.
Representatives are elected for the
board of directors each September,
and results are announced at the
annual membership meeting. The service territory is broken up into three
voting districts, and three members
from each district sit on the board.
Directors actively participate in setting policies and making decisions for
the cooperative.
Watch for additional details on these
meetings in the January issue of
Texas Co-op Power.
NOMINATING MEETING DATES
District 1 - February 4 Braden Keller Community Center in
Castroville
District 2 - February 8 Medina EC Office in Dilley
District 3 - February 9 Holiday Inn in Zapata
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December 2015 MEDINA EC Texas
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MEDINA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
This 1.14-kilowatt ground-mounted photovoltaic (PV) solar array is located at our Dilley office on FM 117 and was installed as an educational tool for
members who may be considering such a purchase. The co-op has a similar system on the roof of our engineering building in Hondo, and a wind turbine at the Dilley office. You can view production numbers for all systems at MedinaEC.org/DG.
Interested in Making Your
Own Electricity?
THE IDEA OF GENERATING YOUR OWN ELECTRIC POWER with
a “Backyard” renewable energy system is appealing to many,
and small solar photovoltaic systems and wind turbines are the
most popular choices. Investing in your own generation, even
on a small scale, is a big decision that deserves careful thought.
Do careful research and know the facts before buying one
of these systems. You will want to consider your location.
Location is everything when it comes to the actual production
of these renewable systems. If you’re installing a solar PV system, make sure it is in an area completely free of shade at all
hours of the day. This will maximize the output levels. If you’re
thinking a wind turbine is better for you, make sure the wind
levels at the location are high enough to keep the turbine turning as frequently as possible.
Get all the details from the salesperson in writing and
don’t depend on him or her as your sole source of information.
Experts advise ignoring peak output numbers provided by vendors, as they are generally based on ideal situations that rarely
exist.
Find out the total installed cost of the system—all parts,
installation, interconnection—and how much maintenance
will be required before you make a purchase. If the system has
a warranty, be sure you know what it covers—you want one
that covers parts and labor—and what it doesn’t cover. Don’t
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Texas Co-op Power MEDINA EC December 2015
hesitate to ask for names and contact information for individuals in your area who have purchased similar systems from the
same vendor. Ask them about performance and reliability.
Know the rules your cooperative has for distributed generation (DG) systems, and don’t depend on the salesperson
to provide those rules or any buy-back rates to you. Medina
EC will buy back excess power produced by a DG system. The
rate varies monthly and is based on wholesale power rates, or
the cost the cooperative—and other members—avoid paying
because of excess production of such a system. You can see all
the rules and a list of historical DG rates at MedinaEC.org/DG.
For safety and metering reasons, the cooperative has to
be made aware of the DG system. But it is also a good idea to
have cooperative staff involved so they can provide you with
unbiased information. Medina EC has staff members that
specialize in helping members who are installing DG systems;
use the expertise they have developed over the years to your
advantage.
If you are considering installing a backyard renewable system, call Medina EC at 1-866-MEC-ELEC or email us at Info@
MedinaEC.org. Our staff has worked with other members
installing such systems and can provide you with advice on this
big decision.
MedinaEC.org
1-866-MEC-ELEC (632-3532) | MEDINAEC.ORG
Surviving Auto Accidents
Involving Power Lines
WHEN YOU ARE IN AN AUTO ACCIDENT, your first instinct is to get out of the
car. But in a wreck with a power line, that could be a fatal mistake. By getting out,
you could become the path to ground for electricity and risk electrocution.
Whether it is an auto accident or any other situation, always assume that a power
line has power running through it, even if it has been knocked down. Never approach
a downed power line or attempt to move it.
If you’re in a wreck with a utility pole, there are several things you should know:
If you aren’t in immediate danger, remain in the vehicle until help arrives.
a
Unless there is a threat of greater danger—for example, the vehicle is on fire or the
vehicle comes to a stop in the middle of the highway—you are safer inside than out.
If there is pressing danger and you must exit the vehicle, you should follow
a
very specific steps. With the door open, prepare to jump out of the vehicle. During
the jump, you must make sure that no part of your body or clothing is touching the
vehicle and ground at the same time. You may need to remove long or loose-fitting
clothing. Make sure that you land with your feet together. Once you land, you should
shuffle your feet away from the car. Get at least 30 feet away before you begin to walk
normally. This sounds silly, but it is your best chance at avoiding electrocution.
If you come across a vehicle accident involving a power line, stay clear and call
a
911. Do not approach the vehicle, even if the person is unable to exit and is in imminent danger. If you do approach the vehicle to help the individual, you stand a chance
of being electrocuted and making an already bad situation even worse. Keep other
individuals away from the car also.
The electricity Medina EC provides day-in and day-out is a phenomenal resource,
powering our modern lifestyles in a safe, reliable and affordable way. But electricity
must be respected. If safety isn’t made a priority, what changes our lives for the better could change them for the worse in an instant.
This accident north of Roma on Highway 83 happened at the end of January 2015. It ultimately
knocked out power to 778 Medina EC members for 3.5 hours. In 2014, motor vehicle accidents
were responsible for 14 percent of the time that Medina EC members spent without power.
We are collecting unused,
unwrapped children’s toys
at all of our offices until
December 15. The toys will
be donated to local children
in need.
Offices in Bruni, Dilley, Hondo, Rio Grande City and Uvalde.
MedinaEC.org
Co-op Power
December 2015 MEDINA EC Texas
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