www.nueceselectric.org20 Texas Co-op Power NEC December 2014

John L. Sims, NEC CEO

Operation Round-Up Reaches $1 Million in Donations!

The holiday season is the natural time to reflect upon all the things we have to be thankful for. This season, there are many non-profits who are thank-ful to you, the members of Nueces Electric Cooperative, who gener-ously round-up your electric bills and donate your change to Nueces Chari-ties.

This past November, Nueces Charities hit a milestone the Co-op had never dreamed of, $1 million dollars in dona-tions! 100% of the funds donated are returned to the community to target improvements in education, health, hunger, abuse, homelessness and other human services.

Operation Round-Up was originally created in 1989 by a fellow electric cooperative in South Carolina. In May of 1995, NEC decided to adopt the pro-gram and filed Articles of Incorpora-tion with the Texas Secretary of State to create Nueces Charities, Inc. In the Operation Round-Up program, NEC members volunteer to “round up” their electric bills to the next dollar. Nueces Charities Inc. received the first donations from Operation Round-Up on March 24, 1997, for distribution to area charitable organizations who could serve the members of NEC.

Initially, the funds supported HALO-Flight Air Ambulance Services after the organization battled financial troubles due to a reduction in Government funding. Operation Round-up and its donations virtually saved this vital, life-saving organization in South Texas.

Thanks to Operation Round up, NEC members have now donated over $270,000 to Halo Flight and has pro-vided vital support to over sixty addi-tional organizations.

Nation-wide, 252 electric co-ops uti-lize the program and donate the funds in a variety of ways. Collectively, the spare change has added up to several hundred million dollars in assistance to charitable causes around the country.

The help that co-ops have provided through Operation Round Up is an enduring embodiment of the co-op principle of “Concern for Community,” proving year-round—and for more than a quarter of a century—that those are more than just words.

Selfless IntentThe program’s founders established some key rules for Operation Round Up that the majority of co-ops have followed since. A separate entity (NEC formed Nueces Charities, Inc.) and a trust board, would decide how to dis-burse the donations. And the assistance

would not be restricted to co-op mem-bers but could be provided to anyone or any group within its service territory.

Those decisions were intended to remove any doubt about the selfless intent of the program and make clear it would not be manipulated for the co-op’s benefit. That approach has proved to be one of Operation Round Up’s greatest strengths, helping to ensure popular support while spreading the benefits far and wide.

$6 a YearOn average, an NEC Operation Round Up member donates about $6 a year by having his or her bills rounded up. It’s a small amount, but it quickly adds up to approximately $125,000 a year. Co-op members recognize the out-sized impact garnered by their small sacrifices. As the program has become established

Thank You Members!We would like to send a big ‘thank you’ to all the co-op members who help us help our communities through the Operation Round Up program.

If you know of a community 501(c) 3 non-profit who could use a Nueces Charities Grant, please direct them to www.nuecescharities.org to download the application and view the applica-tion criteria and deadlines.

NEC Member Clarisse Blair is a BIG winner! Sugar and spice and everything nice make a good cake; but love and childhood memories make a delicious, and now award-winning, cheesecake.

Congratulations to NEC member Clarisse Blair for placing in the Texas Co-op Power Holiday Baking Con-test. She won $500 for her Texas Pecan Praline Cheese-cake recipe which can be found in this issue of Texas Co-op Power. With each bite just as delicious as the first, the recipe is the perfect mixture of pecans, creamy cheesecake, and just the right amount of sweetness to tame any dessert craving.

Clarisse’s mother developed the recipe in the 60’s when the family lived in Carrizo Springs, TX. While she has made the cheesecake all her life, she reserves the cheesecake treat for family holidays or very special occasions when she “needs a good cheesecake like this one.”

Clarisse said she was reading an article in Texas Co-op Power magazine about Texas pecans and though, “I have a good recipe I could send.” And it sure was!

She was in Branson, MO on vacation with her hus-band, Harold, when she received the call that she was a winner. She said, “I just got so tickled. I just laughed and laughed because I was tickled to pieces.” Living in Texas, the pecan capital of the world, you know your pecan dessert is something special when it outshines the competition.

While Clarisse has made some “tweaks” to her mother’s recipe, such as baking it in a water bath, she says the secret ingredient is “a lifetime if sweet memories.”Congratulations Clarisse!

Clarisse Blair received $500 for her Texas Pecan Praline Cheesecake recipe from the Texas Co-op Power Holiday Baking Contest.

www.nueceselectric.org22 Texas Co-op Power NEC December 2014

www.nueceselectric.org 1.800.NEC.WATT

HEadiNg Out fOr tHE HOLidayS? Taking a vacation can be costly. A great way to save money is to give your electric bills a vacation, too. Follow these tips to ease your mind about your electric bills and let you enjoy that vacation:

Unplug appliances. TVs, DVD players, VCRs, cable TV boxes, microwave ovens, cof-feemakers and toasters use electricity when they’re plugged in—even when turned off.

Make the refrigerator warmer. The fridge temperature can be as high as 40 degrees without spoiling food; the freezer can reach 5 degrees. These settings can save up to 40 percent on the refrigera-tor’s electric usage. If you are going on an extended trip, empty the fridge and turn it off.

Set the thermostat higher/lower. Lower-ing the heat—to no lower than 55 degrees—typically can save you 10 to 30 percent on heating costs. Or you can shut the air conditioner off—or at least consider setting it higher than normal, to about 80 degrees. A programmable thermostat can make these adjustments automatically.

Turn down the water heater. If you are going on a lengthy trip, turn your water heater down to the lowest setting. This can save you up to $10 a month.

Use timers to turn lights on and off each night. Timers save energy and give the appearance that someone is home. Use compact fluorescent bulbs for lights that will be on the longest. They use about 75 per-cent less power and last up to 12,000 hours.

Give Your Electric Bill a Vacation, Too

Energy-EfficientGift Ideas tHiS HOLiday SEaSON, why not give friends and family gifts that will save them money all year long? The Energy Education Council has gift suggestions that decrease energy use and increase savings:

Energy Star products. New electronics are popular holiday gifts. If you plan on buying a computer, television or home theater component for a friend, do them a favor and buy an Energy Star-certified product. Energy Star appliances use at least 20 percent less energy. They are tested for performance and features, too—not just efficiency.

Programmable thermostats. The holiday season is also the home heating season. A programmable thermostat can help loved ones heat their home strategically and save money.

rechargeable batteries and char-gers. Many families have to hunt down batteries for new gadgets and toys during the holidays. Help your friends and family prepare with a rechargeable battery set.

Energy-efficient lightbulbs. Prop-erly packed, new lightbulbs make good stocking stuffers. CFLs and LEDs are designed to last longer and use less energy than traditional incan-descent bulbs. You can buy bright, white lights for working spaces and also warmer lights for the home. Be sure to buy Energy Star-certified light-bulbs to guarantee energy efficiency and quality.

gift certificates. A gift certificate can help get your friends and loved ones on the path to energy efficiency. One idea is a gift certificate for insulation and sealing updates: In most homes, heating and cool-ing is the largest part of the energy bill, and an insulation upgrade is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve home efficiency. Helping friends afford one really would be the gift that keeps on giving!

renewable gadgets and toys. The popu-larity of renewable and alternative energy is growing. With new gadgets and toys, you can experience and enjoy new forms of energy in your home—including hand-crank flashlights and solar chargers. Renewables also power a variety of toys, such as solar crickets and cars that use the power of the sun to move.

—Energy Education Council

although a nontraditional gift, energy-efficient lightbulbs—such as fluorescents and LEds—can make a great holiday gift that gives energy savings all year long.

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NOtHiNg SENdS CHiLLS dOwN yOur SPiNE quite like winter weather creeping its way into your home. To save money and stay warm, many folks turn down the central heat and plug in space heaters or electric blankets. While these products may be a simple solution for the cold, they can also cause fires if caution is not used.

Safe Electricity offers these tips for safely using space heaters and electric blankets:Choose a product with a safety certification. Look for the UL, ETL or CSA mark on

the device. These verify that the product has been tested and is safe to use.Also, look for a space heater that has guards around heating elements and auto-

matically shuts off if it tips over or overheats. And only use an electric blanket with an automatic shut-off designed to prevent overheating. Read and follow all instructions.

Check space heaters and electric blankets before use. Cords should not be frayed, brittle or cracked. The blanket should not have any charred or dark areas. Plug space heaters directly into the outlet, and never use an extension cord.

Many fires start when flammable products are placed too close to heating devices. Space heaters should be kept at least 3 feet from bedding, curtains, clothing, paper and other flammables; they also should be placed away from high-traffic areas and on a level, hard, nonflammable floor surface—NOT on carpets, furniture or countertops.

Do not attempt to warm your entire home using space heaters. Space heaters are useful in small areas, such as a study or living room. If you need to keep large areas warm, your home heating system will do the job more efficiently.

Pets should never be allowed to sleep close to space heaters or on top of electric blankets. Electric blanket wires should never be bent or tucked under a mattress.

Always remember to turn off space heaters and electric blankets when not in use. Never leave them on unattended or after going to bed. Replace old or damaged elec-tric blankets or space heaters.

For more safety tips, visit SafeElectricity.org.

Use Space Heaters and Electric Blankets Safely

Keep space heaters at least 3 feet from flammable objects, out of the path of foot traffic on a level, hard, nonflammable floor surface.

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EvEry yEar, tHOuSaNdS Of PEtS around the country are given as gifts during the holiday season. If you are thinking about joining this tradition, please “paws” to prepare your home before bringing a furry friend home for the holidays.

Puppies and kittens are naturally curi-ous and can turn unexpected household items—not to mention shiny, dangling ornaments—into toys. To keep your new pet and your family safe, follow this safety checklist:Keep electrical cords away from pup-pies and kittens so they don’t chew on them. What may seem like a mild shock to an adult may be enough to kill a small pet. Cover the cord with a heavy plastic sleeve, or ask your pet store for a bitter-tasting product to put on the cord.Halogen lamps should never be used in play areas. Halogen bulbs reach very high temperatures and, if knocked over during play, could easily start a fire.Playful pets can knock radios, curling irons and other items into the water. All appliances near sinks or bathtubs should be plugged into outlets equipped with ground-fault circuit interrupters.do not allow pets to curl up for a nap behind a decorated tree or warm com-puter equipment. They need to learn to stay away from all electrical connections.

‘Paws’ To Keep Pets Safe

www.nueceselectric.org24 Texas Co-op Power NEC December 2014

www.nueceselectric.org 1.800.NEC.WATT

Name ___________________________________________________________Grade _______________________

Address_______________________________________________________________________________________

City, State _______________________________________________T-Shirt Size (Circle one- Unisex) S M L XL

Zip Code ________________ Telephone # _____________________ E-mail ______________________________

High School______________________________City _______________________ County ___________________

To enter the Youth Tour contest, contestant’s legal guardian must be an active member of Nueces Electric Co-op:

Parents/Guardian: Father ______________________________ Mother _________________________________NEC Account Name __________________________________ NEC Account # _____________________________E-Mail: _________________________________ Telephone # __________________________________________

Youth Tour Winner Requirements

Must be able to fly in an airplane, ride in a car, bus, or boat for up to 12 hours (with breaks) in a single day.

Must be able to assist NEC in promotion of the Youth Tour program at the October Annual Membership Meeting.

NEC reserves the right to select the runner up or another contestant for the Youth Tour Trip if the

winner if found to be a poor representative of the Youth Tour program and NEC.

The winner’s guardian must sign a waiver of release for the winner to participate on the Youth Tour.

All essays become the property of Nueces Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Contestant’s StatementBy signing below, I attest that I fully understand all of the rules and requirements of this contest and what will be required of me in the event I should win the contest.

Signed ______________________________________ Date _________________________________________

Submit essay entry along with this cover page and a photograph suitable for publication to:

Nueces Electric Co-op, Inc.; Attn: Youth Tour Contest, 14353 Cooperative Ave, Robstown, TX 78380 or e-mail to: jbedsole@nueceselectric.org or fax to: 361.933.1178

Essay Entries MUST be recieved before 5:00 p.m. Friday, January 30, 2015

Grand PrizeAn all-expense paid Youth Leadership trip to Washington, D.C. with approximatly 125 other Texas Youth Leaders, $250 spendingmoney, and clothes for each day you are on the trip.

EligibilityHigh school sophomores & juniors who are dependents of active NEC members.

Contest Rules1. The essay must correspond with the NEC title topic. 2. The essay must be between 300-500 words in length, typed and double-spaced 3. Questions should be addressed to: NEC Youth Tour Contest coordinator, Julie Bedsole 361-767-7321 or jbedsole@nueceselectric.org4. The application, essay, and a photo of the contestant must be recieved bythe deadline. JudgingAll essays will be judged on accuracy of information, grammar, originality, and content. Winner(s) will be notified by March 31st.

2015 Short Essay Topic: As a teenager, what is your one most valued use of electricity?

www.nueceselectric.org December 2014 NEC Texas Co-op Power 25

www.nueceselectric.org 1.800.NEC.WATT

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 Cooper-ative 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 Coop-erative by Friday, February 13, 2015.

two $4,000 scholarships and

four $1,000 scholarshipsPrint the application at:

www.nueceselectric.org(Under Community)

deadline:Friday, February 13., 2015

Mail to:Nueces Electric CooperativeAttn: Scholarship Program

14353 Cooperative AveCorpus Christi, TX 78380

Calling All High School Seniors! NEC Scholarship Program Now Open For Applications

www.nueceselectric.org26 Texas Co-op Power NEC December 2014

www.nueceselectric.org 1.800.NEC.WATT

Show your co-op pride and support our local children’s hospital at

the same time by purchasing the NEC

sponsored card.

NEC sponsored this card!

www.nueceselectric.org December 2014 NEC Texas Co-op Power 27

www.nueceselectric.org 1.800.NEC.WATT

Call, NEC before the 20th!

If Your Account Number is:

Play & Win!

2 8 0 0 0 9 0 0

YOU WIN $25 off your

electric bill!

Notice: Collection Policy Change Members may be charged up to $25 if Nueces Electric Cooperative (NEC) turns your balance owed over to a Collection Agency in addition to any of the Collection Agency’s fees/charges.

The member will reimburse Nueces Electric Cooperative the fees of any collection agency, which may be based on a percentage at a maximum of 50% of the debt, and all costs and expenses, including reasonable attorney’s fees, NEC incurs in such collection efforts.

For any questions regarding this notice, please contact the Member Care department at membercare@nueceselectric.org or call 1.800.NEC.WATT (800.632.9288) extension 626.

Merry

CHRISTMASNEC will be closed Thursday, December 25th, and Friday, December 26th, for the Christmas holiday

We will also be closed Thursday, January 1st.

We wish you and yours a safe and Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

NEC Power ProviderCompetitive 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

Phone Number

E-Mail/Website

AFFORDABLE ENERGY, L.P./AP GAS & ELECTRIC 1-877-544-4857 COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL

BENEFICIAL POWER LLC – APOLLO POWER & LIGHT 1-855-750-5556 COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL

BLUESTAR ENERGY 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 COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL ONLY CORAL POWER SOLUTIONS CORAL POWER, LLC

713-767-5400 LARGE COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL ONLY

DYNEGY

877-4DYNEGY (877-439-6349)

dms@dynegy.com COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL

ENERGY TRANSFER

800-375-5702 LARGE COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL ONLY

EVERYTHING ENERGY GDF SUEZ COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL

HINO ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY 1-866-446-6797 Monday-Friday, 8 am-5 pm

www.hinoelectric.com COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL

MPOWER /MP2 1-888-202-4770 COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL ONLY

NUECES ELECTRIC CO-OP RETAIL DIVISION (NEC RETAIL) 1-855-NEC-RD4U (1-855-632-7348) www.necretail.com

RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL TENASKA LARGE COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL ONLY ENCOA (TERM) 713-341-7365 COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL ONLY SMARTCOM ENERGY SERVICES 713-771-7400 COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL ONLY

STARTEX POWER LARGE COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL (50 KW OR LARGER)

SOURCE POWER & GAS COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL

V247 POWER 1-855-888-9888 or 1-832-629-1119 RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL WPS ENERGY SERVICES

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.