Pedernales
ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
P. O . B O X 1
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J O H N S O N C I T Y, T X 7 8 6 3 6
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1-888-554-4732
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W W W. P E C . C O O P
Take the
PEC
Earth Day
Pledge
Earth Day is
Thursday, April 22
I
n honor of the 40th
anniversary of Earth Day,
PEC encourages members and
employees to take the PEC Earth
Day Pledge to conserve electricity
and make environmentally
friendly choices.
Learn how much energy you
use by checking PEC’s online
conservation tool, MyUse Energy
Analyzer. Consider how much
electricity you could save,
and submit a personal pledge
to do as much as you can on
Earth Day to reduce your
electric use. Unplugging
appliances and electronics,
adjusting your thermostat, and
taking shorter showers are quick,
easy ways to get started saving
electricity.
After Earth Day, log into
MyUse to see the difference your
pledge made. Help PEC make
every day more like Earth Day
by continuing your conservation
efforts and checking MyUse
every day.
Take the pledge by visiting
www.pec.coop, calling
1-888-554-4732, or stopping
by your local PEC office.
April 2010 PEDERNALES ELECTRIC TEXAS CO-OP POWER 21
PEDERNALES ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
PEC Debuts First Hybrid Bucket Truck
PEC crews learned in March how to operate the Cedar Park District’s new hybrid bucket truck. Representatives from the
Eaton Corporation and the French-Ellison Truck Center were on hand to demonstrate the truck’s unique features. This is
the first hybrid model bucket truck for the Cooperative.
P
EC crews in the Cedar Park
District now have the added
benefit of working with a hybrid
bucket truck. The 2010 Kenworth
T300 Hybrid Truck is the
Cooperative’s first hybrid bucket truck
and the newest addition to
Cedar Park’s fleet. The truck runs on
both diesel and battery power.
Cedar Park Construction Supervisor
J.P. Faught attended a model
demonstration of the hybrid bucket
truck last year and was motivated to
add a hybrid in his district.
“When it was time to retire and
trade in an older bucket truck, there
was a perfect opportunity to introduce
a hybrid model,” said Faught. “It’s a
really impressive truck, and there isn’t
a dramatic difference from the trucks
we are used to driving. It’s similar, but
even better, because it’s a hybrid.”
The hybrid features will allow
linemen to work on PEC lines while
See the Light and Pick Up a
Free Compact Fluorescent Bulb
T
his month PEC is offering free
compact fluorescent light bulbs
(CFLs) at all office locations. Members
are invited to stop by their local office
and receive one CFL beginning April 1.
ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs use
75 percent less energy and can last
about 10 times longer than standard
incandescent bulbs.
“PEC encourages members to use less
electricity, and switching to CFLs is an
easy way members can conserve,” said
Community Relations Manager
Toni Reyes.
Beginning April 1, PEC will also offer
a CFL recycling program. Call us tollfree or visit our web site for a complete
listing of participating PEC offices.
22 TEXAS CO-OP POWER PEDERNALES ELECTRIC April 2010
the truck runs on battery power as
opposed to running idle on diesel fuel.
As a result, the hybrid truck is quieter
and more fuel efficient, with lower
greenhouse gas emissions.
“We are excited that we get to have
this new hybrid technology in Cedar
Park,” said District Manager John
Houser. “We expect to save money,
reduce our carbon footprint, and be a
leader in environmental stewardship
all at the same time.”
PEDERNALES ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
$23 Million in Appliance Rebates for a Limited Time
I
f you’re interested in replacing old,
outdated appliances and upgrading
to efficient ENERGY STAR models,
you’re in luck!
This month, the State Energy
Conservation Office is putting about
$23 million in federal stimulus funds
toward its Energy Efficient Appliance
Rebate Program, a 10-day mail-in
rebate program for consumers who
purchase certain energy efficient
household appliances. Rebate
opportunities range from $45 to more
than $1,000, and you can earn an
additional $75 rebate for recycling
your old appliances.
The rebates will apply to eligible
residential appliances purchased from
April 16 through April 25, 2010.
To ensure that a rebate is available
for your planned purchase, you may
reserve appliance rebates beginning
April 2. Learn more by visiting
www.seco.cpa.state.tx.us/arra//rebate.
On that site, you also can view
specific qualifying appliance models.
A Quick Look at Some Appliances1
Eligible for Rebates This Month
Rebate
Amounts
With $75
Recycling
Rebate
Qualifying for a Rebate:
Refrigerators (14.5 cubic feet or greater)
$240
$315
• You must purchase residential
Freezers (14.5 cubic feet or greater)
$180
$255
Room Air Conditioners
$45
$120
$150
$225
$180
$255
Models using less than or equal to 324 kWh/year,
5.8 gallons of water/cycle
$110
$185
Models using less than or equal to 307 kWh/year,
5.0 gallons of water/cycle
$140
$215
beginning April 2. Visit
www.seco.cpa.state.tx.us/
arra//rebate and follow
instructions to secure rebates
for up to two different
appliances.
$600
$675
• Once all reserved rebates have
Washing Machines:
Modified Energy Factor2 greater than or equal to
Dishwashers (standard size):
Central Air Conditioners:
Split systems: Models rating greater than or equal to
ENERGY STAR appliances
that replace older, working
appliances—rebates will not be
given for simply purchasing a
new appliance.
• Households may qualify for up
1.8 and Water Factor3 less than or equal to 7.5
Modified Energy Factor greater than or equal to
2.0 and Water Factor less than or equal to 6.0
What You Need to Know
14.5 SEER4 and greater than or equal to 12.0 EER5
Split systems: Models rating greater than or equal to
15.0 SEER and greater than or equal to 12.5 EER
$800
$875
Single package equipment including gas/electric:
Models rating equal to 14.0 SEER and greater than
or equal to 11.0 EER
$800
$875
Single package equipment including gas/electric:
Models rating greater than or equal to 14.0 SEER and
greater than or equal to 12.0 EER
$1,000
$1,075
1 Partial list of appliances, see more appliances online
2 Modified Energy Factor: Equation used to compare relative efficiency
3 Water Factor: Number of gallons used per cycle per cubic foot
4 SEER: Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating
5 EER: Energy Efficiency Rating
to two appliance rebates.
• Only purchases made between
April 16 and April 25, 2010
are eligible for rebates. The
program is not retroactive.
• You can reserve a rebate
been awarded, any remaining
stimulus funds will be rebated
to consumers on a first-come,
first-serve basis.
More eligible appliance and rebate
information is available on our
web site, www.pec.coop/Services/
EnergyMgmt.aspx and our Energy
Efficiency Rebate Program fact sheet.
April 2010 PEDERNALES ELECTRIC TEXAS CO-OP POWER 23
PEDERNALES ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
Five Quick Ways to Go Green
It’s easier than you think!
1. Use CFLs and turn off lights
3. Check your thermostat setting
Replace incandescent bulbs with
compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs)
to save electricity and money. An
ENERGY STAR qualified CFL uses
75 percent less energy, lasts 10 times
longer than an incandescent, and will
save you about $30 over the bulb’s
lifetime. Turn off lights when you’re
not using them and save even more.
Heating and cooling can account for
almost 56 percent of the energy used
in American homes. You can quickly
and easily conserve electricity by
raising your thermostat setting a few
degrees in the summer and lowering
it in the winter. The recommended
temperature setting is 78 degrees
Fahrenheit in the summer and
68 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter.
2. Install low-flow showerheads
Switch out old showerheads with new,
efficient models to save more than
$70, 5,500 gallons of water and
550 pounds of carbon dioxide from
entering the atmosphere each year.
4. Plug into a power strip
Many everyday appliances continue
to draw a small amount of electricity
even when they are not in use. You
can avoid this by plugging appliances
such as televisions, computers, and
coffeemakers into power strips, which
will cut all power and limit wasted
electricity when turned off.
5. Adjust temperatures on your
refrigerator, freezer, and water
heater
Manipulating temperature settings
can help conserve electricity. Keep
your refrigerator between 37 and
40 degrees Fahrenheit for optimum
efficiency, while freezers should be
set at 5 degrees Fahrenheit. Plus,
you can save noticeable energy costs
for each 10-degree reduction in the
temperature of your water heater.
Member’s rebate pushes PEC over $1 million mark
P
edernales Electric encourages members to conserve
electricity by using energy efficient appliances and
products, and its rebate programs offer cash incentives to
replace outdated equipment.
PEC member James Christie, of Sattler, took advantage
of the Co-op’s heating, venting, and air conditioning
(HVAC) rebate opportunity and received $350 after
replacing his air-to-air heat pump system. His $350 rebate
pushed PEC over the $1 million mark for rebates given to
members in 2009.
As a retired Corps of Engineers geologist, Christie
recognized the environmental and economical benefits
of upgrading his system. “The old air conditioner was
about 15 years old, malfunctioning, and had a low SEER
(seasonal energy efficiency ratio) rating,” according to
Christie. “I’d been having trouble with the unit, and now I
don’t have to worry about maintaining it.”
Christie replaced his equipment last December and says
he looks forward to seeing increased savings. “I’ve already
seen a slight decrease in my heating costs, but I truly expect
the benefits to come this summer.” He also has continued
his conservation efforts by installing new insulation.
More information about rebate programs is available on
our web site or by calling us toll-free.
“The process was extremely quick and easy,” said
Christie. “I’m more than happy with the results!”
24 TEXAS CO-OP POWER PEDERNALES ELECTRIC April 2010
PEC member James Christie, of Sattler, received a
$350 rebate after replacing his air-to-air heat pump
system. PEC offers rebates to both commercial and
residential members year round.
PEDERNALES ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
Cool Kids Conserve Energy
A
dults aren’t the only ones who
can help save electricity—entire
families can help too. Instilling
conservation habits at a young age
saves money and electricity now
and can benefit future generations.
A few ways young people can start
conserving include:
charged, unplug its charger from the
wall. Energy is wasted when you leave
chargers plugged in all the time.
Closing the door behind you
Switching off lamps, lights,
and ceiling fans
Turning off TVs and computers
Remind every family member to turn
off TVs and electronics when they are
done using them.
Leaving outside doors open or ajar lets
heated and cooled air escape.
There’s no reason to light or cool an
empty room! Remember to always
turn off lights and fans whenever you
leave a room.
Unplugging cell phones
and MP3 players
Once your phone or player is fully
Leaving Gaming Systems On Can be Pricey
According to the Natural Resources
Defense Council, a game console that is
left on 24/7 will use approximately
10 times more annual energy than
one that is turned off after use.
$134
Learn more about
the council’s
report on video
game consoles by
$103
visiting
www.nrdc.org/
energy/consoles/
contents.asp.
$143
Annual energy
use (kWh) for
users who turn
console OFF
after use
$160
$143
Annual energy
use (kWh) for
users who leave
console ON
Annual energy
use (kWh) for
users who turn
console OFF
after use
$160
Annual energy
use (kWh) for
users who leave
console ON
$134
$103
$10
$11
$12
$14
$15
$3
Nintendo
Wii
Microsoft
Xbox 360
(Revision 2007)
Sony
Playstation 3
(Revision 2007)
Microsoft
Xbox 360
(Launch 2005)
Sony
Playstation 3
(Launch 2006)
Source: Natural Resources
Defense Council
April 2010 PEDERNALES ELECTRIC TEXAS CO-OP POWER 25
PEDERNALES ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
Keep Kids Safe Around Electricity
T
his year’s National SAFE KIDS
Week is April 26 to May 3. The
week of observance is encouraged by
Safe Kids Worldwide, whose mission
is to prevent accidental childhood
injury. According to the organization,
accidental injuries are a leading killer
of children aged 14 and younger.
National SAFE KIDS Week provides
the perfect opportunity to discuss
electrical safety with children. Remind
young ones to never insert random
objects into electrical outlets or play
with cords, wiring, or appliances near
water. Adults also can explain outdoor
electrical dangers to take caution
around, such as overhead lines, utility
poles, and downed electric lines.
PEC’s Safe City Presentations Show
Real Life Electrical Hazards
For more than 20 years, our Safe
City presentations have shown
children real life electrical hazards and
taught them the importance of staying
safe around electricity.
An electrified 3-D model is used
in Safe City presentations to show
children examples of typical hazards
they could encounter and should
watch out for.
“The safety programs PEC offers
children work very well together
because we can share the same
message in a variety of ways,” said PEC
Programs Representative Elizabeth
Matthews. “Every time a child sees
the Safe City program or Louie the
Lightning Bug®, they learn
something new.”
PEC’s Speakers Bureau usually
gives the Safe City presentation to
elementary school students, but
Matthews says adults find the safety
information and reminders useful as
well. In 2009, 38 presentations were
given and more than 1,500 children
and adults were reminded to take
caution around electricity.
You can learn more about
our Speakers Bureau, Safe City
presentations, and other educational
programs by visiting www.pec.coop/
Services/Speakers.aspx.
Quick Safety Tips From
Louie the Lightning Bug®!
• Trees can be good conductors
of electricity, so children should
never climb trees near power
lines. Avoid building tree houses
and forts near lines too.
• Always go inside during
lightning storms.
• Always dry hands before
touching electrical appliances.
Touching appliances with
wet hands can cause
electrical shock.
• Never fly kites or chase
balloons near overhead lines.
• Gently unplug power cords from
electric outlets—never pull a
plug out by the cord.
Programs Representative Matthew Gonzalez demonstrates PEC’s interactive
Safe City presentation, which was given to more than 1,500 people last year.
26 TEXAS CO-OP POWER PEDERNALES ELECTRIC April 2010
Louie the Lightning Bug ® is federally
trademarked and cannot be reproduced without
written permission from Moore Syndication, Inc.
PEDERNALES ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
Your Questions Answered!
Q:
How can I monitor
my electric bill
and keep it low?
A:
Take advantage of
PEC’s free online
MyUse Energy
Analyzer and check
your electric use and
costs daily. You can
even sign up for a midpoint e-mail
notice detailing your unbilled kilowatthour use. This can help you identify
and change costly use patterns before
PEC’s 24/7 member service
representatives answered
more than 800,000 calls
last year. In this
monthly column, we
will answer members’
most-asked questions
so that you are
always “in the know.”
you receive your next bill.
Ask one of our member service
representatives if you qualify for our
Fixed or Average Payment plans,
which can help make budgeting for
monthly electric bills easier.
Remember that small conservation
measures can add up to substantial
savings. See quick energy and money
saving solutions on page 24.
Conservation Tip #36
Inefficient windows can allow heated or cooled air to escape, and they also can
let in drafts and air temperatures from outside. Consider replacing inefficient
windows with double-paned, low-conductivity gas-filled, or low-emissivity
(low-e) coated models, and avoid throwing money out the window.
Annual Savings* = $109-$181
Annual CO2 Savings* = 1,751 lbs.
*Figures based on average residential member
April 2010 PEDERNALES ELECTRIC TEXAS CO-OP POWER 27
PEDERNALES ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
2010 PEC Board Election Calendar
April 5:
Deadline for potential Board candidates in District 4 and District 5 to submit
completed and signed petitions to PEC headquarters to be considered for
this year’s election.
April 19:
The 2010 Board candidate ballot is officially announced.
April 27:
Board candidates communicate their credentials, experience, and views to
members at a public forum. More details about the forum are available on
our web site.
May 5:
Ballots and candidate biographies are mailed to all PEC members. Members
will be voting for directors in District 4 and District 5.
Also on the Ballot:
Amendments to PEC’s
Articles of Incorporation
Besides voting for directors in
District 4 and District 5, members
will vote on various proposed
amendments to the Cooperative’s
Articles of Incorporation. This
is a legal document filed with
the state that defines the
organization, purpose, and
highest-level business rules of the
Cooperative. Any changes to the
Articles of Incorporation must be
approved by members.
Proposed amendments
include:
• Adding a Member Bill of Rights
• Allowing Board vacancies to
remain open until filled by
member election
June 11:
Online voting ends and mail-in ballots must be postmarked by this date.
June 14:
Last meeting of the 2009–2010 Board of Directors.
June 19:
PEC Annual Membership Meeting. Members can vote in person, and the
winners of the election and outcome of the member vote on PEC’s Articles of
Incorporation will be announced. The meeting begins at 2 p.m. at the
PEC Training Center in Johnson City, and members will have the
opportunity to vote in person at the meeting.
June 21:
New Board members will be sworn in and officers will be elected.
28 TEXAS CO-OP POWER PEDERNALES ELECTRIC April 2010
• Listing a new registered agent
(official legal contact for the
Cooperative)
• Increasing the number of
members required to conduct
business at member meetings
from 75 to 5,000 members,
voting in person or by other
methods
Learn more about the proposed
amendments at www.pec.coop/
CorpProfile/Election2010.aspx.