Pedernales Electric Cooperative
Beat the
Peak
WWW.PEC.COOP • POWER INTERRUPTIONS: 1-888-883-3379
Make Beat the Peak part
of your summer plans
Fire up the grill
to Beat the Peak!
PEC’s 2013 Beat the Program began
June 3 to help members take simple
steps to shift electric use away from
peak-time hours.
Electric use peaks between the
hours of 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. — and
electricity purchased during those
hours costs the Co-op twice as much
to buy as electricity purchased during
off-peak hours. Wholesale power
costs accounted for 67 percent of all
operating expenses in 2012 — more
than $323 million.
Together, we can work to reduce
those costs. Beat the Peak is a team
effort made up of many PEC members
making small changes to adjust their
electric use. Your actions can make
a difference, not only to help reduce
the Co-op’s costs associated with
power, but to help lighten the burden
on the Texas electric grid. The grid is
maintained by the Electric Reliability
www.pec.coop
Council of Texas, which has projected
tight electric supplies for this summer.
Helping PEC beat the peak reduces
stress on the state overall.
The program is free and voluntary,
and you can enroll online, over the
phone or at any Co-op office. Here are
some quick Beat the Peak tips:
• Do laundry or dishes during offpeak hours later at night or in
the early morning.
• Raise your thermostat
temperatures three degrees
during peak times and use
ceiling fans to circulate air.
• Run pool pumps for four hours
per day, after 6 p.m.
You’ll be entered into a drawing for
an Energy Star washing machine just
for enrolling!
Nothing says summer like grilling,
but did you know this family
pastime can also help you beat
the peak?
Preparing afternoon meals means
using appliances during peak-time
hours. Take your cooking skills to
the grill to help us beat the peak!
Here are some additional tips
to help shift electric use while
working in the kitchen:
•
•
•
Prepare dinners in advance
during off-peak times,
then reheat them in your
microwave for serving.
If cooking during peak-use
times, cover your pans to
miminize heat loss.
Consider using a pressure
cooker. They use much less
energy than a stove or oven.
Co-op Power
July 2013 PEDERNALES ELECTRIC Texas
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19
Pedernales Electric Cooperative
WWW.PEC.COOP • POWER INTERRUPTIONS: 1-888-883-3379
Employees unite to make
a difference across the Co-op
PEC employees’ United Charities supports
315 charitable programs throughout Central Texas
PEC employees and community organizations from Kyle gather together during a United Charities reception.
When individuals join together to
help each other, really great things
can happen. Just look at PEC. When
investor-owned utilities didn’t see
enough profit in extending electricity
to the sparsely populated Hill
Country, local farmers, ranchers and
businessmen banded together to bring
power to the area. Today, we’re here to
serve our members, making their lives
a little brighter.
PEC employees’ United Charities,
the Co-op’s largest community
giving program, does just that. In
May, $297,600 in United Charities
contributions were distributed to
315 charitable organizations that
brighten lives too.
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“Whether we live in or just work
in the service area, United Charities
is our way of saying ‘PEC is here and
we’re going to help in any way we can,’”
said Maria Gonzalez, an employee
serving on the United Charities board.
Employees who choose to participate
contribute 70 percent of one hour’s
pay from each month’s first paycheck
through automatic payroll deductions.
In addition, PEC’s Board of
Directors has voted every year for the
past 25 years to match funds donated
by employees.
“It’s not something they have to
do. They just decide that giving back
to the communities is important,”
said Bobby Bryant, PEC United
Texas Co-op Power PEDERNALES ELECTRIC July 2013
Charities chairperson. “The Board
match is also a show of support for
employees’ generosity and community
involvement.”
The total amount is then evenly
divided among participants, who
receive ballots every April to choose
where their share will be donated.
“Being a part of PEC and being a
part of the local community is very
much one and the same,” said Brianna
Patteson, a member services agent and
United Charities board member in
Oak Hill. “Participating is just another
small way we can all help and make a
positive impact.”
www.pec.coop
Power of Community
2013 top United
Charities recipients
Above: Amberle Carter with
Austin Stone Community
Church shakes Cedar Park
District Director Richard
Arellano’s hand during an
United Charities event.
Right: Scott Crews with
Make-A-Wish® Central &
South Texas presents PEC’s
John Ramon and Dawn
Norton a photo of a child
assisted by United Charities.
1. Make-A-Wish® Central &
South Texas
$14,805
2. Texas Children’s Hospital
$7,900
3. Johnson City VFD
$6,349
4. American Diabetes Association
$5,460
5. North Blanco County EMS
$4,664
6. St. Jude’s Ranch for Children
$4,230
7. Kimble County Meals on Wheels
$4,003
8. Canyon Lake Animal Shelter
Society
$3,867
9. Humane Society of Williamson
County
$3,760
10. Austin Children’s Shelter
$3,435
United Charities contributions help wish come true
Wish Kid Abby’s dream to meet Elmo came
true with help from PEC United Charities
donations to Make-A-Wish®.
www.pec.coop
For the third year in a row, Make-A-Wish® Central & South Texas
garnered the largest contribution from PEC employees, totaling
$14,805. Those funds will be used to help grant wishes to seriously ill
children in and around PEC’s service area, with the average cost of a
wish being about $5,000.
Wish Kid Abby is proof of the incredible difference helping others
can have. Born with a sacrococcygeal teratoma — a tumor that
grows at the base of the spine — Abby faced multiple surgeries and
treatments. PEC employees’ United Charities contributions helped
make Abby’s wish to meet Elmo come true when she was three.
“. . . Watching the show really gave her (Abby) some relief while
she underwent chemotherapy,” said Norine, Abby’s mother. “Most
of our life had been involved in hospital stuff — doctor’s visits,
treatments and surgeries. Getting a wish granted gave Abby so much
to look forward to, not like waiting for more doctor’s appointments.”
A few months after her wish was granted, an even bigger wish
came true — Abby’s cancer went into remission. Today, she is a
happy six-year-old. She’s been cancer free for three years and is
considered a survivor.
To learn more about Make-A-Wish®, donate, refer a child or
volunteer, visit www.cstx.wish.org.
Co-op Power
July 2013 PEDERNALES ELECTRIC Texas
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Pedernales Electric Cooperative
WWW.PEC.COOP • POWER INTERRUPTIONS: 1-888-883-3379
PEC Interim Chief Executive Officer Frank Skube and Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park Superintendent
Russ Whitlock unveil a new exhibit on the walking tour at the LBJ Boyhood Home.
PEC’s 75th anniversary
celebrations are in full swing
As the summer continues, PEC proudly continues to
celebrate our 75th anniversary with our members and local
communities that make the Hill Country special.
The Co-op kicked off our 75th in April with a ceremonial
tree dedication at the LBJ Boyhood Home in Johnson
City. We toured the Hill Country planting six more trees
throughout our 8,100-square-mile service area.
Each newly planted tree was recognized during
dedication ceremonies attended by members, area students
and representatives of community organizations such as
volunteer fire departments, libraries, senior centers and
animal rescue groups. PEC worked closely with local parks
and city managers to place trees commemorating our
community roots.
May 19 marked the 75th anniversary of the Co-op’s
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Texas Co-op Power PEDERNALES ELECTRIC July 2013
official incorporation, and flags were flown over the state
and national capitol buildings in honor of that important
day in 1938 that forever changed the Texas Hill Country
landscape. In addition, Governor Rick Perry recognized
the Co-op’s 75th with a formal proclamation. On May 20, a
new exhibit honoring President Johnson’s efforts to bring
electricity to the rural Hill Country was unveiled as part of
the walking tour at the LBJ Boyhood Home.
Our 75 Days of Listening continues through the
summer, and PEC will launch an online photo contest for
members in August in addition to our 75th anniversary
festival in late September. We’re still busy planning these
exciting opportunities, so check our website or “Like” us on
Facebook at www.facebook.com/PedernalesCoop for the
latest updates on PEC events!
www.pec.coop
Power of Community
75 Days of
Listening
continues
Skube and Whitlock were joined by members of PEC’s Board of Directors at
the May 20 exhibit unveiling at the LBJ Boyhood Home.
As part of our yearlong 75th
anniversary celebration, we’re
holding 75 Days of Listening to
make it even easier for you to
let us know how we can serve
you better!
Stop by our offices to
celebrate our 75th, enjoy
giveaways and a cupcake and
share your Co-op memories.
You’re also invited to submit
your thoughts and stories
online through Aug. 31 at
www.pec.coop/75th.
We’ll be making stops at the
following PEC offices in July
and August. Share your story
between 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Canyon Lake
July 10
Oak Hill
July 17
PEC and Stiles Middle School representatives join students and 2013 PEC
scholarship recipients by an oak planted on the Stiles campus.
Kyle/Buda
July 24
Cedar Park
July 31
Liberty Hill
Aug. 7
Bertram
Aug. 14
Marble Falls
Aug. 21
The Co-op celebrated planting a burr oak in Pace Bend Park with the
Spicewood Volunteer Fire Department/Emergency Medical Services,
Spicewood Community Library and the Pedernales Fire Department.
www.pec.coop
Keep track of all our 75th
anniversary celebrations online
at www.pec.coop/75th.
Co-op Power
July 2013 PEDERNALES ELECTRIC Texas
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Pedernales Electric Cooperative
WWW.PEC.COOP • POWER INTERRUPTIONS: 1-888-883-3379
Faces
of
PEC
Karl Keel has served PEC and our members for more than 28 years.
Helping keep the
cooperative spirit alive
As one of the Oak Hill District’s
construction/service supervisors, Karl
Keel works to direct new construction
projects and oversees teams putting in
underground electric service.
A part of the PEC family for more
than 28 years, he works hard to ensure
Co-op jobs are completed safely,
correctly and efficiently, all while
staying on time and under budget.
Keel, who has been with PEC since
January 1985, says it’s the work he’s
able to do for others through the Co-op
that brings him the most satisfaction.
In addition to powering Hill Country
homes and businesses, our crews assist
local organizations with projects they
could not complete alone.
“We recently used our bucket trucks
to help change out the lightbulbs
at the Manchaca baseball field, and
we do a lot to help our local youth
associations,” Keel said. “That’s
actually my favorite thing about
working at PEC — being a part of the
community. Helping members makes
me feel like I’m really involved.”
There’s no doubt Keel goes above
and beyond to help others and give
back. During a March conversion
in the Spicewood area, Keel noticed
smoke coming from a backyard. The
deck and back of a home were on fire.
Keel called his crew, who notified
the Spicewood Volunteer Fire
Department. No one was home, so
he made sure the breaker was off and
went to work spraying the flames
with a backyard garden hose. By the
time firefighters arrived, the blaze was
completely extinguished on the home’s
exterior.
Keel and his wife Kathy live in
Southwest Austin. They have two
children, Kara, 27, and Kameron, 20.
He enjoys spending time outdoors,
especially hunting and fishing.
Co-op highlights and industry news
PEC offices closed July 4
The Co-op’s office lobbies, drivethrough lanes and call center will
be closed Thursday, July 4, as we
observe Independence Day.
Visit our website at www.pec.coop,
where you can conveniently pay your
PEC bill or request services.
Enjoy the holiday and have peace
of mind — service crews will be on
standby. In case of emergency or
power interruption, please call 1-888883-3379 to report the issue.
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Report says electric co-ops
remain stable despite economy
Preliminary data from Cooperative
Finance Corporation’s (CFC)
annual Key Ratio Trend Analysis
show electric distribution co-ops
maintained strong financial ratios in
spite of slow consumer growth and
declining kilowatt-hour sales.
“This year’s preliminary data show
co-op management and boards have
maintained healthy systems despite
difficult economic times — including
the steepest decline in kilowatt-
Texas Co-op Power PEDERNALES ELECTRIC July 2013
hour sales on record,” said Rich
Larochelle, CFC senior vice president,
corporate relations.
PEC linemen heading to 17th
annual Texas Lineman’s Rodeo
PEC linemen will gear up and head
to Seguin to compete for a fourth
year in the Texas Lineman’s Rodeo
July 19 – 20. Linemen will be judged
on safety, technique and speed in
events that mirror their daily work.
Track rodeo results on Facebook
at facebook.com/PedernalesCoop.
www.pec.coop
Power of Community
Online Business Center brings
commercial members more options
Area businesses play an integral
role in helping the Hill Country grow
and prosper, and PEC is committed to
helping our community’s businesses
reach their full potential. That’s what
our new online PEC Business Center at
www.pec.coop is aimed to do!
Business owners can go online to
find tips on efficient, cost-effective
energy management, plus:
•
A commercial energy calculator
to help business owners perform
Green from
the ground
up
a self-audit of their facilities
and get specific energy-saving
recommendations.
•
A commercial lighting
calculator to help estimate cost
savings if a business were to use
energy-efficient lighting. You’ll
also find information on our
Lighting Rebate Program and a
case study on a school district’s
lighting upgrade. Updating
lighting is a quick way to reduce
energy expenses.
•
Business resources that can help
businesses understand electric
demand and its impact on
profitability.
The Business Center also provides
business connections that can give
discounts and promotional offerings
on several business services. Go
to www.pec.coop and look for the
“Commercial Members” section to get
started today!
Shop lumens for efficient lighting
When shopping for energy-efficient lighting, make sure you are
getting the most light for your money. Purchase light bulbs based
on the amount of light they give off (measured in lumens) rather
than based on the energy they consume (measured in watts).
Purchasing efficient lighting based on lumens helps you select
bulbs that give you the brightness you want while still saving
energy and money.
Tips for more energy-efficient living
www.pec.coop
Learn more about efficient lighting and watch a quick video about
lumens at www.energy.gov/articles/energy-101-lumens.
Co-op Power
July 2013 PEDERNALES ELECTRIC Texas
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25
Pedernales Electric Cooperative
WWW.PEC.COOP • POWER INTERRUPTIONS: 1-888-883-3379
Do-It-Yourself Home Energy Audit
AIR DUCTS
If air ducts are poorly sealed or insulated, they are
likely contributing to higher energy bills.
1
When evaluating air ducts, you
should first look for sections that
should be joined but have separated.
Use mastic, butyl tape, foil tape or
other heat-approved tapes to connect
and seal ducts.
2
Check where ducts are located. If
the ducts in your home are located
in unconditioned spaces, seal and
insulate them to avoid air loss. If
you’re building a new house, place
ducts in conditioned spaces to avoid
potentially wasting energy.
3
Search for potential duct leaks in all
floor and ceiling vents, which may not
have adequate insulation around where
they were cut.
In this yearlong series, PEC will take you through a 12-step energy audit — as recommended by the
Department of Energy — to help show where you can save at home! Learn more about efficient air ducts at
www.energy.gov/energysaver/articles/tips-air-ducts.
60 SECONDS
FOR
SAFETY
Take a minute
to make your
life and home
safer
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Texas Co-op Power PEDERNALES ELECTRIC July 2013
Before you leave for vacation, take a few minutes to
ensure your home will be safe while you are away.
Remember to check that appliances — especially
those with heating elements — are turned off and
unplugged. Double check coffee makers, curling
irons, toasters and your stove. Also shut down and
unplug computers, printers and TVs.
To avoid plumbing leaks, examine faucets or consider
shutting the water off while you’re gone.
Last but not least, close window blinds and curtains,
and check that all doors and windows are locked.
www.pec.coop