MORE POWER TO YOU
Joe Brannan is the new CEO for NCEMC power supply corporation North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation’s board of directors has named Joseph P. “Joe” Brannan to the position of chief executive officer of the organization and affiliated companies, headquartered in Raleigh. He will succeed Richard K. “Rick” Thomas, who has led the company since 2006 and will retire at the end of April. NCEMC board president Donnie Spivey said, “Rick Thomas has served the membership of the electric cooperatives with great distinction and has prepared staff for a successful transition. Joe possesses the knowledge and talent to continue to move this company forward in order to meet the energy needs of our members. We look forward to working with him in his new position as we strive to meet future challenges in today’s demanding business climate.” Since 2006, Brannan has been senior vice president of power supply and chief operating officer of NCEMC, the power supply cooperative for most of North Carolina’s electric cooperatives. After his appointment as CEO, he said, “I am honored to be selected for the position and excited to face the challenges ahead in the electric utility industry. I appreciate and am grateful to be given the opportunity to build upon the successes achieved at NCEMC under Rick Thomas’ leadership. I believe that my more than two decades of utility and industry experience have prepared me to serve the memberowned cooperatives of North Carolina.” Thomas, the departing CEO, said, “I very much appreciated the opportunity to lead the North Carolina statewide cooperatives for the past six years. During that time, we have, through NCEMC, developed a power supply strategy that can help to mitigate cost increases in the industry-wide rising cost environment. In addition, through NCAEC, we have improved many trade association services and other related
services of value to our member cooperatives. These efforts are the keystone to providing long-term affordable and reliable power to our members throughout North Carolina.” Throughout his career in the electric utility and energy industry, Brannan has worked in various areas of utility operations and management, risk management, energy trading and marketing operations. Prior to joining NCEMC, he held management positions at ACES Power Marketing (APM), PPL Corporation and its energy marketing affiliates. Brannan holds a B.S. degree in electrical engineering from Pennsylvania State University and a Master of Business Administration from Lehigh University. North Carolina’s electric cooperatives provide energy to 2.5 million people in 93 of the state’s 100 counties, primarily in the rural areas of the state. The electric cooperatives own and maintain 97,000 miles of power lines, the most of any electric utility in North Carolina.
Space heaters should be used sparingly and can be costly On cold days and nights, you might be tempted to plug in an electric space heater. Electric heaters are 100 percent efficient, but you need to understand how best to use them
and how they might affect your electric bill. Space heaters are designed for temporary use, not long-term, and are most effective in a small space, such as a workshop. Different space Electric Space Heater Usage & Costs* heaters (radiant, Heat Daily Hours of Operation Setting infrared, convection) (watts) 1 2 4 6 8 10 12 24 of the same wattage $0.06 $0.12 $0.23 $0.35 $0.46 $0.58 $0.69 $1.39 600 cost the same to $0.07 $0.14 $0.29 $0.43 $0.58 $0.72 $0.87 $1.73 750 operate if used for 900 $0.87 $1.04 $2.08 $0.09 $0.17 $0.35 $0.52 $0.69 $1.30 $1.56 $3.12 $0.13 $0.26 $0.52 $0.78 $1.04 1350 the same periods of 1500 $1.44 $1.73 $3.47 $0.14 $0.29 $0.58 $0.87 $1.16 time. At an electric rate of 9.63 cents Heat When selecting a space heater, remember that Cost/Week Cost/Month Setting Cost/Week Cost/Month a $50 “big box store” heater performs as well as a per kilowatt-hour, a $400 nationally advertised model of the same 600 $ 9.71 $ 41.60 wattage. Be wary of ads featuring “special” 1,500-watt heater 750 $12.13 $ 52.00 electric technology; a watt is a watt. will cost 14 cents Also be sure to buy a unit with a tip-over switch 900 $14.56 $ 62.40 so it turns off if it falls or is knocked over. Always 1350 $21.84 $ 93.60 to run for one conturn off the heater when you leave the room. 1500 $24.27 $104.00 tinuous hour. If the Note: If the heater also has a fan, the actual cost may be more than the amounts shown. heater runs for 24 Carteret-Craven Electric *Based on 9.63 cents per kWh.
8 MARCH 2012 Carolina Country
hours it will add $3.47 to your bill. If it runs for 24 hours for 30 days, it will add $104.10. Space heaters on the market can cost $50 to $500. They are available locally as well as through unknown sources, including the Internet or door-to-door sales. Know what you are buying, who you are buying it from, how you are going to use it and what your cost will be. Allow your electric cooperative to work for you. Ask for a home energy audit and implement the suggested improvements. Spending $50 on caulk may go further towards saving money than a new $50 heater. Spending $500 to replace two ancient windows or improve your attic insulation may have greater payback than a $500 space heater with additional monthly costs.