north arkansas electric cooperative edition
Auto bank draft: NAEC’s easiest way to pay monthly bill
22
SEPTEMBER 2020
NORTH ARKANSAS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
Always call 811 before digging so that buried utilities may be marked. The free service can prevent injury or death and save costly repairs or fines.
Identify buried lines by calling 811 Before building a fence, planting a tree or beginning other projects that require digging, remember to dial 811 first. Underground utilities, such as buried electric, gas and water lines, can be a shovel thrust away from turning a project into a disaster. Stay safe by dialing 811 to find out where utility lines run on your property. Your call will be routed to a local “one-call” center. Tell the operator where you’re planning to dig and what type of work you will be doing, and affected utilities will be notified. In a few days, a locator will arrive to designate the approximate location of any underground lines, pipes and cables. These areas will be marked with flags or paint, so you’ll know what’s below. Then the safe digging can begin. Although many people are aware of “Call Before You Dig” services, the majority don’t take advantage of the service. A national survey showed that only 50 percent of homeowners called to have their lines marked before starting digging projects, according to the Common Ground Alliance. Even simple tasks like installing a mailbox post can damage utility lines, disrupt service to an area, harm diggers and potentially result in fines and repair costs. Never assume the location or depth of lines. There’s no need: the 811 service is free, prevents the inconvenience of having utilities interrupted and can help you avoid serious injury.
IMAGES: FREEIMAGES.COM/RONNYSATZKE; TORI MOSS
Automatic bank draft is the most convenient payment method NAEC offers, especially while lobbies remain closed to help limit the spread of the coronavirus. Enrolling in this free service ensures the bill is paid on time each month. It also eliminates the cost of a stamp or time spent in the drivethrough lane. Automatic bank draft is an electronic transfer from your checking or savings account to NAEC’s each month. If you enroll, you can continue to receive an itemized statement of the bill either by mail, email or both each month. On or about the 10th of every month, the amount of the bill is deducted from your account. To enroll in automatic bank draft, please call 870-895-3221. A member service representative is available to assist you from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. You also can sign up for bank draft by logging into your account on the Member Account Portal at www.naeci.com. If you’ve never accessed your account online, you can get started by visiting www.naeci.com and clicking on the “Account Login” button in the top right. Then, click on the “New User” link on the log-in screen to create a user ID and password. The portal will ask you for information NAEC has on file, such as your email, to confirm your identity.