2021 September NAECI Arkansas Living

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North Arkansas Electric Cooperative does not sell or install solar installations, but a co-op engineer must review any net-metering installation prior to it connecting to the distribution system.

An improperly installed solar array can backfeed electricity onto the grid during an outage.

That electricity could prove fatal for a co-op employee repairing the line or a member of the public.

Information on the process of connecting a solar installation to NAEC’s distribution system, including the standard interconnection agreement, is found in the co-op’s tariff filed with the Arkansas Public Service Commission. Visit naeci.com/ service-specifications for a PDF. Additional information regarding net metering sizing, ownership requirements, purchase pricing, etc. is found in the APSC’s net metering rules.

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Find them at apscservices.info/rules.asp.

Members with questions about the purchase, installation or net metering of a solar array can call 870-895-3221 or email info@naeci.com to speak with personnel in the engineering and billing departments.

With any net-metering facility, NAEC encourages members to consider the payback and ensure estimates provided by installers are using NAEC’s kWh rates and taking into consideration the minimum daily charge.

NAEC recommends looking for any needed energy efficiency improvements, such as a more efficient heat pump or additional insulation, before installing solar. An NAEC energy adviser can offer suggestions on how to improve your home’s energy efficiency, which can lower energy costs and create a more comfortable home.

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Learn how to connect to NAEC’s grid safely

Bank draft: NAEC’s easiest way to pay monthly bill

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NAEC’s offices will be closed Monday, Sept. 6, for Labor Day. Personnel will be on call in case of an outage. Report an outage to dispatch by using the NAEC mobile app or by calling 870-895-3221.

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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 drive-through 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 naeci.com.

If you’ve never accessed your account online, you can get started by visiting 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. Please contact NAEC if you need assistance.

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north arkansas electric cooperative

Right-of-way maintenance essential for power quality Falling trees and branches are one of the leading causes of power outages and power quality issues on North Arkansas Electric Cooperative’s system.

Co-op personnel and contractors work throughout the year to maintain a clear right-of-way — the land below, above and on either side of the power lines — of trees, branches and other vegetation that could lead to an outage or affect power quality through blinks.

Maintaining the right-of-way through tree-trimming and removal is not only NAEC’s responsibility, but it also is required by the Arkansas Public Service Commission and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration to maintain reliability and safety. The co-op owns all electric poles, wire and equipment on the system, and NAEC employees and contractors need access to inspect and make any necessary repairs at all times.

Right-of-way is measured on either side of the pole or equipment. In the past, NAEC maintained 30-foot easements (15 feet on each side), but new construction has easements of 60 feet (30 feet on each side).

“We ask members to be mindful that we must have access to the property to trim trees, repair damage from an outage or make system improvements,” General Foreman Shannon Bassham said. “We’ve had situations where members have built structures or parked vehicles within the co-op’s easement that make it difficult to reach the lines.”

Members can help NAEC maintain the right-of-way and keep their electricity service reliable by: • Considering the mature height of trees and shrubs before planting in or near NAEC’s easement.

• Contacting NAEC at 870-895-3221 or info@naeci.com if a dead tree is in danger of falling on NAEC’s lines or if branches are touching the lines.

• Keeping the area on either side of NAEC’s lines or equipment clear of vehicles, deer stands, buildings or other structures.

• Considering the placement of fences and gates within the easement as NAEC will need access to the lines and equipment for maintenance and outage-restoration purposes.

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Newly cut right-of-way near Clarkridge will help provide reliable electricity to area members.

Falling trees and branches are one of the leading causes of outages on NAEC’s system.