APRIL 2021
THE MESSENGER A Publication for North Arkansas Electric Cooperative Members
Scholarship applications due April 13 NAEC is accepting applications for the 2021-2022 Operation Round Up® scholarship program. The application is available at naeci.com or through the high school counselors’ offices. Applicants must mail or deliver the typed application to NAEC by April 13. They must include a high school transcript and three letters of recommendation. To be eligible for the scholarship program, high school seniors must graduate at the end of the 2021 school year, and their parents or guardians must be NAEC members. Applicants also must have a grade-point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale through the first semester of their senior year. For more information, please contact Tori Moss at tmoss@naeci.com or 870-895-6210.
The Thomas B. Fitzhugh Generating Station operates on fuel oil reserves at the peak of February’s severe winter temperatures to help shield electric cooperative members from skyrocketing natural gas costs.
February’s extreme cold period leads to increased power costs The moderate temperatures of spring have arrived, but the effects of February’s extremely cold weather, which caused a record demand for electricity across multiple states, still linger. That record electricity use combined with skyrocketing fuel costs for electricity production during that period mean North Arkansas Electric Cooperative members will have a higher-than-normal power cost adjustment on their bill. The power cost adjustment is shown on bills as “POWER COST ADJ TO/RTO RIDER.” It is how NAEC adjusts for the increase or decrease in the cost of generating and distributing electricity. These costs change rapidly. Rather than changing the coop’s base kWh rate every month, we use this line to pass on either additional costs or savings to members. (Eight of the past 12 monthly power cost adjustments have been a credit.) Each month, the power cost adjustment factor provided by NAEC’s wholesale power provider Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation is multiplied by kilowatt hours each member used in the current month. Members will have a credit or debit depending on the cost of energy during a particular billing cycle. As an example, February’s power costs — reflected on April statements each year — usually are higher and lead to a debit. AECC maintains a diverse mix of generation resources to help keep fuel costs low, but a large portion of its wholesale power generation comes from natural gas. During February’s record cold temperatures, prices for natural gas increased to unusually high levels as supplies decreased. To help minimize the impact to members, the power cost adjustment accrued during February’s period of below-freezing temperatures will be split across nine months and incorporated into the regular monthly power cost adjustment. NAEC does not make money on the adjustment. The Arkansas Public Service Commission mandates the adjustment only be used to recover fuel costs billed by AECC.
ATTENTION MEMBERS WITH OUTSTANDING BALANCES — The Arkansas Public Service Commission’s moratorium on disconnects for nonpayment may be lifted May 3, 2021. As of press time, the final ruling was expected March 26, 2021. Payment arrangements for past-due balances may be made by contacting NAEC at 870-895-3221 during business hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays or info@naeci.com.
ITEMS FOR BID NAEC has the following items for sale to the highest bidder. They may be viewed at the Ash Flat office from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. As our lobby is closed, please call 870-994-2191 either upon arrival or to schedule a time. Use the bid form below and send in an envelope marked "Bid" to NAEC, P.O. Box 1000; Salem, AR 72576. Bids must be received by 1 p.m., Friday, April 23. NAEC reserves the right to refuse any or all bids. Photos of the items may be found at www.naeci.com/equipmentsales. Please call 870-895-3221 with any questions.
Unit
Description
Mileage
3924
2012 Polaris Ranger ATV RA800XPEPS, Green
2,630
2927
2012 Polaris Ranger ATV RA800XPEPS, Green 2004 Chevy C650 Truck, 2-Wheel Drive, Standard Transmission, Regular Cab, Chip Bed. Dump Truck Bed, 12 yard, with cylinder and pump
2,897
3908 -
Bid
44,570 -
Name Phone Address City State ZIP Code YOUTH TOUR APPLICATIONS — High school juniors must submit Youth Tour applications by April 12. The application is posted at naeci.com/ youth-tour. It also is available through high school counselors’ offices. Call 870-8956210 for more information.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIP OF THE MONTH Before summer temperatures cause your air conditioning to work overtime, NAEC encourages members to have the unit(s) inspected by a licensed HVAC technician. Many HVAC companies have annual preventative maintenance plans that can help identify and correct issues before they become bigger, costlier problems.
DAILY HIGHS & LOWS — FEBRUARY 2021 Average Daily High: 40.71° compared to 51.26° in 2020
TEMPERATURE
Average Daily Low: 22.88° compared to 28.77° in 2020 Total Rainfall Amount: 1.15” compared to 4.08” in 2020 Warmest Day: Feb. 23, 74.4° at 2 p.m. Coolest Day: Feb. 16, -4.5° at 6 a.m.
DAYS
CONTACT NAEC 870-895-3221 info@naeci.com naeci.com
RIGHT-OF-WAY Glencoe, Heart and Morriston in Fulton County; Walker Road and Spring Lake Estates in Mountain Home area; Wideman and Brockwell in Izard County
ON THE FRONT April 12 is National Lineworker Appreciation Day. #ThankALineworker!