DECEMBER 2020
THE MESSENGER A Publication for North Arkansas Electric Cooperative Members
NAEC returning $1.4 million in capital credits to members North Arkansas Electric Cooperative will return $1,410,086 in capital credits to members in December. This marks the 33rd consecutive year NAEC has refunded margins and brings the total returned to members to $40.9 million since the co-op’s founding in 1939.
What are capital credits?
Correct info helps NAEC serve you North Arkansas Electric Cooperative asks that members let us know if their contact information has changed. This includes home or cell phone numbers, emails and mailing addresses. Accurate information allows us to serve you better in several ways. Having the correct phone number or numbers on file can speed up outage reporting using our automated system and also can ensure any mail regarding your service or capital credits is sent to the correct address. You can update your contact information by calling 870-895-3221 to speak with a member service representative during business hours or by completing the online form at www.naeci.com/contact.
NAEC is owned by the members we serve. At the end of each year, the co-op subtracts operating expenses from the amount of money earned through rates. The remaining balance is called margins. The margins left over at the end of the year are allocated, or assigned, to each member’s account based on the member’s electric usage. In the spring, each member receives a capital credit certificate detailing how much of the previous year’s margins was allocated to their account. The capital is then retained by the co-op to use as operating capital for a period of time and then returned as financial conditions permit.
How does NAEC decide how much to return?
Each year the NAEC Board of Directors evaluates the overall financial condition of the co-op and decides the amount of capital, if any, to refund.
Will I receive a refund?
This year’s retirement represents 23.2 percent of the margins assigned for 1997 and 5.19 percent of the margins assigned for 2019. Only members who purchased electricity during the years above will receive a refund in 2020.
How are refunds given?
Refunds will be distributed after Dec. 1. Members with a refund of less than $50 will receive a credit on their December statement. Members with a refund of $50 or more will receive a check in the mail. Non-active members with a refund of more than $2 will receive a check as well.
How do I get more information on my capital credits?
Our lobbies remain closed to help limit the spread of the coronavirus. If you have questions about capital credits, please call 870-895-3221 or email info@naeci.com. We are open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.
How can I use my refund to help others?
You can help award scholarships to recent high school graduates by donating your capital credits refund to Operation Round Up. To donate, just endorse your check and mail it back to NAEC at P.O. Box 1000; Salem, AR 72576. All donations to Operation Round Up are greatly appreciated and tax deductible.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIP OF THE MONTH Energy bills can increase during winter due to more time spent at home, shorter days and longer nights. Small actions, such as turning down your thermostat, replacing old bulbs with LEDs and washing clothes in cold water can help you save.
MERRY CHRISTMAS! — Our offices will be closed for Christmas on Dec. 24-25 and New Year’s Day on Jan. 1. In case of an outage, please call 870895-3221 or use the app.
Try 4 ways to reduce energy use in kitchen The kitchen is undeniably one of the most-loved rooms in our homes. It’s where we gather with family and friends for favorite meals and memories. Like most of us, you probably aren’t thinking about saving energy when you’re planning that perfect dish. Here are ways you can save energy in the kitchen with minimal effort. When possible, cook with smaller appliances. Using smaller kitchen appliances, such as slow cookers, toaster ovens and convection ovens, is more energy efficient than using a large stove or oven. According to the Department of Energy, a toaster or convection oven uses one-third to one-half as much energy as a full-sized oven.
Unplug appliances that draw phantom energy load.
Energy vampires in your kitchen are the appliances that draw energy even when they’re not in use, such as coffee makers, microwaves and toaster ovens. The Department of Energy has estimated that one home’s energy vampires left plugged in year-round can add up to $100-$200 in wasted energy costs. Unplug them when they’re not in use. Better yet, use a power strip for convenient control. Help large appliances work less. Keep range-top burners clean from spills and fallen foods, so they’ll reflect heat better. When it’s time to put leftovers in the refrigerator, make sure the food is covered and allow it to cool down first. The fridge won’t have to work harder to cool warm food. Use the dishwasher efficiently. Only run full loads, and avoid using the “rinse hold” function for just a few dirty dishes; it uses 3-7 gallons of hot water each use. Consider letting dishes air dry. If your dishwasher doesn’t have an automatic air-dry switch, simply turn it off after the final rinse and prop the door open so the dishes will dry faster.
Use smaller kitchen appliances, such as slow cookers, toaster ovens, microwaves and convection ovens when possible. They use less energy than a full-size oven.
DAILY HIGHS & LOWS — OCTOBER 2020 Average Daily High: 68.18° compared to 70.05° in 2019
TEMPERATURE
Average Daily Low: 44.42° compared to 44.55° in 2019 Total Rainfall Amount: 0.24” compared to 4.42” in 2019 Warmest Day: Oct. 7, 85.4° at 3 p.m.
DAYS
CONTACT NAEC 870-895-3221 info@naeci.com naeci.com
Coolest Day: Oct. 31, 32.7° at 6 a.m.
RIGHT-OF-WAY Ozark Acres, Ash Flat to Bridgeport on transmission line, Ash Flat to Horseshoe Bend on transmission line, Horseshoe Bend to Brockwell on transmission line, Norfork to Pineville on transmission line, Lakeview to Midway on transmission line, Three Brothers to Midway on transmission line
IMAGES: TORI MOSS; ADOBESTOCK.COM/IIIERLOK_XOLMS; ADOBESTOCK.COM/YANA MIRTA; SCOTT VAN OSDOL
ON THE FRONT Robby Martin, a service representative in the Ash Flat district, replaces a meter in Horseshoe Bend on Oct. 30.