JANUARY 2022
THE MESSENGER A Publication for North Arkansas Electric Cooperative Members
NAEC gives third grade new shoes Area third-grade students are playing in new athletic shoes courtesy of North Arkansas Electric Cooperative’s Sole Power Project. The service project began eight years ago as a way to help third graders in local public schools. It demonstrates NAEC’s concern for community, which is one of the seven cooperative principles by which the co-op operates. Students in the following school districts received shoes in November: Calico Rock, Cave City, Cotter, Highland, Hillcrest, Izard County Consolidated, Mammoth Spring, Melbourne, Mountain Home, Norfork, Salem and Viola.
Helping hands
Areas with NEXT
NAEC line technicians help Craighead Electric Cooperative restore outages following tornadoes Dec. 10. The eight NAEC employees moved to Mississippi County Electric Cooperative once Craighead’s members were restored. Providing mutual aid in time of need is one way NAEC honors the principle of cooperation among cooperatives.
Instead of a space heater, consider using an electric blanket to stay warm. When buying a new electric blanket, make sure it includes the Underwriter’s Laboratory label on the tag.
Reconsider space heater use Small space heaters are meant to do exactly as their name says: heat a small space. Unfortunately, many people use portable space heaters to heat their entire home, which can take a toll on energy costs. If you’re using a space heater to compensate for problems in your home, such as inadequate insulation, drafty windows and exterior doors or an inefficient heating system, space heaters are not a practical solution. Your best bet is to improve the overall efficiency of your home. If you’re on a tight budget, caulking and weather stripping around windows and exterior doors is a low-cost, easy way to save energy. Depending on the size of your home, adding insulation can be a great next step. Loose fill insulation typically costs $1 to $1.50 per square foot. Taking these proactive energy-saving measures, rather than relying on space heaters for supplemental warmth, can reduce your heating and cooling costs for years to come. Perhaps your home is energy efficient, but you’re cold-natured and want a specific room to be cozier than the rest. In this case, a space heater may work for your needs. A good comparison is ceiling fans; we use ceiling fans in the summer to cool people, not rooms. A space heater can be used in a similar way during winter months. Only use a space heater in small spaces that you’re occupying and, if possible, try to shut off other rooms to contain the warmth provided by the space heater. If you decide to use a space heater to heat a small area in your home, make sure the heater is properly sized for the space; most heaters include a general sizing table. A word about safety: the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates more than 25,000 residential fires are associated with the use of space heaters every year, resulting in more than 300 deaths. If you must use a space heater, purchase a new model that includes the most current safety features and make sure it carries the Underwriter’s Laboratory label. Choose a thermostatically controlled heater to avoid energy waste and overheating, and place the heater on a level surface away from foot See SPACE HEATERS on back.
NEXT’s TV prices to increase NEXT, Powered by NAEC’s new television rates will go into effect Feb. 1 and be reflected on February statements. Please note: Rates for NEXT’s highspeed internet and phone services did not change. “Our goal at NEXT is to provide subscribers with the best quality of service at the best possible price,” said Mike Beam, vice president of business strategy and development. “Unfortunately, NEXT’s costs to offer television services continue to increase and will require subscriber increases from time to time.” Beginning in February, monthly television prices will be: • Local Package — $38.95; $48.95 with DVR • Complete Package — $95.95; 105.95 with DVR • Advanced Package — $114.95; $124.95 with DVR • Ultra Package — $155.95; 165.95 with DVR • Sports Package — $7.95 • Variety Package — $7.95 • HBO — $18.95 • Cinemax — $16.95 • Showtime — $17.95 • Starz/Encore — $16.95 • Starz — $11.95 • Encore — $7.95 • Set-top boxes — $6.95 each Subscribers who would like to make changes to their TV package may call 870-895-3221 and select option 5 to speak with a service representative.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIP OF THE MONTH Maximize your heating system’s performance by inspecting, cleaning or replacing air filters once a month or as needed to reduce energy costs and prevent potential damage to your system. Make sure radiators, baseboard heaters and warm-air registers aren’t blocked, so air can flow freely. — U.S. Department of Energy
— SPACE HEATERS traffic when in use. Always keep children and pets away from space heaters. Consider alternative ways to stay warm, such as extra layers of clothing or UL-approved electric blankets. If you have hardwood or tile floors, lay down area rugs to provide additional insulation and maintain warmth. We know it’s cold out there, but remember in addition to safety concerns, space heaters can increase your energy bills significantly. If you’re looking for alternative ways to save energy and increase comfort in your home, contact an NAEC energy adviser at 870-8953221 or info@naeci.com. We’re here to help you manage your energy use. In addition, the co-op’s Energy Efficiency & Conservation Loan Program allows qualifying members to borrow money at low interest to improve the energy efficiency and comfort of their homes. Most members take out a loan when they need to replace or upgrade to an all-electric heat pump, but many also borrow to add insulation and/or make other energy-efficiency improvements. Apply at naeci.com/loans. — Abby Berry/NRECA
DAILY HIGHS & LOWS — NOVEMBER 2021 Average Daily High: 60.81° compared to 63.98° in 2020
TEMPERATURE
Average Daily Low: 32.78° compared to 36.67° in 2020 Total Rainfall Amount: 1.16” compared to 1.2” in 2020 Warmest Day: Nov. 8, 75.7° at 2 p.m. Coolest Day: Nov. 19, 22.7° at 6 a.m.
DAYS
CONTACT NAEC 870-895-3221 info@naeci.com naeci.com
RIGHT-OF-WAY West Tree: Christensen Road in Mtn. Home and Gamaliel. Asplundh: Pineville, Calico, Creswell and Hwy. 56 areas. AECI: Jumbo Road near Melbourne, Boswell and Mt. Olive.
IMAGES: SUBMITTED; DONNIE FRENCH; NRECA; THE TOIDI/ADOBESTOCK
ON THE FRONT Third graders at Hackler Intermediate School in Mtn. Home receive shoes through NAEC’s Sole Power Project.