JUNE 2021
THE MESSENGER A Publication for North Arkansas Electric Cooperative Members
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 naeci.com/contact. HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY! — Our offices will be closed July 5. Personnel will be on call. In case of an outage, please call 870895-3221 or use the NAEC app to report to dispatch.
Suds & Savings: Check out 10 ways to save energy on laundry Your clothes washer and dryer account for a significant portion of energy consumption from major appliances, and let’s face it — laundry is no one’s favorite chore. Make the most of your laundry energy use by learning easy ways you can save energy (and money) in the laundry room. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends the following tips for saving on suds: 1. Wash with cold water. Switching from warm water to cold water can cut one load’s energy use by more than half, and by using a cold-water detergent, you still can achieve that brilliant clean you’d normally get from washing in warm water. 2. Wash full loads when possible. Your washing machine will use the same amount of energy no matter the size of the clothes load, so fill it up if you can. 3. Use the high-speed or extended spin cycle in the washer. This setting will remove more moisture before drying, reducing your drying time and the extra wear on clothing. 4. Dry heavier cottons separately. Loads will dry faster and more evenly if you separate heavier cottons, such as linens and towels, from your lightweight clothing. 5. Make use of the “cool down” cycle. If your dryer has this cycle option, then you can save energy because the clothes will finish drying with the remaining heat in the dryer. 6. Use lower heat settings to dry clothing. Regardless of drying time, you’ll still use less energy. 7. Use dryer balls. Dryer balls, usually wool or rubber, will help keep clothes separated for faster drying. They also can help reduce static, so you can eliminate dryer sheets. 8. Switch loads while the dryer is warm. This allows you to take advantage of the remaining heat from the previous cycle. 9. Clean the lint filter after each drying cycle. If you use dryer sheets, remember to scrub the filter once a month with a toothbrush to remove excess buildup. 10. Purchase ENERGY STAR®-rated washers and dryers. When it’s time to purchase a new washer or dryer, look for the ENERGY STAR® label. New washers and dryers that receive the ENERGY STAR® rating use about 20 percent less energy than conventional models. To learn more ways to save energy at home, visit energy.gov/energysaver.
Field trip fun
Identify utilities before digging 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 “one-call” center. Tell the operator where you’re planning to dig and what type of work you will be doing. A locator then will designate the approximate location of any underground lines, pipes and cables at no charge. These areas will be marked with flags or paint, so you’ll know what’s below. Then the safe digging can begin.
Joey Burk, line technician, shows how a bucket truck works during Salem Elementary School’s “staycation” field trip April 28.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIP OF THE MONTH A dirty filter causes your air conditioner to work harder than necessary. Remember to change your air filter every month (or every two months) to prevent dust buildup, which can lead to even bigger problems. — energy.gov
DAILY HIGHS & LOWS — APRIL 2021 Average Daily High: 69.43° compared to 69.15° in 2020
TEMPERATURE
Average Daily Low: 43.4° compared to 43.44° in 2020 Total Rainfall Amount: 7.07” compared to 4.61” in 2020 Warmest Day: April 9, 85.1° at 2 p.m. Coolest Day: April 2, 24.8° at 5 a.m.
DAYS
CONTACT NAEC 870-895-3221 info@naeci.com naeci.com
RIGHT-OF-WAY Clarkridge in Mountain Home area; and Many Islands and Wirth areas of Sharp County
ON THE FRONT Kevin Reese, senior system engineer, shows Calico Rock students how solar panels generate electricity April 23.
IMAGES: KISH POOL; IIIERLOK_XOLMS/STOCK.ADOBE.COM; NOSOROGUA/STOCK.ADOBE.COM; COMMON GROUND ALLIANCE ; SALEM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL; ADAM/STOCK.ADOBE.COM