OCTOBER 2020
THE MESSENGER A Publication for North Arkansas Electric Cooperative Members
Then. Now. Always. We’re proud to power your life.
October is National Co-op Month. #PowerOn Loan allows members to replace heat pump, make other efficiency upgrades
Qualifying members can borrow money for the installation of allelectric heat pumps and energyefficiency measures, such as added insulation.
The Energy Efficiency & Conservation Loan Program allows members to borrow money from NAEC at low interest to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. NAEC offers loans for the installation of all-electric heat pumps and related energy-efficiency measures. Heat pumps must be all-electric; those with dual fuel capabilities to use natural gas or propane do not qualify. The interest rate for these fixed-rate loans is 1.5 percent; however, this rate is subject to change. All loans require an application process, which does include a credit check. Also, board approval is required for loans exceeding $20,000. Below are the types of loans available: • Air Source Heat Pumps — All air source heat pump loans require a SEER rating of at least 14 and an HSPF of 8.2 with an amortization schedule for eight years. A $100 blower door test is required and can be financed. • Geothermal Heat Pumps — All geothermal heat pump loans will have an amortization schedule for 12 years. A $100 blower door test is required and can be financed. • Weatherization — Weatherization loans can apply toward ENERGY STAR® windows and doors, insulation (ceiling, floor or wall) and electric water heaters with efficiency of 91 percent or greater. The amortization schedule is five years with a required minimum loan of $500. • Energy Efficient Lighting — Energy efficient lighting loans will cover LED installations with an amortization schedule for five years. The minimum loan amount is set at $500 with no maximum amount set at this time. You can have more than one loan and can combine weatherization measures with a heat pump loan. Please note that new construction is not eligible for this program. The EECLP application is available at www.naeci.com/credit-application. A print application is available. Please call 870-895-3221 for more information.
Safety vital if using portable generator
Portable generators can be helpful during outages, but NAEC urges users to follow all manufacturer safety guidelines for their operation.
During long-term power outages, such as Gulf residents experienced due to Hurricane Laura, many rely on portable generators for emergency power. Without proper precautions, using a generator could endanger or kill you and others. NAEC urges members to understand the safety steps that must be taken. Generator must not be operated indoors or in enclosed spaces, such as garages, crawl spaces or basements. The generator must have three to four feet of cleared space around it and be placed at least 20 feet away from all doors and windows in a dry area. These steps are necessary because generators emit carbon monoxide. It is an odorless, colorless, toxic gas that can be fatal within minutes. Twenty-eight people died in Louisiana from Hurricane Laura-related causes. Of those, nine were due to carbon monoxide poisoning from portable generators, according to the Louisiana Department of Health. A licensed electrician can install the equipment necessary to connect generators to your home safely. For more information on safe generator use, please visit the Outage Center at www.naeci.com.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIP OF THE MONTH The average home has 24 electronics, which account for roughly 12 percent of home energy use. Consider buying ENERGY STAR®-certified products, which can be up to 70 percent more efficient than conventional models. — energystar.gov
COVID RESPONSE — NAEC lobbies will remain closed through 2020. Members may call 870-895-3221, visit www.naeci.com or use the drop box at each office to pay their bill.
DAILY HIGHS & LOWS — AUGUST 2020 Average Daily High: 88.05° compared to 90.31° in 2019
TEMPERATURE
Average Daily Low: 65.26° compared to 67.82° in 2019 Total Rainfall Amount: 0.12” compared to 3.24” in 2019 Warmest Day: Aug. 10, 97.8° at 3 p.m. Coolest Day: Aug. 20, 54.3° at 6 a.m.
DAYS
CONTACT NAEC 870-895-3221 info@naeci.com naeci.com
RIGHT-OF-WAY Ozark Acres; Salem to Oxford on Hwy. 9; Salem to Ash Flat on Hwy. 62; Lakeview to Midway on transmission line; Three Brothers to Midway on transmission line
IMAGES: NAEC ARCHIVES, TORI MOSS, TOUCHSTONE ENERGY COOPERATIVES, SAFE ELECTRICITY, ENERGYSTAR.GOV
ON THE FRONT Pictured is Hanley Gibson’s certificate from January 1, 1941, stating he is the 318th member of the cooperative.