2022 September NAECI The Messenger

SEPTEMBER 2022

THE MESSENGER A Publication for North Arkansas Electric Cooperative Members

17 grads earn scholarships thru Round Up North Arkansas Electric Cooperative’s Operation Round Up® program awarded a scholarship to 17 recent high school graduates.

Fifteen students will receive a one-time scholarship of $1,000.

New this year is a recurring scholarship worth a total of $4,000. Two students — Joia Traver and Zane Fountain — each will receive $1,000 toward their college education annually for up to four years.

High school seniors may apply for the next round of scholarships after Feb. 1. The application will be on naeci.com and available through high school counselors.

Members can help fund future scholarships by enrolling their electric account or accounts in Operation Round Up. Participants agree to have their monthly electric bill “rounded up” to the nearest dollar. For example, a bill of $85.60 would become $86.

Call 870-895-3221 or email info@naeci.com to enroll.

Donations are placed in a trust and administered by a five-member independent board of community leaders. The volunteer board evaluates all requests and determines how Operation Round Up funds are distributed.

Since its inception, more than $207,000 in college scholarships, grants to community organizations and disaster relief has been awarded.

In July, the board also awarded $500 to the Fulton County Senior Life Program to help provide meals for senior citizens.

Nonprofits can download the application for a donation at naeci.com/operation-round-up.

Annie Blevins Melbourne

Weston Cox Mtn. Home Christian

Kaylee Drake Mountain Home

Zane Fountain Calico Rock

Harrison Gillihan Melbourne

Matthew Graddy Highland

Isabella Hall Calico Rock

Madison Hall Norfork

Rachel Howald Mountain Home

Julie Hurst Mammoth Spring

Chloe Jamora Homeschool

Alexander Jordan Mountain Home

Ashlynn Sanders Salem

Jaycie Strong Salem

Joia Traver Mountain Home

Cassidy Walling Salem

SMALL CHANGE, BIG IMPACT — Operation Round Up! Enroll your electric account(s) by calling 870-8953221, visiting naeci.com/operation-round-up or mentioning Operation Round Up while in the drive-thru. The average annual donation per account is just $6, but that adds up to a lot of good when many participate.

Amber Weber Mountain Home

Estimate savings, costs before committing to solar North Arkansas Electric Cooperative personnel have heard from an increasing number of members who have bought or financed solar installations and are dissatisfied with their electric bills or confused about the net-metering process.

NAEC recommends members considering solar become familiar with the net-metering section of the co-op's tariff filed with the Arkansas Public Service Commission. It is available at naeci.com/solar and includes the preliminary interconnection site review request form and standard interconnection agreement for net-metering facilities that must be completed before a solar installation can connect to NAEC's distribution system.

Members should consider the payback and ensure any estimates provided by licensed and insured vendors are using NAEC's kWh rates and taking into consideration the minimum daily charge. Many have installed solar panels and then have electric bills plus

solar loan payments that are higher than their previous electric bills.

NAEC also recommends members contact their insurance provider to see if their policy will be affected.

We heard from one member whose insurance provider canceled his policy after his solar was installed.

Before investing substantial amounts into solar, we suggest members look for any needed energy efficiency improvements.

These could include a more energy efficient heat pump, additional insulation or weatherization measures, such as caulk and weatherstripping around doors and windows.

An NAEC energy adviser can suggest energy efficiency and conservation measures that can lower energy costs and create a more comfortable home. Call 870-895-3221 or email info@naeci.com.

Members with questions about solar or net metering can email solar@naeci.com for assistance.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIP OF THE MONTH

HAPPY LABOR DAY! — Our offices will be closed Sept. 5. In case of an outage, please use the NAEC app, form on the Outage Viewer at naeci.com or 870-895-3221 to report to the dispatcher on duty.

Lower your water heating costs by using less hot water in your home. To save energy and money used for water heating, repair any leaky faucets, install low-flow fixtures and insulate accessible hot water lines. When it’s time to purchase a new washing machine or dishwasher, look for models that are ENERGY STAR®-certified.

— energy.gov

DAILY HIGHS & LOWS — JUNE 2022 Average Daily High: 95.54° compared to 89.59° in 2021

TEMPERATURE

Average Daily Low: 71.45° compared to 67.55° in 2021 Total Rainfall Amount: 3.22” compared to 3.55” in 2021 Warmest Day: July 20, 105.2° at 4 p.m.

Coolest Day: July 15, 61.8° at 5 a.m.

DAYS

CONTACT NAEC

RIGHT-OF-WAY

870-895-3221 info@naeci.com naeci.com

Scheduled ROW work is complete for 2022.

IMAGES: SUBMITTED; STUDIO HARMONY/ADOBE STOCK; BANUSEVIM/ADOBE STOCK

ON THE FRONT NAEC employees as well as state and community leaders attend the Emerson opening celebration in Ash Flat on July 29.

More than 150 people work at the facility.

Recruitment and hiring is ongoing.