JANUARY 2026
THE MESSENGER A Publication for North Arkansas Electric Cooperative Members
Discounted Marathon® tanks for sale North Arkansas Electric Cooperative (NAEC) is selling its remaining stock of Marathon® water heaters at a 25% discount while supplies last. The co-op plans to maintain a stock of Marathon parts for purchase but not tanks moving forward. In addition, NAEC has no more leased Marathon water heaters in the field. The prices below reflect the 25% discount and will not include additional tax. • 105 Gallon — $1,091.31 • 85 Gallon — $992.55 • 50 Gallon (low boy) — $791.81 • 50 Gallon — $737.37 • 40 Gallon — $755.66 • 30 Gallon — $694.47 NAEC also has a limited number of used water heaters for sale that also are discounted 25%. Members who are interested in purchasing a tank or getting more information, may call (870) 895-3221 during regular business hours or visit an NAEC office in Salem or Mountain Home. Please note: The tanks are not available for purchase at the co-op’s Ash Flat office.
SET IT & FORGET IT — Enroll in automatic bank draft, and you’ll never have to worry about forgetting to pay your electric bill or have to stop by an NAEC office. You also won’t have to worry about updating your credit or debit card information on file when it expires or a card is compromised. Call NAEC at (870) 895-3221 or visit an NAEC office during regular business hours to enroll in the free service.
Festive float
NEXT, Powered by NAEC employees and families wait for the Salem Christmas parade to begin Dec. 6. NEXT’s float won first prize. Santa closed the parade riding on a well-lit NAEC bucket truck.
Hunters: Be aware of electric equipment while in the field Before you head into the woods this hunting season, make sure electric safety is part of your preparation checklist. Power lines and utility equipment are often out of sight — and out of mind — especially in wooded or rural areas. Ignoring them can lead to serious injuries or even death. Keep these tips in mind to stay safe and avoid costly or dangerous incidents: • Scout the area. Before hunting, take time to scout your area during daylight. Look for power lines, poles and electric equipment. Note their locations to avoid them later. • Power safely. If you’re using a portable electric generator on your hunting trip, don’t use it inside a cabin or RV or in a confined area. Make sure it’s used outside where there is plenty of ventilation. • Avoid aiming toward power lines or equipment. Never fire near or toward poles, lines, substations or transformers. A stray bullet could knock down a line, interrupt power or create a deadly hazard. • Keep your distance. Always stay at least 10 feet away from overhead lines, poles and other electrical infrastructure when setting up or taking down tree stands. • Never climb a utility pole. Even if it looks like the perfect vantage point, don’t do it. Poles carry high-voltage lines, and climbing them can be deadly. • Don’t use utility poles for support. Tree stands or blinds should never be attached to or supported by power poles or electrical equipment. If you come across a downed power line or damaged electric equipment, stay at least 50 feet away, even if it doesn’t appear to be live. Power lines can still carry electricity when on the ground, posing a risk of shock or electrocution. Call 911 or NAEC at (870) 895-3221 right away to help prevent a dangerous situation. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or heading out for the first time, staying aware of your surroundings could save your life.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIP OF THE MONTH Winter weather can cause your home heating system to work overtime. Check for air leaks and drafts around doors and windows, then seal them with weatherstripping or caulk. Close fireplace dampers when not in use, and consider installing insulating curtains to help keep warm air inside. You can also save energy by lowering your thermostat a few degrees. Even small adjustments like these can reduce heating costs and improve comfort during the coldest months.
DAILY HIGHS & LOWS — NOVEMBER 2025 Average Daily High: 62.54° compared to 62.68° in 2024
TEMPERATURE (°F)
Average Daily Low: 44.46° compared to 40.57° in 2024 Total Rainfall Amount: 2.63” compared to 8.19” in 2024 Warmest Day: Nov. 15, 83.4° Coolest Day: Nov. 10, 24.1°
DAYS
CONTACT NAEC
RIGHT-OF-WAY
ON THE FRONT
(870) 895-3221 info@naeci.com naeci.com
Nelsonville, Calamine, Horseshoe Bend, Henderson, Hand Cove. In Mtn. Home area: Hwy. 62 E., South 5 to Salesville, Ark. Ave. to Kent Chevrolet, 201 N., Buzzard Roost
NAEC’s Kelli Anderson gives a Cotter third-grader his athletic shoes during the Sole Power Project delivery.
IMAGES: TORI MOSS; NIKKI TURNER; NRECA; SCOTT VAN OSDOL