November 2019 Volume 47 Issue 11
Woodruff Electric Cooperative Corporation
WE’RE THANKFUL FOR OUR SISTER COOPERATIVES When you think about Woodruff Electric, you probably associate us with the local community. And you would be right. Our leadership team, board of directors and employees all live and work right here in the community we serve. But you may not realize that Woodruff Electric is actually part of a much larger coopera ve network that brings addi onal value, tools and knowledge that benefit you, the members of the co-op.
Coopera on Among Coopera ves When a severe weather event is predicted for our region, we call on our sister co-ops in areas unaffected by the approaching storm. Through this system of mutual aid, we coordinate with other co-ops to bring addi onal trucks, equipment and manpower to our area. We work together and share resources in order to restore power to our community. And Woodruff Electric reciprocates by assis ng other electric co-ops when they request help. A defining characteris c of a coopera ve is “coopera on among coopera ves.” This is a way that coops work together to meet bigger challenges such as power restora on a er a severe weather event. Another area in which Woodruff Electric benefits from cooperation among coopera ves is cybersecurity. Through the Na onal Rural Electric Coopera ve Associa on’s (NRECA) “Rural Coopera ve Cybersecurity Capabili es Program” (RC3), we are able to access training, resources and tools to strengthen our efforts to combat cyber threats. Woodruff Electric’s ability to tap into the larger electric coopera ve network and access tools, products, resources and leading prac ces from across the na on ul mately makes our co-op and our community stronger.
Bright spot The Solar U lity Network Deployment Accelera on (SUNDA) project is another example of an area where Woodruff Electric has benefi ed from collabora on with other electric co-ops. Through the SUNDA project, electric co-ops were able to collect data and case studies that provide insight into challenges and solu ons related to solar energy technologies. Now, electric coopera ves across the country, including Woodruff Electric, have access to a set of knowledge and resources to more efficiently tailor our renewable energy mix to meet the needs of our local communi es.
Global impact Lastly, communi es across the globe have benefi ed from the lessons learned and experience of co ops in electrifica on of rural areas in the United States. NRECA Interna onal has provided access to reliable and affordable electricity to 120 million people in 43 countries. This effort is made possible through the support of electric co-ops in this state and across the country. Hundreds of lineworkers, engineers and other co-op employees have served as volunteers to bring first - me access to electricity and train local partners to help u li es be sustainable in their own communi es. November is a me of year for reflec on and giving thanks. We are grateful for our sister co-ops who enable us to be er serve our membership and our broader community. When electric co -ops collaborate, we strengthen each other and the communi es we serve – and that is something in which to be truly thankful.
STEPS TO LOWER HEATING COSTS According to EnergySavers.gov, hea ng and cooling account for about 56 percent of the energy use in a typical U.S. home, making it the largest energy expense for most homes. Here are some simple steps that can help you save on your energy use and energy bills: - Use caulk to seal gaps in the walls of your home. - Open curtains to the sun to help warm a room with radiant energy. Close them at night and on gloomy days to keep heat in. - Lower the temperature se ng when you leave the home and at night when you go to sleep. A programmable thermostat can automa cally make these adjustments for you. - Replace your furnace filter monthly to save energy and improve heat circula on. - Set the water heater thermostat to 120 degrees and if it is an older unit, install an inexpensive insula ng blanket to prevent heat loss. - Close the damper on your fireplace when it’s not in use. This prevents heat from escaping and cold from entering through your chimney.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
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Woodruff Electric Coopera ve Corpora on
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P.O. Box 1619 3201 Hwy 1 North Forrest City, Arkansas 72336 Tel. (870) 633- 2262 Fax: (870) 633- 0629 Office Hours: 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday Contact Numbers: Augusta: (870) 347-2431 Forrest City: (870) 633-2262 Moro: (870) 768-4821 Barton: (870) 572-2800 www.woodruffelectric.coop
OUTAGE REPORTING Call our automated outage repor ng number at: Call 870-633-7100 or 1-888-559-6400