2017 October Woodruff Electric Timely Topics

October 2017 Volume 45 Issue 10

Timely Topics HOW WOODRUFF ELECTRIC RESIDENTIAL RATES COMPARE

For 2016, Woodruff Electric’s average cost per kilowatt-hour for residential use was 10.34 cents.

That ranked your cooperative with the 5th lowest cost compared to the other 16 electric cooperatives in the state. The Arkansas co-ops, which serve 472,000 residential members, had an average residential cost of 10.41 cents. Entergy Arkansas, the investor-owned electric utility in our area, had an average residential cost of 10.27 cents for their 590,000 residential customers.

Woodruff Electric served 12,268 residential members in 2016.

On a national comparison, Arkansas households ranked 3rd lowest in cost per kilowatt-hour for 2015 (most recent year available and according to the Energy Information Administration).

These comparisons are for the average cost per residential kilowatt-hour, not the average monthly electric bill. The state with the highest cost per kwh is Hawaii at 29.6 cents. Hawaii is also the state with the lowest average household usage. The state of Washington had the lowest average cost at 9.09 cents.

Winter Rates take effect in October Woodruff Electric has a summer and a winter residential rate. In winter (October through April usage) the first 500 kilowatt-hours are billed at 8.945 cents plus variable riders. All kilowatt-hours more than 500 are billed at about 5 cents plus riders.

KIDS’ CORNER: Safety Posters

THINGS TO REMEMBER

“Never put a fork in a socket.”

Austin Chase Copeland West Helena 7 years old Kids, send your drawing with an electrical safety tip to Woodruff Electric c/o Kids’ Corner (address found on page 2) or e-mail info@woodruffelectric.com. If your poster is published, you’ll revbceive a prize. All entries must include your name, age, mailing address, and the names of your parents/guardians.

OUTAGE REPORTING Call our automated outage reporting number at: Call 870-633-7100 or 1-888-559-6400

READER RECIPES: Cabbage Creole

CYBERSECURITY

1lb ground beef 1 onion, chopped 1 bell pepper, chopped 1 can diced tomatoes 1 can cheddar cheese soup 1 can Rotel tomatoes 1 small head of cabbage, chopped

✓ Keep all software on internet-connected devices – including PCs, tablets, and smartphones – up to date to reduce risk of infection from malware ✓ Avoid the use of thumb drives and other portable memory devices. ✓ Create long passwords that only you will remember. Try utilizing phrases from your favorite song or movie, and include numbers and capital letters to strengthen passwords. ✓ Avoid opening emails and clicking links from suspicious or unknown senders.

First, sauté the ground beef, chopped onion and chopped bell pepper until done, drain. Add cheddar cheese soup, tomatoes, Rotel tomatoes and cabbage.

Simmer for 1 hour, stirring often.

Mary Ellen Gray of Forrest City Send your favorite recipe to Woodruff Electric c/o Reader Recipes (address found below) or e-mail your recipe to info@woodruffelectric.com.

If your recipe is published, you will receive a prize and entered into the grand prize drawing held at the end of the year. Entries must include your name, mailing address and phone number.

Woodruff Electric Cooperative Corporation FREE GED/ABE CLASSES Offered in Monroe & St. Francis Counties

Crowley’s Ridge Technical Institute 1620 Newcastle Rd., Forrest City, AR 72335 FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: www.crti.tec.ar.us CALL: (870) 633-5411 or 1 (800) 842-2317

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

Visit http://call811.com to explore damage prevention information, local contacts and rules for safe digging in Arkansas!