Text it in
New method available for members to report outages
In a quest to enhance the ability to report power outages, Mohave Electric Cooperative members can now text a notification.
Those who choose to enter cell numbers through the SmartHub website www.mohaveelectric.smarthub.coop should select “Notifications,” “Manage Contacts,” and “Add Phone Contact.” There is also a link on the MEC website mohaveelectric.com. SmartHub users will receive a verification code that must be entered before the number is activated. Once a cell number is on the account, members are ready to text “Outage” to 55050, although it could take 24-48 hours before a newly entered cell number is activated.
No changes to other reporting methods were made. Members can still call the (844) 632-2667 Outage Reporting Hotline or sign into their SmartHub account.
Members with a cell phone already linked to their account do not need to complete this process.
It is important to remember the MEC Facebook page is not monitored 24/7 and is not a reliable reporting tool.
Additional cell numbers may be added to an account by repeating the above process.
“We wanted to remain current with the times and offer another, simple method for members to report an outage,” said Rick Campos, chief operating officer at MEC. “Reporting outages remains an important tool for MEC crews in the field to help identify the location causing the problem. “This can help improve response time and shorten the duration of an outage.” The first step for members to adopt this option is to have a cell phone linked to their account. This can be done by calling the Member Services Office at (928) 7631100, stopping by the office at 928 Hancock Rd. in Bullhead City, or through SmartHub.
“We hope this will become a popular reporting method,” Campos said. “It’s easy to sign up and reporting an outage will be simple.”
Getting Started Members who already have a cell phone listed to their account can begin texting “Outage” to 55050 from the cell phone listed to the account. Members who don’t have cell phone on account Three ways to get a cell phone listed on an account: 1) Call the MEC Member Services Office at (928) 763-1100; 2) Stop by the Member Services Office at 928 Hancock Rd. in Bullhead City, and; 3) Log into, or create, a SmartHub website account. Adding a cell number through the SmartHub app does not currently work. Those adding cell phones by calling or stopping by - Once Member Services has added a cell phone, a member’s number will be active in 24-48 hours. Once a cell number is active, a member can text “Outage” to 55050 to report their outage. Those using SmartHub 1) Sign in/Create account www.mohaveelectric.smarthub.coop or select the link on the front page of the MEC website mohaveelectric.com; 2) Once logged in, select Notifications; 3) Select Manage Contacts; 4) Select Add Phone Contact; 5) Users will receive a verification code that must be entered before the number is activated, and; 6) Following activation, it may take 24-48 hours before a member can text “Outage” to 55050 to report their outage. NOTE: Those wishing to list additional numbers on an account should follow one of the processes above. Members should also be sure the phone(s) listed to their account is current.
Visit www.mohaveelectric.com
March 2020
Currents
Despite being in digital age, meter readers have a job to do
The digital age may be upon us, but meter readers still have a job to do, and most of the time their presence goes unnoticed. However, there are times Mohave Electric Cooperative meter readers will need to get onto a member’s property. When this time arrives, some members have wondered why it is necessary with Advanced Metering Infrastructure. As can be the case with electronic equipment, there are times when the system may not be working properly. In addition, an in-person appearance at least once a year to inspect meters is required by the Arizona Corporation Commission and there are times a meter must be tested or replaced. In such cases, physical access may be necessary, but not always simple. Meter readers may need to navigate locked gates, excited dogs, and wary homeowners. Homeowners and attentive neighbors can become concerned when someone jumps over a gate, or a barking dog brings attention to activity on a property, but the meter readers have a job to complete. “Members occasionally question why MEC staff have the right to enter private property,” said Rick Campos, chief operating officer at MEC. “A completed service application grants MEC legal access across and under a member’s property to install, replace, repair, operate, and maintain electrical equipment.”
Any MEC staff member at a member’s home will have on a logo shirt and will always be using an MEC logoed vehicle. Jeff Beams Metering supervisor, MEC “Members who are still in doubt can call the Member Services Office.” If a member is home and a dog is outside, it is always appreciated when the dog is brought inside so MEC staff can do their job without concern. Meter readers will attempt to be as discrete as possible when making a visit, but if service is required, or a meter needs to be replaced, they may knock on a door to explain the reason for the visit.
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Grant deadline March 13 Funded through assigned capital credits at no cost to members, Mohave Electric Cooperative is currently providing 18 educators an opportunity to receive a $200 grant to help fund expanded K-12 learning opportunities. Interested educators need to apply by 5 p.m., March 13. Grants will be awarded for projects based on need, creativity, benefit to students, age appropriateness, and integration with class curriculum. Provide a short description of need, how the funds will benefit students, and a cost breakdown. Applications may be obtained online at www.mohaveelectric.com/classroomgrants. For more information, contact Terry Puryear at (928) 758-0567 or tpuryear@mohaveelectric.com or Zen Mocarski at (928) 758-0579 or zmocarski@mohaveelectric.com.
Members can help by keeping shrubbery and debris clear of meters to allow for easy viewing and an open work environment. Members with questions about MEC personnel on their property should call (928) 763-1100.
It should not be difficult to distinguish an MEC meter reader or other staff from those looking to do no good. According to Jeff Beams, metering supervisor at MEC, meter readers will always be wearing an MEC logo shirt with their name embroidered on the right side and they will always be using an MEC logoed vehicle. MEC staff who may be assisting with meter reading responsibilities will be in a logoed truck and wearing an MEC shirt. “They will never ask to go inside a home,” Beams said. “Meter readers will also have MEC picture identification to present if requested. The identification is not displayed openly to avoid accidental loss.
Mohave Electric Cooperative meter readers may need to navigate locked fences, overgrowth around meters, and dogs. Visit www.mohaveelectric.com
March 2020
Currents
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Grant available to one school in MEC service territory If a man empties his purse into his head, no man can take it away from him. An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.
The words of wisdom were spoken by Benjamin Franklin, who is not only among the nation’s founding fathers, but of the cooperative model. It seems an appropriate introduction into Mohave Electric Cooperative kicking off the application process for the $5K School Grant. Among the Cooperative Principles is a concern for community, out of which has grown many programs for MEC members, such as Classroom Grants, Operation Cool Shade, the Washington Youth Tour, and, of course, the school grant. It is part of MEC’s continuing support of education throughout its service territory. However, there is a catch. This grant must support a renewable energy curriculum. That’s it. The application process is simple: provide a short writeup of the curriculum and support items to be purchased by the Aug. 14, noon deadline. The grant money comes from the Renewable Energy Standard and Tariff surcharge mandated by the Arizona Corporation Commission, which supports numerous programs. “This is an educational opportunity made available because we care about our communities and the education of students,” said Rick Campos, chief operating officer at MEC. “We try to choose programs that are beneficial to the communities in the MEC service territory.”
Above, from left, Sandra Brown, principal at Desert Valley School, Steve Bouman, energy management specialist at Mohave Electric Cooperative, Michael Bartelt, MEC board member, and 2019 winner Wendy Hardy. Below, right, strawberries growing in the Academy of Building Industries solar greenhouse. Bottom, Hardy assists students conducting experiments as part of a curriculum that focuses on various forms of energy. This stage involved kinetic and potential energy.
“We understand schools are always in need of additional funding sources and this is one way we can help.” The winning grant application will be for the next school year. Applications should be sent to Mohave Electric, C/O Steve Bouman, PO Box 22530, Bullhead City, Arizona 86439. For other MEC programs or to see alerts on upcoming opportunities, visit mohaveelectric.com or search mohaveelectriccoop on Facebook.
The Academy of Building Industries in Fort Mohave won the grant in 2018 and Wendy Hardy of Desert Valley School won in 2019. Hardy has brought an inquiry-based, engaging, and interactive curriculum designed by the National Energy Education Department into the school. Two years ago, AOBI used the funds to support the conversion of a retired school bus into a solar-powered greenhouse. “This grant provides an opportunity for students to be creative and learn about renewable energy and conservation,” Campos said. “We had a record number of applications in 2019 and I hope to see that trend continue this year. Visit www.mohaveelectric.com
March 2020
Currents
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MEC Members: Important news about the census Support your community; respond and be counted
MEC is an equal opportunity employer and provider