Peak. Beat the. CEO, Co-op kickoff 2nd annual Beat the Peak conservation campaign

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1 Pedernales Electric Cooperative POWER INTERRUPTIONS: Beat the Peak CEO, Co-op kickoff 2nd annual Beat the Peak conservation campaign At PEC, power costs account for the majority of our total operating expenses around 65 percent in As a Co-op member, you can control some of that expense by helping reduce peak power costs. From June to September, electricity is most expensive from 2 6 p.m. The demand for electricity peaks during this time frame, when Co-op members and energy consumers across Texas use the most electricity. Because demand is so high, energy prices increase, and the Co-op must pass those costs on to members. But if we join together and commit to conserving electricity, we can beat that energy peak and reduce Co-op expenses the less electricity we have to purchase at peak pricing, the lower the cost to our membership. Our Beat the Peak program serves as an opportunity to reduce costs while also educating members about the economics of our power supply. We were pleased last summer to launch this conservation campaign and see members take an active interest in reducing the Co-op s expenses. We are again encouraging members to help beat the peak by shifting major electric use away from 2 6 p.m. If every PEC member commits to the Beat the Peak initiative and shifts 2 of electric use to an off-peak time every day, we ve calculated the Co-op can save more than $2 million from June to September. Beating the peak by shifting your electric use is easy. I hope the tips and related information on the following pages will serve as a helpful guide and conservation starting point. June 2012 PEDERNALES ELECTRIC TEXAS CO-OP POWER 19

2 Pedernales Electric Cooperative POWER INTERRUPTIONS: Beat the Peak Shifting 2 every day is easier than you think Beating peak energy demand and pricing may seem daunting at first, but conserving and shifting energy is easy almost effortless! Small changes really do add up, said the Co-op s Community Services Manager Jeanell Davis. There are a variety of ways to reduce and shift use, all without sacrificing comfort or conveniences. For example, the average air conditioner uses more than 1 an hour. You can help beat the peak by simply adjusting your thermostat up 3. This small change conserves electricity without sacrificing comfort. One load of dishes also typically uses 1 of power. Washing dishes earlier in the day or later at night will help shift demand during the peak. You can save even more electricity by allowing dishes to air dry. If you re looking to make a bigger impact on energy demand and peak prices, save doing laundry for the morning or at night before going to bed. Washing and drying a load of laundry typically uses more than 5 of electricity. If you must wash between 2 6 p.m., use cold rather than hot water. These small lifestyle changes have little impact on your day-to-day routine, but they can have a significant impact on demand and the prices the Co-op pays, Davis said. For more information on the Beat the Peak program and ways you can shift your electric use, visit BeatThePeak. Timing is everything Electricity costs 2.5 more during energy peak Washer and dryer Dishwasher Air conditioning $0.47 Cost of doing laundry between 11 p.m. and 10 a.m. $1.18 Cost of doing laundry during 2 6 p.m. peak $0.19 Washing dishes between 11 p.m. and 10 a.m. $0.47 Washing dishes during peak hours $0.09 Running air conditioner for one hour $0.24 Running air conditioner for one hour during peak Calculated using appliance averages from at a rate of $0.0942/. 20 TEXAS CO-OP POWER PEDERNALES ELECTRIC June 2012

3 Power of Community Do it Yourself Steps to Beat the Peak 1 During the peak, raise your thermostat 3o to 4o. Your home will still be comfortable while reducing demand. Use ceiling fans to keep air circulating. 2 Wait until the 2 6 p.m. peak has passed to wash dishes. If you must clean during the peak, only wash full loads and turn off the heat-dry setting. 3 Wash full loads of laundry in cold water after the peak. Also wait until after the peak to dry. Dry towels and heavier cotton items separately. Savings If every PEC member commits to Beat the Peak and shifts 2 of electric use to an offpeak time every day, we ve calculated the Co-op can save more than $2 million from June to September. Join us today to start saving! Scan QR code to watch this DIY video! Scan this QR code and watch a helpful DIY video. Simply download a QR reader on your smart phone to scan the code and go directly to the info on our website, Join in to Beat the Peak! It s easy to join the Beat the Peak program and help the Co-op reduce power costs. Members may sign-up 24/7 at or by calling and speaking to a member services representative. Members may also stop by any PEC office and sign a Beat the Peak pledge card. Did you participate last year? You are automatically re-registered to help Beat the Peak! POWER OF COMMUNITY PEDERNALES ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE June 2012 PEDERNALES ELECTRIC TEXAS CO-OP POWER 21

4 Pedernales Electric Cooperative POWER INTERRUPTIONS: Let your electric meter take a Relax when you re away and know you Enjoy your summer vacation that much more knowing you re not throwing money away back at home. Just because you are relaxing on vacation doesn t mean your home is it will continue to use electricity while you are away. People are often surprised by how much electricity they use while they are gone or on vacation, said the Co-op s Energy Management Services Manager Toni Reyes. Major appliances continue to run, and some electronics still pull energy even when they are turned off. With smart planning, you can dramatically reduce that energy use while on vacation. By preparing before you leave, you can enjoy your vacation knowing you re not wasting energy or money. Heating and cooling is the largest energy expense in most U.S. homes, accounting for about 56 percent of use. To significantly reduce energy use while you are away, disable your system by shutting off power at the breaker panel. If you have pets that will be inside your home, instead raise your thermostat to 80. The second largest energy expense is water heating. If you will be gone for more than two days, turn your water heater off at the breaker also. If left on, the heater will continue to work to keep water heated to 120 to 140, 24 hours a day. PEC member Marsi Shahan and her husband have significantly reduced their electric use by following these tips while away from home. In addition to turning off our lights and unplugging some electronics, we set our thermostat at 80 and shut off the water heater, Shahan said. We ve been averaging about 25 for the whole. During a at home, we use about 100. The Shahans monitor their use with our MyUse Energy Analyzer tool. Review your electric use online at to immediately access in-depth daily, monthly and historical reports showing your use in both kilowatt-hours () and dollars. 22 TEXAS CO-OP POWER PEDERNALES ELECTRIC June 2012

5 Power of Community vacation, too aren t wasting energy This chart represents PEC member Marsi Shahan s electric use and demonstrates how well-thought-out conservation efforts can help save energy and money while you are away. The information was pulled from the Shahans MyUse Energy Analyzer reports. $12 $ Safety Checklist Going on vacation Before leaving, be sure appliances especially those with heating elements are turned off and unplugged. Double check coffee makers, curling irons, toasters and your stove. $8 $ Shut down and unplug computers and printers. Also unplug televisions throughout your home. These electronics are especially susceptible to lightning and power surges. $4 $ Examine faucets and plumbing fixtures to ensure there are no water leaks. Consider shutting your water off to avoid any potential issues while you are away. Sat Sun Sat Sun Sat Sun Sat Sun Out-oftown Out-oftown Special event Normal Top tips to save energy while on vacation Shut off breakers for air conditioner and water heater. Unplug electronics, including TVs, DVD players, chargers, computers and gaming systems. They continue to draw energy when not in use. Adjust the temperature setting on your refrigerator and freezer. Empty and unplug if you will be on an extended vacation. Turn off lights throughout your home. Consider using timers for nighttime lighting. Check that all windows are shut and locked. Close blinds and curtains. Before leaving, double-check exterior door locks and bolts. If you have a garage, ensure the garage door is properly secured. If you don t park in a garage, remove valuable items and lock car doors. Have the post office hold mail and stop newspaper delivery. Consider asking a friend or neighbor to check on your home. June 2012 PEDERNALES ELECTRIC TEXAS CO-OP POWER 23

6 Pedernales Electric Cooperative POWER INTERRUPTIONS: Steven Kuehler helps keep the Co-op connected Faces of PEC My goal is to make sure everything runs smoothly for the Co-op and our members, IT Field Technician Steven Kuehler said. I help maintain the technology-related equipment at our offices throughout the Co-op. My job and tasks are constantly evolving, and there seems to be something new every day which makes it interesting and different. From setting up computers to wiring the Co-op s offices, Kuehler works to ensure the Co-op is plugged in. In addition to providing tech support, Kuehler Steven Kuehler joined the Co-op more than four years ago as an IT field technician. is instrumental in setting up Board meetings and Co-op events, including the June 23 annual meeting in Kyle. Steven is a dedicated IT professional who supports our meetings, PEC s IT Manager Zelenny Martinez said. His detailed work helps ensure our systems are ready and reliable for staff and members. Setting up Co-op meetings and events requires more planning than one might think. There is a lot of preparation for our events and meetings everything from preparing and testing microphones, laptops, and presentations, to ensuring any video is streaming properly so our members can tune in live, Kuehler said. That usually means coming in early to set up and staying after to clean and pack everything. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Jennifer, their 4-year-old son, James, and their Pembroke Welsh corgi, Vega. Co-op highlights and industry news Meet your 2012 Board candidates; early voting ends June 15 PEC observes Independence Day The Co-op s office lobbies and drive-through lanes will be closed Wednesday, July 4, as the Co-op observes Independence Day. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week through our website, where you can conveniently pay your PEC bill or request services any time. Enjoy the holiday and have peace of mind our service crews will be on standby in case of electric service emergencies. In case of emergency or power interruption, please call to report the issue. What is your favorite Co-op memory? Share it today! 2013 marks the Co-op s 75th anniversary. You can help us celebrate, remember and preserve the memories of our Co-op by sharing your stories and photos. Learn more about how our Co-op was formed by members, for members at Call (830) to share your memories, or your story and photos to PECmemory@peci.com. To help you become more familiar with this year s Board candidates, the Co-op is hosting meet the candidates events throughout the service area. At these meetings, candidates can present their views and credentials. These are the last candidate events before the June 15 early voting deadline and the June 23 annual meeting. June 5: Marble Falls office, 5:30 p.m. June 6: Canyon Lake office, 5:30 p.m. Candidate bios and office directions are at 24 TEXAS CO-OP POWER PEDERNALES ELECTRIC June 2012

7 Power of Community The Cooperative Principles Democratic member control Above: Our members have a voice and vote! Exercise your rights as a PEC member and owner by voting in this year s Board election. Your vote will help determine Co-op leaders and business policies. Left: Engineering Coordinator Paul Lochte with a PEC member during last year s annual meeting. The Co-op is going back to its roots, and each month we are exploring the key fundamentals that set us apart from other corporations. This month, we are highlighting our most distinctive and unique principle the cooperative principle regarding democratic member control: Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. Our members aren t just customers or account numbers they own the Co-op, and they have the unique ability to participate and help decide how their Co-op should operate, PEC CEO RB Sloan said. This is one of the most distinct ways our cooperative is different from other companies. At PEC, you have a voice and a vote. A fundamental part of the cooperative difference is that we are democratically controlled by our members. Unlike other corporations, you have the opportunity to directly shape your Co-op. We embrace democracy through our annual election, in which PEC members nominate and elect fellow Co-op members to serve on our Board of Directors. During some annual elections, members are also able to vote on proposed Co-op initiatives. Members are encouraged to take part in the Co-op s democratic process and be a part of the cooperative difference by voting in this year s Board election. Online and mail-in voting ends June 15, and members may vote in person during our June 23 annual meeting in Kyle. Upcoming co-op principles Each month, we will highlight a principle that illustrates the cooperative difference at PEC. July Concern for community August Voluntary and open membership September Cooperation among cooperatives November Autonomy and independence December Members economic participation Review last month s principle on education, training and information at maytcp. June 2012 PEDERNALES ELECTRIC TEXAS CO-OP POWER 25