No More Capital Credit Checks - But Don't Worry!
Payments to come in the form of a bill credit
 
This year our Board of Directors voted to retire $1 million in capital credits. Just like in past years, we will be returning those to our members in the month of December. However, the Board also voted to return them as a bill credit, instead of via check. They have done this for several reasons. Foremost, it's to reduce postage expenses and administrative costs associated with preparing all those checks. And, it's eco-friendly.
 
But there are even additional valid reasons. After checks are mailed, there is always additional administrative effort and cost to track and account for the checks. Many members just forget to cash the checks, or they may lose them. Or, checks are returned because a member has not updated a new mailing address with us. Too, there are the lost checks that must be reissued. That's a lot of accounting!
 
This new process will also be better for newer members, because they will receive credits back much sooner. Past practice was to only send checks for credits worth $10.00 or more. But now, even pennies will be returned to eligible members once they are retired.
 
As a non-profit electric cooperative, we strive to keep your bills low, and one of those ways is to adopt efficiencies when they present themselves. This new process will have economic savings and simplify the process for all.
 
As always, the credit for each member varies and is determined based on your patronage (the amount of electricity purchased, plus years of membership).  In total, over the last 28 years over $24 million in capital credit dollars have been returned to our members for a tremendous positive impact on our local economy.  This year has not changed the process - it's just become more efficient.
 
So, be sure to look for those bill credits in December. As always, they will be just in time to lighten the load for holiday gift buying. Enjoy!
 
 
 
WCEC is accepting applications from area adult students interested in receiving college scholarship money. Three $2,000 Power Upward scholarships are available to applicants that are  age 21 or older and an active member or member spouse living on WCEC's system. Adult children of members do not qualify. These scholarships are for MEMBERS!
 
This program is funded entirely by unclaimed capital credit payments returned to WCEC by the state of Texas. All entries must be received at WCEC headquarters by November 15, 2017 . Late entries will not be considered. Details and applications are available on wcec.org , or by calling the cooperative at (903) 763-2203.

Safety Tips 


For more safety tips visit our Safety & Consumer Tips
Energy Efficiency Tips 
Save Serious Energy at Home
 
Need a few quick ways to save on energy costs? Follow these tips to conserve electricity in your home.
 
Need a new refrigerator? You could save $100 a year on your energy bill by replacing an older model with a new, Energy Star-qualified appliance. According to the Energy Star website, you could save $200 a year if your old refrigerator is from the 1970s.
 
Add insulation. Insulating your attic, and the walls and floors adjacent to an unheated garage or basement can make a dent in your heating and cooling bills.
 
Unplug the TV or plug it into a smart power strip. Electronics such as TVs, speakers, gaming consoles, computers and even phone chargers continue to use energy, even when they're turned off. Unplug them or switch off their power strips before you go to bed.
 
Regulate your lights. Dimmer switches let you control how much light you use.
A switch with a timer can turn lights on and off at set times. A light fixture with a motion sensor will turn itself off when a room is empty. All of that adds up to energy savings.
Switch to LED bulbs. They use 90 percent less energy than incandescent lightbulbs.
 
 
For more energy efficiency tips visit our Energy Savings Center.

Wood County Electric Cooperative | [email protected] | http://www.wcec.org