Basic service charge adjustment on Feb. bill

Beginning with the February 2025 bills, the basic service charge for North Central Electric members will increase by $3, from $50 to $53. In addition, the per kWh rates will also increase to more accurately reflect the expenses incurred from the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity.

The board of directors concluded that these adjustments are necessary due to forecasted lower electricity sales, inflation, the increased cost associated with system maintenance and improvements, rising fuel costs to generate electricity at our not-for-profit power plant, and everyday materials to maintain the system.

In the end, average-use consumer members can expect an approximately 3% increase in their total bill. This will vary based on on-peak and off-peak usage and the actual kilowatts used per member.

To learn ways to save energy, don't hesitate to contact our energy advisors by calling the co-op during regular business hours. To track your usage, please utilize the SmartHub app located on our website or available for your smartphone. More information is available here: www.ncelec.org/smarthub.

For more information regarding the new rates click here

Applications for the 2025 co-op scholarships are still available!

Click here to apply for the 2025 scholarships

Board of Directors nomination petitions are now available for districts 4, 6, and 7 at the NCE office in Attica. Petition packets can be picked up Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Current District 6 Director Michael Scherger will not be running for re-election in 2025. Members residing in this district who are interested in running are encouraged to reach out to the cooperative at 419-426-3072 with any questions about director tasks or expectations.

All petitions are due back to the NCE office by 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 10.

Click here to learn more about the petition process!

Supporting Seneca East Schools with new technology

North Central Electric Cooperative is proud to empower our community through partnerships that make a difference. With the help of a CoBank Sharing Success Grant, NCE awarded $4,925 to Seneca East Schools to enhance opportunities for student-athletes and coaches.

This grant funded the purchase of the SideWinder sideline camera system, an advanced tool designed to provide real-time video feedback during practices and games. With this technology, coaches can help players identify strengths, address challenges, and refine strategies, while students gain skills and confidence that extend beyond the field.

The benefits of the SideWinder system go even further. It allows Seneca East athletes to create high-quality highlight reels for college recruiters, opening doors for scholarships and advancement. This investment supports not only today’s students but future generations as well.

The CoBank Sharing Success Grant program showcases the power of partnerships in building stronger communities. Programs like this are made possible because of the support of members like you. Together, we’re investing in tools and resources that foster growth and opportunity for all.

Apply now for the 2025 Youth Tour to Washington, D.C.!

Calling all high school sophomores and juniors! Are you ready to take YOUR place in Washington D.C.? Youth Tour applications are OPEN, and we want you! Explore the sights, make lifelong friends, meet elected officials, and more!

Applications are due at the cooperative office by 4 p.m. on Feb. 17, so don’t wait!

Click here to apply for Youth Tour!

How proper insulation transforms your home and cuts costs

Ensuring your home is properly insulated can significantly improve energy efficiency and enhance overall comfort. Insulation acts like a warm blanket, reducing heat loss during winter and serving as a protective barrier against heat gain during summer.

Many older homes have less insulation than newer ones, but even modern homes can benefit from additional insulation. Adding insulation and air sealing your home can lead to substantial energy savings and increased comfort. The most common areas to insulate include:

Attics
Crawlspaces
Rim joists
Exterior walls

Air sealing is an important step in creating an energy-efficient and comfortable home. It involves identifying and sealing gaps, cracks, and openings where air can leak in or out, such as around windows, doors, and attic hatches. These leaks can cause significant energy loss, making your heating and cooling systems work harder to maintain a consistent indoor temperature. Combining proper insulation with effective air sealing can prevent drafts and reduce energy waste. Together, these measures ensure your home stays warm in the winter, cool in the summer, and energy-efficient all year long. If you're unsure where to start, an energy advisor can help identify key problem areas and recommend the best air-sealing solutions for your home.

It's essential to understand how insulation effectiveness is measured. Insulation is rated by its R-value, which measures the material's resistance to conductive heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation. The R-value you'll need depends on the specific area of your home you plan to insulate. To learn more about the recommended home insulation R-values, visit www.bit.ly/energystar-R-value.

Insulation comes in a variety of materials, from fiberglass rolls to cellulose made from recycled paper products. If you're considering installing additional insulation, consult our energy advisors. They can provide expert guidance on selecting the right materials for your home.

Investing in proper insulation and air sealing not only enhances your home's comfort but also reduces energy consumption and lowers utility costs.

Click here for more information about our rebates

November outage report

NCE experienced nine outages in November, the majority caused by birds and animals.

Wildlife interference often occurs when animals come into contact with power lines or equipment, causing damage and disruptions. Lineworkers work quickly and safely to address these issues by replacing damaged components, repairing lines, and sometimes implementing protective measures such as animal guards or insulated equipment to minimize future occurrences.

The longest outage of the month lasted 3 hours and 32 minutes and was caused by a vehicle accident that knocked all three phases of a power line off a pole. Crews worked to repair and re-tie the lines, restoring power to the affected area. NCE remains committed to responding quickly and safely to all outages and implementing preventative measures to maintain reliable and safe service for our members.

Click here to learn more about causes of outages

Host your next event in the NCE community room

Looking for a versatile venue for your next gathering? The North Central Electric Cooperative Community Room is here for you! Designed with flexibility and convenience in mind, this open-concept space is ideal for various events like training sessions, business meetings, family celebrations, or even bridal and baby showers.

Why Choose the NCE Community Room?

Spacious Accommodations: With a capacity of up to 218 guests, it’s perfect for small or large groups.
Modern Amenities: Enjoy access to A/V equipment like TVs, microphones, and a video board for seamless presentations.
Warming Kitchen: Equipped with a refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, and more to keep your event running smoothly.
Flexible Scheduling: Book for an hour or a full day, with reservations accepted up to four months in advance.

How to Book

Reservations are on a first-come, first-serve basis, so don’t wait! Whether you’re planning a professional meeting or a personal celebration, the NCE Community Room is ready to make your event a success.

Click here to check availability

A look inside this month's Ohio Cooperative Living

The January issue of Ohio Cooperative Living is now available online! NCE-specific information begins on page 17, and highlights include:

Key Co-op Topics with Ed: Balancing electricity supply and demand
Connecting with our members: The importance of NCE's Member Advisory Committee
Heavy lifting - Is your furnace winter-ready?
November board meeting highlights

Find the digital here!

NCE Homepage

Programs & Rebates

SmartHub

America's Electric Cooperatives PAC

Outage Information