October 2022
WCEC Annual Meeting is Near
We Hope To See You There!
After a two year online meeting format, we are looking forward to seeing our members at the co-op’s annual meeting. Join us for a concert featuring Meredith Crawford and the Mean Streak, who will perform some of their originals and covers of popular songs beginning at 12:30 p.m. They’ll introduce the crowd to some of their originals and cover some popular songs with their Texas Soul/Americana flair.

The business meeting will begin at 2:00 p.m. Members will be provided an update on cooperative business and the results of the election of directors will be announced. After the meeting, there will be prize drawings.
 
If you are unable to attend the meeting, you can view the co-op’s financial standings online following the meeting. At 4:00 p.m. on October 7th, we'll post the condensed financial report, detailed financial report, and also the winners from the prize drawings at wcec.org. Also, be sure to check out our Facebook page, which will have many photos from the meeting.
Pocket Change Can Make A Change
Pocket change can change lives. And, that’s exactly what your pocket change has done through Operation Roundup. In just five short years, Wood County Electric Charitable Foundation via Operation Roundup has granted $600,000 to 89 local charitable organizations. That’s over half a million dollars that has been given back and is making an impact in our local communities.
 
In this last round of grant dispersals, the WCECF board of directors awarded $71,500 to 9 worthy non-profit organizations that applied. The recipients, the amounts awarded, and the projects they will fund are:  

The Texas Ramp Project was awarded $5K. Their mission is to establish and support regional wheelchair ramp-building programs across Texas. They provide free ramps to elderly and disabled clients in need. Ramps are built exclusively with volunteer labor by individuals, local service clubs and churches.

Winona Volunteer Fire Department received $1K and Alba Volunteer Fire Department received $7K. Each of these essential services will use the funds for much needed equipment to help protect firefighters as well as citizens.

Help A Child Benefit received $5K to assist local foster children through scholarships, as well as to aid Scottish Rite Hospital and The NE Texas Advocacy Center.

The Wood County Retired Teacher’s Association was granted $10K to assist with transportation of members for training opportunities in Austin.

Meals on Wheels received $7,500 to help provide food for local seniors aged 60 and above who are nutritionally at risk.

Hooves and Halos received $10K to help present free playdays for special needs individuals and their caregivers. Guests ride horses, enjoy a petting zoo, face painting, live music, games and a number of other activities.

Wood County Healthcare Foundation received $13K to help fund phase II of the development of the Memory Health & Education Center that will serve those affected with Alzheimer’s and Dementia, as well as their caregivers.

Helping Heroes Hunt was granted $13K to go toward a modified all-terrain vehicle that will accommodate a wheelchair and other disabilities. The organization offers all-expense paid recreational retreats to disabled veterans and first responders and their families.
Safety Tip of the Month
This hunting season, we encourage all members to be aware of electrical equipment and take necessary precautions while hunting. Keep these safety tips in mind as you enjoy the great outdoors.
  • Take notice of posted warning signs and keep clear of electrical equipment.
  • Do not shoot at or near power lines or insulators.
  • Know where the power lines and equipment are located on the land where you hunt.
  • Be especially careful in wooded areas where power lines might not be as visible.
  • Do not place deer stands on utility poles or climb poles. Energized lines and equipment can conduct electricity to anyone who comes into contact with them, causing shock or electrocution.
  • Do not place decoys on power lines or other utility equipment. Any nonelectrical equipment attached to a pole can pose an obstruction and serious hazards to our line crews.
Energy Efficiency Tip of the Month
With cooler temps approaching, now is the time to seal drafty windows. If you can see daylight around a window frame or if you can rattle a window (movement means possible leaks), the window likely needs to be sealed.
 
Most window leaks can be sealed with caulk or weatherstripping, which come in a variety of compounds and materials. Visit www.energy.gov/energysaver to learn how and where to seal air leaks.
Power Cost Recover Factory (PCRF) Effective Oct 1, 2022
Effective October 1, the PCRF will increase from .0575¢ per kWh to .065¢. As mentioned in previous communications, the PCRF will continue to be fluid as we experience price fluctuations in the power market. In our rates, as well as other utilities’ rates, the PCRF is the adjustable factor that pays for fluctuating power cost. These cost are driven by the price of the fuel, mostly coal and natural gas, used to generate the electricity we send to members. This cost is passed directly to consumers and there is no markup or profit made.