A NEWSLETTER FOR PEC’S ELECTRIC MEMBERSMARCH 2018

| 3 | 4Classifi ed Ads

ENERGY EFFICIENCY MAKES FOR A BETTER CO-OP LIFE

PEOPLE’S POWERLINE

Whether frigid or scorching, extreme temperatures can cause heating and cooling systems to work over time, and since

heating and cooling can make up nearly half of your electric bill, it’s important to keep you home’s energy effi ciency a top priority. Instead of waiting until after a potentially high bill is in your mailbox, be proactive. There are things you can do now to help ensure you are managing your energy use and spending less.

These simple steps can help you manage your use:

• Wrap exposed pipes and water heaters that are in unconditioned spaces.

• Make sure to change your air fi lter once a month.

• During the winter months, take advantage of heat from sunlight. Open draperies and shades during the day to allow natural light to heat your home. Remember to close them in the evenings as the temperature drops and windowpanes become chilly.

• Keep the fi replace damper closed when it is not in use. Keeping it open can bring cold air into the room.

• Caulk around the fi replace hearth, and caulk or weather strip around doors and windows.

• Make sure your water heater is set at the lowest comfortable setting. Have you experienced scalding hot water when taking a shower? If so, it’s likely that your water heater is set too high – which is a waste of energy. Older models of water tanks are often not insulated, which can be easily remedied by covering them with an insulating jacket. 240900607

• Does your home have window air conditioning units? When not in use, remember to insulate the units from the outside with a tight fi tting cover, available at your local home improvement center or hardware store. This keeps heated air from escaping outside. If desired, you can remove the window unit during winter months to prevent energy loss.

• Log on to your PEC SmartHub account to keep up with your use. If we’ve had a few days of extreme temperatures, see how you can try to save on days that are milder.

• Dress for the weather, even if you are inside. Wearing proper clothing like long sleeves and pants, or wrapping up in a cozy blanket will help combat the temptation of bumping up the thermostat.

Continued on Page 3

Make ¢ents of your bill | 2 PowerShield

2| PEOPLE’S POWERLINE

SMARTHUB HELPS YOU MAKE ¢ENTS OF IT ALLSEE HOW THE WEATHER AFFECTS YOUR MONTHLY USAGE

Have you ever opened your electric bill on a sunny winter’s day and

wondered how you could have used so much electricity when the weather has been so nice?

The answer is as close as SmartHub, People’s Electric’s self-service portal. In addition to tracking usage, SmartHub offers the following improved usage management tools:

• Analyze and understand usage trends to find ways to use less

• Review how weather trends can affect meter usage

• Compare one month’s usage with another month

• Check status and report a power outage

Weather conditions, especially when it’s very cold or hot outside, contribute significantly to your home’s usage. The greater the difference between the outside temperature and your thermostat setting, the longer and harder your heating systems (i.e., HVAC, water heaters, space heaters, etc.) must work to reach and then maintain the system’s set point.

For instance, if it’s 34 degrees outside and your thermostat is set to 74, that’s a 40 degree difference. Since heating and cooling costs make up nearly 50 percent

of the typical home’s electric bill, very cold weather can increase your usage considerably – even more so if your home isn’t well insulated and sealed.

The number of hours and days that temperatures remain low outside also affects consumption. When it’s chilly, you often spend more time inside, running heaters, watching TV, playing video games, cooking, and taking hot showers to warm yourself. This activity adds up, leading to higher usage.

Members that have propane or gas heating units may still have fans and/or blowers that use electricity to circulate the heat throughout the home. Even your water heater must work harder

to maintain its constant temperature when the weather is colder outside. We naturally enjoy a warmer shower

when below freezing, cold temperatures are lingering outside, and often do not realize the amount of energy

being used to heat the hot water we are using on cold days. 441901400

With SmartHub it’s easier to connect your bill to your home’s consumption, analyze and understand usage trends, review how weather trends can affect meter usage, compare one month’s usage with another and report a power outage. To sign up, visit www.PeoplesElectric.coop or call 580-332-3031. Our member service representatives are happy to help you!

The usage chart from SmartHub shows the variance in daily kilowatt-hour usage and how it coincides with daily temperatures. This sample chart shows daily usage for a PEC member from December 21 – January 21.

Once you’re logged in, select the Start Now button in the View and Manage My Usage box or choose an option from the My Usage tab.

Log into SmartHub on www.PeoplesElectric.coop by clicking on the Pay a Bill/ Report an Outage button on the homepage. (You can also use the SmartHub app on your smartphone or tablet, however there are diff erences in how information displays.)

If you haven’t signed up to use SmartHub, you will need your account number and an email address. Questions? Contact a PEC member service representative during regular business hours at (580) 332-3031 (Ada area) or (877) 456-3031 (outside Ada).

1HOW TO

USE YOUR SMARTHUB

23

difference between the outside difference between the outside temperature and your thermostat temperature and your thermostat

your water heater must work harder your water heater must work harder to maintain its constant to maintain its constant temperature when the weather temperature when the weather is colder outside. We naturally is colder outside. We naturally enjoy a warmer shower enjoy a warmer shower

when below freezing, cold when below freezing, cold temperatures are lingering temperatures are lingering outside, and often do not outside, and often do not realize the amount of energy realize the amount of energy

being used to heat the hot being used to heat the hot water we are using on cold water we are using on cold days. days. 441901400temperature and your thermostat temperature and your thermostat

to maintain its constant to maintain its constant temperature when the weather temperature when the weather is colder outside. We naturally is colder outside. We naturally enjoy a warmer shower enjoy a warmer shower

being used to heat the hot being used to heat the hot

24 Hour Outage Reporting System (877) 272-1500 or (580) 272-1500 (Ada Area)

IMPORTANT DATESBills mailed ........................................31st

Bills should be paid by the ......... 10th

Cutoff s made ................................... 20th

Business Hours8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday(877) 456-3031 or (580) 332-3031(Ada Area)

People's ElectricCooperative

P.O. Box 429Ada, OK 74821

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Jenny Trett- SulphurChairman & President

Eldon Flinn - FittstownVice Chairman

Dr. Laurin Patton - AdaSecretary

Bob Thomas - CoalgateTreasurer

Jack Lambert - AdaTrustee

STEPS TO FOLLOW IF YOURELECTRICITY GOES OFF1. Check your fuse or breaker box.2. Check with your neighbors. Are

they off ? Have they reported the outage?

3. Call our 24 hour Outage Reporting System at toll-free 1-877-272-1500 or (580) 272-1500 (local Ada area).

4. Always report outages promptly! Remember, the cooperative's responsibility ends at the meter. If a service call is made and the trouble is found on the consumer's side, a $50.00 service charge will be assessed.

5. For faster service, please make sure we have the correct phone number(s) for your account on fi le. Your phone number will be used to access your account information.

Providing electricity and energy service to over 21,000 meters in the following 11 south central Oklahoma counties: Atoka, Carter, Coal, Garvin, Hughes, Johnston, McClain, Murray, Pittsburg, Pontotoc and Seminole.

Website: www.PeoplesElectric.coop

People’s Powerline is published monthly by

A NEWSLETTER FOR PEC’S ELECTRIC MEMBERS | 3

Energy Effi ciency Continued from page 1

• Lighting is one of the easiest places to start saving energy, and savings are not strictly limited to winter months. Try replacing a few of your most frequently used light bulbs with ENERGY STAR-qualifi ed lights. ENERGY STAR-qualifi ed compact fl uorescent light bulbs (CFLs) use 75 percent less energy and last several times longer than incandescent light bulbs, saving money on energy bills and replacement costs. Always turn off your lights when leaving a room. 222701203

• Also, be mindful when using electronics at home. Unplug devices when not in use, and use smart power strips to save on energy use.

Using the tips above can certainly help you manage your energy use, but your bill may still be higher than normal in winter months. Why?

• The weather makes a big impact on electric bills, accounting for nearly half of your bill.

• Even those with the most effi cient HVAC systems will see more use in extreme weather.

• When extreme cold temperatures hit, our heaters work overtime. For example, even if you set your thermostat to our recommended 68 degrees in the winter, when it is 19 degrees outside, your system has to work hard to make up that 49-degree diff erence.

• Your heater works harder and cycles on and off more often, making your use much higher.

• There is value in comfort. For us to be comfortable in our homes, our heaters are going to work harder, but it may be worth the additional cost to you.

Programs to Consider

Prepaid billing and average payment plans can help eliminate unexpected surprises when your bill arrives each month. Our member service representatives are happy to help you over the phone during regular business hours (Monday thru Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM). Reach us by calling (580) 332-3031 locally or (877) 456-3031 outside Ada and inside PEC’s service area.

shield your home from surges with powershieldPlug in to surge protection that begins at your meter

PEC wants to help make your life better by off ering POWERShield which consists

of two levels of protection: 1) at the meter base and 2) within the home in order to provide the ultimate in protection.

The fi rst line of defense against surges is a socket device installed at your meter base. This device is designed to reduce any potentially damaging external, high-voltage spikes and surges to a “safe” level before they enter your home via the power line.

Extra protection is proved by surge suppression devices installed at outlets within your home for sensitive electronic equipment. When installed properly, these devices will protect your equipment from surges through the electrical wiring, telephone lines and coaxial cable, Device warranties range from $250 to $50,000.

Equipment and warranty are provided by TESCO, a name trusted by cooperative customers throughout the United States.

Protect your home through this program for $4.95 per month and a one time installation fee of $50, with a 60 month lease agreement. *During March, the $50 installation fee is discounted to $25. No deposit is required for current PEC consumers who have

received service during the most recent 24 months and have established good credit with the cooperative.

(For those who do not meet this criteria, there is a $100 refundable security deposit

required to join the program.) The outside equipment remains the property of PEC; however, the devices inside the home are yours to keep. 410750400

Call us today at (580) 332-3031 within the local Ada calling area or toll-free 1-877-456-3031.

Extra protection is proved by surge Extra protection is proved by surge

for current PEC consumers who have for current PEC consumers who have received service during the most recent received service during the most recent

24 months and have established 24 months and have established good credit with the cooperative. good credit with the cooperative.

(For those who do not meet (For those who do not meet

Remember to identify ads with your name, phone number and account number. This is a free service to PEC members. Clip and mail the above form to: PEC Newsletter - P.O. Box 429, Ada, OK 74820.

-FREE-Classified Ads for PEC Members!

Type or print your ad on the lines below and mail it in. Remember, we are limited on the amount of available space, so mail ads as soon as possible or email your ad to ads@peopleselectric.coop with name/account number._________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Name:______________________________________________________Acct. No.:_____________________ Phone No.: ( )_______________

Account Number WinnerAccount Number Winner

www.PeoplesElectric.coop4 | PEOPLE’S POWERLINESince we are limited on the amount of available space, ads will be taken until the classified section is full. Ads received after the section is full will not be held for the next issue. They should be re-submitted. The number of ads published each month will vary according to availability of space and ad content. We reserve the right to delete words and edit accordingly.

FARM & EQUIPMENT

Structural pipe, H-posts, corner posts, rebar, etc. (405) 207-0101

Top soil and gravel available, can deliver or be picked up. (405) 207-8906

Conex containers for sale or rent, one-trip or used, 20’ or 40’ in stock, over 100 available. (405) 207-6714

4’x’5 net wrapped grass hay, fertilized, no weeds, 47 bales, will load, located near the Ahloso Y, $30 each. (580) 320-4711

Bermuda hay, large round bales, net wrapped, barn kept, will load. (405) 238-0393

Tractor tire, 15.5”x38”, used, good condition, $250. (580) 320-1790

Net-wrapped hay, fertilized, no weeds, very nice, located in Union Valley, $30 per bale; registered Corriente bulls, yearlings. (580) 320-4711

9 ft. 2in. disc mower in excellent condition, located in Holdenville, $9,200. (405) 379-3884

Massey Ferguson 135 diesel tractor without power steering, $3,000; new in-the-box never fired Winchester 38-30. (580) 335-6874

LIVESTOCK & PET

Baby rabbits, Latta area, $8 each. (405) 754-8251

Red Heeler puppies, full blood, no papers, 10 weeks old, tails docked, UTD on shots. (580) 320-1132

Butcher hogs, only four left and ready now, corn fed 150 days, half or whole. (405) 379-2979

Two year old virgin purebred commercial Brangus bulls, $2,000 per head. (405) 568-6818

Simmental, Simmy Angus, and Angus bulls, 1-2 years old; 1 black Hereford, top blood lines. (580) 399-1483 or (580) 436-7816

Brangus cows, 15 head, 3 years old, bred to Angus bull, very gentle. (580) 927-5648

Angus bulls, 10 months to service age. (580) 456-7241

Horned Hereford bulls. (580) 320-2668

Registered Polled Hereford bulls, Remitall Online 122L and PW Victor Boomer P606 genetics, 12-14 months old, 48 years breeding Polled Herefords. (580) 332-2468

Hereford bulls, horned, 17 months old, range raised. (580) 456-7830

AUTOMOTIVE

Carports, garages, RV covers, loafing sheds. (405) 872-7433

After market parts for Yamaha V-Max AW Triumph Rocket III motorcycle. (405) 712-1957

2011 Chevy Silverado Z71, crew cab, 4x4, Texas Edition, 99K miles, loaded, second owner, excellent condition, $21,500. (580) 399-3623

1991 Chevy Caprice, new battery, needs some work, $800 OBO; 2001 Lincoln Continental, new tires, needs some work, $3,000 OBO. (580) 436-2820

FURNITURE & APPLIANCES

Serta mattress, sleeps like “a ride on a cloud,” great condition, bed frame, paid $1,200, asking $600. (580) 384-5706

Piano, $150. (580) 665-7798

Kenmore glass top range and self cleaning oven, one small burner not working, located in Atwood, $75. (719) 839-0909

Baldwin practice piano, genuine Baldwin, made in the USA, pecan finish, carved front legs, excellent condition. (580) 618-0142 740500300

Antique 4-piece bedroom suite, solid walnut from the 1950s, excellent condition; 2007 Harley D. Road K. Classic, one owner; Baldwin piano, price negotiable. (405) 444-4314

WANT TO BUY

Looking for pasture for cattle. (580) 235-7257

REAL ESTATE

Nice starter home on 1 acre, 4 bed, 2 bath, 2 living areas, fireplace, carport, shed, metal roof, vinyl windows, cellar, great potential, needs TLC, 2 mi. south of Stuart on HWY 31A. (918) 916-3853

120 acres, Roff area. (580) 320-1790

3 bed, 2 bath, home on 10 acres, cellar, shop building, 4 mi. south and .5 mile west of Stratford, on paved road, move in ready. (580) 279-0668

3 bed, 1.5 bath, garage, CH&A, brick, metal roof, large trees, 2 lots, located at 510 S. 7th St. Roff, OK, $74,000. (580) 513-2674

MISCELLANEOUS

If you need your top quilted, I will be glad to do so. I also make and quilt from start to finish: T’s, baby clothes, etc. (580) 332-3847 or (580) 436-7002

Wayne’s Window Washing: spring special, March 1 through May 1, houses only, inside and outside, $100. (580) 320-2245

Lincoln electric welder, auto feed with rolling stand helmet, $150; Campbell Hausfeld air compressor, 110 PSI, $75; big man’s walker, like new, $85; potty chair, $50. (580) 235-2792

Metal shop buildings or barns, industrial or commercial buildings, free quotes. (405) 207-1240

Greenhouses, sizes 8’x8’ to 8’x20’ and 12’x12’ to 12’x24’ with appropriate accessories; portable storage buildings; carports; garages; playground equipment, located in Latta. (580) 332-7785

Sawmill in Tishomingo, bring your trees and we will custom cut them into lumber of your choosing, or purchase cedar lumber for your DIY projects. (580) 371-8349

Lost: guard donkey, 2.5 miles off Hwy 19, 9 miles west of Ada. (580) 272-6545

Crochet: full size and baby afghans, kit towels, dish rags, tea towels, pot holders; embroidery seven days a week: tea towel sets, pillow cases, will take special orders. (580) 332-7508

Pressure washer repair, guaranteed, pick up and deliver; reconditioned pressure washers for sale. (580) 759-5378

Free sweatshirt scraps of various colors for someone wanting to make quilts, please call evenings after 5 PM. (580) 436-0683

Inside/outside garage sale from March 9-11, lots of new items w/ tags still attached, Coach purses, household & craft items, handcrafted jewlery, located at 3466 Rock Creek Dr. in Sulphur. (405) 517-2901

50 gal. aquarium, $125; 2009 Yamaha XT 250 bike. (580) 235-7057

No members found their account number in February’s newsletter. The find would have netted them a $5 credit on this month’s electric bill. The numbers belonged to Dustin Mahorney of Wynnewood, Larry Johnson of Mill Creek, Brenda Revels of Ada, Tanya Moralez of Coleman, and Irena Riddle of Stratford. It’s easy to win. Just find your account number located somewhere in the newsletter, then call, write or come to PEC by the 12th of the month in which your number is published to claim your $5.