Newsletter

The Environmental Protection Agency released four major new regulations for the electric industry this year, including a much-anticipated rule to cut emissions from power plants, a sweeping move that will aggravate reliability concerns for electric cooperatives and other utilities nationwide.  “The path outlined by the EPA is unlawful, unrealistic and unachievable,” said Jim Matheson, CEO of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. “It undermines electric reliability and poses grave consequences for an already stressed electric grid.” The power plant rule constrains existing coal and new natural gas plants by requiring them to install carbon capture and storage technology that is not yet reliable or commercially available.

As temperatures begin to spike, there are steps you can take to save money on energy bills this summer. According to the Department of Energy, a typical home uses a whopping 48 percent of energy expenditures just on the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system (HVAC) system. Although a majority of that 48 percent is spent on heating expenses, Americans still spend $29 billion every year to power their air conditioners. Aside from replacing your central air conditioner with a newer, higher-efficiency model, there are some things you can do to increase efficiency, which can help reduce your energy bills.

If you’re working on your summer to-dos, consider adding home weatherization to your list. We typically think about weatherizing our homes during winter months when we’re standing next to a chilly window or a drafty exterior door. But weatherizing your home provides comfort and energy savings year-round, especially during summer months when your air conditioner is working overtime.

As a member-owner, you have a share in the margins of your not-for-profit electric cooperative. Your Cooperative’s rates are set to bring in enough money to pay operating costs, make payments on any loans and provide an emergency reserve. Revenues in excess of the cost of doing business are eventually returned to JNEC’s members as “patronage capital.”

EVERY DROP OF HOT WATER you don’t use adds up to savings on your energy bill.

Think about how often you run the hot water faucet or an appliance that uses hot water—and whether you could either turn it off or use cold water instead. Heating water is the second-largest energy expense in your home, second only to air conditioning, accounting for about 18% of a typical utility bill.

SPRINGTIME MIGHT SPARK the desire to tackle projects around the house. If you use power tools, remember to follow basic safety guidelines.

You have a TV, microwave, electric range, cooktop, refrigerator, heat pump, and computer. So does your next-door neighbor. So why is your electric bill almost twice as high
every month?

BECAUSE HEATING AND COOLING can make up nearly half your electricity use, you may experience sticker shock
when you open your electric bill. Instead of waiting until after a potentially high bill arrives in your mailbox or inbox,
be pro-active. There are steps you can take now to help manage your energy use efficiently and spend less.

With an average annual cost of $400–$600 for a
household to heat water, choosing the best
replacement is important. When selecting a new
water heater for your home, the two key factors
are capacity and energy efficiency.
 

As the temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, there’s a natural inclination to create a warm and cozy haven at home.Unfortunately, as we see increased use of heating equipment,candles and electrical items, the number of home fires tends toincrease during winter months.
 

Electricity Load Shedding and What It Could Mean to JNEC Members

Jasper-Newton Electric Cooperative’s (“JNEC”) service territory is located within two different Regional Transmission Operators(“RTO”), Midcontinent Independent System Operator (“MISO”) and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (“ERCOT”). MISO andERCOT are responsible for ensuring that the supply of electricity is sufficient to meet customer demand for electricity to service territory or distribution system. 

“Free energy from the sun and lower electric bills… Where do I sign up?”

The benefits of installing rooftop solar panels may seem like a no-brainer, but the reality is, not every home (and homeowner’s situation) is always right for solar.  There are several factors to consider before pulling the trigger on a rooftop solar system, like determining if your home will receive enough sun to achieve your goals, finding the right contractor, negotiating contracts, and other important details.  Investing in solar for your home is a major decision. If you’re considering rooftop solar, Jasper-Newton Electric Cooperative can help.