November 2022
Dear Members,
Our annual meeting was held on Friday, October 7th at Governor Jim Hogg Park. It was nice to be able to visit with many of you in person after our two-year online only format.
 
Prior to the business meeting Meredith Crawford and the Mean Streak entertained the crowd. The crowd sang along to many classics ranging from country to rock and roll. It was a great time.
 
During the business meeting an update on power costs, current rates, and our construction work plan was presented. WCEC hasn't waivered in its mission – which is to provide our members with reliable and dependable electricity. We know it powers your lives and our communities. To do our jobs, we’ve had to be more creative, more resourceful, more nimble, and more flexible. The financial report that was presented is now available online here. You can also view the expanded report here.

At the meeting, Cathy Roberts, Board President announced that $2 million in capital credits will be retired in December. Attorney John T. Wright then announced the results of the election of directors. Incumbents Cathy Roberts, District 5 Representative and Jane Roberson, District 6 Representative, were reelected to serve three more years.

At the conclusion of the meeting, there were drawings for over 100 prizes donated by our generous vendors. The grand prize winner of a $500.00 VISA gift card, drawn from members present at the meeting, were Marie and Mark McDonald pictured along with their grandson Asher of Hawkins and myself.
To thank those who took the time to vote in the elections, early ballots received by Sept. 26, 2022, were entered into an Early Bird Prize Drawing for a $500 Visa Card, and the winners were David and Dixie Yarbrough of Mineola. 
Also, all who voted were entered into a drawing for 1 of 20 $100 electricity credits. Those prize winners are:
Congratulations to all the winners!

In Your Service,
Trey Teaff
GM & CEO
Wrap up in Energy Savings
As the seasons change and the scarves and jackets move to the front of closets, cut the chill and your bill, with these energy efficiency tips:
 
Adjust your thermostat
As the temperatures outside fluctuate, adjust your thermostat inside. Set it no higher than 68 degrees while you're home and be sure to lower the temperature when you go to bed or leave your house.
 
Wear warm clothes
Instead of turning up the heat in your house, try layering clothing and putting on socks to keep you warm. Making slight modifications in the way you dress can reduce the need to adjust the thermostat.
 
Open the drapes
Open the drapes and let the sunshine in. Opening the drapes during the day allows the sun's heat to come inside and provide warmth. At night, when temperatures drop, close the drapes to keep the heat from escaping.
 
Reverse the direction of ceiling fans
Reverse the direction of ceiling fans to a clockwise motion. Changing the direction of the fan will pull the cool air up from the ground while pushing warm air that's near the ceiling downwards. To make this change, turn the fan off and locate the direction switch near the fan's motor. Flip the switch and turn the fan on again to make sure the blades are now moving in a clockwise direction.
 
Seal the cracks
Doors and windows should close firmly and snugly to prevent cold air drafting in. Dirt and debris are the main culprits behind drafts, so clean the tracks and jambs. Also, check weather stripping and replace any that's worn or that you can feel air flow through. Lastly, check the seals around any pipes, wires and vents that enter the house. Using insulating foam sealant is a good way to plug gaps.

Living an energy efficient lifestyle takes a little bit of work, but it's worth the effort in savings!
Safety Tip of the Month
Holiday Entertaining Safety Checklists
As the holiday season approaches, use these tips to ensure that your home is ready for guest and fun activities.
Fire Safety
  • Test your smoke alarms monthly and make sure your house is protected by an adequate number of working alarms. Smoke alarms should be installed in each bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of your home.
  • Share your fire escape plan, including the location of your outside meeting place, with any overnight guests. Everyone should know at least two ways out of each room in your home.
  • Keep halls, stairs and doorways properly illuminated and free of clutter and other objects that could hinder an escape during a fire emergency.
  • Consider having older guests or those with mobility issues sleep on the ground floor.
Decorating Safety
  • Avoid overloading electrical outlets, which can overheat and cause a fire.
  • Do not place extension cords where they could be tripping hazards.
  • Do not run extension cords under rugs or furniture.
  • Keep decorations at least 3 feet away from heat sources, including space heaters and fireplaces.
  • Keep young visitors in mind: Place cords, breakables, candles and other potentially dangerous items out of children’s reach.
  • Turn off and unplug decorations before leaving home or going to sleep.
  • Use only weatherproof electrical devices for outside activities. Protect outdoor electrical devices from moisture.
Energy Efficiency Tip of the Month
Is your home heating system ready for the winter chill? One of the easiest ways to keep your system running efficiently is to regularly replace filters. If your central air system has a furnace filter, it should be replaced about every 90 days.
 
If your home is heated through warm-air registers, baseboard heaters or radiators, remember to clean regularly to boost efficiency.