Announcements
Offices to be closed May 27 for Memorial Day
First Electric selects three students for Youth Tour to D.C.
American Red Cross Bloodmobile at Benton office May 16
First Electric offering $1,000 reward following copper theft
U.S. Senate declares April 18, 2013, National Lineman Appreciation Day
Doug Rye to share ways to improve energy efficiency
First Electric chairman elected to CFC board
Meeting shows tree workers electrical hazards
Scholarship applications due by April 1
Nonprofits receive $11,300 through Operation Round-Up
First Electric returns more than $7.189 million to members
First Electric holding Toys for Tots drive
First Electric crew dispatched to New York to aid in restoration
Hicks Family Farms donates $200 to Operation Round-Up
Electric cooperatives co-sponsor Honor Flight for veterans
Members win energy efficiency mini makeovers
Nonprofits receive $16,325 through Operation Round-Up
First Electric selling Marathon water heaters online
Scam claims “Obama” bank routing number will pay bill
First Electric members re-elect Crockett to board
First Electric Cooperative awards five scholarships
Nonprofits receive $17,750 through Operation Round-Up
First Electric sending three students on Youth Tour
Avoid electrical hazards while planting trees
Members win bill credits for completing survey
First Electric presents Cabot school with Energy Star certificate
Perry County chamber recognizes First Electric
Offices to be closed May 27 for Memorial Day
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First Electric business offices will be closed Monday, May 27, in observance of Memorial Day. Outages may be reported at any time by calling 888-827-3322.
First Electric selects three students for Youth Tour to D.C.
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First Electric is sponsoring three high school students on the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour, an all-expense-paid trip to the nation’s capital June 15-20.
Heber Springs High School juniors Caitlyn Crowder and Brianna Hooker and North Pulaski High School junior Emily Long will explore Washington, D.C., with students from the 16 other Arkansas electric cooperatives. The group will join 1,500 students from across the country as they learn about electric cooperatives, tour historic sites and museums and meet members of the Arkansas Congressional Delegation.
The three were selected from among 30 applicants based on information provided in an application as well as an interview.
First Electric thanks all applicants and encourages students to apply beginning Feb. 1 for the 2014 Youth Tour. More information on the program, including a short video featuring the three 2012 Youth Tour participants, is available by clicking here.
American Red Cross Bloodmobile at Benton office May 16
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First Electric Cooperative’s Benton district office at 7163 Alcoa Road will host a blood drive Thursday, May 16. The American Red Cross Bloodmobile will be in the parking lot from noon to at least 4 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, but donors also may schedule an appointment by clicking here or by calling 800-RED-CROSS.
First Electric offering $1,000 reward following copper theft
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First Electric is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual or individuals responsible for the theft and destruction of co-op property in Perryville.
Approximately 2,800 members experienced two briefs outages May 1 following the 3 a.m. copper theft at the substation at 1372 N. Fourche Ave.
Thieves cut the main copper grounds from a regulator and the ground grid. Their actions energized the area and created a fire before a significant amount of copper could be taken. First Electric employees were able to bypass the damaged regulator and ground grid and make repairs without shutting down the substation, which would have increased the outage time by hours.
First Electric strives to maintain our system so that members have reliable, affordable power. Destruction or theft of First Electric property can result in injury, death, fire, power outages and/or loss of property. Anyone with information may contact law enforcement at 501-889-2333.
U.S. Senate declares April 18, 2013, National Lineman Appreciation Day
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First Electric joins the U.S. Senate in recognizing April 18, 2013, as National Lineman Appreciation Day. The Senate passed a resolution Wednesday honoring linemen for their efforts at keeping power flowing.
First Electric has 88 linemen who work in the field restoring power during outages and maintaining distribution lines and equipment. Across the nation, more than 19,000 men and women maintain 2.5 million miles of line for electric co-ops, public power districts and public utility districts.
“The caliber of our linemen is top notch,” President/CEO Don Crabbe said. “Each and every member of our line crews should be commended for their hard work in delivering safe and reliable power to our members.”
A bill introduced by U.S. Sens. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) “recognizing linemen, the profession of linemen, the contributions of these brave men and women who protect public safety” was passed by unanimous consent. The resolution resolves that these workers …
- are steeped in personal, family and professional tradition;
- are often first responders during storms and other catastrophic events, working to make the scene safe for other public safety heroes;
- work with thousands of volts of electricity high atop power lines 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to keep electricity flowing;
- must often work under dangerous conditions far from their families to construct and maintain the energy infrastructure of the United States;
- and put their lives on the line every day with little recognition from the community regarding the danger of their work.
Doug Rye to share ways to improve energy efficiency
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First Electric members will be able to ask questions of the “King of Caulk and Talk” when energy efficiency expert Doug Rye speaks at the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton. The free seminar is open to the public and will begin at 6:30 p.m. May 14 in the Plaza. (For directions, click here.)
“I’ll teach simple, feasible, commonsense and proven methods that will make both new and existing homes more efficient,” Rye said. “And that can mean more comfort and lower utility bills.”
Rye hosts "Home Remedies," a show focusing on energy efficiency that airs on radio stations in several states. The licensed architect is a consultant for the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas and writes a monthly column for Arkansas Living magazine on ways cooperative members can reduce their energy bills. For more information on Doug Rye, click here.
First Electric chairman elected to CFC board
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Robert Hill, chairman
of the First Electric Cooperative Board of Directors, was seated on the board of directors of the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation at its annual meeting Feb. 18 in New Orleans.
Hill also serves on the board of directors and the audit committee of Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation. He is a certified public accountant (inactive) and the owner and chair of Hill Investments LLC. He is a member of the Perryville United Methodist Church, Perryville Lions Club and the American Tree Farmers Association and is a former member of the U.S. Army National Guard. Hill and his wife, Lolly, reside in Perryville.
CFC is governed by a democratically elected, 23-member board of directors. The board represents 11 districts, with one at-large position. Directors are elected for a three-year term and can serve a maximum of two consecutive terms.
The nonprofit finance cooperative was created and is owned by America’s electric cooperative network. With approximately $20 billion in assets, CFC is committed to providing unparalleled industry expertise, flexibility and responsiveness to serve the needs of its member-owners. CFC is headquartered in Dulles, Va.
Meeting shows tree workers electrical hazards
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| Serviceman By Deweese demonstrates the danger of coming into contact with an energized line. |
Area tree workers saw firsthand the hazards of contacting energized power lines during a tailgate safety meeting in Little Rock on March 19.
The free electric hazard awareness and arc demonstration was sponsored by Pinnacle Arborist Supplies, Little Rock Urban Forestry and First Electric Cooperative.
“We’ve had two fatalities in central Arkansas, and we want to make all of the tree trimmers and groundsmen aware of the dangers of coming into contact with energized lines,” said Robbie Hudson, urban forester with the city of Little Rock.
About 80 people met at Kanis Park and watched as First Electric construction inspector Gary Dickson and serviceman By Deweese explained how the electrical system worked and showed the conductivity of objects, such as branches, boards and rope, that tree workers come across on the job.
Peter Rausch, forester and consulting arborist, spoke on the training and safety equipment available to tree workers. He also went over safety protocols, such as looking twice to find all power lines before beginning a job and staying away from fences and other structures while working.
Tim Felty, First Electric right-of-way maintenance supervisor, said a tree should be considered energized if any part of it is touching a power line. He encouraged those present to call First Electric at 800-489-7405 any time they had a job that involved trees or limbs within 15 feet of the co-op’s power lines. (First Electric serves portions of 17 counties in central and southeast Arkansas. Tree workers also can call if they are unsure of the service provider.)
“First Electric can clear the limbs until they are a minimum safe distance and let you finish the job,” Felty said. “We won’t charge you or the member.”
Felty also told them to be aware of pad-mounted transformers while cutting down trees and call First Electric if a tree falls on one so that the co-op’s employees can make sure the equipment is not damaged.
First Electric members with right-of-way questions may call the co-op at 800-489-7405. Right-of-way personnel will determine if a tree is too close to a line. If it is, they either will remove the tree or trim its branches free of charge. Right-of-way guidelines state the tree should be no closer than 15 feet from a main line and no closer than five feet from the line connecting the home to the transformer.
Scholarship applications due by April 1
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As part of First Electric's commitment to community, the cooperative awards five $2,000 scholarships to area high school seniors each year.
Students may visit their school's counselor, a First Electric office or click here for an application.
To be eligible for the scholarships, which are funded through the Operation Round-Up program, applicants must be a high school senior whose parents or guardians are First Electric members. They must have a minimum 3.0 grade-point average through their senior year of high school and attend an accredited institute of higher learning in Arkansas on a full-time basis.
Applications are due by April 1. Call 800-489-7405 for more information.
Nonprofits receive $11,300 through Operation Round-Up
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Twelve nonprofit organizations received donations through First Electric Cooperative's Operation Round-Up program in December. Community members on the Operation Round-Up Board of Trustees approved $11,300 in donations.
- In Cleburne County, Cleburne County Cares received $1,000.
- In Faulkner County, Community Action Program for Central Arkansas received $1,000.
- In Grant County, Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Grant County received $1,000.
- In Lonoke County, Cabot Christmas Alliance and Ward Public Library each received $1,000.
- In Perry County, Partners For Progress received $1,000, and Perry County Fair Association received $400.
- In Prairie County, Prairie County Single Parent Scholarship Fund received $1,000.
- In Pulaski County, Little Rock Air Force Base First Sergeants Council received $1,500, Fishnet Missions of Jacksonville received $1,000 and Reed's Bridge Battlefield Preservation Society received $400.
- In Yell County, Yell County Single Parent Scholarship Fund received $1,000.
The program is possible thanks to the generosity of First Electric members who enrolled in Operation Round-Up and agree to have their electric bill rounded up to the next even dollar amount each month. That money - more than $584,800 since 1998 - funds nonprofit donations and student scholarships. To sign up, click here or call 800-489-7405.
First Electric returns more than $7.189 million to members
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The First Electric Cooperative Board of Directors approved a record-setting refund of $7.189 million to members this year.
Any revenue that is not needed to maintain the cost of providing service is assigned back to each First Electric member in the form of capital credits. Capital credit refunds are one of the major differences between a not-for-profit electric cooperative, such as First Electric, and an investor-owned electric company.
Capital credits are assigned to each account annually and refunded when financial conditions permit. How much members receive is based on how much electricity they used during the year or years that are being refunded. This year's calculation represents a complete retirement of 1985 and a portion of all years thereafter through 2011.
Capital credit checks were mailed Dec. 10. Members whose refund was less than $20 received a credit on their December electric bill.
This refund of $7.189 million is the largest retirement on record for First Electric. Throughout First Electric's 75-year history, more than $60.4 million has been refunded to members.
First Electric holding Toys for Tots drive
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First Electric Cooperative is participating in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program that ensures thousands of young Arkansans have a gift to open Christmas morning.
"First Electric employees hope you join us in sharing the Christmas spirit with children in need," CEO/President Don Crabbe said.
People may drop off new, unwrapped toys in the lobbies of First Electric's offices through Dec. 7. Locations include: 1000 South J.P. Wright Loop Road in Jacksonville, 7163 Alcoa Road in Benton, 150 Industrial Park Road in Heber Springs, 801 South Fourche in Perryville and 1824 S. Main St. in Stuttgart.
First Electric employees will take the toys to the annual Toy Hill sponsored by KSSN-FM on Friday, Dec. 7. Toy Hill will be held in the Clear Channel Metroplex parking lot at 10800 Colonel Glenn Road in Little Rock.
First Electric crew dispatched to New York to aid in restoration
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Seven First Electric Cooperative linemen were dispatched Saturday to assist with power restoration efforts in New York. The outages are the result of Hurricane Sandy.
Crews from Clay County Electric Cooperative of Corning, North Arkansas Electric Cooperative of Salem and Mississippi County Electric Cooperative of Blytheville also will make the 1,300-mile trek. These crews are in addition to Arkansas Electric Cooperatives Inc. crews entering their second week of assistance.
"The crews from Clay County, First, Mississippi County and North Arkansas will assist Long Island Power once they complete the 1,300-mile trek," said Doug Evans, AECI manager of safety and loss control. "The Arkansas crews will join more than 11,000 workers that are restoring service to approximately 270,000 Long Island Power consumers that are still out." The utility reported that power has been returned to more than 700,000 customers.
AECI crew members are working for Orange and Rockland Utilities based in Pearl River, N.Y. The subsidiary of Consolidated Edison Inc. reports that about 250,000 customers were without service at the peak of the outage, and approximately 61,800 are currently without service.
"Our crews continue to restore service to residents in and around the Suffern, N.Y., area," said Pat McClafferty, vice president of utility sales and services for AECI. "The consumers are very thankful for the work that our men are doing. Our crews are working long days in less than perfect conditions. However, they are dedicated to working as efficiently and safely as possible to restore power."
Hicks Family Farms donates $200 to Operation Round-Up
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Hicks Family Farms Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch has given $200 to First Electric’s Operation Round-Up program, which funds donations to area nonprofit organizations and scholarships for high school seniors.
Owners Kevin and Rebekah Hicks donated $2 of every admission after 4 p.m. Oct. 13 to Operation Round-Up. Hicks Family Farms features pony rides, a pumpkin patch, a corn maze, games and more. It is located just east of Cabot at 184 Lasiter Road. Visit the Hicks Family Farms website for more information. Visit First Electric’s Facebook album for photos of the event.
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| Tonya Everhart, First Electric Cooperative vice president of marketing and communications, accepts a check for $200 from Kevin and Rebekah Hicks and their son, Cody, for the cooperative’s Operation Round-Up program. |
Electric cooperatives co-sponsor Honor Flight for veterans
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Nearly 170 World War II veterans will visit memorials dedicated in their honor during a trip to Washington, D.C., on Oct. 20, as part of the first official Honor Flight from Little Rock.
Thanks to major donations from Tyson Foods, Inc., the Walmart Foundation and the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas, two commercial jets have been chartered to fly 168 veterans free of charge from Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport in Little Rock to Washington, D.C., and back. The group, which will include veterans as old as 94, will see the World War II Memorial as well as other military memorials during their day in the nation's capital.
"We are truly honored to be partnering with Tyson Foods and Walmart to provide this experience for our state's World War II veterans," said Duane Highley, president and chief executive officer for Arkansas Electric Cooperatives Inc. and Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corp. "The sacrifices they made as young men and women ensured the freedoms we have today. We are proud to play a part in helping them see firsthand the national memorial dedicated to their service."
Flight organizers encourage the public to be at the Little Rock National Airport terminal at 7:30 p.m. to be part of a special return reception for the veterans. The Arkansas Army National Guard will provide the Color Guard and the Army Quartet Band. The state of Arkansas adjutant general will meet the flights in D.C. and travel with the veterans on the tour of their memorial.
Honor Flight Network is a national nonprofit organization that started seven years ago in Ohio, with six small planes taking a dozen World War II veterans to see their memorial. Tyson and Walmart have been the primary sponsors of five Honor Flights from the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport since 2009.
Members win energy efficiency mini makeovers
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First Electric Cooperative has chosen five members to receive energy efficiency mini makeovers worth up to $5,000 for their homes. Winners were selected from the applications First Electric members submitted for the 2012 Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas $50,000 Energy Efficiency Makeover Contest.
The goal of the mini makeover program is to show that a modest investment can make homes more comfortable and more energy efficient, which can reduce members’ energy bills.
“We are confident that each of these winners will see an improvement in their energy usage and the comfort level of their homes,” said Tonya Everhart, vice president of marketing and communications.
First Electric marketing representatives will perform a diagnostic energy audit before work starts and after it is completed. During a diagnostic energy audit, they use a blower door test, duct blaster and infrared camera to locate thermal deficiencies and air infiltration and leakage that cause high energy consumption and an uncomfortable home.
Marketing representatives will tailor improvements to each home to make the most of each makeover. Projects may include: installation of a Marathon water heater with a timer, tune-up of the heating and cooling system, installation of a programmable thermostat and update of lighting to compact fluorescent bulbs. In addition, contractors will inspect and repair duct work where needed and install additional attic and floor insulation. Caulking and weather-stripping around windows and doors also will be done to prevent air infiltration.
Mini makeover winners are: Rick and Arran Whitaker of Alexander; Brady and Ginger Ervin of Heber Springs; Todd and Valerie Dillon of Searcy; Boyd and Kathy Kincade of Perryville; and Wilbur and Lorene Harris of DeWitt.
Visit First Electric’s Facebook album for more photos of the makeovers.
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Brady and Ginger Ervin of Heber Springs were selected as the mini makeover winners in First Electric's Heber Springs district. |
Nonprofits receive $16,325 through Operation Round-Up
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Eleven nonprofit organizations received a total of$16,325 through First Electric Cooperative’s Operation Round-Up program this quarter.
Operation Round-Up is funded by First Electric members who allow their electric bills to be rounded
up to the next even dollar amount each month. That money – a yearly average of $6 per member –is held in an account and administered quarterly by nine community members on the Operation Round-Up Board of Trustees.
“Like these 11 local nonprofit organizations, First Electric works to improve the quality of life for those we serve,” said President/CEO Don Crabbe. “We thank the members who participate in Operation Round-Up for their willingness to help the cooperative support the community.”
The following organizations received fundsthis quarter:
Cleburne County:
- Christian Health Center – $2,000;
- Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Cleburne County – $1,500.
Grant County:
- Literacy Council of Grant County – $600.
Lonoke County:
- Lonoke County Museum – $1,000.
Perry County:
- Cherry Hill Volunteer Fire Department – $3,600;
- Hands to Larger Service – $500;
- Hollis Volunteer Fire Department – $2,000;
- Nimrod/Aplin Fire Department – $2,600.
Pulaski County:
- North Pulaski Community Center – $1,000.
Saline County:
- Avilla Extension Homemakers Club – $1,025;
- CADC Bryant Senior Activity Center – $500.
Since Operation Round-Up was formed in 1998, more than $569,000 has been raised for donations to area nonprofit organizations and scholarships for high school seniors.
First Electric members are encouraged to participate in Operation Round-Up, and nonprofit organizations in the cooperative’s area are urged to apply for funding. Applications and sign-up information may be found here or by calling 800-489-7405. For the more photos of the second quarter Operation Round-Up recipients, visit the cooperative's Facebook album.
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| Operation Round-Up Trustee Ruth Ann Alley, third from left, presents donations to representatives of the Cherry Hill Volunteer Fire Department, Hollis Volunteer Fire Department and Nimrod/Aplin Fire Department. |
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| Literacy Council of Grant County receives a $600 donation from First Electric Cooperative’s Operation Round-Up program. Pictured, from left, are Director JoAnn Click and Operation Round-Up Trustee Lois Burks. |
First Electric selling Marathon water heaters online
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First Electric Cooperative has launched an online store so that members may purchase Marathon water heaters from home or at one of the cooperative’s five offices.
“The online store is an additional service for our members,” said Tonya Everhart, vice president of marketing and communications. “Members can purchase a water heater online and have it shipped right to their door, or they can have it ready for pickup at a First Electric office in Jacksonville, Benton, Heber Springs, Perryville or Stuttgart.”
To visit the store, click here.
First Electric members receive a discount on the 10 Marathon water heater models available at the online store. For example, a 40-gallon electric water heater – one of the most popular models – costs $715, but members may purchase it for $665.
The online store accepts Visa, MasterCard or Discover.
Members who purchase a water heater at one of the cooperative’s offices also may pay with cash or check and, with approved credit, may be eligible for a six-month installment plan and/or financing. Those financing services are not available for online purchases.
“We believe in the quality of Marathon water heaters and are excited about the ability to sell them online in addition to our offices,” Everhart said. “They have a lifetime warranty against leaks and rust, are energy efficient and easy to install.”
Members who have questions about the online store may call 800-489-7405 for assistance.
Scam claims “Obama” bank routing number will pay bill
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First Electric Cooperative wants members to be aware of a scam that is threatening the identities of thousands of victims across the country.
As part of the scam, the scammers advise victims that they are part of a program developed by President Obama to pay their electric bill for them. The scammers continue by telling victims that to participate in the program, they have to register their Social Security Number.
The unsuspecting victims give scammers the Social Security Number, and in return the scammers supposedly give a Federal Reserve Bank routing number to use to pay their bill electronically.
At this point, the scammers have the name and Social Security Number of the victims, which is all they need to commit identity theft.
The victims are left thinking they have valid banking information and attempt to make an electronic payment online through their utility. In some instances, victims may think the program is valid because it will appear that the payment has processed when the account shows a zero balance.
Unfortunately, these payments are rejected by the bank as a fraudulent account number and returned to the utility in a manner similar to a returned check.
Ultimately, victims are left owing their utility bill and possibly returned-check fees, as well as losing their identity.
First Electric strongly urges members never to give out their Social Security Number or financial information to anyone claiming to be associated with this program, or any similar programs, that are claiming to provide this type of assistance.
Anyone who has been contacted by one of these scammers, or is a victim of this scam, is encouraged to contact the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office on its Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-482-8982.
First Electric members re-elect Crockett to board
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First Electric Cooperative held its annual membership meeting June 28 at the cooperative’s headquarters in Jacksonville. Members, voting by mail-in ballot, re-elected Jimmie Crockett to serve a six-year term on the cooperative’s board of directors.
Crockett, a lifelong resident of Rose Bud, has served on the board since 1974 and represents members in Cleburne, Independence, Stone and White counties.
The 2012 First Electric Board of Directors also includes: Chairman Robert Hill, Perryville; Vice Chairman Larry Wood, Lonoke; Secretary-Treasurer Robert Maertens, Benton; Peggy Cusick, Benton; Tom Hasty, Almyra; Rick Love, Jacksonville; David Luebke, Scott.
First Electric members who returned their ballots were entered in a drawing for prizes. This year’s prizes included five $200 credits for electricity, five panini presses and five cordless driver drills.
The 2011 Annual Report also was discussed during the meeting. The cooperative ended 2011 with more than $417 million in total assets, and more than $3.8 million was returned to members in the form of capital credit checks.
First Electric Cooperative awards five scholarships
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Five high school graduates have been awarded $2,000 scholarships through First Electric’s member-supported Operation Round-Up program. Applications were evaluated by an independent committee, and recipients were chosen based on scholastic achievement, community involvement and financial need.
Recipients are:
Nathan Nelson, son of Justin and Robin Nelson of Paron, plans to attend Arkansas State University and study physical therapy and sports management.
Rachel Quinnelly, daughter of Kenn and Debra Quinnelly of Heber Springs, plans to attend Arkansas State University-Heber Springs and major in nursing.
Linsey Holland, daughter of Bobby and Jennifer Holland of Austin, plans to attend Arkansas State University-Beebe and major in animal science.
Tiffani Myers, daughter of Pam Dickerson of Bigelow, plans to attend University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton and major in business.
Amber Bell, daughter of Lisa Bell of Tichnor, plans to attend Pulaski Technical College and major in psychology.
First Electric members who participate in Operation Round-Up volunteer to have their monthly electric bill rounded up to the next even dollar amount. That money is held in a trust and distributed as scholarships to high school seniors and as donations to area nonprofit organizations that serve in First Electric’s service area. Members may enroll by calling 800-489-7405 or by clicking here.
Nonprofits receive $17,750 through Operation Round-Up
[General]
The generosity of thousands of First Electric Cooperative members has provided 22 area nonprofit organizations with $17,750 in donations through Operation Round-Up.
The program is funded by First Electric members who allow their electric bills to be rounded up to the next even dollar amount. That money – a yearly average of $6 per member – is held in an account and administered quarterly by nine members on the Operation Round-Up Board of Trustees.
“Improving the quality of life for our members is First Electric’s mission,” said President/CEO Don Crabbe. “Operation Round-Up allows First Electric to support local nonprofit organizations that have the same goal.”
The following organizations received funds this quarter:
Garland County:
- Literacy Council of Garland County − $500
Lonoke County:
- Sixteenth Section Community Park − $500
- South Bend Firefighters Association, which also serves part of Pulaski County − $1,000
- Kohen's Park Foundation − $1,000
- CASA of Lonoke County − $1,000
- Lonoke County Christian Clinic − $1,000
- Woodlawn Extension Homemakers Club − $1,000
Perry County:
- Stony Point Volunteer Fire Department − $1,000
- Hollis Improvement Council − $500
- Perry County Historical Museum − $750
- Perry County Single Parent Scholarship Fund − $1,000
Pulaski County:
- Pulaski County 4-H Shooting Sports − $500
- Pulaski County Council for Communities, Children & Youth − $500
- Little Rock Air Force Base First Sergeants Council − $1,500
Saline County:
- The Vine & The Branches Inc. − $500
- Saline County Law Enforcement Chaplaincy Association Inc. − $500
- Saline County 4-H Shooting Sports Club – $500
- Habitat For Humanity of Saline County − $1,000
- Shaw Fire Department − $1,000
Stone County:
- Stone County Single Parent Scholarship Fund − $1,000
White County:
- Dr. Robert E. Elliott Foundation − $500
- Hopewell Volunteer Fire Department − $1,000
Since Operation Round-Up was formed in 1998, more than $553,000 has been raised for donations to nonprofit organizations and scholarships for high school seniors.
All First Electric members are encouraged to participate in Operation Round-Up, and nonprofit organizations in the cooperative’s area are urged to apply for funding. Applications and sign-up information may be found at http://www.firstelectric.coop/community/operation-round-up or by calling 800-489-7405.
For the more photos of this quarter's Operation Round-Up recipients, visit the cooperative's Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.296339247124231.67455.145605785530912&type=3&l=bac9c3b285.
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| Lonoke County Christian Clinic receives a $1,000 donation from First Electric's Operation Round-Up program. Pictured, from left, are: Operation Round-Up Trustees Reedie Ray and Lois Ann Bryant, volunteer registered nurse Becky True and Operation Round-Up Trustee JoAnn Harkey. |
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| Perry County Historical Museum receives a $750 donation from First Electric's Operation Round-Up program. Pictured, from left, are: museum Board Members Arnold Hill and Karen Brazil, Operation Round-Up Trustee Ruth Ann Alley, museum Board Member Mauretta Frantz and Perryville District Manager James Branscum. |
First Electric sending three students on Youth Tour
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First Electric Cooperative will send three area high school students to the nation’s capital on the 2012 Electric Cooperative Youth Tour.
Fountain Lake High School student Jacob deLinde of Lonsdale, Heber Springs High School student Andrew Powell of Heber Springs and Rose Bud High School student Madisyn Swaffar of Quitman will go on the all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., on June 16-21. They will join 1,500 students from across the country as they learn about electric cooperatives, tour historic sites and talk with Arkansas
senators and representatives.
Students were selected based on information provided in an application, an essay on three energy-efficiency improvements they would make to their homes and an interview.
First Electric thanks all applicants and encourages students to apply for the Youth Tour next year.
More information on the program may be found here or at http://www.facebook.com/FirstElectric.
Avoid electrical hazards while planting trees
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Many First Electric Cooperative members plant trees during the spring, especially around National Arbor Day, which falls on April 27 this year.
Adding trees to the landscape provides many environmental and beautification benefits, but First Electric wants to make sure members remember a few electrical safety tips while choosing a tree’s location and while digging.
Planting tips to remember include:
- Consider mature height of trees. Ground-hugging shrubs and small trees that reach no more than 20 feet in height can be planted near overhead lines; however, trees never should be planted directly under power lines. Trees that mature to less than 40 feet tall should be planted no closer than 25 feet from the power line. Trees that exceed 40 feet in height should be planted no closer than 65 feet from lines. Trees that grow too close to lines will have to be trimmed or removed.
- Do not plant near underground utility services. Tree roots can grow to interfere with underground pipes, cables and wires. Future repairs to these facilities also could damage the health and beauty of nearby plants and trees, or even require removal.
- Keep areas around electric meters, transformers and other electrical equipment free of vegetation that could limit utility service access.
- Call 811 to reach the local “Call Before You Dig” center at least 48 hours before digging. Utilities then will mark the location of underground services at no charge. This prevents accidental contact, damage and injuries.
Members win bill credits for completing survey
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Congratulations to Michelle of Bryant, Larry of Cabot, Charles of Mabelvale, Jessie of North Little Rock and David of Benton for winning $100 bill credits from First Electric Cooperative. The five were selected randomly from those who submitted a member survey by March 30. Results from surveys allow First Electric to serve members better, and we appreciate everyone who completed one.
First Electric presents Cabot school with Energy Star certificate
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Jacksonville, Ark., March 14, 2012 – First Electric Cooperative presented the Cabot School District with an Energy Star certificate acknowledging Cabot Junior High South as an Energy Star-certified facility during the March 13 school board meeting.
Cabot Junior High South's Energy Star certification through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency signifies that the building performs in the top 25 percent of similar facilities nationwide for energy efficiency and meets strict energy efficiency performance levels set by the EPA.
Commercial buildings that earn EPA's Energy Star certification use an average of 35 percent less energy than typical buildings and also release 35 percent less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. The Cabot School District maintains its energy performance by managing energy strategically across the entire system.
The school is the first in Arkansas to receive the designation, according to www.energystar.gov. This achievement was realized following an energy audit of the school by First Electric Cooperative through a partnership with Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas and Powers Energy Services.
"First Electric Cooperative serves nine schools within the Cabot district," Marketing Representative David Copeland said. "We hope the district is able to take some of the recommendations from the audit and apply them to the other campuses."
EPA's Energy Star energy performance scale helps organizations assess how efficiently their buildings use energy relative to similar buildings nationwide. A building that scores a 75 or higher on EPA's 1-100 scale may be eligible for Energy Star certification. Cabot Junior High South scored an 86.
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| Cabot School District Board President Dean Martin, center, accepts an Energy Star certificate acknowledging Cabot Junior High South as an Energy Star-certified facility from First Electric Cooperative Marketing Representative David Copeland, left, and Powers Energy Services Vice President David Lisenbee. |
Perry County chamber recognizes First Electric
[General]
Jacksonville, Ark., Feb. 13, 2012 – First Electric Cooperative's Perryville district was recognized as the 2011 Business of the Year during the Perry County Area Chamber of Commerce's annual banquet Feb. 9.
Chamber President Ed Brown presented the award to First Electric Board Chairman Robert Hill, President/CEO Don Crabbe, Chief Operating Officer Brad Ford and Marketing Representative Doug Brandon.
The Perryville district also received a senate citation from Sen. Jason Rapert that noted the cooperative's "enviable reputation of service" in supplying energy to its members as well as supporting community events and organizations. The citation also stated: "For seven decades, First Electric has furnished parts of Perry, Conway, Pulaski and Yell Counties with their energy needs and today 21 employees serve some 7,200 member accounts in the area, maintain 800 miles of power line, operate six sub-stations and promote energy-efficient practices for its consumers."
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| First Electric Cooperative is recognized as the 2011 Business of the Year during the Perry County Area Chamber of Commerce's annual banquet Feb. 9. Pictured, from left, are: Chief Operating Officer Brad Ford, First Electric Board Chairman Robert Hill of Perryville, Marketing Representative Doug Brandon, chamber President Ed Brown and First Electric President/CEO Don Crabbe. | Sen. Jason Rapert, right, presents First Electric Cooperative Marketing Representative Doug Brandon with a senate citation that recognizes the cooperative's Perryville district during the Perry County Area Chamber of Commerce's annual banquet Feb. 9. |
