PEC Press Releases

Six high school students win trip to Washington, D.C., in Youth Tour contest

2010-12-03 00:00:00Z

December 3, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Six high school students win trip to Washington, D.C., in Youth Tour contest

Six area students have been selected as winners of Pedernales Electric’s 2011 Youth Tour essay contest and have won a trip during which they will tour historic sites and meet local political representatives in Washington, D.C., June 9–17, 2011. The six winners are Kelsey Abbott, Lago Vista High School; Michelle Brucato, Jennifer Rudd and Lindsey Ulin, Leander High School; Connor Crawford, Dripping Springs High School; and Alex Crouch, Jack C. Hays High School, Kyle.

Lindsey Ulin, whose essay topic was using algae biofuel as a renewable energy source, said, “We are going to run out of the energy sources we have now, and we need alternatives. There are other options out there that need to be considered.”

Connor Crawford, another Youth Tour winner, said, “Green energy doesn’t have to be complex; it doesn’t have to be fancy. It can be a solution to an everyday problem.” He wrote his essay about using waste to create methane gas.

Other topics included solar energy, glass recycling and using energy generated by exercising humans to power exercise equipment.

This year, 500 high school students competed in the contest, each composing a 700-word essay considering green jobs, products and/or services that would have a positive impact on the energy sector of the Central Texas economy.

“The quality of this year’s entries was exceptional,” said PEC Communications Manager Michael Racis. “The students’ essays were thoughtful, and it was impressive to hear about the many innovative ideas that really could be energy solutions for the Texas Hill Country.”

Twelve students were selected to present their essays at the Lower Colorado River Authority Redbud Center on Nov. 20. An independent panel of judges selected the six students who will join winners from other electric co-ops across the country on the expense-paid June 2011 trip. The national Youth Tour program is sponsored by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

The six alternates are Dylan Haines and Amelia Tate-Looney, Lago Vista High School; Elizabeth Hinderer, Leander High School; Rachal Anne Katerle, Junction High School; Brianna Rose, LBJ High School, Johnson City; and Anna Weinheimer, Jack C. Hays High School, Kyle. One of them will attend the trip in the event that one of the winners cannot attend.

“It’s inspiring to see high school students excited about the future of energy,” said PEC Programs Representative Diana Gonzales, who has been working with the PEC Youth Tour for 21 years. “It’s very possible that many of our 500 contest entrants will end up working in the energy sector.”

To read the winners’ essays, visit PEC’s Youth Tour web page at www.pec.coop. For additional information, call us toll-free at 1-888-554-4732.

PEC partners with local groups for Blanco County coat drive

2010-11-23 00:00:00Z

November 23, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PEC partners with local groups for Blanco County coat drive

PEC employees in Johnson City are teaming up with the Blanco County Future Farmers of America and the Blanco County 4-H Clubs to help make the Blanco County Warm Your Heart Coat Drive a success. As the temperature drops during these winter months, there are those who need a coat but cannot afford one; this community effort will offer warmth to people in need.

Coat collection boxes have been placed in local PEC offices. Collection boxes also have been placed in Blanco and Johnson City schools, area churches and businesses that are participating as “project friends.” People are encouraged to donate new or gently used coats through Wednesday, Dec. 8. Cash donations also are being accepted, and checks should be made payable to the Blanco County Warm Your Heart Coat Drive. Donations are not tax deductible.

The participating school districts will be identifying children and adults in need of coats, which will be distributed on two days in mid-December. The first distribution will be on Tuesday, Dec. 14 at the PEC Training Center in Johnson City. The second distribution will be in Blanco on Thursday, Dec. 16 at the Old Blanco County Courthouse.

“This coat drive is a meaningful way for us to help the less fortunate among us,” said PEC Assistant General Manager Jeanell Davis. “The employees at PEC are friends and neighbors and active members of their community, and getting involved is important to them.”

Johnson City employees teamed up with several local organizations for a coat drive last year and provided more than 200 coats for needy families in the Cooperative’s service area.

More than $14 million in capital credits coming to PEC members in December

2010-11-22 00:00:00Z

November 22, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

More than $14 million in capital credits coming to PEC members in December

Beginning Dec. 1, Pedernales Electric Cooperative will retire more than $14 million in capital credits to current, eligible members in the form of a credit on their bills. Members are eligible for a retirement if they have a positive capital credits balance, have received a September 2010 PEC bill for electric use and are qualified to receive a December bill.

PEC’s Board of Directors voted in its October regular monthly meeting to retire more than $14 million and subsequently fulfill its obligations under the terms of a settlement agreement reached in 2008, which required PEC to distribute $23 million in capital credits by 2012 exclusively to current members. During the past two years, the Board has distributed about $8.7 million.

“There is a good business reason to pay out the remaining settlement balance. It was the last, final step for fulfilling the court agreement. We are pleased to be able to complete this obligation to the members,” PEC District 1 Director Cristi Clement said.

Because PEC is a cooperative, owned by its members, it doesn’t earn profits, but when revenues exceed expenses, the co-op does earn margins. In July, PEC allocated more than $56 million in margins to members in the form of capital credits. These capital credits reflect member ownership in PEC, and the Cooperative uses capital credits to fund operating activities and reduce borrowing, with the intent of later repaying that capital back to members. The December retirement is a portion of this year’s positive margin.

After reviewing the Cooperative’s finances each year, the Board of Directors determines whether a portion of capital credits can be retired to members. The Board also evaluates the method, basis, priority and timing of all capital credits retirements. Because capital credits are based on the amount of electricity a member uses, the retirement amount will vary from member to member and from year to year.

The Cooperative is currently finalizing a new capital credits policy, which will serve as a guide for future capital credits allocations and retirements.

To learn more about capital credits, visit www.pec.coop or call 1-888-554-4732.

PEC to launch redesigned, interactive website

2010-11-19 00:00:00Z

November 19, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PEC to launch redesigned, interactive website

After conducting research and receiving member input, Pedernales Electric Cooperative will launch an innovative new website in December, adding enhanced options and features, including paperless billing, interactive conservation elements, a section for commercial members and more intuitive navigation.

Safety and conservation videos and a Kids Zone to teach children about energy and electrical safety are also part of the newly redesigned website. PEC also plans to add a conservation blog and other elements that will enable members to interact more with the Co-op.

“PEC’s new website is dynamic and uses state-of-the-art technology. It is our goal to make it easier to become more engaged with the Cooperative, as well as to be a good resource for news and information for our members,” said Larry Landaker, president of the PEC Board of Directors. “We want our members to visit our website regularly, and we believe they will find it informative and fun to use.”

Members have long asked for the online ability to, and will now be able to:

• Request to connect, transfer or disconnect service
• Get a bill history dating back 13 months
• Enroll in automatic payments
• Change their payment due date
• Update their contact information
• Sign up for services such as light repair, tree care or an energy audit

PEC members also can access MyUse Energy Analyzer to find out how much electricity they’re using daily, learn about PEC’s community service efforts and sign up for RSS news feeds.

The large-scale website redesign has been under way for almost a year and represents a complete overhaul to the Cooperative’s original website, which was introduced in 2003.

“Our website is one of the primary tools that we use to complete transactions and communicate with our members, so we wanted it to be easier to navigate, to be more interactive and to actually help members save money with custom conservation videos and other features,” said PEC Communications Manager Michael Racis.

Functions of the site have been designed to work nearly the same in all modern and updated browsers, including Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome. The website address, www.pec.coop, remains the same.

For more information, visit www.pec.coop. Call 1-888-554-4732 with questions or comments.

Statement From District 6 Director/Board President Larry Landaker

2010-11-17 00:00:00Z

November 17, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Statement From District 6 Director/Board President Larry Landaker

Note: The following statement was given publicly to members by Pedernales Electric Cooperative Board President and District 6 Director Larry Landaker at the Board's Nov. 15 regular monthly meeting.

At long last, real and meaningful bylaws reform is within the grasp of this Board. The recommendation of the Governance Committee today is the result of a full year of effort, effort that included open meetings of the committee, member input, a special-called meeting of the Board, significant discussion and debate. The process has been fully open and transparent from start to finish. We have sought and found consensus on most matters.

Today we must act. Here is how the chair wishes to proceed. The chairman of the Governance Committee, Director Patrick Cox, will introduce a resolution to adopt a revision of the bylaws. Assuming that it receives a second, we will proceed through the bylaws article by article for the purpose of examining the changes that are being proposed. If any member of the Board wishes to propose an amendment to change the draft, they may do so. An amendment will require a second and a majority of the quorum present (or four votes) to pass it. Each amendment will be considered and debated, then voted on up or down. We will proceed article by article, amendment by amendment, until the process is complete. Once this process is complete, the bylaws will be voted on as a whole. Passage of the bylaws resolution will require a super majority – or two thirds of the quorum present to pass (that is five votes). The bylaws are then adopted.

This is an important and historic day. These bylaws are being considered by a fairly elected Board of Directors. The bylaws are the instrument by which we govern this Cooperative. It is in our best interest to govern by bylaws that are clear, well-defined, and consistent and which, above all else, serve the best interests of our member-owners. And today we must demonstrate to our members, our employees, to the legislature and to the general public that we can govern effectively. Governing this Cooperative is and must remain the responsibility of the member owners.

As I stated before the special-called meeting of the Board, there is not a member present who will get everything they want. I appeal today for unity in the final vote. In the end, it is my fervent hope that these bylaws – regardless of how any amendments play out – will receive the support of the entire Board and pass unanimously.

Statement From District 7 Director Dr. Patrick Cox

2010-11-17 00:00:00Z

November 17, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Statement From District 7 Director Dr. Patrick Cox

Note: The following statement was given publicly to members by Pedernales Electric Cooperative District 7 Director Dr. Patrick Cox at the Board's Nov. 15 regular monthly meeting.

After a long, thorough and open process, today we are completing the work on the new bylaws for the PEC. Many people have asked, "Why is this so important and why does it take so much time and resources?"

The answer does not solely lie in the many improvements and innovations presented here:

No, doubt, these things are important: A new mission statement; fair and democratic elections; the first-ever revolving door provision and term limits for directors.

We're confident the Cooperative and its members will be served well by provisions requiring election of board officers; a prohibition on self-dealing by Directors in a takeover attempt; and elimination of one of the last vestiges of the "old PEC," the position of Advisory director.

But, it's easy to get bogged down or distracted by the numerous details and legal issues we're about to wrap up. As we navigate the final steps, it's worthwhile to consider the overall importance and the path we have taken to present these Bylaws.

The Cooperative's Bylaws contain the bedrock principles and operating procedures, not easily changed, and serve as a contract between the Cooperative and its members.

Notably, this is the first modern set of bylaws that have been developed in a transparent manner in the history of the PEC. The bylaws we will vote on today have been presented to the members for input and discussion, reviewed by legal counsel and will be considered by a democratically elected board.
Through these Bylaws, we are policing ourselves and future Board from the abuses of the past. In both process and substance, we are furthering our stated goal of being a national model for Cooperative governance.

The new PEC bylaws will protect the financial interests of individual members of the cooperative and provide the rules, processes and the organizational structure to strengthen and preserve PEC's proud Cooperative heritage.

Because of the variety of voices heard along the winding Bylaws trail, they have ended up in a structure that will benefit everyone concerned – members, employees, and the board of directors. The bylaws ensure that the cooperative shall adhere to ethical standards and best practices as well as to laws that apply to the organization.

The new bylaws are more concise, easier to read, and will be readily available to members through our web site. As Thomas Jefferson stated, “The essential principles of our Government... form the bright constellation which has gone before us and guided our steps through an age of revolution and reformation.” PEC members have experienced years of turmoil followed by our own democratic revolution. As part of our reformation, members overwhelmingly endorsed our Member Bill of Rights this year. Adoption of the bylaws will finish the job and send a message that we are truly dedicated to the cooperative principles of democratic control and management.

“Important and historic day” as PEC Board approves sweeping bylaws revisions

2010-11-17 00:00:00Z

November 17, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

“Important and historic day” as PEC Board approves sweeping bylaws revisions

Pedernales Electric Cooperative’s Board of Directors unanimously voted Monday, Nov. 15, to approve comprehensive, sweeping revisions to PEC’s bylaws.

“This is the first modern set of bylaws that have been developed in a transparent manner in the history of PEC,” District 7 Director Dr. Patrick Cox said. “In both process and substance, we are furthering our stated goal of being a national model for Cooperative governance.” Cox chairs the Board’s Governance, Bylaws, and Legal Committee, which spearheaded the monumental revision effort.

“This is an important and historic day,” PEC Board President and District 6 Director Larry Landaker agreed. “These bylaws [were] considered by a fairly elected Board of Directors, and the process has been fully open and transparent from start to finish.”

The changes approved Nov. 15 essentially touched each section of the Cooperative’s governing foundation, from preamble language to major provisions regarding director qualifications and director nomination procedures.

A full version of the new bylaws is available at www.pec.coop/CorpProfile/Bylaws.aspx.

Some of the major changes and additions include:

• Director term limits: Establishes a limit of four full three-year terms, with former directors allowed to again run for Board positions after three years out of office. Unlimited three-year terms were the previous standard.

• Elimination of advisory director position: While PEC has had no advisory directors since Lamont Ramage retired June 30, the ability to appoint advisory directors still existed. The new bylaws officially eliminate the paid advisory director position. The ability to appoint volunteer member advisory committees was retained.

• Director removal process: This revision reduced the number of member signatures required on a petition to initiate the process to remove a director to 10 percent of members from the previous 25 percent. A vote of the entire membership would be required if the petition is successful. In addition, a separate disqualification process was added for directors who become out of compliance with qualifications for serving during their terms; the provision establishes due process and requires unanimous approval of the remainder of the Board. Previously, no such process existed for disqualifying directors who become out of compliance with qualifications for serving during their terms.

• Anti-takeover provision: This provision prevents the Board from approving a dissolution or sale of all or substantially all of PEC’s assets if the terms provide for any director or employee to benefit from the sale or dissolution to a greater degree than a similarly situated member who is not a director or employee.

The Board previously implemented updates to the bylaws in 2008, when it solidified election reforms; in early 2009, when it added a one-vote-per-membership provision; and most recently in October, to permit a single vacancy on the Board to continue until a vote of the members fills the spot.

Landaker stressed the bylaws’ overriding importance to PEC’s mission and purpose. “The bylaws are the instrument by which we govern this Cooperative. It is in our best interest to govern by bylaws that are clear, well-defined and consistent, and which, above all else, serve the best interests of our member-owners.”

Cox agreed about the governing basis the revised bylaws provide. “The new bylaws will protect the financial interests of the individual members of the Cooperative and provide the rules, processes and organizational structure to strengthen and preserve PEC’s proud cooperative heritage,” he said. “The bylaws ensure that the Cooperative will adhere to ethical standards and best practices.”

In addition to comments about the bylaws revisions, members at the meeting remarked about PEC’s line extension policy, legal issues, debt collection procedures, easement requirements, expenditures and energy-efficiency programs.

In other action:

• The Cooperative received an award from Texas Mutual Insurance Company for the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of PEC’s workers’ compensation claims program. To receive the award, PEC had to have “a functional safety program in place, have an exceptional worker’s compensation claims experience and demonstrate a superior commitment to safety throughout the entire organization,” according to Tom Norman, a loss-prevention consultant for Texas Mutual who presented the award.

• The Board authorized negotiation of a pole contact agreement with Windstream Communications, which serves the Kerrville and Fredericksburg areas. Pole contact agreements authorize companies like Windstream to pay PEC to use its poles to carry their communications cables.

• President Landaker reported that the Executive Search Committee and executive search firm Mycoff, Fry & Prouse LLC have been in contact with about 150 potential general manager candidates to fill PEC’s open chief executive position. In the near future, the search firm will recommend 10-15 candidates, and finalists will be considered by the end of February 2011. Landaker said the goal is for a new CEO to start in March.

• Erika Holland, executive director of the American Heart Association’s Capital Area Division, recognized PEC employees for again being the top fundraising organization in Central Texas for the recent Austin Start! Heart Walk. PEC employees raised more than $56,000 to benefit heart disease prevention efforts and awareness.

• The Board’s Energy Committee presented certificates of recognition to former Renewables and Conservation Advisory Committee members Charles G. Hooks and Linda Kaye Rogers.

The Board will hold a special-called meeting to discuss the Cooperative’s 2011 budget at 10 a.m. on Dec. 9 at PEC’s E. Babe Smith Headquarters Building in Johnson City. The next regular Board meeting will be held at 10 a.m. on Dec. 20, also at PEC headquarters.

PEC 11/15 Board Press Release

2010-11-16 00:00:00Z

November 16, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PEC 11/15 Board Press Release

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PEC Board discusses potential bylaws changes

2010-10-26 00:00:00Z

October 26, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PEC Board discusses potential bylaws changes

The Pedernales Electric Cooperative Board of Directors held a special meeting Monday, Oct. 25, to discuss and review potential revisions to PEC’s bylaws. The meeting was conducted entirely in open session and included comments from PEC members and staff.

The proposed revisions primarily revolve around 13 key areas, including election procedures and director term limits. At the meeting, the Board reviewed each revision, suggesting edits and providing input for the Board’s Governance, Bylaws and Legal Committee to consider at its Nov. 1 meeting. The committee then will submit a final draft for the Board to consider at its Nov. 15 meeting in Johnson City.

District 6 Director and Board President Larry Landaker stressed how important updating the bylaws is to the operation of the Cooperative. “There are very few things this Board will do that are more important than the consideration of our bylaws,” Landaker said. “It is the bylaws that give our Cooperative its governing authority and ability to function. We currently operate with bylaws that are woefully out of date.”

Member comments at the meeting centered on bylaws language regarding easements, board compensation and single-member district voting. The Board discussed three new bylaws options regarding single-member district voting, including an option to let members vote in 2011 on adopting such a procedure, which would allow members to vote only for director positions in their district. Unless directors approve a change, the 2011 Board election will be conducted using the current system, which allows members to vote for all director positions across the PEC service area.

Other potential bylaws changes include:

Establishing limits of four three-year terms for directors, while allowing former directors to run again for office after being out of office for at least three years. Current bylaws allow for unlimited three-year terms.
Requiring 100 members’ signatures on a petition to nominate a director candidate. All signatures would be required to come from within the candidate’s district. Currently, 50 signatures are required.
Formal elimination of the advisory director position. While the current bylaws allow for the appointment of advisory directors as approved by the Board, PEC doesn’t have anyone serving in this capacity.
Lowering the number of member signatures needed to bring the removal of a Board member up for a vote from 25 percent of all members (about 49,800 members) to 10 percent (about 19,200).
Allowing outstanding balances owed by members or former members to be applied against capital credits.

“We want to propose and adopt a model set of bylaws, not just for our Cooperative, but one that will stand as a model for co-ops throughout the nation,” District 7 Director Dr. Patrick Cox said. “We’ve spent a lot of time working on this.”

The bylaws revisions the Board reviewed at the Oct. 25 meeting, including the entire text of the bylaws and a summarized table of the 13 key areas, are posted in the Board agendas area at www.pec.coop. Member feedback on the proposed changes can be sent to bylaws@peci.com for consideration by the Board. The Cooperative plans to post a final draft of the revised bylaws sometime after the Nov. 1 committee meeting.

Landaker is confident the Cooperative’s efforts to update the bylaws will be successful. “We now have a new, fully elected Board. This effort cannot, and will not end in failure. We must demonstrate that we are capable of self-governance,” he said. “We are all in this together.”

PEC Board approves more than $14 million in capital credits retirement

2010-10-20 00:00:00Z

October 20, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PEC Board approves more than $14 million in capital credits retirement

Pedernales Electric Cooperative’s Board of Directors voted Monday, Oct. 18, to distribute more than $14 million in capital credits to PEC members and to strengthen the Cooperative’s competitive bidding process.

The amount of the capital credits retirement is contingent on PEC receiving a waiver from bond holders by Friday, Oct. 22. The waiver request, which was authorized by the Board in May, would allow PEC to pay the balance of a $23 million settlement agreement reached in 2008. Since 2008 PEC has distributed about $8.7 million, leaving a balance of $14.3 million, but that balance is about $150,000 more than PEC is allowed to distribute under limits set by documents protecting bond holders.

“But we’re clearing the way for accelerating the capital credits distribution — the last, final compliance step for fulfilling the court settlement,” District 1 Director Cristi Clement said.

Clement, who chairs the Board’s Financial Strategies, Contracts and Budget Committee, said retiring the remaining settlement amount ahead of schedule would let the Cooperative focus on a new policy for regular capital credits retirements. She said the committee has been working on that policy and intends to present it to the Board before the end of the year.

If the Cooperative doesn’t receive notice the waiver has been approved by the Friday deadline, it will retire the maximum allowed under the limits required by bond holders. Under the resolution approved by the Board, the credit will be applied to December electric bills.

The Board also voted to rescind a policy that gave PEC the ability to purchase poles, transformers and other materials from the Utility Supply & Service division of Texas Electric Cooperatives (TEC) without seeking competitive bids. The policy had been in effect since 2002.

On Sept. 20, the Board adopted a purchasing policy that strengthens PEC’s competitive bidding process. Rescinding the agreement with TEC will help the Cooperative comply with the new policy.

Several PEC members addressed the Board Monday. Some members shared concerns about the Cooperative’s revised line extension policy, which shifts most of the cost for new infrastructure to the individual members requesting electric service. Other members asked about the role of Board committees, as well as compensation for directors who serve on those committees. Members also shared comments about the TEC agreement and PEC’s competitive bidding process.

In other action:

The Board amended its bylaws to clarify how to address Board vacancies. District 2 Director James E. Williams announced his resignation in September. The bylaws now allow for his seat to remain vacant until the regular Board election next June.
The Board appointed District 5 Director Ross Fischer to serve on the Audit Committee, replacing Williams. District 7 Director Dr. Patrick Cox was appointed to replace Williams on the Executive Search Committee.
The Board adopted a new community giving policy designed to formalize the application and award process, and to centralize oversight of all charitable programs within the Cooperative.
District 6 Director and Board President Larry Landaker announced that the search for a new general manager is on schedule and he expects the Board to receive a list of candidates in November. Landaker estimates the new general manager could be in place by late February or March 2011.
The Board approved the nominations of H-E-B Energy Project Manager Kapp Japhet and Hays Consolidated Independent School District Facilities Director R.C. Herrin to the Energy Advisory Committee, pending their acceptance and completion of the application process.

PEC Board makes progress planning "road map" for Cooperative's future

2010-10-14 00:00:00Z

October 14, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PEC Board makes progress planning "road map" for Cooperative's future

The Pedernales Electric Cooperative Board of Directors held a special meeting Wednesday, Oct. 13, to conduct a strategic planning session. During the meeting, which was conducted in both open and executive sessions, the Board received input from members on the strategic plan, which will establish PEC’s most important business objectives for the next two to five years.

District 6 Director and Board President Larry Landaker expressed optimism in a plan that will offer clarity and direction and will greatly benefit the Cooperative. “Our task is to produce a vision, an idea, a road map for where we hope to see the Cooperative go,” Landaker said. “We owe such a plan to our members, our managers, our employees and – frankly – to ourselves. This plan will reflect the will of our members and leave no doubt about what this Board wants.”

With the help of a facilitator, the Board engaged Wednesday in what Landaker characterized as a “productive and robust debate” about the Cooperative’s future. Directors are expected to have a draft of a strategic plan in about two weeks, and they encourage all members to study it on PEC’s website and offer their feedback. Landaker said the Board’s goal is to have a final strategic plan that can be considered at the Nov. 15 Board meeting.

The directors reviewed issues in 15 subject categories that include power supply, member services, rates and the Cooperative’s business model. The Board spent the session discussing these subjects and formulating a prioritized list of issues most vital to the Cooperative’s future success.

“I look forward to receiving the completed strategic plan from the Board,” said Acting General Manager Luis A. Garcia. “This will give the executive team and the employees the clear leadership we need to continue to provide our members the service and reliability they expect and deserve.”

During the public comment section of the meeting, members spoke about enhancing fiscal responsibility, the search for a new general manager and the exceptional quality of PEC’s field personnel. Members also expressed support for the strategic plan.

“What do we stand for at PEC?” Landaker asked. “What do we value? What are our priorities? With such a plan in place, it eliminates the need for guesswork.”

The next regular Board meeting will be held at 10 a.m. on Oct. 18 at PEC’s E. Babe Smith Headquarters Building in Johnson City.

PEC to upgrade electric system in Cedar Valley area

2010-10-06 00:00:00Z

October 6, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PEC to upgrade electric system in Cedar Valley area

Pedernales Electric Cooperative crews will perform system improvements beginning at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 12, and ending by 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 14, to better serve the growing energy needs of its members. The improvements, which will create additional line capacity and help increase system reliability, will require staggered three-hour interruptions of electric service for about 2,000 members in the Cedar Valley area near Oak Hill, between West Circle Drive and FM 1826. PEC is mailing letters with more specific information to members who will be affected by the upgrades.

“We are excited about this opportunity to upgrade our system,” said Oak Hill District Manager Trey Grebe. “The understanding and cooperation of our members is essential in making this conversion as smooth as possible.”

Crews and contractors from PEC’s Oak Hill office will need access to PEC equipment on members’ property to complete these improvements, as workers will climb poles and use bucket trucks to access transformers and manually perform the improvements. PEC has requested that affected members leave gates unlocked and make sure animals are restrained. In the event of inclement weather, the work will be rescheduled for one week later.

Every effort will be made to restore service as quickly as possible. However, if electricity has not been restored by noon for morning interruptions or 5 p.m. for afternoon interruptions, members should call Laurie Whipple at 1-888-554-4732, Ext. 7923.