Christmas Holiday – Offices Closed
Thanksgiving Holiday – Offices Closed
September 2026
This Month’s Highlights
August 2026
This Month’s Highlights
June 2026
This Month’s Highlights
May 2026
This Month’s Highlights
April 2026
This Month’s Highlights
March 2026
This Month’s Highlights
February 2026
This Month’s Highlights
January 2026
This Month’s Highlights
The following terms, when used in this Tariff for Electric Service, have the following definitions:
370.1 - Agreement for Electric Service
A written contract between Cooperative and Customer under which Cooperative provides electric service.
370.2 - Codes
Codes governing electrical installations.
370.3 - Commission
The Public Utility Commission of Texas.
370.4 - Conductors Considered Outside of Building
Cooperative, conductors may be considered outside of a building or other structure under any of the following conditions: (1) where installed under not less than two inches of concrete beneath a building or other structure, or (2) where installed within a building or other structure in a raceway that is enclosed concrete or brick not less than two inches thick.
370.5 - Connected Load
The combined electrical requirement (i.e., the sum of the capacities and/or ratings) of all motors and other electric power consuming devices installed on the Customer’s premises.
370.6 - Contribution in Aid of Construction
A cash payment of Customer to Cooperative in order to prevent burdening other Customers through capital expenditures by Cooperative.
370.7 - Cooperative
Central Texas Electric Cooperative, Inc., its successors and assigns.
370.8 - Customer
An individual, partnership, association, joint venture, corporation, trust, governmental agency or other entity who is receiving, who is an applicant for, or who is receiving the benefit of electric service at a specified point of delivery.
370.9 - Customer’s Electrical Load
The power and energy of all motors and other electricity-consuming devises on Customer’s premises which are operated simultaneously from electric service provided by the Cooperative.
370.10 - Customer’s Electrical Installation
All conductors, equipment, or apparatus of any kind on Customer’s side of the point of delivery, except Cooperative’s metering equipment, used by Customer in taking electric service.
370.11 - Demand
The rate at which electric energy is used at any instant or averaged over any designated period of time.
370.12 - Demand Interval
The specified interval of time on which a demand measurement is based. The Cooperative’s demand interval is normally 15 minutes.
370.13 - Distribution System
Cooperative’s primary and secondary voltage conductors, transformers, switchgear, connection enclosures, pedestals, services, and other associated equipment used to provide electric service.
370.14 - Dwelling Unit
A room or rooms suitable for occupancy as a residence containing kitchen and bathroom.
370.15 - Electric Service
Electric power and energy produced, transmitted and distributed, and provided or made available by Cooperative at the point of delivery.
370.16 - Energy
The measure of how much electric power is provided over time for doing work. The electrical unit is the watt-hour, or kilowatt-hour.
370.17 - Inspection Authority
Generally, an incorporated city or town, but may be an agency of the county, state or federal government.
370.18 - Kilowatt
1,000 watts; abbreviated “KW.”
370.19 - Kilowatt-Hour
1,000 watt-hours; abbreviated “KWh.”
370.20 - Load Factor
The ratio usually stated as a percentage, of actual kilowatt-hours used during a designated time period to the maximum kilowatts of demand times the number of hours occurring in the designated time period.
370.21 - Maximum Electrical Load
The maximum power and energy of all motors and other electricity consuming devices on Customer’s premises which are operated or expected to be operated simultaneously from electric service provided by Cooperative at one point of delivery, measured in kilowatts.
370.22 - Meter
A device, or devices, together with any required auxiliary equipment, for measuring electric service.
370.23 - Permanent Installation
Any installation that is:
A. Constructed on or permanently affixed to a concrete slab or concrete piers (not blocks) and which is actually used or occupied on a permanent full-time basis; or
B. Any other structure which meets all of the following criteria:
1. The structure which must be impractical to move. Mobile homes with wheels, trailer hitch, and axle removed are considered impractical to move;
2. The structure must be actually used or occupied on a permanent full time basis;
3. The structure must be permanently connected to a water system and must also be permanently connected to a sewer or septic system.
370.24 - Person
Any individual, partnership, association, joint venture, corporation, trust, or governmental entity.
370.25 - Point of Delivery
The point where Cooperative’s conductors are connected to Customer’s conductors.
370.26 - Power
The rate at which electric energy is provided for doing work. The electrical unit of power is the watt, or kilowatt.
370.27 - Power Factor
The ratio of real power, in kilowatts, to apparent power, in kilovoltemperes, for any given load and time, generally expressed as a percentage ratio.
370.28 - Raceway
Tubular or rectangular channel or conduit for containing electrical conductors, which may be exposed, buried beneath the surface of the earth, or encased in a building or structure.
370.29 - Rate Schedule
A statement of the method of determining charges for electric service, including the conditions under which such method applies.
370.30 - Service Availability Statement
A statement from the Cooperative designating the acceptable location of the Customer’s service entrance conductors, the proper location of meters and metering equipment, the type of service available which will be made available at the specific location under consideration at the capacity of the service to be provided.
370.31 - Service Drop
Overhead conductors that extend from Cooperative’s overhead distribution system to the point of delivery where connection is made to Customer’s electrical installation.
370.32 - Service Entrance Conductors
Conductors provided by Customer extending from Customer’s electrical equipment to the point of delivery where connection is made.
370.33 - Service Rules and Regulations; or Service Rules
Any service rule or regulation of the Cooperative approved by the Public Utility Commission of Texas and contained in Section III of these Tariffs.
370.34 - Standard Unit Cost
The average cost of labor, material, and overhead for standard construction units of the type installed or to be installed for the customer calculated from work order closeouts. This average is prepared by the Cooperative approximately January 15th and July 15th of each year based on the cost in the most recent 6 months of closed out work orders for which data is available. In the event the Cooperative does not have standard construction units for the type of work to be performed (e.g.: underground) the Cooperative shall charge the actual cost of all labor (including overhead) and material.
370.35 - Tariff(s)
All provisions of this document including but not limited to provisions regarding (1) Utility Operations; (2) Rates and Charges; (3) Service Rules and Regulations; and
(4) Forms.
370.36 - Temporary Electric Service
Electric service provided to Customer for a single, continuous period of time which is less than twelve consecutive months except that construction power, even though provided for a continuous period of time in excess of twelve months, is considered to be temporary electric service.
370.37 - Watt
The rate at which electric power is provided to do work. One watt is the power represented by a current having a component of one ampere in phase with and under a pressure of one volt.
370.38 - Watt-Hour
A unit of work or energy equivalent to the power of one watt operating for an hour.
351.1 - Reasons for Discontinuance
The Cooperative may discontinue service to a Customer under any of the following circumstances:
A. Nonpayment of a Bill
If the Customer fails or refuses to pay a delinquent account for electric service (whether or not based upon estimated billing); or
B. Breach
If Customer fails or refuses to perform any obligation under the terms of the Agreement for Electric Service or a deferred payment agreement; or
C. Interference with Service
If Customer violates any rule pertaining to the use of electric service in a manner which interferes with or is likely to sauce interference with electric service to other Customers or operates nonstandard equipment, provided that the Cooperative has made a reasonable effort to notify the Customer and provided there has been a reasonable opportunity to remedy the situation;or
D. Failure to Make Application for Service
If Customer fails or refuses to make application for service in accordance with these rules in Customer’s true name; o
E. Refusal of Access
If Customer fails or refuses to provide the Cooperative reasonable access to its facilities located on Customer’s premises; or
F. Default on Guaranty Agreement
If a Customer has signed a written Guaranty Agreement for another Customer or applicant and fails or refuses to pay the amount due on the guaranteed account when requested to do so by the Cooperative; or
G. Back Billing
If Customer fails or refuses to timely pay any billing authorized by these rules resulting from previous under billing (whether caused by meter inaccuracy, failure to register, misapplication of rates or otherwise). Correction of billings for meter inaccuracy shall be made for the period of six (6) months immediately preceding removal of the inaccurate meter from service for testing or from the time the meter was in service since last tested, but not exceeding six (6) months; or
H. Hazardous Condition
When a hazardous condition exists in Customer’s installation or equipment; or
I. Meter Tampering
If Cooperative’s meter which serves Customer has been tampered with or bypassed, the Cooperative may discontinue service. For purposes of this section, meter tampering, bypass, or diversion shall be defined as tampering with an electric meter or equipment, bypassing the same, or other instances of diversion, such as physically disorienting the meter, objects attached to the meter to divert service or to bypass, insertion of objects into the meter, and other electrical and mechanical means of tampering with, bypassing, or diverting electrical service or there has been a theft of electric service (Section 31.04 of the Penal Code of the State of Texas) or criminal mischief for having damaged or tampered with the Cooperative’s property (Section 28.03 of the Penal Code of the State of Texas).
The Cooperative may charge for all labor, material and equipment necessary to repair or replace all equipment damaged due to meter tampering or bypassing or other service diversion, and other costs necessary to correct service diversion where there is no equipment damage, including incidents where service is reconnected without authority. An itemized bill of such charges must be provided to the customer. The Cooperative may also estimate and bill the member for electric service over the entire period of meter tampering, meter bypassing or service diversion.
351.2 - Notice of Disconnection
A. Proper Notice Prior to Disconnection for Nonpayment
If a Customer fails or refuses to pay the Cooperative in accordance with the provisions of the Agreement For Electric Service, Service rules, applicable rate schedule, deferred payment agreement, or guaranty agreement, then proper notice shall be given prior to disconnection. Proper notice shall consist of a separate mailing or hand delivery at least ten (10) days prior to a stated date of disconnection, with the words “termination notice” or similar language prominently displayed on the notice. The information included in the notice shall be provided in English and Spanish as necessary to adequately inform the Customer.
Attached to or on the face of the termination notice or electric bill shall appear a statement notifying the Customer that if they are in need of assistance with the payment of their bill or ill and unable to pay their bill, they may be eligible for payment assistance or special payment programs such as deferred payment plans, disconnection moratoriums for the ill, or energy assistance programs, and contact the local office of the Cooperative for information on the available programs. If mailed, the cut-off day may not fall on a holiday or weekend, but shall fall on the next working day after the tenth day. Payment at a utility’s authorized payment agency is considered payment to the utility. The Cooperative shall not issue late notices or disconnect notices to the Customer earlier than the first day the bill becomes delinquent so that a reasonable length of time is allowed to ascertain receipt of payment by mail or at the utility’s authorized payment agency.
B. Disconnection Without Notice
Utility service may be disconnected without notice where a known dangerous condition exists for as long as the condition exists or where service is connected without authority by a person who has not made application for service or who has reconnected service without authority following termination of service for nonpayment or in instances of tampering with the Cooperative’s meter or equipment, bypassing the same, or other instances of diversion as defined in Section 23.47 of the Commission’s Substantive Rules (relating to Meters). Where reasonable, given the nature of the hazardous condition, a written statement providing notice of disconnection and the reason therefore shall be posted at the place of common entry or upon the front door of each affected residential unit as soon as possible after service has been disconnected.
C. Disconnection After Reasonable Notice
1. Electric service may be disconnected for violation of service rules
pertaining to the use of service in a manner which interferes with the service of others or the operation of nonstandard equipment [Section (c)], if a reasonable attempt has been made to notify the customer and the customer is provided with a reasonable opportunity to remedy the situation.
2. Electric service may be disconnected for failure to make application for service [Section 351.1 (D)]; refusal of access [Section 351.1 (E)]; failure to pay a bill to correct previous under billing [Section 351.1 (G)]; default on guarantee agreement [Section 351.1 (F)]; if reasonable notice is given.
3. Reasonable notice shall consist of a separate mailing or hand delivery at least ten (10) days prior to a stated date of disconnection with the words “termination notice” or similar language prominently displayed on the notice.
351.3 - Postponement of Disconnection
A. Disconnection Prohibited
PUC rule 23.46 (d) provides that utility service may not be disconnected for any of the following reasons:
1. Delinquency in payment for utility service by a previous occupant of the premises;
2. Failure to pay for merchandise, or charges for non-utility service provided by the utility;
3. Failure to pay for a different type or class of utility service unless fee for such service is included on the same bill;
4. Failure to pay the account of another customer as guarantor thereof, unless the utility has in writing the guarantee as a condition precedent to service;
5. Failure to pay charges arising from an under billing occurring due to any misapplication of rates more than six months prior to the current billing; 6. Failure to pay charges arising from an under billing due to any faulty metering, unless the meter has been tampered with or unless charges are due under PUC rule 23.47, relating to meters;
7. Failure to pay an estimated bill other than a bill rendered pursuant to an approved meter-reading plan, unless the utility is unable to read the meter due to circumstances beyond its control.
B. Disconnection on Holidays or Weekends
PUC rule 23.46 (e) provides that unless a dangerous condition exists, or unless the customer requests disconnection, service shall not be disconnected on a day, or on a day immediately preceding a day, when personnel of the utility are not available to the public for the purpose of making collections and reconnecting service.
C. Disconnection for Ill and Disabled
PUC rule 23.46 (g) provides that the Cooperative will not discontinue service to a delinquent residential Customer permanently residing in an individually metered dwelling unit when that Customer establishes that discontinuance of service will result in some person residing at that residence becoming seriously ill or more seriously ill if service is discontinued. Each time a Customer seeks to avoid termination of service under this rule, the Customer must have the attending physician call or contact the Cooperative within 16 days of issuance of the bill. A written statement must be received by the Cooperative from the physician (the term “physician” shall mean any public health official, including but not limited to medical doctors, doctors of osteopathy, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, or any other similar public health official) or health care provider within twenty-six
(26) days of the issuance of the Cooperative’s bill. The prohibition against discontinuance of service provided by this rule shall last sixty-three (63) days from the issuance of the Cooperative’s bill or such lesser period as may be agreed upon by the Cooperative and the Customer or physician. The Customer who makes such request shall enter into a deferred payment plan.
D. Disconnection to Energy Assistance Grantees
PUC rule 23.46 (h) provides that no electric utility may terminate service to a delinquent residential customer for a billing period in which the customer has applied for and been granted energy assistance funds if any agency for administration of these funds has notified the utility, prior to the date of disconnection, of approval of an award sufficient to cover the bill, or a portion of the bill so that the customer can successfully enter into deferred payment plan for the balance of the bill.
E. Disconnection During Extreme Weather
PUC rule 23.46 (i) provides that on a day when the previous day’s highest temperature did not exceed 32 degrees F, and the temperature is predicted to remain at that level for the next 24 hours, according to the nearest National Weather Service (NWS) reports, or in zones where an excessive heat alert is in effect as determined by the NWS and reported by the National Oceanic and atmospheric Administration (NOAA), an electric utility cannot disconnect a customer until the utility ascertains that no life-threatening condition exists in the customer’s household, or would exist, because of disconnection during severe weather conditions.
351.4 - Effect of Discontinuance of Service
A. Customer’s Obligations
Discontinuance of service shall not relieve Customer from any obligation to the Cooperative or lessen or change any obligation in any manner.
B. Cooperative’s Rights
Discontinuance of service shall not reduce, diminish, or eliminate any legal right or remedy accruing to the Cooperative on or before the date of discontinuance, nor shall discontinuance operate as a waiver or any legal right or remedy.
Failure of Cooperative to discontinue electric service at any time after default or breach of this tariff, or to resort to any legal remedy or its exercise of any one or more of such remedies does not affect the Cooperative’s right to resort thereafter to any one or more of such remedies for the same or any default or breach by Customer.
351.5 - Dismantling of Cooperative Facilities
A number of consumer connections in the Cooperative area are not being used due to various reasons creating unnecessary investment and maintenance cost of these facilities for which the Cooperative is realizing no revenue. Therefore, it shall be the policy of the Cooperative that the members being serviced by these lines shall be notified that unless they use the service and pay at the minimum bill, these service lines shall be removed, and if they should desire service in the future, the consumer would have to pay the cost of rebuilding such line.
The Cooperative may, however, abandon in place in whole or in part its underground lines and equipment in lieu of removing such facilities.
351.6 - Liability for Discontinuance of Service
The Cooperative shall not be liable for any damages of any kind or character resulting from discontinuance or disconnection made pursuant to these rules.
351.7 - Refund of Membership Fee
Within a reasonable time after discontinuance of service the Cooperative shall make reasonable efforts to refund Applicant’s membership fee if Applicant is no longer required to maintain a membership.
351.8 - Refund of Deposit
After disconnection of service, if service is not reconnected, the Cooperative shall refund the Customer’s deposit, plus accrued interest on the balance, if any, in excess of unpaid bills for service furnished.
A. Availability
Available to commercial and industrial members whose electric requirements for all uses are 3 MW and greater and where the Cooperative on a case-by-case non- discriminatory basis agrees to permit the member to own and maintains all facilities in place to provide service to them. The member may not provide service over these facilities to any third party for any purpose.
B. Character of Service
Service will be at transmission level as determined at the discretion of the Cooperative.
C. Rate
Access Charge: $1,500.00 per meter per month
Demand Charge: $1.75 per kW of billing demand
Billed Power & Delivery Charge: The Billed Power and Delivery Charge shall include any costs of power, transmission, substation or other service, including without limitation demand charges, energy charges, fuel charges, penalties, adjustments for prior periods and taxes. All other provisions for generation and delivery of power to the customers shall be billed to the customer as billed to the cooperative, including the provisions related to any ratchet or other time-based provisions. Provisions of Power Cost Pass-Through Tariff 203 are not applicable.
D. Determination of Billing Demand
The billing demand shall be the greatest of:
-
- The maximum kilowatt (kW) demand established by the member for any period of fifteen consecutive minutes during the month for which the bill is rendered, as indicated or recorded by a demand meter; or
- The highest billing demand charge of the prior 11 months; or 3. 3,000 kW; or
- As set by contract.
E. Power Cost Pass-Through
In addition to the rates and charges described above, members will be billed a Power Cost Pass-Through for all kWh consumed.
F. Transmission Cost Pass-Through
In addition to the rates and charges described above, members will be billed a Transmission Cost Pass-Through for all kWh consumed.
G. Direct Assignment Cost Pass-Through
Power & Transmission Cost Pass-Through charges may be directly assigned. Charges shall include any costs of power, transmission, substation or other service, including without limitation demand charges, energy charges,fuel charges, penalties, adjustments for prior periods and taxes. All other provisions for generation and delivery of power to the customers shall be billed to the customer as billed to the cooperative, including the provisions related to any ratchet or other time-based provisions. If billed under this approach, provisions of Power Cost Pass-Through Tariff 203 are not applicable. Parties may enter in agreements for real-time market power delivery on a case-by-case basis.
A. Availability
Available for seasonal and recreational usage including but not limited to, camp houses, hunting lodges, hunting camps, hunting shelters, fishing camps, weekend residences, barns, cabins and other seasonal or non-permanent recreational facilities such as travel trailers and motor homes as well as other similarly defined facilities.
B. Character of Service
Alternating current service, single or three-phase, will be provided as approximately 60 cycles. Voltage supplied will be at the discretion of the Cooperative and will be determined by the voltage available from distribution lines in the vicinity and/or other conditions. Frequency and voltage shall be subject to reasonable variation.
C. Rate
Distribution Access Charge: $30.50 per month
Distribution Energy Charge: $0.04316 per kWh
D. Power Cost Pass Through
In addition to the rates and charges described above, members will be billed a Power Cost Pass-Through for all kWh consumed.
E. Transmission Cost Pass-Through
In addition to the rates and charges described above, members will be billed a Transmission Cost Pass-Through for all kWh consumed.
F. Determination of Demand
For purpose of rate classification, the demand shall be the maximum kilowatt (kW) demand established by the member for any period of fifteen consecutive minutes during the month for which the bill is rendered, as indicated or recorded by the demand meter. If demand exceeds the 75 kW level for more than one month in any period of 12 consecutive months, the account shall be classified as Large Power and billed under the Large Power rate.
A. Availability
The General Service Rate Schedule applies to the following types of non-commercial services: electric gates, community clubs, public buildings, cemeteries, roping arenas, boat docks,private airports and pumping service at non-commercial locations where the installed motor capacity is less than ten horsepower. The horsepower for billing purposes shall be the manufacturer’s nameplate rating, or, at its option, the Cooperative may determine the horsepower by test under conditions of maximum operatin load. The General Service Rate is only available for referenced service points that are individually metered and have demands less than 75kW.
B. Character of Service
Alternating current service, single or three-phase, will be provided at approximately 60 cycles. Voltage supplied will be at the discretion of the Cooperative and will be determined by the voltage available from distribution lines in the vicinity and/or other conditions. Frequency and voltage shall be subject to reasonable variation.
C. Rate
Distribution Access Charge: $29.50 per month
Distribution Energy Charge: $0.04344 per kW
D. Power Cost Pass-Through
In addition to the rates and charges described above, members will be billed a Power Cost Pass-Through for all kWh consumed.
E. Transmission Cost Pass-Through
In addition to the rates and charges described above, members will be billed a Transmission Cost Pass-Through for all kWh consumed.
F. Determination of Demand
For purposes of rate classification , the demand shall be the maximum kilowatt (kW) demand established by the member for any period of fifteen consecutive minutes during the month for which the bill is rendered, as indicated or recorded by the demand meter. If demand exceeds the 75 kW level for more than one month in any period of 12 consecutive months, the account shall be classified as Large Power and billed under the Large Power rate.
G. Minimum Monthly Charge
The minimum monthly charge shall be the Distribution Access Charge.
A. Availability
- The Residential Service Rate Schedule applies to all electric service to permanent installations used primarily for residential purposes. It applies to electric service to a private dwelling and its appurtenances, the major use of which is for lighting, air conditioning, heating and household appliances. Except as otherwise provided, when a majority of the electricity is consumed in a dwelling is regularly used in connection with the conduct of a business, the service shall be classified as Commercial or Large Power and billed under the appropriate rate.
- Character of Service
- Alternating current service, single or three-phase, will be provided at approximately 60 cycles. Voltage supplied will be at the discretion of the Cooperative and will be determined by the voltage available from distribution lines in the vicinity and/or other conditions. Frequency and voltage shall be subject to reasonable variation.
- Character of Service
-
- Rate
- Distribution Access Charge: $29.50 per month
- Distribution Energy Charge: $0.03850 per kWh
- Rate
-
- Power Cost Pass-Through
- In addition to the rates and charges described above, members will be billed a Power Cost Pass-Through for all kwh consumed.
- Power Cost Pass-Through
-
- Transmission Cost Pass-Through
- In addition to the rates and charges described above, members will be billed a Transmission Cost Pass-Through for all kWh consumed.
- Transmission Cost Pass-Through
-
- Determination of Demand
- For purposes of rate classification, the demand shall be the maximum kilowatt (kW) demand established by the member for any period of fifteen consecutive minutes during the month for which the bill is rendered, as indicated or recorded by the demand meter. If demand exceeds the 75 kW level for more than one month in any period of 12 consecutive months, the account shall be classified as Large Power and billed under the Large Power rate.
- Determination of Demand
-
- Minimum Monthly Charge
- The minimum monthly charge shall be the Distribution Access Charge.
- Minimum Monthly Charge
A. Availability
The Small Commercial Rate Schedule applies to commercial loads having a demand not greater than 75 kW. This schedule does not apply to irrigation service.
B. Character of Service
Alternating current service, single or three-phase, will be provided at approximately 60 cycles. Voltage supplied will be at the discretion of the Cooperative and will be determined by the voltage available from distribution lines in the vicinity and/or other conditions. Frequency and voltage shall be subject to reasonable variation.
C. Rate
- Single Phase (1PH)
Distribution Access Charge: $40.00 per month
Distribution Energy Charge: $0.03051 per kWh
- Three Phase (3PH)
Distribution Access Charge: $50.00 per month
Distribution Energy Charge: $0.03051 per kWh
D. Power Cost Pass-Through
In addition to the rates and charges described above, members will be billed a Power Cost Pass-Through for all kWh consumed.
E. Transmission Cost Pass-Through
In addition to the rates and charges described above, members will be billed a Transmission Cost Pass-Through for all kWh consumed.
F. Determination of Demand
For purposes of rate classification, the demand shall be the maximum kilowatt (kW) demand established by the member for any period of fifteen consecutive minutes during the month for which the bill is rendered, as indicated or recorded by the demand meter. If demand exceeds the 75 kW level for more than one month in any period of 12 consecutive months, the account shall be classified as Large Power and billed under the Large Power rate.
G. Minimum Monthly Charge
The minimum monthly charge shall be the Distribution Access Charge.
A. Availability
The Small Commercial Public Services & Not-for-Profit (NFP) Rate Schedule applies to service to individually metered facilities having demands less than 75 kW and operated by the following types of public & NFP services: churches, parsonages, schools, charitable organizations and volunteer fire departments.
B. Character of Service
Alternating current service, single or three-phase, will be provided at approximately 60 cycles. Voltage supplied will be at the discretion of the Cooperative and will be determined by the voltage available from distribution lines in the vicinity and/or other conditions. Frequency and voltage shall be subject to reasonable variation.
C. Rate
- Single Phase (1PH)
Distribution Access Charge: $36.00 per month
Distribution Energy Charge: $0.02746 per kWh
- Three Phase (3PH)
Distribution Access Charge: $45.00 per month
Distribution Energy Charge: $0.02746 per kWh
D. Power Cost Pass-Through
In addition to the rates and charges described above, members will be billed a Power Cost Pass-Through for all kWh consumed.
E. Transmission Cost Pass-Through
In addition to the rates and charges described above, members will be billed a Transmission Cost Pass-Through for all kWh consumed.
F. Determination of Demand
For purposes of rate classification, the demand shall be the maximum kilowatt (kW) demand established by the member for any period of fifteen consecutive minutes during the month for which the bill is rendered, as indicated or recorded by the demand meter. If demand exceeds the 75 kW level for more than one month in any period of 12 consecutive months, the account shall be classified as Large Power and billed under the Large Power rate.
G. Minimum Monthly Charge
The minimum monthly charge shall be the Distribution Access Charge.
A. Availability
The Large Power Rate Schedule applies to all members with commercial, industrial and large non-residential light, heat, and power loads having a demand in any month 75 kW or greater. This schedule does not apply to irrigation service.
B. Character of Service
Alternating current service, single or three-phase, will be provided at approximately 60 cycles. Voltage supplied will be at the discretion of the Cooperative and will be determined by the voltage available from distribution lines in the vicinity and/or other conditions. Frequency and voltage shall be subject to reasonable variation.
C. Rate
Distribution Access Charge: $100.00 per month
Demand Charge: $ 9.75 per kW of billing demand
Distribution Energy Charge: $.00875 per kWh
D. Determination of Billing Demand
The billing demand shall be the greatest of:
- The maximum kilowatt (kW) demand established by the member for any period of fifteen consecutive minutes during the month for which the bill is rendered, as indicated or recorded by a demand meter; or
- Sixty percent (60%) of the highest maximum kilowatt (kW) demand established in the prior eleven (11) months.
E. Power Cost Pass-Through
In addition to the rates and charges described above, members will be billed a Power Cost Pass-Through for all kWh consumed.
F. Transmission Cost Pass-Through
In addition to the rates and charges described above, members will be billed a Transmission Cost Pass-Through for all kWh consumed.
G. Determination of Demand
For purposes of rate classification, the demand shall be the maximum kilowatt (kW) demand established by the member for any period of fifteen consecutive minutes during the month for which the bill is rendered, as indicated or recorded by the demand meter. If demand exceeds the 75 kW level for more than one month in any period of 12 consecutive months, the account shall be classified as Large Power and billed under the Large Power rate.
H. Power Factor Adjustment
The Member agrees to maintain unity power factor as nearly as practicable. Demand charges will be adjusted to correct for average power factors lower than ninety-eight percent (98%) and may be so adjusted, if and when the Cooperative deems necessary. Such adjustments will be made by increasing the measured demand one percent (1%) for each one percent (1%) by which the average power factor is less than ninety-eight percent (98%) lagging.
I. Minimum Monthly Charge
The minimum monthly charge shall be the highest of the following charges:
- The Distribution Access Charge
- A charge of $1.00 per KVA of installed transformer capacity.
A. Availability
The Irrigation and Large Pumping Rate Schedule applies to electric service required for pumping service at locations where the installed motor capacity is ten horsepower or greater. The horsepower for billing purposes shall be the manufacturer’s motor nameplate rating, or, at its option, the Cooperative may determine the horsepower by test under conditions of maximum operating load.
B. Character of Service
Three-phase alternating current service will be provided, at approximately 60 cycles. Voltage supplied will be at the discretion of the Cooperative and will be determined by the voltage available from distribution lines in the vicinity and/or other conditions. Frequency and voltage shall be subject to reasonable variation.
At the discretion of the Cooperative, and subject to engineering study, single-phase service may be furnished in locations where three-phase service is not available.
C. Rate
Annual Horsepower Charge: $27.50 per horsepower per year which shall be billed at $5.50 per hp per month from March through July
Distribution Energy Charge: $.04233 per kWh
D. Power Cost Pass-Through
In addition to the rates and charges described above, members will be billed a Power Cost Pass-Through for all kWh consumed.
E. Transmission Cost Pass-Through
In addition to the rates and charges described above, members will be billed a Transmission Cost Pass-Through for all kWh consumed.
F. Minimum Annual Charge
The minimum annual charge shall be $27.50 per horsepower or fraction thereof.
A. Availability
This Security Lighting Rate Schedule applies to dusk-to-dawn security lighting available to all Cooperative members.
B. Character of Service
Single-phase alternating current service will be provided, at approximately 60 cycles. Voltage supplied will be at the discretion of the Cooperative and will be determined by the voltage available from distribution lines in the vicinity and/or other conditions. Frequency and voltage shall be subject to reasonable variation.
C Monthly Rate
| Lamp Size | Rate |
| 175 Watt Mercury Vapor | $8.90 |
| 400 Watt Mercury Vapor | $9.70 |
| 100 Watt High Pressure Sodium | $9.70 |
| 250 Watt High Pressure Sodium | $10.50 |
| 400 Watt High Pressure Sodium | $11.70 |
| 175 Watt Metal Halide | $8.90
|
| 48 Watt LED | $9.70 |
| 250 Watt LED | $11.70 |
| 400 Watt LED | $14.70 |
D. Rate and Pass-Throughs
When a security light is situated on the member’s side of the meter, the kilowatt hours consumed in the operation of the light will be billed the Distribution Energy Charge, the Power Cost Pass-Through, and the Transmission Cost Pass-Through as metered. When a security light is situated on the Cooperative’s side of the meter and the energy is not metered, the Power Cost Pass-Through and the Transmission Cost Pass-Through shall be billed based on the following kilowatt hour allowances:
| Lamp Size | kWh Allowance |
| 175 Watt Mercury Vapor | 75 KWh per month |
| 400 Watt Mercury Vapor | 160 KWh per month |
| 100 Watt High Pressure Sodium | 45 KWh per month |
| 250 Watt High Pressure Sodium | 100 KWh per month |
| 400 Watt High Pressure Sodium | 160 KWh per month |
| 175 Watt Metal Halide | 65 KWh per month |
| 48 Watt LED | 20 kWh per month |
| 250 Watt LED | 100 kWh per month |
| 400 Watt LED | 160 kWh per month |
E. Conditions of Service
All security lighting equipment shall be owned, maintained and operated by the Cooperative. Replacement of lamps shall be made during normal business hours.
A. Availability
Applies to Power Generating Facilities for Retail Start-Up Power.
B. Rate
Access Charge: $1,200.00 per meter per month
Power Cost Billing: At its sole discretion, the Cooperative may bill the member in one of the following two methods
Power Cost Pass-Through: The member will be billed a Power Cost Pass- Through for all kWh consumed and in addition, the member will be billed any direct costs for power generation and/or delivery applicable only to them; or
Billed Power & Delivery Charge: The member will be billed the total cost of power and delivery. This shall include any costs of power, transmission, substation or other service, including without limitation demand charges, energy charges, fuel charges, penalties, adjustments for prior periods, and taxes. All other provisions for generation and delivery of power to the customers shall be billed to the customer as billed to the cooperative, including the provisions related to any ratchet or other time-based provisions. If billed under this approach, provisions of Power Cost Pass- Through Tariff 203 are not applicable.
C. Contract provisions
Any additional provisions included in a contract (if in force) shall be applied.
350.1 Customer’s Request
Any Customer desiring to discontinue electric utility service from the Cooperative shall make a written request identifying the Customer, the service location where discontinuance is desired, and the date service is requested to be discontinued. Such request shall be filed at any office of the Cooperative.
350.2 Disconnection
Following receipt of Customer’s request for discontinuance of service the Cooperative shall disconnect service. Where practicable disconnection is made on the date requested by the Customer, however, the Cooperative shall not be obligated to make disconnection earlier than the second full business day following receipt of Customer’s request.
Section 340 of this tariff and all subsections thereof apply to the interconnection and parallel operation of all qualifying (QF) and non-qualifying (NQF) power generating installations having a design capacity of 10 Megawatts (10MW) or less, as well as to electric utility service to such generating installations. Qualifying generating facilities are those facilities using renewable resources, (such as wind, photovoltaics, biomass, etc.), to power the generating unit (see 340.5 Definitions). Power generating installations having a design capacity of 100 kilowatts or less shall be classified as “Small Power Producers”. Power generating installations having a design capacity of more than 100 kilowatts, up to 10 MW, shall be classified as “Large Power Producers. If any other part of these tariffs shall be in conflict with this section, Section 340 shall govern with respect to both small and large power production generating installations. By agreement, the Cooperative and a Large Power Producer may establish additional or different terms, conditions, or rates for the sale or purchase of electricity. Nothing in this tariff shall be construed or interpreted to require the Cooperative to enter into a “Purchase Power” agreement with any Producer.
340.1 Obtaining Interconnection
Any person owning or operating a power generating installation (hereafter called “Producer”) and desiring to interconnect with the Cooperative’s system shall:
A. Comply with Tariff
Producer shall apply for interconnection, provide an easement satisfactory to the Cooperative, and otherwise comply with the tariffs of the Cooperative.
B. Apply for Interconnection, Pay Application Fee
At least sixty (60) days in advance of the desired interconnection date, Producer shall submit the small power generator interconnection application including payment of any non-refundable application fee. In the case of multiple facilities, a separate application including required application fees shall be submitted by the Producer for each interconnection point desired.
For new installations, a non-refundable application fee of $350.00 will be required to be paid by the producer before the Cooperative will consider the application, plus engineering review fees established on a case-by-case basis. A non-refundable Member Request Fee of $75.00 will be required to be paid by the Applicant taking over an existing installation.
The Cooperative may, at its sole discretion, waive the required application fee and other provisions of this tariff in the case of a proposed generating installation which is planned
(i) to be operated in parallel with the Cooperative’s system; (ii) with no intention to export power to the Cooperative; and (iii) that are of standard design and intended entirely as an emergency or back-up power supply for a facility.
C. Provide Information
1. Small Power Producers
At least 60 days in advance of interconnection, Producer shall submit a plan showing the electrical design of the generating installation including equipment for interconnection with the Cooperative’s system. Producer shall also provide such additional information as may be required by the Cooperative. In the event Producer’s plan involves the use of non-standard equipment or design techniques the Cooperative may require such plan be approved by a registered professional engineer. Any review or acceptance of such plan by the Cooperative shall not impose any liability on the Cooperative and does not guarantee the adequacy of Producer’s equipment to perform its intended function.
The Cooperative disclaims any expertise or special knowledge relating to the design or performance of generating installations and does not warrant the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, safety, durability or reliability of generating installations.
2. Large Power Producers
At least 180 days in advance of interconnection, Producer shall submit a plan showing the electrical design of the generating installation including equipment for interconnection with the Cooperative’s system. Producer shall also provide such additional information as may be required by the Cooperative. In the event Producer’s plan involves the use of non-standard equipment or design techniques the Cooperative may require Producer’s plans be approved by a registered professional engineer.
Any review or acceptance of such plan by the Cooperative shall not impose any liability on the Cooperative and does not guarantee the adequacy of Producer’s equipment to perform its intended function.
The Cooperative disclaims any expertise or special knowledge relating to the design or performance of generating installations and does not warrant the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, safety, durability or reliability of generating installations.
D. Pay for Extension of Cooperative’s Facilities
Comply with conditions for extension of the Cooperative’s distribution system as may be determined by the Cooperative in accordance with the following extension policy:
If an extension of Cooperative’s distribution system is required for sale or receipt of electric energy to or from a generating installation, whether or not in conjunction with another use, the Cooperative shall exercise prudent judgment in determining the conditions under which such extension will be made. Each case shall be viewed individually considering (1) cost to provide service, (2) longevity of the load, (3) annual load factor, (4) possibility of other loads developing along the proposed line extension, (5) longevity, capacity, and dependability of power to be received by the Cooperative, (6) anticipated annual revenue, and (7) compatibility with planned system improvements.
The Cooperative may require Producer to pay a contribution in aid-of- construction, advance for construction, or increased annual or monthly minimums and may require a contract term of up to five years.
E. Provide Liability Insurance
1. Small Power Producers
Furnish a certificate from Producer’s insurance carrier showing satisfactory homeowner’s or company insurance which insures Producer against all claims for property damage and for personal injury or death arising out of, resulting from or in any manner connected with the installation, operation and maintenance of the Producer’s generating equipment. The amount of such insurance coverage shall be at least $500,000.00 per occurrence. The certificate shall also provide that the insurance policy will not be changed or canceled during its term without thirty (30) days written notice to the Cooperative.
2. Large Power Producers
Furnish a certificate from Producer’s insurance carrier showing satisfactory liability insurance including contractual liability insurance covering indemnity agreements which insures Producer against all claims for property damage and for personal injury or death arising out of, resulting from or in any manner connected with the installation, operation and maintenance of the Producer’s generating equipment. The amount of such insurance coverage shall be at least
$1,000,000.00 per occurrence. The certificate shall also provide that the insurance policy will not be changed or canceled during its term without thirty
(30) days written notice to the Cooperative.
F. Sign Contract
1. Small Power Producers
Sign and deliver to the Cooperative an Agreement for Interconnection and Parallel Operation of a Cogeneration or Small Power Production Installation; 100 KW or less, the form of which is contained in these tariffs.
2.Large Power Producers
Sign and deliver to the Cooperative an Agreement for Interconnection and Parallel Operation of a Large Power Production Installation; 10 MW or less, the form of which is contained in these tariffs.
G. Complete Construction
Construct the power generating installation and install a disconnect switch and other protective equipment as may be required by the Cooperative to protect its personnel, facilities, and operations.
H. Comply with Laws
Comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances and regulations applicable to power generating installations.
I. Notify Cooperative
Notify the Cooperative in writing at least thirty (30) days in advance of energizing the power generating installation and permit the Cooperative to inspect and test protective equipment.
J. Eliminate Conditions Preventing Interconnection
In the event that it comes to the attention of the Cooperative that there are conditions preventing safe interconnection and proper parallel operation it shall notify Producer and Producer shall not interconnect and/or initiate parallel operation until such conditions are corrected and Producer has provided at least ten (10) days written notice to the Cooperative.
The foregoing are conditions precedent to any obligation of the Cooperative to interconnect to provide any form of electric utility service.
340.2 Parallel Operation
A.Installation
With the exception of only the Cooperative’s meter(s), the Producer shall own and be solely responsible for all expense, installation, maintenance and operation of the power generating installation at and beyond the point where Producer’s conductors contact Cooperative’s system. The Producer’s generating installation shall be designed and installed in accordance with applicable codes, regulations and prudent engineering and utility practices.
B. Self Protected Generating Installation
The Producer shall meet all requirements as specified for its particular installation as described in IEEE Standard 1547 – Standard for Interconnecting Distributed Resources with Electric Power Systems and IEEE Standard 1547.1— Standard Conformance Test Procedures for Equipment Interconnecting Distributed Resources with Electric Power Systems.
The Producer will furnish, install, operate and maintain in good order and repair all equipment necessary for the safe operation of the power generating installation in parallel with the Cooperative’s electric distribution system. The equipment will have the capability to both establish and maintain synchronism with the Cooperative’s system and to automatically disconnect and isolate the generating installation from the Cooperative’s system in the event of an outage of the Cooperative’s system or a malfunction of the power generating installation.
The Producer’s power generating installation will also be designed, installed and maintained to be self-protected from normal and abnormal conditions in the Cooperative’s electric distribution system. The conditions for which the power generating installation shall be self-protected shall include, but not be limited to, overvoltage, undervoltage, overcurrent, frequency deviation, and faults. The self protection will be compatible with the Cooperative’s system protection arrangements and operating policies. Specialized protective functions may be required by the Cooperative when, in the sole judgment of the Cooperative, the particular generating installation characteristics and/or distribution system characteristics so warrant.
C. Quality of Service
Producer’s generating installation will generate power at the nominal voltage of the Cooperative’s electric distribution system at the Producer’s delivery point plus or minus five percent (5%) at the nominal system frequency of 60 hz plus or minus one-tenth (1/10) hz. Producer shall generate at a power factor that is as near one hundred percent (100%) as is practicable. In the event that the power factor is less than ninety eight percent (98%) lagging or leading, the Producer will provide proper power factor correction (within two percent (2%) of unity) or reimburse the Cooperative for the cost of any necessary correction.
The overall quality of the power provided by Producer including, but not limited to, the effects of harmonic distortion, voltage regulation, voltage flicker, switching surges and power factor, will be such that the Cooperative’s electric distribution system is not adversely affected in any manner. In the event that adverse effects are caused in whole or in part by Producer’s power generating installation, the Producer will correct the cause of such effects or reimburse the Cooperative for the cost of any required correction.
D. Safety Disconnect
The Producer, or at the Producer’s option, the Cooperative, shall provide and install, at the Producer’s expense, a visible break disconnect switch. The disconnect switch will be located so as to be readily accessible to Cooperative personnel in a location acceptable to both the Producer and the Cooperative. It shall be the type of switch which can be secured in an open position by a Cooperative padlock. The Cooperative shall have the right to lock the switch open whenever, in the judgment of the Cooperative, (1) it is necessary to maintain safe electrical operating or maintenance conditions, (2) the Producer’s power generating installation adversely affects the Cooperative’s electric distribution system, or (3) there is a system emergency or other abnormal operating condition which warrants disconnection.
The Cooperative reserves the right to operate the disconnect for the protection of the Cooperative’s system even if it affects Producer’s power generating installation. In the event the Cooperative opens and closes the disconnect switch it shall not be responsible for energization or restoration of parallel operation of the generating installation. The Cooperative will make reasonable efforts to notify the Producer in the event the disconnect switch shall be operated. The Producer will not bypass the disconnect switch at any time for any reason.
E. Access
Persons authorized by the Cooperative will have the right to enter the Producer’s property for the purpose of operating or inspecting the disconnect switch or metering. Such entry onto the Producer’s property may be without notice. If the Producer erects or maintains locked gates or other barriers, the Producer will furnish the Cooperative with convenient means to circumvent the barrier for access to the disconnect switch and meter(s)
F. Modifications of Cooperative System
In the event that it is necessary at the time of initial interconnection or at some future time for the Cooperative to modify its electric distribution system in order to purchase or continue to purchase Producer’s output, the Producer will reimburse the Cooperative for all just and reasonable costs of modifications which are allocable to the Producer’s small power generating installation. The modifications may include, but are not limited to, special interconnection equipment, protective devices, control devices or upgrading of distribution system components.
G. Liability for Injury and Damages
Producer assumes full responsibility for electric energy furnished to him at and past the point of interconnection and will indemnify the Cooperative against and hold the Cooperative harmless form all claims for both injuries to persons, including death resulting therefrom, and damages to property occurring or in any way arising directly or indirectly from Producer’s generating installation, regardless of any cause or any fault or negligence or gross negligence of the Cooperative. It is the expressed intention of Producer and the Cooperative that the indemnity provided herein applies not only to protect Cooperative from the consequences of Producer’s negligence, but specifically and expressly, to protect the Cooperative from the consequences of Cooperative’s own negligence or gross negligence, whether that negligence or gross negligence is the sole or a concurring cause of the injury, death or damages.
The Cooperative shall not be liable for either direct or consequential damages resulting from failures, interruptions, or voltage and wave form fluctuations occasioned by causes reasonable beyond the control of the Cooperative, including, but not limited to, acts of God or public enemy, sabotage and/or vandalism, accidents, fire, explosion, labor troubles, strikes, order of any court or judge granted in any bona fide adverse legal proceeding or action, or any order of any commission, tribunal or governmental authority having jurisdiction.
For claims resulting from failures, interruptions, or voltage and wave form fluctuations occasioned in whole or in part by the negligence of the Cooperative or its agent (s), the Cooperative shall be liable only for that portion of the damages arising from personal injury, death of persons, or costs of necessary repairs to or reasonable replacement of electrical equipment proximately caused by the negligent acts of the Cooperative or its agent (s). The Cooperative shall not be liable in any event for consequential damages.
H. Metering
If the output of the Producer’s generating installation is to be purchased by the Cooperative, it will be measured by meters as required for the metering option chosen by the Producer. Any necessary meter(s) or meter modification in addition to one standard service meter will be installed, maintained and operated by the Cooperative at the Producer’s expense. A connection will be provided for the meter(s) at the Producer’s expense in a location that is acceptable to both the Cooperative and the Producer. The Cooperative may, at its own expense, supply, install and maintain load research metering for the purpose of monitoring and evaluating the Producer’s generating installation.
The metered output of Producer’s generating installation will be read by the Cooperative and, at the election of the Cooperative, accumulated or monthly readings may be checked at least monthly by representatives of the Cooperative.
The meter(s) will, by comparison with accurate standards, be tested and calibrated as often as necessary. The Producer or the Cooperative may reasonably request such tests, and shall be given notice of not less than five (5) working days when such tests are to be made. Both the Producer and the Cooperative will have the right to be present at such tests. If a meter is found to be inaccurate, it shall be restored to an accurate condition or replaced. If the tests disclose that no unacceptable inaccuracies exist in the meter(s), then the party requesting the tests shall bear the expense of the tests. A report of the results of any tests shall be furnished promptly by the party making such tests to the other party. Any meter(s) registering a deviation of not more than two percent (2%) from normal shall be deemed accurate. The readings of any meter(s) which have been inaccurate shall be corrected according to the percentage of inaccuracy as determined by the tests for a period of no more than ninety (90) days prior to the tests. If any meter fails to register for any period, the facility output during such period shall be estimated in the best manner possible as agreed upon by the Cooperative and the Producer.
I. Additional Metering Option
1. Pre-March 1, 2025 (Net Metering)
Producers using renewable resources with an aggregate design capacity of 100 kilowatts or less shall be offered the option of interconnecting through a single meter that runs forward and backward (“net metering”). Applicable to the original member connected prior to March 1, 2025. Modifications and system upgrades will result in transfer to 2 Register class.
2. Post – March 1, 2025 (2 Registers)
Producers using renewable resources with an aggregate design capacity of 100 kilowatts or less shall be interconnected through a single meter that will maintain separate registers for power delivered to the consumer and for power exported by the consumer to the distribution system. Power registered and delivered to the consumer will be subject to the applicable rate in section 202. Power registered and exported back into the distribution system will be credited back to member at the avoided cost of power.
J. Notice of Change in Installation
Producer will notify the Cooperative in writing fifteen (15) days in advance of making any change affecting the characteristics, performance, or protection of the generating installation. If it comes to the Cooperative’s attention that the modification will create or has created conditions which may be unsafe or adversely affect the Cooperative’s system then it shall notify Producer and Producer shall immediately correct such condition.
K. Insurance
Producer shall continue to maintain insurance as required by the Cooperative prior to interconnection and shall provide proof of such insurance to the Cooperative at least annually.
340.3 Sales to Producer
Producer’s rate class shall be designated by the Cooperative in accordance with the availability and type of service provisions in its rate schedules for all service including Backup, Supplementary, Interruptible, and Maintenance.
340.4 Purchases from Producer
A. Rate
The Cooperative will pay Producer for all power purchased at the following rates:
1. Capacity – No payment unless: Producer provides firm power by contract and Producer’s installation has a nominal operating output of 50 KW or more. The capacity payment shall be negotiated by and between the Cooperative and Producer.
2. Energy
The metered KWH output from the Producer will be purchased at the Cooperative’s total purchased power cost divided by the total kilowatt hours purchased as calculated from the Cooperative’s most recent wholesale power bill.
In the event that the Producer exercises the option to sell power to the Cooperative, there will be, in addition to the minimum monthly bill requirements and access charges under the applicable service rate schedule(s), a customer service charge of $15.00 per month for metering and billing.
B. Refusal to Purchase
The Cooperative may, at certain times and as operating conditions warrant, reasonably refuse to accept part or all of the output of the Producer’s facility. Such refusal shall be based on system emergency constraints, special operating requirements, adverse effects of the Producer’s facility on the Cooperative’s system or violation by the Producer of the terms of the Interconnection Agreement.
340.5 Definitions
A. Power Generating Installation shall mean a small or large power production or cogeneration facility, including any generator, and associated equipment, wiring, protective devices, or switches owned or operated by Producer.
B. A “qualifying facility” shall mean a power production facility qualifying under Subpart B of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s Regulations under Section 201 of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978, including any generator, and associated equipment, wiring, protective devices, or switches owned or operated by Producer.
C. Producer means any person, firm, corporation, partnership, or other entity owning or operating a power generating installation.
340.6 Tariff Revision
This tariff and its requirements are subject to review, reconsideration and updates every five years, or more frequently if the Cooperative determines such review, reconsideration, and updates are necessary.
325.1 Available Information
A. Facilities for Providing Electric Service
The Cooperative maintains at each of its business offices and makes available to applicants and others entitled to the information a current set of maps, plans, and records showing the facilities available for service.
B. Cost of Providing Service
Upon request for service by residential applicant or for transfer of service by a residential customer, the Cooperative informs the Applicant or Customer of the Cooperative’s lowest priced alternatives available at the Customer’s location. The Cooperative shall provide this information beginning with the lowest priced alternative and giving full consideration to applicable equipment options and installation charges. The Cooperative does not assume responsibility that Customer receives electric service under the most favorable rate schedule. If a change in Change in Customer’s load or installation occurs which would make Customer eligible for a more favorable rate schedule, it is Customer’s responsibility to notify Cooperative in writing of such changes and request that a different rate schedule be applied. Cooperative is not required to bill Customer under the more favorable rate schedule until a written Agreement For Electric Service is in effect between Customer and Cooperative specifying the new rate schedule. When Customer selects a rate schedule, or changes its installation to be eligible for selection of new rate schedule, Cooperative is not required to make any refunds covering the difference between the charges under the rate schedule in effect and those under any other rate schedule which would be applicable to the same service.
C. Tariffs
At each of its business offices, the Cooperative maintains and makes available for inspection a copy of its current tariffs including all rate schedules and rates relating to service. A copy of any applicable portion of the tariff will be provided upon request. Notice of the availability of such tariffs is posted in each business office in the same are where applications for service are received.
D. Meter Reading
Upon request, the Cooperative advises its Customers of the method of reading meters.
325.2 Customer Complaints
A. Upon complaint to the Cooperative by a Customer either at its office, by letter or by telephone, the Cooperative shall promptly make a suitable investigation and advise the complainant of the results thereof.
B. In the event the complainant is dissatisfied with the Utility’s report, the Cooperative advises the complainant of the Public Utility Commission’s complaint process.
C. The Cooperative keeps a record of complaints showing the name and address of the complainant, the date and nature of the complaint and the adjustment or disposition thereof for a period of two years subsequent to the final settlement of the complaint. Complaints with reference to rates or charges and complaints which require no remedial action by the Cooperative need not be recorded.
325.3 Interest on Deposits; and Interest on Over/Under Billings
If the Cooperative requires a deposit to be made by an applicant or customer, the Cooperative shall pay interest on such deposit as follows:
1. If refund of deposit is made within 30 days of receipt of the deposit, no interest payment is required;
2. If the Cooperative retains the deposit more than 30 days, payment of interest shall be made retroactive of the date of the deposit.
Payment of the interest to the consumer shall be annually if requested by the consumer or if at the time the deposit is returned or credited to the consumer’s account plus accrued interest.
The deposit shall cease to draw interest on the date it is returned or credited to the customer’s account.
The rates of interest to be paid on customer deposits in accordance with Tex. Rev. Civ. Stat. Ann. Art. 1440a (Vernon 1989) and overbillings or underbillings in accordance with PUC substantive rule 2345(g) are established annually on December 1 for the subsequent calendar year by the Commission as reflected in the order setting interest rates included in this tariff.
When the Customer has paid bills for service for twelve (12) consecutive residential billings or for twenty-four (24) consecutive commercial or industrial billings without having service disconnected for nonpayment of a bill and without having more than two occasions in which a bill was delinquent, and when the Customer is not delinquent in the payment of the current bills, the Cooperative shall promptly and automatically refund the deposit plus accrued interest to the Customer in the form of cash or credit to a Customer’s bill, or void the guarantee. If the Customer does not meet these refund criteria the deposit and interest may be retained.
The Customer shall be obligated to pay the total amount of charges for electric service shown on the Customer’s bill. Such charges shall be calculated in accordance with the Cooperative’s latest approved rate schedule or schedules applicable to the class or classes of service furnished to Customer and these rules. Bills shall be rendered promptly following the reading of meters.
324.1 Determining Usage of Electric Energy
Usage of electric energy (expressed as KWh) shall be determined by a meter reading. The meter reading is conclusive and established absolutely the amount of energy used unless it is shown by meter test that the meter was inoperative or inaccurate, in which case the meter reading shall not otherwise be adjusted. Electric energy usage is measured at the metering point regardless of whether or not it is the same as the point of delivery.
324.2 Meter Reading
The Cooperative reads designated meters monthly. Customers with meters that are not read by the Cooperative are required to read all such meter(s) on their premises monthly. The Cooperative may charge a meter reading fee as provided in section 204.1 of these tariffs.
Unless specifically stated in the applicable rate schedule, all charges are based on a billing month. A billing month or billing period is the period between two consecutive meter reading dates and typically ranges from 28 to 33 days. The Cooperative may check the meter reading of any meter at any time.
324.3 Estimated Billing
Usage as well as Demand may be estimated by the Cooperative where there is good reason for doing so, such as inclement weather, personnel shortage, etc. provided an actual meter reading is taken every two (2) months. If the Customer does not report a meter reading to the Cooperative in time for billing, the Cooperative will estimate the meter reading and render a bill accordingly.
324.4 Meter Test and Accuracy Adjustment
Upon request of a Customer and if he or she desires in the Customer’s presence or the presence of his or her authorized representative, the Cooperative shall make a test of the accuracy of Customer’s meter. The test shall be made during the Cooperative’s normal working hours at a time convenient to the Customer if he or she desires to observe the test. The test may be made on the Customer’s premises or at a test laboratory as determined by the Cooperative. Following completion of testing, the Cooperative shall promptly advise the Customer of the date of removal of the meter, if removed, the date of the test, the result of the test, and who made the test. If any meter is found to be outside of the accuracy standards established by the American National Standards Institute, Incorporated, proper correction shall be made according to 203.3.
324.5 Minimum Charges
The Customer will pay a minimum bill in accordance with the applicable rate schedule irrespective of the amount of electricity consumed, even if none is consumed. The minimum charge shall be in addition to any fuel cost adjustment charges, power cost adjustment charges or other billing adjustments. All billing adjustments shall be billed in addition to and exclusive of the minimum charge.
If service is made available for any portion of a billing period, the minimum charge for the entire billing period shall apply.
324.6 Reconnecting Meters
A consumer eligible for electric service under all rates, shall, before being reconnected pay all unpaid balances, be billed a $45.00 trip fee and, if consumer’s meter has been out of service less than twelve months shall, in addition, pay the minimum bills for the months he was disconnected. After twelve months or more has elapsed, consumer shall pay all unpaid balances and a $45.00 trip fee. If a property has changed hands since the meter was last disconnected, the reconnect charge shall be waived.
Every applicant who has previously been a customer of the Utility and whose service has been discontinued for nonpayment of bills or meter tampering or bypassing of meter shall be required before service is rendered to pay all amounts due the Utility or execute a Deferred Payment Agreement, if offered, and re- establish credit.
The Cooperative will endeavor to reconnect services during regular working hours, Monday through Friday, except holidays. Reconnects at times other than during regular working hours may be made, provided the consumer has paid the account in full plus a $100.00 trip fee to cover a portion of the cost of reconnecting service at times other than regular working hours.
324.7 Terms of Payment
Each bill for utility service(s), regardless of the nature of the service(s), is due 16 days after issuance unless such day falls on a holiday or weekend, in which case payment is due on the next work day. If full payment is not received in the office of the Cooperative or at any agency authorized by the Cooperative to receive payment on or before the date such bill is due, the Customer’s account will be considered delinquent and subject to disconnection in accordance with these rules.
324.8 Disputed Bills
In the event of a dispute between a Customer and the Cooperative regarding any bill for electric utility service, the Cooperative shall make such investigation as may be appropriate under the particular circumstance, and report the results thereof to the Customer. In the event disputes are not resolved, the Cooperative informs Customers of the complaint procedures of the Cooperative and the Commission.
Customers shall not be required to pay the disputed portion of the bill which exceeds Customer’s average monthly usage at current rates pending the resolution of the dispute, but in no event more than sixty (60) days. For purposes of this rule only, the Customer’s average monthly usage at current rates shall be the average of the Customer’s gross utility service for the preceding 12-month period. When no previous usage history exists, consumption for calculating the average monthly usage shall be estimated on the basis of usage levels of similar customers and under similar conditions.
324.9 Deferred Payment Plan
The Cooperative may in its discretion enter into a deferred payment plan for any amount owed to the Cooperative or any portion thereof. The Cooperative shall offer upon request a deferred payment plan to any residential member who has expressed an inability to pay all of his or her bill, if that member has not been issued more than two termination notices at any time during the preceding 12 months.
A. A Cooperative is not required to enter into a deferred payment agreement with any Customer who is lacking sufficient credit or a satisfactory history of payment for previous service when that Customer has had service from the present Cooperative for no more than three months. In cases of meter tampering, bypass, or diversion, a Cooperative may, but is not required to, offer a Customer a deferred payment plan.
B. A deferred payment plan may include a five percent (5%) penalty for late payment but shall not include a finance charge.
C. If a Customer has not fulfilled terms of a deferred payment agreement, the Cooperative shall have the right to disconnect service pursuant to the disconnection rules herein and under such circumstances; it shall not be required to offer subsequent negotiation of a deferred payment agreement prior to disconnection.
324.10 Level Payment Plan
Level payment billing is available to Cooperative members upon the following terms and conditions.
Level payment billing is optional to the Customer but subject to the Cooperative’s approval in each case. Level payment billing allows the Customer to know in advance (subject to certain limitations) the amount he or she will be required to pay each month for electric utility service based upon an average of estimated future billings. Level payment billing may not be used to defer payment of a member’s delinquent electric bills. Level payment billing may be advantageous to customers who experience wide variations in their monthly electric billings.B. Customer’s Obligation
Notwithstanding anything in this section (324.11), a customer entering into a level payment agreement with the Cooperative shall be obligated to pay for electric utility service the total amount of charges that would be applicable to the customer in absence of any level billing plan or level billing agreement. The level payment does not relieve customer of any obligation to pay based upon actual billing units (e.g. KWh metered to the customer).C. Level Payment-Monthly Billings Calculation
If the Cooperative and the customer mutually agree to level payment billing, the customer’s monthly charges shall be the total amount of estimated annual electric billings divided by 12. However, this amount is subject to adjustment as provided below. The Cooperative will take the total of the Customer’s last 12 months billings plus an amount to cover any increase due to abnormal weather conditions, changes in member’s usage or changes in the Cooperatives costs of purchase power. This total will be divided by 12 to arrive at an average monthly billing. The member will pay this amount each month until it is adjusted by the Cooperative.
The Cooperative shall review the member’s account after billing for December usage and after billing for June usage of energy. The monthly charges may be adjusted as a result of such review. Additionally, the Cooperative shall take an actual meter reading for the June and December billing cycle and shall debit or credit the member’s account as soon as practicable thereafter. Any amount which would be due based on member’s actual usage shall be paid by the member when due in accordance with the Cooperative’s standard billing practice.
D. Eligibility
In order to be eligible for level payment billing, the customer must meet the following requirements:
1. In most recent 12 months, member must have occupied a permanent residential dwelling continuously connected to the Cooperative’s electric system and have had a satisfactory payment history during such period;
2. All bills except the current bill for electric utility service if not then due, must have been paid;
3. Customer must pay a security deposit of not more than 1/6 of estimated annual billings if requested by the Cooperative;
4. Customer must sign and deliver to the Cooperative a level billing agreement.
E. Termination of Level Payment Billing
Level payment billing may be discontinued at any time by either customer or the Cooperative. If level payment billing is discontinued, any debit balance will become due and payable immediately. A credit balance will either be refunded or applied to future billings. At the time level payment billing is discontinued, the Customer will be placed on the regular method of billing.
If a customer fails to pay when due the amount of any level payment billing, the Cooperative may at its option terminate level payment billing and any debit balance will become due and payable.
324.11 Cancellation of Agreement
If Customer terminates service without proper notice or prior to the end of the contract term or Cooperative terminates service due to a default or breach by Customer, in addition to the amount then due Cooperative, there immediately becomes due and payable to Cooperative as liquidated damages and not as a penalty a further sum equal to the minimum amount specified in the applicable rate schedules or guaranteed in the Agreement for Electric Service for the unexpired term of the Agreement for Electric Service, whichever is greater. Proper notice will be as specified in the contract with customer or, if no notice period is specified in the customer’s contract; proper notice will consist of oral or written notice to Cooperative customer service personnel. The customer shall be obligated to pay for all electricity used until such time as Cooperative has taken final meter reading.
323.1 Receipt of Electric Energy
A. Exclusive Use
When electric service is available, Customer shall purchase from the Cooperative all electric energy and service required to be used by Customer from a single consuming installation.
Customer may not connect his lines to another source of electric energy in a manner that may permit electric energy to flow into Cooperative’s system from such source without a written agreement with the Cooperative.
B. Customer’s Installation
Customer shall at all times maintain his/her installation in accordance with the latest revision of the National Electrical Code published by the National Fire Protection Association and/or The National Electrical Safety Code published by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. as well as other applicable standards that may be imposed by law, ordinance or regulation.
323.2 Customers Use of Electric Energy
A. Permitted Uses
Electric energy provided through Cooperative facilities shall be used by Customer exclusively for the purpose or purposes specified in the availability clause of the rate schedule under which Customer is receiving service and being billed.
B. Resale Prohibited
Customer shall not resell electric energy unless specifically provided for in writing by the Cooperative.
C. Interstate Transmission of Electric Energy Prohibited
The Cooperative does not provide electric service to any member’s installation any part of which is located outside the State of Texas or is connected to any conductors, all or part of which is located outside the State of Texas. Customer shall not transmit electric energy provided by the Cooperative outside the State of Texas.
D. Uses Prohibited by Law
Customer shall not use electric energy for any unlawful purpose or in such a manner that it may endanger life or property.
323.3 Customer’s Electrical Load
A. Load Balance
Cooperative requires Customer to control the use of electric energy so that Cooperative’s electrical load at the point of delivery is in reasonable balance.
B. Allowable Motor Starting Currents
The following motors may be started across-the-line if the starting current (which is the locked rotor current of the motor at nameplate voltage) does not exceed the limits give below:
| Nominal Nameplate Voltage | Phase | Maximum Locked Rotor Current* |
|---|---|---|
| 115-Volts | Single | 50 amperes |
| 230-Volts | Single | 200 amperes |
| 200, 230 or 460 Volts | Single | 200 amperes |
Larger across-the-line starting currents than above may be permitted where Cooperative determines its facilities are adequate and the frequency of starts are such that other Customer’s service will not be adversely affected. Any motor starting devices are to be of a type approved by Cooperative and are to be provided and installed by Customer.
* Groups of motors starting simultaneously are classed as one motor.
C. Intermittent Electrical Loads
Electric service to equipment such as spot and arc welding machines, X-ray machines, arc-furnaces, elevators, dredges, locomotives, shovels, feed grinders, etc., whose us of electricity is intermittent and subject to violent fluctuations, is provided to such equipment as a part of Customer’s installation or by a transformer dedicated solely to that equipment and served as a separate account. Except for individual transformer type arc welders whose rated primary input current does not exceed 15 amperes at 120-volt operation or 30 amperes at 240-volt operation (38 amperes if Customer is served by an individual transformer), Customers contemplating the installation of such equipment are to make specific prior arrangements with Cooperative.
D. Equipment Necessary to Limit Adverse Effect
Cooperative may require Customer to provide, at Customer’s expense, suitable apparatus to limit the effect of voltage fluctuations caused by electric equipment in Customer’s installation where Customer is found to be operating electrical equipment which produces voltage fluctuations, interference or distorted wave forms which adversely affect electric service provided by Cooperative to Customers.
In lieu of requesting Customer to install such suitable or special equipment limiting such adverse effect, Cooperative may, at its option, install at Customer’s cost, additional transformer capacity (which may or may not be dedicated solely to such member) or other equipment specially designed to reasonably limit such adverse effect.
E. Voltage and Wave Forms Sensitive Equipment
A Customer planning the installation of electric equipment such as computers, communication equipment, electronic control devices, etc., whose performances may be adversely affected by voltage fluctuations and distorted 60 hertz wave forms are responsible for providing and installing the necessary facilities to limit these adverse effects.
F. Change in Customer’s Electrical Load
The Cooperative may require information concerning the nature of the load and electric service requirements as well as the expected duration of the load. Customer shall give written notice to the Cooperative fifteen (15) days in advance of connecting any motors or other devices which might increase load above the rated capacity of transformer(s) servicing Customer. If Customer fails to give such notice and an overload condition causes damage to the transformer(s) servicing Customer then Customer shall pay to the Cooperative the value of such transformer prior to the time it was damaged less salvage value.
If in the judgment of the Cooperative there is an increase in any electric service requirement for which, under standard engineering practice, it would be desirable to construct additional facilities, then the Cooperative may charge Customer as aid to construction or as an increased minimum an amount not to exceed the actual cost of such facilities together with the cost of any additional facilities required to be constructed by the Cooperative’s wholesale power supplier serving Customer’s load. The Cooperative may require the Customer to execute a new contract for electric service specifying appropriate terms including the maximum load, increased minimum or aid to construction.
323.4 Power Factor
If the power factor of Customer’s load is less than 90%, Cooperative may require Customer to install appropriate equipment to maintain a power factor of at least 90% or at Cooperative’s option, to reimburse Cooperative for installing the necessary equipment.
323.5 Access
Customer will admit to Customer’s premised at all reasonable hours personnel authorized by Cooperative to inspect, install, remove, or replace Cooperative’s property; to read Cooperative’s meter; and to perform other activities necessary to provide electric service, including tree trimming and tree removal where such trees in the opinion of Cooperative constitute a hazard to Cooperative personnel or facilities, or jeopardize the provision of continuous electric service. Refusal on the part of Customer to provide reasonable access for the above purposes may, at Cooperative’s option, be sufficient cause for discontinuance of service. Alternatively the Cooperative may move the metering location and other facilities and charge consumer the cost of relocating all facilities.
323.6 Protection of Cooperative’s Facilities on Customer’s Premises
Customer shall use reasonable diligence to protect Cooperative personnel and facilities on Customer’s premises.
In the event of loss of, or damage to, Cooperative facilities on Customer’s premises caused by or arising out of carelessness, neglect, or misuse by Customer or unauthorized persons, Cooperative may require Customer to reimburse the Cooperative the full cost of such damage.
322.1 Reasonable Diligence
The Cooperative uses reasonable diligence under standard utility practices to provide continuous and adequate service in accordance with the standards set forth in these rules but does not warrant or represent that irregularities or interruptions will not occur.
322.2 Service Interruptions
Service interruptions may occur. Customer is responsible for installing and maintaining protective devices as are recommended or required by the most current edition of the National Electrical Code and other such devices as are necessary or advisable to protect Customer’s equipment or process during irregular or interrupted service including, but no limited to, voltage and wave from irregularities, or the failure of part or all of the electrical service. When interruptions do occur the Cooperative shall re-establish service as soon as practicable.
The Cooperative may interrupt service to provide necessary civil defense or other emergency service in the event of a national emergency or local disaster. The Cooperative may also interrupt service as necessary for maintenance, repairs, construction, moving of buildings or oversized objects, relocation or changes of facilities, to prevent or alleviate an emergency which may disrupt operation of all or any portion of the Cooperative’s system, to lessen or remove risk of harm to life or property, to aid in the restoration of electric service, and on occasions when the Cooperative’s wholesale power suppliers, or any of them, fails to deliver sufficient power and/or energy to the Cooperative.
322.3 Service Irregularities
Irregularities in service such as voltage surges may occur. Customer is responsible for installing and maintaining devices which protect his/her installation, equipment, and processes during such service conditions.
322.4 Investigation of Service Interruptions and Irregularities
The Cooperative makes reasonable investigation of service interruptions and irregularities reported by a Customer. Such investigation normally terminates at the point of delivery. If standard service voltage exists at this point and the Cooperative’s service facilities are in good condition the Customer shall be so advised. The Cooperative shall not be obligated to inspect Customer’s conductors, installation, or equipment.
322.5 Liability, Indemnity, and Disclaimer of Warranties
A. Liability/Indemnity
Cooperative is responsible for design, construction, operation, and maintenance of electric service facilities up to and including the Point of Delivery. Customer is responsible for design, construction, operation, and maintenance of Customer’s installation beyond the Point of Delivery and has sole control and supervision over Customer’s installation. It is particularly understood that the Customer assumes full responsibility for electric energy furnished to Customer at and past the point of delivery and will indemnify the Cooperative against and hold the Cooperative harmless from all claims for damages including but not limited to injuries to any persons, including death resulting there from, and damages to property occurring upon the premises to the Customer arising from electric power and energy delivered by Cooperative whether or not caused by the negligence of the Cooperative except when the negligence of Cooperative or its agents or agents was the sole proximate cause of such injuries, death of persons or damages to property.
Except to the extent injuries or damage have been caused by the Cooperative’s negligence or willful misconduct as provided in this section it is the express intention of Customer to indemnify the Cooperative for the consequences of its own negligence. Without limiting the foregoing, Cooperative is not and shall not be liable to Customer for damages occasioned by: (A) irregularities or interruptions (of any duration), or failure to commence electric service, caused in whole or in part by (1) governmental or municipal action or authority, litigation, public enemies, strikes, acts of God (including weather and its resulting consequences), (2) an order of any Court or Judge granted in any bona fide adverse legal proceeding or action or any order of any commission or tribunal having jurisdiction in the premises, (3) situations or conditions described in the second paragraph of Section 322.2 of these Service Rules, (4) the absence, inadequacy or failure of protective devices which are the responsibility of the Customer, (5) inadequacy or failure of generation or transmission facilities, or (6) any other act or thing reasonably beyond the control of Cooperative or as may be authorized elsewhere in this Tariff For Electric Service; or (B) any interruption of service not occasioned by situations or conditions described in (A) above that has not existed continuously for beyond a reasonable period of time after notice to Cooperative, which reasonable period shall under no circumstances be less than twenty-four (24) hours or any interruption of service of greater than a reasonable duration if the Cooperative has used reasonable diligence in attempts to restore electric service after the Cooperative is notified of such interruption.
Cooperative may perform voluntary or emergency acts to electric facilities which are the responsibility of the Customer but shall have no liability for damages or injuries resulting from said acts except to the extent that said damages or injuries are proximately caused by acts or omissions of the Cooperative which are found to be wanton or willful with the intent to cause injury.
In any claim or cause of action relating to the provision of electric service asserted by Customer or any other person against Cooperative, Cooperative shall not be liable for any consequential, special, or non-direct damages, including but not limited to loss of use of equipment, extra expense due to the use of temporary or replacement equipment, loss of electronic data or program, loss of business revenue, costs of capital, or any cost not part of necessary repair to or reasonable replacement of electric equipment whether the claim or cause of action is based upon contract, tort, negligence, products liability, or any other theory of recovery.
B. Disclaimer of Warranties
Cooperative makes no warranties whatsoever with regard to the provision of electric service and disclaims any and all warranties, express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.
321.1 Overhead Service Drop
Electric service is generally available to Customers throughout the Cooperative’s service are from overhead distribution facilities. The Cooperative, however, may refuse to provide overhead service in any area where the Cooperative has or expects substantial investment in underground distribution facilities. To receive overhead service Customer must install a suitable bracket for attachment of Cooperative conductors in compliance with the National Electrical Safety Code and/or electrical specifications of the Cooperative.
321.2 Underground Electric Service
Electric service from underground distribution facilities is available to customers who meet the requirements of these service rules and regulations. In areas served by the Cooperative’s underground distribution system phase and voltage of electric service may be limited to that which can be provided from existing facilities. Underground conductors are usually connected to the Cooperative’s overhead distribution facilities at a location outside the Customer’s premises or at a suitable location on Customer’s premises. The location, routing and construction standards of underground distribution facilities is determined by the Cooperative. Customer shall provide at his/her expense padmount transformer and associated equipment prior to commencement of construction. Before the installation of underground distribution facilities, Customer will complete rough site grading, establish final grade along conductor route, expose to view any underground installation including gas lines, water lines, wastewater lines, communication lines, etc., and clear the area of all obstructions. No change shall be made in the grade along the conductor route without the consent of the Cooperative. Any change in grade which requires lowering electrical conductors is at the expense of the Customer.
321.3 Connections at Point of Delivery
The Cooperative makes connections of its conductors to Customer’s conductors only at the point of delivery.
320.1 Delivery of Electric Energy
If Customer has satisfied and continues to satisfy all conditions and perform all obligations contained in the foregoing service rules, the Cooperative shall provide electric energy to Customer at the point of delivery. The Cooperative may, however, limit the amount of electric energy furnished.
320.2 Characteristics of Electric Energy
A. Voltage
The Cooperative adopts the following standard voltages for distribution:
| Single Phase | Three Phase |
|---|---|
| 120/240 | 120/240 |
| 240/480 | 120/208 |
| 240/480 |
Insofar as practicable the Cooperative maintains its standard voltages within the variations permitted by the Public Utility Commission of Texas. See Substantive Rule 23.62(f). Customer should obtain from the Cooperative the phase and voltage of the service available before committing to the purchase of motors or other equipment.
B. Frequency
The Energy Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) controls the frequency of current provided by the Cooperative. Generally, the Cooperative provides alternating current at a standard frequency of 60 cycles per second. Except for infrequent and unavoidable fluctuations, this standard is usually maintained within one-tenth (1/10) of a cycle per second.
C. Electric Terms
1. A.C. – Alternating Current
2. Demand – The maximum rate-of-use of energy. The demand maybe:
Measured by a recording or indicating instrument (demand meter) showing, unless otherwise specified, the greatest fifteen-minute-rate-of-use of energy.
3. Horsepower (H.P.)
As used herein, horsepower shall be computed as the equivalent of 746 watts (approximately ¾ of a kw-hr).
4. Kilovoltampere (KVA)
Unit of measure of rate-of-use which determines electrical capacity required. It is obtained by multiplying the voltage of a circuit by its amperage.
5. Kilowatt (KW)
Amount of measurement of rate-of-use of electrical energy – 100 watts.
6. Kilowatt-hour (kWh)
Unit of measurement of a quantity of energy – an amount equivalent to the use of 1,000 watts for one hour.
7. Ampere
A unit of electric current that is equivalent to the flow of one volt applied across the resistance of one ohm.
8. Ohm
A unit of electrical resistance equal to the resistance of a circuit in which a potential difference of one volt produces a current of one ampere.
9. Volt
A unit of electrical measurement that is equivalent to the flow of one ampere across a resistance of one ohm.
10. Power Factor
As used herein, in a single phase circuit the power factor is the ratio of the watts to volt-amperes; and in a polyphase circuit the power factor is the ratio of the total watts to the vector sum of the voltamperes in the several phases.
11. Standard Single-Phase Secondary
Alternating current, 60 cycles, nominally 120 volts, 2 wire, or nominally 120-240 volts, 3 wire.
For consumer service from this type of construction, a standard single phase meter, 120 volts 2 wire or a standard single phase meter 120-240 volts, 3 wire would be used.
12. Standard Polyphase Secondary
Alternating current, 60 cycles, nominally 240 volts, 3 phase, 3 wire.
For consumer service from this type of construction, a 240 volt, 3 phase, 3 wire meter is used.
Electric service is provided to customers in the Cooperative’s certificated area who have satisfactorily established credit and fulfilled all conditions precedent. Normally, as a service objective, the Cooperative attempts to make service available within the following guidelines:
A. Within seven (7) working days if no line extension or new facilities are required.
B. Within ninety (90) days for permanent residential service requiring a line extension or other facilities unless unavailability of materials causes unavoidable delay.
C. Extensions to other customer classes requiring line extensions may take longer than ninety (90) days.
Customer shall designate the location he or she desires to receive electric energy and shall provide service entrance conductors and any receptacle needed for the receipt of electric energy.
The point of delivery of electric energy is the point where the Customer’s service entrance conductors are connected to the Cooperative’s conductors. Such point shall be outside the Customer’s installation or structure(s) at a location which will facilitate connection in accordance with the National Electrical Safety Code and standard operating practices of the Cooperative.
The Cooperative will install and maintain security lighting for members, subdivisions, and other organized public bodies, upon the following terms and conditions.
307.1 Luminaires
(a) Luminaires shall be Mercury Vapor type rated at 175 and 400 watts for 120 volt operation. The Cooperative shall determine quality standards of lighting as to fixtures, locations, light density and other.
(b) Brackets for luminaries shall be of pole mounting type suitable for mounting on existing poles.
(c) Luminaires shall be controlled by a photo electric control only.
307.2 Installation of Luminaires
(a) All conductors and poles used in Luminaire installations shall remain the property of the Cooperative.
(b) Luminaires will be installed on line side of meter, on Cooperative existing poles.
(c) Where the member desires Luminaire connected on load side of meter on existing pole in order to locate luminaire where lighting is needed, the Cooperative will install same at no installation cost to member, provided pole is deemed of adequate height and safe to climb by Cooperative personnel.
(d) Where member desires a luminaire installed at a location remote from the Cooperative’s existing poles, the Cooperative will install the necessary poles and wire for service to said luminaire, provided the poles do not exceed 30 feet in length and the member makes a contribution in Aid to Construction of the total construction costs, less luminaire, based on the Cooperative’s latest available adjusted Standard Unit Cost Schedule.
307.3 Ownership
(a) The Cooperative will retain ownership of luminaries and all associated materials.
307.4 Maintenance of Luminaires
(a) Where luminaire is connected on line side of the meter, no charge will be made to member for relamping or making necessary repairs to keep luminaire in good working order.
(b) Where luminaire is on the load side of the meter, the Cooperative will maintain only the equipment installed by the Cooperative.
(c) The Cooperative shall exercise reasonable diligence in lamp replacement and repairs; however, equal responsibility rests with the consumer for reporting the need for same.
(d) Maintenance and/or repairs to luminaries will be done during regular working hours.
307.5 Conditions of Service
(a) Lights will be installed for members or consumers of Cooperative only.
(b) Customer or consumer must sign a contract agreeing to pay rate for each light.
(c) Rate for a specific light will be billed to only one member or consumer. Two or more members will not be allowed to split cost of light by adding their share to their power bill.
306.1 Location and Installation of Meter
Meters and service switches in conjunction with the meter shall be installed in accordance with the latest revision of American National Standards Institute, Incorporated Standard C12 (American National Code for Electricity Metering), and will be readily accessible for reading, testing and inspection, and where such activities will cause minimum interference and inconvenience to the Customer. Customer shall provide, without cost to the Cooperative, at a suitable and easily accessible location:
(1) sufficient and proper space for installation of meters and other apparatus of the Cooperative, (2) meter board, (3) meter loop, (4) safety service switches when required and (5) an adequate anchor for service drops. All meters installed after July, 1980 shall be located as set forth herein, provided that, where installations are made to replace meters removed from service, this section shall not operate to require any change in meter locations which were established prior to July, 1980, unless the Cooperative finds that the old location is no longer suitable or proper, or the Customer desires that the location be changes. Where the meter location on the Customer’s premises is changed at the request of the Customer, or due to alterations on Customer’s premises, the Customer shall provide and have installed at his expense, all wiring and equipment necessary for relocating the meter. All meters will be located outside the building except as may be permitted with the prior written approval of the Cooperative.
306.2 Type of Meter and Ownership of Meter
The Cooperative shall provide, install, own, and maintain all meters necessary for the measurement of electrical energy. Such meters shall be of a standard type which meets industry standards; however, special meters not conforming to such standards may be used for investigation or experimental purposes.
The Cooperative shall provide electric service from existing distribution facilities to members applying for service in accordance with the rates and charges set forth in this tariff. Existing distribution facilities shall be extended subject to the following terms and conditions.
305.1 Permanent Installations
(a) Permanent Residential Service. The Cooperative will construct a new extension of its distribution system to provide permanent electric service to a permanent residence under the following provisions:
(1) To qualify as an extension to a permanent residence, the location where applicant is requesting service shall be: (a) a permanent installation; (b) a single- or multi-family dwelling unit; and (c) completely constructed and occupied on a full- time basis; and
(2) Applicant shall pay in advance the cost of the extension more than $3,000 as a non-refundable contribution in aid of construction.
Extensions will be staked from the Cooperative’s existing facilities over the shortest available route for which easements can be obtained. In all cases, the distance as measured by Cooperative engineering technicians will determine the length of the line to be constructed. Construction costs shall be based on the Cooperative’s latest available standard unit cost schedule, plus the actual cost of any necessary easement. Line extension costs for all other service points on the premises in question shall be paid in full by the applicant.
(b) Underground Service.
The Cooperative will extend its distribution facilities underground from the Customer’s premises to Customer’s point of delivery for any type of permanent service, provided such service is not impractical by reason of geological or other conditions. The Customer or developer may be required to pay in advance as aid- to-construction the actual costs for part or all the construction. If the Cooperative does any trenching for Customer’s installation, Customer shall be required to pay at current cost.
(c) All Other Extensions for Permanent Electric Service.
For all other extensions not otherwise covered in this section 305.1, the Cooperative will construct a new extension of its distribution system to provide permanent electric service to a permanent installation, including commercial, industrial, or public building installations, only if the applicant pays in advance one hundred percent (100%) of the cost of the extension as a non-refundable contribution in aid of construction.
305.2 Temporary Service and Non-Permanent Installations
The Cooperative will construct an extension of its distribution system for the purpose of providing temporary service. Extensions to temporary installations shall require the advance payment of the actual cost of construction and removal, less estimated salvage value; such amount shall be calculated based on the Cooperative’s adjusted standard unit cost schedule. Temporary service shall not exceed six months.
Extensions of service to non-permanent installations (those without a well-advanced and definite plan for the construction of a residence or other permanent facilities, and an adequate water supply) shall require the advance payment of the actual cost of construction.
305.3 Residential Development
The Cooperative will construct and extend service within platted subdivisions approved by an incorporated municipality or county when it is technically and economically feasible to do so. A subdivision developer shall be required to pay in advance as aid to construction the cost of constructing all main primary voltage distribution feeders located within the subdivision in accordance with this Section 305.3. The Cooperative will complete such line extension when the following conditions are satisfied:
(1) The development is a platted residential subdivision to be primarily used or developed for permanent single or multi-family residential dwelling units;
(2) The development has an approved water and sewer system and improved roads;
(3) The developer shall become a member, establish credit, execute an Agreement For Electric Service, and comply with all other applicable provisions of this Tariff;
(4) The development, in the Cooperative’s judgment, is not unduly speculative and will be developed in a planned manner;
(5) The Cooperative, in its sole discretion, shall determine the most economical and feasible routing of all facilities within the development and may install either a front or rear lot system;
(6) The developer provides at no cost to the Cooperative:
(a) Dedicated easements along streets, roads, and all lots lines within the development, or other easements and covenants on owner’s property, that are satisfactory to Cooperative, and rights to cross all roadways;
(b) Site plans (including lot lines, streets, wet utilities, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and landscaping plans), notice of construction start dates and construction schedules that are reasonable and typical for the industry and for the type of work to be performed, and any other information reasonably required by the Cooperative;
(c) Survey points for grades, lot corners, street right-of-way, and other locations reasonably necessary for installation of the electric system;
(7) The developer shall pay in advance as a contribution in aid of construction the total cost of all new construction and system improvements necessary to make power available to all lots within the development, excluding the direct cost to extend service from the pedestal or transformer to the meter base on individual lots.
(8) The subdivision owner/developer shall open all ditches necessary for the extension of electric service within the subdivision in accordance with the Cooperative’s specifications.
305.4 Security Lighting
The Cooperative will construct extensions to its distribution system to serve security lighting installations requested by a member. The member shall be required to pay the actual cost of such construction in advance. Construction costs shall be based on the Cooperative’s latest available standard unit cost schedule plus the cost of any necessary easement.
305.5 Relocation of Facilities
Whenever it is necessary for the Cooperative to relocate its existing distribution or transmission lines at the request of any governmental entity (e.g. for road widening) or at the request of a landowner, for facilities on the landowner’s property, the entity or landowner requesting relocation shall pay in advance the estimated cost of construction (material, labor and overhead) less the salvage value. Such payment is not refundable. Construction costs shall be based on the Cooperative’s latest available standard unit cost schedule plus the cost of any necessary easement.
When relocation of facilities is necessary to improve agricultural production of a member’s property, or when relocation of facilities will benefit the Cooperative, the Chief Executive Officer of the Cooperative shall have discretion to waive payment of all or part of the relocation expense.
The entity or landowner making a request for relocation of existing facilities shall also furnish the Cooperative a suitable right-of-way easement for the relocation of facilities.
305.6 Ownership of Distribution Facilities
The Cooperative shall retain the ownership of all facilities constructed and installed by the Cooperative for the distribution of electric energy, whether the cost of construction of the facilities has been paid by the Cooperative or by the member.
305.7 Refunds
Certain construction cost advances paid by members for line extension applications processed prior to October 1, 2005 qualified for refunds paid by the Cooperative. Those refunds will continue, in accordance with Cooperative policies and tariffs in place prior to October 1, 2005. Construction cost advances paid by members for line extension applications processed on or after October 1, 2005 will not be refunded.
305.8 Special Circumstances
Any situation involving special circumstances not specifically covered in this line extension tariff will require the special consideration and approval of the Chief Executive Officer and the Board of Directors of the Cooperative.
Customer requests for electric service of the character and type provided by Cooperative are granted within the limitations of the applicable rate schedule for electric service, the availability of Cooperative facilities, the characteristics of Customer’s electrical load and these Service Rules and Regulations.
Cooperative my require special contractual arrangements, which may include additional charges under the Cooperative’s line extension policy, prior to Cooperative’s providing electric service if the electric service requested by Customer is not available at the service location or is other than that which Cooperative usually provides.
The grant of an application shall operate as an acceptance of Applicant’s offer to purchase electric service. Any Customer taking electric service from Cooperative, in consideration of the Cooperative’s supplying electric service and regardless whether or not such Customer has made application for such electric service, is bound by these Service Regulations and is liable to Cooperative for payment for such electric service under the applicable rate schedule.
304.1 Terms of Contract
The terms of the contract are the provisions of the Agreement for Electric Service, this tariff, including the service rules and regulations of the Cooperative, and the applicable rate schedule, and any applicable easement.
304.2 Conditions to be Fulfilled by Customer
As conditions precedent to the performance or obligation to perform any part of the contract for electric service by the Cooperative or the provision of any electric service Customer shall
A. Comply with the Law
Customer warrants to the Cooperative that he or she has complied with all Federal, State, County, and Municipal regulations governing the service applied for and shall remain in compliance. The Cooperative does not undertake to determine if Customer is in compliance with the law and the provision of service shall not be construed as any indicia of compliance; however, the Cooperative may require a copy of any approval required by law, ordinance or regulation prior to the provision of service or may refuse or discontinue service if Customer fails or refuses to comply with applicable state and municipal regulations; and
B. Comply with Service Rules
Customer shall comply with the Service Rules and Regulations of the Cooperative governing the service applied for; and
C. Customer’s Installation
Customer warrants to the Cooperative that Customer’s installation is constructed in accordance with the latest revision of the National Electrical Code published by the National Fire Protection Association and/or the latest revision of the National Electrical Safety Code published by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc., and/or electrical specifications of the Cooperative as my be applicable. Customer further warrants to the Cooperative that Customer’s installation will be maintained in accordance with such Code publications. The Cooperative does not undertake to determine if Customer’s installation complies with such standards and the provision of service shall not be construed as any indicia of compliance; however, should it come to the attention of the Cooperative that Customer’s installation does not conform to such standards, Customer may be required to conform prior to
the provision of service.
a. All meter pole installations shall be in metal conduit, and made up of weather proof fittings and must have a main disconnect switch and done driven ground.b. The size of the conduit is to be determined from the National Electric handbook.c. Definition of a Main. The main may consist of a single fusible switch or a single circuit breaker, or of any number of fusible switches or circuit breakers not exceeding 6, so long as all can be operated from one location, and installed within 5 feet of the watt- hour meter.
d. Point of attachment to buildings: (Article 230-26) The point of attachment of a service drop to a building shall not be less than 10 feet above ground and shall be at a height to permit a minimum clearance for service drop conductors of 10 feet above sidewalks, 12 feet over private driveways, 18 feet over alleys and 22 feet over public roads.
2. Application, Residence (New) Meter Loop Size
a. The meter loop wire size shall be determined as follows, except that the neutral may be determined from Article 250-94 (b) of the code with #6 copper being the minimum size permissible. No bare cooper will be permitted in aluminum conduit.
b. All meter loops shall have proper ground. (See Article 250-83)
c. No building shall be served with an entrance smaller than #6 copper, a 60 amp main and/or panel providing 240 volt service.
d. Any building with less than 1,000 square feet of floor space and having an outlet for an electric range, shall have a minimum ob #4 copper entrance with a 70 amp main and/or panel.
e. Any building with 1,000 square feet or more floor space shall have a minimum of #2 copper entrance with a 100 amp main and/or panel.
f. Any all-electric home having 15 KW or more total heater capacity shall have a minimum of #1/0 copper entrance, and a 150 amp main and/or panel.
NOTE: Reference to square feet in a building means house proper, exclusive of garage, porches and storage rooms.
3. Application, Special (Temporary Mobile Home Meter Loops)
a. The meter loop wire size shall be determined by the load connected with #6 copper being the minimum wire size permissible.
b. The main switch shall have a minimum lug capacity of 50 amps and shall be fused according to the load side wires connected.
c. The meter loop may be connected 120 or 240 volts.
4. Water Pump Meter Loops
a. Where the load consists of a pump motor only, the loop may be sized according to the motor load and may be connected 120 or 240 volts with #10 copper being the minimum size permissible.
5. Application Residence (Old Construction) Re-Wiring and Installing Appliances.
a. The number of appliances connected shall be used to determine sizes of meter loop and main, rather than area in square feet.
b. One major appliance (Example: Electric Range) use a 60 amp main and #6 meter loop.
c. Two major appliances (Example: Electric Range and Water Heater) use a 70 amp main and a #4 meter loop.
d. Three major appliances (Example: Electric Range, Water Heater and one other appliance such as a Dryer, Air Conditioner or any device using as much as 20 amps per phase) use a 100 amp main and a #2 meter loop.
6. Application (General)
a. All receptacles shall be of the grounding type and connected with 3 wires, one of which the grounding contacts of the receptacle shall be connected.
b. The frame of all fixed apparatus and appliances shall be grounded.
c. Type UF cable or approved wiring, shall be used in masonry, tile or any damp locations.
d. All wiring shall be protected with fusing no larger than set forth in the National Electric Code handbook.
e. Size #14 wire shall not be used except to control individual room lights, relays or control circuits not to exceed 10 amps.
f. All meter sockets shall be installed to provide a minimum of 5 feet and maximum 6 feet clearance from permanent ground line to center of socket.
g. Auxiliary heating strips on all 3 phase air conditioners shall be connected 3 phase.
h. The electrical contractor shall be responsible for providing an adequate tie point for service on masonry or metal type buildings.
i. When necessary to install a service mast to obtain the proper ground clearance, a 2 inch mast shall be the minimum size permissible
j. Box connectors or approved clamps shall be used at all boxes, panels and mains.
k. There shall be no more than seven (7) receptacles or lights on any one general purpose circuit. Individual circuits shall be provided for all major appliances and special circuits shall be provided in kitchen area.
l. All mains and/or weather proof gutters installed before the meter shall have provisions for sealing with a Cooperative lock.
7. Applications, Commercial and Industrial (New Construction)
a. All commercial and industrial wiring shall comply with the Central Texas Electric Cooperative, and/or National Electric Code before being connected to the Cooperative lines.
D. Easement
Customer shall grant or secure to the Cooperative at Customer’s expense an easement, the form and content of which is satisfactory to the Cooperative. The form of an acceptable utility easement which has been approved by The Public Utility Commission of Texas is contained in Section IV, of this tariff. This form may be altered by the Cooperative to fit particular circumstances. In the event that Applicant/Customer is not able to secure an easement acceptable to the Cooperative after reasonable attempts and the Cooperative acquires an easement, then Customer shall reimburse the Cooperative all costs; and
E. Construction Costs
Customer shall fulfill all obligations for the payment of construction costs in the manner prescribed in service rules and regulations governing line extensions.
304.3 Assignment of Contract
The Customer shall not assign the Agreement for Electric Service or any of Customer’s rights or obligations there under except by written consent of the Cooperative and in compliance with the Articles and Bylaws of the Cooperative. The Agreement For Electric Service shall inure to the benefit of the Cooperative’s assigns.
304.4 Modification by the Parties
The contract for electric service may be modified by the agreement of both the Cooperative and the Customer if such agreement is made in writing and signed by both parties.
The Cooperative shall consider the offer to purchase electric service and act upon it within a reasonable time by either granting the application (conditionally, subject to these Service Rules and Regulations) or refusing service in accordance with this tariff.
303.1 - Granting Application
The Cooperative may grant an application by having its authorized officer or employee sign the Agreement for Electric Service on behalf of the Cooperative; or making electricity available at Customer’s service location.
303.2 - Refusal of Service
The Cooperative may refuse service if:
Customer has failed or refused to satisfactorily establish credit; or
If Customer has failed or refused within a reasonable time to fulfill any condition precedent to performance (see section 304.2); or
If Customer has failed or refused to pay any indebtedness to any utility having previously provided applicant with electric service; orD. Membership
Customer has failed or refused to pay the membership fee or qualify for membership in the Cooperative in accordance with the provisions of law; or
E. Hazardous Condition
If it has come to the Cooperative’s attention that Customer’s installation or equipment is hazardous or if such character that satisfactory service cannot be given; or
F. False Name or Other Artifice
Customer or prospective Customer uses an alias, trade name, business name, the name of a relative or another person or other artifice to avoid payment of electric service bills.
The Cooperative may require a Customer, regardless of the type of service applied for, to demonstrate and satisfactorily establish credit in such form and manner as may be prescribed by the Cooperative in accordance with Commission Rule 25.24. Consumers are hereby notified they may file a complaint with the Public Utility Commission of Texas if dissatisfied with a credit decision of the Cooperative. The satisfactory establishment of credit shall not relieve a Customer from complying with tariff provisions for prompt payment of bills.
302.1 Establishment of Credit for Permanent Residential Applicants
An applicant for permanent residential service may satisfactorily establish credit and shall not be required to pay a deposit for the following reasons:
If it is undisputed that applicant has been a customer of a utility providing electric service within the last two years and is not delinquent in the payment of any such utility service account and during the last twelve (12) consecutive months of service did not have more than one occasion in which a bill for such utility service was paid after becoming delinquent and never had service disconnected for nonpayment; or
If the applicant for permanent residential service furnishes in writing a satisfactory guarantee to secure the payment of bills for electric service; or
If the applicant for permanent residential service is sixty-five (65) years of age or older and does not have an outstanding account balance with the Cooperative or another utility providing electric service which accrued within the last two (2) years; or
If the permanent residential applicant demonstrates a satisfactory credit rating by appropriate means, including any of the following:1. A soft credit check conducted by CTEC indicating a non-potential delinquency risk with a grade of 50% or lower.2. Letters of credit reference;
302.2 Amount of Deposit
If the credit of an applicant for any type of service has not been established satisfactorily to the Cooperative and if allowed by applicable Commission rules, the Cooperative may require a deposit. The amount of deposit shall be determined by the Cooperative in accordance with applicable Commission rules (ref. PUC Substantive Rule 25.24.)
302.3 Amount of Deposit for Permanent Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Service
The initial deposit for permanent residential, commercial or industrial service shall not exceed one-sixth (1/6) of estimated annual billings. For new residential, commercial or industrial services, the deposit amount will be based on the size of service installed and be determined by the cooperative.
302.4 Increase in Deposit Within First 12 Months of Service
During the first 12 months of service, if actual usage is three times estimates usage (or three times average usage of the most recent three bills) and current usage exceeds $150 and 150% of the security held, a new deposit requirement may be calculated and an additional deposit may be required to be made within 10 days after issuance of written notice of termination and requested additional deposit, or, in lieu of additional deposit, the member may elect to pay the current usage within 10 days after issuance of written notice of termination and requested additional deposit.
302.5 Increase in Deposit for Residential and Commercial Member
If actual billings of a commercial member are at least twice the amount of the estimated billings, and a suspension notice has been issued on a bill within the previous 12-month period, a new deposit may be required to be made within 15 days after issuance of written notice of termination and requested additional deposit. If actual billings of a residential member are at least twice the amount of the estimated billings after two billing periods, and a suspension notice has been issued on a bill within the previous 12-months period, a new deposit may be required to be made within 15 days after issuance of written notice of termination and requested additional deposit. In lieu of additional deposit, the member may elect to pay the current bill by the due date of the bill, provided the member has not exercised this option in the previous 12 months.
302.6 Reestablishment of Credit
Every applicant who previously has been a Customer of the Cooperative and whose service has been discontinued for nonpayment of bills or meter tampering or bypassing of meter shall be required, before service is rendered, to pay all amounts due the Cooperative or executive a deferred payment agreement, if offered, and reestablish credit.
301.1 - Application Required
Any person desiring to receive electric service from the Cooperative shall apply for such service by properly completing, signing, and filing with the Cooperative an Agreement for Electric Service. A form of Agreement for Electric Service is contained in these tariffs; however, special contractual arrangements, which may include additional charges under the Cooperative’s line extension policy, may be required. A separate Agreement for Electric Service is required for each location where delivery of electric energy is desired, whether or not for initiation or renewal of service or otherwise.
The Agreement for Electric Service must be in the legal name of the person desiring to receive electric service. The Cooperative may require suitable identification and such other information as may be reasonably necessary to evaluate the application.
301.2 - Membership in the Cooperative
If applicant is not a member of the Cooperative, applicant shall properly complete, sign, and file an application for membership. The filing of an application for membership shall be accompanied by the payment of one (1) membership fee.
301.3 - Offer to Purchase Electric Service
Upon compliance with the provisions of Sections 301.1 and 301.2, applicant has made an offer to purchase electric energy from the Cooperative, the terms of which are contained in the Application for Membership and Electric Service, these tariffs, and any applicable easement.
207.1 - Trip Fee
Except as provided in these rules, the Cooperative shall charge $100.00 for each trip to a member’s premises which is requested by the member or reasonably necessary under these rules or standard operating practice, (e.g. trip to member’s premises for collection of a bill, connection, disconnection, reconnection, trouble report investigation). The cooperative shall charge $45.00 for each trip to the member’s premises for meter reading under the following circumstances: (1) if a member fails to timely provide the Cooperative with an accurate meter reading for 2 consecutive months; (2) if a member submits an unusually high or unusually low meter reading; (3) in connection with annual meter reading if there is a large discrepancy between the actual reading and the reading reported by a member; (4) if there are inaccuracies in the member’s meter reading; (5) if the Cooperative is not able to obtain access in its normal meter reading cycle; or (6) if the member fails to keep an appointment and the Cooperative makes a trip to the premises.
The Cooperative does not normally reconnect service after business hours unless a member has a medical emergency.
If a trip to a member’s premises is made outside of the Cooperative’s business hours, the member shall be charged $150.00.
No charge shall be made to investigate an outage or service irregularity unless caused by the member or the member’s installation or equipment.
207.2 - Membership Fee
Each applicant shall be charged a membership fee of $25.00.
207.3 - Returned Check
The Cooperative shall charge $35.00 for each check or other form of payment which is dishonored or returned to the Cooperative. Any member having a check or other from of payment dishonored two or more times in a 12-month period may be required to pay by cash, money order, or certified check.
207.4 - Meter Test Fee
If a member’s meter has been tested at the member’s request and within a period of four (4) years the member requests a new test, the Cooperative shall perform the test. If the meter is found to be within the accuracy standards established by the American National Standards Institutes, Inc., the Cooperative will charge the member a fee which reflects the cost to test the meter, however, this charge shall not be more than $100.00 for a residential member.
207.5 - Supplemental Engineering Services Fee
If additional engineering services are required because information provided by the member was incomplete or inaccurate, or because of changes made at the request of the member, the Cooperative may charge the member a non-refundable fee for Supplemental Engineering Services relating to the construction of the Cooperative facilities. Such fee shall not be more than $300.00.
207.6 - Switchover Fee
Where service to a member is being switched between the Cooperative and another electric utility, the following charges shall apply when the Cooperative is the disconnecting utility:
A. A charge to cover average labor and transportation costs incurred in the disconnection of service.
B. Any unpaid construction, line extension, or other contract charges.
C. A charge for removal of any property, plant or facilities of the Cooperative used to provide service to the member, if the member requests removal or removal is required for legal or safety reasons, or by requirement of any authority.
D. A charge for distribution facilities rendered idle as a result of the disconnection and not usable on another part of the Cooperative’s system based on the original cost of such facilities less depreciation, salvage and contributions in aid of construction, but including the cost of removing idled plant deemed by the Cooperative to be economically salvageable.
E. Prior to disconnection, the member shall pay the Cooperative for all service up through the date of disconnection as well as the charges set forth in this tariff. Upon receipt of payment, the Cooperative shall give the member a paid receipt.
Consistent with the Rules of the Public Utility Commission of Texas, members are advised that the connecting electric utility may not provide service to a member until the connecting utility has evidence from the Cooperative that the member has paid for electric service through the date of disconnection and any charges for disconnection under this tariff.
207.7 - Delinquent Accounts
The Cooperative may assess a late fee of $10.00 or five percent (5%) whichever is greater, on each delinquent bill.
207.8 - Meter Tampering
If the Cooperative determines that a member has tampered with a meter or is otherwise obtaining electric service in an illegal manner, the Cooperative will disconnect the service. The member’s service shall not be restored until the member has paid a $250.00 fee to defray the costs associated with the investigation of the incident in question. The member must also pay all expenses incurred by the Cooperative in connection with the repair and/or replacement of the meter and other electric facilities owned by the Cooperative, along with the estimated billing for energy consumed but not metered as the result of the tampering incident. In cases of meter tampering or bypassing of meter, electric energy consumed, but not metered, may be estimated by the Cooperative based on amounts used under similar conditions during preceding years. Where no previous usage history exists or where previous usage
history is considered unreliable due to meter tampering or bypassing of meter, consumption may be estimated on the basis of usage levels of similar installations and under similar conditions.
207.9 - Transfer of Service Fee
A consumer eligible for electric service under all rates, shall, before service is transferred to their name pay all unpaid balances an, on the occasion that service has not been is connected at the location, be billed a $20.00 Transfer of Service Fee to transfer active service into their name.
Every applicant who has previously been a customer of the Utility and whose service has been discontinued for non-payment of bills or meter tampering or bypassing of meter shall be required before service is rendered to pay all amounts due the Utility or execute a Deferred Payment Agreement, if offered, and re-establish credit.
207.10 - New Service Application Fee
A consumer eligible for electric service under all rates shall pay all unpaid balances and a non-refundable $300.00 New Service Application Fee. The New Service Application Fee will be included in the consumer’s contribution in aid of construction (CIAD) costs.
Any request or application that is ready for construction but is on hold waiting for the Applicant to pay fees or is otherwise placed on hold by the Applicant may be cancelled six ( 6 ) months after the engineering is complete, or upon six ( 6 ) months of inactivity on the part of the Applicant.
If the line extension has been designed to the Applicant’s designated point of Delivery and the Applicant subsequently requests a redesign of the line extension, the Applicant shall be required to pay an additional non-refundable Supplemental Engineering Services Fee at the time of this request.
207.11 - Engineering Fee
Persons requesting utility easements only shall be charged a non-refundable Engineering Fee of $150.00 per hour (minimum 1 hour) for each request for clerical or field work to obtain easements, or any other documentation necessary. This fee must be paid prior to delivery of requested documentation.
207.12 - Easement Filing Fee
A consumer shall pay a $100.00 Easement Filing Fee which will be included in the consumer's contribution in aid of construction (CIAC) costs. Easements obtained through the course of staking new electric service will be filed and duly recorded in the official public records of the county where service is being provided. This fee will be refunded if the easement is not officially filed.
207.13 - Remote Disconnect/Reconnect
During normal business hours, if a meter is remotely disconnected for any reason (non-payment, member request, etc) the member shall pay a Remote Disconnect Fee of $50.00. Upon reconnect during normal business hours, the member shall pay a Remote Reconnect Fee of $50.00. If the disconnect and/or reconnect occur outside of normal business hours, the fee will be increased to $100.00 per disconnect/reconnect.
The Cooperative’s rate schedules may be changed by the Cooperative’s board of directors in the manner prescribed by law. Service is subject to the Cooperative’s tariff for electric service.
Bills for electric service will be issued on a monthly basis. The Cooperative uses two billing cycles. Cycle 1 bills are issued on or about the fifteenth of each month, and are considered past due if payment is not received on or before the fifth day of the month following the date of issue. Cycle 2 bills are issued on the next-to-last working day of each month, and are considered past due if payment is not received on or before the twentieth day of the month following the date of issue. If any due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday or holiday, payment will be considered timely if received on or before the next day following the due date that is not a Saturday, Sunday or holiday.
Accounts that become past due are subject to disconnection in accordance with the rules of the Cooperative. The Cooperative may assess a late payment fee of
$10.00 or five percent (5%), whichever is greater, on each delinquent bill.
All rate schedules are subject to the following billing adjustments:
204.1 - Sales Tax
All bills shall be adjusted by the amount of any sales tax attributable to the sale of electric service to the member unless the member has previously provided to the Cooperative satisfactory proof of exemption.
204.2 - Over-Billing and Under-Billing
If billings for utility service are found to differ from the Cooperative’s rates for the services being purchased by the member, or if the Cooperative fails to bill the member for such service, or if any meter is found to be outside the accuracy standards established by the American National Standards Institute Incorporated, a billing adjustment shall be calculated by the Cooperative. If the member is due a refund, an adjustment shall be made for the entire period of the overcharges. If an overcharge is adjusted by the utility within three billing cycles of the bill in error, interest shall not accrue. Unless otherwise provided, if an overcharge is not adjusted by the utility within three billing cycles of the bill in error, interest shall be applied to the amount of the overcharge at the rate set by the Public Utility Commission of Texas annually for the calendar year in issue. If the member was undercharged, the Cooperative may back bill the member for the amount that was under billed. The back billing is not to exceed six months unless the Cooperative can produce records to identify and justify the additional amount of back billing or unless such undercharge is a result of meter tampering, bypass, or diversion by the member.
If a meter is found to have an incorrect register or multiplier, the error shall be corrected. Where the error is adverse to the member, the Cooperative shall refund the excess charges for the amount of electricity incorrectly metered over the period of time the meter was used in billing the member. No refund is required from the Cooperative except to the member last served by the meter prior to testing. Where the error is adverse to the Cooperative, the Cooperative may charge the member the undercharge for the amount of electricity incorrectly metered for the period of time the meter was used in billing the member, and if necessary, the Cooperative may receive payment installments over a reasonable period of time. If a meter is found not to register for any period, unless bypassed or tampered with, the Cooperative shall make a charge for units used but not metered for a period not to exceed three months.
204.3 - Power Factor Adjustment
Demand charges may be adjusted if the average power factor is lower than ninety- eight percent (98%). Measured demand may be increased by 1% for each 1% by which the power factor is less than ninety-eight percent (98%) lagging for any period of fifteen (15) consecutive minutes. This adjustment shall not be applied on loads of less than 25 kW.
203.1 - Power Cost Pass-Through
The Power Cost Pass-Through shall be computed on a uniform per kWh basis each month as follows:

Power Cost Pass-Through: A billing calculation that allows the Cooperative to recover the cost of power and other related expenses
Estimated Power Cost: Total estimated power cost and other related expenses from all suppliers for the billing period.
Estimated Energy Sales: Total estimated energy sales (in kilowatt hours) for the billing period.
Because the Power Cost Pass-Through is calculated using estimated power cost and related expenses and estimated energy sales, there will be over/under recoveries which will be reconciled in subsequent billing periods.
203.2 - Transmission Cost Pass-Through
The Transmission Cost Pass-Through shall be computed on a uniform per kWh basis each month as follows:

Transmission Cost Pass- Through: A billing calculation that allows the Cooperative to recover the cost of transmission and other related expenses.
Estimated Transmission Cost: Total estimated transmission cost and other related expenses from all suppliers for the billing period.
Estimated Energy Sales: Total estimated energy sales (in kilowatt hours) for the billing period.
Because the Transmission Cost Pass-Through is calculated using estimated power cost and related expenses and estimated energy sales, there will be over/under recoveries which will be reconciled in subsequent billing periods.
202.1 - Residential Service Rate Schedule
A. Availability
1. The Residential Service Rate Schedule applies to all electric service to permanent installations used primarily for residential purposes. It applies to electric service to a private dwelling and its appurtenances, the major use of which is for lighting, air conditioning, heating and household appliances. Except as otherwise provided, when a majority of the electricity is consumed in a dwelling is regularly used in connection with the conduct of a business, the service shall be classified as Commercial or Large Power and billed under the appropriate rate.
Alternating current service, single or three-phase, will be provided at approximately 60 cycles. Voltage supplied will be at the discretion of the Cooperative and will be determined by the voltage available from distribution lines in the vicinity and/or other conditions. Frequency and voltage shall be subject to reasonable variation.b. Rate
Distribution Access Charge: $29.50 per month
Distribution Energy Charge: $0.03850 per kWhc. Power Cost Pass-Through
In addition to the rates and charges described above, members will be billed a Power Cost Pass-Through for all kwh consumed.d. Transmission Cost Pass-Through
In addition to the rates and charges described above, members will be billed a Transmission Cost Pass-Through for all kWh consumed.e .Determination of Demand
For purposes of rate classification, the demand shall be the maximum kilowatt (kW) demand established by the member for any period of fifteen consecutive minutes during the month for which the bill is rendered, as indicated or recorded by the demand meter. If demand exceeds the 75 kW level for more than one month in any period of 12consecutive months, the account shall be classified as Large Power and billed under the Large Power rate.f. Minimum Monthly Charge
The minimum monthly charge shall be the Distribution Access Charge.
202.2 - Small Commercial Rate Schedule
A. Availability
The Small Commercial Rate Schedule applies to commercial loads having a demand not greater than 75 kW. This schedule does not apply to irrigation service.
B. Character of Service
Alternating current service, single or three-phase, will be provided at approximately 60 cycles. Voltage supplied will be at the discretion of the Cooperative and will be determined by the voltage available from distribution lines in the vicinity and/or other conditions. Frequency and voltage shall be subject to reasonable variation.
C. Rate
Distribution Access Charge: $40.00 per month
Distribution Energy Charge: $0.03051 per kWh
Distribution Access Charge: $50.00 per month
Distribution Energy Charge: $0.03051 per kWh
D. Power Cost Pass-Through
In addition to the rates and charges described above, members will be billed a Power Cost Pass-Through for all kWh consumed.
E. Transmission Cost Pass-Through
In addition to the rates and charges described above, members will be billed a Transmission Cost Pass-Through for all kWh consumed.
F. Determination of Demand
For purposes of rate classification, the demand shall be the maximum kilowatt (kW) demand established by the member for any period of fifteen consecutive minutes during the month for which the bill is rendered, as indicated or recorded by the demand meter. If demand exceeds the 75 kW level for more than one month in any period of 12 consecutive months, the account shall be classified as Large Power and billed under the Large Power rate.
G. Minimum Monthly Charge
The minimum monthly charge shall be the Distribution Access Charge.
202.2.1 Small Commercial – Public Services & Not-For-Profit Rate Schedule
A. Availability
The Small Commercial Public Services & Not-for-Profit (NFP) Rate Schedule applies to service to individually metered facilities having demands less than 75 kW and operated by the following types of public & NFP services: churches, parsonages, schools, charitable organizations and volunteer fire departments.
B. Character of Service
Alternating current service, single or three-phase, will be provided at approximately 60 cycles. Voltage supplied will be at the discretion of the Cooperative and will be determined by the voltage available from distribution lines in the vicinity and/or other conditions. Frequency and voltage shall be subject to reasonable variation.
C. Rate
Distribution Access Charge: $36.00 per month
Distribution Energy Charge: $0.02746 per kWh
Distribution Access Charge: $45.00 per month
Distribution Energy Charge: $0.02746 per kWh
D. Power Cost Pass-Through
In addition to the rates and charges described above, members will be billed a Power Cost Pass-Through for all kWh consumed.
E. Transmission Cost Pass-Through
In addition to the rates and charges described above, members will be billed a Transmission Cost Pass-Through for all kWh consumed.
F. Determination of Demand
For purposes of rate classification, the demand shall be the maximum kilowatt (kW) demand established by the member for any period of fifteen consecutive minutes during the month for which the bill is rendered, as indicated or recorded by the demand meter. If demand exceeds the 75 kW level for more than one month in any period of 12 consecutive months, the account shall be classified as Large Power and billed under the Large Power rate.
G. Minimum Monthly Charge
The minimum monthly charge shall be the Distribution Access Charge.
202.3 Large Power Rate Schedule
A. Availability
The Large Power Rate Schedule applies to all members with commercial, industrial and large non-residential light, heat, and power loads having a demand in any month
75 kW or greater. This schedule does not apply to irrigation service.
B. Character of Service
Alternating current service, single or three-phase, will be provided at approximately 60 cycles. Voltage supplied will be at the discretion of the Cooperative and will be determined by the voltage available from distribution lines in the vicinity and/or other conditions. Frequency and voltage shall be subject to reasonable variation.
C. Rate
Distribution Access Charge: $100.00 per month
Demand Charge: $ 9.75 per kW of billing demand
Distribution Energy Charge: $.00875 per kWh
D. Determination of Billing Demand
The billing demand shall be the greatest of:
1. The maximum kilowatt (kW) demand established by the member for any period of fifteen consecutive minutes during the month for which the bill is rendered, as indicated or recorded by a demand meter; or
2. Sixty percent ( 60% ) of the highest maximum kilowatt ( kW ) demand established in the prior eleven (11) months.
E. Power Cost Pass-Through
In addition to the rates and charges described above, members will be billed a Power Cost Pass-Through for all kWh consumed.
F. Transmission Cost Pass-Through
In addition to the rates and charges described above, members will be billed a Transmission Cost Pass-Through for all kWh consumed.
G. Determination of Demand
For purposes of rate classification, the demand shall be the maximum kilowatt (kW) demand established by the member for any period of fifteen consecutive minutes during the month for which the bill is rendered, as indicated or recorded by the demand meter. If demand exceeds the 75 kW level for more than one month in any period of 12 consecutive months, the account shall be classified as Large Power and billed under the Large Power rate.
H. Power Factor Adjustment
The Member agrees to maintain unity power factor as nearly as practicable. Demand charges will be adjusted to correct for average power factors lower than ninety-eight percent ( 98% ) and may be so adjusted, if and when the Cooperative deems necessary. Such adjustments will be made by increasing the measured demand one percent (1%) for each one percent (1%) by which the average power factor is less than ninety-eight percent (98%) lagging.
I. Minimum Monthly Charge
The minimum monthly charge shall be the highest of the following charges:
1. The Distribution Access Charge
2. A charge of $1.00 per KVA of installed transformer capacity.
202.4 Irrigation and Large Pumping Rate Schedule
A. Availability
The Irrigation and Large Pumping Rate Schedule applies to electric service required for pumping service at locations where the installed motor capacity is ten horsepower or greater. The horsepower for billing purposes shall be the manufacturer’s motor nameplate rating, or, at its option, the Cooperative may determine the horsepower by test under conditions of maximum operating load.
B. Character of Service
Three-phase alternating current service will be provided, at approximately 60 cycles. Voltage supplied will be at the discretion of the Cooperative and will be determined by the voltage available from distribution lines in the vicinity and/or other conditions. Frequency and voltage shall be subject to reasonable variation. At the discretion of the Cooperative, and subject to engineering study, single-phase service may be furnished in locations where three-phase service is not available.
C. Rate
Annual Horsepower Charge: $27.50 per horsepower per year which shall be billed at $5.50 per hp per month from March through July
Distribution Energy Charge: $.04233 per kWh
D. Power Cost Pass-Through
In addition to the rates and charges described above, members will be billed a Power Cost Pass-Through for all kWh consumed.
E. Transmission Cost Pass-Through
In addition to the rates and charges described above, members will be billed a Transmission Cost Pass-Through for all kWh consumed.
F. Minimum Annual Charge
The minimum annual charge shall be $27.50 per horsepower or fraction thereof.
202.5 Security Lighting Rate Schedule
A. Availability
This Security Lighting Rate Schedule applies to dusk-to-dawn security lighting available to all Cooperative members.
Character of Service
Single-phase alternating current service will be provided, at approximately 60 cycles. Voltage supplied will be at the discretion of the Cooperative and will be determined by the voltage available from distribution lines in the vicinity and/or other conditions. Frequency and voltage shall be subject to reasonable variation.
Monthly Rate
| Security Lights | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Rate | Type | Rate |
| 175W MW / MH | $8.90 | 400W HPS | $11.70 |
| 400W MV | $9.70 | 48W LED | $9.70 |
| 100W HPS | $9.70 | 250W LED | $11.70 |
| 250W HPS | $10.50 | 400W LED | $14.70 |
Rate and Pass-Throughs
When a security light is situated on the member’s side of the meter, the kilowatt hours consumed in the operation of the light will be billed the Distribution Energy Charge, the Power Cost Pass-Through, and the Transmission Cost Pass-Through as metered. When a security light is situated on the Cooperative’s side of the meter and the energy is not metered, the Power Cost Pass-Through and the Transmission Cost Pass-Through shall be billed based on the following kilowatt hour allowances:
| Lamp Size | kWh Allowance |
|---|---|
| 175 Watt Mercury Vapor | 75 KWh per month |
| 400 Watt Mercury Vapor | 160 KWh per month |
| 100 Watt High Pressure Sodium | 45 KWh per month |
| 250 Watt High Pressure Sodium | 100 KWh per month |
| 400 Watt High Pressure Sodium | 160 KWh per month |
| 175 Watt Metal Halide | 65 KWh per month |
| 48 Watt LED | 20 kWh per month |
| 250 Watt LED | 100 kWh per month |
| 400 Watt LED | 160 kWh per month |
Conditions of Service
All security lighting equipment shall be owned, maintained and operated by the Cooperative. Replacement of lamps shall be made during normal business hours.
202.6 Retail Start-up Power Service
A. Availability
Applies to Power Generating Facilities for Retail Start-Up Power.
B. Rate
Access Charge: $1,200.00 per meter per month
Power Cost Billing: At its sole discretion, the Cooperative may bill the member in one of the following two methods
Power Cost Pass-Through: The member will be billed a Power Cost Pass- Through for all kWh consumed and in addition, the member will be billed any direct costs for power generation and/or delivery applicable only to them; or
Billed Power & Delivery Charge: The member will be billed the total cost of power and delivery. This shall include any costs of power, transmission, substation or other service, including without limitation demand charges, energy charges, fuel charges, penalties, adjustments for prior periods, and taxes. All other provisions for generation and delivery of power to the
customers shall be billed to the customer as billed to the cooperative, including the provisions related to any ratchet or other time-based provisions. If billed under this approach, provisions of Power Cost Pass-Through Tariff 203 are not applicable.
C. Contract provisions
Any additional provisions included in a contract (if in force) shall be applied.
202.7 Key Account > 3 MW Customer-Owned Facilities Service
A. Availability
Available to commercial and industrial members whose electric requirements for all uses are 3 MW and greater and where the Cooperative on a case-by-case nondiscriminatory basis agrees to permit the member to own and maintains all facilities in place to provide service to them. The member may not provide service over these facilities to any third party for any purpose.
B. Character of Service
Service will be at transmission level as determined at the discretion of the Cooperative.
C. Rate
Access Charge: $1,500.00 per meter per month
Demand Charge: $1.75 per kW of billing demand
Billed Power & Delivery Charge: The Billed Power and Delivery Charge shall include any costs of power, transmission, substation or other service, including without limitation demand charges, energy charges, fuel charges, penalties, adjustments for prior periods and taxes. All other provisions for generation and delivery of power to the customers shall be billed to the customer as billed to the cooperative, including the provisions related to any ratchet or other time-based provisions. Provisions of Power Cost Pass-Through Tariff 203 are not applicable.
D. Determination of Billing Demand
The billing demand shall be the greatest of:
1. The maximum kilowatt (kW) demand established by the member for any period of fifteen consecutive minutes during the month for which the bill is rendered, as indicated or recorded by a demand meter; or
2. The highest billing demand charge of the prior 11 months; or
3. 3,000 kW; or
4. As set by contract.
E. Power Cost Pass-Through
In addition to the rates and charges described above, members will be billed a Power Cost Pass-Through for all kWh consumed.
F. Transmission Cost Pass-Through
In addition to the rates and charges described above, members will be billed a Transmission Cost Pass-Through for all kWh consumed.
G Direct Assignment Cost Pass-Through
Power & Transmission Cost Pass-Through charges may be directly assigned. Charges shall include any costs of power, transmission, substation or other service, including without limitation demand charges, energy charges,fuel charges, penalties, adjustments for prior periods and taxes. All other provisions for generation and delivery of power to the customers shall be billed to the customer as billed to the cooperative, including the provisions related to any ratchet or other time-based provisions. If billed under this approach, provisions of Power Cost Pass-Through Tariff 203 are not applicable. Parties may enter in agreements for real-time market power delivery on a case-by-case basis.
202.8 Seasonal & Recreational Service Rate Schedule
A. Availability
Available for seasonal and recreational usage including but not limited to, camp houses, hunting lodges, hunting camps, hunting shelters, fishing camps, weekend residences, barns, cabins and other seasonal or non-permanent recreational facilities such as travel trailers and motor homes as well as other similarly defined facilities.
B. Character of Service
Alternating current service, single or three-phase, will be provided as approximately 60 cycles. Voltage supplied will be at the discretion of the Cooperative and will be determined by the voltage available from distribution lines in the vicinity and/or other conditions. Frequency and voltage shall be subject to reasonable variation.
C. Rate
Distribution Access Charge: $30.50 per month
Distribution Energy Charge: $0.04316 per kWh
D. Power Cost Pass Through
In addition to the rates and charges described above, members will be billed a Power Cost Pass-Through for all kWh consumed.
E. Transmission Cost Pass-Through
In addition to the rates and charges described above, members will be billed a Transmission Cost Pass-Through for all kWh consumed.
F. Determination of Demand
For purpose of rate classification, the demand shall be the maximum kilowatt (kW) demand established by the member for any period of fifteen consecutive minutes
during the month for which the bill is rendered, as indicated or recorded by the demand meter. If demand exceeds the 75 kW level for more than one month in any period of 12 consecutive months, the account shall be classified as Large Power and billed under
the Large Power rate.
202.9 General Service Rate Schedule
A. Availability
The General Service Rate Schedule applies to the following types of non-commercial services: electric gates, community clubs, public buildings, cemeteries, roping arenas, boat docks,private airports and pumping service at non-commercial locations where the installed motor capacity is less than ten horsepower. The horsepower for billing purposes shall be the manufacturer’s nameplate rating, or, at its option, the Cooperative may determine the horsepower by test under conditions of maximum operation load. The General Service Rate is only available for referenced service points that are individually metered and have demands less than 75kW.
B. Character of Service
Alternating current service, single or three-phase, will be provided at approximately 60 cycles. Voltage supplied will be at the discretion of the Cooperative and will be determined by the voltage available from distribution lines in the vicinity and/or other conditions. Frequency and voltage shall be subject to reasonable variation.
C. Rate
Distribution Access Charge: $29.50 per month
Distribution Energy Charge: $0.04344 per kW
D. Power Cost Pass-Through
In addition to the rates and charges described above, members will be billed a Power Cost Pass-Through for all kWh consumed.
E. Transmission Cost Pass-Through
In addition to the rates and charges described above, members will be billed a Transmission Cost Pass-Through for all kWh consumed.
F. Determination of Demand
For purposes of rate classification , the demand shall be the maximum kilowatt (kW) demand established by the member for any period of fifteen consecutive minutes during the month for which the bill is rendered, as indicated or recorded by the demand meter. If demand exceeds the 75 kW level for more than one month in any period of 12 consecutive months, the account shall be classified as Large Power and billed under the Large Power rate.
G. Minimum Monthly Charge
The minimum monthly charge shall be the Distribution Access Charge.
202.10 Large Power >3 MW Distribution Substation Service
A. Availability
Available to commercial and industrial members whose electric requirements are 3 MW and greater. Service location must be within in ½ mile of the substation and will be metered at the substation. Capacity available will be subject to cooperative determined distribution substation limits.
B. Character of Service
Primary Service: Three-Phase alternating current service will be provided at approximately 60 cycles. Voltage supplied will be at the discretion of the Cooperative and will be determined by the voltage available from the distribution substation. Frequency and voltage shall be subject to reasonable variation.
C. Rate
Access Charge: $1,500.00 per meter per month
Demand Charge: $4.00 per kW of billing demand
D. Determination of Billing Demand
The billing demand shall be the greatest of:
- The maximum kilowatt (kW) demand established by the member for any period of fifteen consecutive minutes during the month for which the bill is rendered, as indicated or recorded by a demand meter; or
- The highest billing demand charge of the prior 11 months; or
- 3,000 kW
E. Direct Assignment of Power Cost Pass-Through
In addition to the rates and charges described above, member will be directly assigned power & transmission cost pass-through charges. Power shall be subject to real-time market power delivery. Charges shall include all costs of power, including without limitation, QSE charges, ERCOT ancillary services, deposits, other services, penalties and adjustments for prior periods. Provisions of Tariff 203 Pass-Throughs are not applicable.
Rate classification and assignment shall be made by the Cooperative in accordance with the availability and type of service provisions in its rate schedules. Rate schedules have been developed for the standard types of service provided by the Cooperative. If Customer’s request for electric service involves unusual circumstances, usage, or load characteristics not regularly encountered by the Cooperative, the Cooperative may assign a suitable rate classification or enter into a special contract. Any special contract shall be filed with the regulatory authority having jurisdiction thereof.
Upon request for service by a residential applicant or for transfer of service by a residential customer, the Utility shall inform the Customer of the Cooperative’s lowest- prices service alternatives available at the service location giving full consideration to equipment options and line extensions charges, if any.
The failure of the Cooperative to enforce any of the provisions of this tariff shall not be considered a waiver of its right to do so.
This tariff may be changed, modified, or abrogated in whole or in part by any regulatory authority having jurisdiction to do so, whether or not at the request of the Cooperative, a Customer, or otherwise. Any changed tariff shall be applicable to service provided from and after the effective date of such change. This tariff may be changed by the Cooperative’s Board of Directors to the extent Texas law does not require approval of changes by regulatory authority.
If any provision of this tariff is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of this tariff which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of these tariffs are declared to be severable.
These tariffs govern the provision of all electric utility service by the Cooperative in all areas in which the Cooperative provides service except as may be precluded by law. These tariffs supersede and annul all prior tariffs including service rules and regulations by whatever term designated which may heretofore have governed the supplying and taking of Cooperative’s electric service.
These tariffs define the service relationship between the Cooperative and persons desiring or receiving electric utility service from the Cooperative.
Contractual rights and obligations of both parties are specified in a manner consistent with regulations affecting the Cooperative’s method of operation.
These tariffs are a part of the Electric Service Agreement.
101.1 - Organization
Central Texas Electric Coop., Inc. is an electric cooperative corporation organized and operating under the Electric Cooperative Corporation Act (art. 1528b, V.A.C.S.) and the laws of the State of Texas and is owned by its members. The Cooperative’s business affairs are managed by a board of directors who are elected to the board from and by the Cooperative’s Customers in accordance with the provisions of the bylaws.
101.2 - Type of Service
The Cooperative provides electric utility service through the operation of a retail electric distribution system. The Cooperative does not engage in the generation of electric power, but instead purchases its electric energy requirements from various energy suppliers.
101.3 - Service Area
A. Certification
The Public Utility Commission of Texas authorized the Cooperative to provide electric utility service by the issuance of a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity.
B. Counties
The Service area of the Cooperative includes all or portions of the following counties:
Gillespie
Real
Llano
Kimble
Kerr
Menard
Kendall
McCullough
Blanco
Mason
San Saba
C. Cities
The service area of the Cooperative includes all or portions of the following incorporated municipalities:
Fredericksburg
Llano
Sunrise Beach
Mason
Ingram
Although we are adjusting our rates, we will remain competitive and offer some of the lowest rates when compared to similar utilities in the area and the state.
- The last rate increase was in 2016. Since then, inflation and rising costs in the electric industry have put pressure on the cooperative's operations.
- Major drivers of this change include:
- Inflation Pressure impacting overall costs.
- Increased industry costs such as materials and equipment.
- Investments in electric infrastructure to improve reliability
- A third-party consultant, The Prime Group, conducted a Cost of Service Study to ensure the rate adjustment is fair and necessary.
The approved rate change is an 11.23% increase over adjusted test year 2022 revenues.
The new rates will apply to usage on bills issued on or after March 1, 2025.
| Rate Schedule | Access Charge | Distribution Charge | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Current Rate | New Rate | Current Rate | New Rate | |
| Residential | $27.50 | $29.50 | $0.02620 | $0.03850 |
| Seasonal & Recreational Services (Barns & Cabins) | $27.50 | $30.50 | $0.02620 | $0.04316 |
| General Service (Wells & Other Services) | $27.50 | $29.50 | $0.02620 | $0.04344 |
| Commercial Service - Single Phase | $39 | $40 | $0.02620 | $0.03051 |
| Commercial Service - Three Phase | $39 | $50 | $0.02620 | $0.03051 |
| Commercial Service - Single Phase (Public Services & Not-for-Profits) | $27.50 | $36 | $0.02620 | $0.02746 |
| Commercial Service - Three Phase (Public Services & Not-for-Profits) | $27.50 | $45 | $0.02620 | $0.02746 |
| Large Power Service | $75 | $100 | $0.00820 | $0.00875 |
| Irrigation Service (Horse Power) | $4.75 | $5.50 | $0.03200 | $0.04233 |
| Retail Start-Up Power Service | $1,000 | $1,200 | - | - |
| Key Accounts > 3MWs | $1,000 | $1,500 | - | - |
CTEC hired The Prime Group, a third-party consultant, to conduct a Cost of Service Study and review the rate structure. This ensures rates are aligned with costs to serve members fairly.
Yes! Meetings will be held in each of CTEC’s six districts to discuss the changes. Members are encouraged to attend and ask questions.
| February 6th | 10:00 a.m. | Mason Area | Richard P. Ecker Center |
| February 6th | 3:00 p.m. | San Saba Area | Cherokee Volunteer Fire Department |
| February 7th | 10:00 a.m. | Ingram Area | Ingram Tom Moore Warrior Theater |
| February 13th | 10:00 a.m. | Kingsland Area | Kingsland Community Center |
| February 13th | 3:00 p.m. | Llano Area | Inman’s Ramblin Rose |
| February 14th | 10:00 a.m. | Kendall County Area | Sisterdale Volunteer Fire Department |
| February 20th | 10:00 a.m. | Fredericksburg Area | Gillespie Co Farm Bureau |
CTEC will:
- Notify all members.
- Hold district meetings.
- Update tariffs.
- Set up and test the new rates in the billing system to ensure accuracy.
CTEC aims to continue providing reliable service despite:
- Increased costs driven by inflation.
- Industry-wide rises in operational expenses.
- Rising labor costs to maintain service standards.
Bills issued after March 29, 2025, will reflect the new rates. Members should note the changes in demand charges (if applicable) or increases based on their usage.
CTEC offers tips for reducing energy usage and managing costs, such as:
- Energy efficiency practices.
- Tools to monitor usage in SmartHub.
- Offer payment plans and arrangements if needed.
November 2025
This Month’s Highlights
October 2025
This Month’s Highlights
September 2025
This Month’s Highlights
August 2025
This Month’s Highlights
July 2025
This Month’s Highlights
June 2025
This Month’s Highlights
May 2025
This Month’s Highlights
April 2025
This Month’s Highlights
March 2025
This Month’s Highlights
February 2025
This Month’s Highlights
January 2025
This Month’s Highlights
December 2023
November 2023
October 2023
September 2023
August 2023
July 2023
June 2023
May 2023
April 2023
March 2023
February 2023
January 2023
December 2024
This Month’s Highlights
November 2024
This Month’s Highlights
October 2024
This Month’s Highlights
September 2024
This Month’s Highlights
July 2024
This Month’s Highlights
June 2024
This Month’s Highlights
May 2024
This Month’s Highlights
April 2024
This Month’s Highlights
March 2024
This Month’s Highlights
February 2024
This Month’s Highlights
January 2024
This Month’s Highlights
You may, either by phone or by personal visit to the Cooperative’s business office located at 386 Friendship Lane, request copies of any portion of the Cooperative’s rate and service tariffs and rules. A nominal reproduction charge will be made for each copy, and postage will be added if the copies are mailed.
You may request a test of your electric meter if you believe that the meter is not accurately reflecting your actual electric consumption. This test will be made at no charge to you, provided you have not previously requested a test during the previous four years. In the event that you request a test more often than four years and the meter is not defective, you will be required to pay a charge of not more than $45 for the test.
You have 26 days from the date of the bill to pay an outstanding bill. The total of 26 days consists of the 16 days from the date of issue to the due date and a 10 day past-due disconnect period. If the due date falls on a holiday or weekend, the due date for payment purposes shall be the next work day after the due date. A timely payment made to the Cooperative or an agency of the Cooperative shall be classified as a payment received on time by the Cooperative. A bill for utility service is delinquent if not received at the utility or at the utility’s authorized payment agency by the due date.
Your electric service may be discontinued after proper notice for the following reasons:
- Failure to pay a delinquent bill.
- Failure to pay a delinquent account or meet the terms of a deferred payment plan.
- Violation of the Cooperative’s rules for the use of service in such a manner that interferes with the service of others or the operation of non-standard equipment, provided that the Cooperative will make every attempt to notify you of the problem and allow you to remedy the situation.
- Failure to comply with the Cooperative’s deposit and guarantee requirements.
The Cooperative may also disconnect service at once and without notice where a dangerous condition exists, and such disconnection shall remain in effect so long as the condition exists. Disconnection without notice may also be made when service is connected without authority by a person who has not made application for service or who has reconnected service without authority following termination of service for nonpayment. In instances of tampering with the Cooperative’s meter or equipment, bypassing same, or other instances of diversion, service may be terminated immediately.
E. TERMINATION NOTICE:
Prior to disconnecting a customer for non-payment, the Cooperative will either mail or personally deliver a written notice of termination at least 10 days prior to the date of disconnection. Unless a dangerous condition exists, or unless the customer requests disconnection, service shall not be disconnected on a day, or on a day immediately preceding a day, when personnel of the Cooperative are not available to the public for the purpose of making connections and reconnecting service. If mailed, the cut-off day will not fall on a holiday or weekend, but will fall on the next working day after the 10th day. The Cooperative will not issue late notices or disconnect notice to the customer earlier than the first day the bill becomes delinquent, so that a reasonable length of time is allowed to ascertain receipt of payment by mail or at the Cooperative’s authorized payment agency. If you are seriously ill or will become more seriously ill as a result of termination of service, you may have your physician call or contact the Cooperative within 16 days of the issuance of the bill concerning your condition. The physician must provide a confirmation letter to the Cooperative within 26 days of the issuance of the bill and the Cooperative will then refrain from termination of service for 63 days from the issuance of the bill unless a lesser period is agreed upon. If you make a request to avoid termination under this provision, you must enter into a deferred payment agreement.
If you disagree with the Cooperative regarding any aspect of the Cooperative’s service, you may request a supervisory review. If you make such a request, you have 5 days to participate in the review before the Cooperative may terminate service if the dispute is one in which the issues may result in such termination, provided that notice has been given under standard disconnection procedures. The results of the supervisory review will be provided in writing to the customer within 10 days of the review, if requested. If the billing dispute is not resolved by such review, you have the right to file a complaint with the Public Utility Commission of Texas, Office of Customer Protection, P.O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas 78711-3326, (512) 936-7150 or in Texas (toll-free) (888) 782-8477, Fax (512) 936-7003, e-mail: customer@puc.state.tx.us, internet address: http://www.puc.texas.gov/, TTY (512) 936-7136 and Relay Texas (toll-free) (800) 735-2989. During the pendency of such appeal or other resolution of a dispute, but in no event more than 60 days, you may avoid termination of service by paying the average of your monthly bill for the past twelve (12) months as determined by the Cooperative.
As a member of the Cooperative, you have a right to request payment arrangements, in which an outstanding bill will be paid after the due date of the outstanding bill but before the due date of the next bill.
Level Payment Plan: A level payment plan may be entered into, which allows eligible residential customers to pay on a monthly basis a fixed billing rate of one-twelfth of that customer’s estimated annual consumption at the appropriate customer class rates, with provisions for annual adjustments in February, based on actual usage. If you do not fulfill the terms of the agreement, your service may be terminated under standard termination procedures. Such breech of the agreement voids your right to a level payment plan or re-negotiation to avoid termination.
Deferred Payment Plan: If you have not been delinquent in paying your bill more than 2 times in the last 12 months and are unable to pay any or all of your bill, you are qualified for a deferred payment plan. Such plan requires that you keep all subsequent bills current and pay monthly an amount not to exceed one-third (1/3) of the outstanding amount. The deferred payment plan may be made by visiting the Cooperative’s business office or contacting the Cooperative by telephone. The deferred payment plan shall be signed by the customer and a copy of this signed agreement will be given to the customer. A late fee will be applied when the customer is late with a scheduled payment as per the deferred payment plan. If you do not fulfill the terms of the agreement, your service may be terminated under standard termination procedures. Such breech of the agreement voids your right to a deferred payment plan or re-negotiation to avoid termination. The Cooperative is not required to offer this arrangement if you have had service for less than 3 months.
If your service is interrupted for any of the reasons listed under Sec. D of the information sheet, you may reestablish service when all outstanding and delinquent bills are paid and when a deposit or other evidence of payment guarantee is provided to the Cooperative.
The Cooperative maintains four offices for the convenience of members to pay bills, report service interruptions and obtain information. During regular business hours, you may call your nearest office at the number shown below, or you may call the Cooperative's Headquarters office at (800) 900-CTEC (2832). All offices are open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. The Cooperative’s Headquarters office is located at 386 Friendship Lane in Fredericksburg, Texas. The telephone number is (830) 997-2126. This number is for use in the Gillespie, Kendall, Kerr, Blanco, Real and Kimble Counties. The Llano office is located at 1410 East State Hwy. 29 in Llano, Texas. The telephone number is (325) 247-4191. This number is for use in Llano and San Saba Counties. The Kingsland office is located at 706 Cottonwood, Nobhill Subdivision in Kingsland, Texas and the telephone number is (325) 388-4542. After 5:00 P.M., Saturday, Sunday, and holidays, dial (325) 247-4191. The Mason office is located at 1881 East State Highway 29. The telephone number is (325) 347 6314. This number is for use in Mason, McCulloch, Menard and Kimble Counties.
If your power fails:
- Check your fuses or circuit breakers to determine that the trouble is not in your own system.
- Check with your neighbors to see if they have electricity.
- Have your bill handy when you call the office so you can give your account number and/or meter number shown on your bill.
- For power outages, Cooperative telephone numbers are answered twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week. Report an outage or emergency to the following numbers:
- Fredericksburg Area - 24 hours a day - (830) 997-2126 or (800) 900-CTEC (2832)
- Llano Area - 24 hours a day - (325) 247-4191
- Mason Area - 24 hours a day - (325) 347-6314
- Kingsland Area - between 8:00A.M.-5:00P.M. (325) 388-4542 after 5:00P.M. - (325) 247-4191
- In all areas, with the exception of Fredericksburg, persons calling Long Distance to report an outage may call “COLLECT”.
- If the outage is the responsibility of the Cooperative, there is no trip fee charged. If the outage is on customer’s side of meter, such as blown fuse or tripped breaker, etc., you will be billed for a trip fee.
(a) Initial Deposit from Applicant Subject to these rules, a residential applicant shall not be required to pay a deposit:
- if the residential applicant has been a customer of any utility for the same kind of service within the last two years and is not delinquent in payment of any such utility service account, and during the last 12 consecutive months of service did not have more than one occasion in which a bill for such utility service was paid after becoming delinquent and never had service disconnected for nonpayment; applicants are encouraged to obtain a letter of credit history from their previous utility, and utilities are encouraged to provide such information with final bills.
- if the residential applicant demonstrates a satisfactory credit rating by appropriate means, including, but not limited to, the production of generally acceptable credit cards, letters of credit reference, the names of credit references which may be quickly and inexpensively contacted by the utility, or ownership of substantial equity; or
- if the residential applicant furnishes in writing a satisfactory guarantee to secure payment of bills for the service required
- unless otherwise agreed to by the guarantor, the guarantee shall be for the amount of deposit the utility would normally seek on the applicant’s account. The amount of guarantee shall be clearly indicated on any documents or letters of guarantee signed by the guarantor;
- when the customer has paid bills for service for 12 consecutive residential billings without having service disconnected for nonpayment of bills and without having more than two occasions in which a bill was delinquent, and when the customer is not delinquent in the payment of current bills, the utility shall void and return any documents or letters of guarantee placed with the utility to the guarantor.
(b) Initial Deposit from Applicant 65 or older
All applicants for permanent residential service who are 65 years of age or older will be considered as having established credit if such applicant does not have an outstanding account balance within the utility or another utility for the same utility service which accrued within the last two years. No cash deposit shall be required of such applicant under these conditions.
(c) Initial Deposit from Customer
An initial deposit may not be required from residential customers unless the customer has more than one occasion during the last 12 consecutive months of service in which a bill for utility service was paid after becoming delinquent or if the customer’s service was disconnected for nonpayment. Such deposit may be required to be made within 10 days after issuance of written termination notice and requested deposit. In lieu of initial deposit, the customer may elect to pay the current bill by the due date of the bill, provided the customer has not exercised this option in the previous 12 months. The customer may furnish in writing a satisfactory guarantee to secure payment of bills in lieu of cash deposit.
(d) Additional Deposit
If actual billings of a commercial customer are at least twice the amount of the estimated billings, and a suspension notice has been issued on a bill within the previous 12-month period, a new deposit may be required to be made within 10 days after issuance of written notice of termination and requested additional deposit. If actual billings of a residential customer are at least twice the amount of the estimated billings after two billing periods, and a suspension notice has been issued on a bill within the previous 12-month period, a new deposit may be required to be made within 15 days after issuance of written notice of termination and requested additional deposit. In lieu of additional deposit, the customer may elect to pay the current bill by the due date of the bill, provided the customer has not exercised this option in the previous 12 months.
(e) Amount of Deposit
The required deposit shall not exceed an amount equivalent to one-sixth of the estimated annual billing.
(f) Deposit Interest
Each utility which requires deposits to be made by its customers shall pay a minimum interest on such deposits at an annual rate approved by the Public Utility Commission of Texas. If a refund of deposit is made within 30 days of receipt of deposit, no interest payment is required. If the utility retains the deposit more than 30 days, payment of interest shall be made retroactive to the date of deposit.
- Payment of the interest to the customer shall be annually if requested by the customer, or at the time the deposit is returned or credited to the customer’s account.
- The deposit shall cease to draw interest on the date it is returned or credited to the customer’s account.
(g) Refund of Deposit
- If service is not connected, or after disconnection of service, the utility shall promptly and automatically refund the customer’s deposit plus accrued interest or the balance, if any, in excess of the unpaid bills for service furnished. A transfer of service from one premise to another within the service area of the utility shall not be deemed a disconnection within the meaning of these sections, and no additional deposit may be demanded unless permitted by these sections.
- When the customer has paid bills for service for 12 consecutive residential billings or for 24 consecutive commercial or industrial billings without having service disconnected for nonpayment of bill and without having more than two occasions in which a bill was delinquent, and when the customer is not delinquent in the payment of the current bills, the utility shall promptly and automatically refund the deposit plus accrued interest to the customer in the form of cash or credit to a customer’s bill, or void the guarantee. If the customer does not meet these refund criteria, the deposit and interest may be retained in accordance with subsections (b), (d), (e), and (f) of Deposit Policy.
The following governmental or social service agencies may be able to assist you if you are having trouble making your payment for electric service to the Cooperative:
Gillespie, Kerr, & Kendall Counties:
- Community Council of South Central Texas, Inc.
- 160-B Guadalupe Plaza, Kerrville, TX 78028
- (830) 896-2124
- Fredericksburg Needs Council
- Saint Vincent De Paul Society-Fredericksburg
- Saint Vincent De Paul Society-Kerrville
- Kerr County Area Christian Ministry
- Salvation Army-Kerrville
- Hill Country Family Services-Kendall
Llano, Mason, & San Saba Counties:
- Hill Country Community Action Assn., Inc.
- P.O. Box 846, San Saba, TX 76877
- (325) 247-4662 Llano
- (325) 372-5167 San Saba
- New Horizon-Llano (only for members with 78643 zip code)
- Salvation Army-Llano
- Salvation Army-Kingsland
- Share the Harvest-Kingsland
- Mason Senior Center
Kimble & Menard Counties:
- Concho Valley Community Action Agency
- 1100 N Martin Luther King Drive, San Angelo TX
- (325) 653-1680
All Counties:
- Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs
- Energy Assistance Section (877) 399-8939
- P.O. Box 13941, Austin, TX 78711-3941
- (877) 399-8939 or (512) 475-1099
- Public Utility Commission of Texas
- P.O. Box 13326, Austin, TX 78711-3326
- (888) 782-8477 (Toll Free)
Your Cooperative provides electric service without discrimination as to member’s race, nationality, color, religion, sex, or marital status. Credit history shall be applied equally for a reasonable period of time to a spouse or former spouse who shared the service. Credit history maintained by one must be applied equally to the other without modification and without additional qualifications not required of the other.
- As a special service to the deaf, a teletypewriter is provided by the Public Utility Commission of Texas. The telephone number for this teletypewriter is (512) 936-7147 TTY-FOR THE DEAF.
- As a special service to someone on electrically operated life support equipment, the Cooperative maintains a list of; these members, allowing the Cooperative to notify these members of planned electric service interruptions. To have your name added to this list, write the Cooperative a letter at P.O. Box 553, Fredericksburg, TX 78624-0553 giving your name, address, telephone number, customer I.D. number, disability, and a telephone number of a relative or friend the Cooperative can notify if we are unable to contact you by telephone. A letter from your physician describing your needs regarding the life support equipment would also be helpful.
Central Texas Electric Cooperative, Inc. is the recipient of Federal financial assistance from the Rural Utilities Service, an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and is subject to the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the U.S. Department of Agriculture which provide that no person in the United States on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion or disability shall be excluded from participation in, admission or access to, denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any of this organization’s programs or activities.
The person responsible for coordinating this organization’s nondiscrimination compliance efforts is Atanacio “Tachi” Hinojosa, MBA, Chief Executive Officer. Any individual, or specific class of individuals, who feels that this organization has subjected them to discrimination may obtain further information about the statutes and regulations listed above from and/or file a written complaint with this organization; or the Secretary, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. 20250; or the Administrator, Rural Utilities Service, Stop 1510, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington D.C. 20250-1500, or the Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Bldg, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington D.C. 20250-9410; or call (202) 720-5964 (voice or TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Complaints must be filed within 180 days after the alleged discrimination. Confidentially will be maintained to the extent possible
Prepare an Outage Kit
Prepare an outage kit to have on hand before any outages occur. A fully stocked outage kit will be crucial if extended outages occur. Here are some ideas of what a kit can include:
- Battery-powered radio
- Flashlights & fresh batteries
- Emergency supplies of water
- Non-perishable, easily-prepared foods
- Drinking water
- Manual, non-electric can & bottle openers
- Candles, matches/lighters
- Portable heater (gas or oil)
- Camping equipment
- Charger for cell phone or laptop
- Cooler
- Blankets & pillows
- Cash
- Medications & personal hygiene products
- Non-cordless phone
- First-aid kit
- Pet supplies
- Fire extinguisher & smoke alarm
- Family & emergency contact list
- Hand sanitizer, baby wipes, and toilet paper.
- Books, deck of cards, or games
Other Ways to be Prepared
- Sign up for our SmartHub app, it is the best way to report outages and stay informed about the restoration process.
- Have an exit plan, if you are unprepared for extended outages you need to have a place to go where you can be safe.
- If you have a telephone system that requires electricity to work, such as a cordless phone, plan to have a standard telephone or cellular phone ready as a backup. It is also a good practice to keep a charging bank in full power to charge cell phones or other devices if needed.
- If you have a fireplace or woodstove, keep kindling and dry firewood on hand.
- When there is impending dangerous weather, fill your bathtub with water if your supply depends on electricity.
- Fill up your vehicles with gas in the event that you need to evacuate or relocate to another area; and if you use a portable generator, fill up fuel cans.
- Fill plastic containers with water and place them in the freezer, you can use them to help keep food cold during a power outage as it thaws out to drink.
- Fill bathtubs or large containers or tubs with water before bad weather for extra water.
Winterize vehicles, not just automobiles. - To help prevent burst pipes, close any shut-off valves that lead to outside faucets and drain excess water from the lines. Also, drain lines in unheated areas of your home like the attic.
Pets and Livestock
- Keep extra pet food on hand or in your emergency outage kit.
- Keep plenty of fresh water for your pets.
- For smaller livestock water troughs, you can place floating objects in water to keep them from completely icing over and make removing built-up ice easier.
- Filling jugs with saltwater and enough air to float can make an automatic waterer function since the water around the jug will not freeze.
- For livestock tanks, have equipment and/or tools available to drill or bust holes to allow for watering.
Outage Reporting
Before calling the co-op during a power outage, check your home's panel box. A blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker could be at fault.
If you've determined that the source of the interruption is outside your home, report your outage at once. Outages can be reported:
By using our SmartHub app or by phone at (800) 900-2832
During an Extended Outage
- We will provide updates whenever possible on our website and Facebook. Do not use Facebook to report outages.
- Turn off large electric appliances and equipment so that lines are not overloaded when power is restored.
- Use caution and be sure to have adequate ventilation when operating generators, lanterns, heaters, and fuel-fired cookstoves.
- If you use a generator, have it installed by a certified electrician. Improperly installed generators may feed energy back into the distribution lines, endangering our linemen and others.
- Watch weather reports closely. If the weather is expected to worsen or outages are prolonged, consider staying with friends, family, or in a local shelter.
- If you are safely able, check on elderly relatives, neighbors, and friends to make sure they’re safe, especially if they live alone.
Keeping Cool
- If it's a hot time of year, dress in loose, lightweight clothing and stay on the coolest, lowest level of your home.
- Use natural ventilation to cool homes, and consider purchasing battery-powered fans.
- Drink plenty of water and avoid heavy meals, caffeinated drinks, and alcohol.
- Close all drapes and blinds on the sunny side of your residence.
- Take your family and pets to a basement or other cool location if you have one. Also, consider going to an air-conditioned public place during warmer daytime hours.
Keeping Warm
- Stay inside, and dress warmly. Staying warm is a priority. Dress in several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight warm clothing. Wear hats, mittens, and scarves.
- Close off unneeded rooms to keep the heat in your living areas.
- Place a draft block at the bottom of doors to minimize cold drafts from entering the house.
- When using an alternative heat source, follow operating instructions, use fire safeguards, and be sure to properly ventilate. Always keep a multipurpose, dry-chemical fire extinguisher nearby, and know how to use it.
- Keep a close eye on the temperature in your home. Infants and people over the age of 65 are often more susceptible to the cold. You may want to stay with friends or relatives or go to a shelter if you cannot keep your home warm.
- Keep your faucets on a slow drip to keep pipes from freezing. Catch the dripping water in a clean container, sink, or tub. If your pipes freeze, turn off the main water supply to prevent further damage.
- Don’t use your stove or oven for heat. Gas stoves and ovens produce carbon monoxide, and electric ones pose a fire risk when not used as designed.
Maintaining Food
- Keep refrigerator or freezer doors closed. A freezer that is half full or full can keep foods frozen 24 to 48 hours. Foods can stay safe in an unopened refrigerator for up to four hours. If an outage lasts longer than four hours, remove and pack meat, milk and other dairy products in a cooler with ice.
- Maintain food supplies that do not require refrigeration.
- Use safe alternative food preparations. A barbecue grill is an excellent way to prepare food. Always grill outside.
Stay Away From Downed Power Lines
When outside, stay away from downed power lines and be alert to the possibility that tree limbs or debris may hide an electrical hazard. Treat all downed or hanging power lines as if they are energized. Lines do not have to be arcing or sparking to be live. Warn others to stay away and call 911 or contact us.
Contact UsWhen in Doubt, Throw it Out
Throw out perishable food in your refrigerator that is above 40 degrees. If food has an unusual color or smell, discard it.
Recurring round-up participants can expect to give an average of 50 cents per month.
Yes, members can make a one-time contribution of any amount. Simply call us at (800) 900-2832 or email the CTEC Help Desk to arrange a one time payment.
Operation Round-Up contributions are kept in a separate fund from our general funds. When grant applications are received, the Operation Round-Up Board will meet, in-person or virtually, to vet the organization, individual or family applying for a grant. If the grant is approved, a check is issued to the entity.
No, but members can encourage organizations or individuals/families to apply for a grant.
Yes, one-time and recurring contributions are tax deductible.
Enrollment is done at the account level, so members can participate with one meter or all the meters under their membership.
If members decide to participate, they will see “Operation Round*Up” as a line item on their monthly bill. And remember this donation is tax-deductible.
Members can decide to participate or to remove their accounts from the program at any time.
Ask these questions to be sure the contractor knows the business thoroughly and has satisfied other customers. Also, be sure to request copies of insurance documents, certifications, and licenses, so you know that the contractor and installers have gone through required training.
Be sure to call former customers and check out other installations the contractor has completed. You should query local Better Business Bureaus and your state Attorney General’s office and check online rating services for comments about the contractor and the equipment you plan to purchase.
- How long have you been in business?
- Have you operated the solar business under any other business names?
- Are you licensed to do business in my state?
- How many PV systems have you installed? Can you provide a list of consumer references in my area? Can I talk with former customers and also see successful installations?
- Who will do the installation at my site? Are they employees or subcontractors? If you involve subcontractors, do they work with a number of other employers, too? Have these subs worked on many of your installations?
- What training have you and your installers had, and what, if any, certifications do you and your installers hold? Do you have an installer with a Master Electrician license, and is there an installer on your team licensed to install solar?
- Does your company carry these types of insurance: general liability for at least $1 million, professional liability, workers compensation, other types?
- Have you ever been involved in a legal dispute involving a solar installation? If so, what was the outcome?
Ask these questions to find specific details on what the contractor is proposing and why, as well as general information on what you can expect during and after installation.
- What size and type of system do you recommend for my site? Why?
- Are there any steps I must take before the installation - such as removing trees or replacing my roof?
- What brand(s) of systems do you install? What advantages do these brands offer over other options? Are the systems manufactured in the U.S. or elsewhere?
- What warranties do you and the manufacturer offer? Do you offer a warranty on installation? If the manufacturer is not located in the U.S., are there any difficulties with warranty work? How do I make a claim on defective or short-lived equipment?
- What tax credits, rebates, and other incentives will this installation qualify for? Who files the paperwork for any/all of these incentives?
- How much of my energy usage will this system provide?
- What will the payback period be?
- Will I be able to monitor the output of my panels? What is the process for doing so?
- How and when will you involve staff from my electric cooperative in the installation? Do you have experience interconnecting with utility grids?
- Will permits be needed for this installation? Who obtains them and pays any fees?
- When will you begin the installation? How long will it take to complete?
- What is your daily schedule? (For example, is it M-F, 8:00 to 5:00, with an hour for lunch?)
- Will you be on the job site daily? If not, how will we communicate if there are questions or problems that arise? And how do I reach you after hours?
- If my energy use changes, can I increase the number of solar panels later?
- Is it possible the installation may cause my roof to leak? If so, does your company take responsibility for repairs?
- Can you provide me with the necessary documents to work with my HOA?
Why you should ask these questions? All of this information should be included in both your bid and on the contract you sign. Check these details carefully, then compare to other bids you obtain. (Get at least three bids, all in writing.)
Be wary of any really low bids. If the contractor can’t supply the information, ask why not. After checking any contract to be sure this information is included, have a contract expert or lawyer review the contract before signing it.
- Is this bid an estimate or a fixed price? What is the process you will follow if you find unexpected problems with this installation and want to charge extra to fix the problems?
- Does the bid include the total cost of the project, including components, materials, and labor?
- Does the bid include a breakdown of each of the components (make and model number, size/kWh per year, as well as the price of each) so I can see what each portion will cost?
- Does the bid include details about permits?
- Does the bid include the time frame for beginning and ending the installation?
- Does the bid include warranty information, as well as how to place a claim?
- Does the bid include expected operation and maintenance costs; projected monthly, annual, and lifetime costs and savings; and projected energy production?
- Does the bid include payment options, as well as financing details?
- Does the bid include details about who will file paperwork for tax credits, rebates, and other incentives?
- What documentation will I receive when the project is done? (This may include lien releases and other contract-related paperwork, as well as warranties, operating manuals, and more.)
Ask these questions so you know how you will be billed and the expected payment due dates.
-
- How much will the down payment be? When will it be due?
- What is the payment schedule?
- How long after work is completed will the final payment be due?
- Do you offer financing or have a relationship with a bank that offers financing?
That depends on several factors.
- The size of your system. You can determine how much electricity you want to produce then size your system accordingly. Note that you can start out small and add on. A system that will generate 100 percent of your energy needs is expensive, so most systems are sized to generate only a portion of your home’s needs.
- Your site. If you have a shade-free area from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., you’ll be able to collect more sun and produce more energy than if your site is shaded.
- Your region. The more sunny days in your area, the more electricity you’ll be able to generate. You can find online calculators to help answer this question in more detail, and installers can provide details about your situation, too.
A system that will generate 100% of your energy needs can be quite expensive. You can always start out small and add on, but most systems are sized to generate only a portion of your home's needs.
Battery-backed or grid-independent systems use on-site energy storage to store excess energy produced during the day for use at night or when the sun is not producing enough power. Choosing this option will add significant cost and maintenance to your system, but the technology is improving and the costs are beginning to decrease.
Most people opt for grid-connected systems for reduced cost, maintenance, and high reliability. With this type of system, your cooperative continues to provide energy to you when you need it 24-7. Your PV system will produce energy, and even excess energy, on sunny days. Your system will not collect sunlight at night and on cloudy days. That means you will continue to draw electricity from your cooperative during these times.
Most grid-connected PV systems shut down to prevent back-feeding electricity into de-energized power lines that may have fallen or that line crew members may be working on. It’s important to have this shut-down feature to prevent injuries—and even death—to those working on the line. PV will not be producing energy in this case.
The payback period can range from fewer than 10 years to more than 20 years, depending on the system cost, available rebates and incentives, the amount of electricity produced, and the retail price of electricity.
The price of PV components varies depending on the size of the system (generating capacity), the type and quality of the components purchased, and the complexity of the system selected. The good news for consumers is that the cost of PV has declined dramatically, while the technology continues to improve, allowing for more energy production from a smaller panel.
Installation costs depend on the size and complexity of the system, but also on the home layout and construction. For example, a simple, south-facing roof allows for an easier install than a roof with hips and valleys. In addition, some homes require structural or wiring upgrades.
An average 4 kW system may cost between $10,000 and $20,000, before credits and incentives. This is based on a typical installed cost of $2.49 to $5 per Watt of distributed generation capacity. To determine your costs, look for online calculators to help you estimate your pricing, and also get bids from reputable installers.
Certified solar energy products and systems generally are reliable, with a life expectancy of about 30 years. Manufacturers test solar panels for hail impact, high wind, and freeze-thaw cycles to represent real-life situations. Most manufacturers offer 20- to 25-year warranties for panels; extended warranties may be available at an extra cost.
Little maintenance is required; occasionally it may be necessary to rinse modules off with water to remove dust and grime. Other components like inverters may have a shorter life. Solar panels may outlast the roof where they are attached. Make sure your roof is in good shape or budget for replacement during the life of the system.
As this technology grows in popularity, so does the potential for deceptive or fraudulent sales tactics. A solar photovoltaic (PV) installation is a big investment, and you want to make sure you select a reputable solar contractor with licensed installers.
While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies accepted by their members.
Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, regional, national and international structures.
![]()
Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the cooperative. The members usually receive limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of membership. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing the cooperative, possibly by setting up reserves, part of which at least would be indivisible; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.
![]()
Outside temperatures are often the cause of higher bills. Heating and cooling your home is often the majority of your total energy use. So, it makes sense that during periods of extreme heat or cold, the additional load will cause an increase in electric use.
In the winter, your heating system will run more often and will increase your electric use. Also, the addition of space heaters, electric fireplaces or livestock heaters can dramatically increase your energy consumption.
In the summer, your AC runs more often and will increase your electric use. Also, running dehumidifiers, pool pumps, or that refrigerator in the garage during summer months, will also add to your electric bill.
If you leave your home for an extended period of time or if no one is living at the location, any appliance you leave plugged in or connected will continue to use electricity even while you are gone. Your water heater, freezer, refrigerator, HVAC system, landscape irrigation, well pump, pool pump, etc. keep on running when you're not home. Also, any appliance or electronics that have a standby feature or clock, constantly draw electricity.
Before you leave, make sure to turn off or unplug appliances that aren't needed and adjust your thermostat to help keep heating and cooling costs down.
No two households use energy the same way, so comparing your energy bill to your neighbor's is like comparing gas mileage on different vehicles. It's best to compare your current use to your past use. Factors that play a part in electric use include:
- Insulation quality
- Amount and type of windows
Thermostat settings - Age of the residence
- Age, amount, and location of appliances
- Water heater settings
- Habits of those living in the home
Often members think meter malfunction is to blame for a higher bill, but this is very rarely the cause. In fact, if a meter is malfunctioning, it's more likely to run slow or quit entirely instead of running fast.
The vast majority of meters we test function properly. If you do want your meter tested, you can call us at (800) 900-2832 or email us at the CTEC Help Desk.
- The average person drives 40 miles each day commuting to work and running errands. If that aligns with your daily mileage, consider a battery electric vehicle (BEV). Charging overnight should keep it ready for your commute, and today, most new BEVs cover over 200 miles. However, to ensure your needs are met, assume your range will be somewhat less.
- Even if you frequently take long trips or have a few longer daily drives, an EV may not be convenient. You may consider a BEV as a second vehicle.
- If you average more miles per day and/or take frequent long trips, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) may better meet your needs. PHEVs use a combination of an electric motor and gasoline engine to provide about 12-50 electric miles and the ability to keep driving on gasoline after the battery is depleted. They do need to be plugged in to charge but can operate in gas-only mode when necessary.
- BEVs operate solely on electric power and must be charged by plugging in. The battery in PHEVs must also be charged, but the vehicle can operate on gas if the charge runs out.
- A 120-volt outlet in your garage or driveway may handle overnight charging if you are driving only about 40 miles per day and have a full 8 hours to plug in. If you drive more and charge less, you may not get a sufficient charge.
- If you want quicker charging, you will need a 240-volt outlet and compatible charging station, which start at a few hundred dollars.
- If you do not have off-street parking, it may be difficult to charge your EV at home.
- The purchase price for EVs may be somewhat higher than similar gasoline vehicles; however, this additional price is offset by lower operating and maintenance costs.
- The used EV market is continuing to grow, and you may be able to get a good deal on an older model.
- For some vehicles and situations, leases for EVs can be less than $200 per month.
- You may receive a federal tax credit for BEVs and PHEVs.
- The purchase price of EVs does not tell the entire story. When purchasing any vehicle, operating and maintenance costs should be incorporated into the car’s total cost of ownership, and these costs are generally lower for EVs than gas-powered cars. Start with what your current vehicle costs in operation and maintenance; then compare it to alternatives.
- Energy costs to operate BEVs typically run $590 a year, while PHEVs cost about $720 a year.
- Maintenance costs will be far less in BEVs thanks to fewer moving parts and a simpler design. PHEVs have both electric and combustion components, but they may still have lower maintenance costs than conventional vehicles because some components, such as brakes, experience less wear.
- Also, don’t forget the federal tax credit of up to $7,500 may be available. The exact amount depends on the vehicle, manufacturer and your tax liability. In addition, you may qualify for other rebates and perks from your state, city or cooperative, such as lower electric rates for charging overnight, free parking or access to special commuter lanes.
- Your electric bill will increase, but how much will depend on factors like how much you drive and how frequently you change at home.
How long will an electric vehicle battery last and what’s the price to replace it? Well, the response is often “it depends.” Many electric vehicle (EV) models come with an 8-year/100K mile warranty, but some do not.
While there is little agreement in the EV industry as to how long a vehicle battery will last, there is strong agreement and data that proves that the more energy used from the battery between charges, the shorter the battery’s life. As a result, there are some in the industry that have adopted the charging phrase of “graze not gorge” to encourage regular short charging sessions as opposed to using the vehicle until the battery is depleted.
There are a few common conditions that may cause high energy usage of the battery and possibly contribute to shorter battery life:
- High temperatures
- Overcharging
- Frequent driving with battery less than half full
- Frequent quick accelerations
As far as the cost to replace a battery when the vehicle is past warranty, prices vary from $5,500 on up. There is also an option to refurbish battery packs for about half the cost of a full replacement. Additionally, battery prices continue to drop, so the replacement cost may decline in the future.
Lastly, there is a concern about the disposal of old batteries. Thankfully, we are beginning to see the batteries being recycled or used as part of energy storage systems. This will keep the batteries out of landfills and enable them to be used for years after they are removed from the vehicles.
- They offer the benefits of electric power, but the gasoline engine can help out when needed.
- Compared to gasoline vehicles, they offer better fuel economy (less gas burned) and lower fuel costs (because electricity is cheaper than gas).
- Because less gas is burned, PHEVs reduce our dependence on oil and emit fewer greenhouse gases than gasoline vehicles.
- PHEVs may qualify for the federal tax credit of up to $7,500. The amount depends on the vehicle, manufacturer, and your tax liability. There may be additional benefits offered by your state, city, or cooperative, such as rebates, cheaper electric rates, and special parking spots and driving lanes.
- Because they have both electric and gasoline components, PHEVs have a more complex design than BEVs.
- Maintenance is required on both systems. Gas engines require oil changes and the same checks that conventional gas engines need. And while the electric components (battery, electric motor, and electronics) require less maintenance than gas-powered engines, some is required.
- Having both a combustion engine and battery pack takes up space and adds weight.
Just as with a BEV, the battery in a PHEV needs to be charged. There are several levels of charging. How often you charge and
where you plug in depend on how far you drive and the charging method.
- Level 1: A standard 120-volt home receptacle on a dedicated circuit will provide three to five miles of driving range for every hour of charging.
- Level 2: A 240-volt connection will provide 10 to 20 miles of range for every hour of charging. Note that this connection must be installed by an electrician who understands PHEVs. Some public areas and workplaces also offer Level 2 charging stations.
- DC Fast Charge: DC fast charging, the quickest level of charging, can be used by many BEVs but is not compatible with most PHEVs.

Safety features are built into PHEVs and charging equipment. The charging cable is not live while you handle it, but only when it is connected to the vehicle. The charger senses that the connection is properly made before the electric current is turned on.
Also, the charger has a ground-fault interrupter (GFI). To prevent shocks, charging stops immediately if leakage of even a few milliamps of current occurs.
The answer is both “yes” and “no.” The initial purchase price of a BEV may be somewhat higher than a similar gasoline vehicle (though look out for tax credits, rebates, and other incentives), but BEVs cost much less to operate. Driving on electricity is cheaper than driving on gasoline, and BEVs have fewer parts, which means less maintenance and fewer repairs.
- Though specific savings will depend on gas prices and your driving habits, BEVs cost less to operate than gas-fueled vehicles because electricity costs are equivalent to approximately $1 per gallon of gasoline.
- Electricity prices are far more stable than gasoline prices, which means less fluctuation in how much you’ll pay throughout the year. Furthermore, because the U.S. electric supply does not rely on imported petroleum, the long-term outlook for pricing is better.
- BEVs are highly efficient, converting about 80% of their energy input into moving the car. In contrast, gas-powered cars are only about 20% efficient; the remaining 80% of the energy input is lost to engine inefficiencies or used to power accessories.
- Most BEVs have a regenerative braking system that captures energy and restores it to the battery when you stop.
- Charging an electric vehicle at home is not a huge power drain. A BEV driven 10,000 miles a year may use between 2,500 and 3,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) to charge; that is between $325 and $390 per year assuming an average residential electricity rate of 13 cents. This is approximately the same amount of energy used to operate an electric water heater for a family of four.
- BEVs run on locally generated electricity and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
- The vehicles have less of a negative environmental impact because of higher efficiency, lower energy consumption, and no tailpipe emissions.
- Electricity is not a “fuel” in the same way gasoline is. Cooperatives and other utilities produce electricity from many sources, including hydropower, nuclear, natural gas, coal, and increasingly, wind and solar generation. As the source of electricity gets cleaner, so does the vehicle.
- BEVs require little maintenance beyond changing windshield wipers and tires. They have far fewer moving parts than gas-powered vehicles, so less can go wrong. Even brake pads last longer because of regenerative braking.
- BEVs are extremely quiet, as there is no combustion noise produced.
- BEVs have quick acceleration and are fun to drive.
- BEVs get better range in stop-and-go traffic than during highway driving, making them ideal for in-city commuting.
- BEVs are very safe to operate and charge. The vehicle inlet and charging equipment are required to be safety tested, certified, and listed by UL.
- Although vehicle ranges keep improving and charging stations continue to be installed, long-distance travel in a BEV will require more advanced planning.
- If you need to charge partway through a trip, you will be stopped for longer than had you filled up a gas-powered vehicle.
- It may be difficult to find a charging station when and where you need one. Fortunately, this is improving as BEVs become increasingly common and more stations are added. Several apps can help you locate places to charge
- There is a federal tax credit worth up to $7,500, though the amount depends on the vehicle, manufacturer and your tax liability.
- Some states and cities offer incentives, including access to high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes and special parking spots.
- Some cooperatives offer special electric rates for charging during off-peak times (such as overnight).
- Some states, cities, and cooperatives offer rebates and incentives to offset the purchase of an electric vehicle or charging station
There are several levels of charging. How often you charge and where you plug in depends on how far you drive and the charging method.
- Level 1: A standard 120-volt home receptacle on a dedicated circuit will provide three to five miles of driving range for every hour of charging.
- Level 2: A 240-volt connection will provide 10 to 20 miles of range for every hour of charging. Note that this connection must be installed by an electrician who understands BEVs. Some public areas and workplaces also offer Level 2 charging stations.
- DC Fast Charge: DC fast charging can charge a car to 80% in about 30 minutes. However, this option requires special equipment and isn’t compatible with all vehicles.
Safety features are built into BEVs and charging equipment. The charging cable is live only when it is connected to a vehicle. The charger senses that the connection is properly made before the electric current is turned on. Also, the charger has a ground-fault interrupter (GFI). To prevent shocks, charging stops immediately if even a few milliamps of current leak.
If a lot of people plug in to charge their electric vehicles, will this drain the electric grid?
Charging BEVs will not drain the grid. An investigation by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory found that the grid has enough excess capacity to support about 150 million electric vehicles without having to add new power plants. With under 2 million electric vehicles on the road today in the U.S. (this includes both BEVs and plug-in hybrids), there is much opportunity for growth. Furthermore, electric vehicles are a flexible load, meaning they can be managed to charge during times of low demand for electricity, putting limited strain on the grid.
- Using heating and air conditioning, as well as running headlights, wipers, and the defroster
- Extreme temperatures, particularly cold
- Your driving style
- The type of driving (city vs. highway) – with the benefits of regenerative braking, BEVs perform better in city driving
The Critical Load Program is a registry of public safety accounts that include hospitals, water/wastewater facilities, and police & fire stations that meet certain criteria and are crucial to the preservation of health, safety, and /or welfare in the community.
When planned outrages or service interruptions are scheduled, we will attempt advance notice so preparations can be made to mitigate issues that may be caused by an electric outage., It also means that registered members will be prioritized in electrical power restoration efforts to the extent possible.
Our Critical Load Program does not guarantee these accounts are exempt from planned service interruptions or Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) load shed or rolling outage events. Registered members are not exempt from the financial responsibilities to pay timely for electric utility services provided or from potential termination of service in accordance with CTEC policies.
To qualify, the account must meet criteria established using the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) guidelines for public safety, industrial, or natural gas infrastructure.
If you would prefer to have an application mailed to you, please call us at 1 (800) 900-2832 or email the CTEC Help Desk.
Applications are also available at all CTEC offices. See office locations.
Yes, you can! Both of these two programs are designed to “give back” to the communities we all live in.
Operation Round-Up is a program designed to provide grants to charitable causes and non-profit civic organizations within the co-op’s service territory. It is administered by a voluntary Board of Directors, and all funds are kept separate from Co-op funds.
The CTEC scholarship program uses unclaimed capital credit funds to award student scholarships to co-op members or family members (whose primary residence is served by CTEC) for full-time study at an accredited secondary education school.
Just call the nearest CTEC office to discuss your intentions of donating your capital credits to one of these CTEC programs.
- The co-op keeps a record of all capital credit checks that are not cashed.
- Claims on these accounts can be made indefinitely, but after three years, unclaimed amounts must be transferred to the Texas Unclaimed Property fund.
- Some of these unclaimed funds are returned to the co-op to be used for scholarships and economic development.
- Using these proceeds, the Central Texas Electric Scholarship Fund has been able to support higher education for co-op members and their families who live within the co-op’s service area.
- These funds have also given rise to the co-op’s Economic Development Fund, which helps promote economic development within the co-op’s service area.
The heirs of an estate can choose to close out the capital credit account of a deceased member by opting for an estate retirement. With this option, the capital credit balance is retired at a discount and a refund check is issued by the designation of the heirs or executor.
If you are interested in finding out more about estate retirements, please contact the Capital Credit Department at (830) 997-2126 or toll-free at (800) 900-CTEC (2832).
Early retirement of capital credits is not allowed when electric service is terminated. When capital credits are retired (paid back), inactive accounts are included in the retirement calculation until their balances are fully retired. Refunds will be issued subject to the $10 minimum check limitation.
Of course, capital credit refunds cannot be delivered correctly if the co-op is not kept abreast of address changes, so PLEASE keep us informed of your current address!
Update Your InfoPortable generators provide electricity by running a fuel-powered engine that turns an on-board alternator to generate electrical power. Power outlets on the unit allow you to plug extension cords, electric-powered tools and appliances into it.
Portable generators are not permanently installed and can be moved from place-to-place. Different types of portable generators are better suited for certain tasks and range in size, weight, and capability. Contact Central Texas Electric Co-op, a qualified vendor or electrician to help you determine what generator is best suited to your needs.
A standby generator, often called a backup generator or whole house generator, are the most powerful and safest for home use. They range greatly in power and price. The more watts they produce the more you can power in your home at the same time. A standby generator is an automatic, permanently connected appliance like a water heater or central air conditioner.
These generators need to be installed by a licensed, qualified electrician and the member should notify Central Texas Electric Co-op of the installation.
Let Us KnowInverter generators can produce about the same amount of power as portable generators but they are usually lighter and less noisy than portable generators because they automatically throttle down to provide power only when it is needed. These fuel-powered inverters need to be operated outdoors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Generators can become hot while running and remain hot for a long period of time after they are turned off.
- Generator fuels like gasoline or kerosene can ignite if spilled on hot engine parts. Before refueling, shut down the engine and allow the generator to cool.
- Keep fuel containers away from flame or heat producing items like water heaters, space heaters or open flames.
- Never use a generator indoors or in an enclosed space like a garage, crawl space or basement.
- Make sure the generator has at least three feet of clear space on all sides, including above it to ensure adequate ventilation.
- Never use a generator near a door, window or vent that could allow carbon monoxide to enter and build up indoors.
- Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning and get to fresh air immediately and seek medical attention if you suspect poisoning.
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Tiredness
Portable generators are not designed for powering your home's electrical system. Never try to power your house wiring by plugging the generator into a wall outlet, a dangerous practice known as backfeeding. It sends power from your house back through electric lines. Backfeeding could ruin appliances, cause a fire, or even injure or kill a co-op employee who might be working on nearby lines.
Energizing your home wiring without proper disconnects in place can energize the line creating a major hazard for line workers and for the general public who might be exposed to downed power lines.
Any connection for a generator to power your home should be made by a licensed electrician to ensure that the wiring and connections are correct and that proper safety disconnects are in place.
Forced outages are load shed events controlled by ERCOT to reduce the demand of electricity on the power grid. They may also be referred to as blackouts, rolling blackouts, or controlled outages. Load shed events occur when the demand for electricity exceeds the power supply available and voluntary conservation efforts were not enough to reduce the strain on the electric grid. ERCOT will require forced outages on electric consumers to reduce the demand of electricity to maintain the integrity of the electric grid.
When forced outages (load shed events) occur, Central Texas Electric Co-op must comply with the load shed procedures as instructed by ERCOT. Central Texas Electric Co-op does not control if, when, or how long the load shed event will last. Central Texas Electric Co-op gets little to no warning when load shed events will occur.
When the electric supply provided by all available power generation is not enough to meet customer demand for power, ERCOT begins emergency operations. During an ERCOT energy emergency, when there is not enough generation to meet consumer demand for power, and all other operational tools have been exhausted, power demand must be lowered to avoid uncontrolled blackouts.
Before every summer and winter, ERCOT forecasts potential electricity demand and capacity. If it appears that demand will exceed supply, ERCOT will initiate the Texas Advisory and Notification System (TXANS). TXANS is ERCOT's early notification ahead of periods of higher demand. TXANS serves as a resource to the public to follow ERCOT grid conditions and inform the public on grid condition levels and of any public action needed.
3 ways to get TXANS notifications:
- Sign up for emails.
- Follow ERCOT on social media: Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn
- Download the ERCOT mobile app: iOS | Android
Grid Condition Levels
- Normal Grid Conditions
- Supply and demand balanced
- No action needed
- ERCOT Weather Watch
- Normal Grid Conditions
- Forecasted possible significant weather and high demand
- Action
- Monitor ERCOT grid condition updates
- Plan ahead to reduce your energy use during higher-demand periods
- Voluntary Conservation Notice
- Higher demand is forecasted with a lower energy supply
- Action
- ERCOT requests Texans to voluntarily conserve power during a specific conservation period, if safe to do so
- ERCOT requests all government agencies (including city and county offices) to implement any and all programs to reduce energy use at their facilities
- Energy Emergency Alert (EEA)
- System-wide emergency supply and demand conditions
- EEA Level 1 - Low reserves. Tools deployed to meet demand
- EEA Level 2 - Lower reserves. Additional tools deployed to meet demand
- EEA Level 3 - Extremely low energy reserves. Controlled outages possible
- System-wide emergency supply and demand conditions
As always, Central Texas Electric Co-op will monitor ERCOT grid conditions and conservation requests or energy emergencies. If emergency requests that involve forced outages for consumers are made by ERCOT, Central Texas Electric Co-op will comply with those as required and will send notifications as quickly as humanly possible*. Please ensure the contact information on your account are correct.
You are also encouraged to sign up to receive notifications directly from ERCOT through their Texas Advisory and Notification System (TXANS)
3 ways to get TXANS notifications:
- Sign up for emails.
- Follow ERCOT on social media: Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn
- Download the ERCOT mobile app: iOS | Android
*Please note: Notices are sent out as quickly as humanly possible, but the situation on the grid can change very quickly. If ERCOT's reserve margins reach critical condition and ERCOT calls for load shed, the outages may begin before all notifications are able to be sent out and phone line may become overwhelmed.
During load shed events, we are unable to tell you when you will be without power, how long the forced outages will last, or when power will be restored since those answers depend on many factors outside of Central Texas Electric Co-op's control. We will share the most current information we have received from ERCOT.
- Members must be prepared for a possible power outage without advance warning. As much as possible, all efforts will be made to provide advance notification of ERCOT-mandated load shedding, but there can be circumstances where such a notification isn’t possible.
- Members designated as critical load are not guaranteed an uninterrupted supply of electricity. It is the member's responsibility to arrange for alternative electric power sources in the event of any outage, including ERCOT load-shedding events.
- Members who depend on electric-powered medical equipment or those designated as critical care or chronic condition with CTEC are not guaranteed an uninterrupted, regular or continuous power supply. It is the member’s responsibility to arrange for alternative electric power sources in the event of any outage, including ERCOT load-shedding events.
- Load shedding is a mandatory emergency order from ERCOT based on the available generation and consumer demand. During load-shedding events, CTEC’s ERCOT transmission operator, the Lower Colorado River Authority Transmission Services Corp., is obligated to immediately implement load-shedding procedures. CTEC likely will not have sufficient information to notify members if or when they may lose power or how long the load-shedding event may last.
- In an extreme emergency, ERCOT may require electric utilities to shed large amounts of load over long periods of time. These outages are critical for ensuring the integrity of the state’s electric grid and preventing an uncontrolled system-wide blackout, which could last significantly longer than a load-shedding event.
- CTEC, like all electric utilities in ERCOT’s service area, is required to comply with all ERCOT directions for shedding load until ERCOT ends the energy emergency.
Please help by conserving electricity in any way you can. This is important as long as ERCOT forced outages are in place.
Spring and Summer Conservation Tips
- Turn up your thermostat 2-3 degrees from 3 to 7 p.m.; Adjust the thermostat even higher if no one will be home during the day.
- If home, use fans to feel 4-6 degrees cooler. Turn the fans off if no one is in the room.
- Set pool pumps to run early morning or overnight; program them to shut off from 3 to 7 p.m., since these are typically peak hours for summer months.
- Turn off and unplug non-essential lights and appliances.
- Avoid using large appliances, especially during peak hours.
- Businesses should minimize the use of electric lighting and electricity-consuming equipment as much as possible.
- Large consumers of electricity should consider shutting down or reducing non-essential production processes.
Winter Conservation Tips
- Turn down your thermostat to 68° in the daytime and 55° at night or when you're away from home.
- When at home, open blinds and shades during sunny days to take advantage of the sun's natural heat.
- Close shades and blinds at night to reduce the amount of heat lost through windows.
- Turn off and unplug non-essential lights and appliances.
- Avoid using large appliances.
- Businesses should minimize the use of electric lighting and electricity-consuming equipment as much as possible.
- Large consumers of electricity should consider shutting down or reducing non-essential production processes.
If someone in your home depends on an electrically operated health aid, sign up for Central Texas Electric Co-op (CTEC)'s Medical Necessity Program. Please note, CTEC's Life Support Registry does not guarantee there will be no power interruptions. Power outages happen for many reasons that may be out of the cooperative's control. It is recommended for members on the Life Support Registry to ensure they have secondary power or a backup plan in the event of prolonged outages.
Section 1. General Powers. The business and affairs of the Cooperative shall be managed by a board of 11 directors which shall exercise all the powers of the Cooperative excepting such as are by law or by the Articles of the Cooperative or by the bylaws conferred upon or reserved to the members. The territory served by the Cooperative shall be divided into 6 directorate districts. The districts and the number of directors who shall represent each district are described as follows:
| DIRECTORATE DISTRICT NO. | DESCRIPTION | NUMBER OF DIRECTORS |
|---|---|---|
One | Kendall County Area | 1 |
Two | Kerr/Real/Southern Kimble County Area | 1 |
Three | Mason/McCulloch/Menard/ Northern Kimble County Area | 2 |
Four | Llano County Area | 3 |
Five | Gillespie/Blanco County Area | 3 |
Six | San Saba County Area | 1 |
Section 2. Qualifications and Tenure. Directors shall be so nominated and elected that one director from or with respect to each of directorate districts numbers four, five, and six shall be elected for three-year terms at an annual member meeting; one director from or with respect to each of directorate districts nos. one, three, four and five shall be elected for three-year terms at the next succeeding annual member meeting; and one director from or with respect to each of directorate districts nos. two, three, four and five shall be elected for three-year terms at the next succeeding annual member meeting, and so forth, provided that the terms of no two directors from the same directorate district shall coincide. Upon their election, directors shall, subject to the provisions of these bylaws with respect to the removal of directors, serve until the annual meeting of the members of the year in which their terms expire or until their successors shall have been elected and shall have qualified. If for any reason an election of directors shall not be held at an annual meeting of the members duly fixed and called pursuant to these bylaws, such election may be held at an adjournment of this meeting of the members. Failure of an election for a given year shall allow the incumbents whose directorships would have been voted on to hold over only until the next member meeting at which a quorum is present.
To initiate the staggered terms described above the directors from districts three, four, and five shall draw by lot to determine their respective terms of office, a separate drawing being held for each district.
To be eligible for election or appointment to, and to serve on, the Cooperative’s Board of Directors, a person shall:
- Be an individual with the capacity to enter legally binding contracts;
- Be a member in good standing of the Cooperative for at least twelve (12) consecutive months prior to and including March 15 of the year of election or appointment;
- Have within the service territory served by the cooperative (i) his/her principal place of residence for which his/her residence homestead exemption is claimed pursuant to Chapter 11 of the Texas Tax Code; or (ii) if he/she claims no residence homestead exemption, his/her principal residence, as defined under 26 C.F.R. §1.121-1(b)(2);
- Not be engaged in any business, nor employed by or materially affiliated with any individual or entity:
- Regularly, directly, and substantially competing with the Cooperative or a Cooperative Subsidiary;
- Regularly selling goods or services to the Cooperative or a Cooperative Subsidiary; or
- Otherwise possessing a substantial conflict of interest with the Cooperative or a Cooperative Subsidiary;
- Not be an incumbent of or candidate for an elective public office in connection with which a salary is paid, other than members of a School Board or County Commissioner’s Court;
- Not be an individual that has been an employee of the Cooperative within two (2) years prior to serving on the Cooperative’s Board of Directors; and
- Except as otherwise provided by the Board of Directors for good cause, receive a Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD) designation, or similar certification from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) within three years after becoming a director.
Members of the Board of Directors having been elected to 4 terms of service on said Board (regardless of whether such terms are consecutive) shall be ineligible for election to the Board of Directors. As indicated in Article III, Section 2 of the bylaws, a term shall last 3 years. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Member of the Board of Directors with 12 consecutive years of service on said Board shall be eligible for appointment to the Board of Directors for the purpose of filling a Director Vacancy in accordance with Article III, Section 4 of the Bylaws.
Married individuals shall not both be eligible to serve on the Board of Directors at the same time.
Nothing in this Section contained shall, or shall be construed to, affect in any manner whatsoever, the validity of any action taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors shall not authorize the employment of a chief executive officer, assistant chief executive officer, attorney, assistant attorney, who is related in the second degree by affinity or the third degree by consanguinity to any director, retained Cooperative attorney, chief executive officer and/or assistant chief executive officer of the Cooperative.
Director Disqualification and/or Removal: After being elected or appointed, if a Director does not comply with (a) the Director Qualifications existing when the Director was elected or appointed; or (b) confidentiality requirements, conflict of intrest policies, or other governance policies adopted by the Board in the CTEC Code of Ethics and Conduct, Bylaws or Board Policies then except as otherwise provided by the Board for good cause, the Board, by two-thirds vote, shall disqualify and/or remove the Director and the individual is no longer a Director if: (1) the Board notifies the Director in writing of the basis for, and provides the Director an opportunity to comment regarding, the Board’s proposed disqualification or removal; and (2) within 45 days after the Board notifies the Director of the proposed disqualification or removal, the director neither complies with nor meets the Director Qualification or otherwise cures the policy violation to the resonable satisfaction of the Board. If a majority of Directors authorized by these Bylaws complies with the Director Qualifications and approves a Board action, then the failure of a Director to comply with the Director Qualifications or Board Policies does not affect the validity of the Board action.
Section 3. Nominations and Elections. Director elections will take place at the annual meeting of members held on the third Tuesday of August of each year. The names of all candidates nominated for election to the board of directors in accordance with these bylaws, and whose eligibility is confirmed by the C & E Committee, shall be published in the notice of meeting mailed to the members of the cooperative, along with a proxy ballot including the names of all such nominated candidates for director.
Methods of Nominating. Nominations to serve as a director may be made: (1) by the members at a district meeting as provided in subsection (a) of this section or (2) by member petition delivered to the Cooperative as provided in subsection (b) of this section.
(a) District Meetings. Between May 20 and June 20 of each year, the Board of Directors shall convene a separate meeting of the members of each district at a suitable place designated by the Board of Directors. Notice of the meeting shall be mailed to each member located in such district and shall indicate the district to which the member belongs. If a director is to be selected from the district, the notice shall state that the members in attendance at the meeting shall select the district’s nominee for director. The meeting shall be open for discussion of any other matters pertaining to the business of the Cooperative, regardless of whether or not such matters were listed in the notice of the meeting. However, the district meeting does not constitute a meeting of members of the Cooperative as described in these bylaws, and no formal action may be taken, other than the selection of the district’s nominee for director.
On or before March 15 (or the next following day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday) of each year, each member seeking to become his or her district’s nominee for director must deliver to the Cooperative a Cooperative-approved application confirming that the member satisfies bylaw requirements to serve as director, along with a petition meeting the following requirements:
- Listing, on each page, the name of the member seeking to become the district meeting nominee;
- Indicating, on each page, the director position for which the member will run; and
- Containing the printed names, addresses, telephone numbers, and original dated signatures of at least ten Cooperative members receiving electric service from the Cooperative in the district in question.
The C & E Committee shall review all applications and petitions submitted by members seeking nomination at a district meeting to confirm that the requirements of these bylaws have been satisfied, and further confirming that each such member satisfies bylaw eligibility requirements to serve as director. The C & E Committee shall report its findings to the President of the Board of Directors in writing on or before March 30 of each year. The names of all candidates seeking district meeting nominations whose eligibility is confirmed by the C & E Committee shall be included in the District Meeting Notice.
The President of the Board of Directors shall designate a chairperson to preside over each district meeting. The district meeting shall be called to order by the chairperson, who shall appoint a secretary to act for the duration of the meeting. Members of other districts present at the meeting may be heard but shall have no vote.
The district meeting shall select one and only one member to be the nominee of the district meeting to serve on the Board of Directors. Such person shall be considered at the meeting of the members as the nominee of the district meeting. Voting by mail and voting by proxy shall not be allowed at the district meeting. If only one candidate is seeking to become the district’s nominee for director, he or she may be elected by acclamation. If more than one candidate is seeking to become the district meeting nominee at the district meeting, voting by ballot shall be conducted. If one candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, that candidate shall be declared to be the official nominee of the district meeting from such district. If no candidate receives more than 50% of the votes, runoff ballots shall be conducted until one candidate receives more than 50% of the vote. The two candidates receiving the highest number of votes on the preceding ballot shall be included in the succeeding runoff ballot. In the event of ties, more than two candidates may be included in a runoff ballot. In the event there are three runoff ballots with no candidate receiving more than 50% of the vote, the nominee of the district meeting shall be selected by lot from among the candidates included on the final runoff ballot. One member shall be declared to be the official nominee of the district meeting from such district.
The minutes of each district meeting shall set forth, among other matters; the name of each candidate seeking to become the district meeting nominee and the number of votes received by each, and shall specify the official nominee of the district meeting. A copy of the minutes, signed and certified to by the chairperson and secretary of the district meeting, shall be delivered to the secretary of the Cooperative within 10 days after such district meeting. No informality or defect in such minutes, or in the proceedings had, shall void the nominations so made or affect the validity of the election of directors at the meeting of the members of the Cooperative.
District Meeting Record Date. A “Record Date” is the date for determining the members entitled to (1) receive notice of a district meeting, and (2) vote at a district meeting. In order to exercise these privileges, an individual or entity must be accepted for membership in the Cooperative by the Board of Directors in accordance with Article I, Section 1 of these bylaws on or before the Record Date. Any membership transfer to create a joint membership in accordance with Article I, Section 7(b) of these bylaws must be accepted by the Board of Directors on or before the Record Date in order for such membership transfer to be given effect at a district meeting. If a member is suspended after the Record Date, that member is not entitled to receive notice or exercise the right to vote at a district meeting.
Unless otherwise designated by the Board of Directors, the Record Date for purposes of determining the members entitled to (1) receive notice of a district meeting and (2) vote at a district meeting shall be the second Tuesday in May immediately preceding such district meeting.
(b) Nomination by Petition. In addition to district meeting nominations, a Cooperative member may place his or her name in nomination to run for election to a director position at an annual meeting of members by member petition and application. On or before June 25 (or the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday) of each year, a member seeking to be nominated in this manner must deliver to the Cooperative a Cooperative-approved application confirming that the member satisfies bylaw requirements to serve as director, along with a petition meeting the following requirements:
- Listing, on each page, the name of the member being placed in nomination;
- Indicating, on each page, the director position for which the nominee will run; and
- Containing the printed names, addresses, telephone numbers, and original dated signatures of at least 1% of the Cooperative members as of the date the petition is submitted.
The C & E Committee shall review all applications and petitions submitted by members seeking to place their name in nomination for a director position at an annual meeting to confirm that the requirements of these bylaws have been satisfied, and further confirming that each such member satisfies bylaw eligibility requirements to serve as director. The C & E Committee shall report its findings to the President of the Board of Directors in writing on or before June 30 of each year.
(c) Notice of Nominations. The Secretary shall mail with the notice of the meeting, or separately, but at least 10 days prior to the meeting, a statement of the number of directors to be elected and showing the nominations made by the district meetings and nominations by petition. Notwithstanding anything in this section contained, failure to comply with any of the provisions of this section shall not affect in any manner whatsoever the validity of any election of directors.
(d) Elections. Members present in person and by proxy at the annual member meeting shall elect directors from each directorate district in which a director election is being held. Each member may cast one vote in each such district, without regard to the district or districts where the member resides or receives electric service from the Cooperative. Directors shall be elected from the District Meeting Nominations and Member Petition Nominations. If only one candidate is nominated in a district, he or she may be elected by acclamation. Members may not vote for write-in candidates. The candidate receiving the most votes in each district shall be declared the winner of the election.
Section 4. Director Vacancy. Unless otherwise provided in these bylaws, a vacancy occurring in the Board of Directors shall be filled by a majority vote of the remaining directors within 120 days after such occurrence. Any director elected in this manner shall serve the un-expired director term of the vacant director position or until his or her successor shall have been elected and shall have qualified.
Section 5. Compensation. Directors as such shall not receive any salary for their services but by resolution of the Board of Directors may receive reasonable compensation including a fixed sum and expenses of attendance, if any, as may be allowed for attendance at each meeting of the Board of Directors.
Section 6. Rules and Regulations. The Board of Directors shall have power to make and adopt such rules and regulations not inconsistent with law, the Articles of Incorporation of the Cooperative or these bylaws, as it may deem advisable for the management, administration and regulation of the business and affairs of the Cooperative.
Section 7. Accounting System and Reports. The Board of Directors shall cause to be established and maintained a complete account system which, among other things, subject to the applicable laws and rules and regulations of any regulatory body, shall conform to such accounting system as may from time to time be designated by the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation (CFC). The Board of Directors shall also no later than 30 days after December 31st of each year engage qualified auditors to perform a full and complete audit of the accounts, books and financial condition of the Cooperative. Such audit reports shall be submitted to the members at the following annual meeting.
Section 8. Change in Rates. The Board of Directors may authorize any change in rates in conformity with the applicable laws.
Section 1. Qualifications and Obligations. Any individual or entity may become a member of the Cooperative by:
- Paying the membership fee hereinafter specified;
- Agreeing to purchase from the Cooperative electric service by executing a membership agreement in a form proposed and approved by the Cooperative; and
- Agreeing to comply with and be bound by the Articles of Incorporation of the Cooperative and these bylaws and any amendments thereto and such rules and regulations as may from time to time be adopted by the Board of Directors, provided, however, that no individual or entity shall become a member unless and until accepted for membership by the Board of Directors. No individual or entity may own more than 1 membership in the Cooperative.
An “entity” includes any domestic or foreign: business or nonprofit corporation; cooperative; unincorporated association; limited liability company; partnership; trust; estate; and local, regional, state, federal, or national government, including an agency or division of a government.
Married individuals may jointly become a member and their application for joint membership may be accepted in accordance with the foregoing provisions of this section provided both spouses comply jointly with the provisions of the above subdivisions (a), (b), and (c). Except as otherwise provided in these bylaws, a joint member has and enjoys the rights, benefits and privileges, and is subject to the obligations, requirements, and liabilities of being a member. For a joint membership:
(a) Notice of a meeting provided to a joint member constitutes notice to both members.
(b) The presence of a joint member or both joint members at a meeting constitutes the presence of one member at the meeting.
(c) If only one joint member votes on a matter, signs a document, or otherwise acts, then the vote, signature, or action binds the joint membership and constitutes one vote, signature, or action.
Section 2. Membership Fee. The membership fee shall be $25, payment of which shall make the member eligible for one or more service connections.
Section 3. Purchase of Electric Service. Each member shall, as soon as electric energy shall be available, purchase from the Cooperative electric energy used on the premises specified in said members' application for membership, and shall pay therefore monthly at rates which shall from time to time be fixed by the Board of Directors; provided, however, that the Board of Directors may limit the amount of electric energy which the Cooperative shall be required to furnish to any one member. It is expressly understood that amounts paid for electric energy in excess of the cost of service are furnished by members as capital and each member shall be credited with the capital so furnished as provided in these bylaws. Each member shall pay to the Cooperative such minimum amount per month regardless of the amount of electric energy consumed, as shall be fixed by the Board of Directors from time to time. Each member shall also pay all amounts owed by said member to the Cooperative as and when the same shall become due and payable.
Section 4. Non-Liability for Debts of the Cooperative. The private property of the members of the Cooperative shall be exempt from execution for the debts of the Cooperative and no member shall be individually liable or responsible for any debts or liabilities of the Cooperative.
Section 5. Expulsion of Members. The Board of Directors of the Cooperative may, by the affirmative vote of not less than 2/3 of the members thereof, expel any members who shall have violated or refused to comply with any of the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation of the Cooperative or these bylaws or any rules or regulations adopted from time to time by the Board of Directors. Any member so expelled may be reinstated as a member by a vote of the members at any annual or special meeting of the members. The action of the members with respect to any such reinstatement shall be final unless and until a new cause for expulsion arises.
Section 6. Withdrawal of Membership. Any member may withdraw from membership upon payment in full of all debts and liabilities of such member of the Cooperative and upon compliance with such terms and conditions as the Board of Directors may prescribe.
In the event a membership is terminated, canceled, withdrawn, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, the former member’s rights and interest in the assets of the Corporation will not be forfeited.
Section 7. Transfer and Termination of Membership.
- Membership in the Cooperative and a certificate representing the same shall not be transferable except as hereinafter otherwise provided, and upon the death, cessation of existence, expulsion or withdrawal of a member the membership of such member shall thereupon terminate, and the certificate of membership of such member shall be surrendered forthwith to the Cooperative. Termination of membership in any manner shall not release the member from the debts or liabilities of such member to the Cooperative.
- A membership may be transferred by a member to himself or herself and his or her spouse, as the case may be, jointly upon the written request of such member and compliance by such married individuals jointly with the provisions of subdivisions (b) and (c) of Section I of this article. Such transfer shall be made and recorded on the books of the Cooperative and such joint membership noted on the original certificate representing the membership so transferred.
- When a membership is held jointly by married individuals, upon the death of either spouse such membership shall be deemed to be held solely by the survivor with the same effect as though such membership had been originally issued solely to him or her, as the case may be, and the joint membership certificate may be surrendered by the survivor and upon the recording of such death on the books of the Cooperative the certificate may be reissued to and in the name of such survivor; provided, however, that the estate of the deceased shall not be released from any membership debts or liabilities to the Cooperative.
Section 8. Removal of Directors and Officers. For removal of an Elected Director, any member may file charges against any officer or director by delivering a written statement of such charges to the Secretary of the Cooperative accompanied by a petition signed by not less than 5% of the total membership of the Cooperative, requesting a hearing and trial of the officer or director on the charges and/or any amendments thereto prior to the trial at the membership meeting - regular or special - as requested in the petition. At such hearing the member or members filing the charges and the charged official or director shall present evidence and argument in support of any defense of the charges either in person or by counsel. A majority vote of the members present shall be required to sustain the charges and remove such director or officer.
Section 9. Membership List. The Cooperative shall maintain a record of current Members in a form permitting the Cooperative to alphabetically list the names and addresses of all members (“Membership List”).
Upon five (5) business days prior written notice or request to the Cooperative, a member in good standing may: (1) inspect and copy the Membership List at a reasonable time and location determined by the Cooperative, or (2) pay the Cooperative a reasonable charge determined by the Cooperative covering the labor and material cost of preparing and copying the Membership List, and the Cooperative must provide the member a copy of the Membership List. A member may inspect, copy, or receive a copy of the Membership List only if, as determined by the Cooperative: (1) the member’s notice or request is made in good faith and for a proper purpose; (2) the member’s written request describes with reasonable particularity the purpose for which the member will use the Membership List, and acknowledges that the Membership List will not be used for any other purpose; and (3) the Membership List is directly connected with the member’s purpose. Except as otherwise provided by the Board, a member may not: (1) use the Membership List for a purpose unrelated to the member’s interest as a member, (2) use the Membership List to solicit money or property, (3) use the Membership List for a commercial purpose, or (4) sell the Membership List.
Section 1. Annual Meeting. The annual meeting of the members shall be held on the third Tuesday of August of each year in the city of Fredericksburg, Gillespie County, Texas, for the purpose of electing directors, passing upon reports covering the previous fiscal year and transacting such other business as may come before the meeting. If the day fixed for the annual meeting in any year shall fall on a legal holiday, such meeting shall be held on the next succeeding business day. For good cause, the Board may change the date, time, and place of the Annual Meeting. If the election of directors shall not be held on the day designated herein for any annual meeting, or any adjournment thereof, the Board of Directors shall cause the election to be held at a special meeting of the members as soon thereafter as may be convenient. Failure to hold the annual meeting at the designated time and place shall not work a dissolution of the Cooperative.
Section 2. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the members may be called by at least 3 directors or upon a written request signed by at least 10% of all the members and it shall thereupon be the duty of the Secretary to cause notice of such meeting to be given as hereinafter provided. Special meetings may be held anywhere in the area served by the Cooperative.
Section 3. Notice of Members’ Meetings. Written or printed notices stating the place, day, and hour of the meeting and, in case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called, or in case amendments to Articles of Incorporation to be voted upon at an annual meeting, the general nature of each proposed amendment shall be delivered not less than 10 days nor more than 30 days before the date of meeting, either personally or by mail or at the direction of the Secretary, or by the person calling the meeting, to each member. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be delivered when deposited in the United States mail, addressed to the member at his address as it appears on the records of the Cooperative, with postage thereon pre-paid.
Section 4. Quorum. To constitute a quorum at a membership meeting, at least 1,000 members must be recorded present in person or by proxy, provided such membership meeting is not called for the purpose of selling, leasing, merging, and/or consolidating one or more corporations, or mortgaging property of the Cooperative. Except as provided in Article IX of these bylaws, all sales, leases, mergers, and/or consolidations of one or more corporations, and mortgages of Cooperative property must be approved by the membership. In order to constitute a quorum for the purpose of considering the sale, lease, merger, and/or consolidation of one or more corporations, or mortgage of the Cooperative’s property, at least one-half of the total membership must be present in person or by proxy. Additionally, the membership shall not sell, lease, merge, and/or consolidate with one or more corporations, or mortgage the Cooperative’s property unless two-thirds of the members present in person or by proxy vote in favor. If less than a quorum is present at a meeting, a majority of those present may adjourn the meeting from time to time without further notice provided that the Secretary shall notify any active member of the time and place of such adjournment meeting.
Section 5. Voting. Each member shall be entitled to 1 vote and no more upon each matter submitted to a vote at a meeting of the members. At all meetings of the members at which a quorum is present all questions shall be decided by a vote of a majority of the members voting thereon in person or by proxy, except as otherwise provided by law, the Articles of Incorporation of the Cooperative, or these bylaws. If married individuals hold a joint membership, they shall jointly be entitled to 1 vote and no more upon each matter submitted to a vote at a meeting of the members. If the membership is not a joint membership, a spouse of a member may vote for the member, unless the member has provided written notice to the Cooperative directing otherwise. In order to vote, a member or spouse must provide identification or proof of Cooperative membership satisfactory to the Cooperative. To vote for an entity member, an individual must present evidence satisfactory to the Cooperative that the individual is authorized to vote for the entity member.
Section 6. Proxies. At all meetings of members, either annual or special, members may vote by proxy executed in writing by the members (or one member if joint membership) naming the persons holding the offices of president, vice-president, and secretary-treasurer of the Cooperative at the time the proxy is solicited as a proxy committee given the authority to vote such proxy. Each proxy shall be voted as directed by the member, or in the absence of such direction, as determined by a majority of the aforesaid proxy committee. No proxy shall be valid after eleven months from the date of its execution.
Section 7. Credentials and Election Committee. On or before February 1 of each year, each director of the Cooperative shall choose an individual to serve on the Credentials and Election Committee (“C & E Committee”). A C & E Committee member shall not be a Cooperative employee or director, a known candidate for director, or the spouse of an employee, director or candidate for director.
In carrying out any of their duties, and at the Cooperative’s expense, the C & E shall have legal counsel available. Except when considering member registration, voting and the tabulation of member votes at member meetings and district meetings, the C & E Committee may act only if a majority of the C & E Committee members are present. When considering member registration, voting and the tabulation of member votes at member meetings and district meetings, at least three C & E Committee members must be present. If there are not at least three committee members present at a member or district meeting, the official presiding over the meeting shall appoint up to three Cooperative members in attendance at the meeting to serve on the C & E Committee for the duration of the meeting. A C & E Committee decision or action requires a vote of at least a majority of the C & E Committee members present. As used in this bylaw, member voting includes proxy voting.
The C & E Committee shall:
- Elect a chairperson and secretary.
- Oversee member registration and voting, and the tabulation of member votes at all member meetings and district meetings.
- Consider and decide all questions, issues, or disputes regarding member registration and voting and the tabulation of member votes.
- Consider and decide all questions, issues, or disputes regarding director nominations.
- Approve the sufficiency of petitions submitted by candidates seeking nomination at district or annual member meetings to be elected to the Cooperative’s Board of Directors.
- Determine whether candidates seeking nomination at a district or annual member meeting satisfy director qualifications set forth in these bylaws.
Except when considering member registration, voting and the tabulation of member votes at member meetings and district meetings, the C & E Committee may act only if a majority of the C & E Committee members are present. When considering member registration, voting and the tabulation of member votes at member meetings and district meetings, at least three C & E Committee members must be present. If there are not at least three committee members present at a member or district meeting, the official presiding over the meeting shall appoint up to three Cooperative members in attendance at the meeting to serve on the C & E Committee for the duration of the meeting. A C & E Committee decision or action requires a vote of at least a majority of the C & E Committee members present. At the Cooperative’s expense, the Cooperative shall make legal counsel available to the C & E Committee. As used in this bylaw, member voting includes proxy voting.
Actions and decisions of the C & E Committee are final. Any action or decision by the C & E Committee or the Cooperative, or any failure to act as required by this bylaw, shall not, by itself, affect a vote, a director nomination or election, or other action taken at a member or district meeting.
By resolution of the Board of Directors, C & E Committee members may receive reasonable compensation, including a fixed sum and expenses of attendance, if any, as may be allowed for attendance at each meeting of the committee.
Section 8. Order of Business. Except as otherwise provided in these bylaws, before or at a member or district meeting, the Board of Directors shall determine the agenda, program, or order of business for the member or district meeting.
Section 1. Regular Meetings. A regular meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held without notice other than this bylaw, immediately after, and at the same place as, the annual meeting of the members. A regular meeting of the Board of Directors shall also be held on the fourth Thursday of each month, or on such other date as the directors may designate, at such place as the directors may designate. Such regular monthly meeting may be held without notice other than these bylaws.
Section 2. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the President or any 3 directors. The person or persons authorized to call special meetings of the Board of Directors may fix the time and place for the holding of any special meeting of the Board of Directors called by them. For good cause, Special Meetings may be conducted with absent Directors participating, and deemed present in person, through any means of electronic communication by which all Directors participating in the Board Meeting may simultaneously hear each other during the meeting.
Section 3. Notice. Notice of the time, place, and purpose of any special meeting of the Board of Directors shall be given at least 5 calendar days previous thereto, by written notice, delivered personally, mailed, or electronically delivered, to each director at his last known address, or to his personal contact information last provided for electronic communications. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be delivered when deposited in the United States mail so addressed, with postage thereon prepaid. The attendance of a director at any meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except in case a director shall attend a meeting for the purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business because the meeting shall not have been lawfully called or convened.
Section 4. Quorum. To constitute a quorum at a membership meeting, at least 1,000 members must be recorded present in person or by proxy, provided such membership meeting is not called for the purpose of selling, leasing, merging, and/or consolidating one or more corporations, or mortgaging property of the Cooperative. Except as provided in Article IX of these bylaws, all sales, leases, mergers, and/or consolidations of one or more corporations, and mortgages of Cooperative property must be approved by the membership. In order to constitute a quorum for the purpose of considering the sale, lease, merger, and/or consolidation of one or more corporations, or mortgage of the Cooperative’s property, at least one-half of the total membership must be present in person or by proxy. Additionally, the membership shall not sell, lease, merge, and/or consolidate with one or more corporations, or mortgage the Cooperative’s property unless two-thirds of the members present in person or by proxy vote in favor. If less than a quorum is present at a meeting, a majority of those present may adjourn the meeting from time to time without further notice provided that the Secretary shall notify any active member of the time and place of such adjournment meeting.
Section 5. Manner of Acting. The act of 6 of the directors at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Board of Directors.
Section 6. Member Attendance at Board Meetings. A Cooperative member who has provided 3 days written notice to the Cooperative prior to a regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors may address the Board of Directors, subject to such restrictions and limitations that the presiding officer or Board of Directors may impose to ensure the timely and orderly progress of the meeting. This provision does not confer any right upon a member to attend or participate in any regular, special, or executive meeting or session of a meeting of the Board of Directors.
Section 1. Number. The officers of the Cooperative shall be President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer. The offices of Secretary and of Treasurer may be held by the same person.
Section 2. Election and Term of Office. The officers shall be elected, by ballot, annually by and from the Board of Directors at the first meeting of the Board of Directors held after each annual meeting of the members or at the first meeting of the Board of Directors held after a special membership meeting at which directors were elected. If the election of officers shall not be held at such meeting, such election shall be held as soon thereafter as conveniently may be. Each officer shall hold office until the first meeting of the Board of Directors following the next succeeding annual meeting of the members or until his successor shall have been duly elected and shall have qualified, subject to the provisions of these bylaws with respect to the removal of offices.
Section 3. Removal. Any officer or agent elected or appointed by the Board of Directors may be removed by the Board of Directors whenever in its judgment the best interest of the Cooperative will be served thereby.
Section 4. Vacancies. Except as otherwise provided in these bylaws, a vacancy in any office may be filled by the Board of Directors for the unexpired portion of the term.
Section 5. President. The President:
- Shall be the principal executive officer of the Cooperative and shall preside at all meetings of the members of the Board of Directors.
- Shall sign, with the Secretary certificates of membership, the issue of which shall have been authorized by resolution of the Board of Directors, and may sign any deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, notes, bonds, contracts or other instruments authorized by the Board of Directors to be executed except in cases in which the signing and execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by the Board of Directors or by these bylaws to some other officer or agent of the Cooperative, or shall be required by law to be otherwise signed or executed.
- In general, shall perform all duties incident to the office of president and such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors from time to time.
Section 6. Vice-President. In the absence of the President, or in the event of his or her inability to act, the Vice-President shall perform the duties of the President, and when so acting, shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the President and shall perform such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him or her by the Board of Directors.
Section 7. Secretary. The Secretary, together with the President of the Board and such other person or persons to whom the Board may delegate authority, shall:
- Keep the minutes of the meetings of the members and of the Board of Directors in one or more books provided for that purpose.
- Sign with the President certificates of membership, the issuance of which shall have been authorized by resolution of the Board of Directors.
- See that there is on file in the office of the Cooperative at all times a complete copy of the bylaws of the Cooperative containing all amendments thereto, which copy shall be open to the inspection of any member at all reasonable times.
- Together with the Assistant Chief Executive Officer, head Bookkeeper, or other named employee of the Cooperative (Board to determine what officer or employee) see that all notices are duly given in accordance with these bylaws or as required by law; be custodian of the corporate records and of the seal of the Cooperative and see that the seal of the Cooperative is affixed to all certificates of membership prior to the issue thereof and to all documents, the execution of which on behalf of the Cooperative under its seal is duly authorized in accordance with the provisions of these bylaws; keep in the office of the Cooperative, a register of the post office address of each member and the books of the Cooperative containing a record of members (the members shall furnish the secretary with their post office addresses); and in general perform all of the duties incident to the office of secretary and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him or her by the Board of Directors.
Section 8. Treasurer. The Treasurer together with the President of the Board and such other person or persons to whom the Board may delegate authority shall:
- Have charge and custody of and be responsible for all funds and securities of the Cooperative;
- Receive and give receipts for monies due and payable to the Cooperative from any source whatsoever, and deposit all such monies in the name of the Cooperative in such banks as shall be selected in accordance with the provisions of these bylaws; and
- In general, perform all the duties incident to the office of Treasurer and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him or her by the Board of Directors.
Section 9. Chief Executive Officer. The Board of Directors may appoint a chief executive officer who may be, but who shall not be required to be a member of the Cooperative. The chief executive officer shall perform such duties as the Board of Directors may from time to time require of him or her and shall have such authority as the Board of Directors may from time to time vest in him or her.
Section 10. Bonds of Officers. The Board of Directors may require the treasurer, or any other officer of the Cooperative charged with responsibility for the custody of any of its funds or property, to give bond in such sum and with such surety as the Board of Directors shall determine. The Board of Directors in its discretion may also require any other Officer, agent or employee of the Cooperative to give bond in such amount and with such surety as it shall determine.
Section 11. Compensation. The compensation, if any, of any officer who is also a director, shall be determined by the Board of Directors.
Section 12. Reports. The officers of the Cooperative shall submit at each annual meeting of the members reports covering the business of the Cooperative for the previous fiscal year and showing the condition of the Cooperative at the close of such fiscal year.
Section 1. Contracts. Except as otherwise provided in these bylaws, the Board of Directors may authorize any officer or officers, agent or agents to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name and on behalf of the Cooperative, and such authority may be general or confined to specific instances.
Section 2. Checks, Drafts, etc. All checks, drafts or other orders for the payment of money, and all notes, bonds or other evidences of indebtedness issued in the name of the Cooperative shall be signed by such officer or officers, employee or employees of the Cooperative and in such manner as shall from time to time be determined by resolution of the Board of Directors.
Section 3. Deposits. All funds of the Cooperative shall be deposited from time to time to the credit of the Cooperative in such bank or banks as the Board of Directors may select.
Section 1. Certificates of Membership. Membership in the Cooperative shall be evidenced by a certificate of membership which shall be in such form and shall contain such provisions as shall be determined by the Board of Directors not contrary to, or inconsistent with, the Articles of Incorporation of the Cooperative or these bylaws. Such certificate shall be signed by the President and by the Secretary of the Cooperative and the corporate seal shall be affixed thereto.
Section 2. Issue of Membership Certificates. No membership certificates shall be issued for less than the membership fee fixed in these bylaws, nor until such membership fee has been fully paid for, and such payment has been deposited with the Treasurer.
Section 3. Lost Certificates. In case of a lost, destroyed, or mutilated certificate, a new certificate may be issued therefore upon such terms and such indemnity to the Cooperative as the Board of Directors may prescribe.
Section 1. Interest or Dividends on Capital Prohibited. The Cooperative shall at all times be operated on a cooperative non-profit basis for the mutual benefit of its patrons. No interest or dividends shall be paid or payable by the Cooperative on any capital furnished by its patrons.
Section 2. Patronage Capital in Connection with Furnishing Electric Services, Energy or Other Service. In the furnishing of electric services, energy or other services, the Cooperative’s operation shall be so conducted that all patrons will through their patronage furnish capital for the Cooperative. In order to induce patronage and to assure that the Cooperative will operate on a non-profit basis the Cooperative is obligated to account on a patronage basis to all its patrons for all amounts received and receivable from the furnishing of electric energy in excess of operating costs and expenses properly chargeable against the furnishing of electric energy. All such amounts in excess of operating costs and expenses at the moment of receipt by the Cooperative are received with the understanding that they are furnished by the patrons as capital. The Cooperative is obligated to pay by credits to a capital account for each patron all such amounts in excess of operating costs and expenses. The books and records of the Cooperative shall be set up and kept in such a manner that at the end of each fiscal year the amount of capital, if any, so furnished by each patron is clearly reflected and credited in an appropriate record to the capital account of each patron, and the Cooperative shall within a reasonable time after the close of the fiscal year notify each patron of the amount of capital so credited to his account. All such amounts credited to the capital account of any patron shall have the same status as though they had been paid to the patron in cash in pursuance of a legal obligation to do so and the patron had then furnished the Cooperative corresponding amounts for capital.
All other amounts received by the Cooperative from its operations in excess of costs and expenses shall, insofar as permitted by law, be (a) used to offset any losses incurred during the current or any prior fiscal year and (b) to the extent not needed for that purpose, allocated to its patrons on a patronage basis and any amount so allocated shall be included as a part of the capital credited to the accounts of patrons, as herein provided.
In the event of dissolution or liquidation of the Cooperative, after all outstanding indebtedness of the Cooperative shall have been paid, outstanding capital credits shall be retired without priority on a pro rata basis before any payments are made on account of property rights of members. If, at any time prior to dissolution or liquidation, the Board of Directors shall determine that the financial condition of the Cooperative will not be impaired thereby, the capital then credited to patrons’ account may be retired in full or in part. One-half of any such retirements of capital shall be made in order of priority according to the year in which the capital was furnished and credited, the capital first received by the Cooperative being first retired; the other one-half of any such retirement shall be made in the same proportion as the patron’s total outstanding contributed capital bears to the outstanding contributed capital of all patrons.
Capital credited to the account of each patron shall be assignable only on the books of the Cooperative pursuant to written instructions from the assignor and only to successors in interest or successors in occupancy in all or a part of such patron’s premises served by the Cooperative unless the Board of Directors, acting under policies of general application, shall determine otherwise.
Notwithstanding any other provision of these bylaws, the Board of Directors, at its discretion, shall have the power at any time upon the death of any patron, and upon written request by the legal representatives of the estate, to retire capital credited to any such deceased patron immediately upon such terms and conditions as the Board of Directors, acting under policies of general application shall determine; provided, however, that the financial condition of the Cooperative will not be impaired thereby. Requests to retire any other capital credited to a member prior to the time such capital would otherwise be retired, for reasons other than death, may be considered by the Board of Directors on a case-by-case basis.
The Cooperative shall have the right to offset the retirement approved by the Board of Directors for a patron against the debt owed to the Cooperative by such patron. The Cooperative, before retiring any capital credit of any patron’s account, shall deduct from the retirement of capital credits any amounts owed by such patron to the Cooperative. This provision shall apply to all retirements of capital credits.
The patrons of the Cooperative, by dealing with the Cooperative, acknowledge that the terms and provisions of the Articles of Incorporation and bylaws shall constitute and be a contract between the Cooperative and each patron, and both the Cooperative and the patrons are bound by such contract, as fully as though each patron had individually signed a separate instrument containing such terms and provisions. The provisions of this article of the bylaw shall be called to the attention of each patron of the Cooperative by posting in a conspicuous place in the Cooperative’s office.
Section 3. Escheat. That all persons to whom capital have been allocated shall keep the Cooperative informed of their current mailing address in order that the Cooperative may retire or refund capital credits, membership fees, deposits and any other amounts to such persons in accordance with the bylaws. If, prior to retirement of capital as provided by these bylaws, a person ceases to be a member or patron of the Cooperative and such person’s existence and whereabouts are unknown to the Cooperative, and if such non-member or a member fails to cash or claim a check, the Cooperative shall use reasonable efforts as required by law to notify the member or non-member of such failure.
If the capital credits remain unclaimed after 3 years, the distribution may be delivered in accordance with Section 74.3013 of the Texas Property Code to a scholarship fund, to an economic development fund and to an energy efficiency assistance fund, each as further described and to the limits described in such Section 74.3013 of the Property Code. Otherwise, such amounts will be reported and remitted to the State Comptroller’s Office in accordance with current State of Texas unclaimed property laws.
- Not inconsistently with subsection (b) hereof, the members of the Cooperative may, at a duly held meeting of the members, authorize the sale, lease, lease-sale, exchange, transfer or other disposition of all or a substantial portion of the Cooperative’s property and assets by the affirmative votes of a majority of the total members of the Cooperative. However, the Board of Directors, without authorization by the members, shall have full power and authority (1) to borrow monies from any source and in such amounts as the Board may from time to time determine, (2) to mortgage or otherwise pledge or encumber any or all of the Cooperative’s property or assets as security therefor, and (3) to sell, lease, lease-sell, exchange, transfer or otherwise dispose of merchandise, property no longer necessary or useful for the operation of the Cooperative, or less than a substantial portion of the Cooperative’s property and assets. “Substantial portion” means 10% or more of the Cooperative’s total assets as reflected on its books at the time of the transaction.
- Supplementary to the first sentence of the foregoing subsection (a) and any other applicable provisions of law or these bylaws, no sale, lease, lease-sale, exchange, transfer or other disposition of all or a substantial portion of the Cooperative’s property and assets shall be authorized except in conformity with the following:
-
- If the Board of Directors looks with favor upon any proposal for such sale, lease, lease-sale, exchange, transfer or other disposition, it shall first cause three (3) independent, non-affiliated appraisers, expert in such matters, to render their individual opinions as to the value of the property with respect to such a sale, lease, lease-sale, exchange, transfer or other disposition and as to any other terms and conditions which should be considered. The 3 such appraisers shall be designated by a District Court Resident Judge for the Judicial District in Texas in which the Cooperative’s headquarters are located. If such judge refuses to make such designations, they shall be made by the Board of Directors
- If the Board of Directors, after receiving such appraisals (and other terms and conditions which are submitted, if any) determines that the proposal should be submitted for consideration by the members, it shall first give every other rural electric cooperative corporations corporately sited and operating in Texas (which has not made such an offer for such sale, lease, lease-sale, exchange, transfer or other disposition) an opportunity to submit competing proposals. Such opportunity shall be in the form of a written notice to such rural electric cooperative corporations, which notice shall be attached to a copy of the proposal which the Cooperative has already received and copies of the respective reports of the 3 appraisers. Such rural electric cooperative corporations shall be given not less than thirty (30) days during which to submit competing proposals, and the actual minimum period within which proposals are to be submitted shall be stated in the written notice given to them.
- If the Board then determines that favorable consideration should be given to the initial or any subsequent proposal which has been submitted to it, it shall so notify the members not less than sixty (60) days before noticing a special meeting of the members thereon, or, if such be the case, the next annual member meeting, expressing in detail each of any such proposals, and shall call a special meeting of the members for consideration thereof and action thereon, which meeting shall be held not less nor more than 30 days after the giving of notice thereof to the members: PROVIDED, that consideration and action by the members may be given at the next annual member meeting if the Board so determines and if such annual meeting is held not less nor more than 30 days after the giving of notice of such meeting.
- Any 50 or more members, by so petitioning the Board not less than 30 days prior to the date of such special or annual meeting, may cause the Cooperative, with the cost to be borne by the Cooperative, to mail to all members any opposing or alternative positions which they may have to the proposals that have been submitted or any recommendations that the Board has made.
The provisions of this subsection (b) shall not apply to a sale, lease, lease-sale, exchange, transfer or other disposition to one or more other rural electric cooperatives if the substantive effect thereof is to merge with such other one or more rural electric cooperative corporations or the actual legal effect thereof is to consolidate with such other one or more rural electric cooperative corporations.
The fiscal year of the Cooperative shall begin on the first day of January of each year and end on the thirty-first day of December of the same year.
The corporate seal of the Cooperative shall be in the form of a circle and shall have inscribed thereon the name of the Cooperative and words “Corporate Seal, Texas”.
These bylaws may be altered, amended, or repealed by not less than the affirmative vote of 2/3 of all of the Board of Directors at any regular or special meeting.
Section 1. Indemnification for Expenses and Liability. Every director and officer of the Cooperative shall be indemnified by the Cooperative against all judgments, penalties, fines, liabilities, amounts paid in settlement and reasonable expenses, including counsel fees actually incurred by or imposed upon him or her in connection with any proceeding to which he or she was, is or is threatened to be made a party, or in which he or she may become involved, by reason, in whole or in part, of being or having been a director or officer of the Cooperative, whether or not he or she is a director or officer, at the time such expenses are incurred, to the maximum extent consistent with the provisions of Article 2.22A of the Texas Non-Profit Corporation Act; provided that in the event of a settlement the indemnification wherein shall apply only when the Board of Directors approves such settlement and reimbursement as being for the best interests of the Cooperative. The foregoing right of indemnification shall be in addition to and not exclusive of all other rights to which such director or officer may be entitled.
Section 2. Power to Purchase Insurance. The Cooperative shall have the power to purchase and maintain, insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Cooperative, or is or was serving at the request of the Cooperative as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any liability asserted against him or her and incurred by him or her in any such capacity, or arising out of his or her status as such, whether or not the Cooperative would have the power to indemnify him or her against such liability under the provision of this Article.
Section 3. Continuing Offer, Reliance. The provisions of this Article are for the benefit of, and may be enforced by, each director and officer of the Cooperative as a contract for valuable consideration and constitute a continuing offer to all present and future directors and officers of the Cooperative. The Cooperative, by the adoption of this Article agrees that each present and future director and officer of the Cooperative has relied upon and will continue to rely upon the provisions of this Article in accepting, serving or continuing to serve as a director or officer.
Section 4. Effect of Amendment. No amendment, modification or repeal of this Article or any provision hereof shall in any manner terminate, reduce or impair the right of any past, present or future director or officer of the Cooperative to be indemnified by the Cooperative, nor the obligation of the Cooperative to indemnify any such director or officer, under and in accordance with the provisions of the Article as in effect immediately prior to such amendment, modification or repeal with respect to claims arising from or relating to matters occurring, in whole or in part, prior to such amendment, modification or repeal, regardless of when such claims may arise or be asserted.
Statement of Nondiscrimination
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: USDA Program Intake.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
A flicker or blink is usually caused by a temporary fault on the distribution line. CTEC installs specialized equipment on distribution lines that causes the line to blink to avoid a long-term outage or damage. Typical examples of this are when a tree makes contact with a line temporarily, lightning strikes a pole, or an animal makes contact with energized lines. The special equipment will sense the fault, temporarily de-energize the line so that the fault condition can clear, and then re-energize the line to see if the fault has cleared. When this happens, the consumer experiences a blink.
An outage occurs when the consumer loses all flow of electricity from the grid. While CTEC takes many steps to help prevent outages, sometimes an outage is inevitable.
Outages can be caused by a number of issues and situations. Equipment failures or transmission issues can cause outages. Animals, vegetation, high winds, lightning, and auto accidents and lead to downed equipment, poles, or lines which can also interrupt power. Some outages can also be caused to prevent additional damage or for the safety of our employees.
It is possible for your neighbor to have electricity while you are out of power. This can be explained if you are on a different distribution line compared to your neighbor or if a transformer has an outage, you both may not be on the same transformer. This is why it is always best to report outages and not assume CTEC is aware of your outage.
The cost and manpower to provide electricity without interruption and/or to provide back-up power for every member is not realistic for any utility provider.
Generation of electricity is the first step in the process to deliver electricity to your home. The source of electricity can be generated by a conventional natural gas generator plant, nuclear plant, coal plant, or even from renewable energy such as solar or wind.
Due to the large amounts of electricity, that must flow out from the generator source, transmission lines or large conductors are needed to support the high voltage. These are large power lines that are high off the ground.
Transmission lines then transport the electricity to a substation. Inside the substation transformers step down the amount of voltage which is then carried on the distribution lines to electric consumers.
Smart Meters bring many benefits to consumers through operational efficiencies and enhanced service. A few examples of the many benefits are improved energy management, minimized utility visits to your home through remote meter reading and remote turn-on and turn-off capabilities, as well as improved outage response. Deferred generation and transmission capital expenditures for utilities may defer rate increases and provide for a cleaner environment, while benefits such as optional load control and new rate designs can help reduce costs during periods of peak demand.
There has been some concern in the industry, especially on the part of energy consumers, over the potential health impact of smart meter radio communications. This document will assist Honeywell’s EnergyAxis® and SynergyNet™ customers in understanding matters related to radio frequency (RF) safety and the smart meter endpoints—the REX family of meters and the A3 ALPHA® meters—these systems use.
The use of RF in consumer-facing products has increased considerably over the past decade, and continues to increase. Prominent examples of this are the prolific use of cellular phones, wireless routers, and even microwave ovens. A lack of education on smart metering technology has led to
rising public concern over their use and associated health risks.
Although smart meters utilize RF technology, they represent significantly lower RF exposure for consumers than nearly all other products, such as cellular phones, that we use daily without concern.
The bottom line is that smart meters represent no known health hazard and have significantly lower exposure levels than most other typical devices that emit radio waves. Two additional contributing factors to the negligible RF exposure from smart meters follow:
- The distance consumers are typically from smart meters and the minimal amount of time smart meter radios are actually transmitting.
- Honeywell smart meter radio achieves equivalent performance with a much lower power than most other smart meter designs. This is an intentional characteristic of the Honeywell design to avoid potential equipment Interference and to lower the technical losses on utility distribution grids, while also lowering RF emissions.
For example, a typical Honeywell smart meter transmits (that is, emits power) with an approximate duty cycle of only 1%. In addition, these meters are normally outdoors with a wall and a metal socket separating the meter from the living space. This effectively diminishes the signal that reaches occupants of the living space.
All electronic devices have some RF emissions. The measure of the strength of these signals is the power density, which is the amount of RF power (measured in milliwatts (mW)) hitting a particular surface area (measured in square centimeters (cm2)). The power density of a signal can be calculated using the output power level (for example, 250 mW), and the distance from the transmitter. Higher power density numbers equate to stronger signals, a closer proximity to the signal, or a combination of these two factors.
Calculate the power density using the following formula:
Power density = (TxPwr ∙ AntGain) ∕ (4∙π∙Distance²) mW/cm² where:
TxPwr = The radio frequency transmits power input to the antenna (in milliwatts)
AntGain = The power gain of the antenna (unit less)
π = 3.1417 (unit less)
Distance = Distance from the transmitter (in centimeters)
Honeywell smart electricity meters use radios that operate in the 900-MHz ISM band using Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) technology and they have a maximum transmit power (TxPwr) of 250 mW (EnergyAxis Gatekeeper) and 1000 mW (SynergyNet Router). The radiation pattern of a device depends on the antenna and on surrounding objects. When installed in an electrical socket, the energy radiated backwards through the socket into the home would be significantly less due to the metal socket.
The metal socket reduces the energy transmitted into the residence but redirects the energy out the front of the meter. As measured as part of the FCC certification process, the maximum antenna gain for a meter in a metal socket was 5.64 dBi, which equates to a gain of 3.66. For calculation purposes, we will use a distance of two feet (61 cm). However, typically, the distance between an electricity meter and a person would be far greater than two feet.
Using the numbers in the previous paragraph, we can calculate a worst-case theoretical power density for our 250-mW smart meter.
Power density = (250∙3.66) / (4∙π∙(61)2) = 0.02 mW/cm²
More typical numbers, especially for someone in the residence of the meter in question, would be an antenna gain of 0.5 and a distance of more than 10 feet. Using these numbers, a more realistic power density value would be:
Power density = (250∙0.5) / (4∙π∙(305) 2) = 0.0001 mW/cm²
A substantial number of studies have been performed by various organizations to evaluate the impact of RF emissions on the human body. Taking input from these studies, the FCC set exposure limits that “incorporate prudent margins of safety” (according to the FCC’s RF Safety FAQ sheet¹ ). Similarly, Health Canada has issued limits of human exposure to RF radiation in Safety Code 6.
Devices that emit radio energy must be certified by the FCC to meet maximum permissible exposure (MPE) requirements, as specified in FCC 1.1310. The limits specified by the FCC vary based on frequency. The power density limits are specified as an average value over a six-minute period. The power density limit for the 915 MHz band is 0.6 mW/cm².
Health Canada has a similar limit specified in Safety Code 6.² The FCC and Health Canada validate a device using a calculation distance of 20 cm. In the MPE report submitted to the FCC for the communications device used on the REX meter, the transmitter power was measured as 232 mW,
with an antenna gain of 3.66 and at a distance of 20 cm. This results in a calculated power density of 0.169 mW/cm², which is 0.431 mW/cm² below the limit, less than one-third of the limit.
It is important to note these calculations assumed the device was transmitting 100% of the time during the six-minute averaging period, whereas there is no possible scenario existing where a Honeywell smart electric meter or device would transmit at a 100% duty cycle for even a short period, let alone for six minutes.
As highlighted above, raw power density calculations do not take into account how often a device is transmitting. The consumer electronic devices listed above are transmitting nearly continuously when they are in use. In comparison, an electricity meter transmits hardly at all. A Honeywell smart
meter has a transmit duty cycle of less than 1%. The average power density would therefore be 1/100 of the maximum calculated power density.
In summary, Honeywell smart meters:
- Pose no known health risks to humans through RF emissions
- Are proven to have lower RF emissions than other readily accepted consumer devices in use today
- Comply with all applicable FCC and Health Canada exposure limits by a wide margin
- Emit lower RF energy than many competing smart meters which use radios with 1W or 2W of transmit power
The use of radio frequencies (RF) in consumer products such as cellular phones and wireless routers has increased considerably over the past decade, and continues to increase. Although Smart Meters utilize RF technology, by staying within regulated requirements, transmitting infrequently, and remote placement, they present significantly lower RF exposure for consumers than many other products that are used daily without concern.
In the US, the FCC establishes the requirements for use of the RF spectrum and acceptable exposure limits for the public. Honeywell Smart Meters comply with and exceed these requirements, as well as international requirements set by global bodies. Typical exposures from Honeywell Smart Meters are well below the most conservative limits.
Smart Meters send information about electricity use to utilities by RF signals. The exposure from Smart Meters is much lower when measured over time than other common sources for two reasons:
- infrequent signal transmission, and
- distance from the source.
CTEC can read the meter remotely from our offices. Information from the meter is transmitted back to the co-op via a secure radio frequency system. The meters also allow CTEC to connect or disconnect meters remotely, meaning a serviceman does not need to physically go to the location to remove or connect a meter.
The Advanced Metering Infrastructure or AMI records an electronic kWh reading, the date and time of energy usage, the overall peak demand of the electric account, if the meter has rotated backwards, and the number of times the meter has experienced a loss of power for any reason. In fact, the meter will record the date and time of light blinks and the length of the power outage. Its’ voltage monitoring ability will also aid our dispatchers in analyzing line conditions.
The Advanced Metering Infrastructure or AMI utilizes a banking data quality encrypted radio frequency system to transmit meter data from the meter to radio receivers, so it is extremely secure from unauthorized access. Our goal is to upgrade our electric distribution system to make it safer, more secure, and more reliable. Your AMI is part of this effort.
No. Research conducted by the Electric Power Research Institute, the Utilities Telecom Council, and others has revealed no health impacts from digital meters. The radio frequencies emitted by digital meters fall well below the maximum recommended in federal guidelines.
Contrary to some misconceptions, the new meters emit radio frequencies (RF) only when responding to a request for data from the co-op office – either once every fifteen minutes or once every hour for less than a second. Compare this activity to a laptop with a wireless connection, which is constantly sending and retrieving data.
A digital meter equipped to send and receive data has an RF density hundreds of times less than the RF density of a cell phone – and the meters are installed on the outside of your house not next to your ear!
Routine inspections of all meters and services are necessary in order to look for safety hazards, theft, or other problems.
Yes, meters can have remote disconnect capabilities.
Yes, in most cases. The Advanced Metering Infrastructure or AMI is capable of initiating two-way communication. This means that the meter can report outages and voltage variances, as well as other line conditions, without being prompted by our offices. This feature will decrease the duration of an outage. However, CTEC still recommends that you report your own outages by phone for extra insurance that your outage is documented.
The RF meters will allow CTEC to maintain a more reliable power distribution system, have improved efficiency throughout the cooperative billing system, have improved system power quality, and provide better member/customer service. The Advanced Metering Infrastructure or AMI will allow CTEC to offer members more timely energy consumption data.
On residential meters, there can be three different screen displays. Usually, the meter display will alternate between showing the kilowatt-hours accumulated on the meter and a display refresh screen with all “8”s showing along with the words “VOLTAGE and kWh”. If the meter has been disconnected, it will display an icon showing the status of the meter switch.
Yes, a smart meter is a type of electricity meter that can digitally send meter readings. These meters can automatically register meter tampering, transmit outage information, report variances in voltage, and improve outage response. The Advanced Metering Infrastructure or AMI and the digital meters collect this information and transmit the data back to the co-op via a secure radio frequency system. The difference is they do it faster, more accurately, and more reliably.
You can also request an application by emailing the Help Desk. If you would prefer to have an application mailed to you, please call us at 1-800-900-2832 or email the Help Desk.
Applications are also available at all CTEC offices.
View Office LocationsTo qualify, the location must house someone diagnosed by a physician with one of the following medical conditions:
- Chronic: Having been diagnosed by a physician as requiring an electric-powered device to prevent the impairment of major life function. To maintain chronic designation, members must reapply once a year.
- Chronic, lifelong: Same as chronic, but does not require annual application.
- Critical care: Having been diagnosed by a physician as requiring an electric-powered device to sustain life. To maintain critical care designation, members must reapply once every two years.
- Critical care, lifelong: Same as critical care, but does not require biennial application.
The Medical Necessity Program does not guarantee priority electric service or priority service restoration, and locations registered in the program are not exempt from planned service interruptions or load shed events. Registered members are not exempt from their financial responsibilities to pay on time for electric utility services provided or from potential termination of service in accordance with Central Texas Electric Co-Op (CTEC) policies.
The Medical Necessity Program is a registry of residential service locations where people rely on life-sustaining electrically powered medical equipment. When planned outages or service interruptions for nonpayment are scheduled, we will make all reasonable efforts to provide advanced notice so preparations can be made.
sdfsdfsd


Janice Durst
Executive Assistant to the CEO

Katy Armstrong
Safety & Loss Control Coordinator

Steve Murrow
Director of Operations

Tammy Boos-Baker
Director of Member Services

Fernando Albiter
Director of Engineering & Technical Service

Marsha Crenwelge
Human Resources Manager

Shawn Stanley
Chief Financial Officer

Atanacio “Tachi” Hinojosa, MBA
Chief Executive Officer





















































































































