Newsletter

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

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

Electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids receive a lot of attention in the media. They get a lot of exposure, because the cars are becoming morecommon and because they are, well, just different than their gas-powered predecessors.

Are you a weekend warrior? If you’re considering home improvement upgrades that save energy and money, we’ve got a few project ideas for you––all of which can be completed in a day or less! Here are three energy-saving projects that you can easily tackle whether you’re a weekend warrior pro or a DIY dabbler.

• Get smart about home cooling and heating.
• Boost your greenery with a rain barrel.
• Create fresh savings with a DIY clothesline.

These are just a few simple ideas to help you save energy and money. So, get out there, roll up those sleeves, and tackle a few projects.

It is often said that electricity is a silent killer. This is true because you cannot see, hear, or smell electricity. Intense summertime heat is also a silent killer. Unlike hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes, the dangers of extreme weather strike without much notice. An average of 702 heat-related deaths occur each year in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

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

You have likely noticed Jasper-Newton Electric Cooperative crews out and about, working on power lines and other electrical equipment in our community, no matter the time of day or what the weather is like outside. As we celebrate Lineworker Appreciation Month, we hope you can join us in recognizing just how crucial these unsung heroes are in powering our daily lives.

The old adage, “In like a lion, out like a lamb,” refers to March starting out stormy and ending calmly—and that includes wind patterns. “Across most of the country, spring is the windiest time of the year,” according to a South Carolina weather forecaster’s
blog. “Wind speeds and wind power tend to be [three to four] times stronger in March and April than in July and August. In the [Dust Bowl] days, most of the dust storms were in late winter and spring. That continues to be the case in the Plains
today.”

Take steps to help prevent electrical fires by identifying possible issues before they occur. When assessing your home, the first step is to hire a qualified electrician to check all wiring to ensure it
is up to code and that the electrical system can handle the demands of your electronics, appliances, lights and other electrical needs. Beyond that, watch for possible issues as they arise.
Symptoms of issues include flickering lights, discolored outlets and switch plates, damaged cords, frequently tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses. Check these electrically related items in your home:

Your electric bill is a result of your habits and behaviors, as well as the choices you make to stay comfortable. It reflects the amount of electricity consumed by you and your family in the past month. Your neighbor’s home may be different in terms of the number of people living there, lifestyle, size and age of the home, equipment/electronics, etc. These and other factors make a comparison with your neighbor less meaningful. Don’t overlook hobbies or businesses that operate from home. They also affect the amount of electricity you use.

I don’t know about you, but I consider my four-legged companion(s) part of the family. That’s why during the winter months, we make sure our whole family, including our four-legged members, is cozy––without taking a big “bite” out of our budget. This month, I’d like to share a few simple ways you can make your home more comfortable this winter, which can ultimately help you save on energy bills. 

1. Mind the thermostat. This is one of the easiest ways to manage your home energy use. We recommend setting your thermostat to 68
degrees (or lower) when you’re home. When you’re sleeping or away for an extended period of time, try setting it between 58 and 62
degrees; there’s no need to heat your home when you’re away or sleeping and less active. 
2. Button up your home. The Department of Energy estimates that air leaks account for 24% to 40% of the energy used for heating and
cooling a home. Caulking and weather stripping around windows and doors is another simple, cost-effective way to increase comfort
and save energy. If you can feel drafts while standing near a window or door, it likely needs to be sealed.

Four Ways to Boost Your Cyber Hygiene

In today’s digital world, cyberattacks are unfortunately nothing new. Cyber criminals can attack on a multitude of levels, from large-scale attacks targeting corporations to smaller phishing attacks aimed to gain an individual’s personal information.