Bringing Broadband to the Texas Hill Country

Co-op News
BANDERA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
Bringing Broadband to
the Texas Hill Country
MESSAGE FROM
CEO BILL HETHERINGTON
access is a technology that would help rural areas retain their
population by allowing people to work from anywhere, access
forward to a calmer, more seasonal summer. As you would
to telemedicine and distance learning opportunities. In our
probably expect, the active spring weather spawned power
communities, many of our students have to rely on the local
outages caused by high winds, lightning, hail and a reported
libraries, which close at 6 p.m., to get access to the Internet
tornado. In addition to the typical outage causes we see, this
since they don’t have access at home. Access to the Internet is
year we added a new outage cause – an unmanned aerial
now as much of an educational requirement as the books used
vehicle, more commonly referred to as a drone.
in the classroom.
As reported by several witnesses, the drone flew between
Yet, as with electricity in the 1930’s, corporate America has
the energized lines, creating an electric arc which in turn
turned their back on rural America in providing broadband
burned the lined down. Unfortunately, by the time our crews
access. Bandera Electric
got to the scene, the culprit had
Cooperative will not turn our backs
taken what was left of the drone
“The digital divide is characterized by on our members, at our annual
and departed.
meeting, we announced that
At this point, you are probably
the lack of adequate high-speed data BEC is launching a pilot program
guessing that this article is
to bring broadband access to
going to be about safety or about or telecommunication services known
hundreds of homes in the city of
electric grid reliability, but you’d
as “broadband.”
Bandera.
be wrong. The more I thought
One aspect of this project
about this event, the more I
includes deploying a public access
realized that we have access to
Wi-Fi network in the city of Bandera, and last month Bandera
amazing technology, but even with all of these technological
became the first city in Texas to have a public access Wi-Fi
achievements, there still a lack of technology deployment and
network. It is our hope that this will be the start of something
access in rural America.
big for our members, and that one day all of our members will
In this new century, rural America is once again seeing
have access to affordable and reliable broadband services. So,
a disparity of essential services. However, this is not about
the next time you are in Bandera, turn your cellphones on and
electrification but rather about the “digital divide.” The digital
“Get Connected” to BEC Wi-Fi.
divide is characterized by the lack of adequate high-speed
data or telecommunication services known as “broadband.”
I recently read a study presented by the Strategic Networks
Group who compared broadband access on a statewide basis.
Surprisingly, overall with respect to access, adoption, use and
investment, Texas ranked last—48 out of 48 states.
Based on the maps published by the Federal
Communications Commission showing the areas with
and without broadband access, it certainly appears that a
majority of our members do not have access to affordable and
reliable high-speed internet. In a time when rural America
is losing population to urban areas, high-speed internet
WITH ALL THE TURBULENT SPRING WEATHER, I am looking
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BanderaElectric.com
5/9/16 4:15 PM
1-866-226-3372 | BANDERAELECTRIC.COM
Bandera Electric
Cooperative, Inc.
3172 Highway 16 N. • P.O. Box 667
Bandera, TX 78003
1-866-226-3372 (1-866-BANDERA)
BanderaElectric.com
Operating in Bandera, Bexar, Kendall,
Kerr, Medina, Real and Uvalde counties
CE O
William “Bill” Hetherington
BO A RD O F D IRE CTO RS
RYAN LAN E | IS TOCK. COM
District 1
District 3
District 4
District 5
District 6
District 7
District 8
District 9
Keeping the curtains closed and using fans will help keep you feeling cool.
Summertime Savings Strategies
Jerry N. Word Sr.
Douglas “Rob” Sandidge
Jeremy Diller
Jerry S. Pierce
Richard “Dick” Earnest
Zeda Alvarado
MIchael D.T. Edwards
Kurt Solis
OFFICES
BEC Headquarters
3172 Highway 16 N., Bandera
Comfort Office
739 Front St. (Highway 27), Comfort
Leakey Office
485 W. Ranch Road 337, Leakey
MEMBER BENEFITS
WE’RE FACING ANOTHER long, hot Texas summer! Here are several ways to use energy
more efficiently and save some money on electricity:
Change the air-conditioning system’s filter every three months during cooling
season—and more if your neighborhood is especially dusty. Dirty filters stop air from
flowing through, which causes your AC to work harder—and use more energy—as it
cools your home.
If you have a programmable thermostat, instruct it to run the AC only during part of
the day. There’s no need to keep your house comfortable if nobody’s in it during the
day. Program the thermostat to turn on the AC an hour before you get home so that
it’s cool upon your arrival.
Use ceiling fans. If you don’t have any, consider getting them as a good investment.
Install them in bedrooms, the kitchen and the living room. Fans move the air around
and make the people in the room feel cooler. They help your air conditioner cool the
house for less.
Close the drapes. A sunny day might be pretty to look at through the window, but
the sun’s rays can heat the air in your home and force the AC to work overtime. Keep
curtains and blinds drawn on bright, hot days, especially on south- and west-facing
windows.
If you have a pool, wait until after dark to run your pool pump. Operating it during
off-peak hours when fewer people are using a lot of appliances at once can save money
on your energy bill.
Switch your central air-conditioning system’s fan to “auto.” The “on” setting forces it
to run constantly—even when your house is already cool.
BanderaElectric.com
BanderaCE_June 2016.indd 19
• Paperless billing
• Online bill payments
• Online outage map
• Follow Us!
Twitter:
@BanderaElectric
Facebook: BanderaElectric
Instagram: BanderaElectric
Pinterest:
BanderaElectric
• Co-op Connections discount card
• Heat pump rebates
PAYMENT OPTIONS AND LOCATIONS
• Online bill pay
• Bank draft
• Automatic credit card payment
• Level billing
• Visa, Discover and MasterCard
accepted
• ECheck payment by phone or online
• Cash or check payment in our offices
• Payments accepted at Fidelity Express
locations
• PrePay Program
• Time-Based Usage Plan
June 2016 BANDERA EC Texas Co-op Power
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5/9/16 4:16 PM
BANDERA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
Pedernales Falls State Park sits
on 5,212 acres along the banks
of the scenic Pedernales River
in Blanco County.
IS TO CK | AMAD E US T X
Texas Parks and Natural Areas
BY TONY TUCCI
BEC Writer
THERE ARE PLENTY OF PLACES TO ENJOY NATURE in the Texas
Hill Country. Most residents can just look out their windows
at the rolling vistas, but there are special places, too. Places
that other Texans drive for hours to enjoy, but are right at our
doorstep. There are the obvious ones—our wonderful state
parks likes Lost Maples, with its colorful fall foliage; Blanco
State Park, where you can fish or go tubing just four blocks
from historic Blanco’s main square; Garner State Park, the
Texas; most visited park, where you can hike 11 miles of scenic
trails and then—if your feet hold out—do the Texas two-step
in an open-air pavilion. Also close to home is Guadalupe River
State Park, with four miles of river frontage, where you can
swim, fish, tube and canoe, and enjoy 12 miles of hike and bike
trails, some open to horseback riders.
Pedernales Falls State Park
A popular facility where you can camp, hike, mountain bike,
picnic, bird watch and ride horses. One of the special areas
is the bird blind and butterfly garden.These are some of the
big draws where you risk encountering noisy neighbors or
occasional traffic jams.
Hill Country State Natural Area
You will find the Hill Country State Natural Area, one of the
most rugged parks in Central Texas, on your travels around the
BEC service territory. It’s not a park, really, but a 5,300-acre
tract of land left virtually undeveloped so that visitors can enjoy
its raw beauty.
There are some sites to put up tents, but no potable water and
no flush toilets—just 40-plus miles of multi-use trails. The place
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is particularly popular with horseback riders, who come from
miles around, filling the parking lot with their trucks and horse
trailers. There also is a group lodge with a kitchen that sleeps
nine.
“If you think you need it, you’d better bring it because we don’t
have it,” said Katie Franklin, assistant office manager.
The trails take hikers, bikers and horseback riders across springfed streams, through valleys and over limestone hills. You’ll
need to make reservations. Phone (512) 389-8900.
Honey Creek State Natural Area
Honey Creek State Natural Area southwest of Bandera is
accessible only by guided tours, but it’s worth the effort. The
area offers diverse geology, flora and fauna over two miles of
nature or interpretive trails. A naturalist will guide visitors. Make
reservations through the park.
Government Canyon State Natural Area
Bird watchers might head for Government Canyon State Natural
Area to catch a glimpse of the elusive and endangered goldencheeked warbler. This is another one of those protected natural
areas, undeveloped as a park and open by permit only. There
are more than 40 miles of hiking and biking trails that range
from rugged canyon lands to gently rolling grasslands. Visitors
may enjoy picnicking, hiking, biking, trail running, geocaching,
regularly scheduled guided hikes and ranger programs.
Kerrville-Schreiner Park
This former state park is now managed by the city of Kerrville.
The 517-acre park skirts the Guadalupe River and is an ideal
BanderaElectric.com
5/9/16 4:16 PM
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place for water sports. Besides the traditional campsites there are 16 screened shelters
and some cabins with bunkbeds. Anglers can try their luck (or skill) from a lighted
fishing pier, and the more energetic types can enjoy six miles of trails for hiking and
mountain biking. There’s something for everyone at this park.
GPOI NT S T UD I O | I S T OCK.COM
Bandera City Park
You wouldn’t expect to find something this pretty right in the middle of town, but
there it is, Bandera City Park—77 acres of fun and sun. Here you can stroll along a
half-mile trail on the banks of the Medina River, shaded by huge bald cypress trees.
It’s an deal place for bird watchers to catch a glimpse of a yellow-throated warbler
or summer tanager. More that 200 species of birds have been identified in Bandera
County. The park offers fishing swimming and picnic areas with barbecue pits, plus
two pavilions for family outings.
Remember: safety first with power tools.
Put the “Happy”
in Father’s Day
Joshua Springs Park and Preserve
The Joshua Springs Park and Preserve near Comfort is another nearby gem in the BEC
service territory. The 365-acre park offers many fun activities for the whole family,
including an ADA-approved trail that winds through the recreation area. Visitors can
take part in bird watching along the bluebird trails, or camp and picnic on the banks
of the lake. There are also designated fishing areas for anglers who want to try their
luck. If you’d like to spend your birthday or host a family reunion in the park, there are
pavilions available, as well as two age-progressive play areas for kids of all ages.
I STOC K | B RI LT
Instructions included
BanderaElectric.com
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DO-IT-YOURSELF DADS appreciate the
gift of power tools on Father’s Day. This
year, though, insist that he read the
instructions.
Amateur handymen—and plenty of
pros, too—never read instructions that
come with new tools because they figure
they already know how to use them. It
turns out, those guys are just as likely to
injure themselves as the ones who don’t
know anything.
Give Dad a few tips when he opens
his brand-new power tools:
Dress for the job. Ditch loose-fitting
clothes, neckties and watches. Tie long
hair back. Wear nonslip shoes or boots.
Put the job off if you’re not feeling
tip-top. Operating a power tool while
tired or tipsy usually doesn’t end well.
Light the workspace adequately
to see the job, and protect eyes with
goggles or glasses.
Double-check that the tool is turned
off before plugging it in.
Try out the new tool in a dry area.
Water and electricity, you can remind
Dad, don’t mix.
Three-pronged plugs go into threepronged outlets. Never, never, never cut
that third prong off.
Keep blades and cutters clean.
After each use, unplug, clean and store
the tool in a dry place out of reach of
precious children and grandchildren.
June 2016 BANDERA EC Texas Co-op Power
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BANDERA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
Shift and Save with TBU
BY AMY ZINK
Director of Public Relations
OUTDOOR TEMPERATURES ARE STARTING TO HEAT UP and
that means we’re all turning our thermostats down. During
the height of summer, this can result in high electric bills and
strain on the electric grid of Texas. To help our members
reduce bills and better control our energy use, Bandera Electric
Cooperative offers members the Time-Based Usage program
as a part of the Selectricity Energy Suite.
The TBU summer rates start June 1 and run through
September. TBU summer program rates are below standard
rates for 20 hours of the day. During the winter, TBU rates are
lower than the standard for 22 hours a day. The program is
designed to help members better regulate energy consumption
and keep costs low. Members who have already enrolled in this
voluntary program are saving an average of nine percent on
their monthly electric bills.
TBU is unlike standard flat electric rates where members
are charged the same rate no matter the time electricity
usage is happening. The biggest difference is that TBU
charges usage rates based upon the time of day and season
in which the electricity is used. For example, the summer TBU
on-peak hours are between 2 and 6 p.m. When you turn your
thermostat up a few degrees during on-peak hours, you are
consciously shifting energy consumption and will ultimately
save money.
The better we control our energy usage, the more efficient
and reliable our electrical grid will be. At BEC, programs like
TBU provide our members information and tools to improve
efficiency and conserve energy. By utilizing the Selectricity
Energy Suite and TBU, and making informed decisions
regarding your energy usage, you will save money and help
BEC provide reliable, affordable electricity.
Who is eligible for the TBU program?
BEC residential and commercial members can both benefit
from this program.
How does TBU lower my bill?
The TBU rates are lower than the existing rate 75% of the
time, so you are being charged less for energy used during
non-peak times. By consistently choosing to use the majority
of energy off-peak and reducing energy to the minimum
consumption during on-peak periods, you may be able to
reduce your energy bills.
What behaviors can I change that will help me make a
difference in lowering my electric bill?
•
Use and synchronize automatic timers to run appliances
such as water heaters, pool pumps, hot tubs, etc. during
off-peak hours.
•
Install programmable thermostats to shift AC/heating
to off-peak times.
•
Plug computers, printers and televisions into power
strips and turn off at the switch when not in use during
on-peak hours.
•
Wash and dry clothes during off-peak times.
•
Move cooking to off-peak hours
TBU Frequently Asked Questions
How will the TBU program affect my bill?
To have the program work effectively, you will most likely
be required to make adjustments in energy use during your
daily routine. If you don’t change your usage habits, specifically
shifting your energy use to off-peak times, you could pay
more on TBU. However, making smart energy use choices and
behavioral changes are likely to have a positive impact on your
monthly bill.
What is the Time Based Usage Energy Efficiency program?
TBU provides different energy rates based on the season
and time you use energy. It reflects more accurately the actual
costs of energy the cooperative pays based on time of day. For
current rates, visit BanderaElectric.com/Selectricity.
What if TBU isn’t right for me after I have signed up?
TBU is a voluntary program and you can choose to leave the
program at any time. However, you must wait a minimum of 12
months from the time you withdrew from the program before
you will be admitted back in to the program.
Why is BEC offering the TBU Energy Efficiency program?
By providing a Time-Based Usage energy plan, members
are given the option to reduce their energy costs by reducing
or shifting energy use. It also provides you with the tools to
make energy-wise decisions and behavioral changes that
benefit BEC as a whole.
Are there any restrictions for renters?
No, this voluntary energy-efficiency program is for any
residential member, including renters.
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Meet the 2016 BEC Scholarship Recipients
BANDERA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE is delighted to announce
the winners of the 2016 BEC scholarships. This year, BEC
awarded 10 $2,500 college scholarships to outstanding high
school seniors and college students.
The scholarship program was established in 1998
to encourage and assist in the educational pursuits of
Bandera EC members, their immediate family members or
applicants who reside in the service area.
Scholarship funds may be used for the payment of
tuition, enrollment fees, books, supplies and/or equipment
required for courses of instruction at any accredited fouryear university or college, junior college or TEA-approved
trade school.
Congratulations to all of our winners!
Royce Barnes
Bandera High School
Rachel Davis
Medina High School
Blayre Harrison
Medina High School
Brendan Keane
Bandera High School
Madelynn Kinsel
University of Texas at Arlington
Callie Morgan
Home School
Chellby Richter
Medina High School
Annellise Schulze
Boerne High School
Baileigh Toenes
Bandera High School
Alexis Webb
Leakey High School
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June 2016 BANDERA EC Texas Co-op Power
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Hill Country History
BANDERA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
BEC Writer
AS JOSE POLICARPIO “POLLY” RODRIGUEZ built his chapel,
placing one stone on top of another, he probably thought of the
generations of families that would be coming to services here.
He never dreamed that in time the community of Polly, Texas,
would be gone, its residents dead or moved away, only the chapel
left. Polly’s Chapel, as pretty as a postcard, is a picturesque
reminder of a once vital community. It graces the banks of
Privilege and Bear creeks in a remote and rugged part of the
Texas Hill Country, about 8.5 miles northeast of Bandera off
Highway 16.
Rodriguez was a successful Army scout and guide who had
pioneered this land near Bandera, and built a 40,000-acre
ranch. He was born in Mexico, but the family moved to Texas
when he was a child. He became a Methodist minister. As his
success grew, he began selling homesteads to relatives and other
settlers. In the mid-1800s the community of Polly consisted
of about 30 homes, a post office, school and general store.
Rodriguez decided that a church was needed, and he built his
chapel in 1882. Meanwhile, his ranch was growing, eventually to
40,000 acres.
Rodriguez died in 1914, and the chapel was no longer used
on a regular basis. In 1922, the last descendants sold their
interest in their father’s ranch. Trustees continued to care for
the chapel, which was designated a Texas Historical Landmark
in 1968. Gradually, the town sank into oblivion. “The post office
no longer exists,” said Anna Lunoff, chairman of the Polly
Texas Pioneer Association, a nonprofit group that was formed
to restore and maintain the property. Lunoff, a descendant
of Rodriguez, said his home, called “The Fort,” is on private
property near the cemetery. “It is mostly in ruins,” she said
The schoolhouse also is in disrepair. It is on Bear Creek Road
and recently was donated to the association by the Bandera
Independent School District. A few of the private homes remain,
but most are gone. Lunoff said all maintenance and repairs are
paid for by the association, which accepts contributions and
holds fundraisers to raise the money. “Our annual fundraiser
will be held on May 21 on the chapel grounds,” she said.
The chapel is a popular place for weddings and family
gatherings. It is a one-story rectangular building about 1,000
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square feet and seats 100 people. Of course, a ghost town
wouldn’t be complete without a ghost story, and Polly is no
exception. While no one has actually seen a ghost, there had
been reports of unusual activity one “dark and stormy night,”
a paranormal activities investigative team set up its infrared
lights and cameras in Polly’s Chapel. According to a report on
the internet, the team stayed a week, but found no conclusive
evidence that a ghost resided at Polly’s Chapel. Still, it makes for
a good story on “a dark and stormy night.”
Polly’s Chapel is surrounded
by acres of pristine
wilderness eight and a half
miles north east of Bandera.
PH OT O CRED IT | T ONY TU CCI
BY TONY TUCCI
BanderaElectric.com
5/9/16 4:17 PM
1-866-226-3372 | BANDERAELECTRIC.COM
RECIPE OF THE MONTH
Prepaid metering can help you
monitor your energy use and
save on your monthly bill.
CARTE RP HOTO | S TOCK. ADOBE . COM
Chocolate Peanut
Butter Bombes
Prepaid Metering Gives You the Power
BanderaElectric.com
BanderaCE_June 2016.indd 25
8 ounces cream cheese
3 tablespoons chocolate syrup
½ cup powdered sugar
12 ounces frozen whipped topping,
thawed
8 miniature peanut butter cups
½ cup hot fudge ice cream topping,
warmed
2 tablespoons chopped salted peanuts
1. Line eight 6-ounce ramekins or
custard cups with plastic wrap and
set aside.
2. In a large bowl, beat cream
cheese and chocolate syrup until
smooth. Beat in powdered sugar,
then fold in whipped topping.
3. Spoon mixture into prepared
cups and insert a peanut butter cup
into the center of each. Cover and
freeze 4–5 hours or until firm.
4. Invert frozen bombes onto
dessert dishes. Remove cups and
plastic wrap. Drizzle with hot fudge
topping and sprinkle with peanuts.
FOT OPOLY | ST OCK. ADOB E. COM
PREPAID METERING IS PRETTY SIMPLE: Members pay for electricity before using it, and
then use it until the credit runs out.
A terrific analogy for prepaid metering is putting gas in your car. Say you have
$30 for the week to pay for gasoline. You gas up, and then make sure each trip is
necessary—if you drive too much, you burn up your $30 before the week is out. By
monitoring the gas gauge throughout the week, you become more prudent and make
informed decisions on when and how much to use.
Now transfer that analogy to your account with Bandera Electric Cooperative.
With regular metering, you get a bill after your use. Sometimes it comes as a shock:
“How could I possibly have used so much electricity?!” Prepaid metering is designed
to ease—and hopefully eliminate—that shock.
The components of a prepaid metering system aren’t too different from regular
metering. Only two extra pieces are required: a way for the co-op to tell members
how much is left in their account, and a way to turn off the power when the prepaid
amount is used up.
Once you opt in, the prepaid metering equipment is installed. Then, you decide
how often you want to buy electricity. Monthly? Weekly? You budget for your chosen
amount of power, pay the co-op and, bingo, your electricity tank is full!
During the prepaid period, you receive regular usage notifications via a
smartphone app, email or text message. When the account approaches “empty,” you
add more money and are then set for the next period. If the prepaid amount runs out,
the power goes off—just like your car stops when it runs out of gas.
With this method, you might become quite aware of how you are using electricity,
and turn things off more often. You might change the setting on your thermostat so
you don’t cool or heat as much. You might cook outside to avoid using the oven, or
make sure your dishwasher is really full before running it. Industry studies show
that consumers who participate in prepaid metering plans use up to 10 percent less
electricity than their counterparts.
Prepaid metering demonstrates the value of electricity, provides absolute control
over how much you pay and helps you reduce your energy use. It’s a great way to
power your life. Contact Bandera EC to learn more about prepaid metering.
Find this and more delicious recipes online at
TEXASCOOPPOWER.COM
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