May 2020 | Volume 82 | Issue 5
PCEC Returning $2.7 Million of Capital Credits to Members Through Auto-Apply
Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative is returning $2.7 million dollars of capital credits to consumer-members in the month of May. Capital credits, which will be distributed to active accounts this year through bill credits, are each consumer-members’ share of the co-op’s excess revenue.
As a non-profit electric cooperative, Platte-Clay is owned and governed by its members. That means our members share in any profit of the cooperative because we only need to cover the cost of yearly operations following good business practices.
Any capital left over after expenses is calculated to reflect the co-op’s net margin and that amount is allocated back to our members, who own the cooperative. The longer you use PCEC services, the more capital credit allocations you accrue over time.
The total amount out of the allocation that is refunded every year is determined by the Board of Directors and is usually a percentage of the amounts from previous years of service.
Last year, Platte-Clay switched to an auto-apply system for capital credits with the goal of making the process easier and more secure for members. This system will be utilized for all active accounts this year in light of the co-op’s annual meeting being cancelled due to concerns and restrictions related to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Member ownership is an important part of what makes cooperatives different from investor owned utilities.
Platte-Clay’s Board of Directors and staff believe distributing capital credits is especially important this year as many members face financial hardships due to stay-at-home orders.
Defending Against Scams During a Time of Pandemic
Dave Deihl, General Manager
From the General Manager
The energy industry is undergoing rapid change, and technology is paving the way for innovation in the way energy is used, produced, stored and shared. Consumers are interested in more renewable energy alternatives while smart homes and apps make managing energy use and paying your electric bill more convenient than ever.
While the changing energy market has created more options for consumers, the current state of COVID-19 has also resulted in more utility scams and misleading information. That’s because of two factors.
Utilities are a target for these scams because we provide an essential service and consumers are understandably anxious when it comes to finances right now. Second, so many consumer-members staying home during the day provides an opening for scammers and pop-up companies to provide misleading information or shoddy products and services to those with extra time to think about home improvements.
Avoid Phone Scams
A common phone scam typically begins with a phone number that appears to be from a valid utility company. The scammer will claim you have a past due account and threaten to disconnect service or take legal action. The scammer will typically demand that you use a prepaid debit card or money order.
You can combat this scam by being aware of the status of your account. Never give your banking or personal information over the phone to someone you did not call. If you have a question or concern about your energy bill, call us directly at 816-628-3121. Do not use the phone number given by the scammer.
Use Trusted Sources
If you’re considering solar for your home, make sure you are working with a reputable company. Since this is still an emerging industry with evolving technology, there has been a proliferation of pop-up companies in the market. Representatives of rooftop solar companies may have more sales experience than knowledge of the energy industry.
Platte-Clay can offer information about how solar could impact your overall energy consumption. We can also offer an opinion about other ways you can save energy and lower your usage that you may have never thought about previously.
In this ever-changing environment, it’s important to remember you have a trusted energy advisor – your local electric cooperative. We are a community-focused organization that works to efficiently deliver affordable, reliable and safe energy to our members.
Remember, even in these crazy times, we’re just one call or click away. Please reach out with any questions about your electric service or bills – we’re here to help.
Automated Payment Options For PCEC Members
Platte-Clay offers convenient ways for consumer-members to pay their electric bills safely and quickly. These automated payment options remove the hassle from the bill paying process.
Members can utilize the automated phone payment system by calling 816-628-3121 and following the prompts. Card information can be entered through the phone in a few easy steps.
They can also visit www.PCEC.coop to set up an online billing account and sign up for automatic payments with their bank account or credit card.
Platte-Clay Moments
Spring plants are blooming at Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative’s Monarch Butterfly gardens. The gardens were planted to support the struggling butterfly populations’ migration.
Left: Crews continue to perform essential services like new service connections for PCEC consumer-members. Right: Platte-Clay’s all-electric Chevy Bolt parked in front of J. Rieger & Co where hand sanitizer was picked up for employees.
We’re Still Here For You
Work stations may look a little different these days, but we want you to know our work continues. You can always reach us at 816-628-3121 to report an outage, ask a question about your account or take care of anything else you might need. You can also visit us online at www.PCEC.coop. To see if offices have reopened, visit www.PCEC.coop/coronavirus.
The Northland Connection is published monthly by Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative, Inc., 1000 W. 92 Highway, Kearney, MO 64060. Postmaster: Please send address changes to: Northland Connection, PO Box 100, Kearney, MO 64060 or mail@pcec.coop.
Platte-Clay is an equal opportunity employer.