Energy Incentive Program
Load Management Program
Electric Heat Program
Farm Wiring Loan Program
Time of Day Electric Rates
Capital Credits
Electrical Safety
Youth Scholarships
Energy Incentive Program
Taylor Electric Cooperative is currently offering rebates for ENERGY STAR ® appliances and recycling, central air conditioning and heat pump, water heaters, lighting, conservation devices such as low-flow shower heads, energy saving power strips, and other agricultural and commerical equpiment.
To be eligible for TEC's Incentive Program:
All rebates must be purchased, installed and/or recycled in 2012 (Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2012).- Rebates are in place through December 31, 2012 or until funds, by incentive or in total, are depleted.
- Members are encouraged to submit rebate form and copy of your receipt as soon as equipment is purchased and installed to ensure rebate.
Click here to download the TEC Energy Rebate Form. Adobe Acrobat required.
Click here to download the TEC Appliance Recycling Form. Adobe Acrobat required.
Load Management Program
Taylor Electric Cooperative’s load receiver program can help members save up to 15% of the cost of heating water. The program takes advantage of our power supplier’s load management system. A load management receiver is installed so that it can interrupt the power to the member’s water heater during peak use periods. Since the water heater does not operate in peak use periods, the extra costs associated with peak use are avoided. These savings are then passed on to the participating member. Plus as an added bonus, you will receive a $4.00 credit on your electric bill (in any month that you use over 200 kwhs) just for having your water heater controlled. For each additional load receiver, receive an extra $4.00 monthly credit.
Check Residential Load Management Status
Check Commercial Load Management Status
Electric Heat Program
Heating your home represents one of your largest uses of energy and probably one of your largest annual expenses as well. The energy professionals at Taylor Electric Cooperative can suggest a dual fuel heating solution to help you hold down costs without giving up comfort or convenience.
A dual fuel heating system provides you the best of both worlds: cost savings and comfort. This system gives you the power of choice by combining electric heat with a fossil-fuel heating system. This qualifies the system for a special low electric rate. Occasionally, the electric heat is interrupted during peak load conditions, typically on the coldest days of the winter your backup fuel then handles the load. Benefits include cost savings of as much as 25% or more, reliability and heating system choice.
There are some additional up front costs with the installation of a dual fuel system. Being able to take advantage of the off-peak electric rates with a dual fuel system will quickly make up for the additional costs.
There are several electric heating systems to choose from when designing your dual fuel home:
- Geothermal Heat Pump
- Air Source Heat Pump
- Electric Thermal Storage
- Electric Plenum Heaters
- Electric Resistance Heaters
Geothermal Heat Pump
You're home is sitting on top of all the energy you need to heat and cool it. A geothermal heat pump lets you tap into it. Throughout the year, the Earth stores heat from the sun. This heat is available to anyone who is equipped to use it. Even in the dead of winter, there's enough heat below the frost line in the ground to keep your home cozy and warm.
Now You Can Heat and Cool Your Home Dirt Cheap
A geothermal thermal heat pump is all you need. In the winter, it uses a system of buried pipes carrying a special liquid to collect heat from the earth, then pumps it into your home. In the summer, the process is reversed.With a geothermal heat pump utilizing off-peak rates, you can heat and cool an average home in our area for as little as $200-$300 a year. This kind of savings will easily justify the cost of equipment. You will be able to enjoy cost savings winter and summer for years and years. In fact, the geothermal heat pump is so efficient, the U.S. Department of Energy strongly recommends it.
It Conserves Natural Resources As Well As Your Financial Resources
Because the geothermal heat pump doesn't burn any fuel, it helps conserve our precious natural resources. It's non-polluting. It's clean. And it's safe. There are no flames inside your home. No fumes. No vents required. Whether you are building a new home or considering a new heating/cooling system for your present home, a geothermal heat pump is the most efficient technology in the market today.
Air Source Heat Pump
A Heating System So Advanced It Pulls Heat Out Of Thin Air
The new air source heat pump was designed to efficiently cool your house in the summer, and then provide supplemental heat for your furnace during the cold winter season. The modern air source heat pump is clean, quiet and extremely cost effective.
In the winter, a special refrigerant absorbs heat from the outside air which is then pumped indoors by a high-tech compressor. Air in the home passes through a heat exchanger and is heated by the refrigerant. It is then circulated throughout your home at the temperature you desire. In the summer, the process is reversed to turn the air source heat pump into a high-efficiency air conditioner that cools your home. You get low-cost air conditioning as well as home heating in a single, efficient system.
An air source heat pump can be installed to work in conjunction with your existing forced air furnace. At temperatures down to 25°F, it's more than twice as efficient as the highest-efficiency gas or oil furnace. In fact, it supplies two to three times more heat for your family than the electric energy it uses. Below 25°F, the pump allows your existing furnace to take over.
A Breath of Fresh Air
An air source heat pump operates on clean, efficient, and safe electricity. It has no flames or fumes to pollute the air inside your home. Because it requires little energy to operate, it not only conserves your money, it conserves our precious natural resources.
Electric Thermal Storage Heating Systems
An electric thermal storage (ETS) system is an excellent, low cost way to add warmth to cold and drafty rooms or heat an addition to your house without disrupting your present heating system. An ETS system is clean, quiet, easy to install, and very efficient.
Break The Cold With Bricks
One type of electric thermal storage heating system consists of specially made, high-density bricks, inside a tastefully designed cabinet. Electricity is used to heat the bricks during off-peak hours when electric rates are lowest. The bricks are protected with high-tech insulation and store the heat until it is needed. Then, when the thermostat calls for heat, a fan blows air across the bricks to distribute heat throughout the room.
Concrete Savings
Another type of ETS system is designed for use beneath concrete floors of new homes or room additions. Electric cables or tubes are embedded below the floor. They heat the concrete at night when the rates are low. All day long, the heat then radiates in the room to keep your family cozy and warm.
Safe, Clean and Inexpensive
Whichever type of ETS system you choose, there are no flames. No fumes. Nothing to pollute the air inside your home. So it's safer, cleaner, more efficient, and definitely less expensive to operate. An ETS system is a cost-effective way to solve specific heating problems or to heat new areas without buying a whole new furnace.
Electric Plenum Heaters
The Power of Choice
Electric plenum heaters are electric resistance heating units that give you the power of choice. They mount in the plenum above your existing forced air furnace. During off-peak times the plenum heater supplies the heat for your home. The fossil-fuel furnace heats your home during peak times. The electricity used by the plenum heater is metered at a special low rate, saving you money. Electric plenum heaters are 100% efficient, clean, safe, flameless, and have lower operating costs. You can enjoy the best of both worlds with a dual fuel system which combines an electric plenum heating system with an LP or oil heating system. This combination will keep both your home and wallet comfortable.
Electric Resistance Heaters
There are several types of electric resistance heating options on the market. Baseboard units can be installed in any room of the home and are sized according to room dimensions. Individual room temperature can be controlled at the unit or by a thermostat mounted on the wall.
Another option is an electric forced air furnace. Air is circulated over electric resistance heating elements and heated. A blower circulates the heated air throughout your home. There are different sizes of electric forced air furnaces depending on your home's heating requirements.
Electric resistance heating systems are 100% efficient, clean, safe, comfortable and have low operating costs.
Cooperative Policy: General Service Rate (Formerly Memo #16)
Cooperative Policy: Single Phase Service Time-of-Day Rate (Formerly Memo #16C)
Cooperative Policy: Rate Code 90 R-13 Controlled Electric Heating (Formerly Memo #21)
Loans For Dairy Farm Wiring Upgrades To Improve Power Quality
Formerly Memo #: 78
Objective
The Cooperative will make grants and loans to assist bona fide dairy farms with power quality improvement. The Cooperative urges the inspection of electrical wiring and replacement of same, as needed, to be brought up to Wisconsin and National Electric Codes. Realizing that poor wiring creates an unsafe condition for dairy farm operations and can contribute to other conditions that could have an adverse effect on the dairy herd, the Cooperative hopes to assist those locations where today’s standards are not being met. This endeavor, coupled with the Cooperative’s effort on the utility side, is to bring the best possible electric service to farmsteads.
Policy
The total amount available to any applicant/member under this program is $25,000. Grants may be made available for up to 20% of the cost of a project maximum grant of $5,000). Loans for the remaining balance of the project may be made available to qualified borrowers. Loans may be made for up to 5 years with an interest rate of three percent (3%). Grant and Loan applications will be reviewed and approved by the Cooperative’s Board of Directors on a case-by-case basis. The loan will not exceed the electrical contractor bid total, or the maximum amount of $20,000 whichever is less.
For this program to be successful, the following criteria must be met:
- An inspection of the entire premises, including barn, house and out buildings, storage facilities etc. must be made by a Wisconsin Certified Electrical Inspector. There will be no charge for this inspection, as it will be paid for by the Cooperative. The Cooperative will arrange and pay for an electrical inspection even if the loan program is not used.
- The member will then have the opportunity to apply for the Safety First - Grant and Loan program through the Cooperative. The application may include a “partial projects” list of the items determined to be “critical”, “hazardous”, or “necessary” for acceptance by the inspector upon re-inspection as required under Item #9 of this section.
- A list of all defects will be furnished to the owner and the Cooperative.
- Owner will obtain a bid from at least one qualified electrician, defined as an electrician who has successfully completed and is currently certified under the State’s farm rewiring course.
- Owner will furnish the Cooperative with the selected bid to rewire according to code.
- Management of the Cooperative will provide the initial approval of the project.
- Owner is required to sign a loan agreement with Taylor Electric Cooperative.
- Owner will assign their capital credits to the Cooperative as security for the loan. In the event the Cooperative deems that additional collateral is needed, the Cooperative may require that the Owner obtain a Letter of Credit (LOC) from a financial institution. The Cooperative shall pay a fee of up to 1% of the loan amount if a LOC is obtained. Owner will be responsible for any filing fees to the county. In the event of default on payments, the Cooperative will apply the yearly capital credit refunds as declared payable by the Board of Directors on a general refund basis. Interest at an annual rate of 5% will accumulate until such time as the entire loan is paid.
- The balance due the contractor will be paid by the Cooperative upon final approval of re-inspection by a Wisconsin Certified Electrical Inspector. The Cooperative will arrange and pay for the re-inspection.
- The Owner will commence monthly payments of principal and interest to the Cooperative, 30 days after final inspection and approval of the project. Payments will be itemized on the electric bill or on a separate invoice.
- In the event of sale of property, owner will pay the remaining balance in full.
Responsibilities:
The President and CEO shall oversee and administer this policy. The President and CEO and Board of Directors reserve the right to accept or reject any loan application.
Adopted: October 28, 2002
Revised: January 1, 2006, May 28, 2008, August 25, 2008
Time-of-Day (TOD) Electric Rates
The TOD rate charges a premium for electricity during periods of high demand on the electrical system, and offers a discount rate during off-peak hours. TOD allows the customer the choice of when to use electricity to do everyday tasks. The rate incentive encourages the customer to do their tasks, such as water heating, laundry, cooking, etc., during the off-peak, lower rate periods, with the reward being a lower monthly electric bill.
What are the rates and times they apply?
The rate starts with a fixed charge of $33.50 per month ($1.50 per month more than our regular monthly rate). For electricity used during the peak periods of 6:00-9:00 AM and 5:00-8:00 PM the rate is $.241 per kilowatt hour. For all other times of the day, the off-peak times, the rate is $.0595 per kilowatt hour. Compare that to the regular monthly rate of $.108 per kilowatt hour.
Download: Single Phase Service Time-of-Day Rate (Formerly Memo #16C)
How do I know if the TOD rate will benefit me?
With the Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) system in use by the Cooperative, we can read your meter every hour and let you know how much you are currently using during the peak hours. You can make changes to your daily use patterns, ask for the new data, and then make a decision about whether or not to switch to the TOD rate.
How can I reduce my electric use during peak times?
The beauty of the TOD rate is that it allows you as the customer to choose when you use the electricity and how you control your usage. You can manually turn off any or all appliances, lights, etc. throughout your home, farm or business. However, the most efficient and effective reduction will be achieved through daily control of your major appliances by using devices such as time clocks to automatically turn the power off to the appliance. Electric water heaters, electric heaters, and clothes dryers are just some of the items you may select to automatically turn off during the peak periods.
Is there a special meter to measure and record my usage for the TOD rate?
Yes. The electronic AMR meters used by Taylor Electric Cooperative will provide usage figures for the peak and off-peak periods. It can also provide reports of the usage data on day-by-day, hour-by-hour, or shorter time frames, as well as other useful information such as outages and power quality.
I have a radio receiver on my electric water heater and get a $4.00 per month credit on my electric bill now. Can I still get this with TOD?
No. An electric water heater is one of the largest users of electricity in the home, if not the largest user. Most likely you will want the water heater to be turned off during the six hours of peak use. The radio receiver does not control the water heater during these peak hours each day. A time clock or digital timer of some sort will be more useful and assure that the water heater is off during the three hour morning and evening peaks. Keep in mind that these time clocks are your responsibility to reset at daylight savings time changes and after power outages.
I have electric heat with a second meter for which I am billed at the reduced electric heat rate. How will this work with TOD?
TOD becomes a whole house (or farm, business, etc.) system if you elect this rate. If you have a second meter for electric heat, your options will vary depending on whether it is sub-metered or direct metered. If you have sub-metered electric heat (where the kilowatts used also go through your main meter and have to be subtracted each month), the heat meter can either be left in or removed. However, your TOD meter (main meter) will be the only readings used for your monthly bill. In this case, if you want the heat meter left in for you to watch your heat usage, there will be a monthly fee for the second meter. There may be several options if you have direct-metered electric heat (where the electric heat usage is only recorded by one meter, does not go on the main meter). You could keep the electric heat metered and controlled as it now is, and have the TOD for the rest of your electric use. Or, if there is a way to connect the electric heat onto the main meter, it could all be metered by the TOD meter. Under our current electric heat control strategy, electric heat is subject to winter control on peak usage days, or in emergencies, for extended periods that may last six hours or more. With TOD, you would probably want to turn the heat off during both the morning and evening peak hours, every day. Our employees will help explain all your options for electric heat if you elect to go on TOD.
What will it cost me to go on the TOD rate?
Initially, there is no charge to have a TOD meter installed. We will also offer time clocks, relays, and devices to help you turn off appliances during the peak hours. There are fees to purchase these items and for installation.
Can I switch between TOD and the regular monthly rate?
Yes, but once you go on the TOD rate, there will be a $35.00 fee to switch rates again. The fee will be charged after the initial installation because switching will require a trip to remove one meter and install another
Call 715-678-2411 today, if you would like more information or want to be put on the installation list.
Capital Credits
All business organizations need capital to operate, which is usually supplied by a combination of equity and debt. An electric cooperative generally cannot issue stock and pay dividends to the general public. However, it still needs to maintain an adequate level of equity to ensure financial health and stability. This is accomplished through what is termed "capital credits."
What are Capital Credits?
Taylor Electric Cooperative is a not-for-profit service oriented electric utility that is owned by the members we serve. Since we operate on a not-for-profit basis, we technically do not earn profits. Instead, any revenues over and above the cost of doing business are considered “margins”. These margins become part of the capital structure of the Cooperative and are used to help fund operating activities at the Cooperative, with the intent that this capital will be repaid to the members in later years. Simply stated, capital credits reflect each member’s ownership in the Cooperative.
How Are Capital Credits Calculated?
The amount of capital credits you earn in a given year is based upon the amount of capital you contribute to the Cooperative through payment of your monthly electric bills and the amount of operating margins realized by the Cooperative. The more electricity you buy, in relation to operating margins realized, the greater your share of capital credits will be.
What's the Difference Between Allocated and Retired Capital Credits?
Allocated capital credits appear as an entry on the permanent financial records of the Cooperative and reflect your equity or ownership in Taylor Electric Cooperative. When capital credits are retired, a check is issued to you and your equity in the Cooperative is reduced. The Board of Directors determine under rules of general application, the method, basis, priority, and order of retirement for all capital credit retirements. Currently, checks are generally issued 20 years after the year in which the margins were earned.
How Often Will I Receive an Allocation Notice?
You should receive an allocation notice annually after the finances for the previous year have been audited and the books of the Cooperative closed.
What Do I Have To Do To Start Accumulating Capital Credits
Capital credits are calculated by Taylor Electric Cooperative for everyone who purchased electricity during a year in which the cooperative earned margins. No special action is required to start a capital credit account. Your membership in Taylor Electric Cooperative activates your capital credit account.
Do I Have To Be A Customer for an Entire Year To Earn Capital Credits?
No. Capital credits are calculated based upon a member’s monthly bill. If you are billed for service for even one month, you will accumulate some capital credits if Taylor Electric Cooperative earned margins that year.
Can I Use the Capital Credits I Have Allocated to Pay My Electric Bill?
No. Allocated capital credits may not be used to pay current bills. Capital credits have no cash value until the Board of Directors calls for the retirement of a particular year’s allocated capital credits. In other words, your electric bill is due now, whereas you may not be entitled to be paid your capital credits for many years.
What Happens to the Capital Credits of a Member Who Dies?
The capital credits of a deceased member may be paid without waiting for a general retirement, however, these estate payments are not automatic. A representative of the estate must request the capital credits by submitting an application for early retirement and a copy of the death certificate. Any estate retirement paid in cash will be at a reduced present day value to the capital credits earned. Other restrictions may apply. Contact our office for more information.
Will I Receive a Capital Credit Check Every Year?
Not necessarily. The Board of Directors must authorize a retirement before you receive a check. When considering a retirement, the Board analyzes the financial health of the Cooperative and will not authorize a retirement if Taylor Electric Cooperative cannot afford it. In addition, the Board of Directors determines under rules of general application, the method, basis, priority, and order of retirement for all capital credit retirements. Currently, checks are generally issued 20 years after the year in which the margins were earned.
What Happens To My Capital Credits When I Leave the Taylor Electric Cooperative Service Area?
Your capital credits remain on the books in your name and member number until they are retired. Because payments are made years after they have been allocated, you should ensure that Taylor Electric Cooperative always has your current mailing address.
Electrical Safety
Electricity is all around you. It’s the most common energy source, and it’s very powerful. Contact with electricity is dangerous and can cause electrical shock, burns or even death if the shock is severe.
Conductors are things that carry (conduct) electricity easily, including:
- Metal
- Water and wet things
- Tree
- People
Nonconductors (insulators) do not carry electricity. They include
- Glass
- Plastic
- Rubber
- Porcelain
- Clean, dry wood
Steer clear of electrical power equipment
- Transmission line towers carry electricity above the ground.
- Substations help reduce the amount of electricity before it enters homes. They are often fenced in.
- Pad-mounted transformers are sometimes used for underground wiring. These are locked metal cabinets on cement pads.
- Utility poles and power lines carry electricity into homes.
- Insulators and transformers are found on many poles. Insulators keep the electricity in the power lines, and transformers reduce the amount of electricity.
- Meters and other electrical equipment can be located on the outside of homes or buildings. Meters measure the amount of electricity used.
Play it safe outdoors!
- Fly kites, model planes, balloons and other toys in open spaces, such as fields or parks.
- Use only non-conducting materials for kites, such as plastic; paper; clean, dry wood; and string.
- Never use wire, metal or foil.
- Never climb a utility pole or nearby tree if a toy gets caught in power lines. Call your electric utility.
- Don’t fly toys in the rain or in a storm.
- Don’t release metallic balloons outside. They can conduct electricity.
- Never play on or near power equipment.
- Never touch any outdoor wires, or anything touching them, with your body or any object.
- Call Diggers Hotline (800-242-8511) before digging in your yard.
- Watch out for overhead wires when you’re around trees, or if you’re using a ladder, pool skimmer or any other long object.
- Look before you climb any tree to be sure no wires run through or near it. Your weight may cause a branch to touch a wire.
- Keep electrical appliances and toys away from water, including rain, wet ground, swimming pools, sprinklers and hoses.
- Protect outdoor electrical outlets with weatherproof covers and GFCIs (ground fault circuit interrupters) to protect against shock. Indoor outlets near water sources should also have GFCIs.
- Don’t touch or use damaged plugs and cords on electrical appliances and fixtures.
- Make sure tools and appliances are approved for outdoor use. They are made with heavier wiring, and special insulation or three-way grounded plugs.
Stay safe indoors, too.
- Never put your finger or anything other than an electrical plug or safety cap in an outlet.
- Pull by the plug, not the cord, when unplugging an appliance. Be alert for damaged plugs and cords.
- Limit the number of appliances plugged into each outlet.
- Unplug small electrical appliances and toys when you’re not using them.
- Don’t use electrical appliances when you’re wet, have wet hands or are standing in water.
Hotline Safety Demonstrations
Hotline Safety Demonstrations can be a valuable way to learn about the hazards of electricity. Taylor Electric Cooperative will gladly provide an informative demonstration for your school group or organization. Request a HOTLINE SAFETY DEMONSTRATION by contacting Taylor electric today.
Scholarship Program
Each year Taylor Electric awards scholarships to graduating seniors. Funding for the scholarship program comes from unclaimed capital credits. To be eligible, the applicants parents must receive their electric service from Taylor Electric and must be graduating from high school in the applicable year.
Final selection for the scholarship recipients will be made by the board of directors, with the cooperation of those schools involved.
Download Taylor Electric Cooperative's 2012 scholarship application here.
The funds for these scholarships are derived from unclaimed capital credit refunds. Chapter 185 of the Wisconsin Statutes provides that unclaimed refunds may be used for educational and charitable purposes. Otherwise, they become unclaimed property and must be paid to the State of Wisconsin as such.
