Thinking of Installing Renewables?
Here is what you need to know if you are considering purchasing a wind turbine or solar panel system

Members who want to make their own power from renewable resources should read our Distributed Generation Tariff (a PDF file).  This outlines the responsibilities of the Cooperative and the Member. 

The Cooperative needs to be notified 60 days prior to installation of any distributed generation (dg) system.  This is for the safety of the Member, the linemen, and the system.  Any units installed must have an auto disconnect feature.

If you plan on installing a grid tie dg system (or if you already have such a system the cooperative is unaware of) you will need to fill out our DG Application (a PDF file).  There is a small application fee (outlined in the Distributed Generation Tariff), depending on the size of the system. 

Bandera Electric has fully implemented "net metering" for all  Members.  The meters will record electricity that flows from our lines to your home and electricity that flows from your home to our lines, should you produce more than you consume.

Many Members looking into dg systems ask if the co-op will buy electricity from them if they install such a system.  BEC will not write a check for the excess power a Member’s equipment has produced; however, we do give you credit kilowatt-hour for kilowatt-hour.  If your system produces more than you consume, it is our policy to “bank” excess kilowatt-hours.  In future months when usage exceeds power production, BEC will draw from your "bank" and apply the previous excess production to your current bill.

If you have any questions regarding installing a renewable system, contact our offices at 1-866-226-3372 and speak to someone in our engineering department.

See article and diagram on Grid-connected Solar PV system