Cool Tips for Hot Weather
Follow these tips to keep your cool during hot Texas summers!
Efficiency Tips for Outdoor Shops and Barns
If you have an outdoor shop or barn, being energy-efficient is one of the best ways to keep your energy bill as low as you can.
Pole Attachments Put Lineworkers at Risk
What do yard sale signs, basketball hoops, deer stands, satellite dishes and birdhouses have in common?
The Power of American Independence
The Fourth of July is a festive day on which we celebrate our nation’s independence with family and friends.
Reducing the Risk of Wildfires
Gone are the days when wildfires were primarily confined to the Western U.S.
Ditch Dim Lights for Safety and Energy Efficiency
If the lights in your home seem to be getting dim, then it might be time to improve the illumination.
Look to Co-ops for Meaningful Careers
High school graduates who want to remain in and make a difference in their community should look to BEC for a start to a meaningful career.
Keep Scammers Out During Outages
Scammers take advantage when widespread power outages occur. Don’t fall victim to their tricks.
Practical Pointers for Electrical Safety Month
Be Safe Around Outside Electrical Hazards
With summer not yet here and the sweltering heat still a few weeks out, Texans are likely spending more time outside.
Use Electric Scooters, Bikes and Hoverboards Safely
Imagine you splurge on a hoverboard for your child as a summer toy only to have it catch fire, creating the risk of serious injury.
A Full House of Savings
When you’re trying to reduce energy use and save money, lots of little tweaks around the house can add up to big savings.
Prep Your Home Before Heat Arrives
The arrival of spring can mean a spike in electricity use as you turn on fans, spend weekends doing spring-cleaning and dust off outdoor power tools to get your home and yard ready for warmer weather.
The Many Benefits of Trees: Plant Some Green to Save Some Green
Most of the U.S. observes Arbor Day the last Friday of April, and one of the most common ways to celebrate is planting a tree.
On the Hunt for Energy Savings
Just like the sneaky spots the Easter Bunny finds to tuck away colorful eggs, there may be energy savings hiding in plain sight all around your home.
Keep Your Eyes on the Road This April
Each April, the National Safety Council observes Distracted Driving Awareness Month to draw attention to the dangers of driving while using cellphones—handheld or hands-free.
Tips To Save Energy on Laundry
Laundry can be a bigger energy user than people expect, but small adjustments save money without sacrificing cleanliness.
Electrical Outlets Should Feel Cool
A power outlet that’s slightly warm to the touch is not uncommon during heavy use, but it can also be a sign of danger.
The Factors Driving Demand for Electricity
Across the U.S., the demand for power is climbing at one of the fastest rates in decades.
Get Your House Ready for Spring
It won't be too long until you can open the windows and start enjoying fresh air and warm weather. Is your house ready?
Women Lead the Charge
For International Women's Day on March 8, we at Bandera Electric Cooperative would like to take a moment to recognize the female force that helps our cooperative operate efficiently and serve you, our member-owners.
Do I Really Need To Call?
If you plan to dig, , yes! Don’t make a judgment call; make an 811 call. H
Grid Investments Pay Off Down the Line
As your local power provider Bandera Electric Cooperative’s mission has always been simple: keep the lights on and support the communities we serve.
Energy Efficiency Helps Everyone
As flowers start to bud and the landscape becomes a little greener, I start to think about changes I need to make around the house.
Pet Electrical Safety: What Every Owner Should Know
Our pets are family. Whether they have paws, hooves, feathers, or whiskers, they rely on us to keep them safe, especially around potential electrical hazards.
Love Is in the Air, But Mylar Balloons Shouldn’t Be
Valentine’s Day is all about love, romance, and, of course, balloons! Those shiny, heart-shaped Mylar balloons are a classic way to express your affection. But did you know these metallic marvels can also be a surprising cause of power outages?
An Apolloware Purpose
When Bandera Electric Cooperative launched Apolloware it was with the intent of providing our members with more insights.
Celebrate the Super Bowl Safely
The big game is an event that brings together friends and family across the nation.
Get the Most Out of Your Washing Machine
You've probably heard that one of the best ways to use your washing machine efficiently is to only wash full loads of laundry.
4 Tips for Winter Safety
It's no surprise that winter months bring increased potential for fire risks and electrical safety hazards.
Avoid Overloaded Circuits at Home
There's a lot of new technology around to help make our lives easier. But all together, those devices can take a toll on your home’s circuits and outlets.
Show Your Appliances Some Love This Month
This Valentine's Day, lavish a little affection and attention on your trusty household appliances to keep them humming all year long.
Fast (and Free) Winter Warmups
Cutting back on energy use is an easy way to keep your hard-earned money in your pocket, but it doesn’t have to leave you shivering.
Stay Safe and Warm During a Winter Storm
Past winters have shown us how a polar vortex can bring high winds, subzero temperatures and ice to many parts of the country, even those not accustomed to winter weather.
5 Ways To Keep Cozy
When you're feeling chilly at home, there are several budget-friendly ways you can stay comfortable without turning up the thermostat.
Decorate Your Home Safely During the Holidays
It's time to deck those halls—safely. More than 800 home fires are caused by holiday decorations each year, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
Give the Gift of Efficiency
You can tell it’s the holiday season when you start seeing twinkling lights of every color, but this year, may all your gifts be green.
Restock Your Winter Emergency Kit
Winter storms can cut power quickly despite the best efforts of your crews at Bandera Electric Cooperative.
Home Lighting 101
Lighting is something most of us don’t think much about—until it’s wrong. Maybe the living room feels too dim for reading, or the kitchen lights cast an odd yellow glow.
5 Tips for Winter Safety
It's no surprise that winter months bring increased potential for fire risks and electrical safety hazards.
Don’t Leave Your Home “Home Alone” This Holiday Season: Stay Cozy and Connected with BEC’s Smart Thermostat Program and BEC Fiber
This holiday season, don’t leave your home Home Alone. With Bandera Electric Cooperative’s Smart Thermostat Program, you can keep your home cozy, efficient, and under control even when you’re away for the holidays.
Energy Efficiency for the Modern Family
If you're shocked by how many screens, remotes, gaming consoles, charging stations and cords have become fixtures in your home, you’re not alone. The typical American family is well-connected by its many electronic devices.
Delay Turning on the Heat
Bundling up in a thick sweater and dressing in layers are two great ways to keep warm indoors during the month or two when it’s getting chilly outdoors but not quite cold enough to turn on the heat.
Stay Safe in the Kitchen This Holiday Season
Although creating holiday holiday favorites in the kitchen can be gratifying and comforting, it can also be dangerous.
Prepare Now for Winter Weather
Now is probably the time you’re making plans for the holidays—arranging travel, finding gifts for loved ones and getting in the festive spirit. But now is also the perfect time to make a plan to keep your home safe this winter.
Don’t Let Thanksgiving Eat Up Energy
During Thanksgiving, you probably aren’t thinking about saving energy when you’re planning that perfect holiday dish. Here are four ways you can save energy in the kitchen with minimal effort.
Keep Garage Doors Operating Smoothly
If you park your car in your garage every day, your automatic garage door might be the most-used entry to your home. It’s also the biggest door at your house and can pose serious hazards if not maintained properly.
Energy Education for the Family
Celebrate National Energy Awareness Month by teaching children about energy and the role it plays in everyday life.
Keep Halloween More Treat Than Trick
You know what happens around here October 31: Small, strange creatures dot our roads at night. They creep up to homes with large bags and dash from one place to another, often forgetting about the cars and trucks passing them on the road.
Stop the Vampire Invasion
When electronic gadgets are in standby mode, they use a small amount of energy even when you’re not using them, and this “vampire power” adds up. Entertainment centers are full of these energy-sucking devices.
Do a Fire Safety Checkup During Fire Prevention Week
October 5–11 marks Fire Prevention week. Observe it in your house by making sure your smoke alarms are in good working order and by addressing potential fire hazards throughout your house.
Don’t Get Tricked: Cybersecurity Safety Tips
October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a nationwide effort to raise awareness about the importance of protecting your personal information and staying safe online.
Co-ops Power Communities With Purpose
Communities come in all shapes and sizes. Some are based on geographical proximity, some are based on shared interests or hobbies, and some communities can even be found in virtual spaces like social media groups.
Fall Safety Tips
While fall can feel pretty short in Texas, the temperatures will soon start dropping. When it’s cooler, you depend more on your electrical devices to keep you warm and comfortable.
Back-to-School Can Mean More Energy Use
With all the new smartphones, computers, printers and desk lamps, back-to-school equipment uses more energy than it used to.
Include Pets in Disaster Planning
Pets depend on us us for their safety and well-being. The best way to ensure the safety of your family members—including those with four legs—is to prepare a disaster plan.
It’s a Good Time To Give Your AC a Checkup
Maintaining your air conditioning equipment can prevent problems and unwanted costs. Keep your cooling and heating system at peak performance by having a contractor do annual checkups.
Limit Hot Water Use
Summertime is the perfect season to save money on water heating, which is one of the top energy consumers in most households. It’s hot and sticky outside, so there’s no need for long, steamy showers or heavy, hot meals that use a lot of energy and water to prepare.
Use Caution Near Co-op Equipment
As you or your children find yourself spending more time outdoors this summer, Bandera Electric Cooperative reminds you to exercise caution near electrical equipment maintained by the co-op.
Upgrade Electronics for Energy Savings
Looking for easy ways to save more money on your monthly energy bill? Beyond some of the traditional energy efficiency measures, such as sealing air leaks or adding insulation, several popular electronics can help you use energy more efficiently.
The Cooperative Difference
Most consumers would not equate active involvement in their electric company with helping their community. But Bandera Electric Cooperative isn’t an ordinary utility company. We’re a co-op, and our business model is meant to serve the members and the community—not to make a hefty profit for investors five states away.
Top 10 Tips for Energy Savings
While it's easy to focus on big-ticket items like new HVAC systems or window replacement when trying to save energy, some simple, everyday tips can help reduce your electricity use and lower your bill.
Understanding Heat Alerts
You might hear or see alerts about heat on the news, on social media or from Bandera Electric Cooperative this summer. But do you know the differences between a heat advisory, heat watch and heat warning?
Electrical Safety Should Be Second Nature
Flipping a light switch. Plugging in a coffee maker. Charging a laptop. These are second nature for most of us. However, we need to be cautious and keep safety in mind—making precautions as natural as using electricity.
Get Involved With Your Electric Co-op
Electric cooperatives are member-owned, meaning you have a voice in how they operate. If you want to be more involved, here are a few ways to participate.
Keep the Power on and Fires Out
July is a month for camping trips and celebrating our nation’s independence. What do the two have in common? Fire. Unsafe campfire practices and fireworks can lead to wildfires, and those wildfires can cause power outages—or worse.
Dryers Need Cleaning Beyond the Lint Trap
Hopefully you peel the lint out of your clothes dryer’s lint trap after every load of laundry. But that’s not enough to keep the appliance from posing a fire hazard for your home.
Keep Your Energy Bill in Check While Kids Are Home
By now, your kids are probably on their summer break from school. When they’re home, your energy use might go up—with more lights on, more electronics running and the air conditioner working harder.
Beware of Summertime Scams
Bandera Electric Cooperative will never send anyone to your house to ask you if you need work done. And when someone does come for a legitimate reason, you’ll see a uniform, a truck with the cooperative’s logo and valid identification.
How Extreme Summer Heat Impacts Reliability
When temperatures in Texas soar, electricity use increases. That’s because our air conditioners run longer and more often to counteract the sweltering heat outside.
Sunglasses Are Cool—But Safety Glasses Are Essential!
June 27 is National Sunglasses Day, a time to celebrate our favorite shades and the serious protection they offer from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
First Day of Summer: Let’s Beat the Heat and the Peak
It’s officially summer—and if you’ve been outside recently, you already know Mother Nature didn’t come to play. With temperatures rising and sunshine in full force, it's the season for pool floats, backyard BBQs, and chasing down the ice cream truck like you’re still 10 years old.
Sleep Safe
Your bedroom is more than your body’s recharge zone. It’s also where you plug in your personal electronics to power up. Follow these guidelines to help keep your recharge zone safe.
9 Ways To Chill Out This Summer
Why pay more for electricity than you have to? The less you use, the more you’ll save. Here are nine ways to pare down your electricity use this summer.
A Closer Look at Home Electrical Safety
Safety for Bandera Electric Cooperative employees and members is our top priority year-round, but June—National Safety Month—is a good time to take an even closer look at the importance of safety.
It’s Grillin’ Time
Summertime is grilling season, and burgers and hot dogs over a sizzling fire are a welcome sight at backyard barbecues across Texas.
Keep Cool With Outdoor Ceiling Fans
Your family might use your covered outdoor porch or patio more often this summer if you keep the temperature cooler by installing a ceiling fan.
Approach Water Recreation Carefully
Water and electricity are a dangerous combination, and summer leads to more opportunities for these two foes to clash.
Do’s and Don’ts of Electrical Safety
Keeping your home free of electrical hazards should be a yearlong effort, but this May—National Electrical Safety Month—is a good time to look at the do’s and don’ts for keeping your household safe and happy.
Poles Aren’t For Posting
Foreign objects on utility poles are dangerous for co-op employees.
Boost Mobile Home Efficiency
Manufactured or mobile homes often log higher energy bills than other homes, but if you live in a mobile home, you can take steps to help manage energy costs and increase comfort. Here are some areas to check out for possible improvements.
A Springtime AC Inspection Can Pay Off in Summer
A tune up in the Spring can prevent your air conditioning system from going on the fritz later, when the weather is so hot that you won’t want to be without AC for even a few hours.
Thunderstorm Safety Tips From the American Red Cross
They say April showers bring May flowers, but May in Texas often has its own share of showers, so it’s a good idea to be prepared for thunderstorms. Here are some safety tips from the American Red Cross.
Take Precautions With Perishable Foods During Power Outages
We refrigerate or freeze foods to keep them fresh and prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses through the growth of microorganisms such as salmonella, E. coli and botulism. But what happens if the power goes out and your appliances stop working?
Get Ready for Storm Season: Preparedness is the Best Defense
Although spring and summer allow more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, the seasons unfortunately can create the perfect conditions for severe storms. Bandera Electric Cooperative crews are always prepared and standing by to respond should power outages occur in our area.
Barn Fire Safety Checklist
Mrs. O'Leary's cow may have gotten a bad rap, but the folktale reminds us fire safety is an important part of farm life. People, animals and property are in danger when fire breaks out on the farm.
How Do You Plan To Celebrate Earth Day?
Earth Day is one of world’s largest civic events, and on April 22, we can all be part of this global movement to help the environment. There are many ways we as individuals can improve the environment, and some are easier than you’d think.
Don’t Give Your HVAC a Heart Attack
Although your HVAC system’s air filter prevents pesky dust and annoying allergens from clogging your system, dirt still builds up in ducts and filters over time, like plaque in aging arteries. If left unchecked, a dirty filter strains a home’s “heart” and forces the HVAC system to work harder to push conditioned air through tight spaces. This results in higher energy bills and potential system failure.
Double-Pane Windows Save Energy and Money
If you live in an older home, there’s a good chance its windows are made from single panes of glass. Newer homes typically come with double-pane windows, and for good reason: They’re far more energy-efficient. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that you can save 7%–15% on heating and cooling bills when you replace single-pane windows with double-pane versions.
Linemen Power Life — Whatever It Takes
Line work ranks as one of the most dangerous jobs in the country. The crews at Bandera Electric Cooperative work, rain or shine, in often-challenging conditions to ensure you have reliable electricity. On April 18, we celebrate Lineman Appreciation Day, honoring those who make sure our community has the power it needs every day. It’s hard work but very rewarding.
Electric Co-ops Bring Unique Value to Communities
Electric Cooperatives stand out from other businesses because they’re built and led by the communities they serve. As an independent, not-for-profit utility, YOURNAME Electric Cooperative is owned and governed by our members who live here—not by outside shareholders or investors.
The Top Energy Users in Your Home
Although most homeowners would like to be more energy-efficient and save money, the effort often feels overwhelming because many folks don’t know where to start. How can the average family use less energy, lower their utility bill and still meet their daily energy needs?
Stay Away From Electrical Substations
An electrical substation converts electricity to a lower voltage so it can be safely routed and delivered to your home. Because high-voltage power runs through substation equipment, avoid substation areas and the fences that surround them. Keep the following safety tips in mind.
Know the Signs of a Scam
The increasing sophistication of and our reliance on technology has led to an increase in scams. Con artists continually change their tactics, but there are a few foolproof red flags.
Drying Do’s
Did you know the clothes dryer is one of your home’s biggest energy users?
Connecting Communities: BEC Fiber’s Commitment to Reliability and Value
In today’s fast-paced digital world, a reliable, high-speed internet connection is essential. That’s why Bandera Electric Cooperative introduced fiber internet to the Hill Country. Since 2017, this state-of-the-art technology has revolutionized the way our members connect, communicate, and access information, delivering unmatched speed and reliability.
Spring into Efficiency: A Guide to Getting Your Home Ready for the Season
Spring is in the air! With longer days, blooming flowers, and warmer temperatures, it’s the perfect time to refresh your home and make it more energy efficient. Prepping your living space for the new season not only makes your home more comfortable but can also lead to significant savings on utility bills.
We Love Serving our Co-op Members
Valentine's Day isn't just for the lovebirds. It’s also the perfect time to let our friends, family, co-workers and other special people in our lives know we care about them. So, Bandera Electric Cooperative created our list of the top five reasons we love serving you.
Winter Weather Ahead: Stay Prepared
Winter weather is on the horizon, and Bandera Electric Cooperative is here to help you stay safe and prepared. As temperatures drop and conditions become unpredictable, take these proactive steps to protect your family, home, and community.
Resolve To Save Energy in 2025
The start of the new year always seems to bring about lists for improving one’s life. You know: eat healthier, volunteer more, learn a new skill—conserve electricity.
Celebrate, Cook and Save
Did you know January is National Slow Cooking Month? You can celebrate by preparing a meal in a slow cooker and save money in the process.
Simple Ways to Save
Are you looking for some simple things you can do to save energy this winter? Making small changes can add up to big savings over time.
How To Help Your Neighbors When It’s Cold Out
Your neighbors who live alone might need some friendly assistance this winter, especially if they’re older. A small gesture on your part could have a big impact on someone who doesn’t have anyone else to turn to for help.
Be Cool with Space Heaters
Space heaters are meant to provide supplemental heat, not replace your home’s heating system. If used incorrectly, space heaters can also pose fire and burn risks.
Cool Off Your Winter Energy Bill
After the expenses of the holiday season—gifts, meals and travel—money might be a little tight, not leaving much for home energy efficiency upgrades. Does that mean you’re powerless to lower your electric bill?
Why Electric Co-ops Replace Utility Poles
You probably don't pay much attention to the utility poles found throughout Bandera Electric Cooperative’s service territory, but did you know they’re the backbone of our distribution network?
6 Tips for Winter Safety
It's no surprise that winter months bring increased fire risks and electrical safety hazards. When cold weather strikes, consumers use more devices and appliances, like space heaters, electric blankets and portable generators.
Thanksgiving Energy Tips from BEC: Keep Your Home Comfortable and the Grid Happy
Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and delicious food, but it’s also a time when energy usage in many homes peaks. Between the oven running all day, the heater keeping everyone warm, and extra appliances buzzing, it’s easy to put a strain on both your energy bill and the power grid. But with Bandera Electric Cooperative’s Energy Services, you can keep your home efficient, comfortable, and environmentally friendly—not just on Thanksgiving, but all year long.
Time-Based Usage: Changing When You Use Electricity Affects How Much it Costs
You know how to make smart energy decisions for your home and lifestyle. Turning off unneeded lights, unplugging appliances, and turning your thermostat up a few degrees are all good ways to save energy and money. But did you know that when you use electricity is just as important as how much you use throughout the day?
Does Your Home Need New Insulation?
Upgrade Your Windows for Energy Efficiency
The Benefits and Importance of Replacing an Outdated HVAC System
Bandera Electric Cooperative’s Virtual Power Plant Now Part of Texas Power Market
Bandera Electric Cooperative (BEC) has reached an important milestone by getting its Virtual Power Plant (VPP) approved to participate in the Texas wholesale power market, managed by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). This achievement highlights BEC's commitment to improving the reliability and efficiency of Texas's energy grid through innovative solutions.
Know What To Do in an Electrical Emergency
You know the electrical safety basics such as: Don’t use appliances near water. But safety isn’t just about prevention. It requires knowing what to do if you or someone nearby comes into contact with electricity.
Unplug and Upgrade for Energy Savings
Among your appliances, the two biggest energy users are water heaters and refrigerators, which are nearly always on duty. After that, you might be surprised by another energy hog: consumer electronics.
Heat-Producing Appliances Make for a Hotter Home
One easy way to help keep your air conditioning system from working overtime on hot days is to wash clothes and dishes after dark and avoid the oven and stove.
Make Room for Roadside Crews
When the power goes out, so do Bandera Electric Cooperative’s crews. Lineworkers are the first to respond after an outage occurs, and they work tirelessly to restore power to the communities we serve.
Efficiency Tips for Residential Well Pumps
The energy a residential well system uses depends on the equipment and your water use. Unlike a public water supply, the homeowner is responsible for maintaining the well, ensuring drinking water is safe and paying for the electricity needed to run the well pump.
Time To Replace Your AC System?
Heating and cooling account for about half of a typical household’s energy costs. If the relentless summer heat and time have taken a toll on your air conditioning, it may be time for a replacement.
Beware When Water and Electricity Mix
The bathroom is one of the few places in the home where electrical appliances and water have a great chance to meet—and a higher chance to cause electrical shock or death.
Common Culprits of Electrical Fires
Outdated wiring and overloaded circuits are the most common causes of electrical fires. Check the following areas of your home to ensure your home’s electrical safety is up to par.
How To Be Energy Efficient in Humid Climates
Why does a 95-degree day in some parts of Texas feel hotter than the same temperature elsewhere? Why do dry heat and humid heat feel so different, and how does this affect your strategy for home energy efficiency?
We’re Prepared for Summer Storms
Summer is here, school is out and families are gearing up for a few months of fun and relaxation. Summer brings fun in the sun, but it can also bring the occasional severe storm.
Keep Your Cool
When the Texas heat bears down, there’s one appliance that rides to the rescue: your air conditioner. But cooling in the summer accounts for a major portion of residential energy use.
Don’t Be Fooled by Common Energy Myths
Eating carrots will greatly improve your eyesight, cracking your knuckles leads to arthritis, and watching too much TV will harm your vision.
Energy Storage Can Equal Energy Savings
Energy storage devices absorb and store power, saving it for when it’s needed most.
Small Changes Can Have a Big Impact
April 22 is Earth Day. Consider making an Earth Day resolution to change at least one energy-related bad habit at home.
Want To Save Energy? Start With the Water Heater
A common appliance can put you in hot water: Water heaters account for about 18% of a home’s energy consumption.
Is Your Ductwork Delivering?
Ducts are often concealed in walls, so many people may not immediately think of them as an area to save energy.
Security Tips for Connected Devices
When dealing with any new smart technology, consumers should take extra precautions to ensure these devices are secure.
Fridge Facts for Energy Savings
Select refrigerator and freezer sizes that are just large enough for your family’s needs.
Safety Doesn’t Grow on Trees
A well-positioned tree can provide a windbreak, offer shade, reduce carbon in the environment and serve to beautify your landscape.
Get Your Home Ready for Summer
Use the spring season to do some maintenance that could help your AC run more efficiently and reliably this summer.
Operate Your Generator Safely
The primary hazards to avoid when using a generator are carbon monoxide poisoning from the toxic engine exhaust, electric shock or electrocution, and fire.
Seal & Insulate Ductwork To Save
If your home's ductwork is outside of the building envelope, the system may be operating at decreased efficiency.
Conserve Hot Water To Save Money
Every drop of hot water you don’t use adds up to savings on your energy bill.
A Balanced Team for Reliability
Just like a team needs different players for different situations, our power grid requires multiple sources to keep the grid running.
Our Heroes Wear Hard Hats
Line work is not a glamorous or easy profession.
Safely Power Your Outbuilding
Equipping a barn, shed or garage on your property with electricity begins with determining which local code requirements may apply for safety purposes, with specifications for detached garages being much more stringent.
The Power Behind Your Power
April 18 is National Lineworker Appreciation Day, so it’s appropriate that we take a moment to recognize the people who work in sometimes brutal weather conditions to ensure that we all have safe and reliable power.
Breaker Box Safety Basics
We use electricity in our homes throughout the day, but we rarely think about how it gets to the wall outlets or switches.
Tips for a Safer Workplace
It’s no secret that safety is always a top priority at Bandera Electric Cooperative, and our team has a few tips you can use to ensure everyone’s safety in your workplace.
Smart Security Options for Your Home
Many consumers realize the convenience and comfort that smart home technologies provide.
Tips for Tool Safety
Springtime might spark the desire to tackle projects around the house.
Stay Back & Stay Safe
Working with electricity can be a dangerous job, especially for lineworkers.
Plant More Trees for a Greener Future
Planting trees is an investment in the future.
Energy Efficiency Considerations for Homebuyers & Sellers
March is considered the best month to list a home for sale, and today’s homebuyers often consider energy efficiency as part of their purchasing decision.
Go Green This St. Patrick’s Day
Want to go green this St. Patrick’s Day?
Show Your Home Some Love
This the season for candy hearts and flowers for your special someone, but how are you showing your home some love this Valentines Day?
Wash the Energy Waste out of Your Laundry
The average American family washes about 300 loads of laundry per year—and all that laundry uses a lot of energy.
Safety Essentials for Your Home
Make sure your family is safe from electrical dangers with this list of basic safety essentials.
Should Outbuildings Be Insulated?
An uninsulated outbuilding can be quite expensive to heat (or cool).
Affordable Strategies for Drafty, Inefficient Windows
If you get cold drafts during the winter and some of the rooms in your home seem to overheat in summer, your windows may be the culprit.
8 Easy Ways To Save Electricity
Every night before you go to bed, walk through the house and turn off electric appliances and equipment that you usually leave on overnight, even though you don’t use it.
Energy Savings All Year Long
Saving money on utility bills through greater energy efficiency is a year-round objective for many co-op members, but the means for achieving this goal change along with the seasons in Texas.
What Are Power Interruptions?
The many electric devices around us today register power interruptions that went unnoticed years ago.
Save With a DIY Home Energy Audit
Whether your home is old or new, it’s likely that you’re spending more on energy costs than necessary.
Keep Balloons Away From Power Lines
If you’re in love this Valentine’s Day, declare it in ways other than releasing balloons into the sky.
Put a Freeze on Winter Fires
Home fires are most common in the winter, when folks are using heat sources to stay warm. As you stay cozy and warm this winter, be smart about fire safety.
Power Line Safety Tips
Here’s a fact you might not know: You don’t have to touch a power line to be in danger.
Time for a New Water Heater?
With an average annual cost of $400 to $600 for a household to heat water, choosing the best replacement is important.
Not All Filters Are Created Equal
Forced-air heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems require effective air filtration for optimum energy efficiency, maintaining clean(ish) ductwork and promoting good indoor air quality.
What To Do if You Crash Into a Utility Pole
Accidents happen. Would you know what to do if your car crashed into an electric utility pole? Knowing what to do could be the difference between life and death.
Fend Off the Winter Chill — & the Winter Bill
Because heating and cooling can make up nearly half your electricity use, you may experience sticker shock when you open your electric bill.
Operate Your Generator Safely
Ice storms, fallen tree branches and even animals can cause power outages.
It’s OK To Be a Winter Weather Prepper
We all know how unpredictable winter weather can be in Texas.
A New Year’s Resolution for Each Month of the Year
Making a resolution to go on a diet this January?
Safe & Smart Heating Tips
Heating a home accounts for about half of a typical winter electric bill, making it the largest expense for most consumers.
Keep Your Live Christmas Tree Fresh All Season
If you want your live Christmas tree to stay fresh until New Year’s Day, buy a really, really fresh one to start with.
Be Prepared for Winter Storms
When temperatures drop and storms hit, it can be challenging to stay safe and warm.
Which Smart Thermostat Is Right for Your Home?
Heating and cooling costs account for about half of a typical home’s energy bill, according to the Department of Energy.
Is Your Fridge up to the Task?
If Christmas dinner is at your house this year, your guests aren’t the only ones who will be stuffed.
4 Ways Santa Saves Energy in His Workshop
The holiday season is finally upon us, and Santa and his elves have been especially busy as they gear up for their biggest night of the year.
Understanding the Purchase Power Cost Adjustment (PPCA)
Bandera Electric Cooperative is a not-for-profit electric utility. We’re committed to delivering reliable, cost-effective power to our consumer-members.
Is Your Holiday Lighting Naughty or Nice?
We all want to be on Santa’s nice list, but if it’s been a while since you replaced your holiday lights, you could be on the naughty list for wasting electricity.
Safeguard Your Home This Winter
As the temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, there’s a natural inclination to create a warm and cozy haven at home.
Tips for a Safe & Healthy Thanksgiving
Here are some tips from Bandera Electric Cooperative to help keep your Thanksgiving celebration a little safer, healthier and more energy-efficient.
Efficient Holiday Lighting Strategies
Do you love decorating your home with holiday lights every year but not the higher electricity bills that come with all those lights?
Buh-Bye, Incandescent Lightbulbs
If you’ve been having trouble finding replacements for the incandescent bulbs you’ve always used in your table lamps and overhead fixtures, it’s because most have been essentially banned.
How To Use Your Fireplace for Heat
Wood-burning fireplaces are notoriously inefficient.
How To Caulk Windows
Caulking is one of the easiest home improvement tasks, and over the long term, it can save you money on your power bill. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting started.
Maintain Automatic Garage Doors for Safety
Your automatic garage door is probably the largest moving object in your home, and if you use it every day, you might open and close it more often than the front door of your house.
Electrical Safety Tips for Kids
At Bandera Electric Cooperative, we understand that your children’s health and well-being are top priority.
Keep Pets Safe & Warm This Winter
During the winter months, we all want to make sure our whole family—including four-legged members—is cozy and safe, without taking a big bite out of our budget.
Stay Safe at Home
Each year, electrical malfunctions account for thousands of home fires and injuries, hundreds of deaths, and more than $1 billion in property damage.
Prepare Your Home for Winter
Most of us have spent this brutal summer dreaming about cooler temperatures.
Don’t Let a Full House Send Energy Bills Through the Roof
Preparing a Thanksgiving feast means you’ll be using more energy than usual.
Say No to CO
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas created when common fuels such as natural gas, oil, wood or coal burn incompletely.
Where Can You Find the Most Home Energy Savings?
Many products and services claim to be energy-efficient, so it can be challenging to know where to start when it comes to cutting back.
Keep Pets Safe From Electrical Hazards
Now that the kids are back in school, it’s likely your house will sit empty for most of the day-unless you have pets.
Weatherize Your Home for Autumn
This is the time of year when many of us are waking up to darker skies.
Fall Checklist: Check for Safety, Maintenance Issues
The blistering summer heat isn’t far behind us, but it won't be long until the heating season arrives and the house is full of company for the holidays.
How Much Screen Time Is Safe for Kids?
A Bipartisan Group ln Congress hopes to make it illegal for children younger than 13 to access social media and require parents to consent before teens younger than 18 can use those platforms.
Small Appliances Are the Kitchen’s Stars
Countertop appliances are great energy savers and cut down on added heat in the kitchen.
Forgo the Garage Fridge
It's convenient or have an extra refrigerator in the house for overflow food storage during holidays and parties-but the garage Isn't necessarily the best place to put it.
Don’t Let Pets Have a Spooky Halloween
Halloween is a fun time for children and adults alike.
Q&A: Breaking Down Energy-Saving Claims
When it comes to saving energy, it can be challenging to separate fact from fiction.
Landscape With Energy Efficiency in Mind
Thoughtful landscape design can help keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter—a boon for your electric bill.
Teach Kids About School Electrical Safety
The new school year is a good time to teach your children about electrical safety.
Become a Fan of Fans
Running indoor fans on hot summer days can help your family stay cool and keep your energy bills manageable.
Don’t Shoot Overhead Lines During Dove Season
With the excitement of dove season’s arrival, many are looking to fill their hunting bags and freezers.
Make Your Home Unfriendly To Mold
Mold spores spread through the air and water and on animals.
How Smart Is Your Energy Use?
During an especially hot summer like this one has been, your energy bills may be higher than normal as you run your air conditioning system day and night.
4 Key Factors That Impact Energy Bills
Before electricity can be delivered to your home, it must first be generated at a power plant or from a renewable source.
The Power of Preparation
With severe weather events occurring more frequently, it makes sense to be prepared.
Your Lightning Questions Answered
Lightning is one of the most erratic and unpredictable characteristics of a thunderstorm.
Focus on Safety During Harvest
Advancements in agricultural technology, such as GPS auto-steer devices and autonomous tractors, mean farmers are able to decrease driver error and maximize productivity.
Spend More Time Away From Home To Stay Cool
The less time you and your family spend inside your home, the more you can save on energy costs.
Smart Tech Can Make Working From Home Work for You
Now that more businesses have invested in the technology and training necessary for employees to work remotely, many of those remote workers have chosen to stay in their home offices.
Take Control of Your August Energy Bills
Here are 5 easy ways to minimize your energy use during one of the hottest months in Texas.
Get Smart About Home Lighting
Gone are the days when a simple flip of the switch was the only choice for illuminating our homes.
Prevent Power Line Problems
Nearly everyone knows not to touch a downed power line, but you might not know that you don’t have to touch a power line to be in danger.
Post-Pandemic: Are You Still Using More Electricity?
During the pandemic, electricity use soared in many households as more parents worked from home and children attended their classes virtually.
A Simple Way To Save on AC
August is peak air conditioning season for a lot of us, and that means your energy bills might be higher now than during any other month.
Keep Your Cool: How To Stay Safe in the Texas Heat
The dog days of summer bring the warmest, muggiest temperatures of the year to Texas.
Don’t Take a Vacation From Conservation
This summer, don’t take a vacation from wise energy use just because you’re traveling.
Is Your Home Full of Energy Hogs?
Energy costs between 2 homes of similar age and size can vary greatly, depending on the residents’ habits and possessions.
Beware of Co-Op Equipment
As you spend time outside outside this summer, Bandera Electric Cooperative reminds you to use caution near electrical equipment.
BEC’s Employees Are Part of the Community
Keeping the electricity on is a lineworker’s main responsibility, but every member of Bandera Electric Coopertive crews lives and works right here in our community.
Electric Lawn Care Options Abound
Until recently, electric lawn mowers tended to be underpowered, expensive and unreliable, making them an inferior choice for many homeowners.
Celebrate America Safely
Bandera Electric Cooperative wishes you a safe and happy Independence Day!
Ways To Save Energy With Kids
Getting kids interested in saving energy can seem tough at first, but it doesn’t have to be.
Summer Conservation Tips
In the heat of a Texas summer, we all want to keep cool in the air conditioning and grab a cold drink from the fridge.
Update Windows To Save Energy
Inefficient windows allow heat to get into your house in the summer and slip out of it in the winter and are responsible for up to 30% of a home’s heating and cooling bills.
Energy-Saving Projects for the DIYer
Are you a weekend warrior? If you’re considering home improvement upgrades that save energy and money, we’ve got a couple of project ideas for you—both of which can be completed in a day or less.
Reduce Demand on Home’s Highest Energy Users
Did you know large appliances—refrigerators, dishwashers, clothes dryers and washing machines—account for the largest percentage of electricity use in the average U.S. home?
Take Control of Your Summer Electric Bills
In Texas, we expect summers to be hot, and most of us do all we can to keep our homes as comfortable as possible while outdoor temperatures edge upward.
Hurricane Season Is Here
Storm surges or tides, heavy rainfall, high winds, rip currents, and tornadoes are some of the hazards hurricanes can unleash.
Prepare Now for Severe Storms
Bandera Electric Cooperative stays at the ready for severe storms that might impact our area, this summer and year-round.
Don’t Try To Hide Transformer Boxes
Beautifying our homes is important to many of us.
Stay Cool With the Right Fan
If you’re looking for a way to keep from turning your air conditioning on, reach for your ceiling fan instead.
Unplug To Connect This Father’s Day
Author Anne Lamott cleverly captures the benefits of unplugging in today’s device-driven, multitasking world: “Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.”
Teach Kids About Electrical Safety
It’s never too early to teach your children about the potential dangers of electricity and how to live and play safely around it indoors and out.
Pamper Them With Practical Kitchen Appliances
Don’t know what to get the happy couple whose wedding is right around the corner?
Work Safely on the Job & at Home
Electrocution is the fourth-leading cause of work-related deaths among construction workers, according to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, with an average of one worker electrocuted every day across the country.
Energy Efficiency Can Be Raised in a Barn
Planning to build a new barn or outbuilding on your property? You can make it more energy efficient by following these tips.
Kids’ Energy Efficiency Experiment: Insulation
Kids today are growing up in a world reliant on information technology, which in turn relies on electrical energy.
Is Your Attic’s Insulation Adequate?
When your home isn’t properly sealed and insulated, hot and cold air sneak in and escape, making your air conditioning system work harder and your home less comfortable.
Less Expensive Home Cooling Options
If you live in a home with no air conditioning and are dreading the high temperatures that summer is sure to bring, it may be time to invest in a little comfort.
Scams Evolve With Technology
Technology is paving the way for innovations in the ways energy is used, produced, stored and shared.
Why Is My Electric Bill More Than My Neighbor’s?
You may a TV, microwave, electric range and cooktop, refrigerator, heat pump, and computer.
Your Dryer Needs Cleaning Beyond the Lint Trap
You probably peel the lint out of your clothes dryer’s lint trap after every load of laundry.
3 Is Better Than 2
2-prong outlets are considered outdated and dangerous due to their lack of grounding.
Organize Cords, for Safety’s Sake
The typical desk or entertainment center houses a tangle of wires and cables.
Contractor Scam Season Is Here
Bandera Electric Coopertive will never send anyone to your house to ask you if you need work done.
Start Your Own Energy Audit
Even new homes could benefit from an energy audit that helps identify ways to reduce energy use.
Avoid Overloaded Circuits
A circuit happens when too much electricity demand is placed on an electrical circuit.
Summer Efficiency Upgrades To Help You Save
Spring and summer are opportune times for home upgrades and DIY projects.
This Mother’s Day, Clean the House
This Mother's day, give Mom and the whole family a gift that everyone can appreciate: a clean house.
5 Reasons To Plant a Tree in Your Yard
Hot summer days aren’t far off. Why not start thinking about planting some shade trees in your yard to keep your family cool?
Make Safety Priority Number 1 When Doing Home Projects
More people are doing their own home remodeling, repairs, maintenance, landscaping and construction projects.
Don’t Fall Victim to Utility Scams
Unfortunately, in today's world, scams are inevitable.
How To Dispose of Electronics
If you have heaps of broken and outdated computers, monitors, micro-wave ovens and vacuum cleaners because you don’t know what to do with them, read on.
Don’t Wait for Summer To Get Your AC Inspected
A springtime can prevent your air conditioning system from going on the fritz later, when the weather is so hot that you won’t want to be without the AC for even a few hours.
10 Do’s & Don’ts for Using Portable Generators
As much as Bandera Electric Cooperative plans and prepares to prevent power outages, they can still happen because of circumstances out of our control.
Spring Clean Inside & Out
You're ready for spring, but is your house ready?
Electric Vehicle Questions Answered
As Electric Vehicles continue to gain popularity, we regularly receive inquiries about them from Bandera Electric Cooperative members.
Simple Kitchen Upgrades Improve Look & Function
Whether you've just moved in or have lived in your home for years, a few user-friendly kitchen updates can give you more for less.
Garden for Beauty, Bounty & Efficiency
National Gardening Day on April 14 is a timely opportunity to think about how you can plant and grow more cheaply and efficiently.
Be Bright With Smart Lighting
It seems like everything is getting smarter these days—and that includes home lighting.
Utility Poles Are Not Bulletin Boards
Help us keep our lineworkers safe.
Spruce Up Your Business’ Energy Savings
It's almost tax time, and if your business owes taxes, you might be feeling some additional financial pressure due to economic inflation.
Spring Brings a Chance To Save
The spring equinox occurs March 20, harkening warmer weather and longer days—and the temptation to use more electricity.
Add an Energy Review To Yearly Spring Checklist
Warm weather has a way of making things grow: flowers, grass and your to-do list.
Inspect Outdoor Tools Before Starting Yardwork
Can't wait to get outside to start sprucing up your yard for spring?
5 Hacks To Get Better Performance From Kitchen Appliances
Did you know the shape of a container affects how evenly food cooks in a microwave?
Stay Safe During Windy Months
The old adaget, “In like a lion, out like a lamb,” refers to March starting out stormy and ending calmly—and that includes wind patterns.
Breaking Down Energy-Saving Claims
When it comes to saving energy, it can be confusing to figure out what works and what doesn’t.
Tune Up Your Air Conditioner
Really hot weather is still a couple of months away, but it’s never too early to think about whether your central air conditioning system can make it through 1 more summer.
Grilling Safety
Grilling doesn't go out of season in a state like Texas, so this March, when you’re enjoying your outdoor grill, remember these timeless safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association.
Don’t Go Out on a Limb
Safety for you and your children is a top priority at your electric co-op. Kids don’t always know—or remember—what can be dangerous, so it’s up to all of us to watch out for them.
Window Films Block Radiant Heat
Now that the temperatures are rising, the sunshine that peeked through your windows to warm your home in winter might not be so welcome.
How We Approach Load Shedding
It has been 2 years since the cold snap that led many of the state’s electric utilities, including Bandera Electric Cooperative, to implement load shedding, or rolling outages.
Generator Safety
Portable generators are a godsend during a prolonged electrical outage—just be sure to use extreme caution while operating them.
Romance and Energy Savings: A Valentine’s Day Win-Win
Got romance on your mind this Valentine’s Day?
Consider Upgrading Your Electrical Service
If your lighs flicker or go out or circuits blow when you plug in electronics or appliances, your home may need an electric service upgrade.
Working Alarms Could Save Your Life
If your home has a fireplace or any gas appliances, you should install carbon monoxide alarms in or near every bedroom.
Points To Consider Before Replacing Windows
If your home's windows are very old, and if you can feel a chill when you stand near them when the weather is cold, you might consider replacing them.
5 Ways To Save Energy When Working From Home
These days, more Americans are working from home than ever before. More time spent at home means more energy used throughout the day.
Show Your Home Some Love
In February, you might find yourself thinking of ways to show your loved ones how much you appreciate them, so why not take the opportunity to give your home some extra attention as well?
Hints for Home Heating
Winter is here, and so are the utility bills associated with heating your home. Heating and cooling your home can account for as much as 40% or more of your utility bills.
Super Bowl TV Shopping? Think Efficiency
The run-up the Super Bowl is 1 of the most popular times to purchase a new TV.
Teach Indoor Electrical Safety to Youngsters
When winter temper atures force families to spend more time inside, seize the opportunity to teach children about indoor electrical safety.
Difference Between EE & Conservation
As shifting attitudes emphasize the importance of being mindful of our natural resources, energy efficiency and conservation have become an international movement.
Fast (& Free) Winter Warmups
Cutting back on energy use is an easy way to keep your hard-earned money in your pocket, but that doesn’t mean it has to leave you shivering.
What’s on That Pole?
A utility pole might seem simple—a wooden post with wires—but it’s surprisingly complex.
5 Ways To Fight Winter’s Chill & Reduce Bills
We all have our favorite season. Some people love bundling up under a blanket, while others prefer the warm temperatures summer brings.
Put Electrical Safety at the Top of Your List
Protecting your family from electric shocks, tripping hazards and house fires is easier than losing 20 pounds or quitting smoking. So make it New Year’s resolution No. 1.
Understanding Energy Use
Have you ever looked at your energy bill and thought “how could it be this high?” or “how am I using so much energy?”
Store Electric Decorations Safely After Christmas
Every year after the holidays, you carefully zip your artificial Christmas tree into a waterproof bag.
’Tis the Season for Extension Cords
'Tis the season to unpack the extension cords and plug way too many devices into them.
Surprise Kids With Electric Toys Under the Tree
The "Best Toys" list for the holiday season include a few items that teach about electricity or use it to operate.
Merry Christmas From BEC’s Member Relations Team
Bandera Electric Cooperative employs local people in our offices working to serve its membership.
Is Your Holiday Décor Naughty or Nice?
Whether you've already decked your halls or you’re just getting started, there’s still time to incorporate energy savings into your holiday décor.
Place & Program Thermostats Carefully To Save
When it's cold outside, it’s tempting to leave the thermostat at a set temperature so it’s warm inside when you get home.
LEDs: A Bright Idea for Stocking Stuffers
It's unlikely that anyone in your household has asked Santa for a gift of energy savings but slipping an energy-efficient lightbulb into a stocking could be a good way to keep energy efficiency top of mind this holiday season.
Don’t Ignore Your Water Heater
You probably never see it, but your water heater works hard all year round to make sure your family can take hot showers, rinse caked-on food o. of dishes and wash your clothes at any temperature you choose.
Save Energy—Even With a Full House
Even with a house full of company and decorations lighting up the season, you might be able to save energy during the decadent month of December compared to last year.
Cool Off Your Winter Energy Bill
You've budgeted for holiday gifts, meals, maybe a vacation—and with money tight, that doesn’t leave much room for home energy efficiency upgrades.
Decorate Safely
If you're ready to start hanging Christmas lights, do so safely.
Give Space Heaters Their Space
Space heaters can work wonders on the coldest winter days to warm rooms.
Be an Energy Owl—Not a Turkey—This Thanksgiving
You can almost smell it, can’t you?
Only Crackpots Take Potshots
It doesn’t take a crack shot to hit an electric insulator or transformer, just a crackpot.
Co-ops Appreciate, Employ Veterans
Electric Cooperative believe that hiring and caring for veterans and military spouses strengthen our work and our communities.
Plant Trees Away From Power Lines
The right tree planted in the right place can add natural beauty to any landscape, but a tree in the wrong place can become expensive to maintain and even dangerous—especially if it grows too close to power lines.
Use the Kitchen Efficiently While Cooking
Slow-cooked, hearty foods are fall and holiday favorites, yet the energy required to cook them can represent a significant portion of your monthly energy bill.
5 Ways To Prepare Your Home for Winter
Cold weather, ice and snow can do real damage to your home if you don’t take the time to prepare it before winter arrives.
How Natural Gas Costs Affect Electricity Prices
In the past year, consumers have felt the effects of price increases at gas pumps, grocery stores and with most goods.
Holiday Entertaining Safety Checklists
As Thanksgiving and Christmas approach, use these tips to ensure that your home is ready for the festive activities of the holiday season.
Clean Summer Tools Before Storing Them
As you enjoy the last warm days of the season, take an afternoon to clean and store equipment that you won’t use much until next spring.
Get Your Home Ready for Cooler Weather
Heating season will be here before you know it.
10 Bad Energy Habits To Break
Some habits are so ingrained that we don’t even realize we should break them.
Celebrate Your Electric Cooperative in October
Every October, the folks who work at your electric cooperative celebrate Cooperative Month.
Shoo Away Vampires This Halloween
Little ghosts, goblins, and princesses are a welcome sight outside your door for trick-or-treating on Halloween night.
Is It OK To Switch Between AC & Heat During the Fall?
Warm fall days can turn chilly once the sun goes down—enough that you might be tempted to run your air conditioning during the day and then turn on the heat at night.
Weatherize Your Home for Winter
October 30 marks Weatherization Day, a perfect time for a reminder about the many benefits of weatherizing your home as many Texans prepare for colder temperatures in the upcoming months.
Weathering the Storm
Floods. Wind. Rain. Ice.
Easy Steps to Greater Efficiency
Do you want to save money and electricity but have limited time, money and patience?
Keep Your Patio Cool in the Summer
Nothing brings family, neighbors and friends together better in the summer than a cookout on a fully equipped patio.
Interested in Solar? Let’s Talk!
Bandera Electric Cooperative is committed to helping our members find affordable, reliable and safe energy options.
Easy Steps to Greater Efficiency
Do you want to save money and electricity but have limited time, money and patience?
5 Tips for Better Indoor Air Quality
We spend a lot of time inside. In fact, the average person spends 90% of their life indoors, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Seal Drafts for a More Comfortable Home
Drafts are a common problem, particularly in older homes, where about half of the conditioned air leaks to the outside every hour.
Stay Cool During August Heat
Unless you keep your thermostat so low that you send your cooling bill through the roof in August, it’s a good idea to find some energy-friendly ways to keep your cool during the hottest month of the year.
Retrofitting Your Manufactured Home for Energy Efficiency
If you live in a manufactured home, chances are you may have a disproportionately higher energy bill than a family living in a modular or traditional wood-frame home.
New Utility Scams Capitalize on COVID
A spate of scams is targeting utility customers, as fraudsters alter their strategies and seek to capitalize on vulnerabilities created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Is Your Home Full of Energy Hogs?
Energy costs between 2 homes of similar age and size can vary greatly, depending on the residents’ habits and possessions.
Ways To Save Energy With Kids
Getting kids interested in saving energy can seem tough at first, but it doesn’t have to be.
The Power Is in Your Hands
Did you know that every electric cooperative in the country shares the same 7 principles?
Don’t Make the AC Work Too Hard
Summertime seems to be getting hotter every year, and this summer is no exception.
Electric Lawn Care Options Abound
Until recently, electric lawn mowers tended to be underpowered, expensive and unreliable, making them an inferior choice for many homeowners.
Update Windows To Save Energy
Inefficient windows allow heat to get into your house in the summer and slip out of it in the winter and are responsible for up to 30% of a home’s heating and cooling bills.
Fiber App Support Tips & Helpful Features To Know
Having problems with your Wi-Fi speed, network password, or device security?
Kitchen Appliances That Save Time & Energy
Whether your oven and stovetop are powered by gas or electricity, it’s no secret that they consume more energy than smaller countertop appliances, like slow cookers and toaster ovens.
Use Caution With DIY Electrical Work
With folks spending more time at home, more and more homeowners have been inspired to tackle do-it-yourself projects.
Start With a Home Energy Audit
Want to make home efficiency upgrades but don’t know where to start?
Summertime Saving Strategies
Another long, hot Texas summer is on its way.
What You Get With Upgrading Your BEC Fiber App
The myBECfiber app has been helping members ever since its launch; making it easier to navigate your home’s internet and Wi-Fi systems, with a user-friendly setup.
Prepare for Summer Storms
The summer months ahead make conditions right for dangerous storms, and hurricane season kicks off June 1.
The Benefits of Solar Energy With the Help of BEC
In today’s modern world, technology is constantly changing and improving.
Consider Rechargeable Power Tools for Dad
If Dad likes tackling home projects, adding a rechargeable or electric tool to his kit might be a welcome Father’s Day gift.
A Natural Legacy
The pressure of development across the Texas Hill Country is hard to miss, but then again so are the thousands of acres of protected cherished landscapes that the public still enjoys.
Unplug To Cool Off & Beat the Peak
We’re in the thick of it. Summer’s heat is near its peak, school’s out, vacations are underway, and the Fourth of July is here again.
Why Aren’t All Power Lines Underground?
Whenever a hurricane, wildfire or other natural disaster causes a widespread power outage, people tend to ask a logical question: Why don’t they put power lines underground?
Make Plans To Charge Your EV at Home
If you’re considering purchasing an electric vehicle, be sure to plan how you will charge your EV at home.
10 Tips To Put You in Power
Making 1 or 2 small changes in how you use electricity might not have a huge impact on your electric bill, but the cumulative effect of lots of changes can make a big difference.
Get Ready for the Energy Star Tax Holiday
Mark your calendar for the Energy Star Sales Tax Holiday, May 28 through 30.
3 Cutting-Edge Technologies To Save Energy at Home
Innovative approaches to traditional technologies are helping homeowners realize energy savings.
Save Electricity This Summer
When it comes to electricity, the less you use, the more you’ll save. Here are some easy ways to cut down your use of electricity this summer.
Beware of Warm-Weather Scammers
Your electric cooperative will never send anyone to your house to ask you if you need work done.
Stay Safe During a Power Outage
Spring is a busy time on the meteorological calendar in Texas—peak tornado season and just weeks before hurricane season begins in June.
Celebrate Electrical Safety Month
It’s May, and BEC is celebrating National Electrical Safety Month.
4 Tips To Reduce Standby Power
When your TV, computer and other appliances are plugged in, they are draining electricity—all day, every day—even when they’re turned off.
Do’s & Don’ts for Pressure Cookers
Electric pressure cookers have gained popularity as a fast and efficient way of cooking.
Limit How Many Appliances Share an Outlet
How many appliances do you have plugged into the power strip in your living room?
Storm Safety in Spring
Beware: Spring can usher in more than April showers.
Energy-Saving Claims: Do They Work?
With so much guidance out there about how to save electricity, it’s sometimes hard to determine what’s useful and what isn’t.
Conserve With Your Co-Op on Earth Day
Earth Day is considered 1 of the world’s largest civic events, and on April 22 we can all be part of this global movement to help the environment.
Co-Op Outage Maps Keep You Informed
Electric cooperatives across the country use a powerful tool to aid power restoration and keep you informed during an outage.
How To Seal Air Leaks With Caulk
Air leaks can waste a lot of energy dollars, letting hot air inside during the warmer months and allowing drafts during the cooler season.
How To Do a 3-Step HVAC Test
As temperatures rise, so do electric bills as air conditioners run more. A 3-step heating, ventilating and air conditioning test can help you determine if your AC unit is running at peak efficiency.
High Energy Bills Giving You the Blues?
High Energy Bills Giving You the Blues? Don’t let colder temperatures get you down.
Have a Plan for When Power Outages Strike
Winter can bring beautiful days for brisk walks and snow angels
Your Home’s Outlets Aren’t All-Powerful
Are your electrical outlets overstuffed with power strips, extension cords and outlet splitters?
The Power of Energy Efficiency
Do energy-saving measures in my home make a big difference?
Pellet Stoves: Convenient & Efficient
A wood-burning fireplace can be an effective heat source, but another type of heating appliance can provide the same ambiance while adding convenience and efficiency: pellet stoves.
DIY: Hot Water Pipe Insulation
Insulating your hot water pipes is a do-it-yourself project that might take only a few hours but can help you consume up to 4% less electricity annually.
Top 8 Reasons You Need Fiber for Your Home
Internet connectivity is an essential part of our daily lives.
Weather Winter Storms Safely
When winter conditions strike, staying safe and warm can be challenging.
Use Generators Safely
Despite the best efforts of BEC, power outages happen.
Don’t Dread the Post-Christmas Electric Bill
Opening Christmas presents is fun, but opening the electricity bill after the holidays might not be.
The Electrical Naughty List
This Christmas, don’t let Santa (or your electric cooperative or fire department) hear about you committing any of the no-nos on the electrical naughty list.
Fly Drones Safely
If you find a drone under the Christmas tree this season, be sure to take time to learn how to use it safely.
Let Your Home Be Bright— & Safe
Holiday decorations brighten Christmas, but the National Fire Protection Association reports that holiday lights and other light-up decor are involved in an average of 160 house fires each year, causing millions of dollars in property damage.
Your Home’s 5 Biggest Energy Hogs
A home’s hungriest energy consumers are the appliances left running all day or for days at a time. Here’s a look at the top five electricity eaters and some tips on how to stave off their appetites:
Splurge on Surge Protection
Whether at home or at work, no one likes it when electrical devices or equipment fails because of power surges.
Don’t Burn Up Heat in the Fireplace
If you use an old-fashioned fireplace, you can do a few things to improve its efficiency:
Stop High Winter Bills Before They Start
Last winter brought life-threatening weather extremes to Texas.
Don’t Let a Phone Call Ruin Christmas
2021 has been hard on all of us.
Home Safety Checklist for Older Adults
Last year, more than 1 million people 65 years and older were treated in emergency rooms for injuries associated with accidents at home.
Spare Change Can Change Lives
We’ve always been told it’s the little things that count in life: being kind to our neighbors, returning a lost wallet, picking up after ourselves while enjoying the great outdoors.
Add Energy Efficiency to Your Thanksgiving Menu
It takes a lot of energy to cook all day and to host a house full of company for Thanksgiving.
Weatherproof To Stay Warm
Weatherproofing is an inexpensive way to save money on energy bills during the winter.
Conserve Energy As the Weather Cools
It’s tempting to turn the heat on as soon as the weather starts to cool in the fall and early winter.
Celebrate Holidays Safely During Pandemic
It’s hard to think about another year of parties, family gatherings, church services and shopping trips you might have to skip this holiday season as you and your family continue to keep yourselves safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Beware of Contractor Scams
With more folks working from home, more people are hiring contractors to complete house repairs.
Balloons & Power Lines Don’t Mix
Mylar balloons are the metallic shiny, silver-like balloons which cause thousands of power outages each year when they float away and come into contact with power lines.
Straight Shooting on Safety
Texans love to hunt. There’s suspense and excitement and escape from the daily routine.
Entertain Safely This Thanksgiving
As Thanksgiving approaches, use this checklist to ensure your home is ready for all the festivities of the holiday season.
Couple Turns Hobby Into Popular Public Attraction
For a motorcycle enthusiast, the road is more than a means of travel, it’s a destination.
Natural History Museum Brings New Spain Art to Bandera
Juan Carlos Infante is a hopeless romantic who loves going all out for the people he believes in.
The Need To Get Along
Message from BEC CEO, Bill Hetherington
Co-Ops Are Preparing for EVs
With almost every major automaker announcing plans for electric vehicles paired with the federal government’s push to have the nation lead the way in EV technology, Bandera Electric Cooperative must be prepared.
Keep Utility Poles Free of Obstructions
A utility pole might look like a convenient and free bulletin board, fence post or light pole, but before you tack on a yard sale sign, wrap it in barbed wire or attach a light fixture, think twice.
Members Improve Homes With BEC Energy Saver Program
It was getting late, and Gail Chappell decided it was time to turn in for the night.
Ventilate for the Best Indoor Air Quality
Air-sealing techniques, including applying caulk, foam and weatherstripping, help with energy efficiency, but they might hamper indoor air quality if a home does not have proper ventilation.
Tips for a Safe & Fa-Boo-lous Halloween
No holiday can match the fun of trick-or-treating and costume parties on Halloween.
Passive Solar Home FAQ
What is a passive solar home?
Prepare for Extreme Storms
Storms hammer Co-op Country with increasing frequency and severity, and they can create challenging conditions.
Add Insulation To Keep Warm
As the season changes to cooler weather, your thoughts also might turn to keeping out the coming winter cold.
Fall Checklist: Address Safety, Maintenance Issues
The blistering summer heat isn’t far behind us, but it won’t be long until heating season arrives and the house is full of family for the holidays.
Take Extra Care With Space Heaters
They’re convenient and come with all kinds of built-in safety features, but space heaters still contribute to more than 40% of house fires and 81% of house fire-related deaths, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
Co-Op Month Is Cause for Celebration
Every October, cooperatives of all types recognize National Cooperative Month.
Symbol of the Past Ready for Business of the Future
It was just about lunchtime when Rebecca Norton found herself once again looking through some old photos at the Frontier Times Museum in Bandera.
Electrical Safety Basics for Children
Parents should teach children a valuable, potentially lifesaving lesson: Respect electricity.
Leave Lawn Ready for Spring
Before your lawn goes dormant for the season, give it a little pampering so that it will look its best next year.
A Smart Home Can Make Telework Easier
Now that many offices and stores have fully reopened, droves of office workers have moved their workspaces from their homes back to their normal workplaces.
Understanding Power Blinks & Surges
Have you ever noticed your lights blink during a thunderstorm?
Don’t Fall Victim to Utility Scams
Every day, millions of Americans are targeted by scammers through phone calls, emails, text messages, websites and in person.
Echo Hill Ranch Welcomes Campers Again After 13 Years
The year was 1953 and Texas was in the middle of one of the worst droughts in its history.
Linemen Clear Hazard, Help Motorist
As Lineman First Class Jon Williams and Line Foreman John Hernandez drove down Highway 173 on their way to a job in Kerrville, they figured it would be just like any other day.
Make Up for High Pandemic Bills With Wise Energy Use
You zoomed, you teleworked, you ate dinner at home every night, and you stayed in on weekends. And you have your energy bill as proof.
Energy Savings for Fall
It might not seem like it now, but colder weather is on its way, even if it takes a while to get to Texas.
The Internet Speed Showdown. Which 1 Is Right for You?
There was a time when dial-up internet was all we had.
Utility Poles Are Not Bulletin Boards
Although seemingly innocent enough, putting signs or other items on utility poles creates serious safety hazards.
General Store Revival Brings Community Together
If you’ve ever driven through the town of Pipe Creek, you’ve likely seen the Pipe Creek General Store and Dance Hall.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Facts & Myths
There’s a lot of information floating around about electric vehicles, but not all of it is reliable.
Cool Your Home With Houseplants
You know it’s coming, and there’s nothing you can do to stop it.
Will Appliance Upgrades Really Save You Money?
Energy-efficient appliances are all the rage these days, and who doesn’t want to save a few bucks?
8 Tips for Summer Savings
Just as you can cut back on driving to save fuel, you also can limit the amount of electricity you use at home by cutting excess.
Springtime Electrical To-Do List
It’s time to throw open the windows and welcome warm weather.
Use Generators Safely When RV Camping
Family vacations this year might mean camping to avoid crowds and public spaces.
The Lint Trap Isn’t the Only Fire Trap
If you scrape the lint out of your clothes dryer’s lint trap after every load, you’re doing a lot to prevent the appliance from catching on fire.
Remember Electrical Safety in May
May’s designation as National Electrical Safety Month makes it a good time to review electrical hazards and think about how to keep common household dangers at bay.
Understanding Power Outages
Although Bandera Electric Cooperative does everything it can to reduce the possibility of power outages, they still occur.
Call a Licensed Electrical Contractor
Maybe you’ve heard before that you need to hire a licensed electrician for electrical upgrades and repairs.
What’s an Air Break Switch & Why Do We Need Them?
Have you ever heard the term Air Break Switch?
Ask Your Representative or Senator To Support Electric Cooperatives
Contact Your Representative or Senator Today
Filter for Efficiency
Checking, changing or cleaning your air filter once a month saves money and extends the life of your home’s heating, ventilating and air conditioning system.
Beware of DIY Electrical Work
A quick search on YouTube yields do-it-yourself instructional videos on almost any topic, including electrical repairs and upgrades.
Sealing Air Leaks, Step by Step
Drafts and uncomfortable temperature swings are challenges with many older homes and can be a big energy (and money) waster.
Plan Ahead for Life Support During Power Outages
For people who rely on life support equipment at home, a power outage could be a matter of life or death.
Dos and Don’ts of Power Outages
Power is something we often take for granted.
The Benefits of Capital Credits
There are so many perks that come with co-op membership, but capital credits are perhaps the best.
Cool Efficiently This Summer
Make sure your A/C is in shape for summer.
Tackle Yardwork Safely
With warmer temperatures comes an increase in outdoor activity, especially for homeowners getting their yards and gardens back into shape.
How Your Electric Co-Op Is Governed
Bandera Electric Cooperative functions under a unique business model.
Stay Away From Scams That Promise Savings
As interest in green energy programs grows, consumers are discovering that not every claim to energy efficiency is true.
Keep Appliances Safe
We use electrical appliances to heat, cool, clean and perform countless other chores around our homes and businesses every day.
Garden Efficiently
An efficient garden can provide a relaxing place to unwind and enhance the energy efficiency of your home.
Spring Cleaning Tips for Energy Efficiency
Spring cleaning time has arrived!
Saving Energy Is Just As Green as Solar Panels
Most electricity comes from large power plants that produce many megawatts for widespread consumption, but concerns over the environment and electricity costs have prompted some consumers to invest in their own power supplies.
How To Cut the Cord
Watch the video below for a recording of our most recent virtual event explaining how to cut the cord.
Co-Op Principle: Autonomy & Independence
BEC Empowers Member-Owners
Pay Attention to Appliance Safety
Most of us use multiple small appliances—coffee makers, irons, hair dryers, microwaves—every day.
Stay Warm, Save Energy
Here are a few simple energy savers that you might consider trying this season:
Get the Most Life out of Lightbulbs
Does it seem like your lightbulbs are not lasting as long as they should? After all, CFLs and LEDs are supposed to last longer than incandescent bulbs, right? Not always.
7 Reasons To Love Your Co-Op
Happy Valentine’s Day, members of Bandera Electric Cooperative! We want to share some of the reasons to love your electric cooperative.
5 Ways To Stay Cozy This Winter
Baby, it’s cold outside! If you’re feeling chilly at home, there are several budget-friendly ways you can keep comfortable without turning up the thermostat.
Control Moisture To Control Costs
Moisture levels in your home can have a big effect on how the space feels.
Don’t Repeat the Blackouts of 2011
Do you remember February 2011, when much of Texas experienced rolling blackouts?
Healthy Home Hygiene
Maintaining home hygiene during the colder months, when many people spend more time indoors, is important to prevent the spread of germs.
Start the New Year Right With Energy Savings
To conserve energy and save money on your electric bill, there are energy-saving steps you can take now and ways to realize greater savings later.
For Extra Value, Add Extra Safety to Your Fireplace
A fire in the hearth is a warm and welcoming part of winter for many Texans, but flames inside the home should always be tended safely.