FAQs

Get answers to all your questions in our FAQs directory

Payments & Financing

This is used to recover the cooperative's increase in debt cost since the present rates were designed and approved last. As time passes, new loan funds are required to upgrade the distribution system. These adjustments eliminate the need for expensive rate case hearings every few months. This debt adjustment figure changes quarterly. Changes in these adjustments are reported to and audited by the Arkansas Public Service Commission.

This reflects the difference in the cooperative's monthly increase or decrease in the wholesale cost of power as compared to the cost at the time the current rates were designed. A decrease in costs appears as a credit (CR) on the bill. These rates were approved by the Arkansas Public Service Commission. This figure changes monthly because of the different types of fuel used to generate electricity and the amount of electrical demand that is placed on the entire generating system.

This is a line item almost all electric utilities charge. It helps to cover the minimum costs that are required to make service available to every meter on the system - costs that remain no matter how much electricity is sold. Some of the fixed cost the availability charge covers are trimming and clearing right-of-way; truck maintenance and equipment; poles, meters and wires. It is not based on usage and is the same amount for all residential members. As the name implies, it is the cost to make electricity available to you.

AVECC Rate Increase FAQ- ARKANSAS

1Q. How much of a rate increase has AVECC filed for?

1A. AVECC is filing for an 8.5% overall rate increase for AR ratepayers.

2Q. Will every member experience an 8.5% increase?

2A. Each rate’s specific percentage increase will vary.

3Q. Which part of my bill will experience the increase?

3A. All parts of the rate will see an increase, including availability, energy, demand, and light charges.

4Q. When did AVECC file for the rate increase?

4A. AVECC filed for the rate change in January of 2023 and published an official notice in the January issue of Arkansas Living.

5Q. When will the rate increase be implemented?

5A. If approved by the Arkansas Public Service Commission, we will begin implementing on bills rendered after April 1, 2023.

6Q. Is AVECC deciding to implement a rate increase on its own?

6A. AVECC is rate-regulated by the Arkansas Public Service Commission, which means we can’t increase our rates without proving the rate change is just and reasonable.

7Q. When was the last time AVECC implemented a rate increase?

7A. The last rate increase implemented to generate AVECC additional margin was in 2013, approximately 10 years ago.

8Q. Why does AVECC need to implement a rate increase?

8A. AVECC needs a rate increase because over the last 10 years, our costs for materials and services have increased significantly.

9Q. How will a rate increase affect cooperative members?

9A. Increasing rates will ensure our members are provided with high-quality, reliable service.

10Q. What will the average impact be for the ratepayer?

10A. The average impact to a residential ratepayer is approximately $13/month.

Q. What will the average fees look like?

A. There will be a $7.50 increase in the availability charge and approximately $5.50 increase in energy-related charges.

AVECC Rate Increase FAQ- OKLAHOMA

1Q. How much of a rate increase has AVECC filed for?

1A. AVECC is filing for a 2.21% overall rate increase rate increase for Oklahoma ratepayers.

2Q. Will every member experience an 2.21% increase?

2A. Each rate’s specific percentage increase will vary.

3Q. When did AVECC file for the rate increase?

3A. AVECC filed for the rate change in January of 2023, at which point Oklahoma members will also be mailed a letter, a rate increase notice, and a petition form.

4Q. When will the rate increase be implemented?

4A. If approved by the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, we will begin implementing on bills rendered after April 1, 2023.

5Q. Is AVECC deciding to implement a rate increase on its own?

5A. AVECC is rate-regulated by the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, which means we

can’t increase our rates without proving the rate change is just and reasonable.

6Q. When was the last time AVECC implemented a rate increase?

6A. The last rate increase approved to generate AVECC additional margin was in 2019, approximately 3 years ago.

7Q. Why does AVECC need to implement a rate increase?

7A. AVECC needs a rate increase because over the last few years, our costs for materials and services have increased significantly.

8Q. How will a rate increase affect cooperative members?

8A. Increasing rates will ensure our members are provided with high-quality, reliable service.

9Q. What will the average impact be for the ratepayer?

9A. The average impact to a residential ratepayer is approximately $2.60/month.

10Q. What will the average fees look like?

10A. There will be a $7.50 increase in the availability cost and approximately $4.90 decrease in energy-related charges.

No more misplaced bills and clutter with paperless billing from Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative!

It’s easy, convenient and FREE. No more keeping up with paper bills, checks, or stamps. Receive your bill by mail or email.

Using Online Pay with Paperless Billing:

Receive monthly email bill notices through e-bill
Safe and secure – all online transactions are processed securely
Pay with one-time credit card or through your checking account
Payments are made immediately; no more worrying about mailing in your payment

For even more convenience, sign up for paperless billing with automatic bank or credit card draft and stop worrying about due dates!

To setup e-bill or if you have any questions about paperless billing, please feel free to contact us at 1-800-468-2176 Option 3.

Setup e-bill online

Go to: MyAVECC

Log into your account and click the "Settings" tab,
Select "Paperless Billing" from the drop-down menu, and
Click the slider under "Go Paperless."

We currently have 10 PaySite Kiosks distributed in eight towns across our service area:

Poteau

Choctaw Travel Plaza: 4105 N Broadway St.

Russellville

10Box Cost Plus (Harps): 100 S. Knoxville Ave., Russellville

Sallisaw

10Box (Harps): 600 E Cherokee Ave

Van Buren

Harps: 120 Cloverleaf Plaza, Van Buren

Waldron

Harps: 1350 W. 6th Street, Waldron

Many stores in AVECC's service territory accept and process bill payments for a variety of vendors. If these stores are set up with the CheckFree Pay system, you may* be able to pay your AVECC bill at those locations. Fees will apply.

*NOTES:

This list is subject to change at any time.
AVECC is not responsible for the contents of the CheckFree Pay list or decisions regarding the acceptance of AVECC payments.
These stores are NOT associated with AVECC and we strongly recommend you contact the store directly to ensure they accept AVECC payments.
Please allow 3-5 business days for your payment to post to your AVECC account.

To find a store near you, go to the CheckFree Pay search page and enter your zip code.

Use the MyAVECC to set-up or update Auto-Recurring payments, One-Time scheduled payments or Pay your bill now, for your electric bill. This is a self-service Portal.

No. You CANNOT use this Portal to update Bank Draft, which is set up and maintained by AVECC only. If you are on Bank Draft, the funds will draft from your selected bank account on the bill due date.

If you are unsure if you are on Bank Draft or Auto-Recurring payments, please contact our office to clarify.

No one likes being charged a credit card “convenience fee” when paying their electric bill, including us. That’s why Arkansas Valley Electric worked an agreement with the company that processes our credit and debit card payments that allows you to pay your bill without being charged a fee. We are able to offer no convenience fees when you use the following payment options:

Pay Online
PrePay
Automatic Bank Draft
Automatic Credit Card Draft
Pay by Phone
AVECC Mobile App payments
PaySite Kiosks

Note on Credit Card Payments: Through this arrangement, we accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. No other credit or debit cards are currently accepted. There is also a maximum credit/debit card payment of $2,500.00 per member number in a 25-day period.

We understand that unexpected expenses or circumstances may come our way from time to time. That is why at Arkansas Valley Electric we try to work with our members as much as possible. If you are experiencing financial hardship, we would like to offer opportunities to help you.

Before the “shut-off date” listed on your bill, you may use any of the following assistance programs:

Call our office to arrange a Delayed Payment Agreement (DPA). We will defer the remainder of your bill to your following 3 months bills.
Call our office to request an extension.
Log into your account and request an extension online. Once logged in, click on the “Usage” tab and select “Arrangements”.
Visit any of our offices to fill out a form for Sales Tax Exemption. Qualifying low income residential members with total household income of $12,000 or less or business members with tax-exempt status may be exempt from sales tax on the first 500 KWh used each month.
Contact one of the following agencies for payment assistance:

Agencies for Payment Assistance

Arkansas
- ARVAC Inc.: 479-229-4861
- Crawford, Sebastian Comm. Dev. Council Inc. (C-SCDC): 479-785-2303
- Community Outreach Service (COS) Paris: 479-963-3300
- Help Network Inc.: 501-967-7890
- Crawford County DHS: 479-474-7595
- Franklin County DHS: 479-667-2379
- Johnson County DHS: 479-754-2355
- Logan County DHS (Paris): 479-963-2783
- Logan County DHS (Booneville): 479-675-3091
- Madison County DHS: 479-738-2161
- Newton County DHS: 479-446-2237
- Pope County DHS: 479-968-5596
- Scott County DHS: 479-637-4141
- Sebastian County DHS: 479-646-6211
- Yell County DHS: 479-495-2723
Oklahoma
- Sequoyah County
- Sequoyah County Human Services: 918-775-4463
- Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma: 918-775-6834
- Leflore County
- Oklahoma Dept. of Human Services: 918-649-2300 or 800-482-8988
- Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma: 800-522-6170
- Kibois Community Action Foundation Inc.: 918-647-3267
- Salvation Army: 918-647-8780

CAUTION: Watch out for duplicate payments. If you set a One-Time payment (scheduled in the future) and a Pay Bill Now, this will result in duplicate payments.

AVECC will not be responsible for fees associated with duplicate payments set up on the Self-Service Portal.

CAUTION: Selection of an Auto-Pay date later than your due date could result in additional fees and possible interruption of service.

The due date of your electric bill varies from month to month, year to year, so it is each member's responsibility to check the due date on your bill and set your Auto-pay to process on or before the due date.

When you sign up to pay your monthly electric bill automatically with your credit card*, it saves you time plus it means one less check to write and keep track of each month.

You will receive your electric bill at the usual time each month for you to review.

The automatic credit card draft for your electric bill will be identified on your monthly credit card statement. (AVECC accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.)

NOTE: At this time, Automatic Credit Card Draft Plan service is only available to residential customers.

Limitations, Changes, Cancelations

To change or cancel draft, we require a notice of 5 business days.

*$2,500 limit per member number in 25 day period. To avoid limit, consider bank draft or e-check.

Non-recurring Payment Option: To control payments, but still save time, you can save your credit card* profile online and eliminate the need to re-enter your payment information. Log into the https://avecc.smarthub.coop/ to get started. Once you’ve logged in, click the “Payments” tab, select “Payment Profile” and “Credit Card Profile” from the drop-down.

When you sign up to pay your monthly electric bill automatically from your bank account, it saves you time plus it means one less check to write and keep track of each month.

You will receive your electric bill at the usual time each month for you to review.

The automatic bank draft for your electric bill will be identified on your monthly bank statement.

How do I sign up?

To apply, click the “Download Print Application” button below. (Recurring Payment)

Download, print, and complete the appropriate application (AVECC or WAVE) and drop off at any office or mail to:

Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative
Attn: Bank Drafts
P.O. Box 47
Ozark, AR 72949
Fax: (479)667-8964

A signed application form, a voided check, and $0 balance on the account are required to participate in this program.

How do I change or cancel?

To change or cancel draft, we require a notice of 5 business days.

Levelized Billing is a great option for those who want a good idea what your electric bill will be each month: It will be approximately the same amount each month even through the hottest cooling and coldest heating times of the year.

This plan does not reduce your yearly total electric costs, but will smooth out your bill payments and can help you manage your monthly finances.

With our Levelized Billing Plan, your electric bill is calculated by adding your current actual electric bill to your previous 11 months total and dividing by 12. The purpose is to help make your electric service costs easier to budget because you receive approximately the same size bill each month. This plan is especially valuable for anyone on a budget or limited income.

There is no charge for using the Levelized Billing Plan.
Your account must be paid up to begin this plan.
This is a service that we provide to our members to make it easier to budget their electric bills. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes from planning ahead.

Our PaySite Kiosks are a convenient way to pay!

You MUST have your AVECC Account Number
Payments post immediately to your AVECC account
Accepts cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.
No payments less than $10
No payments greater than $2,500
Business hours and locations are subject to change
No convenience fees!

Solar Power / Renewable Energy

Yes, but there are conditions. The current net-metering rules allow for meter aggregation if:

The meters are under common ownership;
The meters are located in Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative’s service area;
The customer must give at least 30 days’ notice to AVECC to complete the request;
If more than one additional meter is identified, the customer must designate the rank order (no more than once every year) for the meters to which net excess generation is to be applied;
Net excess generation shall first be credited to the net-metering customer’s generation meter;
Any remaining net excess generation shall be credited to one or more of the customer’s additional meters in the rank order provided by the customer.
A generation meter can offset usage for multiple additional meters. However, a generation meter cannot offset usage from another generation meter. In other words, an additional meter’s usage cannot be offset by multiple generation meters.

Rules

The current rules set forth by the APSC regarding renewable energy and net metering state:

Before Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative (AVECC) approves a net metering facility, the following conditions must be met:

The net metering facility must use solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, or biomass resources to generate electricity.
The net metering facility must have a generating capacity of no more than 25-kW for residential use or 300-kW for any other use.
The net metering facility must be interconnected to a metered service billed under any of AVECC’s metered rates. The account must be in the name of the owner of the net metering facility.
The net metering facility must be intended primarily to offset some or all of the net metering customer’s requirements for electricity.
Additional services on the same premises are eligible for net metering provided the combined size of all net metering facilities for residential use does not exceed 25-kW and the combined size of all net metering facilities for non-residential use does not exceed 300-kW.

How It Works

At the request of the member, monthly excess kWh credits may be transferred to additional accounts in a rank order provided by the member. The additional accounts must be in the name of the member who owns the net metering facility. The member must provide the rank order of additional accounts at least 30 days prior to the first requested transfer, and the member can only make changes to the rank order one time in the calendar year. If the additional accounts are not in the same billing cycle as the net-metered account, those accounts will be moved to a common billing cycle. The additional accounts do not have to be the same class of service. Excess kWh credits will be applied to the additional accounts up to the amount needed to net-zero the kWh usage on each account in the rank order provided. Credit kWh will not be divided proportionately across the additional accounts, and the additional accounts cannot carry forward credit kWh from month to month. If the member has multiple net metering facilities, each net meter facility must have its own rank order list of additional accounts. An account only can be assigned to one rank order list. Up to four months’ average usage on the net-metered account may be carried forward from one calendar year to the next calendar year. Excess kWh credits over the four months’ average usage will expire at the end of the calendar year, and the member will not receive payment from AVECC for the net excess kWh.

All electric utilities in Arkansas, with the exception of municipally owned, are regulated by the Arkansas Public service commission. Therefore, AVECC follows the APSC rules for net-metering.

To get your solar power connected, you must complete the [[[Net Metering Agreement form]]] and contact AVECC's Engineering Department by calling (479) 667-2176 or email Engineering@avecc.com.

More Details

The net metering system is required to meet all local and national electrical codes, including National Electrical Code, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, the National Electrical Safety Code and Underwriters Laboratory.

For solar systems, the inverter must be UL 1741/IEEE-1547 compliant. AVECC assumes no liability or responsibility for the installation or operation of the net metering system because the cooperative does not inspect the equipment, wiring or installation beyond the interconnection to the meter.

Member must submit a design drawing and product literature for AVECC’s approval prior to the installation.

The member must complete and submit a copy of the standard interconnection agreement and ownership affirmation at least 30 days prior to the planned interconnection. The interconnection agreement will be signed at the time the system is commissioned by AVECC. Once the equipment is installed, the member must contact AVECC to schedule a site visit for AVECC personnel to commission the installation. The net metering equipment must remain disconnected from the electric meter until the system is commissioned. AVECC will verify two things at the time of the site visit – that the net metering equipment disconnects from the electric meter during a power outage and that the electric meter runs backward when the net metering equipment is feeding back to the cooperative.

A renewable energy power plant, regardless of size, can be connected to AVECC distribution system if certified as a qualifying facility by Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation. Power will be purchased by AECC through a wholesale power contract.

Step 1: Review the Arkansas Public Service Commission’s Net-Metering Rules.

Step 2: Complete the Application for Preliminary Interconnection and Site Review Request. The applications should include a detailed electrical diagram and specifications of the equipment used. AVECC will review the submitted application and respond in writing within 30 calendar days. Email the completed application to netmetering@avecc.com or mail to 208 South 17th Street, Ozark, AR 72949.

Step 3: At least 30 days prior to connecting, submit the standard interconnection agreement for net-metering Facilities.

Step 4: Once the install is completed, the net-metering owner must submit a complete inspection report from a qualified person. The inspector must be qualified by one of the three requirements below: State Inspector City Inspector Qualified Independent Contractor The Independent inspector must meet the following requirements: I. Licensed and qualified Contractor and Master Electrician in the State of Arkansas II. Independent of the Owner or operator of the facility III. Independent of the Solar Company and/or Installer who completed the installation and verified Section 3 of the Interconnection Agreement.

Step 5: AVECC will schedule a site visit to swap the meter and commission the system. The net-metering facility must be left disconnected and out of service until the site visit from AVECC.

Step 6: Upon approval, the standard interconnection agreement will be signed by AVECC, and the account will be set up for net metering.

The current rules set forth by the APSC regarding renewable energy and net metering state:

Before Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative (AVECC) approves a net metering facility, the following conditions must be met:

The net metering facility must use solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, or biomass resources to generate electricity.
The net metering facility must have a generating capacity of no more than 25-kW for residential use or 300-kW for any other use.
The net metering facility must be interconnected to a metered service billed under any of AVECC’s metered rates. The account must be in the name of the owner of the net metering facility.
The net metering facility must be intended primarily to offset some or all of the net metering customer’s requirements for electricity.
Additional services on the same premises are eligible for net metering provided the combined size of all net metering facilities for residential use does not exceed 25-kW and the combined size of all net metering facilities for non-residential use does not exceed 300-kW.

See AVECC’S graphic on how to read your net-metering bill HERE.

Contact AVECC for a free energy audit to see if solar power is right for you!

The current rules set forth by the APSC regarding renewable energy and net-metering state: See the Arkansas Public Service Commission’s Net-Metering rules for full details.

Members shall not commence parallel operation of the net-metering facility until the system has been inspected and approved by AVECC. Once the system is approved, AVECC will install a “net” meter that reads the power delivered to the net-metering facility and the power fed back to AVECC from the net-metering system.

A net-metering facility shall be capable of operating in parallel and safely commencing the delivery of power into the utility system at a single point of interconnection.
The net-meter facility should be intended primarily to offset part or all of the net-metering customers’ requirements for electricity.
To prevent a net-metering facility from back feeding a de-energized line, a net-metering facility shall have a visibly open, lockable, manual disconnect switch which is accessible by AVECC and clearly labeled.
The net-metering facility, at the members expense, shall meet safety and performance standards established by local and national electrical codes including the NEC, IEEE, NESC, and UL.
If AVECC’s existing facilities are not adequate to interconnect with the net-metering system, the member shall pay the cost of the additional or reconfigured facilities prior to the installation of the net-metering system.

In addition to applying for service through Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative, members who purchase a net-metering facility must complete the standard interconnection agreement for net-metering facilities.

A home solar system (or any electric generation from a renewable resource) is considered a Net-Metering Facility when the solar system is “connected to the grid.”

Net-metering is the process of measuring the difference between the electricity supplied by AVECC and the electricity fed back onto the grid from a net-metering facility over an applicable billing period. See Ark. Code Ann. § 23-18-603 and the Arkansas Public Service Commission’s Net-Metering rules for full details.

To qualify as a net-metering facility the electrical generation system must:

Uses solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, or biomass resources to generate electricity, including, but not limited to, fuel cells and microturbines that generate electricity if the fuel source is entirely derived from renewable resources.
Operate in parallel with the Cooperative’s existing electric facilities.
Be intended to primarily offset part or all the net-metering customer requirements for electricity.
Have a generation capacity of less than 25 KW (Residential), 1000 KW (Non-residential), or 100% of the net metering customers highest monthly usage in the last twelve months

A net-metering customer is billed on the “net” amount of energy (Kilowatt hours) fed back to the grid or received from the grid. If the excess energy supplied back to the grid exceeds the amount of energy supplied to the home AVECC will credit the excess kilowatt hours to the member’s bill.

Yes, although solar may completely cover your electrical energy usage, AVECC charges an availability charge of $28.50 for residential customers, regardless of the amount of energy usage.

Solar power alone will not power your home during an AVECC electrical outage. Grid tied solar is designed to automatically shut down during an electrical outage to avoid back feeding onto power lines while electrical crews are working. To have backup power during an electrical outage, batteries can be used in conjunction with the solar panels, but often add a significant cost to the solar system.

Services Provided by AVECC

Yes!

GenerLink is a UL-listed, socket-mounted transfer switch that provides a safe and convenient way to connect portable generator power to your home in minutes! Installed behind your electric meter, the GenerLink delivers generator power directly to your breaker box, eliminating the hassle of running power cords through your home.

GenerLink:

Eliminates the use of extension cords and other connections that can be hazardous to customers and utility personnel.
Detects when a generator is operating and automatically disconnects from the utility grid, eliminating dangerous back feed.
Is equipped with GenerLok a unique interlocking power cord system that provides a quick and easy connection of a portable generator.

GenerLink Resources

Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative is a not-for-profit organization owned by the member/consumers we service. Every year, any profits from the operation of the business are credited back to the members/consumers we serve.

Each year we send a notice to our present members to let them know the amount of Capital Credits allocated for that year. The profits are allocated back to each member based on how much electricity they used in that year.

Since 2014, this information is printed on the bill you receive in April. This benefits our members even more by eliminating additional postage costs.

The cooperative’s Board of Directors, after carefully considering the financial needs of the cooperative, determines the schedule for repayment of the capital credits. Many times members move away from the area without leaving a forwarding address, making it almost impossible to locate them when it comes time to pay capital credits. It is very important for former members to keep the cooperative informed of their current address so they can receive their checks.

Contact us if you have questions about any capital credits you may be due or would like more information about our capital credit payment history.

AVECC offers Alerts & Reminders to keep you, the member, informed like never before and vital messages directly to your mobile phone or e-mail address.

You can receive Alerts & Reminders anytime – day or night, 24 hours a day, seven days a week! Multiple types of messages are available, including:

Due Date Reminder
Past Due Date Reminder
Account Profile Changes
Returned Check Alert
Payment Confirmation

Sign-up today! To log in or create your online account, click “Pay my Bill” or copy the following link and paste it into your favorite web browser: https://avecc.smarthub.coop/.

Once logged in:

Click on the "Settings" tab.
Select "Manage Notifications" from the drop-down menu.
Select the alert reminders you want to receive and how you want to receive them (text message or email).
Click "Save."

NOTE: You may need to enable push notifications on your smartphone.

To establish a new electric account with Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative:

Complete a "Apply for New Service" form online, or come by one of the offices in person and fill out a residential or business (select in drop-down) application for membership.

Associated Fees

When applying for electric service, the Cooperative requires:

$25.00 membership fee
$10.00 connect fee
In addition to the above fees, a security deposit may be required.

The membership fee makes you a part owner of your own electric company – Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative Corporation.

Security Deposits

Small Commercial: The standard deposit is $250. The deposit must be paid in full with the application.

Residential: The standard deposit is $200.00. The deposit can be paid in full with the application or in installments: $100.00 due upon application and remainder in two $50.00 payments with first two bills. Your deposit with interest will be refunded after 12 consecutive on-time payments (NO late payments within a 12 month period).

Deposits may be waived by providing one of the following items:

A letter of credit from your previous electric utility reflecting good payment history.
A present member of Arkansas Valley Electric with a good credit standing with the Cooperative can sign as a Third Party Guarantee for the new member.
NO DEPOSITS required with PrePay!

NOTES:

Other than new construction, please do not submit this application prior to 14 calendar days of the date you would like service connected.
After the form is submitted, a member service representative will contact you for further information, instructions, and/or payment while processing your request.
Please have the location or meter number readily available when applying.
Requests received after 4:30 PM will be processed the next business day.

The Safe and Easy Way to Connect a Generator

SAFE – GenerLink eliminates the use of extension cords and other connections that can be hazardous to customers and utility personnel. GenerLink detects when a generator is operating and automatically disconnects from the utility grid, eliminating dangerous back feed.

EASY – GenerLink is equipped with GenerLok a unique interlocking power cord system that provides a quick and easy connection of a portable generator. GenerLink is installed in 20 minutes or less by utility personnel and does not require the customer’s presence. GenerLink is easily installed behind a customer’s electric meter and requires no rewiring of the customer’s electrical system.

With GenerLink customers have the flexibility to run virtually any appliance, up to the capacity of their generator by simply energizing appliances from their breaker panel. For more information, visit generlink.com or to place an order, email us or call us at 800-468-2176.

Is my generator compatible?

Price List (Installed Not Including Tax)

Non-Surge
MA23-N	30 Amp	$765.00
MA24-N	40 Amp	$901.00

Surge
MA23-S	30 Amp	$848.00
MA24-S	40 Amp	$984.00

Outdoor lighting is the best security a property owner can have. Upon a member’s request, Arkansas Valley Electric will install and maintain a mercury vapor or a high-pressure sodium light on an existing Cooperative pole for a small monthly fee.

Security lights for homes, farms, or business locations let you look on the bright side with safety and convenience. You’re adding protection for your family and property by removing darkened areas from your premises.

The electricity consumed by the light is included in the monthly rental fee. If additional poles are required, there is an additional charge for the extra poles.

Security lighting is one of the safest, smartest, most convenient, and affordable forms of home or property protection available. They give you and your family greater peace of mind. So why not look on the bright side today and request a security light to give you peace of mind?

Security Light Resources

Buy a water heater that will last as long as your home.

Buy a new Marathon Water Heater and you’ll get more than your money’s worth. You’ll get the peace of mind knowing it is guaranteed to last as long as you own your home.

The big things folks notice about the new Marathon are all the features it has

Some things you see right away – like its tough but lightweight polyethylene outer shell. Other things don’t become apparent until you’ve owned a Marathon for a while – like the fact that it is incredibly energy efficient – or the value of the Marathon water heater being warranted not to leak for as long as you own your home. Sounds too good to be true? This time it is true.

Other features that make the Marathon water heater the best buy:

No anode rod is needed – nothing to corrode in the heater
Its tough outer shell makes it virtually impervious to shipping damage
Marathon has the best warranty and longest life available
Marathon 40 gallon water heater only weighs 81 pounds
Marathon 50 gallon water heater only weighs 91 pounds
Marathon water heaters are the most efficient available typically paying for themselves in under five years
These touches add up to one thing: real long-term value for as long as you own your home

Marathon Water Heater 2015 prices.

To Order

Utility Sales & Services Division
Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, INC
Telephone: 800-451-8061
Fax: 800-699-0676
Payment: Visa, Mastercard, Check, Cash

Safety

How fast does electricity travel?
Will a tree limb conduct electricity?
What should you do if a power line falls on your car?

The Arkansas Valley Electric Safety Trailer is powerful demonstration that answers all of these questions and more at your location. The Safety Trailer is demonstration of high voltage designed to make people aware of the severity of electrical hazards and how safely deal with power lines.

To Schedule

Call our 800 number or email us at memberservices@avecc.com.

Call Arkansas One Call (811) before you dig.

Prevent costly and potentially dangerous contact with buried utility lines.

Before you dig on or near your property, call to locate any underground lines. Whether you are digging for a flower bed, a fence post, a swimming pool, etc, find out if there are electric lines (or any other utilities) buried in the area.

Digging into an underground power line could not only disrupt electrical service for you and nearby homes, but it could also deliver a lethal shock.

Call Arkansas One Call at 811 or visit Arkansas811.com.

1. Attaching anything (including signs & flyers) to power poles is illegal.

Power line poles may seem like an inviting place to post a garage sale sign or mount your satellite dish. However, it is not only illegal to do so but such attachments also pose dangerous conditions for utility line workers.

Arkansas State law and National Electric Safety Codes state: no items shall be attached to utility poles without approval from the owner/operator.

Obstacles such as garage sale signs and satellite dishes, nails, pins, and staples make climbing a pole extremely dangerous for utility linemen, especially during emergencies. During ice storms or other major outages obstacles make restoring power more difficult for crews.

2. If you decide to set your own post, you must call Arkansas “One Call” (Dial 811) before digging.

Part of Arkansas Valley Electric’s mission is to provide safe electricity. That goes for our members and our employees. We need your cooperation to provide our line workers with a safe work environment. If you see other safety hazards related to your cooperative’s system, please call us at 800-468-2176.

Note: Utility companies are allowed to post identification tags on their own poles.

Resource: [[[National Electric Safety Code]]]

National Electric Safety Code page (see paragraphs 4 and 5).

https://www.avecc.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/nesc_attachment_document.pdf

Overhead lines are any lines hanging from a utility pole. Power lines are one type of line that hang from utility poles.

Overhead Line 10-Foot Rule

Be smart — Be safe: It’s the law

Arkansas Valley Electric and the Arkansas Department of Labor want to keep you and your family safe. Staying clear of high voltage power lines is very important. In fact, it’s the law.

If you must work or conduct any activity within 10 feet of high voltage power lines, Arkansas Code 11-5-307 requires that – before proceeding – any person, firm, or corporation must: provide written notice to:

Contact the appropriate utility company (AVECC) to make arrangements
Download the reporting form (below)
Send a completed Reporting Form to the Arkansas Department of Labor, Safety Division

Resource: [[[Reporting Form for Work Near Overhead High Voltage Power Lines and Conductors]]]

Mail or fax your completed form to:

Arkansas Department of Labor
Safety Division
10421 West Markham Street
Little Rock, AR 72205
Fax: (501) 682-4532

Be safe around electricity! Here are a few helpful tips to remember:

Don’t touch an electric switch with wet hands!
Never overload outlets with too many plugs!
Never plug in an electric cord that is frayed!
Don’t use electrical equipment outdoors in the rain!
Never use water to put out electrical fires!
Don’t stand under trees or telephone poles during a storm!
Stay away from fallen electrical lines!
Fly kites in open fields away from electrical lines!
Stay out of the water during a thunderstorm!
Stay away from substation fences!
Do not throw rocks at utility line insulators or transformers!

Resource: [[[Willie Wiredhand Electric Safety Activity Book]]]

Learn More: See our other [[[FAQs about Safety]]]!

Here's how to prevent electrocutions associated with portable generators plugged into household circuits:

When power lines are down, residents can restore energy to their homes or other structures by using another power source such as a portable generator. If water has been present anywhere near electrical circuits and electrical equipment, turn off the power at the main breaker or fuse on the service panel. Do not turn the power back on until electrical equipment has been inspected by a qualified electrician.

If it is necessary to use a portable generator, manufacturer recommendations and specifications must be strictly followed.
If there are any questions regarding the operation or installation of the portable generator, a qualified electrician should be immediately contacted to assist in installation and start-up activities.
The generator should always be positioned outside the structure.

When using gasoline- and diesel-powered portable generators to supply power to a building: switch the main breaker or fuse on the service panel to the “off” position prior to starting the generator.

This will prevent power lines from being inadvertently energized by backfeed electrical energy from the generators, and help protect utility line workers or other repair workers or people in neighboring buildings from possible electrocution. If the generator is plugged into a household circuit without turning the main breaker to the “off” position or removing the main fuse, the electrical current could reverse, go back through the circuit to the outside power grid, and energize power lines or electrical systems in other buildings to at or near their original voltage without the knowledge of utility or other workers.

Effects of Backfeed

The problem of backfeed in electrical energy is a potential risk for electrical energy workers. Electrocutions are the fifth leading cause of all reported occupational deaths. Following the safety guidelines below can reduce this risk.

Other Generator Hazards

Generator use is also a major cause of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Generators should only be used in well ventilated areas.

Accidentally contacting a power line can be dangerous and in some cases, even deadly. Your Touchstone Energy cooperative wants to help our members stay safe around power lines.

Keep a Safe Distance

Whether you are playing outdoors with your children or working on landscaping projects, keep a safe distance from power lines and other equipment your co-op uses to get electricity to your home.

Always remember to:

Stay away from power lines, meters, transformers and electrical boxes.
Don’t climb trees near power lines.
Never fly kits, remote control airplanes or balloons near power lines.
If you get something stuck in a power line, call your Touchstone Energy co-op to get it.
Keep a safe distance from overhead power lines when working with ladders or installing objects such as antennas.
Never touch or go near a downed power line.
Don’t touch anything that may be touching a downed wire, such as a car.
Keep children and pets away.

Power Line Hazards And Cars

If a power line falls on a car, you should stay inside the vehicle. This is the safest place to stay. Warn people not to touch the car or the line. Call or ask someone to call the local cooperative and emergency services.

The only circumstance in which you should consider leaving a car that is in contact with a downed power line is if the vehicle catches on fire. Open the door. Do not step out of the car. You may receive a shock. Instead, jump free of the car so that your body clears the vehicle before touching the ground. Once you clear the car, shuffle at least 50 feet away, with both feet on the ground.

As in all power line related emergencies, call for help immediately by dialing 911 or call your electric utility company’s Service Center/Dispatch Office.

Do not try to help someone else from the car while you are standing on the ground.

Outage Information

To report a power outage, simply dial our toll-free number — 1-866-TOAVECC (or 1-866-862-8322) and follow the voice prompts. The IVR system is of great benefit during widespread outages when other phone lines can get congested.

If you are calling from a phone number that is associated with your account, the system utilizes caller-id functionality and will automatically identify your account number.

If you are calling from another number, you may enter your account number, which can be found on your monthly bill, or look-up your account number by entering the phone number associated with your account.

Click Here to print, clip, fill out your account & phone numbers, and save for future reference.

Once we have verified your account number, you can report an outage by pressing “1”.

When the power is restored to your home or business, and if requested, the system will automatically call you back to assure your power has been restored. We must have your correct phone number on file for the call-back option to work. Update my phone numbers.

Wait a few minutes and then turn on a few appliances at a time to prevent a sudden inrush of current on the power lines. Check food in refrigerators and freezers for signs of spoilage. If in doubt, throw it out.

If your lights go off during a storm, be prepared for the power outage. Assemble supplies to have on hand rather than rushing around when the storm is coming and waiting in long lines for milk or bread. Rotate your supplies to keep them fresh and use the following checklist to prepare for power outages:

Have Plenty of Food

Keep a 3- to 5-day supply of drinking water in plastic bottles. Plan on at least 1 gallon of water per person, per day.
Store a manual can opener with enough nonperishable foods for 3 to 5 days. Canned meats, tuna fish and peanut butter are good foods to store. Don’t forget pet foods!
Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to prevent cold air from escaping.
Conserve water by using paper plates and plastic utensils.
Have a camp stove or grill for outdoor cooking.

Stay In Touch

Have a portable, battery-powered radio and alarm clock so you will be able to receive local weather reports and news bulletins. Arkansas Valley Electric works closely with local radio stations to keep the members informed about restoration efforts during major system contingencies.
Have one non-portable phone that will work even if power is interrupted.
Plan where to meet and how to communicate with family members if separated.
Keep essential family member contact information near your phone, in your wallet, and in your glove compartment.

Keep Things Going

Keep plenty of gas in your car.
Keep extra batteries, matches, propane, charcoal and firewood.

Stay Happy, Healthy and Warm

Coordinate with neighbors for care of the elderly and disabled living alone.
Maintain a supply of prescriptions, nonprescription drugs, vitamins and special dietary foods.
Playing cards, books, drawing and writing supplies, and board games help pass the time. If you have a video camera and tapes, your family can make a storm documentary.
Keep sanitary and personal hygiene supplies replenished. Pre-moistened cleansing towelettes are useful and help conserve water.
Use plastic trash bags and ties for garbage.
Put first-aid kits in your home and car.
Make sure you have cold weather clothing, foul weather gear, blankets and sleeping bags.
Consider purchasing alternative UL-approved heating devices. For example, a fireplace insert or wood stove will keep the heat in your home instead of up the chimney.
Use flashlights and other battery-operated lighting instead of candles.
Keep fire extinguishers fully charged.
Fill your bathtub with water for bathroom use before the storm (if you have a well).
Protect Your Appliances: Turn off or unplug large appliances that come on automatically and disconnect sensitive electronic equipment such as DVD & Blu-Ray players, computers, and TVs to avoid possible damage from lightning or a power surge.
Leave a light fixture turned on in several rooms to let you know when electricity is restored.
Play it Safe: Assume that any downed power line or anything the line touches is energized. Although they may be touching the ground, the line could become energized at any moment.
Never attempt to move trees from power lines. Notify your Cooperative immediately of any downed lines and let them handle the situation.
Check to see current weather conditions.

Members can report a service interruption 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:

Access our automated outage reporting system by calling 1-866-862-8322 (1-866-TOAVECC),
Report online at https://avecc.smarthub.coop.
Report online from our mobile app on your smartphone.

Please Note: During major outages, phone lines may become congested and reporting your outage online via the Member Service Portal or mobile app may be a better option. DO NOT report outages on Facebook or Twitter.

Tips to Quickly and Accurately Report a Power Outage

Phone:

When reporting by phone, call our 24 hour automated outage reporting system at 1-866-862-8322.
Please have your account number and phone number listed on the account readily available.
Please note that during widespread or prolonged outages, the phone lines may become congested and reporting online may be a better option if available.

Online:

Go to our homepage and click “Outage Center” then click “View Outage” button to see the number of members currently affected by outages and their locations.
Click on the “Report Outage” button to see several options offered by AVECC to report your power outage.
Please have your account number, phone number, or meter number readily available.
Reporting online ensures no busy signals and enters your outage directly into our system.

Website:

In the event of a major prolonged outage, important news and restoration updates will be posted on our homepage under Outage Information or News Center/Featured Post Outage Update.
You may also sign up to receive outage updates and information via email.

Facebook & Twitter:

DO NOT report power outages on Facebook or Twitter.
Restoration updates and other outage information will be posted as available on our Facebook page at MyEnergyAVECC and on Twitter @MyEnergyAVECC.

When a storm or other circumstance causes a power outage, immediate action is taken by Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative to restore electric service as quickly and safely as possible.

There are also some steps you, as a part owner of this Cooperative, can take, before, during and after a power outage that will make it easier to cope with the outage.

Confirm the Outage

Before calling the Cooperative, check lights and appliances in other parts of the house.

If all your lights are off, check with a neighbor to see if their power is off. Checking with neighbors about their power before calling the Cooperative will help us determine how widespread the power outage is.

Office Closure