Products and Services

Members can expect many more services
 

BCREA has various programs to bring you the lowest cost electricity. If you participate in our load management programs you can heat with some of the lowest priced electricity in the state. Load management programs with special rates include:

• Water Heating
• Dual Fuel Space Heating
• Storage Space Heating
• Backup Conservation
• Irrigation
• Cycled Air

BCREA offers rebates to help with the installation of electric heating equipment. Call our Member Service Department for the latest rebates available.

BCREA will install and maintain a high efficiency water heater for our members at a very reasonable cost. These water heaters are controlled during peak times to keep our rates as low as possible. If you need a new water heater or a replacement of an old water heater call our Member Service Department. Energy experts are available and will be happy to help you plan any electrical use you have in mind.

Brown County REA has a Member Advisory Council that meets four times annually to discuss some of the questions and concerns of the membership. The council consists of three members and spouses from each of the nine director districts.

A monthly newsletter or publication is sent to each member every month. Brown County REA has two special pages in the paper to keep you informed of your Cooperative activities.

Each year BCREA sponsors a tour to Coal Creek Station, the power plant that generates much of the energy used by BCREA members. The tour also includes the mine that supplies coal for the power plant and a hydropower plant on the Missouri River. This trip has been limited to BCREA members serving on the Member Advisory Council.

Meter testing and energy use analysis are offered to all members. Plug-in meters to test appliance use are available, along with help in analyzing the results of the test.

Electric Heat Program

Dual Fuel: Use of electricity as primary heat source with backup heat source available to enable interruption of electric heat during times of peak demand. Qualifies for special discount rate.

Storage Heat: Electric storage units, either individual room or whole house, which will recharge from 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM. May be used as backup for existing electric heat to qualify for dual fuel rate.

Heat Pump: Units used to heat and cool with same unit. May use either air or water as heat energy source. Qualifies for special rate.

Electric Heat: Existing electric heat may be placed under load management with a qualified backup heat source. Qualifies for special rate.

All of the above programs are eligible for a discounted rate per KWh as long as the electric load is on a load management program. In addition each of them qualifies for special rebates. Contact member services department for details.

Budget Billing: Budget billing is available for members using electric heat with the following specifications:

Avail for residential members.
Contact office for details.
Must have been using electric heat as primary heat source for at least one heating season.
Entire bill becomes due and payable if present owner sells or moves from location.

Water Heater & Other Special Programs

Water Heater Information
We will replace any water heater which is non-functional or uses gas or oil as its heating source for the cost of $350.00, including installation. With this a contract is required which states that the water heater will remain in use and under control for a period of five years.

"Under control" means that a radio receiver is placed on the heater which enables us to interrupt the water heater elements for a period of time. This should not be an inconvenience to you, since you should have sufficient hot water to carry you through any control times.  This program is also available for new construction.

Interruptible Air Conditioning Service
Air conditioning is cycled on & off 15 minutes during our peak times. Only the compressor is controlled. You should not experience any discomfort because of the control. A one time $50.00 credit is given for allowing control to be installed.

Monitoring Services
A telephone system which doubles as a medical emergency response system. Service is provided through Heartland Security. Contact BCREA or HSS.

Backup Generation (Genset Program)
Special rates are available to members who have an automatic backup generation system which will carry their entire service load. During times of peak electrical usage, these backup generation systems can be started with a radio signal, thus dropping that load off of our line.

75 KVA transformer or larger:
   $3.00 credit per KW
   $.005 credit per KWH
50 KVA transformer or smaller:
   $.014 credit per KWH

 

Services

1. Electrical safety education - Do you need a speaker or presentation given at your next 4-H meeting, school classroom or at some other meeting? We can do a free "hotline safety" demonstration. Our tabletop model shows you the right and wrong way to use electricity. We also have safety brochures and video tapes appropriate for kids or adults.

2. New home or remodeling - If you're building plans for a new house or an addition, let us review your blueprints. We'll offer free advice on insulation, appliances, heating/cooling systems and so much more. We'll also explain our money-saving programs.

3. Economic development - Thinking about expanding or starting a new business? Perhaps we can help. Different incentives such as loans or possibly grants may apply.

4. Energy audits - Let our energy expert visit your home. We can give you advice on home efficiency improvements ranging from insulation, appliances, heating/cooling systems and so much more. The best part - It's free!

5. Youth programs - Your teenager could win a trip to the Youth Tour in Washington, D.C.

6. Energy conservation - Efficient use of our nation’s resources is of concern to your cooperative. Information and assistance are available to you on the newest insulation techniques, energy audits, conservation financing options and other conservation measures.

7. Stray voltage investigations - Your cooperative has trained staff and appropriate equipment to enable a professional investigation into a possible stray voltage question. Contact your cooperative if you would like assistance in investigating a possible stray voltage concern.

8. Other information services -Your electric cooperative has many additional services that are available for your use. Most of these services are free. Call us if you have questions or would like to use any of the following services:

· Appliance efficiency information
· Electricity consumption investigations
· Speaker on energy-related topics
· Technical support on energy-related questions
· Heating system designs for home and Ag applications
· Energy-efficient lighting
· Floor plan booklet for new homes

Home Products

When you think of your rural electric cooperative, what pops into your mind? The electric bill?

Let me count the numerous ways that your rural electric cooperative can serve you, besides providing you electricity. Where should we start? Let's start with a tour of your house.

If you're updating your current home, you owe it to yourself to also contact the energy expert at your local electric cooperative while you're still formulating your plans.

Our energy expert has a number of ideas and suggestions to make everything "just right" in your home. After all, you want your home to be a real showplace for family, friends, neighbors and those special guests who come to visit you.

Our energy expert will provide free, courteous and helpful advice on how to make your home into a house for all seasons.

Receive ideas that will help you design real comfort, energy-efficiency, safety and convenience into your lifestyle with the latest in advanced technology. Ideas that will help you use energy wisely and with efficiency in mind. Ideas that are both practical and affordable.

Instructions: Click on an item to learn more about it.

1. All seasons' comfort ... ground source heat pump systems

Looking for the most energy-efficient heating and cooling system on the market today? A ground source heat pump can provide all of your home's space heating, air conditioning and water heating requirements in a single package at an operating cost that's less than even the most efficient gas furnace! With a ground source heat pump, you have several options to consider: Closed loop system - water or environmentally safe antifreeze circulates inside buried underground piping, continually exchanging heat with the earth. Because these systems use free heat available from the earth, they deliver $3-$4 worth of heat for every dollar of electricity they use in electrical energy. This kind of efficiency provides you with outstanding energy savings on your heating, cooling and hot water. Open loop system - use the water from your well to heat and cool your home too. Then discharge the water to a nearby pond, stream or ground. There's no change in water quality and little difference in temperature.

2. Add-on heat pump systems

Consider an add-on heat pump in combination with a gas or oil furnace. The heat pump uses free heat available in the air to give you $2-$3 worth of heat for every dollar of electricity used. On very cold winter days your fossil fuel furnace will take over. On a dual fuel rate, heat pumps provide much lower annual heating and cooling bills than can be achieved by conventional combustion furnace/air conditioner combinations. A heat pump is the only air conditioner you can buy that will pay for itself.

3. Zoned electric space heating

Consider electric baseboard, cove, radiant ceiling and radiant floor heating technology. They take up very little space and each has its own thermostat. Warming up cold basements, additions, three-season porches and other hard to heat areas is no problem with zoned electric space heating. There are lots of different choices to consider that will blend in with your decor very nicely. With dual fuel rates, enjoy both comfort and energy savings.

4. Cycled central air conditioning
	Cycled air conditioning is a special summer electrical money-saving program for central air conditioners and heat pumps. Your participation saves you money and the environment by deferring the need to build new power plants. Check with your electric cooperative for special incentives.

5. Electric slab storage heating

Tired of living in homes with cold basement floors? Heat the lowel level with electric slab storage heating. Electric heating cables are embedded below the concrete floor to provide warm radiating comfort -- ideal for toddlers and adults alike. Special off-peak rates apply. You'll love it. A variation of this is radiant floor hydronic heating that circulates hot water from an electric boiler, water heater or ground source heat pump.

6. Electric water heating

When it comes to water heating, ask about the special water heating incentives available at your co-op. Electric water heating is twice as efficient as gas. Electric water heaters are available with extended or lifetime warranty options. Electric water heaters require no flues and present no problems with backdrafting of combustion by-products. Your co-op has a variety of electric water heating options and choices to fit your lifestyle and your budget. If you are looking for a system to provide your home with ventilation, air conditioning, dehumidification, air cleaning and water heating at a very low operating cost, ask about a heat pump water heater.

7. Heat recovery ventilation
	The more energy-efficient, tighter and better insulated you make your home, the more you need controlled ventilation. Heat recovery ventilation addresses air quality and moisture control concerns and is key to creating a pleasant, healthy and draft-free indoor environment.

8. Electric storage heating

Does your family seem to live in one or two rooms of the house all the time, like the kitchen or living/family room? If so, check out electric warm room storage heating. An individual room storage unit is placed at one or two strategic locations in your home. Ceramic bricks are heated up with electricity during off-peak hours and a fan circulates the heat into the room. Get outstanding comfort in your "warm room." Turn down the thermostat in the rest of the house. Get a special storage heating rate too! Central electric storage heating systems look similar to a standard forced air heating system with duct work. In this system, water, rocks or special bricks are heated with electricity during off-peak hours at special reduced electric heating rates.

9. Electric dual fuel heating
	Electric dual fuel heating uses electricity as your primary fuel with a fossil fuel source as your back-up. Electric dual fuel heating systems qualify for special dual fuel heating rates that are competitive with fuel oil and gas. Extend the life of your existing furnace with electric dual fuel heating.

10. Energy-efficient lighting

With modern advances in home lighting, you can create a different atmosphere in every room of your home. A multitude of lighting fixtures are available, so look closely at your lighting options so you'll have the right amount of lighting where you want it. High efficiency compact fluorescent and halogen lighting technology saves money and requires fewer replacement bulbs. Security lighting and motion detectors add peace of mind for your family.

11. Laundry appliances
	Electric clothes washers and dryers come in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors. New models are very energy-efficient. Microwave clothes dryers are being developed to revolutionize dryer technology.

12. Kitchen appliances

You'll spend a lot of time in the kitchen of your home. Modern electric kitchen appliances are clean, energy-efficient and there's no combustible fuel or pilot light to worry about -- assuring you of the best indoor air quality! Refrigerators, freezers, electric ranges, microwave ovens, dishwashers and trash compactors make modern life easy. Halogen cook stoves are available for "instant on/instant off" food preparation.

13. Load management receivers
	A small box located outside your home is all that's needed to control the operation of off-peak heating, cooling and water heating systems. Ask your energy expert about their off-peak programs. Save energy, money and the need to build new power generating plants.

14. Standby generator

Some businesses require a standby generator for uninterrupted power supply. Plus, the owner may receive discounted insurance rates. Your electric co-op offers discounted electric rates for qualifying standby generators.

15. Television services
	When it comes time to turn on the TV with the remote control, think about your rural electric cooperative. Depending upon the area, different TV services are available from your co-op ranging from CTV, CTV Plus

Contact Brown County REA for current prices.

Call us if you would like more details about any of these programs or go to your co-ops section of this web site and browse its money-saving programs.

In addition, if you have any ideas on how we can serve you better, whether it's for electricity or other products/services, drop us a line. Remember, you are the member-owners of this cooperative, we work for you!