By Robyn Wheeler
Monitor Staff Writer
GUN BARREL CITY–Rotary Club of Cedar Creek Lake members heard from Trinity Valley Electric Cooperative (TVEC) community coordinator Jeff Jordan at the recent meeting at Vetoni’s Italian Restaurant Feb. 8.
Jordan began by introducing the new Operation Roundup program TVEC has formed as a creative way to invest in non-profit charitable organizations. Operation Roundup is a voluntary program in which TVEC clients may opt out of at any time.
Beginning April, residents will see their electric bills being rounded up to the next whole dollar amount, averaging approximately 50 cents a month more on every electric bill.
“This is a simple and wonderful, voluntary program,” Jordan said.
“The extra cents from this program allowed the City of Wylie to build a new children’s park in the town, proving a little bit of change can go a long way,” Jordan said.
The premise of Operation Roundup is to increase every invoice residents receive to the nearest dollar. “If your bill is $100.50, you will be charged $101 on that statement,” Jordan explains.
“And you may opt out at any time,” he added, “by contacting TVEC and requesting your name be removed from the program.”
Jordan also spoke about the new Smart Meters being installed within the next few years by TVEC.
“The Smart Meters utilize technology similar to a phone signal, which means meter readers do not have to make trips to every home in the area checking the numbers,” he said.
Jordan assured Rotary members the meters were tested for safety and privacy. “TVEC will not know when you are using your hair dryer or other appliances,” he said.
“It’s all about upgrading antiquated technology and data will be used to help us find the problem areas we cannot see on a spread sheet,” Jordan said.
Funds to install the Smart Meters come from TVEC’s general operations revenue and no installation fee is required from residents.
“Meter readers are moving into another position, so no one is being laid off from this.” Jordan explains each bill will still carry a meter reading charge to cover billing and maintenance costs.
To view a map and scheduled dates for Smart Meter installations in the area, go to www.tvec.net.
“The meters take about five minutes to install and eventually we will see the savings trickle down to everyone,” Jordan said.
In other news, Rotarians heard:
• The 10th annual Cedar Creek Lake Rotary Golf Tournament is set for Friday, April 26.
Sign-in is at 11 a.m., shotgun start at noon. Prizes will be awarded for longest drive and closest to the pin including cash prizes totaling more than $800 for first, second and lucky teams.