North West REC recently joined other Iowa Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives to launch a new web site promoting the efficiency and benefits of electric power, products and technology. UseElectric.com includes a variety of consumer-related resources, including:

• Updates about energy efficiency - techniques, tools and tips
• Current product information about electric technologies and products for the home
• Online energy calculator showing how electric heating and cooling options can save costs for the homeowner
• List of all member-owned electric cooperatives serving in Iowa
• Contractor locator to help members find capable professionals to serve their energy-related needs
• "Virtual home" showing where electricity can provide savings and comfort throughout the house
• Information about electrical safety
• Links to all cooperatives' web sites and news pages
• Facts and myths about electricity

The UseElectric.com project was developed by the Iowa Marketing Group, which includes Northwest Iowa Power Cooperative, Corn Belt Power and Central Iowa Power Cooperative. All cooperatives in the Iowa Marketing Group participate in the web site either individually or through their generation and transmission cooperative.

Each participating REC can manage its own information about co-op organization, product rebates, rates and promotional programs through an online administrative area. Cooperative personnel can modify this information at any time. The online energy calculator uses specific heating and cooling rates based on the site visitor's own cooperative.

Energy Efficient Loan Program

North West REC knows that unexpected expenses happen. Whether it's the unforeseen breakdown of an existing heating/cooling system or it's simply time to update, NW REC is ready to help our members. An Energy Efficient Loan may be made for qualifying energy efficient home improvements such as new electric heating systems, an electric water heater, or energy efficient windows and doors.

Approved, good-credit-risk members may apply, and must provide a complete itemized bill. This bill may include electric heat equipment, wiring, labor, electric water heater, and electric space conditioning equipment for cooling. Insulation expense, to improve the integrity of the building and the space to be conditioned, may be included in a loan.

Other specifics of our loan program for North West REC members include:

• Minimum amount of $500 to $999 written for 1 year.
• Maximum amount of $7,000 for equipment upgrade, written for 3 years.
• Maximum amount of $4,000 for house improvement of insulation, doors, windows, caulking, weatherstripping, etc.
• 5.50% simple interest
• Monthly payments included on electricity bill
• No penalty for early pay-off

North West REC will deduct any rebates from the total itemized bill and will finance up to 90% of the remainder upon approval of our board of directors.

Call us to find out if your home improvement project qualifies!

Switch Makes Cents

North West REC works closely with our power supplier, NIPCO, (Northwest Iowa Power Cooperative) to operate the load management system, and reduce power costs for our members. Switch Makes Cents logo

Ideally, an electric generation and transmission system operates most efficiently when the load remains constant 24 hours a day. However, reality has shown electricity use varies from hour to hour, creating peaks and valleys in the load pattern. Load management switches, installed on equipment such as water heaters, air conditioners, crop dryers, irrigation systems, qualifying large loads and heat systems can help level the load pattern.

Electric load levels are continually monitored by substation at NIPCO. During peak periods, when the load reaches a predetermined level, a radio signal is sent to the switch (pictured at left) from the NIPCO control center to interrupt power. When the signals cease, the controlled equipment returns to normal operation.

North West REC has installed more than 5,000 load management switches in our service territory. Customers report they have experienced little or no inconvenience with Switch Makes Cents, most say they have not noticed their equipment being controlled. By controlling load use, we realize savings on our wholesale power costs, allowing us to pass that savings to our members through the lower, Switch Makes Cents rates.

Another way our members save due to Switch Makes Cents, is through our rebate program, which helps with equipment purchase and installation costs.