WCEC Announces Availability of New SmartPower Kiosk Locations
Wood County Electric Cooperative, Inc. (WCEC) has added two new kiosks for members to purchase pre-paid electricity. SmartPower consumers can now revalue their SmartCards in Yantis and Hawkins. These two new spots have expanded the convenience of revaluing the pre-paid cards, bringing the total of locations to ten. In addition to the new Hawkins and Yantis sites, consumers can re-value their cards in Grand Saline, Lindale, Mineola, Mt Vernon, Quitman, Van, Winnsboro and at WCEC’s Mobile Convenience Center.
The Yantis kiosk is located at Crossroads at 4634 W HWY 154, and the Hawkins machine is at Hira Food and Shell station at 102 Front Street.
SmartPower is a prepaid electric purchasing system that allows members to “pay as they go.” SmartPower helps members better manage cash flow by purchasing only the electricity needed. SmartPower consumers can buy as little as $5.00 or as much as $300.00 of electricity per card.
Of note, SmartPower has also been shown to lower electric bills by 12%, because it raises consumption awareness. When a consumer signs up, they receive a digital monitor that continuously displays the kilowatts being used. Because consumers can see the real-time usage, it acts as a solid reminder to turn off extra lights and electronics not in use. Simply by being more aware of the usage, consumers become more conservative, and that is what lowers bills.
“At the cooperative, we are always seeking ways to enhance and sustain our community. Convenience, cost-of-living savings and conservation of power are but three ways this system contributes to the overall good”, said WCEC CEO/General Manager Debbie Robinson.
The SmartPower system is similar to a pre-paid phone card, in that the consumer pre-pays for electricity by visiting a kiosk and downloading credit onto a SmartCard. Then, they take the loaded card home and slip it into the digital SmartPower in-home unit, which accepts the payment. The unit then keeps a running tabulation and can display current power usage, average daily power usage, and even projects the amount of time left before more credit is needed. It lets the consumer know, up-to the minute, the amount of energy being used.
