Member Policies and Schedules

Version & Description of Action Taken

16, December 2019
Replaced the historic “Wood County Electric Cooperative Inc. Electric Service Tariff” with the “Member Policies and Schedules” addressing the same subject matter in a new form with significantly revised language and changes to certain charges and fees (“Rates”) of the Cooperative.

21, February 2022
Changes to Schedule F:

1. eliminating the $95.00 after business hours “Connect Fee”;
2. changing the name of the “Connect Fee” to “Connect/Administrative Fee; and
3. the elimination of the “Adverse Disconnect Fee”

Rider G

Approved/Effective 08-20-2018 / 08-20-2018

(1 page)

Application

Applicable to Member owned generation facility or energy storage facility (each a “DG Facility”) with a capacity of no more than 100kW, and provided the Member (i) is receiving Electric Service from the Cooperative under one of the Cooperative’s Schedules, and (ii) intends to connect and operate the Facility in “parallel” with the Cooperative’s system for the purpose of serving load behind a single meter location. Such DG Facility shall be connected in parallel operation to the Cooperative’s system in accordance with the Cooperative’s Member Policies, including the Cooperative’s “Distributed Generation Interconnection and Purchase Policy”, “DG Policy”.

This Rider G is not applicable to temporary, shared, or resale Service. This Rider G is applicable to Electric Service supplied at one point of delivery.

Purchases From a Member DG Facility

Facilities ≤ 25 kW in Size (Class I):

Members shall be provided a bill credit for any energy delivered to the Cooperative from the DG Facility at the Cooperative’s avoided cost.

Facilities > 25 kW and ≤ 100 kW in Size (Class II):

Members shall be provided a bill credit for any energy delivered to the Cooperative from the DG Facility at the blended avoided cost of the Cooperative’s power suppliers.

Yearly True-UP

Members with a credit balance in excess of $10.00 for energy delivered to the Cooperative at the end of March of each year may receive a check from the Cooperative for the credit balance. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Cooperative at its discretion may choose to apply any credit balance for energy delivered to the Cooperative to any amounts owed the Cooperative by the Member or applied towards any deposit requirements that the Cooperative may require of Member.

Insurance Requirements

Facilities ≤ 25 kW in Size (Class I):

None

Facilities > 25 kW and ≤ 100 kW in Size (Class II):

$1,000,000.00 personal liability umbrella policy naming the Cooperative as an additionally insured.

Facilities Charge

As determined at the sole discretion of the Cooperative on a non-discriminatory case-by-case basis to recover any additional expenses caused by the Member’s generation facility.

Rider PCRF

Approved/Effective 02-21-2000 / 05-01-2000

(1 page)

The Cooperative shall adjust all bills in accordance with the following adjustment if applicable. The Power Cost Recovery Factor (“PCRF”) shall be applied to each kWh sold in addition to any monthly minimum, contract minimum, or annual minimum charges and shall not apply toward satisfying any of said minimum charges.

Power Cost Recovery Factor (PCRF)

Members’ monthly charges as provided under the applicable Schedule shall be increased or decreased based on a Power Cost Recovery Factor (expressed in $ per kWh) computed monthly as follows:

PCRF = (A - B ± C) ÷ kWhs

Where:

A = Total estimated cost of power from all suppliers, excluding certain cost of power for Electric Service delivered to Members under special contracts.

B = “Base Power Cost” is the Cooperative’s total estimated cost of power included in the Cooperative’s Rates. The Base Power Cost is computed as:

B = (D) (kWhs)

D = $0.03972

kWhs = Total estimated energy sales for billing period, excluding certain kilowatt-hours sold to Members under special contracts.

C = Adjustment to be applied to the current monthly billing to account for differences in actual cost of power and actual PCRF revenues recovered in previous periods.

Rider SP

Approved/Effective 12-16-2019 / 12-17-2019

(3 pages)

SmartPower Program

A Member may choose to establish a Prepaid Account and prepay for Electric Service under the terms and conditions of the Cooperative’s “SmartPower Program” contained in this Rider SP. A Member desiring to participate in the SmartPower Program shall submit a signed SmartPower Program “Application and Agreement” (“SmartPower Application”) and submit any amounts required by the Cooperative to participate in the SmartPower Program. A Member participating in the SmartPower Program agrees to the terms and conditions of the SmartPower Program established in this Rider SP, the Member Policies and other Schedules. To the extent that any terms or conditions of the SmartPower Program found in this Rider SP are in conflict with any other provisions of the Cooperative’s Member Policies and Schedules the terms and conditions found in this Rider SP shall prevail.

Participation in the SmartPower Program is at the sole discretion of the Cooperative and the Cooperative may deny a Member’s SmartPower Application or remove a Member from the SmartPower Program at any time, without consent or notice.

Eligibility

Members eligible to participate in the SmartPower Program shall:

1. be receiving or require only single-phase individually metered Electric Service classified under the Cooperative’s Schedule A;
2. have installed a “Form 2s” meter with disconnects installed in the meter;
3. not require continuous Electric Service for a Medical Need; and
4. not be receiving Electric Service that is subject to the Cooperative’s Rider G;

Required Balances and Minimum Payments

The following Prepaid Account balance amounts shall be required of a Member to participate in the SmartPower Program after any other fees or other amounts due the Cooperative to participate in the SmartPower Program:

Establishment of Prepaid Account ................................................................ $70.00
Convert from Credit to Prepaid Account ....................................................... $40.00
Balance Requirement to Restore Service to Prepaid Account ...................... $20.00

Rate

Charges for Electric Service provided under the SmartPower Program (“SP Rate”) shall be assessed per Rate Schedule A. Charges comprising the SP Rate that are assessed monthly against an account may be converted to a “daily value” and assessed daily against the Prepaid Account balance.

Credit Balance Required and True-Up

Prepaid Accounts must maintain a credit balance on the Prepaid Account at all times. Prepaid Accounts balances will be typically updated daily by the Cooperative. A Member’s Prepaid Account will be adjusted at the end of each billing cycle (monthly) and any additional charges consistent with actual usage or otherwise applicable in providing Electric Service will be applied against the Prepaid Account’s credit balance (“Prepaid True-up”).

Disconnection

Discontinuance of Electric Service or “Disconnection” shall occur without mailed notice if the Prepaid Account balance falls below $0.00.

Disconnection may be deferred because of an Extreme Weather Event. A Prepaid Account shall continue to accrue charges for Electric Service during an Extreme Weather Event and Electric Service may be discontinued by the Cooperative when the Extreme Weather Event has ended if the Member fails to submit amounts necessary to bring the Prepaid Account to a positive balance.

Upon Disconnection, charges for electric energy usage shall not accrue but any Monthly fees and other applicable monthly charges may be assessed against the Prepaid Account until such time that the Prepaid Account becomes inactive.

Inactive Prepaid Account and Membership Termination

A Prepaid Account that has had Electric Service discontinued for a period of more than 15 days will be considered inactive. When a Prepaid Account becomes inactive a Member’s membership in the Cooperative shall be terminated if the Prepaid Account is the only account an individual has with the Cooperative. A final bill will be provided to individuals whose Prepaid Account has become inactive at the last known address on file for the Prepaid Account in question for any outstanding amounts due the Cooperative.

Restoration of Service for Prepaid Accounts

All amounts due the Cooperative and balance requirements shall be satisfied before the Cooperative will restore Electric Service that has been discontinued. Additionally, the Cooperative may require a Member to take other actions or perform certain steps to allow for the safe restoration of Electric Service before the Cooperative will restore Electric Service that has been discontinued.

Electric Service will not be restored at a location for a Prepaid Account that has become inactive. An individual requesting the restoration of Electric Service that has become inactive at a location must take the steps necessary to re-establish a Prepaid Account as required by the Cooperative or establish a new account with the Cooperative for Electric Service provided to the location.

Additional SmartPower Program Terms and Conditions

A Member participating in the SmartPower Program understands and agrees as follows:

1. Member will not receive a monthly bill for amounts due the Cooperative and that all communications regarding the SmartPower Program, including any alerts concerning Disconnection and low Prepaid Account balances will be provided through the Cooperative’s online bill payment portals or through other means that Cooperative may instruct Member about.
2. Member is solely responsible for monitoring and administering Member’s participation in the SmartPower Program and the Member’s Prepaid Account by utilizing the Cooperative’s online bill payment portals or by following any other instructions provided by the Cooperative.
3. Electric Service can be restored automatically and immediately upon submission of a payment after Disconnection. Member is solely responsible for ensuring that all electric appliances are turned off, and that the Member’s electric system is safe to energize, prior to such payment. Member accepts full responsibility for, and agrees to hold the Cooperative harmless for, any and all damages arising from the restoration of Electric Service upon the submission of a payment.
4. That at least twenty percent (20%) of amounts submitted to maintain a Prepaid Account balance will be applied towards the balance of Member’s past due amounts for any of Member’s accounts. Cooperative, at its sole discretion, may increase or decrease at any time the percentage of amounts applied towards the balance of Member’s past due amounts with the Cooperative.

Schedule HLF

Approved/Effective 03-19-2018 / 05-01-2018

(2 pages)

Availability

Available to Members for all types of uses at any point on or near the Cooperative’s three-phase lines, where the monthly peak demand exceeds 2,000 kW and the minimum monthly load factor is 70%. The monthly load factor shall be determined by dividing the Member’s average demand (kilowatt-hours of energy used divided by the number of hours in the billing period) by the Member’s metered demand. If the Member’s load characteristics for the current billing period fail to meet the minimum kilowatt and load factor requirements, then the Member shall be billed under the Cooperative’s Large Power Service Schedule LP for that billing period.

Service hereunder is subject to the Cooperative’s Member Policies, and is not for resale, breakdown, standby, auxiliary or supplemental Service. Service hereunder is also subject to the execution of a written contract for Electric Service between the Member and the Cooperative.

Type of Service

Three-phase, 60 cycle, at standard or accepted delivery voltages.

Monthly Charges

Base Charge: $150.00

Demand Charge, per Billing kW: $6.00

Energy Charge, per kWh: $0.02975

Minimum Monthly Charge

The minimum monthly charge shall be the greater of the following:

1. A charge of $1.15 per KVA of installed transformer capacity.
2. The Demand Charge.
3. The minimum monthly charge specified in the contract.

Determination of Metered and Billing Demand

The metered demand shall be the maximum kilowatt demand established by the Member for any period of fifteen consecutive minutes during the month for which the bill is rendered, as indicated or recorded by a demand meter. The billing demand shall be the metered demand adjusted for power factor as provided hereafter, but in no event less than 60% of the highest metered demand established during the preceding 11 months.

Power Factor Adjustment

The Member agrees to maintain unity power factor as nearly as practicable. The Cooperative reserves the right to measure such power factor at any time. Should such measurements indicate that the power factor at the time of Member’s maximum demand is less than 85%, the demand for billing purposes shall be the metered demand multiplied by 85% and divided by the percent power factor.

Metering

The Cooperative will provide metering at one point of delivery at either primary or secondary distribution voltage at the option of the Cooperative. When metering is provided at secondary distribution voltage, the Demand Charge and Energy Charge will be increased by 2% for billing purposes herein.

Other Charges and Terms

Additional charges and terms as provided in the “General Provisions” section of the Schedules shall apply to this Schedule and should be applied in determining the entire Rate for Electric Service classified under this Schedule.

Schedule OL

Approved/Effective 03-19-2018 / 05-01-2018

(2 pages)

Availability

Available to any Member at a point or points adjacent to existing distribution lines.

Type of Service

Outdoor lighting utilizing an outdoor type lamp offered by the Cooperative (“Lamp”) and other necessary equipment by providing: 1) unmetered energy, Lamp(s) and equipment, or 2) metered energy. Lamp(s) and equipment requiring single-phase, 60 cycle at available secondary voltage.

Cooperative Equipment

The Cooperative shall furnish and own all lamps and equipment utilized to provide the Outdoor Lighting.

Monthly Charges

Unmetered

Standard LED arm lamp: $8.00 per Lamp per billing cycle
Power Flood LED lamp: $13.30 per Lamp per billing cycle
Large LED arm lamp: $13.30 per Lamp per billing cycle

Metered

175 Watt MV lamp (Not available after 11/1/15) $3.00 per Lamp per billing cycle
100 Watt HPS lamp (Not available after 11/1/15) $3.00 per Lamp per billing cycle
Standard LED lamp $6.80 per Lamp per billing cycle
400 Watt MV lamp (Not available after 11/1/15) $7.54 per Lamp per billing cycle
250 Watt HPS lamp (Not available after 11/1/15) $7.54 per Lamp per billing cycle
Power Flood LED lamp $10.00 per Lamp per billing cycle
Large LED arm lamp $10.00 per Lamp per billing cycle

Transformer Charges

Outdoor Lighting Transformer Charge $8.00 per billing cycle

Pole Charges

Pole Charge (Poles installed specifically for lighting) $0.75 per pole per billing cycle

Connection Charge/Lamp Change Charge

The Member will be charged $37.00 per lamp when Service rendered hereunder is initially connected. Also, if the Member is currently being served with a lamp (i.e. Mercury Vapor or High-Pressure Sodium) and requests a change to another Lamp (i.e. LED) before the normal end of the existing lamp’s life, the Member will be charged $37.00 per lamp requested.

Pole Charges

(Maximum of two poles per light, not to exceed 240 feet of conductor)

Pole Installation Charge $150.00 per pole

Transformer Charges

If the installation of an outdoor light requires the installation of a transformer The Cooperative will install an additional transformer for Service provided under this Schedule if necessary and the Member shall be charged the monthly transformer charge.

Power Cost Recovery Factor Charge

For purposes of calculating the PCRF Charge for the unmetered energy utilized under this Schedule, each unmetered Lamp shall be assigned the following kilowatt-hours per billing cycle:

175 Watt MV lamp (Not available after 11/1/15) 75 kWh per lamp per billing cycle
100 Watt HPS lamp (Not available after 11/1/15) 42 kWh per lamp per billing cycle
Standard LED arm lamp 18 kWh per lamp per billing cycle
400 Watt MV lamp (Not available after 11/1/15) 172 kWh per lamp per billing cycle
250 Watt HPS (Not available after 11/1/15) 105 kWh per lamp per billing cycle
Power Flood LED lamp 32 kWh per lamp per billing cycle
Large LED arm lamp 54 kWh per lamp per billing cycle

Other Charges and Terms

Additional charges and terms as provided in the “General Provisions” section of the Schedules shall apply to this Schedule and should be applied in determining the entire Rate for Electric Service classified under this Schedule.

Schedule LP

Approved/Effective 03-19-2018 / 05-01-2018

(2 pages)

Availability

Available to all single or three-phase non-residential Members with load consistently above 50 KW demand per meter. The load will be supplied at one point of delivery and measured through one demand meter.

Type of Service

Single or three-phase, 60 cycle, at standard or accepted delivery voltages.

Monthly Charges

Base Charge: $140.00
Demand Charge, per Billing kW: $7.00
Energy Charge, per kWh: $0.03858

There shall be a 5% discount applied to the energy charges if delivery is made at 12.5 kV and the Member owns all equipment including transformation beyond the delivery point.

Minimum Monthly Charge

The minimum monthly charge shall be the greater of the following:

1. A charge of $1.15 per KVA of installed transformer capacity.
2. The Base Charge plus the Billing Demand Charge

Determination of Billing Demand Charge

Except as otherwise provide herein, the “Billing Demand Charge” shall be the maximum kilowatt demand established by the Member for any period of fifteen consecutive minutes during the month for which the bill is rendered, as indicated or recorded by a demand meter and adjusted for power factor as provided hereafter, but in no event less than 60% of the highest demand established during the preceding 11 months (“Demand Ratchet”).

As determined by the Cooperative active churches and other faith-based houses of worship will only be subject to a Billing Demand Charge based on the maximum kilowatt demand established by the Member for any period of fifteen consecutive minutes during the month for which the bill is rendered, as indicated or recorded by a demand meter and adjusted for power factor as provided hereafter and will be exempt from the Demand Ratchet.

Power Factor Adjustment

Member agrees to maintain a power factor required by the applicable reliability council, transmission service provider or other entity, whichever is greater (“Required Power Factor”) and will install the necessary equipment, including capacitors, required to maintain the Required Power Factor. Upon notification by the Cooperative to the Member of the Member Facility operating at a power factor below the Required Power Factor the Member shall take corrective action at its own expense. If the Member does not take timely corrective action to correct the power factor, the Cooperative may choose to install equipment on the Cooperative’s system, such as capacitors, to correct the power factor, and the Member will be responsible for the costs incurred by the Cooperative to purchase, install, and operate any equipment installed to correct the power factor. Member shall be responsible for paying any amounts incurred by the Cooperative for failing to maintain the Required Power Factor.

The Cooperative reserves the right to measure the Member’s power factor at any time. Should such measurements indicate that the power factor at the time of Member’s maximum demand is less than Required Power Factor, the demand for billing purposes shall be the demand as indicated or recorded by the demand meter multiplied by the Required Power Factor and then divided by the power factor measured by the Cooperative.

Other Charges and Terms

Additional charges and terms as provided in the “General Provisions” section of the Schedules shall apply to this Schedule and should be applied in determining the entire Rate for Electric Service classified under this Schedule.

Schedule GS

Approved/Effective 03-19-2018 / 05-01-2018

(1 page)

Availability

1. Available to all three-phase residential Members subject to all established Terms and Conditions of Membership.
2. Available to all three-phase non-residential Members with load consistently below 50 KW demand per meter. Load will be determined on an annual basis each December. Non-residential Members with load greater than 50 KW demand for at least three of the previous twelve months will be subject to review. Consistent variance greater than 10% of 50 KW may cause the Electric Service to be re-classified under a different Schedule.

Type of Service

Three-phase at available secondary voltage. Motors having a rated capacity in excess of 10 HP must be three-phase.

Monthly Charges

Base Charge: $35.00

Energy Charge, per kWh:

First 1500 kWh $0.0671
Over 1500 kWh $0.0592

Demand Charge, per KW:

First 10 KW No charge
Greater than 10 KW $5.50

Minimum Monthly Charge

The minimum monthly charge shall be the Customer Charge

Determination of Billing Demand

The billing demand shall be the maximum kilowatt demand established by the Member for any period of fifteen consecutive minutes during the month for which the bill is rendered, as indicated or recorded by a demand meter.

Other Charges and Terms

Additional charges and terms as provided in the “General Provisions” section of the Schedules shall apply to this Schedule and should be applied in determining the entire Rate for Electric Service classified under this Schedule.

Schedule A

Approved/Effective 03-19-2018 / 05-01-2018

(1 page)

Availability

1. Available to all single-phase residential Members subject to all established Terms and Conditions of Membership.
2. Available to all single-phase non-residential Members with load consistently below 50 KW demand per meter. Load will be determined on an annual basis each December. Non-residential Members with load more than 50 KW demand for at least three of the previous twelve months will be subject to review. Consistent variance greater than 10% of 50 KW may cause the Electric Service to be re-classified under a different Schedule.

Type of Service

Single-phase, 60 cycle, at standard secondary voltage.

Monthly Charges

Base Charge: $17.00

Energy Charge, per kWh: $0.06667

Minimum Monthly Charge

The minimum monthly charge for a permanent single-phase Service shall be the Base Charge

Other Charges and Terms

Additional charges and terms as provided in the “General Provisions” section of the Schedules shall apply to this Schedule and should be applied in determining the entire Rate for Electric Service classified under this Schedule.

Additional Conditions

A Member with Electric Service classified under this Schedule may request a Non-Standard Meter.

Schedule LX

(1 page)

New Construction Credits

Maximum Primary Overhead Approved/Effective 12-16-19 / 02-01-20: ............................. $450.00
Maximum Secondary Overhead Approved/Effective 12-16-19 / 02-01-20: ......................... $0.00

Maximum Primary Underground Approved/Effective 12-16-19 / 02-01-20: ....................... $500.00
Maximum Secondary Underground Approved/Effective 12-16-19 / 02-01-20: ................... $500.00

Any Credit applied to Line Extension charges shall not result in a refund payable to a Member.

Line Extension Charges

Approved/Effective 12-16-19 / 02-01-20:

Description	Charge
Wire Overhead Single-Phase Primary and/or Service Overhead Multi-Phase Primary and/or Service Underground Single-Phase Primary Underground Multi-Phase Single Phase Overhead Construction along public roads	$6 per feet $8 per feet $9 per feet $12 per feet $0 per feet
Bores (100’ Minimum) Single Phase (Typical) Single Phase (Under Highway) Multi-Phase (Typical) Multi-Phase (Under Highway)	$8 per feet $24 per feet $10 per feet $36 per feet
Right of Way Clearing Heavy Timber Light/Medium Timber	$10 per feet $5 per feet

Condemnation

Condemnation Escrow Requirement, Approved/Effective 09-18-17/01-01-18: .................. $10,000.00

Condemnation Escrow Balance Requirement, Approved/Effective 09-18-17/01-01-18: .... $500.00

Switchovers

Switchover Fee, Approved/Effective 12-16-19 / 02-01-20: ......................................................... $315.00

Schedule F

Fees & Deposits

Introduction

These “Rate Schedules/Riders” (collectively, “Schedules”, each individually herein, “Schedule”) establish the fees and charges (“Rate(s)”) for Electric Service and together with the Member Policies establish the policies, rules, and Rates applicable to receiving Electric Service or Service from the Cooperative.

Defined terms found throughout the Member Policies shall have the same meaning in the Schedules and throughout the Member Policies. Defined terms found throughout the Schedules shall have the same meaning in the Member Policies and throughout the Schedules.

All Schedules are subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Member Policies. In case of a conflict between any Schedule and any Member Policy provision/definition, the Schedule provision/definition shall apply.

Single Point of Delivery

Rates for Electric Service are based upon Service to the entire location through a single Point of Delivery and metering point. Service to the same Member at other Points of Delivery shall be separately metered and charged under the applicable Schedule(s).

Terms of Payment

Except as otherwise may be provided in a specific Schedule, amounts due for Electric Service are subject to the payment provisions of the Member Policies.

Power Cost Recovery Factor Charge

Except as otherwise may be provided in a specific Schedule, the total amount of fees and charges for Electric Service computed under the Schedules will be increased or decreased as set out in the Power Cost Recovery Factor (“PCRF”) Rider or Rider PCRF.

Sales Tax

Any taxes now or hereafter applicable to the Electric Service shall be charged to the Member in addition to applicable Rates. Taxes shall not be charged if the Member has furnished proof of exemption in a form acceptable to the Cooperative.

Municipal Franchise Tax Adjustment

Except as otherwise may be provided in a specific Schedule, Electric Service rendered within the incorporated limits of a municipality which imposes a gross receipts tax upon the revenues received by the Cooperative from its Members, the Cooperative shall calculate an applicable tax adjustment to be a separately stated adjustment on each Member’s bill. The amount of the separately stated tax adjustment shall be determined by the following formula:

FTA = TAB x GRTR

Where:

• FTA = “Franchise Tax Adjustment”
• TAB = Total amount billed for Electric Service under any applicable Schedule, excluding sales tax and any other amounts which are deductible under provisions of the Cooperative’s franchise with the municipality within which incorporated limits the Member’s Electric Service is rendered.
• GRTR = “Gross Receipts Tax Rate” (expressed as a decimal) levied by the municipality within which incorporated limits Member’s Service is rendered.

For Electric Service rendered to a municipality which imposes a gross receipts tax upon the revenues received by the Cooperative from its Members, no franchise tax adjustment will be calculated or billed to said municipality for such Electric Service.

Quitman Adjustment

Except as otherwise may be provided in a specific Schedule, all Members with meters located within the incorporated city limits of Quitman, Texas will be charged an additional charge per kWh to recover the Cooperative’s revenue requirement not recovered by charges for Electric Service billed to the City of Quitman established by the City of Quitman’s franchise agreement with the Cooperative (“Quitman Adjustment”). The Quitman Adjustment will be applied to all kWh metered within the city limits of Quitman. A Member with meters located within the incorporated city limits of Quitman, Texas may request the methodology the Cooperative utilizes for calculating the Quitman Adjustment.

Revised (Format Only): December 16, 2019

3.1 General Information

Introduction

This “Distributed Generation Interconnection and Purchase Policy” (“DG Policy”) shall be considered part of Wood County Electric Cooperatives Inc.’s (“Cooperative”) “Member Policies”. This DG Policy together with other Member Policies, the “Rate Schedules/Riders” (collectively, “Schedules”) establish the policies, rules, and fees and charges (“Rates”) applicable to receiving Electric Service or Service from the Cooperative.

Defined terms found throughout the Member Policies shall have the same meaning in the Schedules and throughout the Member Policies. Defined terms found throughout the Schedules shall have the same meaning in the Member Policies and throughout the Schedules.

This DG Policy is not a complete description or listing of all laws, ordinances, rules and regulations, nor is this DG Policy intended to be an installation or safety manual. The Board of Directors reserves the right to make changes to this DG Policy.

DG Facility Classification

Throughout this DG Policy, the term “DG Facility” shall mean either (i) a Member owned generation facility or energy storage facility, or (ii) a generation facility that has obtained a “Qualifying Facility” designation in accordance the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978. A DG Facility shall include any generation and associated equipment, wiring, protective devices, or switches owned or leased by the owner of such DG Facility. Unless otherwise agreed in writing between the Cooperative and owner of the DG Facility and regardless of the actual ownership of the DG Facility, the DG Facility shall be considered Member Facilities under the Member Policies.

The “Classification” of a DG Facility shall be determined by the Cooperative depending on the specific DG Facility ownership and type. The Cooperative, at its discretion may aggregate the total capacity of the Facilities the Member intends to connect for the purpose of determining Classification. In general, the Classifications and associated Classification criteria for a DG Facility shall be as follows:

Classification criteria for a DG Facility

3.2 Applicability

This DG Policy shall only apply to (i) Members who (a) are receiving Electric Service from the Cooperative under one of the Cooperative’s rate schedules, and (b) intend to connect and operate the DG Facility in “parallel” with the Cooperative’s system for the purpose of serving load behind a single meter location, or (ii) DG Facilities that have obtained a Qualifying Facility designation. For the avoidance of doubt, this DG Policy is intended to cover, inter alia, Facilities up to 10MVA. A DG Facility owner is not permitted to serve multiple meters, multiple consuming facilities or multiple Members with a single DG Facility or under a single DG Application

A DG Facility connected in any way to the Cooperative’s system, regardless of whether the DG Facility owner intends to export power, shall be considered as operating in “parallel” with the Cooperative’s system. A DG Facility owner may operate a DG Facility in parallel with the Cooperative’s system as long as such DG Facility does not adversely affect the Cooperative’s system.

A DG Facility that is not electrically connected to the Cooperative’s system in any way shall be considered a “stand-alone” or “isolated” DG Facility. A DG Facility owner may operate a DG Facility in stand-alone or isolated fashion as long as such DG Facility does not adversely affect the Cooperative’s system.

3.3 Compliance with Laws & Regulations

The DG Facility shall be installed and operated subject to and in accordance with (1) the terms and conditions set forth in the Cooperative’s rules, policies, regulations, bylaws, rates and tariffs, as amended from time to time, which are incorporated herein by reference, and (2) in compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, zoning codes, building codes, safety rules, environmental restrictions, ordinances and regulations, including without limitation, the most recent IEEE Standard 1547 Guide for Distributed Generation Interconnection, applicable ANSI standards, including ANSI C84.1 Range A, guidelines and directives of regional transmission organizations and independent system operators, and in accordance with industry standard prudent engineering practices. All legal, technical, financial, and other requirements in the following sections of this DG Policy must be met prior to interconnection of the DG Facility to the Cooperative’s system.

3.4 Interconnection Requirements of DG Facilities

Additional interconnection requirements will be set forth in the appropriate agreement between the DG Facility owner and the Cooperative regarding the interconnection of the DG Facility. Additional fees and costs associated with the DG Facility and interconnection process are set forth in the Cooperative’s rate schedules and associated riders.

3.5 Power Exported to Cooperative

All purchases from Class I and II Facilities shall be made according to the rates, terms and conditions set forth in the Cooperative’s rates schedules and associated riders; provided, however, the Cooperative shall not be required to make any purchases that will cause the Cooperative to no longer be in compliance with any applicable laws, or contracts with its power supplier(s). In the event the DG Facility is a Class III or IV DG Facility, purchases shall be made in accordance with a negotiated Power Purchase Agreement between the DG Facility owner and the Cooperative (if a Class III DG Facility) or its Power Supplier (if a Class IV DG Facility).

3.6 New Interconnection Service Request

The DG Facility owner shall not interconnect or operate a DG Facility before: (1) submitting, prior to construction, an Application For Interconnection of a Distributed Generation Facility (“DG Application”); (2) the Cooperative reviews and analyzes the DG Facility owner’s plans for interconnection prior to commencement of construction; (3) paying all fees associated with the DG Application and review process as provided by the Cooperative, or its power supplier if applicable, and any other costs associated with the interconnection as may be required by the Cooperative, or its power supplier if applicable; (4) signing any agreements for the interconnection and/or operation of the DG Facility that may be required by the Cooperative, or its power supplier if applicable, prior to commencing construction; (5) all necessary system facilities and equipment have been installed for and paid by the DG Facility owner; and (6) receiving approval from the Cooperative to interconnect and operate the DG Facility.

If corrections or changes to the plans, specifications and other information are to be made by the DG Facility owner, an additional interconnection study may be conducted by the Cooperative. In addition, any changes to the site or project requiring new analysis by the Cooperative may require additional cost and a new DG Facility plan. The cost will be determined by the Cooperative and shall be paid by the DG Facility owner.

A Completed DG Application, supporting documentation, and any fees or amounts due for the interconnection, should be delivered to:

Wood County Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Attention: System Engineer
P.O. Box 1827
Quitman, TX 75783
(903) 763-2203
Email WCEC Solar

The Cooperative is under no obligation to take any action on a DG Application until the DG Facility owner has paid the applicable DG Application fee established by the Cooperative or its power supplier based on the Classification of the DG Facility and any additional estimated engineering fees/costs for the DG Facility required by the Cooperative or its power supplier.

A separate DG Application fee and associated estimated engineering fees/costs must be submitted for each DG Facility.

3.7 Liability Insurance

The requirement to obtain and maintain insurance for the DG Facility is dependent on the DG Facility’s classification as set forth below:

Liability Insurance

If applicable, the DG Facility’s owner must provide proof of insurance acceptable to the Cooperative, or the Cooperative’s power supplier if applicable, prior to interconnection. The amount of such coverage, the type, and the terms and conditions of such insurance coverage shall be as determined by the Cooperative and may be amended from time to time by the Cooperative, at the sole discretion of the Cooperative

The DG Facility owner shall provide proof of insurance as requested by the Cooperative.

3.8 Agreements

The DG Facility owner will execute an agreement for the interconnection and operation in accordance with the DG Facility’s classification:

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The Cooperative may, in its sole discretion, require the DG Facility owner to execute additional contracts related to the interconnection and operation of the DG Facility prior to the time of interconnection

3.9 Refusal to Interconnect or Disconnection of DG Facility

The Cooperative may, at its sole discretion, prevent the interconnection or disconnect the interconnection of the DG Facility due to reasons such as safety concerns, reliability issues, power quality issues, breach of interconnection contract or any other reasonable issue. Any such disconnection may be without prior notice to the DG Facility owner

3.10 Ownership of DG Facilities

The DG Facility owner shall own and be solely responsible for payment of all expenses relating to the installation, maintenance and operation of all facilities, including all power generating facilities, at and beyond the point of delivery as defined in the Cooperative’s tariffs. At its sole discretion, the Cooperative may require the DG Facility owner to install a meter base that will allow the Cooperative to install a Cooperative owned meter to measure the output of the DG Facility.

3.11 Self-Protection of DG Facility

The DG Facility owner will furnish, install, operate and maintain in good order and repair all equipment necessary for the safe operation of the DG Facility operated in parallel with the Cooperative system. The DG Facility owner’s equipment will have capability to both establish and maintain synchronism with the Cooperative system and to automatically disconnect and isolate the DG Facility from the Cooperative system.

The DG Facility must be designed, installed and maintained to be self-protected from normal and abnormal conditions on the Cooperative system including, but not limited to, overvoltage, undervoltage, overcurrent, frequency deviation, and faults. Self-protection will be compatible with all applicable Cooperative protection arrangements and operating policies. Additional protective devices and/or functions may be required by the Cooperative when, in the sole judgment of the Cooperative, the DG Facility installation and/or the Cooperative system characteristics so warrant.

3.12 Safety Disconnect

The DG Facility owner will be required by the Cooperative to install a visible load break disconnect switch at the DG Facility owner’s expense and to the Cooperative’s specifications at its sole discretion. The switch will be located so as to be readily accessible to Cooperative personnel in a location acceptable to the Cooperative. The switch shall be a type that can be secured in an open position by a lock owned by the Cooperative. If the Cooperative has locked the disconnect switch open, the DG Facility owner shall not operate or close the disconnect switch. The Cooperative shall have the right to lock the switch open when, in the judgment of the Cooperative:

1. It is necessary to maintain safe electrical operating and/or maintenance conditions;
2. The DG Facility adversely affects the Cooperative system; or
3. There is a system emergency or other abnormal operating condition warranting disconnection.

The Cooperative reserves the right to operate the disconnect switch for the protection of the Cooperative system even if it affects the DG Facility. In the event the Cooperative opens and/or closes the disconnect switch:

1. The Cooperative shall not be responsible for energization or restoration of parallel operation of the DG Facility.
2. The Cooperative will make reasonable efforts to notify the DG Facility owner.

Signage shall be required by the Cooperative at the DG Facility owner’s expense and located at the disconnect indicating the purpose of the switch along with contact names and numbers of both the DG Facility owner and the Cooperative.

3.13 Access

Persons authorized by the Cooperative will have the right to enter the DG Facility owner’s property for purposes of testing, operating the disconnect switch (if required), reading or testing the metering equipment, maintaining right-of-way or other DG Facility equipment to be maintained by the Cooperative, and/or a Cooperative service requirement. Such entry onto the DF Facility owner’s property may be without notice.

If the DG Facility owner erects or maintains locked gates or other barriers, the DG Facility owner will furnish the Cooperative with convenient means to circumvent the barrier for full access for the above-mentioned reasons. If at any time, the Cooperative shall be barred from accessing the DG Facility and/or related equipment and requires, in the Cooperative’s sole discretion, immediate access to the DG Facility or related equipment, the Cooperative shall have the right to remove any such barrier by any means necessary.

3.14 Metering/Monitoring

The Cooperative shall, specify, install and own all metering equipment, including multiple meters if required, and the DG Facility owner shall be obligated to pay all costs related to installation and operation of such metering equipment. Decisions regarding metering equipment, including specifications and requirements, shall be at the sole discretion of the Cooperative.

The Cooperative may, at its sole discretion, require the DG Facility owner to pay the Cooperative in advance for any or all metering and monitoring equipment and installation expenses. Meter testing shall follow the Cooperative’s standard policy on metering testing and accuracy.

3.15 Notice of Change to DG Facility

The DG Facility owner will notify the Cooperative in writing no less than 30 days in advance of making any change affecting the characteristics, performance, or protection of the DG Facility. Any change in the operating characteristics of the DG Facility including, but not limited to, size of generator, total DG Facility capacity, nature of DG Facility, fuel source, site change, hours of operation, or type used, may require a new application process, including, but not limited to, submission of a new DG Application , submission of the DG Application fee, and a DG Facility plan review by the Cooperative.

3.16 Testing of DG Facility

The Cooperative shall have the right to test all aspects of the DG Facility’s protection systems up to and including tripping of the generator and interconnection point at start-up and thereafter as required. Testing will verify all protective set points and relay/breaker trip timing and shall include procedures to functionally test all protective elements of the system.

Approved: December 16, 2019

2.1 Line Extension/Construction - In General

Introduction

These “Line Extension/Construction Policies” (“LX Policies”) shall be considered part of Wood County Electric Cooperatives Inc.’s (“Cooperative”) “Member Policies”. These LX Policies together with other Member Policies, the “Rate Schedules/Riders” (collectively, “Schedules”) establish the policies, rules, and fees and charges (“Rates”) applicable to receiving Electric Service or Service from the Cooperative.

Defined terms found throughout the Member Policies shall have the same meaning in the Schedules and throughout the Member Policies. Defined terms found throughout the Schedules shall have the same meaning in the Member Policies and throughout the Schedules

Applicable Rates, Terms and Conditions / Facility Ownership

Line extensions, Cooperative system upgrades, or other construction as part of Electric Service and requested/necessary for delivering the requested Electric Service to a Member (“Line Extension” or “Construction”) shall be constructed under the Rates, terms, and conditions in effect at the time the construction is completed.

Member shall incur and be responsible for paying all applicable fees and charges, including any minimum monthly charges associated with delivering the Electric Service on the date Electric Service is made available regardless of whether Member is consuming or is ready to receive Electric Service on that date.

Unless otherwise agreed in writing, any facilities installed by the Cooperative shall remain the sole property of the Cooperative.

2.2 Construction Costs

Contribution-in-Aid of Construction and LX Cost

As determined by the Cooperative a Member or other party shall be responsible for paying the Cooperative the total costs of the Construction as a nonrefundable “Contribution-in-Aid of Construction” (“CIAC”) payment to recover the Cooperative’s direct investment and associated system cost in the Line Extension/Electric Service. In calculating the CIAC payment the Cooperative will consider but may not be limited by the following: (1) all direct costs associated with the Construction; (2) appropriate overhead costs of the Cooperative; and (3) any other costs incurred by the Cooperative requested/necessary for the Construction or for delivering the Electric Service (collectively, “LX Cost”).

Cost Estimate

The Cooperative shall prepare and/or provide a “Cost Estimate” for the estimated costs of the Line Extension, in advance of construction. The Cost Estimate shall be calculated based on the estimated LX Cost and/or the established Construction charges in Schedule LX or other applicable Schedule(s) for the type of Electric Service requested. The established charges for Construction associated with certain types of Electric Service have been established based on estimated LX Cost. Measurements for determining the Cost Estimate charges will be as measured by the Cooperative. The Cooperative, at its sole discretion, may adjust the Cost Estimate and the Cost Estimate may or may not reflect the actual total LX Cost or the total CIAC payment amount required for the Line Extension. Except as may be otherwise provided in these LX Policies the Cooperative is under no obligation to take any action on the Line Extension or on delivering the Electric Service until the Member has paid the Cost Estimate amount in full and the payment shall be considered part of the total CIAC payment.

Line Extension Credit

Except as otherwise provided in these LX Policies a Member, providing proof that any new Line Extension will be delivering permanent Electric Service, may be provided a credit against their LX Cost as allowed and in an amount established in Schedule LX (“Credit”). Any Credit will be reflected in the Cost Estimate. The determination that any Line Extension will be delivering permanent Electric Service to a location will be at the sole discretion of the Cooperative.

2.3 Construction Details

The Cooperative will construct, install, operate and maintain its plant, structures, equipment and lines in accordance with the American National Standard Institute (ANSI), National Electric Safety Code (NESC) and other standards as required by law in a manner to serve the public and its Members.

The Cooperative shall be consulted regarding the desired location of the Line Extension, the size and character of the load to be connected to the Cooperative’s system, and the characteristics of the requested Electric Service prior to the installation of Member’s Facilities.

The Point of Delivery, location of the Cooperative’s installed facilities, and all specifications for any Construction shall be at the sole discretion of the Cooperative based on the type of Construction and/or the characteristic of the requested Electric Service and the Schedule classification of the Electric Service.

2.4 Service Construction

Payment of Cost Estimate

A Member desiring a Line Extension, shall be responsible for paying the LX Cost as a nonrefundable CIAC payment. Except as may be otherwise provided in these LX Policies, the Cooperative is under no obligation to take any action on the Line Extension until the Member has paid the Cost Estimate amount in full and the payment shall be considered part of the CIAC payment.

Meter Base

The Cooperative will be responsible for determining the size of, and providing to the Member, the appropriate meter base for the Construction based on the projected load. If a Member desires a capacity greater than that determined by Cooperative for new Construction, such as a double lug or 320 amp meter base, the Member must pay the difference in cost for the upgrade.

For overhead Construction the Member is responsible for installing and maintaining the meter base. For underground Construction, the Cooperative will install and maintain the meter base

Required Cooperative System Upgrades

In the event engineering studies of a new load predict a required upgrade to the Cooperative’s system, the Member must pay for the total estimated costs of the upgrade which will be reflected in the Cost Estimate.

2.5 Secondary Underground Installations

Primary Service Conversions

Any underground secondary extension required or desired for the Construction must be installed and maintained by the Member in accordance with the Cooperative’s “Meter Loop Specifications”, and all applicable local, state and national codes and regulations. The Cooperative will provide a Credit for underground secondary extensions associated with new Construction as established in Schedule LX.

2.6 Service Conversions

Primary Service Conversions

A Member desiring to convert existing overhead primary Service to underground primary Service or underground primary Service to overhead primary Service, shall be responsible for paying the Cooperative the total costs of the conversion, including the cost of the meter base and any other charges required by the Cooperative’s Schedules. In addition to the LX Cost the Cost Estimate amount for the conversion shall include the estimated cost of retiring the existing facilities. Except as may be otherwise provided in these LX Policies, the Cooperative is under no obligation to take any action on the conversion until the Member has paid the Cost Estimate amount in full and the payment shall be considered part of the CIAC payment. A Credit will not be provided for primary Service conversions.

Secondary Service Conversions

A Member converting overhead secondary Service to underground or underground secondary Service to overhead shall be responsible for paying the applicable charges required by the Cooperative’s Schedule LX or other applicable Schedules, the cost of the meter base, and any other costs attributable to the conversion. The Member will be responsible for purchasing and installing the wire and conduit when converting overhead Service to underground. The Member will be responsible for purchasing and installing the meter base when converting secondary underground Service to overhead. All conversions must comply with the Cooperative’s Meter Loop Specifications. A Credit will not be provided secondary Service conversions.

2.7 Temporary Construction

A Member desiring temporary Electric Service shall be responsible for paying the Cooperative the total costs for providing the temporary Electric Service as a nonrefundable CIAC payment. In addition to the LX Cost the Cost Estimate for providing temporary Electric Service shall include the estimated cost of removing the installed facilities, including the total cost of unsalvageable materials. Except as may be otherwise provided in these LX Policies, the Cooperative is under no obligation to take any action on providing the temporary Electric Service until the Member has paid the Cost Estimate amount in full and the payment shall be considered part of the CIAC payment. A Credit will not be provided for temporary Service.

Depending on the size and scope of providing the temporary Electric Service the Cooperative at its sole discretion may choose to treat providing the temporary Electric Service as Project Construction and construct the facilities for the temporary Electric Service under the terms and conditions of a Project Construction Agreement.

2.8 Relocation of Cooperative's Facilities

The Cooperative will relocate or change the routing of its lines and facilities provided the Member or party requesting the relocation pays the total cost of the relocation. The total cost of the relocation shall be paid to the Cooperative as a nonrefundable CIAC in advance of Construction. The Cooperative shall prepare and/or provide a Cost Estimate in advance of the relocation. Except as may be otherwise provided in these LX Policies, the Cooperative is under no obligation to take any action on the relocation until the Cost Estimate amount is paid in full and a Credit will not be provided for a relocation.

Depending on the size and scope of the relocation project the Cooperative at its sole discretion may choose to treat the relocation as Project Construction and provide the relocation under the terms and conditions of a Project Construction Agreement.

2.9 Cost Adjustment & Total CIAC

A Member may request an accounting of the cost for the Construction or Line Extension under these LX Policies and request a refund of any CIAC payment amount that exceeds the cost of the Construction or Line Extension. If the cost for any Construction or Line Extension exceeds the Member’s CIAC payment amount, the Member shall be charged the difference so that the Cooperative recovers the appropriate CIAC for the Construction or Line Extension. The total amount paid for the Line Extension after any Credit shall be considered the Member’s/party’s total CIAC payment amount for the Construction or Line Extension.

2.10 Easements & Clearing

Member Responsible for Easement

It shall be the responsibility of the Member or Member applicant to provide an easement and obtain easement(s) as required to deliver the Electric Service. The easement shall be the Cooperative’s standard easement unless otherwise approved by Cooperative management. Except as may be otherwise provided in these LX Policies the Cooperative is under no obligation to take any action on the Line Extension or on delivering the Electric Service until the Member has delivered the appropriate easements to the Cooperative. The Cooperative will suggest alternative routes, if available, for a Member unable to obtain necessary easement(s).

Condemnation

The Cooperative will support condemnation proceedings as necessary to provide the Service. Costs and expenses associated with condemnation proceedings shall be the sole responsibility of the Member or party requesting the Construction. In order for the Cooperative to begin condemnation proceedings the Member will be required to establish an escrow account in favor of the Cooperative in an amount and with balance requirements as established in Schedule LX or as otherwise agreed in writing between the Cooperative and the Member.

Preparing the Easement

Prior to Construction the Member or the party requesting the Construction may choose to clear the easement. Any work associated with preparing the easement that is performed by the Cooperative will be charged to the Member based on the established charges in Schedule LX or other applicable Schedule

If the Cooperative determines any overhead single-phase Line Extension will be built along state, federal, city or county highways or roads, the member will only be charged one-half of the costs established charges in Schedule LX for right of way clearing costs.

2.11 Developer Projects

A developer of a subdivision, mobile home park, shopping center, business park, industrial facility, other unique facility, or any large commercial projects with a load greater than 1,000kW (“Developer”) requesting Construction for Developer’s project (“Project Construction”) shall be responsible for the total costs of the Project Construction. Except as may be otherwise provided in these LX Policies the total costs of the Project Construction shall be paid to the Cooperative as a nonrefundable CIAC payment. The Cooperative may require a Developer requesting Project Construction to sign an agreement with the Cooperative containing the terms and conditions of the Project Construction (“Project Construction Agreement”).

The Cooperative is under no obligation to take any action on the Project Construction until the Member has paid any amounts required in advance of Construction under the terms and conditions of the Project Construction Agreement.

The Cooperative will evaluate and consider Developers’ projects on a case by case basis based on the project details provided by the developer in preparing a Project Construction Agreement. At the sole discretion of the Cooperative, a Project Construction Agreement may contain terms and conditions that differ from the Member Policies and the Schedules and may adjust the total CIAC payment requirement based on evidence of project viability, length/life of Electric Service to the project, project’s economic effect on the community, or other factors that would mitigate the financial exposure of the nonprofit Cooperative and its Members in investing in facilities to deliver Electric Service to Developer’s project.

2.12 Switchovers

Switching Electric Service from Cooperative to another Supplier

In cases where a Member requests Disconnection in order to obtain Electric Service from another electric utility certified to provide retail electric serve in the area, the following steps and charges shall apply:

1. A Member shall request Disconnection in writing.
2. A Member shall pay any outstanding account balance in full.
3. A Member shall pay the following charges prior to disconnection:
   a. A set switchover fee, as established in Schedule LX, to cover the cost of removing any meter and drop line used to serve a consuming facility on a single premise.
   b. The cost of removing any idle facilities, determined unnecessary by the Cooperative that were used to provide Electric Service to the premise incurring a switchover fee.
   c. A charge based upon the original cost of the distribution facilities rendered idle and not reusable elsewhere on the distribution system, less depreciation, salvage and any previous CIAC payment.
4. Upon payment of the full account balance and other fees and charges due under this provision, a Member shall receive a paid receipt from the Cooperative for presentation to the connecting utility.

Switching Electric Service from another Supplier to Cooperative

In areas of the Cooperative’s service territory where other suppliers are certificated to provide retail electric service, a customer of another supplier may switch Electric Service to the Cooperative.

The customer of the other supplier shall provide evidence to the Cooperative that the switchover rules of the current supplier have been satisfied and satisfy all terms and conditions for Electric Service required by the Cooperative before Electric Service will be provided.

Approved: December 16, 2019

1.1 General Information

Introduction

These “Service Policies” shall be considered part of Wood County Electric Cooperatives Inc.’s (“Cooperative”) “Member Policies”. These Service Policies together with other Member Policies, and the “Rate Schedules/Riders” (“Schedules”) establish the policies, rules, and fees and charges (“Rate(s)”) applicable to receiving “Electric Service” or “Service” (as defined in these Service Policies) from the Cooperative.

Description of Operations

The Cooperative is a nonprofit Texas electric Cooperative. The Cooperative purchases electricity wholesale and distributes it to Members in all or part of nine (9) East Texas counties.

Statement of Non-Discrimination

The Cooperative shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, nationality, religion, sex, marital status, disability, income level, or legal source of income and shall not unreasonably discriminate based on geographic location.

1.2 Definitions

Defined terms found throughout the Member Policies shall have the same meaning in the Schedules and throughout the Member Policies. Defined terms found throughout the Schedules shall have the same meaning in the Member Policies and throughout the Schedules.

The following defined terms shall have the following meaning in the Member Policies and Schedules:

1. Electric Service or Service - Shall include providing electric energy and/or related services or products.
2. Law - Shall include:
   (a) Texas Electric Cooperative Corporation Act; and
   (b) any other applicable local, state, and federal constitutions, statutes, ordinances, regulations, holdings, rulings, orders, and similar documents or actions, whether legislative, executive, or judicial.
3. Membership - Status as a Member of the Cooperative
4. Member Property - Shall Include:
   (a) Real or personal property in which the Member holds an interest sufficient to request and utilize Electric Service;
   (b) real or personal property of the Member that is utilizing Electric Service provided by the Cooperative; or
   (c) real or personal property owned by the Member.
5. 5. Person - An individual or entity that has the capacity to enter legally binding contracts.

1.3 Membership Terms & Conditions

A “Person” shall become a “Member” of the Cooperative and establish a Membership by requesting Electric Service. By requesting Electric Service, a Member agrees to:

1. Be a Member of the Cooperative and purchase Electric Service from the Cooperative;
2. Comply with and be bound by the “Governing Documents” (as defined in the Cooperative’s “Bylaws”);
3. Allow the Cooperative to access and capture images of Member Property by means of manned or unmanned flights over Member Property, for the purpose of inspecting Cooperative facilities and as necessary to assist the Cooperative in delivering Electric Service;
4. Provide the Cooperative access to or use of Member Property for: (a) the purpose of restoration efforts; (b) addressing an emergency situation; and (c) any other reasonable purpose required to provide Electric Service; and
5. In partial consideration for providing Electric Service, pursuant to the Law and any terms and conditions specified by the Cooperative, grant or convey to the Cooperative a written easement, right-of-way, or license for use of Member Property as necessary and as reasonably agreed upon between the Cooperative and the Member for the purpose of providing Electric Service to the Member or one or more other Members.

A Member must also comply with the following applicable conditions to receive or continue receiving Electric Service:

1. Provide any information and pay any amounts required under the Member Policies and Schedules as well as any deposits that may be required to establish an account with the Cooperative;
2. Complete any additional or supplemental documents, agreements, or actions required by the Cooperative;
3. Not have any past or present delinquent accounts with the Cooperative; and
4. Comply with all local, state, and national codes, as well as any technical specifications, rules, policies, and regulations of the Cooperative.

The Cooperative may waive any terms or conditions of Electric Service and provide Electric Service to a Member under or by other terms and conditions that reflect sound cooperative business practice.

The Cooperative may refuse to provide Electric Service if: (1) a Member has engaged in any fraudulent scheme or act to avoid amounts due the Cooperative, including the use of another name or legal entity; or (2) a Member’s installation or equipment is known to be hazardous or of such character that Electric Service cannot be provided in a safe manner as determined by the Cooperative.

1.4 Accounts - Credit/Deposit

Accounts

Except as otherwise provided herein a Member desiring to establish a “Credit Account” with the Cooperative will be required to demonstrate a satisfactory credit history or submit a deposit.

As an alternative to demonstrating satisfactory credit history or providing a deposit a Member may be allowed to establish a “Prepaid Account” with the Cooperative for receiving Electric Service. A Member desiring to establish a Prepaid Account must be eligible and must apply to participate in the Cooperative’s “SmartPower Program”.

The term “account” shall apply to both a Credit Account and a Prepaid Account in the Member Policies and Schedules.

Satisfactory Credit History

The Cooperative may choose to establish a Credit Account for a Member that can demonstrate a satisfactory credit history. Certain business entity Members may not be allowed to establish a Credit Account based on a satisfactory credit history. In determining if a Member has demonstrated a satisfactory credit history the Cooperative will consider the type of Electric Service requested and the estimated annual charges for the Electric Service requested. Factors the Cooperative shall consider in determining if a Member has a satisfactory credit history shall include but may not be limited to the following:

1. Credit rating;
2. Having a Credit Account with the Cooperative that has not been delinquent more than two (2) times in the previous twelve (12) months and not had Electric Service discontinued for a delinquent account
3. Other evidence acceptable to the Cooperative.

The Cooperative may conduct a credit check to determine if the Member has a satisfactory credit history. A Member may opt out of a credit check by submitting a deposit as determined by the Cooperative.

Deposits

To secure payment for Electric Service and to establish a Credit Account with the Cooperative, or in order to continue receiving Electric Service, the Cooperative may require a Member to provide a deposit.

Deposit Amount

Except as otherwise provided herein, a deposit for Electric Service in general shall be based on estimated usage at the location where Electric Service is to be provided. The initial Deposit amount required by the Cooperative shall be 2.4 times the average bill for Electric Service for the preceding twelve-month period based on estimated usage at the location or a minimum deposit established in the Schedules, whichever is greater. However, deposits collected for Electric Service provided to weekend residences and for temporary or seasonal Service may be sufficient to reasonably protect Cooperative from the assumed risk for providing such type of Electric Service. To the extent available, historical data for a location may be utilized in determining estimated usage.

Deposit and Additional Deposit by Existing Members

As applicable a deposit or an additional deposit may be required under the following conditions:

1. If after review of a Member’s Credit Account, the Cooperative has determined that a Member’s actual use of Electric Service is at least twice the amount the Cooperative used to calculate the originally collected deposit;
2. If the Cooperative determines that a Member no longer has an acceptable credit rating or the Member’s financial condition exposes the Cooperative to a risk of default on amounts due;
3. A Member’s Credit Account has been delinquent 2 or more times within the previous 12 months;
4. Electric Service has been discontinued for non-payment within the previous 12 months; or
5. A Member commits fraud or theft against the Cooperative to avoid payment of any amounts due the Cooperative.

If an additional deposit is required a Member will be required to submit an amount that will result in a total deposit balance for the location in an amount that shall equal 2.4 times the highest estimated or actual bill for Electric Service provided to the location within the past 12 months. If an additional deposit amount is not paid within 15 days from the date requested, then a Credit Account shall be considered delinquent and Service may be discontinued. The Cooperative, at its option may offer a payment plan to collect an additional deposit.

Adjustments to Credit History & Deposit Requirements

After evaluating the specific facts regarding the Electric Service, the Cooperative may choose to adjust or waive the requirements for establishing a Credit Account for Members:

1. Over 65 years of age that can demonstrate that they have not had a delinquent account 4 or more times with the Cooperative or any other electric utility within the previous 12 months. If a waiver is allowed any reconnection after nonpayment will be subject to the payment of past due balances, deposits and any other fees required.
2. That provide proof of being a victim of family violence as defined in the Texas Family Code. Such proof shall be satisfied by submission of a certification letter from the Texas Council on Family Violence or other similar governmental entity and will only apply to a single location. If a waiver is allowed any reconnection after nonpayment will be subject to the payment of past due balances, deposits and any other fees required.
3. That provide financial assurance or proof of responsibility in another way, if approved by and acceptable to the Cooperative.

The Cooperative, at its sole discretion may only choose to adjust or waive the requirements for establishing a Credit Account at a single location.

Information Concerning Deposits

At the time a deposit is required, the Cooperative shall provide Members with the following information about deposits:

1. The circumstances under which the Cooperative may require a deposit;
2. How a deposit is calculated; and
3. The time frame and requirement for returning the deposit to the Member.

Records on Deposits

The Cooperative shall maintain deposit records containing the following information:

1. The name and address of each depositor;
2. The Member Credit Account to which the deposit applies;
3. The amount and date of the deposit; and
4. Each transaction concerning the deposit.

Interest on Deposits

Deposit shall accrue interest at an annual rate determined by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (“Commission”). If a deposit is refunded within 30 days of the date of deposit, then no interest payment is required. If the Cooperative keeps the deposit more than 30 days, payment of the interest shall be calculated from the date of deposit. Payment of interest to a Member shall be made at the time the deposit is returned or credited to a Member’s Credit Account. The deposit shall no longer accrue interest on the date it is returned or credited to a Member’s Credit Account.

Refund and Use of Deposits

Deposits may be refunded as a credit to a Member’s Credit Account or by any other method determined by the Cooperative under the following conditions:

1. The Member’s Credit Account is no longer receiving charges from the Cooperative and the Credit Account is paid in full;
2. The Member’s Credit Account for Electric Service that is utilized for a personal use: (a) has not been delinquent more than 2 times in the previous 12 months; and (b) has not been discontinued for non-payment in the previous 12 months; and (c) is not currently delinquent; or
3. The Member’s Credit Account for Electric Service that is utilized for a business use: (a) has not been delinquent more than 4 times in the previous 24 months; and (b) has not been discontinued for non-payment in the previous 12 months; and (c) is not currently delinquent.

Whether Electric Service is utilized for a personal or business use shall be at the sole discretion of the Cooperative regardless of whether the Member is an individual or an entity and regardless of the Schedules under which the Electric Service is classified.

The Cooperative may allow a Member that transfers Electric Service from one location to another within the Cooperative’s service area to apply any excess deposit towards any deposit required for the location to which Electric Service is being transferred. The Cooperative will not allow a deposit balance to be utilized towards a deposit required for a new location until all financial obligations for the prior location are satisfied.

The Cooperative may transfer deposit amounts between the accounts of a Member and may utilize any deposit amounts submitted by Member to satisfy any amounts due the Cooperative for any account in the name of a Member.

1.5 Critical Service

Critical Care Designation

If a Member or someone at a Member’s location will become seriously ill if Electric Service is discontinued or requires electric-powered life-sustaining equipment (“Medical Need”) the Member’s location may be eligible for a critical care designation and inclusion on the Cooperative’s “Critical Service Registry”. In order for a location to be eligible for a “Critical Care” designation a Member shall provide documentation acceptable to the Cooperative supporting the Medical Need at the location. The Cooperative will consider a letter from a physician supporting the Medical Need as acceptable documentation for a Critical Care designation if the letter: (1) is submitted on the physician’s letterhead; (2) identifies the patient; (3) identifies the Member; (4) identifies the patient’s address as the Member’s location; and (5) confirms the Medical Need.

Expiration of Critical Care Designation

A Member’s Critical Care designation for a location will expire one year after being added to the Critical Care Registry. One year after a Member’s location has been added to the Cooperative’s Critical Care Registry the Cooperative may remove the location from the Critical Care Registry at a time the Cooperatives determines to be administratively convenient. Maintaining a location’s Critical Care designation shall be the sole responsibility of the Member. A Member requiring a Critical Care designation at a location shall be responsible for providing documentation acceptable to the Cooperative supporting the Medical Need annually for the location to remain on the Critical Care Registry.

Critical Load Designation

As may be required or necessary under the Cooperative’s emergency restoration plan the Cooperative will designate certain government, public safety and industrial locations as “Critical Load” and include the locations on the Critical Service Registry. A Member desiring a location under their control to be designated as Critical Load may contact and work with the Cooperative in assessing whether their location is eligible for a Critical Load designation under the Cooperative’s emergency restoration plan and the Law.

Member Policies Still Apply

A Critical Care or Critical Load designation does not limit the applicability of any Member Policies or Schedules to a Member or a Member’s responsibilities under the Member Policies or Schedules. Specifically, but not limited by the following, a Critical Care or Critical Load designation:

1. Does not relieve a Member of the obligation to pay for Electric Service, and Service may be discontinued if a Member’s Credit Account is delinquent or a Member’s Prepaid Account reaches a zero balance.
2. Does not guarantee against Service interruptions.
3. Does not guarantee that Electric Service will be restored at a Member’s location prior to other Members.

Member Responsible for Continuous Electric Energy

Members with a Critical Care or Critical Load designation at a location are responsible for having an alternate plan to ensure the continuous supply of electric energy at the location. If continuous electric energy is required for a Medical Need or for any life support system, it shall be the responsibility of the Member to install back-up power or other equipment to ensure the continuous supply of electric energy at the location.

Purpose of Critical Care and Critical Load Designations

The Critical Care and Critical Load designations allow the Cooperative to easily identify Members that may need additional assistance or attention when Service interruptions occur. The Cooperative will attempt to notify Members with a Critical Care or Critical Load designation when planning for scheduled outages (maintenance or repairs) and will restore Member locations with a Critical Care or Critical Load designation in accordance with the Cooperative’s emergency restoration plan.

1.6 Billing

Monthly Billing

Every month, the Cooperative shall render a bill for each Member Credit Account. The bill shall reflect the total amount due on a Credit Account, including charges for Electric Service used and any other fees or amounts that may be due the Cooperative and the date on which the total amount is due (“Due Date”).

A bill for Electric Service used and any other amounts that may be due the Cooperative for a Member with a Prepaid Account will not be issued by the Cooperative. A Member with a Prepaid Account may obtain billing information, including charges for Electric Service, other amounts due the Cooperative, and Prepaid Account balances by accessing their account online, calling the Cooperative, or other means instructed by the Cooperative.

Fees

A bill may contain charges for certain fees in addition to charges for Electric Service under the applicable Schedules. Fees shall be billed as necessary in accordance with the applicable Schedule for Cooperative fees or any other Schedule applicable to the Electric Service. Any applicable fee, in accordance with the Schedules, may be assessed for any action taken by the Cooperative resulting from a Member’s actions, including any trips resulting from an erroneously reported outage.

Estimated Billing

When there is good reason for doing so, the Cooperative may estimate the amount of Electric Service used in order to calculate the amount due on an account.

Failure to Receive Bill

Upon request, the Cooperative shall advise a Member of the Due Date and amount due on a Credit Account and shall issue a duplicate bill. However, failure to receive a bill shall not be considered sufficient reason for not paying an amount due by the Due Date or a waiver of an amount due.

Disputed Bills

If there is a dispute between a Member and the Cooperative regarding the amount due on a Credit Account for Electric Service, the Cooperative shall investigate the disputed amount and report the results to the Member. A Member’s Electric Service shall not be discontinued for failure to pay a legitimate disputed amount, as determined by the Cooperative, until the Cooperative resolves the dispute; however, the Member is still required to pay any amount due on a Credit Account that is not in dispute.

1.7 Account Adjustments

If the Cooperative finds that the amount due on a Member’s account has been calculated incorrectly, the account shall be adjusted as follows:

1. If a Member’s account is entitled to a refund, an adjustment shall be made for the entire period of the overcharges.
2. If a Member’s account is under-billed because of a failure to receive meter readings, faulty metering equipment, or other circumstances resulting in unreported use, the Cooperative shall estimate the under-billed amount and adjust the Member’s account accordingly for up to 6 months of under-billing. The Cooperative may, however, bill for more than 6 months of under-billing if it can produce records to identify and justify the additional amount. The Cooperative, at its sole discretion, may offer a payment plan to collect the under-billed amount.
3. If a Member’s account is under-billed due to theft by the Member then the Cooperative may bill the Member for the entire duration of the theft and the Cooperative may charge interest on the entire under-billed amount.

The Cooperative shall not be obligated to make account adjustments to accounts in subsequent months which were due to variations in meter reading dates, estimated meter readings which were beyond the control of the Cooperative, or for Members participating in the Levelized Billing Plan.

1.8 Payment & Collection

Payment is due and a Member’s Credit Account shall be considered delinquent if the Cooperative does not receive payment on the Due Date. If the Due Date falls on a holiday or weekend, then the Due Date for payment purposes shall be the next business day. The Cooperative at its sole discretion may choose to extend the Due Date of a payment to the Member’s next Due Date.

Delinquent Credit Accounts may incur a late payment fee, interest charges, or other applicable fees (i.e. fee for payments returned by a bank).

Every 24-hour period the Cooperative shall subtract from a Member’s Prepaid Account balance the amounts for Electric Service used and any other amounts that may be due the Cooperative. Balance requirements and other conditions of Electric Service for a Member with a Prepaid Account are addressed in the applicable Schedule.

1.9 Levelized Billing Plan For Credit Accounts

The Cooperative at its sole discretion may offer Members with Electric Service classified under the Schedule for “Single Phase Service” or “Schedule A” the Cooperative’s “Levelized Billing Plan”. A Member that is eligible to be offered the Cooperative’s Levelized Billing Plan shall have satisfied the following conditions:

1. The Member has at least twelve months of consecutive billing history for the account;
2. The Member’s account for the location has a zero balance; and
3. The Member has made arrangements for automatic payments of amounts due under the Levelized Billing Plan.

Under a “Levelized Billing Plan”:

1. The Member will be billed the 12 month average of: (a) the current bill for the account, plus (b) the account’s bills for the previous 11 months.
2. The amount due on a bill will change month to month, typically by a small percentage.
3. A Member’s participation in a Levelized Billing Plan will not relieve the Member’s obligation to pay for all amounts due for Electric Service and the Member will be responsible for any accumulated balance in the Member’s Credit Account upon the discontinuance of Electric Service or a Member is as otherwise provided in this Levelized Billing Plan provision.
4. If at any time the Member cancels automatic payment arrangements for a Levelized Billing Plan, the Cooperative will remove the Member from the Levelized Billing plan and all amounts owed on the account will become due.

1.10 Discontinuance of Electric Service

Disconnection Requested by Member

Discontinuance of Electric Service or “Disconnection” may be requested by a Member at any time. A Member shall notify the Cooperative a minimum of 3 business days prior to the Disconnection date or the date Electric Service shall be discontinued. A Member shall be responsible for any amounts resulting from the use of Electric Service at the location within 3 days of the Disconnection date.

Disconnection with Notice

A “Delinquent Notice” shall be mailed, as a separate mailing, at least 10 days prior to the stated Disconnection date and notify a Member of all amounts due the Cooperative to avoid Disconnection. The stated Disconnection date shall only fall on a business day and the Cooperative may discontinue Electric Service on any business day after the stated Disconnection date. Electric Service may be discontinued after a Delinquent Notice has been provided for any of the following reasons:

1. A Member’s Credit Account is delinquent;
2. A Member fails to comply with the terms and conditions of any agreement with the Cooperative regarding payment of charges for Electric Service;
3. A Member fails to adhere to or violates any of the terms and conditions of the Member Policies and Schedules; or
4. Any other lawful reason.

Disconnection without Notice

The Cooperative may discontinue Electric Service without a Delinquent Notice for any of the following reasons:

1. When the Cooperative discovers that Electric Service is being obtained in any unlawful manner;
2. If the Cooperative determines that an unsafe or potentially dangerous condition exists for as long as the condition exists;
3. Member’s use of Electric Service adversely affects the operation of the Cooperative system or Electric Service provided to another Member;
4. A Member’s Prepaid Account balance reaches $0; or
5. Any other lawful reason.

Disconnection on Holidays or Weekends

Unless a dangerous condition or tampering is discovered by the Cooperative, Disconnection shall only occur on a business day when sufficient and appropriate Cooperative personnel are available for making collections and to restore or reconnect Service.

Disconnection during Extreme Weather

Disconnection for nonpayment shall not occur during extreme weather events. An “Extreme Weather Event” is when:

1. The previous day’s temperature did not exceed 32 degrees Fahrenheit and the National Weather Service (“NWS”) reports that it shall not do so for the next 24 hours; or
2. There is currently a heat advisory issued by the NWS.

Liability for Discontinuing Service

If a Member’s Electric Service is discontinued for any reason under no circumstance shall the Cooperative be liable for losses incurred by a Member resulting from the Disconnection.

1.11 Restoration of Electric Service

Remedy Reason for Disconnection

A Member’s Credit Account shall incur applicable fees and charges for Electric Service that has been discontinued prior to the restoration and reconnection of Electric Service. The Cooperative shall restore or reconnect Electric Service after a Member has:

1. Paid in full any past due amounts;
2. Paid any other fees or charges due or required by the Cooperative; and
3. Remedied any conditions meriting Disconnection.

Restoration by Remote Means – Member Responsibility

Member understands that upon remedying the conditions for Disconnection that Electric Service may be restored automatically and immediately by remote means. Member is solely responsible for ensuring that all electric appliances are turned off, and that the Member’s electric system is safe to energize remotely after Disconnection. Member accepts full responsibility for, and agrees to hold the Cooperative harmless for, any and all damages arising from the restoration of Electric Service by remote means.

1.12 Member Facilities/Equipment

Point of Delivery

The “Point of Delivery” shall be that point, as determined by the Cooperative, where electric energy leaves the Cooperative’s system and is delivered to a Member. The Point of Delivery shall be accessible to Cooperative personnel at all times.

Member’s Facilities

Except as otherwise provided in the Member Policies and Schedules, a Member shall install, provide, and maintain all devices and equipment, including breaker boxes and wiring beyond the Point of Delivery that are necessary for the Cooperative to provide Electric Service or related to the Electric Service (“Member Facilities”). Member Facilities shall comply with the Cooperative’s “Meter Loop Specifications” and all current and applicable local, state and national codes and regulations. A Member shall not install wiring or attachments to any part of the Cooperative’s system.

The Cooperative shall not be responsible for maintaining Member Facilities but the Cooperative reserves the right to inspect Member Facilities at any time if there is concern that an unsafe or dangerous condition exists. Except in special situations where the Cooperative may own, maintain and operate electric facilities and equipment beyond the Point of Delivery, the Cooperative shall not be responsible for any other electric facilities and equipment beyond the Point of Delivery.

Motor Horsepower Limitations

Unless another limitation is specified in the applicable Schedule, a Member shall not place singlephase motors in excess of 10-horsepower on the Cooperative’s system without written approval from the Cooperative. The Cooperative may require a Member to provide reduced voltage starting equipment for any motors. The specifications and operating characteristics of motors shall be submitted to the Cooperative for approval prior to utilizing the motor on the Cooperative’s system.

Notice of Equipment Change

A Member shall notify the Cooperative of equipment changes that may alter the load characteristics of the Member’s Electric Service. Said notice shall be in writing and shall allow enough time for the modification of the Cooperative’s system and equipment to accommodate the altered load. Any modifications to Member Facilities must be made in accordance with Cooperative policy. A Member shall be responsible for any damage to the Cooperative system and equipment as a result of any increased load and shall also be responsible for the cost of Cooperative system upgrades the Cooperative determines are necessary to accommodate the altered load.

1.13 Metering & Cooperative Equipment

Metering

Except as otherwise provided by the applicable Schedules, a Member’s charges for Electric Service shall be determined based on meter measurements. In general, each meter shall indicate clearly the kilowatt-hours or other units of electric energy for which charges are assessed.

Units Separately Metered

Cooperative prefers that individual residential units in apartment complexes, condominiums, or mobile home units, be separately metered.

Metering Equipment and Other Equipment

The Cooperative shall install, own, maintain and operate all metering equipment and devices used to measure electric energy sold to a Member that the Cooperative determines is necessary for the Electric Service that is provided. The Cooperative’s metering equipment and devices may be beyond the Point of Delivery and shall be accessible to Cooperative personnel at all times.

The Cooperative utilizes an Advance Metering Infrastructure (“AMI”) for providing Electric Service and will determine the type of meter that will be installed at the Point of Delivery. Member understands that AMI allows the Cooperative to monitor and obtain information about Member’s energy consumption. Member consents to the Cooperative’s use of AMI. If specifically permitted by the Schedule(s) applicable to the Electric Service the Member may request a non-standard meter not utilized by the Cooperative's AMI (each, herein a “Non-Standard Meter”), that will require Cooperative personnel to manually read the meter. A Member requesting and utilizing a NonStandard Meter shall be responsible for installation and monthly fees as established in the Schedules.

The Cooperative may also install, own, maintain and operate electric facilities and equipment beyond the Point of Delivery, such as outdoor lights and demand response devices.

Meter Testing

The Cooperative may test a meter, at its discretion, at any time during normal business hours at no cost to the Member.

A Member may request a meter test at any time. The Member, or an authorized representative, has the right to be present during the meter test. The Cooperative shall give the Member reasonable notice of the date and time that the meter is to be tested. If a requested meter test is found to be within the accuracy standards established by the American National Standards Institute, Inc., then the Member’s account may incur charges for the cost of and/or fees for the requested meter test. If a meter is deemed to be inaccurate it shall be replaced, and the Member’s account shall be adjusted based on estimated usage

In the event a Member requests a test that is not normally provided by the Cooperative, such test shall be performed upon the Member's agreement to pay for all costs associated with such test.

Meter Tampering

No person, except for Cooperative personnel, agents or contractors, shall alter, remove, or make any connections to the Cooperative's meter or Electric Service facilities/equipment. A Member’s account shall incur a fee plus estimated charges for energy consumed and/or demand where the Cooperative determines that meter tampering has occurred. The Cooperative may also charge a Member for any other costs resulting from the meter tampering. The Cooperative will consider meter tampering as evidence of Electric Service theft and may report meter tampering to the proper legal authorities. The Cooperative shall charge a fee to reset the meter when the Cooperative satisfactorily determines that Electric Service can be restored to a Member.

Tampering or Alteration of Cooperative’s System & Equipment

The Member shall not alter or tamper with the Cooperative’s system and equipment or cause such to be altered or tampered with. The Cooperative shall presume that a Member has tampered with the Cooperative’s system and equipment if:

1. Electric energy has been diverted from passing through a Cooperative meter; or
2. Electric energy has been prevented from being correctly recorded by a metering device.

Member’s Responsibility for Cooperative’s Electric Facilities & Equipment

A Member shall be responsible for any damage to, or loss of, Cooperative electric facilities and equipment, located on the Member Property, unless such damage or loss is beyond the control of the Member. A Member shall be responsible for all costs associated with repairing the Cooperative’s electric facilities and equipment, including outdoor lights and any demand response devices damaged as a result of the Member’s actions.

1.14 Classification of Electric Service & Special Circumstances

Electric Service Classification

Electric Service shall be classified according to the Schedules established by the Cooperative’s Board of Directors. The Cooperative shall determine and select the proper classification and Schedule(s) for a Member based on the information and electrical requirements/load characteristics provided by the Member. The Cooperative shall not be responsible for making sure a Member’s Electric Service is classified under the most favorable Schedule(s) and a Member shall be responsible for notifying the Cooperative of any change to the Member’s electrical requirements/load characteristics that would merit Electric Service being re-classified under a different Schedule(s). However, the Cooperative may re-classify a Member’s Electric Service under a different Schedule(s) at any time if the Cooperative discovers the Member’s actual electrical requirements/load characteristics merit Electric Service being re-classified.

Idle Service

Where Electric Service has not been connected, is not being utilized, or has been discontinued but where electric facilities and equipment remain in place the Service shall be considered “Idle Service”. The applicable Schedule(s), as determined by the Cooperative, shall still apply to Idle Service.

The Cooperative retains the right to remove, at its convenience, any idle electric facilities and equipment. If a Member requires idle electric facilities and equipment to remain in place, then the Cooperative may leave the electric facilities and equipment in place, provided that the Member shall be responsible for any amounts due under the applicable Schedules or any monthly minimum charge, as determined by the Cooperative.

Special Contracts for Electric Service

The Cooperative may negotiate and execute a special agreement with a Member for Electric Service: (1) if allowed under the applicable Schedule for the requested Electric Service; (2) if the requested Electric Service will exceed 2,000 kVA of connected load; or (3) if the Member has a legal and economically viable alternative source of power to serve all or a portion of their power requirements. An Electric Service contract with a Member may include Rates and a rate schedule developed specifically to meet the energy/power requirements of the Member and may contain terms and conditions that differ from the Member Policies and Schedules.

1.15 Delivery of Electric Service

Electric Service shall be supplied by the Cooperative as alternating current, 60 Hertz, at available secondary voltages. The Cooperative shall furnish single- or three-phase Electric Service at standard secondary voltages, as follows:

1. Single-Phase: 120/240 Volt
2. Three-Phase: 120/208 GNDY or 277/480 GNDY

The Cooperative reserves the rights to determine whether or not alternate voltage configurations, different from those stated above, are acceptable. A Member shall be responsible for any amounts required to provide alternate voltage configurations if determined acceptable by the Cooperative.

1.16 Continuity of Electric Service

Service Interruptions

The Cooperative strives to provide continuous Electric Service but makes no guarantees against interruptions. Members shall be responsible for reporting Service interruptions that are not attributable to Member Facilities.

Cooperative shall have the right to curtail, discontinue or disconnect Electric Service, in whole or in part, without notice at any time: (1) for reasons of Force Majeure; (2) when, in the Cooperative’s reasonable judgment, operating conditions so require; (3) if the Cooperative desires or determines it is necessary to make modifications, repairs, or operating changes to the Cooperative system; (4) if the Cooperative determines that an unsafe or potentially dangerous condition exists; or (5) when the Cooperative is required to do so by the control area operator of the bulk transmission system.“

“Force Majeure” means events or circumstances reasonably beyond the control of the party affected, including, without limitation: acts of God, flood, drought, earthquake, tornado, severe storm, hurricane, ice storm, fire, lightning, epidemic, war, riot, civil disobedience or disobedience, labor dispute, strikes, labor or material shortage, sabotage, acts of public enemy, acts of terrorism, explosions, inability to obtain or install equipment, and restraint by court order or public authority (whether valid or invalid).

Continuous Service, Member’s Responsibility

If continuous Electric Service at a constant voltage is required, a Member must install the necessary equipment. Should a Member require three-phase Service, the Member shall be responsible for providing and operating such protective equipment as is necessary to protect equipment from damage resulting from the loss of power to one or more phases.

No Liability for Continuity of Electric Service

The Cooperative does not insure, guarantee, or warrant that it shall provide adequate, continuous, or non-fluctuating electric energy or other Electric Service. The Cooperative is not liable for damages, costs, or expenses, including attorney fees or legal expenses, caused by inadequate, noncontinuous, or fluctuating electric energy, including Service interruptions.

1.17 Member's Use of Electric Service

Resale of Electric Service

Members shall not resell Electric Service to any other Member, person, or entity without approval from the Cooperative. Members shall not extend electric facilities to an adjacent property without written approval from the Cooperative.

Adverse Effects on Cooperative System

If a Member’s use of Electric Service creates intermittent or major power fluctuations on the Cooperative’s system, causes harmonic distortion, or otherwise adversely affects the operation of the Cooperative’s system or Electric Service provided to another Member, the Cooperative may: (1) take steps to correct the adverse effects on the Cooperative’s system and bill the Member for the costs associated with such; (2) require the Member to correct such a condition at the Member’s expense; or (3) discontinue Electric Service without notice.

Power Factor

The Cooperative may require a Member to maintain a certain power factor.

1.18 Electronic Transactions With Members

If a Member owns, controls, or has reasonable access to the hardware, software, and service required to use, accept, access, and retain electronic records and signatures, and to conduct transactions electronically, then, as requested by the Cooperative, Member consents to using or accepting electronic records or signatures relating to any transaction with Cooperative, and conducting transactions with the Cooperative electronically.

1.19 Member Information & Privacy

Purpose for Collecting and Maintaining Information

The Cooperative respects the privacy and confidentiality of Member information. The Cooperative collects and maintains information about Members that is suitable for the purposes of providing Electric Service and conducting the business of the Cooperative consistent with electric cooperative industry principles and practices.

Information Collected

Member information is collected only through lawful and fair means. Appropriate Member information that is collected and maintained as part of the Cooperative’s records includes, but is not specifically limited by the following:

1. Information for communicating with a Member, including a Member’s name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, etc.
2. Information for establishing an account with the Cooperative, including a Member’s Social Security number, driver’s license number, date of birth, credit information, financial account information, payment history, etc.
3. Information about the consumption of energy and use of Electric Service at a location collected by the Cooperative’s Advance Metering Infrastructure, other metering devices not included as part of AMI, or other means (e.g. account notes, construction reports, staking sheets, etc.). Information collected may include information about Member Property (e.g., appliance types, appliance consumption, load data, Member Property hazards or other information helpful to the Cooperative when accessing Member Property).
4. Information about the capital and patronage account of Members and former Members, including contact information for former Members, collected over time as a result of Cooperative Membership requirements
5. Information obtained from Member surveys conducted by the Cooperative to identify needs or improve Cooperative operations and Electric Service.
6. Information about computing hardware and software/applications that is automatically collected when a Member utilizes the Cooperative’s website or other platforms for interacting with and obtaining information from the Cooperative (e.g. tablet and phone applications). This information can include: Member’s Internet Protocol (“IP”) addresses, Media Access Control (“MAC”) addresses, browser type, domain names, access times, and referring website addresses. The Cooperative may also collect usernames and passwords utilized on the Cooperative’s website or other platforms for interacting with and obtaining information from the Cooperative.
7. Information collected from third parties that provides services to the Cooperative or that the Cooperative interacts with such as credit agencies and financial institutions.
8. Additional information about a Member or Member Property provided to the Cooperative by a Member or obtained by the Cooperative through other services, plans, or programs offered by the Cooperative or its affiliates (e.g. photos, medical conditions, biometric data, etc.).

Personal Information

Member information maintained by the Cooperative includes “Personally Identifiable Information” or information that can be used to distinguish or trace a Member’s identity, including information that is linked or linkable to a Member (e.g. name, social security number, date of birth, mother’s maiden name, medical condition, employment information, etc.). (“Personal Information”).

Use and Retention of Information

The Cooperative utilizes Member information in responsible ways in order to provide Electric Service and conduct the business of the Cooperative consistent with electric cooperative industry principles and practices. Member information may be utilized, but is not specifically limited by the following uses: (1) administering Member accounts; (2) informing Members about their energy consumption and use of Electric Service; (3) providing Members with outage information, peak alerts, and warning messages; (4) communicating with Members about programs, plans or opportunities that may be of interest to them; (5) providing Cooperative publications; (6) improving Cooperative operations and the provision of Electric Service; and (7) operating the Cooperative on a cooperative basis.

Information about a Member’s consumption of energy and use of Electric Service at a location may be compiled in aggregate form so that a Member’s daily energy consumption habits are not revealed, and such data may be used by the Cooperative to improve the Cooperative’s operations and provision of Electric Service.

The Cooperative retains Member information, including energy consumption data, in such amounts and for such periods of time as required by Law or necessary to provide Electric Service and conduct the business of the Cooperative.

Security

The Cooperative maintains Member information with reasonable and appropriate technical, administrative, physical and cyber safeguards to protect against loss, unauthorized access, destruction, misuse, modification, and improper disclosure of the information. Members are warned, however, that no system can ever be fully protected against every possible scenario that could result in a breach of Member information.

Disclosures to Third Parties

Except as otherwise provided herein the Cooperative does not share Personal Information with a party that does not assist the Cooperative in providing Electric Service or in conducting the business of the Cooperative without the prior written consent of the Member. Member information may be disclosed to affiliates or contractors for services that support the Cooperative in providing Electric Service and conducting the business of the Cooperative (e.g. electric cooperative educational initiatives, electric cooperative publications, construction and maintenance contractors, billing services, collection services, legal services, accounting/auditing services, etc.). Member information may also be shared with other utilities under shared service agreements or to meet operational requirements. Information will only be disclosed to such Persons to the extent necessary to render the services provided to the Cooperative.

The Cooperative may disclose to and share Member information with commercial and consumer credit reporting agencies for credit-related activities (e.g., the reporting of bad debts).

Sufficiently aggregated Member information may be disclosed to third parties where necessary or beneficial for the Cooperative’s operations.

Member information may be disclosed when authorized or required by Law, including in response to a search warrant, subpoena, or court or law enforcement order. Disclosure of Member information may also be made when appropriate to protect the Cooperative’s legal rights or in situations involving an imminent threat to life or property. The Cooperative will take reasonable steps to limit the scope and consequences of any disclosure of Member information.

Member information may be shared with affiliates and partners of the Cooperative that offer products and services of interest to Members. A Member may request that their Personal Information not be shared with affiliates or partners offering products and services. Nevertheless, the Cooperative does not sell, rent, loan, exchange, or otherwise release Personal Information to non-affiliated third parties or partners for their marketing purposes, without a Member’s prior written consent.

Disclosures to Other Cooperative Members

Member information may be disclosed to a Member of the Cooperative when a Member gains access to Cooperative records as provided in the Member Policies. The Cooperative will take reasonable steps to limit the scope and consequences of any disclosures to other Cooperative Members. Personal Information disclosed to another Member will be limited to information that may be included on a Cooperative Membership list as provided in the Member Policies.

Accessing Your Member Information

The Cooperative is committed to maintaining accurate, complete, timely, relevant, and appropriate information about Members for the purpose for which the Member information is used. The Cooperative generally permits Members to access and seek correction of their Personal Information that is maintained and used by the Cooperative to provide Electric Service and conduct the business of the Cooperative.

A Member with questions about accessing, correcting or other matters related to their Member information should contact the Cooperative with their specific questions for further instructions.

Member Instructions and Cooperative Contact Information

A Member providing the Cooperative with written consent to share their Personal Information or requesting that their Personal Information not be shared should utilize the Cooperative’s contact information provided below.

A Member with any questions regarding Member information and privacy is encouraged to contact the Cooperative utilizing the following contact information:

Member Service Numbers
903.763.2203
800.762.2203

Address
Wood County Electric Cooperative, Inc.
PO Box 1827
Quitman, TX 75783

1.20 Addressing Member Issues

Submitting Member Issue to Cooperative

A Member must first submit a concern (“Member Issue”) to Cooperative personnel. A Member Issue may be submitted in person at any of the Cooperative’s offices, by telephone, or in writing. However, if a Member desires a written response to a Member Issue, then the Member Issue must be submitted in writing. Any official and authoritative Cooperative response to a Member Issue submitted in writing shall be approved by Cooperative management and shall be in letter form on Cooperative letterhead that will be mailed, faxed, or provided as a secure document via electronic means.

Submitting Member Issue to Board

If a Member is not satisfied by the Cooperative’s resolution or response to a Member Issue, then the Member may submit the Member Issue in writing to the Board for consideration. The Board will only consider a Member Issue that is submitted to the Board in writing.

Hearing of Member Issue

The Board may appoint a “Hearing Committee” consisting of three Directors to hear a Member Issue. The Board or the Hearing Committee shall provide a date and time for a Member to address the Board or Hearing Committee regarding the Member Issue within 30 days of the Member Issue being submitted to the Board. The Board or Hearing Committee may question a Member submitting a Member Issue but shall not be required to deliberate the merits of the Member Issue or provide a response to the Member Issue at the Board or Hearing Committee meeting at which the Member Issue was heard.

Board Consideration of the Member Issue and Response

The Board or the Hearing Committee shall consider a response to the Member Issue in accordance with the Cooperative’s Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, and policies as well as any and all applicable laws, administrative rules, and rulings. If heard by a Hearing Committee, the committee shall submit its recommendation to the Board for any action necessary to be taken by the Board and on providing a response to the Member Issue. The Board, shall within a reasonable time, provide a written response to a Member Issue submitted to the Board.

1.21 Member Access to Cooperative Records

Only Members may inspect and/or obtain copies of Cooperative records. A Member shall have access to the following documents without making a formal request: (1) Articles of Incorporation; (2) Bylaws; (3) annual reports; and (4) Cooperative publications.

In order to inspect all other Cooperative records, a Member of the Cooperative must submit a formal request on a form provided by the Cooperative. Said form shall include an affidavit in which the Cooperative Member affirms that the information sought is for a proper purpose that serves the interests of the Cooperative and its Members. Depending on the nature of the information sought a Cooperative Member may also be required to execute a reasonable nondisclosure or confidentiality agreement relating to the Cooperative records inspected or copied. Any responses to a formal request shall be in writing and shall not be provided in a simple email response. A response to a formal request shall be in letter form on Cooperative letterhead and mailed, faxed, or provided as a secure document via electronic means. A Cooperative Member requesting information shall be responsible for all costs associated with the request such as copying costs and labor

A Cooperative Membership list provided by the Cooperative shall only include the names, addresses, and Director Districts of Cooperative Members. The Cooperative shall not release any information that is considered to be confidential, proprietary, or protected by agreement.