The Clay Electric Cooperative, Inc.

April 2019Power Line

3040-26299

Vehicle auction to go live this month

Clay Electric will offer a vehicle and equipment auction as an online event this month.

Photos and information on each vehicle and other auction items will be posted on the George Gideon Auctioneers website on or shortly after April 8. The inspection day for the vehicles and equipment is from noon to 3 p.m. Monday, April 29 at Clay Electric’s Fleet Service building in Keystone Heights (located directly behind the district office). The final day to place bids online is Tuesday, April 30.

Successful bidders must pay and pick up their vehicles and equipment items between noon and 3 p.m. Thursday, May 2 at the Fleet Service building. For auction and payment terms, visit the auction website.

Vehicles and equipment that will be auctioned include, but are not limited to:

• 2006 Vermeer Flextrak 75• Three 1998 Vermeer 1250A Chippers• 2010 Chevy Impala• 2012 Chevy Impala• Five 2010 Ford Rangers• 2009 Ram 5500 • 2008 Ford Ranger• 2003 Sellick

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• 2009 EZGO• 2000 Chevy 3500• 2001 Ford 550• Two Ford F450s• 2003 International 4400• Four 2005 International 4300s• 2008 International 4400• 2006 International 4400• 2007 International 4300• 2005 E150• 2005 Chevy Uplander van• Two 2011 Ford Tauruses • Nine 2012 Chevy Colorados• Two 2012 Ram 5500sFor more information about the co-op’s

auction, call George Gideon Auctioneers at 407-886-2211 or email george@ggauctions.com.

AUCTIONContinued from front

 Power Line is an informational publication of Clay Electric Cooperative, Inc. It is distributed monthly with members’ billing statements. If you have questions or comments about Power Line, write Editor Justin Caudell at P.O. Box 308, Keystone Heights, FL 32656; or email: Jcaudell@clayelectric.com. Clay Electric’s Board of Trustees will meet on Thursday, April 25 beginning at 12:30 p.m. in Keystone Heights.

Many vehicles and pieces of equipment are up for auction this month at www.ggauctions.com.

Protect electronics before storms strike

Lightning and short-circuits can strike at any moment and destroy or cause extensive damage to your equipment and appliances. Being prepared for these unexpected surges and spikes can go a long way towards protecting your home.

Affordable surge protection equipment is available for purchase or lease through the co-op’s surge protection program. This equipment will help protect sensitive electronic equipment from power surges caused by events triggered from both outside and inside the home.

The SurgeBlaster program provides the highest quality surge protection equipment, is UL-listed and meets the IEEE 587 standard for surge suppression equipment. The basic SurgeBlaster package includes one meter base suppressor and one all-in-one (satellite/TV/DVD/computer) suppression module.

Call your local district office for more information.

Report fromthe manager

Ricky DavisGeneral Manager/CEO

We can help with solarToday’s consumers want and expect options,

including the type of energy powering their homes. Many homeowners are looking for a less

expensive form of energy with ongoing savings. Some are looking for a green energy source. These two motives are why a lot of our members are exploring rooftop solar panels.

The interest in alternative energy sources is also being fueled by decreasing costs for rooftop solar, the availability of financial incentives and the proliferation of companies offering solar panel installation.

As attractive and popular as rooftop solar may appear, it is important to fully understand its true costs, the operational reality of this form of energy and actual energy savings. To determine whether rooftop solar is right for their particular situation, homeowners must undertake their due diligence.

Come to us for energy adviceAs your trusted energy adviser, Clay Electric can

offer a candid assessment of your specific situation. After all, we have a different “bottom line” that is not directly tied to the sale of a product or service.

We constantly strive to find new ways to help you use energy more efficiently, and we are already keeping pace with the changing energy environment and evolving technology. In 2018, we installed 18-kW solar systems at our Orange Park and Palatka district offices. We plan to add solar panels to two more of our district offices this year.

We are also in the process of installing new advanced meters that will give you more options in viewing and managing your energy use.

Is rooftop solar right for you?To help determine whether rooftop solar is right

for you, Clay Electric’s energy analysts will look at:• the overall energy efficiency of the home• age and pitch of the roof• orientation of the sun in relation to the home• tree coverage near the home• weather patterns for the regionUnlike a solar company that has one objective

–– to sell its products and services –– we will look at the total energy picture and help you determine the best options for your home. While rooftop solar certainly works for many people, it’s not the answer for all.

When helping co-op members determine whether rooftop solar is right for them, a co-op energy analyst will also discuss the many financial considerations:

• Is there a large, up-front payment required, or are fees spread out over time?

• Will the homeowner own the panels or will they be leased?

• Are there any hidden costs, i.e., does the roof need to be replaced before installing the panels?

• Are there ongoing maintenance fees?• Are there rebates or other financial incentives? • Are the estimated energy savings worth the

investment?• Is it more cost effective to invest in other

energy-saving measures?Most importantly, an energy analyst will provide

perspective on the total energy puzzle. Taking into account current energy consumption, the home “envelope,” age and efficiency of the HVAC system and home site, an energy analyst can help co-op members determine whether rooftop solar is the best choice given the homeowners’ objectives.

When assessing solar options, it is an excellent time to examine other potential energy efficiency improvements for your home. For example, it may make sense to insulate the attic at the same time as installing solar.

We recognize that consumer interest in green energy sources and renewables is at an all-time high, and we stand ready to help you determine your best options.

Tree trimming helps us deliver reliable service

From time to time, you may see Clay Electric employees or contract crews trimming trees.

Our management and staff recognize and appreciate that trees are valuable assets to landscapes and to the quality of life in our area, but clearing trees and overgrown vegetation is vital to provide safe, reliable power to you, our members.

We clear certain areas in our service territory, known as rights-of-way, to:

• Keep power lines clear of tree limbs• Restore power outages more quickly• Keep crews and members safe• Reduce unexpected costs for repairsTrees are a leading cause of outages in our

rural service territory. Keeping our lines clear of trees is necessary to deliver quality service.

To learn more about our vegetation management programs, best practices for tree planting or to report a location where a tree is threatening a power line, visit www.clayelectric.com/reliability-restoration/vegetation-management.

Storm evacuation help for those with special needs

With storm season approaching, it’s vital for members to be prepared.

If you or anyone you know has special needs and requires assistance in case of evacuation, your local government can help. Contact your county emergency management office to learn about shelters in your area.

For members with special needs, visit floridadisaster.org/shelters or call 800-342-3557 to register with the county emergency operations center.