Atmos Energy Celebrates 811 Day with Inaugural Gold Cup of Safe Digging, Presented to Pioneer Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Posted on

To raise awareness about the importance of safe digging, Atmos Energy celebrates 811 Day annually on Aug. 11 as a reminder for everyone to help protect underground utility lines by calling 8-1-1 before any excavation project, no matter how large or small. This year, Atmos Energy has instituted a new award – The Gold Cup of Safe Digging – which is presented to Pioneer Electric Cooperative, for a remarkable safety record that epitomizes the gold standard of safe digging practices and procedures.

“The Gold Cup of Safe Digging celebrates excavators that have demonstrated their commitment to protecting underground utility lines, and we thank Pioneer Electric for their ongoing partnership in natural gas safety,” said Aaron Bishop, Atmos Energy public affairs manager. “Pioneer shares our conviction that the safety of our customers, employees, and communities is the highest priority. We are proud to congratulate them on earning this award and look forward to a continued partnership in the months and years to come.”

Effective damage prevention helps to avoid or minimize harm to people, property, and the environment by proactively identifying potential risks and implementing solutions to prevent incidents before they occur. Calling 811 is a critical component of damage prevention efforts that confirms digging projects are conducted safely and without disrupting essential utility services. Striking even a single line can lead to injury, repair costs, inconvenient outages, and fines.

“We appreciate Atmos Energy for this recognition and are honored to receive The Gold Cup of Safe Digging in its inaugural year,” said Tolan Seger, Pioneer Electric, safety and compliance manager. “We share Atmos Energy’s commitment to safety and trust that 811 Day will remind the community that it is imperative to call 811 before any digging project, no matter how large or small.”

Kansas law requires homeowners, excavation companies, and contractors to call 811 three business days before digging. When using this free service, the caller is connected to a local call center that notifies area utility companies of the location where digging will occur. Professional locators then arrive at the digging site to mark the approximate locations of underground lines with flags, spray paint, or both.

For more information about 811 and safe digging practices, visit Kansas811.com or the Atmos Energy website for safety tips – and don’t forget to become a safety ambassador by signing the Call 811 Pledge.

 

Sunflower Electric Issues Energy Cost Adjustment Pass Through Credit

Posted on

A wholesale power cost adjustment will be included in the Energy Cost Adjustment (ECA) calculation for members’ bills received in July, August, and September. Applying the wholesale power cost adjustment to Pioneer Electric’s power cost will result in a decrease in the ECA charge in members’ bills. Please note that while the wholesale power cost adjustment reduces Pioneer’s power cost and is being passed on to members, it may not result in a credit ECA on your bill. This is a direct benefit of Pioneer Electric and Sunflower Electric Power Corporation’s efforts to ensure our members receive power at the lowest possible rate.

Why is Pioneer Electric applying this credit to the ECA?

Pioneer Electric and Sunflower Electric, its generation and transmission (G&T) company, are not-for-profit cooperatives. Sunflower budgets annually for the load capacity it expects will be needed. Like all budgets, this can fluctuate. As the result of Sunflower’s power cost being less than budgeted, Sunflower is giving a wholesale power cost credit to Pioneer Electric. As a not-for-profit cooperative, Pioneer Electric will pass on this credit to its members.

What determines the ECA?

Pioneer Electric’s Energy Cost Adjustment (ECA) is determined by the cost of purchasing power from Sunflower Electric. Factors such as weather conditions, energy demand, and market conditions can affect the cost of purchased power.

When will this be reflected on my bill?

The wholesale power cost adjustment will be included in the ECA calculation for bills received in July, August and September.

Notice of Energy Delivery Charge/Demand Charge Increase

Posted on

After reviewing the cost to provide electrical service to members and the existing retail rates, the Pioneer Electric Cooperative, Inc. Board of Trustees has authorized management to present the following rate adjustments to members. The adjustments will cover operating costs, ensure reliable service and make debt service payments of the cooperative. For the impacted rate schedules, these adjustments represent an overall average increase of approximately 3%, with adjustments to the Energy Delivery Charge/Demand Charge. The increase was approved at the Feb. 27 Board of Trustees meeting and went into effect March 1, 2024. Members will see the adjustment on their April 2024 billings.