A $4,463 grant from Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative and the Lower Colorado River Authority will help the Maxwell Social Club purchase new energy-efficient windows and solar screens.
 
The Community Development Partnership Program grant will allow the club to replace seven metal single-pane windows with double-pane windows and solar screens, enhancing the comfort and appearance of the facility and making it more attractive as a meeting location.
 
“The Maxwell Social Club serves as a meeting place for the community of Maxwell,” said Ronda Reagan, club vice president. “It is the only regional event center around and is the center of events and gatherings for the community.”
 
Reagan said some Maxwell residents rent out-of-town facilities because the windows at the Maxwell Social Club contribute to uncomfortable temperatures inside the building during the summer and winter months. She said the 1985-era windows have turned colors and are not easy to see through.
 
New windows and solar screens will provide a more comfortable facility for the community, lower utility bills for the club and a more pleasing appearance.
 
“The windows will make the building more beautiful and energy efficient for all of our renters,” Reagan said.
 
The building is more than 6,000 square feet and sits on two acres of land. It is available for rent for reunions, weddings, graduation parties and other events. Reagan hopes the new windows draw even more visitors.
 
“The Maxwell Social Club represents a key part of Maxwell’s past and future,” she said. “We are excited for the community to see the updated windows and enjoy the space with their friends and family.”

The community grant is one of four grants being awarded by Bluebonnet and the LCRA through LCRA’s Community Development Partnership Program, which helps volunteer fire departments, local governments, emergency responders and nonprofit organizations fund capital improvement projects in LCRA’s wholesale electric, water and transmission service areas. The program is part of LCRA’s effort to give back to the communities it serves. Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative is one of LCRA’s wholesale electric customers and is a partner in the grant program.

Applications for the next round of grants will be accepted in January. More information is available here

Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative members recently reported an increase in attempted phone scams by people claiming to represent Bluebonnet. The fraudulent callers have told co-op members that their power will be disconnected within 30 minutes unless they make an immediate payment over the phone. 

“Attempted scams like this increase around the holidays,” said Matt Bentke, Bluebonnet’s general manager. “The key to stopping them is to be aware of them and know your account status. Our members can access their account information through our website or mobile app or by calling our member services number.” 

Bluebonnet makes at least two attempts to remind its members whose payments are late – once by mail and email, and again by a courtesy phone call – within 10 days after the payment due date on the bill. The call comes from the cooperative’s automated phone system. 

If you are a Bluebonnet member who has not received a reminder in the mail or email or a courtesy call about your account and someone calls demanding an immediate payment, do not pay. Do not provide the caller with personal information, information about your Bluebonnet account, or any banking or credit card account information. 

Bluebonnet members can check their account status 24 hours a day, every day, from their computer, smartphone or tablet through the co-op’s website, bluebonnet.coop, via the MyBluebonnet mobile app or by calling 800-842-7708.

Report any potential scam attempts to Bluebonnet and your local law enforcement agencies.

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