More than 30 Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative members in January reported recent attempted phone scams by people claiming to represent Bluebonnet. The fraudulent callers have told co-op members that their power will be disconnected unless they make a payment immediately over the phone. 

“Attempted scams like this are definitely on the increase,” 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 by calling our member services number or through our website or mobile app.” 

Bluebonnet makes at least two attempts to remind its members whose payments are late – once by mail 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 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. 

Along with fraudulent bill pay calls, a neighboring utility has recently received a report of a home robbery by people claiming to represent that utility. Be aware of people who come to your home claiming to represent Bluebonnet, or any other service providers. Bluebonnet employees carry photo identification badges, travel in company vehicles and wear shirts with Bluebonnet’s logo. Bluebonnet’s contractors may contact members in person or by leaving a card at their door; automated calls will notify Bluebonnet members in advance. If the individual or organization seems suspicious, do not let them in your home. Ensure the request is legitimate by calling Bluebonnet at 800-842-7708. 

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

Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative’s Board of Directors unanimously voted during its April meeting to return $4.7 million in capital credits to member-owners of the cooperative. Beginning in May, Bluebonnet’s members will receive a credit on their electric bill for their share of $4.7 million in capital credits, a $500,000 increase over last year.

“Approving the amount to return in capital credits is one of the best things we get to do as Directors on behalf of our members,” said Ben Flencher, board president. “The credit our members will see on their bills in May is one of the many benefits of being a member-owner of Bluebonnet. During the last few years due to growth and our financial success we have been able to return record amounts to our members.”

Capital credits are excess revenue above what it takes to run the co-op. Every April, Bluebonnet’s Board of Directors approves the capital credits payment during its April meeting. When determining how much to return to members, the Directors consider the impact that the amount returned to members will have on electric rates and the co-op’s financial strength.

The amount each member gets back depends on how much electricity they used in previous years through 2020 and how long they have been a Bluebonnet member. Current members will see a credit on their May electric bill for their share of this year’s capital credits retirement. Former members who are still owed a capital credit will receive a check in May or June.

Since 2005, Bluebonnet has returned $66.7 million to its members in capital credits.

“The ability to return millions of dollars to our members is possible because of prudent financial decisions and responsible daily operations,” said Matt Bentke, Bluebonnet’s general manager. “Bluebonnet’s Board of Directors and all employees have great respect for our fiduciary duty to our members. That in turn has led to the financial capacity to provide record capital credits to our members in 2021, and to reinvest more than ever in the Bluebonnet electric system, employees and the communities we serve.”