All day, every day, skilled operators watch Bluebonnet’s electric system to locate outages, coordinate crews and keep the lights on.
By Alyssa Meinke
When a storm rolls in, a vehicle hits a power pole or an animal touches the wrong piece of equipment, Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative’s control center is the first to respond. A team of 10 control center operators work in shifts to monitor Bluebonnet's electric grid. When an outage occurs, the operators dispatch lineworkers to restore power as quickly and safely as possible.
Stories of outages, response and restoration — and communication every step of the way
Story by Kirsten Tyler
Photos by Sarah Beal
Imagine this: It’s night, and a powerful storm is moving through the region. There is thunder and lightning. Your lights flicker once, twice, a third time. Then, darkness. As you reach for your phone to report the outage, Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative’s control center operators are standing by to take the first steps to restore your power.
Three graduates began Bluebonnet careers as interns; two employees get advanced technical training certifications
By Connie Juarez
Fourteen apprentice lineworker graduates at Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative are now prepared to join the skilled team of journeymen who provide reliable service across the cooperative’s 3,800-square-mile service area.
Three of those graduates began as lineworker interns at Bluebonnet, completing a six-month training program before beginning years of apprentice courses and on-the-job learning.
"When you call Bluebonnet, the first thing you hear is a friendly voice saying, Hi, thanks for calling Bluebonnet! Our member service representatives are ready to assist you — whether it’s during business hours, in the middle of a storm or even on social media. We’re here to provide the answers you need, whenever you need them.’’
— JENNIFER MARTIN, Bluebonnet's manager of member operations
Spring officially begins March 20, bringing new opportunities to save electricity and money. Here are some ways to get started on spring energy savings.
CLEAR THE AIR
Open windows to let fresh air circulate.
COOK OUTSIDE
Soak in the sunshine by grilling or smoking meals. Or toss a salad and make sandwiches to enjoy outdoors.
SEARCH AND SEAL
Cracks and gaps let conditioned air escape. Caulk and weather strip to seal leaks, especially around windows and doors.
Don’t let the name fool you. Today’s heat pumps can cool and warm your home year-round.
Story by Sharon Jayson
Photos by Sarah Beal
The typical heating and air conditioning systems in Central Texas homes now have competition. Despite the name, a heat pump — more specifically, an air-source heat pump — can warm a house in winter and cool it in summer. Proponents tout the technology for its money-saving energy efficiency.
Cold weather happens, even if it was 80 degrees yesterday. Save electricity and save money with a few simple suggestions from Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative.
LOWER YOUR WATER HEATER TEMPERATURE
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends using the warm setting (120 degrees) on your water heater during the winter months. Plus, consider washing clothes in cold water.
TURN DOWN THE THERMOSTAT
You can save about 3% on your electric bill for every degree you drop the temperature.
Severe winter events have taught us to be prepared for anything
The most predictable thing about winter in Texas: It’s unpredictable. Although average temperatures in the Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative region rarely drop below freezing, severe winter events have taught us to be prepared for anything. Take these steps to stay safe and prepare your family and home for an unexpected winter-weather emergency.
Electricity sparked a revolution for rural home cooks, and treasured family holiday recipes, passed down for generations, have withstood the test of time
Stories by Addie Broyles
In the years after Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative brought electricity to its members in 1939, light bulbs banished the darkness and power pumped water into homes. Lives were transformed.
For families, however, the big changes hit home when electricity reached the kitchen. The difficult, tedious and hot work of cooking was soon to become a memory.