‘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.
Renewables, solar take center stage at Energy Expo
By Connie Juarez
Randy Humphrey of Elgin, a Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative member, installed solar panels on a shed at his home last year. The system is capable of generating 11.89 kW of electricity. He wanted to lower his electricity costs and was pleased with the results.
Bluebonnet salutes its veterans in commemoration of Veteran's Day. Thank you for your service!
Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative will honor Veterans Day on Nov. 11 with a heartfelt tribute to those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. This year, the cooperative proudly recognizes 22 employees who served in the Army, Navy, Air Force or Marines. These veterans answered the call of duty in the U.S. and abroad, and still serve by delivering safe, reliable electricity to more than 133,000 Bluebonnet members across 14 Central Texas counties.
On the Bluebonnet region’s roadsides and buildings, historical markers tell the stories that shaped our past.
Stories by David Pasztor l Photos by Sarah Beal
You see them standing sentinel on roadsides, gracing courthouse lawns or hanging on aging buildings. Across the state, thousands of historical markers tell small pieces of the story of Texas. Some were erected by national or local historical organizations. Many more are the work of a program run by the Texas Historical Commission.