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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
October is National Cooperative Month, a time to celebrate you — the members of Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative. The cooperative’s employees are driven by service to the community, and members are at the heart of everything Bluebonnet does.
The cooperative doesn’t just deliver safe, reliable and affordable electricity. It is committed to providing excellent service to its members, around the clock.
Story by Pam LeBlanc
Photos by Sarah Beal
I probably look goofy.
I’m holding what looks like a pingpong paddle, standing on what looks like a miniature tennis court and attempting to whack what looks and feels like a Wiffle ball. Pickleball mania has taken over the Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative region, and I’m determined to find out why.