‘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.
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.
Everything is bigger in Texas, especially this 75,593-square-foot convenience store with the iconic beaver brand
By Melissa Segrest l Photos by Laura Skelding
It is just past 5:30 a.m. on June 10, and 120 Buc-ee’s employees are gathered for a pep talk in the center of the chain’s newest store in Luling. The grand opening is about to begin, and Josh Smith, the company’s director of operations, is pumping everyone up — “Are y’all excited, or what?” Workers answer with a chorus of whoops and cheers.
At a competition packed with skilled lineworkers from across the state, Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative teams secured spots to compete among the most elite lineworkers across the country at the International Lineman’s Rodeo in October.
Nine apprentice lineworkers, four three-man journeymen teams, four barbecue pitmasters and ten staff judges joined hundreds of colleagues from across the state at Nolte Island Park near Seguin for the 28th Texas Lineman’s Rodeo on July 20.