Safety & Savings
Members are at the heart of everything we do.
As member-owned electric cooperatives, we’re dedicated to helping you make the most of your power. Find the information you need to save on your power bill and stay safe.
Education and Safety
Be aware. Everywhere.
With power everywhere in our daily lives, it can be easy to forget the dangers. In fact, many electric lines are out of sight and out of mind. That’s why it’s important to always stay alert. Stay clear of power lines and call 811 before you dig.
Learn more about electrical safety at BeAwareEverywhere.com.
Outdoors
Overhead Power Lines
- Keep at least 10 feet away!
- Never touch power lines, but don’t get too close either. Electricity can jump to nearby objects.
- Do not touch anything that is in contact with the power line, including trees.
- Carry ladders and other equipment horizontally.
- Report downed power lines outside your home immediately by calling your electric cooperative. And stay at least 10 feet away.
- Never touch a person who is in contact with a downed power line. Call 911 immediately.
- Never attempt to climb a power pole or enter a restricted substation area. Also, don’t tamper with transformers that provide underground service with power. Before you dig, call your local electrical cooperative to locate your underground service.
- Never fire a gun at a security light, a power line, insulator or a transformer.
Underground Power Lines
- Call 811 before you dig.
- Every dig requires a call. Whether you are planning to do it yourself or hire a professional, call 811 before each job.
- Learn more at Call811.com.
- Visit the Mississippi 811 web portal at ms1call.org.
Indoors
Electrical Appliances
- Always look for the Underwriters Laboratories’ seal of approval.
- Be sure tools and appliances are properly grounded. A three-prong plug used in a two-wire receptacle must have a grounded adapter. Use a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) whenever in damp locations or outside.
- Improper handling of electrical appliances can cause a fire. Don’t let wires overheat. Disconnect if there are any sparks.
Switches & Outlets
- Do not touch an electrical switch while your hands are damp. No electrical cord or appliance should be handled in or near water.
- Childproof your home against electrical hazards by installing plastic protective caps over your electrical outlets.
- Protect your computer and other electronics from power surges by installing protective devices, such as a low-cost voltage regulator or an uninterruptible power supply (UPS).
Electrical Cords
- Do not run electrical cords through doorways or under carpets, and do not drape over radiators, pipes or other metal objects.
- To prevent overheating, make sure the cord is large enough to carry the electricity necessary to operate the tool or appliance. Heavy-duty extension cords should be used with portable tools and other heavy-duty appliances — never ordinary lamp cords.
- Check all extension and appliance cords frequently to be sure they are not worn or frayed. If they are, replace them immediately. Don’t patch a broken cord.
- Celebrate the holidays safely by following general electrical cord safety. Keep paper and decorations away from hot lights. Unplug cords when you string lights. Unplug Christmas lights before you leave home or go to bed.
Safety Resources
Cooperative Energy’s Safety Campaign
www.BeAwareEverywhere.com
Electrical Safety Foundation International Kids’ Corner
http://c03.apogee.net/mvc/home/hes/land/el?utilityname=smepa&spc=kids
Occupational Safety & Heath Administration (OSHA)
www.OSHA.gov
Storm Restoration Information
Watch a video on how we restore your electric service.
Brochures
Cooperative Energy Portable Generator
Download PDF
Hurricane Safety
& Preparedness
Download PDF
How We Restore Your
Electric Service
Download PDF
Your Guide to
Electrical Safety
Download PDF
Your Guide to
Water Safety
Download PDF
Home Energy Savings
The Power to Save
As a not-for-profit, we are committed to helping members conserve energy and keep energy bills low. Here are a few resources to help you save. Contact your local electric cooperative to discover which programs are offered in your area.
Comfort Advantage
Earn rebates for energy-efficiency measures in new and existing homes.
Energy Audits
In your home, online or by phone, we help members find ways to save on energy bills, for free.
ENERGY STAR Partners
We make energy-efficiency program information available to you so you can make informed decisions and purchases.
Paperless Billing
Save on paper and mail delivery costs by opting for free paperless bills.
Kill-A-Watt Devices
Check out this kit complete with meter and easy-to-use guide at local libraries, just like a book.
Automated Metering
Access your energy data online or by mobile app. It also enhances the accuracy of your electric bills and helps save money.
Online Calculators
Enter your information to calculate your energy-use costs and pinpoint opportunities for savings. Specific calculators include thermostat, appliance, lighting, television, heating and more.
Solar Energy Basics for Homes and Businesses
Download PDF
Comfort Advantage Booklet
Download PDF
Visit the Comfort
Advantage website at
www.comfortadvantage.com
Comfort Advantage Brochure
Download PDF
Important Links
Safety Tips for Activities Near Transmission Lines – Click to Download PDF
Comfort Advantage – comfortadvantage.com
Cooperative Action Network – www.action.coop
Donation Request Form – Click to Download PDF
Donation Request Policy – Click to Download PDF
Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi – www.ecm.coop
Electric Power Research Institute – www.epri.com
Energy Star® – www.energystar.gov (includes information about federal tax credit for energy efficiency)
Geothermal Heating and Cooling – energy.gov/energysaver/geothermal-heat-pumps
Kids Korner – fun child-friendly energy education
Mississippi – Elected Officials – mississippi.gov
Mississippi Public Service Commission – www.psc.state.ms.us
National Renewables Cooperative Organization – www.nrco.coop
National Renewable Energy Laboratory – nrel.gov
National Rural Electric Cooperative Association – www.nreca.coop
North American Electric Reliability Corporation – www.nerc.com
SERC Reliability Corporation – www.serc1.org
Solar Estimator – find-solar.org
Transparency in Coverage Rule - https://transparency-in-coverage.uhc.com/
U.S. Department of Agriculture – www.usda.gov
U.S. Department of Agriculture/Rural Development – rd.usda.gov
LOOK FOR THE ENERGY STAR!
ENERGY STAR® is a United States government backed symbol for energy
efficiency. Look for the ENERGY STAR logo on construction products, appliances and heating/cooling equipment.
ENERGY STAR provides a trustworthy label on over 50 product categories for the home and office. These products deliver the same or better performance as comparable models while using less energy and saving money.
For more information on ENERGY STAR®, visitwww.energystar.gov