miPower - Providing You More Information and Control

Grayson-Collin Electric Cooperative was organized and incorporated in 1937 as a result of the Rural Electrification Act of 1935.  Better known as the REA, the act was designed to provide power to rural America through the cooperation of owners of the electric cooperatives. In earlier days of the Cooperative, we were charged with empowering the “new” users of electricity with “new” technology such as electric irons, washing machines, water heaters, central heating and air conditioners, farm appliances, etc.  As the world we live in became more technological, the Cooperative assisted in some comforts of the home such as televisions, personal computers, gaming systems and a variety of chargers to power items such as laptops and cell phones.

As these technological advances continued, Grayson-Collin has implemented them in our operations too; so we could continue to improve on our mission of providing the very best service possible at the least possible cost.  We have embraced the “computer world,” especially in the past couple of decades by digitizing the maps of our distributions system, installing computers in our vehicles to assist in delivering service orders to the crews and using advanced meter technology to report readings to the office to save in fuel costs. 

While you have always been in control of energy consumption through thermostat settings, consumers have had very little information concerning the actual usage throughout the month.  Instead, we have simply let you use as many kilowatt hours each month as you demand, then send you a statement based on the meter reading.  Unless you read your meter frequently or called to inquire about the meter readings, the amount of the bill was a mystery until the statement was opened.

Grayson-Collin has been working to implement technology to assist you in energy conservation.  We have chosen to name this new program “miPower”, and are working with a number of vendors to find the best solution.  Through the miPower program, you will be able to monitor and control the largest electricity consumers in your home, the home’s water heater, air conditioner and heating systems.  Upon installation of the control devices, you can configure the settings for these three appliances to allow for the most efficient consumption possible.  Once configured, you will receive readings for the devices being controlled.  You will now have the ability to see exactly how much electricity is being used by the largest appliances in your home.

We are seeking volunteers to participate in a Pilot Program to test the miPower program.  If selected to participate in the Pilot Program, the Cooperative will contract with an electrician to install control devices on the water heater, air conditioner and heater.  If you are interested in additional information or in becoming a miPower Pilot Program participant, please fill out the miPower Participant questionnaire listed below.  We will send you additional information concerning the miPower program, and we will answer any questions you may have.

miPower Participant Questionnaire...