Blog
Mesh Networks: What Are They? Do I Need One?
The Frustration of Inconsistent Home Wi-Fi Coverage Uneven home Wi-Fi coverage can be frustrating. Suppose you’re working from a laptop in an area where connectivity is great, but then move to another room. Websites immediately stop loading or slow to a crawl. Maybe...
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Ideas for Battling February’s Cold-Bound Blues
Cold Times Needn’t Be Idle Times (Things to Do in South Central Texas in February) Ah, the Idles of February—that weather-driven sense of boredom and lethargy that can set in during what’s typically the coldest month in our part of the state. Don’t let the wintry...
read moreFebruary Message from General Manager Darren Schauer — Cold Weather and Your March Electric Bill
Here in South Central Texas, February temperatures often bring to mind that old holiday song about “frightful” weather. Granted, we’re fortunate compared to other areas of the U.S. in that we don’t have to cope with a great deal of snow or ice, but we do get our share...
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A Valentine’s Trail of Sweets and Posies Through the Guadalupe Valley
This month, we’re strolling a path of flowery chocolate romance through GVEC’s service territory, telling the stories of a few local shops that specialize in gifts from the heart. We hope you’ll make a few real-life visits to these local flower shops and bakeries on...
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Symptoms of a “Sick” HVAC System
Most of us have experienced a winter cold or flu. You usually feel it coming on by noticing familiar symptoms. This often happens at the most inconvenient time, so we start treating the symptoms right away in effort to keep them from worsening. Just like people, our...
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Battery Storage Systems: Saving for a Rainy Day
To say interest in solar power has grown in the Guadalupe Valley would be an understatement. Since GVEC Home® began selling and installing residential solar panel systems, we have seen a steady increase in their popularity. This ever-growing interest in owning solar...
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The Texas Domino Hall of Fame
If you’re familiar with the small town of Hallettesville, you may know a few things about it. It’s home to the Lavaca County Courthouse; it hosts an annual Kolache Festival and Fiddlers’ Frolic state championship fiddling contest; and it’s also home to the Knights of...
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The Road to Resolution
As the holidays wrap up, marking the end of one year and ushering in a new one, many people are making their New Year’s resolutions for 2020. Then again, there are many people who think this is a silly, unnecessary tradition and don’t bother making resolutions at all....
read moreJanuary Message from General Manager Darren Schauer — Energy Experts Preparing for Your Future Needs Today
At GVEC, we serve a large area of small town and rural customers and members. But this does not mean we stand idly by while the world around us advances in energy solutions, renewable options and technology. In fact, quite the opposite usually occurs—many times GVEC...
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Staying Warm Without Cranking Up the Heat
January’s arrival means we find ourselves smack-dab in the middle of winter weather. Your first inclination when you feel a chill in your home may be to crank up the heat. This could mean more energy consumption, resulting in higher electricity bills. Freeze! Don’t...
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A History of Christmas Lighting in the U.S.
For over a century after Christmas trees became popular in the U.S., electricity as we know it didn’t exist. Decoration with holiday candles was prevalent during the era—having a “merry Christmas” often meant not burning down the house. The movement toward widespread...
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Five Tips for Surviving a Central Heating Failure this Winter
AC/heating system failure during cold weather is no fun; for some people, a heating outage can even be dangerous. Don’t worry, though; if your heat pump or furnace unexpectedly goes out during cold weather, there are measures you can take to help beat the chill until...
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How to Minimize Winter Electric Bills when Temperatures Drop
Weather is the single biggest driver of home electricity bills. No matter the season, outside temperature determines how often your AC/heating system cycles on and off. In winter, the colder it is outside, the harder your heater works. Heating and cooling represent...
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Space Heaters: Dos and Don’ts for Efficiency and Safety
Small as they are, space heaters are high-wattage appliances that can add serious expense to your monthly energy bill. What’s more, they can present a severe fire hazard if operated improperly. Now is the time of year when people are more likely to use space heaters...
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Delivering for Community: Meals on Wheels and GVEC
In 2018, GVEC put wheels to the road in service to community by volunteering to help deliver Meals on Wheels within our service territory as the program transitioned to a new local coordinator. Pictured is GVEC Accountant Julie Stock standing beside Sparky the EV....
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Breaking New Ground on the Economic Future
On Nov. 4, a host of international, state, and local government and business leaders gathered at 565 Bolton Road in Cibolo to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new AW Texas manufacturing facility at the 159-acre site the company purchased from GVDC in August 2019....
read moreDecember Message from General Manager Darren Schauer — Rooted in Cooperative Values as We Build for Tomorrow
As 2020 approaches, I find myself excited not only about the year ahead, but about what the next decade will look like at the Cooperative. 2020 will be a transitional year at GVEC—no doubt about it. Our aim will be to identify the future needs and initiatives of our...
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We Love a Parade!
As we’re drawing nearer to the holiday season, at GVEC we’re also in the midst of another season—parade season! We LOVE a parade, which you may have noticed if you attend local parades and festivals in your area. Parade Season Parade season at GVEC is a long one, with...
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Seasonal Safety Quiz: Holiday Decorating
‘Twas the month before Christmas and all through the house, Dad’s inspecting strings of lights, making sure they weren’t chewed by a mouse. The children are excited for a tree and gifts galore; While Mom and Dad are shopping, they’ll get new extension cords at the...
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The SmartHub® App’s Smart New Look
If you’ve logged on to your SmartHub app since the end of October, you may have noticed something different. But rest assured, although the app may appear different, all the useful information, convenience, functionality and features remain the same. Color One of the...
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