INDUSTRY NEWS May/June 2013 OEC Warns Consumers of Phone Scam
Targeting Utility Customers Preloaded debit card scam resurfaces Patti Rogers, NORMAN—Con
artists are exploiting preloaded debit cards to steal money from unsuspecting consumers. At least two members of Oklahoma Elec- tric Cooperative have fallen prey to unscrupulous phone solicitors and are out several hundred dol- lars apiece, said Amy McElhany, customer service manager. “Both victims were called over
the weekend and instructed to pay with a GreenDot MoneyPak card. The caller threatened to disconnect the victims’ electricity if they didn’t comply,” McElhany said. “All of this should send up red fl ags. We aren’t going to shut off service for a delinquent bill
without two or three days’ notice, and never outside regular working hours. In addition, we offer sev- eral payment options and would never demand our consumers buy a pre-paid cash card." OEC reminds members to
never give out a pin number for a debit or prepaid reloadable card to anyone. “If you receive a call from someone who is urging you to make an immediate payment or pressing for personal information, hang up and check the legitimacy of the call by calling the customer service number on the back of your utility bill. This will ensure you’re speaking with a true repre- sentative,” McElhany said.
Today, May 20, WASHINGTON, D.C—Electric cooperatives are calling on the Environmental Protection Agency to withdraw a proposal that could fundamentally change regulations governing power plant startups, shutdowns and malfunctions. In comments
submitted by Ted Cromwell, senior principal, environmental policy, NRECA says, “EPA’s proposal would involve states in multiple year efforts and tie up an incredible amount of state resources and resources in the regulated community.” The EPA rules would “eliminate an
Rising Demand for Fresh Water Could
Affect Energy Industry NRECA, WASHINGTON,
D.C.—In a May 19 report, the Christian Science Monitor predicted water may “reshape” the energy industry as demand for fresh water could “exceed supply by an estimated 40 percent by 2030, pushing up prices for the water- intensive energy industry.” The paper surmises rising "water
prices would help wind, solar, and natural gas, but hurt coal and nuclear plants.” The article goes on to say, "fuel extraction is water intensive, especially for mining and fracking extraction." One gallon of water is required to frack one MMBtu of natural gas. —
www.csmonitor.com
Co-ops Asking EPA to Drop Proposal to Change Clean Air Act Steven Johnson, Electric Co-op
exemption from Clean Air Act emissions requirements for electric utilities and other industries during periods of startup, shutdown, or malfunction.” Plant operators say factors including variations in temperatures and combustion effi ciencies “can affect emissions during those times.”
HEADLINES Norman, Oklahoma
—
www.ECT.coop News Magazine 7
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