By Trevor Vigil
Brad Atchison and Nicole Copel have been San Isabel Electric Association member-owners for 20 years, but it was not until a year ago that they felt like members.
After seeing San Isabel Electric’s electrification of the La Veta Public Library — where Atchison serves on the board — he approached us wanting similar work done on his 105-year-old home. Atchison learned we could help him with this project in ways he had not previously realized.
“I knew [SIEA] offered some services such as selling appliances or helping upgrade from propane to electric. I wasn’t aware that you would help with contract management.”
Because of the services he knew we offered, and benefits he became only recently aware of, Atchison wanted help with a largescale overhaul of his home energy system, which was previously reliant on propane. This included adding an electric thermal storage (ETS) heater, with wiring and construction primed for the addition of another sometime in the future. The home was also entirely rewired to replace the knob and tube wiring, and an electric vehicle charger was installed.
Throughout the project, Atchison was impressed with our dedication to making the transition from propane to electric seamless and simple. “I was surprised how hard SIEA worked to make this transition easy for us.”
After project completion, Atchison noticed the benefits of a fully electrified home. He discussed the burden of maintaining a woodburning stove and the costs of a propane heater. In contrast, he is pleased with the ease of use that comes with a fully electric system, and other benefits — including cost.
The couple reported their electric bill was surprisingly low considering the additions. He also noted cost consistency as a welcomed change. “[Our] propane bill was pretty inconsistent; having a predictable electric bill is so much more convenient.”
Member-owners who have an ETS heater are eligible for SIEA’s Time of Day rate. The rate benefits members because electricity is nearly half the price during off-peak times: 14 hours per day in the winter, and eight hours per day in the summer.
Atchison talked about how he and his wife have optimized their costs by taking advantage of the Time of Day rate and using electricity during off-peak hours. For example, Nicole fires the kilns in her pottery studio during these times.
The combination of service, cost-effectiveness, and improved quality of life left Atchison and Copel satisfied with the project. The experience helped the couple realize what co-ops are all about, “I’ve been a member, for probably 20 years now, but this was the first time that I realized I have this service because I’m a member, I’m part of this company.”
Are you interested in electrifying and upgrading your home’s energy system? Learn more about their project here. Or contact us by calling 800-279-SIEA or emailing empower@siea.com.
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