PEC’s Power of Change program helping the local community
PEC awarding Highland Lakes Crisis Network, now Ark of Highland Lakes, last December with a $5,000 grant to help install air conditioning in their shelters. PEC photo.
Pedernales Electric Cooperative’s Power of Change program allows members to round up their monthly electric bills to support local nonprofits, educational initiatives, and members in need of financial assistance.
The program, launched in 2016, gives members the option to round their bills up to the nearest dollar or make a one-time donation. Participants typically contribute about $6 per year, and more than 39,000 members are enrolled.
“Joining Power of Change is a beautiful way to experience firsthand what it means to be part of an electric cooperative,” Kendra Acosta, a PEC spokesperson, told DailyTrib. “Your donations help us give back to the communities we serve.”
Since its creation, Power of Change has raised more than $1 million and funded 102 local organizations. Grants of up to $5,000 support projects focused on capital improvements, technology upgrades and energy efficiency.
One 2024 recipient was the Highland Lakes Crisis Network in Marble Falls, which changed its name to Ark of Highland Lakes in April. The organization received a $5,000 grant to install air conditioning in shelters serving families, women, and children impacted by disasters and hardship.
The program also provides direct assistance to PEC members struggling to pay their electric bills. This year alone, $20,000 has been distributed through local agencies that work directly with families in need. The program also supports youth and educational programs throughout the cooperative’s service area.
Members can enroll in Power of Change through PEC’s website or make a one-time donation.