Upshur Rural
Electric Cooperative
Serving East Texans
since 1937.
Outage Updates:
***URECC MEMBERS***
At this time, there are no updates to share.
🚨 URGENT: URECC MEMBERS – SCAM ALERT 🚨
***SCAM ALERT – URECC MEMBERS***
We have been notified by members about a scam involving individuals posing as URECC representatives. The scammers claim a payment of $1,500 is required—often involving a Walmart gift card—and may send a barcode via text message, instructing the recipient to scan it to complete the transaction. The fraudulent calls are coming from 1-888-693-8863 EXT 1001, and victims are threatened with meter removal if they do not comply.
Please remember: URECC will NEVER demand immediate payment or threaten disconnection without proper notice.�Stay alert, and help protect others by sharing this warning—especially with senior citizens who may be more vulnerable to such scams.
If you are unsure about a communication or need to verify someone claiming to be from URECC, please contact us directly at 903-843-2536 or 800-259-2536.
Electric Vehicles are becoming more and more prominent in our area and across the nation. We've compiled a stack of information to help you, our members, learn more about EVs and to help you make informed buying decisions if you choose to cruise down the electric highway.
The appeal of electric vehicles (EV) is gaining momentum as range is expanding. EV owners can confidently drive nearly everywhere with a bit of planning. The Chevrolet Bolt, Hyundai Kona, & Tesla Model 3, all shown here, are popular EV choices among consumers.
How to Charge
Level 1
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Standardized connector
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At home using a normal wall outlet (cable included with the car)
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Slow charge rate (3-5 miles per hour)
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Useful for drivers traveling 40 miles or less daily (Level 2 preferred if available)
Level 2
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Standardized connector
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At home using a dedicated charging station
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Medium charge rate (15-30 miles per hour)
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Useful for drivers traveling 100+ miles daily
DC Fast Charging
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Three connector types (CCS, CHAdeMO, Tesla)
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Just off the highway using dedicated high power stations
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Fast charge rate (150-400 miles per hour)
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Useful for long-distance driving 300+ miles daily
When to Charge
All Electric Vehicles have timers that let you set when the car charges.
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The best time to charge your Electric Vehicle is between 10 pm and 6 am. This is when renewable wind power peaks and there is typically more capacity in the Texas grid.
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You want to avoid charging late afternoons (4 pm to 7 pm) when there is typically less capacity in the Texas grid.
Where to Charge
There are over 2,000 charging stations (and growing) in Texas and many stations charge multiple vehicles at a time. For daily driving, most charging will occur overnight at home or throughout the day at Level 2 & DC Fast Charge stations. Stations are usually located at offices, shopping malls, restaurants, and hotels. For highway driving, charging will happen at dedicated DC Fast Charging stations located along main highways. Drivers can choose from multiple networks based on the fast charging connector on their vehicle (most networks support multiple connector types at each station.) Common networks include Electrify America, Tesla, EVgo, & ChargePoint.
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Be sure to plan ahead for any trips. Charging stations are connected to the web with apps that display station status, occupancy, cost, & charge rates.
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Helpful charging station maps & route planners for EV drivers:
Potential Costs
The State of Texas offers a $2,500 rebate for buying an electric car. Texas EV Rebate Program (2,000 applications accepted per year). The US Federal tax credit is up to $7,500 for an buying electric car. Federal Tax Credit (200,000 vehicles per manufacturer). Electric vehicle drivers save $500-$1500 per year in refueling costs compared to gasoline. Auto manufacturers are estimating a 40% reduction in maintenance costs over the life of electric vehicles. Many electric utility providers offer reduced rate plans for nighttime hours (this is when you should charge your car). Rebates exist for the installation of charging stations at homes and businesses (check with your local utility provider).
Information from the Texas Department of Transportation https://www.txdot.gov/driver/travel/ev-tips.html