Programs & Services

Energy Conservation, Marketing, and Community Service Programs

Listed below are a few of the programs and services available through Valley REC. For more information on these and other programs and services, please contact the Member Services Department, or send an e-mail to memberservices@valleyrec.com.

Home Energy Suite
This is an online, interactive home energy application (created by Apogee Interactive) with energy use calculators, a library of energy information and suggestions, and a section for children. You can access it by clicking on the “Save Energy” tab at the top of the page or on the “Home Energy Suite” heading.
CFL Disposal
Co-op consumers as well as members of the general public may now bring their spent compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs) to any Valley REC office, and co-op personnel will ensure that they are properly disposed of (compact spirals only, please). CFLs contain a very small amount of mercury sealed within the glass tubing – an average of 5 milligrams (roughly equivalent to the tip of a ballpoint pen). Like paint, batteries, thermostats, and other hazardous household items, CFLs should be disposed of properly. Do not throw CFLs away in your household garbage if better disposal options exist. Energy Star-qualified CFLs have a two-year warranty. If the bulb fails within that period, return it to your retailer.
Educational Programs
Valley offers presentations about electrical safety, energy conservation, and environmental issues.
ElectraPay
This is an electronic method to pay your electric bill. The amount of your electric bill will be deducted automatically from your checking or savings account on the due date. You will continue to receive a statement showing your kilowatt-hour use and the amount and date of the next withdrawal from your account, allowing you to verify your billing before funds are transferred. For more information or to enroll in ElectraPay, please contact the Member Accounts (Billing) Department, or send an e-mail to billing@valleyrec.com. Please include your Valley REC account number, your telephone number, and the name on the account. More information and a copy of the enrollment form are available here: ElectraPay Sign-Up Form (PDF, 3.1 MB).
Energy Management (Demand Response)
This is a coordinated, state-wide system that reduces energy use during peak demand periods, cutting wholesale power costs for the cooperative. For more information about how you can held reduce demand, please read this one page article about Demand Response (PDF, 67 KB).
Energy Resources Conservation (ERC) Loan Program
The co-op offers a low-interest loan program that provides funds for qualifying energy-saving home-improvement projects.
Gen/Tran
Manual transfer switches for backup generators are available at cost to cooperative members.
Home Energy Audits
The cooperative offers evaluations of household energy use and potential energy loss with suggestions for improving the energy efficiency of your household.
Members Helping Members (MHM)
This voluntary, consumer-funded program is designed to provide financial assistance to Valley REC consumers unable to pay their electric bills due to economic hardship. Consumers may make contributions to the MHM program in several ways. To receive help, those in need must complete and return a confidential application for consideration. That application is available below or at any of our offices. If you would like to contribute to the fund or if you would like to apply for financial help from the fund, please contact the Member Accounts (Billing) Department for more information, or send an e-mail to billing@valleyrec.com.
Scholarships
Valley REC offers the Brighter Future Scholarship Program to both high school students and high school graduates pursuing accredited post-secondary education. The Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association offers two different scholarship programs. Visit the Scholarships page for more information and applications.
SurgeTamer ®
Valley REC sells various devices that can protect sensitive electronic equipment and appliances from power surges and spikes.
Water Heater Rebate
A rebate of $2 per gallon (for tanks from 50 to 79 gallons) or $3 per gallon (for tanks that hold 80 gallons or more) is available to members who purchase a new electric water heater. The tank’s energy factor must be 0.9 or higher, and the member must agree to participate in demand response.
Youth Tour
This competitive program is designed to educate high school students about rural electric cooperatives and cooperative business principles while visiting Washington, DC. For more information about this exciting and informative opportunity, visit Electric Cooperative Youth Tour.
Member Publications
Penn Lines, a monthly magazine of Pennsylvania’s electric cooperatives, and Valley News, a bi-monthly local newsletter of Valley REC, provide information and features relating to rural electric cooperatives, rural and suburban living and community interests.