Residential

25December

27December

Close all draperies and shades at night to reduce heat loss. Drapes save energy only if they fit tightly around the window frame. This usually means a valance at the top, side guides and a weighted hem.

What Can I Do to Keep Unnecessary Costs from Attaching to My Monthly Bill?

Contact your electric cooperative for energy-saving tips on keeping your electric costs down. It takes working together to make the best use of resources. As your friendly, local cooperative, we do everything in our power to provide safe, reliable electricity and service to you.

Is This Just a Problem in Arkansas?

While our state often benefits from a low cost of living, energy prices are rising nationwide. For some natural gas and propane users, their energy bill will increase at a higher rate. For members like you, your electric cooperative has a proven record of managing costs to keep rates as low as possible. That commitment to you will never change.

Is There Anything That Can Be Done about the Fuel Adder Charge by My Local Cooperative?

Unfortunately, no. As a not-for-profit organization, you can rest assured your local electric cooperative will never make a profit off of our members' added burden. By law, a fuel adder must go directly toward covering the added costs. Nothing more, nothing less.

Why Are There Additional Costs with Making the Electricity?

Good question. The rising costs of fuel, primarily natural gas, that is used to generate electricity is the primary driver behind rising electricity costs.

Why Is a Fuel Adder on My Bill?

Perhaps explaining what a fuel adder is will help answer the question better. A fuel adder surcharge is implemented when the cost of producing electricity increases. Your electric cooperative must add the temporarily high surcharge to your bill to cover the additional costs of generating electricity.

Why Does This Matter to Me?

When the costs of fuels increase – and they have skyrocketed recently – it can trigger a “fuel adder” charge on your bill to cover the extra costs incurred by your local electric cooperative to deliver power to you.

Where Does Electricity Come From?

There are a number of ways to produce electricity. The most common methods include using coal or natural gas at generation facilities to generate electricity.

What are different types of Demarc devices?

Network Interface Device (NID)

The NID is the most basic demarc. The SCC contractors install the NIDs outdoors, giving technicians 24/7 access. A standard, residential NID is small and weatherproof, and it includes wiring termination, a test jack, and circuit protection.

Optical Network Terminal (ONT)

An ONT is a demarc that directly communicates with an internet service provider with fiber optic cabling. Our install technicians connect run cabling from the NID on the outside of your home to the inside where they will connect the ONT. The ONT is the device that handles the WIFI and hardline connections that connect you to the internet.

Older demarcs transmit the electrical signal on a copper line, then it sends those signals to your internet, TV, phones, and computers. Fiber optic cables work the same way, but the cable is filled with glass and uses light to transmit these signals at a much faster rate. The ONT converts these signals into electrical signals that your devices can understand. Additionally, any signals that you send out (such as uploading a video, sending an email, or making a phone call) are sent the same exact way. Thus, providing fast and synchronous upload and download speeds.

Where can I find my Demarc?

The demarc is typically located in a place that is accessible for technicians. While the exact location can vary, here are some common locations for a demarc:

On the outside of the building near an electrical meter
On the inside near an electrical panel
On the inside on a wall that is adjacent to where the phone line enters the house

What is a Demarc?

Demarc is the abbreviation of “demarcation point”. Another name for a demarc is an MPOE (minimum/main point-of-entry). This is the physical location where the customer’s equipment connects to the service provider’s equipment.

The demarc determines who is responsible for installation, maintenance, and repairs. For any equipment located before the demarc, it is the service provider's responsibility. For any equipment located after the demarc, it is the customer’s responsibility.

Can I use my existing television receivers (i.e. Dish, Direct, Cable, etc.) if I sign up for South Central Connect TV service?

No. South Central Connect’s TV service will have specific set-top boxes that have to be used with our TV programming.

What are the channel lineups?

With more than 240 channels to choose from, South Central Connect TV service has options for every family. View the channel lineup for each of our packages online on our TV page.

What is the television service pricing/packages?

Powered by our fiber-to-the-home network, our digital TV service delivers a crystal-clear HD reception with more dependability. Along with greater picture quality, our programming packages give you more channel options.

There are 4 TV packages to choose from:

Basic - $43.99
Complete - $109.99
Advanced - $119.99
Ultra - $179.99

There are also add-on specialty services and packages to customize your TV service. Details and pricing for these options are on our TV page.

All TV service packages require having our internet service.

Can I have voice service installed at my business?

South Central Connect offers commercial services to connect your business with fiber internet, TV, and phone. Commercial rates are available with a customized quote.

What is the voice service pricing?

Digital home phone service is available for $29.95 per month for the first line and $19.95 for an additional line. Phone service includes unlimited local and long-distance calling plus the convenient voice service features you look for. All voice service packages require having our internet service.

Can I keep my phone number?

In most cases, yes. Phone numbers can be ported from other providers if the account/phone number is still active at the time of the request.

How does voice service work?

South Central Connect’s phone service uses Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology. Calls you make are processed over the public telephone switched network, which results in a higher quality call than traditional VoIP calls.

How will I benefit from fiber internet access?

Our sole reason for offering high-speed internet services is to meet the needs of members like you. You will no longer have to rely on DSL, fixed wireless, or satellite internet to stay connected online. You will be able to stream high-definition media smoothly and quickly, have the data capacity to download and upload data such as files, photos, and videos at super-fast speeds, and have access to the latest technological advancements and applications. Our FTTH world-class service will be reliable, affordable, and backed by your local trusted co-op.

You will be able to run multiple devices – such as cell phones, computers, and laptops – simultaneously in your home or business without decreased download and upload speeds. The table below gives you a speed comparison between what you may have now and what is possible with FTTH.

Downloads*	Typical DSL/Wireless/Satellite (3Mbps)	Standard internet speed (25 Mbps)	Fiber Internet Up to 1000 Mbps (1Gigabit)
Download 100 photos	14.7 minutes	1.8 minutes	2.6 seconds
Download an HD movie	4.8 hours	34.4 minutes	51.5 seconds
Download 50 Songs	8.2 minutes	1 minute	1.5 seconds
Download a 50GB Game	39.8 hours	4.8 hours	7.2 minutes

* Download speeds calculated using the following averages:

Digital Photo - 3.15 MB
HD Movie - 6 GB
Song - 3.5 MB
Game - 50 GB

Can I have television service installed at my business?

South Central Connect offers commercial services to connect your business with fiber internet and phone. Commercial rates are available on our Business Internet page.

Why are you offering broadband service?

Our communities have long suffered from a lack of broadband equality – access to the same speeds and capabilities as those in less rural areas. Broadband availability across our service area will help close the digital divide between those who have access to advanced technology and those who do not.

A few of the many advantages of broadband access are:

Online education opportunities – allowing students to learn from home
Healthcare benefits such as telemedicine
Work-from-home interoffice connectivity and videoconferencing capabilities that will help professionals stay in their homes while being productive
Quality of life improvements through enhanced communications
Economic development and growth in rural areas – access to high-speed internet can raise home prices and attract businesses to communities

In addition, by connecting South Central Arkansas Electric Cooperative’s electric substations and offices with fiber, we will create a smart grid with more automation capabilities to better serve our members. Smart grid capabilities – the standard for optimum electric infrastructure – allows our devices to communicate with each other and delivers benefits such as improved power outage response times, better load balancing, more efficient electricity delivery, and more.

Will the construction crews make a mess in my yard?

Fiber construction often involves digging or trenching. Our contractors are trained to minimize any damage, and should any occur, to repair before leaving the job. Feel free to call us at (855) 269-3429 or (870) 246-3429 to share any concerns about the construction process.

What is involved in the process of building a fiber-to-the-home network?

Construction of a fiber network is a complex process involving numerous contractors and is dependent on a number of variables that include the length of the circuit, terrain and soils, weather, and other external factors. Most distribution lines are a mix of overhead and underground construction. Construction is divided into six phases for an overhead distribution project.

Step 1: Make Ready Engineering – 2 to 4-Week Process

The project begins with the design of the fiber build. Once the design is set, field engineers determine if modifications to any poles are required to support the fiber and the steel strand that accompanies it. Poles may need to be moved to make more space, or they may need to be replaced with stronger or taller poles. During the first phase, inspectors will also “ride out” the build, visiting every location throughout the project area and making notations of changes that may need to be made. During make-ready engineering and assessment, we also make sure every member in the territory is included in the build. This phase can take two to four weeks.

Step 2: Make Ready Construction – 4 to 12-Week Process

The timeline for make-ready construction can vary widely, typically from one-to-three months. During this phase, crews make the changes necessary to accommodate fiber. Line crews change poles, move transformers from one side of the pole to another, move wires on the pole, add new anchors to the poles, and perform other work to allow the ﬁber to be placed during the fiber construction phase.

Step 3: Fiber Construction – 4 to 8-Week Process

Fiber crews will begin the process of adding fiber-optic cable and steel strands to pole lines throughout the community. This process can vary whether electric lines are above or below ground. If underground, asphalt and concrete driveways will be bored under. A pedestal may be placed next to a transformer or junction box to allow for a service drop. Fiber construction can take four to eight weeks in the designated zone.

Step 4: Main Line Splicing – 3 to 6-Week Process

Once both the strand and ﬁber are placed and secured, splicing can begin. Splicing can take three to six weeks for the main lines. In this phase, splicing technicians splice the necessary cables at each end and tap point and mount them in enclosures secured to the distribution poles or in pedestals.

Step 5: Service Drop Construction

Service drop construction may be done simultaneously with some of the previously mentioned steps, or it may not be done until after the mainline fiber is in place. In this phase, the drop crews extend the ﬁber from the nearest splice point to the structure receiving service and leave coils of ﬁber in each location.

Step 6: Drop Splicing

Drop splicing is the next to last step of the process. The splicing technician connects the last length of the ﬁber at the tap point and mounts a network interface device (NID) at the structure with the ﬁnal splice inside it.

After drop splicing is completed, the network is now ready to be turned over for in-home installation to start receiving service.

Step 7: Installation

One of our subscriber representatives will contact you to schedule your in-home install. During installation, the fiber is connected to a fiber jack inside your home or office, where it’s plugged into the Optical Network Terminal (ONT) we provide. Once the installation is complete and tested, your service is ready to go. Welcome to the world of high-speed internet!

Can internet service be installed at my business?

South Central Connect offers commercial services to connect your business with fiber internet and phone (up to 4 phone lines). Commercial rates are available on our Business Internet page.

What is the earliest date that internet services can be installed in my home?

The wait time can vary drastically as there are several different opportunities for delays and setbacks when constructing a network such as ours. We encourage those interested to sign up as early as possible to be placed on the installation list.

Will a contract be required?

No. There is no minimum service agreement required.

Will voice and TV services be available immediately?

South Central Connect also offers voice (VoIP) and TV services in addition to broadband internet service. Internet service is required to sign up for voice or TV service.

Are there data caps with this service?

There are no data caps or bandwidth throttling (intentional slowing or speeding of internet service) with this service.

Can I preregister for the internet service?

Yes. Potential subscribers are encouraged to preregister for services through SmartHub. The tool will check availability for your address and if you follow the prompts to register for a SmartHub account, you're information will be added to the list to be processed and connected. If you already have a SmartHub account, please use it to make changes and/or add services.

What internet packages will be available?

South Central Connect offers a package with a minimum of 100 Mbps (megabits per second) upload and download speeds (symmetrical service) for a monthly price of $49.95. We also offer a package with a maximum of 1000 Mbps (1 gigabit) upload and download speeds for $99.95 per month. Managed Wi-Fi services are also available.

What does the term “broadband” mean?

Broadband commonly refers to high-speed internet access that is always on and faster than traditional dial-up access. Broadband fiber-optic networks can deliver voice, data, video, and email services over the internet.

What makes fiber so special?

A fiber-optic network sends and receives data at the speed of light. In addition to super-fast transmission speeds, a fiber-optic network can carry an extremely high amount of data. Fiber is also more reliable than other networks because it is less susceptible to interference and damage from lightning and other acts of nature.

What is a fiber-optic network?

Fiber-optic systems are made up of tiny strands of glass that carry data using light waves, resulting in much faster internet speeds and better reliability than traditional copper lines. Most internet providers use fiber in their systems but use copper lines for the final connections to the home, resulting in slower speeds. South Central Arkansas Electric Cooperative and fellow cooperatives believe FTTH is the best, most sustainable communications choice. With our FTTH service, we offer “symmetrical” speeds, meaning you will enjoy the same high speeds whether uploading or downloading.

Will my electric bill increase to pay for the FTTH network?

No. Electric rates will not be raised to subsidize the buildout or deployment.

How do I sign up for service?

South Central Connect’s SmartHub portal allows members to enter their electric account number and home or business address to determine if the household or business is in the service area, and/or when service might be available. The portal is continually updated as construction progresses and will be accessible through smartphones and other electronic devices.

How will I get FTTH services through the co-op?

South Central Arkansas Electric Cooperative’s fiber subsidiary South Central Connect, offers fiber internet, TV, and telephone services to members within the co-op’s service territory. The subsidiary is a separate company and will be managed separately from the electric cooperative. While South Central Arkansas Electric Cooperative will manage its electric grid to provide electricity across our service territory, members will get their broadband services through South Central Connect. Members will be billed separately for their electric service and their broadband service.

Where will the internet service be offered?

Service will be available to 100% of our cooperative members as well as many in surrounding communities that are non-members. You can check availability for your address by using the "Service Map" link at the top of this page.

What is the current status of construction?

The buildout will be completed in phases, and eventually, it will reach all of our 10,000 members. Construction is complete and service is currently being installed in the Arkadelphia, Richwoods, Alpine, Amity, Bismarck, Curtis, Daisy, Murfreesboro, Delight, Glenwood, Okolona, South Fork, Centerpoint zones as well as some of the Nathan, Whelen Springs and Caddo Valley zones. Construction is still underway to bring services to the Gurdon and Hope East zones and we have started collecting data for many more, off-system builds.

What is the timeframe and scope of the buildout?

This FTTH buildout encompasses over 1,800 miles of fiber and will ultimately reach 100% of more than 10,000 members. The buildout will provide access to broadband benefits for thousands of rural Arkansas homes and businesses.

What is South Central Arkansas Electric Cooperative building?

Our electric cooperative is building a fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network – the gold standard of communications transmission – over its existing electric distribution infrastructure that will take fiber directly into homes and businesses and deliver reliable, high-speed internet services.

Do I have to have South Central Connect Internet plan to have this telephone service?

Yes. Our phone service is delivered over the internet.

Do I need a long-distance carrier with South Central Connect’s telephone service?

No! You’ll have unlimited nationwide calling available.

Can I still use my same number?

Yes, you can port your telephone number over to South Central Connect from you current provider.

Is Prepay the right choice for me?

Would it be easier for you to make daily, weekly or bi-weekly payments rather than one large payment each month?

Prepay works best for people who want to take control of their electric accounts and energy usage
By monitoring your consumption on a regular basis, you will begin to notice patterns in your day-to-day usage
Any variation from this pattern, such as a house guest (increase) or a vacation (decrease), will become evident as you monitor your account
Monitoring and controlling daily usage can help keep those electrical costs down

Studies show prepay electricity programs help lower electric consumption due to member's awareness of usage patterns.

Any member interested in monitoring and lowering their electricity usage would benefit from the Pay-As-You-Go program.

Do I have to have a zero balance to convert to the Pay-As-You-Go program?

No. If you have a balance on your account and want to convert to prepay billing, South Central will allow you to pay the balance over a period of time. 50% of your energy payments will be applied to your old balance until you have paid the account balance in full.

How much money should I keep in my prepay account?

It's up to you! You can buy energy to last for a few days or several months. Similar to filling up your gas tank, you can put small amounts every few days or you can "fill up" the tank.

How do I sign up?

Is it more expensive than traditional billing?

No, electricity for prepay billing is the same price as traditional billing.

Who can participate in the program?

Residential South Central members served under Rate Schedule 1
New applicants requesting residential service

Some restrictions may apply. If you are interested in the Pay-As-You-Go program, contact us.

What is Pay-As-You-Go?

Traditionally, customers receive a utility bill at the end of the month for all of the electricity they used in the past 30 days. Pre-paid billing works the other way.

The program allows you to:

Choose how much and how often you want to pay before you use the electricity
Control your budget and pay how much you want, when you want

There are no security deposits. Your usage and balance are calculated daily, so there are no monthly bills.

If your funds run out:

Your service will be automatically disconnected
You will be notified by phone or email that service has been cut off
You can purchase more power online or by phone any time of day, 7 days a week
Your power will be restored the same day and you won't be charged a reconnection fee

Stay Happy, Healthy and Warm

Coordinate with neighbors for care of the elderly and disabled living alone.
Maintain a supply of prescriptions, nonprescription drugs, vitamins and special dietary foods.
Playing cards, books, drawing and writing supplies, and board games help pass the time. If you have a video camera and tapes, your family can make a storm documentary.
Keep sanitary and personal hygiene supplies replenished. Premoistened cleansing towelettes are useful and help conserve water.
Use plastic trash bags and ties for garbage.
Put first-aid kits in your home and car.
Make sure you have cold weather clothing, foul weather gear, blankets and sleeping bags.
Consider purchasing alternative UL-approved heating devices. For example, a fireplace insert or wood stove will keep the heat in your home instead of up the chimney.
Use flashlights and other battery-operated lighting instead of candles.
Keep fire extinguishers fully charged.
Fill your bathtub with water for bathroom use before the storm (if you have a well).

Check to see current weather conditions.

Keep Things Going

Keep plenty of gas in your car.
Keep extra batteries, matches, propane, charcoal and firewood.

Stay In Touch

Have a portable, battery-powered radio and alarm clock.
Have one non-portable phone that will work even if power is interrupted.
Plan where to meet and how to communicate with family members if separated. Keep essential family member contact information near your phone, in your wallet, and in your glove compartment.

Have Plenty of Food

Keep a 3- to 5-day supply of drinking water in plastic bottles. Plan on at least 1 gallon of water per person, per day.
Store a manual can opener with enough nonperishable foods for 3 to 5 days. Canned meats, tuna fish, and peanut butter are good foods to store. Don’t forget pet foods!
Conserve water by using paper plates and plastic utensils.
Have a camp stove or grill for outdoor cooking.

There are no available job openings at this time.