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"When you call Bluebonnet, the first thing you hear is a friendly voice saying, Hi, thanks for calling Bluebonnet! Our member service representatives are ready to assist you — whether it’s during business hours, in the middle of a storm or even on social media. We’re here to provide the answers you need, whenever you need them.’’
— JENNIFER MARTIN, Bluebonnet's manager of member operations
Whether it’s your Bluebonnet bill, a power outage or another concern — we’re ready to help
We know Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative’s members have questions because employees answered an average of 14,000 phone calls per month last year. The cooperative’s knowledgeable member service representatives answer questions about everything from bills to starting new service to power outages. In addition to speaking with a representative, many members turned to our website for answers. Bluebonnet's outage center, billing & payments and payment assistance web pages, which explain ways a bill can be paid and how to report an outage, were visited by 57,831 members in 2024.
We asked the representatives and other cooperative employees what questions Bluebonnet’s members ask most frequently. Look below for those questions and the answers.
If an existing pole with a meter and/or transformer is present, contact member services at 800-842-7708 to ask for a security light. If the light has to be installed on a new pole, Bluebonnet will provide a cost estimate for that work and equipment. After a member service representative enters your request, a Bluebonnet technician will contact you to schedule an appointment either in person or by phone.
You will discuss your needs and, if applicable, the technician will provide a cost estimate. Bluebonnet or one of its contractors will install both the light and the pole if needed. If you have an existing security light that you would like to upgrade to an LED light, there is a one-time fee of $125, in addition to the monthly charges.
After installation, your monthly bill will be updated to reflect a security light fee, ranging from about $10 to just under $20.
If you have an existing light that is damaged or not functioning properly, please contact member services at 800-842-7708 or visit bluebonnet.coop/security-lights to request a repair.
Yes. Bluebonnet has a dedicated team of 15 Spanish-speaking member service representatives. In 2024, those representatives answered 25,345 calls from Spanish-speaking members. The co-op also has five bilingual representatives who talk with members face to face at Bluebonnet’s member service centers. If you need assistance with billing, service changes or general inquiries, our representatives are here to help on the phone or in person from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Sí. Bluebonnet cuenta con un equipo de 15 representantes dedicados a servicio al miembro que hablan español. En 2024, esos representantes respondieron 25,345 llamadas de miembros que hablan español. La cooperativa también cuenta con cinco representantes bilingües que hablan con los miembros cara a cara en los centros de servicio para miembros de Bluebonnet en Bastrop, Brenham, Giddings, Lockhart o Manor. Si necesita ayuda con su factura, cambios de servicio o consultas generales, nuestros representantes están aquí para ayudarlo por teléfono o en persona, Lunes a Viernes de 8 a.m. a 5 p.m.
Bluebonnet offers flexible payment options to members when they encounter financial difficulties. If you are unable to pay your bill or need to talk about payment options, go to bluebonnet.coop/assistance, log in to your MyBluebonnet account and click ‘Payment Extensions’ under the Bill & Pay tab or contact member services at 800-842-7708 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Bluebonnet’s representatives will work with you to find a solution, whether it’s determining if you are eligible for an extension or enrolling you in the cooperative’s SteadyPay program, which aims to smooth out the ups and downs of your monthly electric bill. For more information on SteadyPay, see tips at left and visit bluebonnet.coop/steadypay.
Payment assistance agencies
Community resources are available to assist Bluebonnet members by providing financial assistance. If you need help with your bill, contact a member service representative from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 800-842-7708. Visit bluebonnet.coop/assistance for more information, including contact information for area agencies. There are more than 25 agencies in 14 counties — including several that serve multiple counties — that may be able to provide payment assistance to Bluebonnet members who live in the communities or regions they serve.
Bluebonnet has not raised its rates since 2017. Typically bills fluctuate from year to year because seasonal and temperature changes can change how much electricity you use. During scorching Texas summers and unpredictably cold winters, your HVAC system works overtime to keep your home comfortable, even if you haven’t adjusted your thermostat.
To monitor your electricity use and costs, down to the hour, create an online MyBluebonnet account, then log in at bluebonnet.coop or on the cooperative’s mobile app. Several tools are available to provide information about your electricity use as well as the average daily temperature each day.
You can also compare this year’s electricity use with last year’s using the bill comparison chart. Energy efficiency can reduce electric bills: Find tips at bluebonnet.coop/energy-saving-tips, or on our Facebook, Instagram and X pages year-round.
Bluebonnet is committed to providing safe, reliable service around the clock, every day of the year. If you experience a power outage any time — including overnight, on weekends or during holidays — you can report it any of these ways:
1. Text ‘OUT’ to 44141
2. Call 800-949-4414
3. Use the MyBluebonnet mobile app
4. Visit bluebonnet.coop/report-outage
Once your outage is reported, a crew or crews will be dispatched to restore power as quickly and safely as possible. All members are automatically enrolled in outage text notifications. If you’ve opted out, you can re-enroll by texting “BBOUTAGE” to 44141. Members can also view the outage map anytime at outage.bluebonnetelectric.coop, and get more information about outages, outage reporting and storm preparedness at bluebonnet.coop/outages.
Bluebonnet and its members share responsibility for maintenance and repairs as shown in the illustration at right. As a member, you are responsible for any issues related to breaker boxes — both main and household breakers. Bluebonnet handles all maintenance and repairs of the meter.
If you are moving or transferring service to property in Bluebonnet’s service territory that does not already have electricity, call a member service representative at 800-842-7708 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or submit a request anytime at bluebonnet.coop/startstop-service.
After the representative enters your request into our system, a Bluebonnet technician will contact you to schedule an in-person or phone appointment. During that appointment, you’ll discuss your needs and we will provide a cost estimate for labor and materials. There could be additional costs related to tree removal or trimming, or if there is a need for specialized materials. Once you accept the price quote and provide all required information to Bluebonnet, it may take up to 12 business days for Bluebonnet or a contractor crew to begin construction of your project. Weather conditions and other unforeseen factors can impact that timeline.
If Bluebonnet must extend power lines from your neighbor’s property to yours, an easement — granting legal access to someone else’s property for you to get electricity — will likely be needed. We recommend you share your plans about your electricity needs with your neighbors and ask them to sign an easement to access their property in order to extend electricity to your property. For quick access to an easement form, visit bluebonnet.coop/document-center.
Yes. Bluebonnet will only meet with the property owner to discuss new service or changes to existing service. If the owner of the property is not available, the property owner can reach out to Bluebonnet and approve another individual to meet with a technician from the cooperative.
The Pay Now feature at bluebonnet.coop is the fastest way to pay your bill. Go to bluebonnet.coop and click ‘Quick pay’ from the top of any page or ‘Pay Now’ from the email notification that your bill is available. Last year, 393,920 bill payments were made online and through the mobile app.
There are several other ways a member can pay a bill:
- Use a self-service option: Call 800-842-7708 and select Option 2 when prompted. You can also log in to your MyBluebonnet online account or pay on the mobile app.
- Visit a Bluebonnet member service center in Bastrop, Brenham, Giddings, Lockhart or Manor.
- Speak to a member service representative by calling 800-842-7708 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
For questions regarding your bill, contact a member service representative or visit a member service center.
Spring officially begins March 20, bringing new opportunities to save electricity and money. Here are some ways to get started on spring energy savings.
CLEAR THE AIR
Open windows to let fresh air circulate.
COOK OUTSIDE
Soak in the sunshine by grilling or smoking meals. Or toss a salad and make sandwiches to enjoy outdoors.
SEARCH AND SEAL
Cracks and gaps let conditioned air escape. Caulk and weather strip to seal leaks, especially around windows and doors.
LET THE LIGHT IN
Open blinds and curtains and turn off lights to save electricity.
BE FAN FRIENDLY
Set ceiling fans to turn counterclockwise for cooling. Remember, fans cool people, not rooms, so turn them off when you leave.
ADJUST THE THERMOSTAT
Set your thermostat for the milder months ahead. Consider turning it off entirely during mild weather or scheduling cooling before you arrive home if you have a smart thermostat.
TUNE UP YOUR SYSTEM
Have an HVAC technician inspect your system before the peak cooling season.
UNPLUG AND SAVE
Disconnect devices you don’t use regularly. Plugged-in devices draw power even when not in use. A smart power strip makes it easy to turn off multiple items at once.
MOVE OUTDOORS
Trade lights, TVs, computers and devices for outside activities.
Download this story as it appeared in Texas Co-op Power magazine
Cold weather happens, even if it was 80 degrees yesterday. Save electricity and save money with a few simple suggestions from Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative.
LOWER YOUR WATER HEATER TEMPERATURE
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends using the warm setting (120 degrees) on your water heater during the winter months. Plus, consider washing clothes in cold water.
TURN DOWN THE THERMOSTAT
You can save about 3% on your electric bill for every degree you drop the temperature.
SWITCH THE DIRECTION CEILING FANS TURN
If your fan has the capability, make the blades turn clockwise. This pulls cool air toward the ceiling and pushes warm air down.
UPGRADE YOUR FIREPLACE
Add an insert or replace your fireplace with an energy-efficient model.
LET THE SUN IN
Allow natural warmth in through the windows, especially south-facing windows.
USE SPACE HEATERS SELECTIVELY
You can save electricity by heating only the room you are in.
WEAR WARM CLOTHES
It may seem obvious, but putting on an extra sweater and adding wool socks with your slippers will let you lower your thermostat temperature.
LIMIT THE USE OF EXHAUST FANS
They suck out all the indoor air your heater has worked so hard to warm.
ELIMINATE DRAFTS
Cold winter air can sneak in around windows, doors and even electrical outlets. Weather stripping, insulation and insulated curtains can help keep warm air in.
Download this story as it appeared in Texas Co-op Power magazine
From an early age, many rural Texas children take on the responsibility
of raising animals, gaining hands-on experience and valuable life skills.
Youth livestock shows have been part of Texas’ heritage for decades. For kids growing up in rural areas, the traditions and culture of the shows provide a sense of purpose and a connection with their communities and the land. Many start raising chickens, rabbits, goats, lambs, pigs or cattle at a young age, hoping to showcase the animals at local competitions and use prize money to pay for the animals' care and their own college funds.
Shows take place across the state each spring and fall, but the real work happens between shows, when students learn the ins and outs of livestock management. They wrangle
steers without halters, cuddle rabbits with care and parade with persnickety pigs. They also learn how to solve problems on the fly, research best practices of care, record their progress and develop social skills they’ll use for the rest of their lives. We met 11 hardworking young livestock show participants from all over the Bluebonnet region. With an array of backgrounds and a variety of livestock, they all share a passion for their animals and the youth agricultural community.
— Addie Broyles
Three seasons into his junior livestock show career, goat exhibitor Damian Guerrero has racked up several showmanship awards. The 11-year-old Cedar Creek Intermediate School student moves with the agility of a boxer, swiftly pivoting to keep his eyes on the judge and the judge’s eyes on him. Damian, the son of Juan and Amanda Guerrero, exhibited three male goats in 2023 and 2024: Buster, Whiskey Effort and Shorty. He closed out the 2024 season by winning showmanship titles and two reserve market goat championships with Shorty at the Bastrop Area Livestock Show. Damian is now training new goats with hopes of earning more championship buckles.
— By Camille Wheeler, photo by Laura Skelding
Showing rabbits takes poise, patience and a gentle touch, said Lockhart 4-H member Nellie Garcia.
“They don’t like being picked up,” added the 9-year-old, softly. “You have to pick them up like a cat.” All of Eric and Kelley Garcia’s three children participate in the Caldwell County Junior Livestock Show, showing rabbits and pigs. Nellie couldn’t wait to join 4-H in third grade because she watched her two brothers show and it looked fun. “Rabbits are really good for the young ones to start with,” said Nellie’s mom, Kelley, who also showed in 4-H as a youngster in Lockhart. Rabbits need an hour or more of attention each day to make sure they reach the proper weight, have good muscle tone and are comfortable around people. A pro tip from Nellie: If the rabbits are nervous in the show ring, cup your hands over their ears or eyes to help them calm down.
— By Clayton Stromberger, photo by Sarah Beal
When 15-year-old Jaci Garcia of Giddings, daughter of Daniel Garcia and Kristina Creek, walks into the show ring, she means business. Veteran cattlemen have noted it as well. “She just has a natural eye for cattle,” said Dustin Keith, owner of Keith Cattle Co. in Lincoln, who provided Jaci with her first heifer three years ago. “She’s really eager to learn. She asks good questions, and she listens.” Jaci puts in five hours a day on FFA work, and her commitment and passion have paid off with an array of buckles and ribbons, including grand champion for bred commercial heifers and grand champion gray Brahman last year at the Lee County Junior Livestock Show. Working with Sandy, the feisty 1,600-pound heifer, pictured above, was a challenge. Sometimes Sandy would try to give Jaci a headbutt. When she heard her name proclaimed as grand champion, “I bawled my eyes out,” Jaci admitted with a smile. “Everyone could see how much it meant to me.”
— By Clayton Stromberger, photo by Sarah Beal
Easton Groce, 10, son of Jared and Rachel Groce, dressed for success at last year’s Burleson County Fair. He wore a colorful chicken-print shirt as he proudly showed his finest fowl. His mother, Rachel Groce, said that the Snook Elementary School fifth grader started showing livestock in third grade, following in the footsteps of his older brother, Teagan. Easton was the second-youngest competitor showing a chicken at last year’s fair, going up against students as old as high school seniors in the market broiler category. “The chickens are pretty heavy,” his mother said. “It’s nerve-racking. People put a lot of pressure on the kids.” But Easton’s got the hunger — and the outfit — to keep going, devoting hours to his chickens leading up to the show. He knows he wants to win grand champion at the county fair.
— By Eric Webb, photo by Sarah Beal
Grace Hyman, 20, can count on her buddies. She teamed with Lillie Thibodeaux (left) and Kinleigh Jo Guidry (right) to show a crossbred barrow pig at the 2023 Washington County Fair Champion Drive. The program, which started in 2014, allows young people with disabilities to participate in livestock shows. Grace graduated in 2023 from Brenham High School. “Special needs kids are often overlooked, put at the back of the class, back of the line,” said her mother, Judy Hyman. Grace’s father, Kelley Hyman, added, “That they have something like this for our special needs kids, where they can be the star, that’s what drew us to this.” Grace loves being around animals, and although she sometimes gets a little stage fright, her friends Lillie, 18, and Kinleigh Jo, 14, helped her feel at ease by feeding the pig in the show ring. It was all a great learning experience, Grace’s mother said, adding, “When you’re showing animals, there’s a confidence you gain.” And, more importantly, Grace had a blast.
— By Eric Webb, photo by Laura Skelding
It was brother vs. sister at the Fayette County Junior Livestock Show last year. Tate, left, 11, and Tatum, 13, competed against each other with the market goats they raised at their family’s place near Fayetteville. The siblings, children of Todd and Raegan Fritsch, swept the category, with Tatum winning grand champion and Tate winning reserve grand champion. “They were so happy for each other,” Raegan Fritsch said. At the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo last year, Tatum won one of 20 calf scramble tickets worth $2,200 to compete in this year’s livestock show. With that money, participants can buy a heifer or steer that they must exhibit the upcoming year. Between her schoolwork and volleyball practice, basketball games and track meets, Tatum also writes a newsletter about raising her steer, named Triple A. If Tatum had her way, her mother said, she’d be doing livestock-related stuff full-time. “It’s all she wants to do.”
— By Addie Broyles, photo by Sarah Beal
Bailen Kocurek, 13, loves showing heifers and is always up for trying something new. The seventh grader started in 4-H Clover program (for kindergartners through second graders) at age 5. He began showing pigs and heifers in third grade, the first eligible year for 4-H members. “I had to learn a lot that first year,” he said, “but I’ve really grown to like it.” For a change, he raised several dozen turkeys last year, showing his best at the Burleson County Fair. Handy with a sewing machine, a skill taught by his grandmother, Susan Broesche, he even used his talents in a 4-H stitch and design class. A few years ago, he and fellow 4-H members sewed pillows and blankets to bring holiday cheer to area residents.
— By Addie Broyles, photo by Sarah Beal
Callan MacDonald, 12, knows that a prize-winning show rabbit has to be in good shape to be a winner. “I run the rabbits around for about 30 minutes a day to help with their condition,” he said. The Manor Middle School seventh grader grew up helping his older brothers show rabbits and pigs. Now, he’s preparing for another year of showing both animals. His dad, Scott MacDonald, and stepmother, Staci Bartos, are both agriculture teachers in Manor. Before third grade, Callan participated in the Travis County Peewee Show, where kids as young as 2 can get experience “showing” animals. For Callan, that meant learning how to handle the rabbits, so his hands do not get too many scratches. “But they get wild, so you never know,” Callan said.
— By Addie Broyles, photo by Sarah Beal
Showing pigs is a Luedke family tradition for Chloe, left, 12, and Darcy, 16. Every year at their farm near Kenney, between Brenham and Bellville, they have raised pigs for fall and spring livestock shows, just like their parents and grandparents did decades ago. The sisters, daughters of Brandon and Rebecca Luedke, started exhibiting pigs in third grade, the first year they were eligible in 4-H. Now they have competed at both local and state shows. In 2023, Darcy placed fifth at the State Fair of Texas and showed the reserve class champion at the Austin County Fair, their hometown show. Chloe showed her pig, Yella, at the show in Bellville last October. Darcy has a strong sense of purpose and wants to work in agriculture: “Agriculture is the backbone of everything,” she said. “My time in 4-H and FFA has made me the person I am today.”
— By Addie Broyles, photo by Sarah Beal
