Tesla backup switch

The Tesla backup switch — designed to simplify installation of the company’s Powerwall solar battery storage system — was tested by Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative in 2021.

Bluebonnet reviewed the device for use in conjunction with Bluebonnet meters. It switches automatically between using stored renewable electricity and Bluebonnet-distributed electricity. Bluebonnet approved the backup switch for use on its system last year.

Title
Bluebonnet among nation’s first utilities to test Tesla battery device

Charging EV at home

That humming sound you hear might be the electric vehicle market buzzing all around Central Texas. Many automakers have added at least one all-electric vehicle model to their fleets and have plans to sell more electric vehicles than gasoline-powered ones by 2040.

Title
Take smart steps to charge your electric vehicle at home

Storing sunshine

Going solar or already gone? The next hot sellers in Central Texas homes are battery storage systems, which can conserve that power for later use. 

By Alyssa Dussetschleger

It's been a long time coming, but home battery storage of solar-generated power has started showing up on the walls and garages of homes in the Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative service area.

Title
Storing sunshine

Viviann and her mother, Kelsey Snow

Despite a year of surgery, treatment and tests, the 9-year-old from Rosanky keeps bouncing back

By Melissa Segrest

It's been a long year for 9-year-old Viviann Snow and her mother, Kelsey Snow.

There have been exhilarating ups and depressing downs, a successful surgery and return to Smithville Elementary School, but also medical complications — two serious infections and a second bout with COVID-19. There were seemingly unending days and nights in hospitals, and lots of waiting.

Title
Vivi's journey

Director Bracewell earns credential from NRECA

Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative Board member Bryan Bracewell, center, earned his Credentialed Cooperative Director Certificate from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, which represents more than 900 of the nation’s electric cooperatives.

Bracewell has served as a Bluebonnet director from District 3, Bastrop County, since 2018. To earn this certification, Bracewell completed dozens of hours of classes on topics ranging from board governance to cooperative finances.

Title
Director Bracewell earns credential from NRECA

Debbi Goertz earns gold credential

Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative Board member Debbi Goertz earned a Director Gold credential from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, which represents more than 900 of the nation’s electric cooperatives.

Goertz has served as a Bluebonnet director from District 3, Bastrop County, since 2017. To earn this certificate, Goertz completed two other certifications and three courses, and she will complete three continuing education courses every two years. Of the more than 500 electric cooperative directors in Texas, only 95 have received this credential.

Title
Director Goertz earns NRECA Gold credential

Kelita Thomas, Lee County Museum curator and president of the county’s historical commission

It was like asking a parent: Which is your favorite child?

Museums and historical archives across the Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative area are filled with thousands of fascinating items that have taken decades to select and acquire. It takes dedication and a love of history to tell the story of a community through a collection of artifacts.

Title
A few of our favorite things: Museum leaders name their top picks