Lee County Amateur Radio Emergency Services will purchase new radio communications equipment to strengthen Lee County’s response during emergencies, thanks to an $11,349 grant from Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative and the Lower Colorado River Authority.

The Community Development Partnership Program grant, along with $3,500 in matching funds from the recipient, will allow the group to expand its geographic reach and resiliency through the purchase of new radios, antennas and other electronic equipment.

Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative’s Board of Directors unanimously voted during its April meeting to return $5.2 million in capital credits to member-owners of the cooperative, a $500,000 increase over last year. In May, Bluebonnet’s members will receive a credit on their electric bill for their share of the capital credits.

More than 30 Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative members in January reported recent attempted phone scams by people claiming to represent Bluebonnet. The fraudulent callers have told co-op members that their power will be disconnected unless they make a payment immediately over the phone. 

Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative’s Board of Directors unanimously voted during its April meeting to return $4.7 million in capital credits to member-owners of the cooperative. Beginning in May, Bluebonnet’s members will receive a credit on their electric bill for their share of $4.7 million in capital credits, a $500,000 increase over last year.