As A Meter Of Fact artwork

As A Meter Of Fact

59 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 months ago -

A podcast from your friendly neighborhood electric and gas distribution company in North Texas. Bringing you stories, news, and innovation from CoServ. Hosted by Darreck Kirby.

Society & Culture News Business News coserv technology electricity gas coop local north texas dallas utilities
Homepage Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed

Episodes

Shape your future with a career at CoServ

February 27, 2024 14:00 - 25 minutes - 34.6 MB

At CoServ, we offer more than just a job. We provide you with an opportunity to shape your career and achieve your professional goals. Our Careers Campaign is specifically designed to help you grow and succeed in your chosen field. Join us and become a part of a team that values your potential and invests in your future.

Winter Weather Preparedness: What You Can Do, and What CoServ is Doing

January 26, 2024 14:00 - 22 minutes - 31.7 MB

We may have thawed out a little since the winter storm, but we've still got 53 days of winter left to go! In this episode of As A Meter of Fact, Darreck sits down with Josh Sterling, CoServ's Manager of Energy Solutions, to discuss the best ways for Members and Customers to save energy AND money this winter. As a bonus, Darreck also explains how CoServ manages its power supply in anticipation of weather events and the considerations when making pre-emptive power purchases.

Getting to Know A CoServ Lineman | Thank a Lineman Essay

December 27, 2023 13:00 - 12 minutes - 17.1 MB

With Lineman Appreciation Day fast approaching, it seemed as good a time as any to welcome CoServ Crew Supervisor Chris Hammonds to the studio to discuss what a typical day looks like for CoServ linemen.  As a bonus, this episode will tie in with the January edition of Texas Co-op Power magazine for the Thank a Lineman essay contest. To win, listen for the code word and include it, along with how many times it was spoken throughout the episode, in your essay thanking a lineman! ...

2023 Year-End Review

November 27, 2023 13:00 - 18 minutes - 25.2 MB

As we wind down the last few weeks of 2023, As A Meter of Fact looks at CoServ's many milestones, developments, and spotlights that marked the year.  

Winter Savings Series

October 27, 2023 12:00 - 5 minutes - 7.89 MB

Winters in North Texas can be unpredictable. As such, it’s important to understand not only how to help make your home energy efficient but also the factors that impact your bill.     In this episode of As A Meter of Fact, Darreck discusses basic energy efficiency tips, budget billing, payment assistance options, what Heating Degree Days are, and how to calculate them. 

CoServ Customer Care Spotlight

September 27, 2023 12:00 - 7 minutes - 10.1 MB

CoServ takes a great deal of pride in the way it serves its Members and Customers, and the Customer Care Department is a perfect example of that, maintaining a 94% satisfaction score. In this episode of As A Meter of Fact, Darreck looks at the various teams that make that satisfaction score possible. 

Capital Credits Explained, and an Update

August 28, 2023 12:30 - 5 minutes - 7.73 MB

Capital Credits are one of the biggest differences between electric cooperatives and other utilities. Instead of returning our annual margins (profits) to shareholders, as the for-profit utilities do, CoServ and other electric cooperatives allocate this money back to our Members in the form of Capital Credits.  In this episode of As A Meter of Fact, Darreck explains how Capital Credits work and provides an update on this year's retirement.

811 Day, AKA Mr. Diggs' Birthday | Bonus Episode

August 11, 2023 12:30 - 6 minutes - 8.34 MB

Today is National 811 Day, a friendly reminder to dial 811 before digging. It's also Mr. Diggs' birthday! Let the celebration of awareness begin!

CoServ's Energy Education Team Spotlight

July 27, 2023 12:00 - 32 minutes - 44.3 MB

Did you know that over the course of the year, CoServ's Energy Education Team will visit more than 100 campuses across our service districts to give safety presentations and demos?  With the school year just around the corner –and we do apologize to any children whose days we've just ruined with that revelation– it feels like the perfect opportunity to shine the spotlight on this incredible team. In this episode, Darreck sits down with Justin Porterfield, CoServ's Energy Education ...

Texas Lineman's Rodeo preview

June 27, 2023 12:00 - 7 minutes - 9.93 MB

CoServ’s linemen are among the very best in the state, boasting exemplary skills and technical know-how to get the job done quickly and safely, no matter the condition, no matter the time of day.   With the 27th Texas Lineman’s Rodeo mere weeks away, As A Meter of Fact looks at the annual competition held in Seguin, TX, and lets you hear from members of the CoServ Rodeo team. 

Hot Tips for Summer Savings

May 26, 2023 13:00 - 6 minutes - 9.09 MB

Everyone appreciates predictability when it comes to balancing comfort with their electric usage, but Texas’s long, often grueling summers can make that balancing especially challenging. Join Darreck Kirby as he details the steps you can take to manage your usage, find the billing option that best suits your needs, and additional programs that can help you save! 

True to its roots, CoServ supports FFA

April 27, 2023 13:00 - 10 minutes - 14.6 MB

CoServ first got its start in the 1930s, bringing electricity to barns and farmhouses throughout much of our service area. And, while North Texas has developed considerably over the past 85 years, we’ve never forgotten our roots.  CoServ is a fixture at North Texas livestock shows, not only forming relationships with FFA students but supporting them by bidding on their animals. Over the course of the year, CoServ sponsors four separate events, including Denton County, Cooke County,...

CoServ Gas services, a well-deserved spotlight

March 27, 2023 15:00 - 19 minutes - 26.7 MB

CoServ’s gas workers are among the best in the state –and that’s not hyperbole. In this episode of the As A Meter of Fact podcast, Gas Operations Field Supervisor Alex Copeland sat down to talk about what all goes into the work CoServ’s gas service workers do each day, the challenges of the job, and the tremendous avenues for growth and continued education offered by CoServ!

Weather Smarts

February 27, 2023 13:00 - 7 minutes - 10.5 MB

Texas weather can be unpredictable to put it lightly. This time of year, morning ”jacket weather” can quickly turn into a shorts and t-shirt kind of day, whereas the summer can leave you sweating before sunrise! No matter what Mother Nature dishes out, you can count on CoServ to be ready!  This episode of As A Meter of Fact talks energy efficiency tips for warmer and colder months, offers safety supply kit recommendations for your home, and tells you what to do in the event of an o...

The CoServ Charitable Foundation

January 27, 2023 13:00 - 11 minutes - 15.8 MB

Service and community are at the heart of CoServ’s mission, so it’s only natural that we would lend our support to the vitality and wellbeing of the communities we serve. Enter the CoServ Charitable Foundation. This episode of As A Meter of Fact takes a look at the foundation and the many ways in which it supports the local nonprofits that help their communities thrive.

2022 CoServ Year-End Recap

December 12, 2022 14:00 - 22 minutes - 31.3 MB

With 2022 winding down, we decided it was time to take a look back at the highs and lows of 2022, sharing some of our favorite moments and milestones with key industry updates every Member and Customer needs to know. And to share such a detailed breakdown, we decided to bring back one of our favorite guests, Mr. Diggs!

What exactly are CoServ's Member-Customer Appreciation Events?

September 19, 2022 12:00 - 7 minutes - 10.6 MB

Things have been a bit different over the last couple of years –and for obvious reasons. CoServ, for example, used to hold one big Annual Meeting each year at the UNT Coliseum to give Members and Customers its business reports. Over the past two years, however, the Annual Meeting has been presented virtually at CoServ.com.    But what about the face-to-face engagement that made the old Annual Meeting format so unique? Well, we’ve been thinking about that for a while now, and we th...

Who is Mr. Diggs? A conversation with CoServ's resident mascot

August 11, 2022 12:00 - 9 minutes - 12.9 MB

Mr. Diggs became the mascot of CoServ Gas in 2013. In the nearly 10 years that have followed, his role has evolved to become the face of CoServ as a whole. Despite that, not much has been known about the friendly armadillo who reminds us to dial 811 before digging near gas lines. So I decided to do something about that. 

Seven tips in eight minutes* to combat the dreaded summer energy bill

June 13, 2022 12:00 - 9 minutes - 12.9 MB

Natural gas prices have increased significantly over the past year and a variety of factors have played a role in that. CoServ does not markup the price of wholesale electricity but prices are rising, and Members are feeling the sting of it.  So, while we can’t prevent the cost of electricity from rising, we can provide you with some helpful tips and recommendations to minimize costs and ensure you get the most out of your daily usage. 

The Co-op Advantage

June 03, 2022 19:00 - 6 minutes - 9.13 MB

You’ve probably seen retail electric providers advertising free nights and weekends on TV at some point, right? You’ve probably heard it on the radio as well. In fact, I’m guessing you’ve seen and heard these ads with some regularity in recent years. While it does sound like a great deal –I mean, who doesn’t love “free”?—there is a catch hidden within the fine print. 

What you didn't know about the CoServ Annual Meeting

May 27, 2022 13:30 - 5 minutes - 8.37 MB

One of the best things about being part of an electric co-op is that you get a voice. As CoServ Members, you democratically elect a collective Board of Directors who represent you. While there are seven districts and Board Members, candidates are elected at large, meaning all Members as of the record date are eligible to vote for whoever, regardless of district number.  This year, Districts 2 and 7 are up for election, with voting opening May 12th.  That said, if you've been a CoS...

With blood reserves critically low, CoServ prepares to lend a helping hand (and arm)

March 29, 2022 13:45 - 8 minutes - 7.58 MB

The 5th CoServ blood drive is coming up on April 8 and the need for donors has never been greater. CoServ Charitable Foundation and Outreach Coordinator Jennifer Ebert joins Darreck to discuss the need for communities everywhere to band together to replenish the diminished blood reserves and save lives. To book your appointment, go to RedCross.org and search CoServ using the "Find A Drive" tool. Alternatively, you can download the Blood Donor American Red Cross smartphone app, whic...

The City by the Lake

July 08, 2021 18:43 - 25 minutes - 35.9 MB

We had a chance to sit down with Richard Boyer, The Colony city councilman and host of The Colony Spotlight podcast. Richard shares about what's happening around town and how it all got started. He also shares some hidden gems for residents and visitors including the best place to park at Nebraska Furniture Mart. We were also joined by Tracee Elrod, Community Support Manager for CoServ, who talks about our special relationship with The Colony. Then we play a game with our two guests...

Bringing Meals and Hope to Students (feat. Mission Moms)

June 29, 2021 18:13 - 11 minutes - 16.5 MB

On this episode of “Difference Makers,” we hear from Kathryn Flores, the founder of Mission Moms. If something Kathryn said today struck a chord with you and you want to get involved with Mission Moms, check out missionmoms.org. Thanks again to everyone involved with Mission Moms. Y’all are doing some amazing work in Lantana and other neighborhoods nearby!

The Scenic Route: South

June 23, 2021 17:33 - 19 minutes - 26.7 MB

This is it, the final episode of our miniseries/tour around the CoServ service area. We have one last stop before we head home. Forney is a special city for us, not because it looks like it's on an island compared to the rest of the cities and towns we serve. It's because we love all the growth that is happening there — especially the growth among students at Forney ISD. As A Meter Of Fact helps you get the most out of your life as an energy consumer in the CoServ community. You ca...

A Day For Remembering

May 26, 2021 19:15 - 12 minutes - 17.6 MB

We thought it would be nice to spread some of the gratefulness that Memorial Day brings with you, our listeners. On today’s episode, we’ll hear from several folks, including a veteran who works for CoServ, a Gold Star family member, and a Medal of Honor recipient from World War II. Special thanks to Hershel "Woody" Williams, Conan Tearney, and Jennifer Hanson for guest-starring on this episode and thank you for your service to our country.

Q&R: Why did my power blink?

May 11, 2021 13:45 - 14 minutes - 20 MB

At some point, we’ve all returned home or awakened late for work to see a blinking 12:00 on our digital alarm clock. You may have to go through the house and reset every clock that doesn’t have a battery backup like the ones on your stove and microwave. Because some of our Members experienced these blinks recently, we wanted to talk about what blinks are and why they happen. To help us with that, we brought in one of our CoServ colleagues, Operations Manager Cody Coulter. www.coser...

The Scenic Route: East

February 12, 2021 14:33 - 9 minutes - 12.7 MB

Murphy is surrounded by some big DFW towns but that almost keeps the magic of living there a secret. This episode, Sara and Jason talk with Elizabeth Abraham, Murphy city councilwoman and a CoServ Gas customer. If you have a question you’d like us to answer on the show, email it to [email protected]. All you have to do is get out your smartphone, open the voice memo app, and hit record. Say your name, what town you live in, and then ask your question. Attach that file to an email...

Q&R: Why is my winter energy bill so high?

February 03, 2021 11:00 - 18 minutes - 25.4 MB

We answer a question from a Member who noticed a spike in one of their winter bills. We talk with Josh Sterling, Energy Efficiency Supervisor at CoServ, who gives some possible reasons for the increase and shares some valuable tips for saving energy and money in the colder months. Whether you live in an apartment or a house, this episode is for you! Grab your favorite blanket, snuggle up with some earbuds and listen in! Setup a free energy assessment by emailing [email protected]....

Building Up At-Risk Teens (feat. Journey to Dream)

January 28, 2021 15:46 - 9 minutes - 13.4 MB

Each year, an estimated 4.2 million youth and young adults experience homelessness, of which 700,000 are unaccompanied minors, meaning they are without a family or not accompanied by a parent or guardian. CoServ Difference Maker Nesa Grider and her organization Journey to Dream equip, empower, and embrace teens to overcome adversity and live purposeful lives. Thanks again to CoServ Members, Customers and Employees who contribute to the CoServ Charitable Foundation through Operation...

The Scenic Route: West

January 21, 2021 11:00 - 9 minutes - 13.4 MB

We know in the North episode we said we were going to interview folks from the eastern side of our territory (like Murphy or something) but we’re still working on that episode. We changed directions for this episode — literally and metaphorically. A slight change of directions in our scenic tour around the CoServ area, but still a fantastic conversation with two residents in the western side of the area. If you have a question you’d like us to answer on the show, email it to podcas...

Fighting Homelessness and Poverty in Denton (feat. Grace Like Rain)

January 14, 2021 19:00 - 8 minutes - 11.8 MB

This episode spotlights a local Difference Maker helping transform the lives of people facing homelessness in Denton County. Thanks again to CoServ Members, Customers and Employees who contribute to the CoServ Charitable Foundation through Operation Roundup. Through your generosity, you are transforming the lives of individuals and families facing homelessness and poverty. Visit coserv.com/CCF to learn more about Operation Roundup. And visit glrtx.org to learn more about Michelle ...

The Scenic Route: North

January 07, 2021 08:00 - 11 minutes - 16 MB

The CoServ service territory is bigger than you might imagine. Join us as we take a little trip around the area to meet new friends! First stop: Era, Texas.

Scenic Route: North

January 07, 2021 08:00 - 11 minutes - 16 MB

Starting off the new year with a little road trip up north...

2020: Wrapped Up Like A Gift

December 10, 2020 16:41 - 9 minutes - 13.4 MB

Happy holidays from the CoServ family! Sara and Jason look back at 2020 and share a few highlights from a year we’ll never forget. After listening, check out the year in photos.   Send us a question or a message to say “hello” or “merry Christmas” — we’d love to hear from you! [email protected].    Thanks for listening to As A Meter Of Fact. Take care of yourself this season and we’ll see you again in 2021!

We're thankful for you!

November 23, 2020 14:33 - 34 seconds - 892 KB

Happy Thanksgiving, friends!

Q&R: Why are overhead lines still a thing?

November 04, 2020 20:00 - 12 minutes - 17.9 MB

Back in the 1930s when CoServ first started, overhead power lines were a sign of progress. As wooden poles with long electric cables popped up on the side of the road, people knew that the times were a’changin’. Fast forward to the 2020s, it seems like it’s easy to look at those lines and think “Ugh, what an eye sore.” Isn’t that crazy? It has only been 90 years! CoServ’s Vision is to implement innovative ideas that fulfill the needs of those we serve. We actively look for new te...

When CoServ Met Sally

October 22, 2020 11:00 - 15 minutes - 21.4 MB

One of the seven principles CoServ operates by is “Cooperation Among Cooperatives.” We recently experienced a textbook example of this after Hurricane Sally struck the Gulf Coast in September. Baldwin EMC, an electric co-op in southern Alabama, sent out a request for assistance to restore power to thousands of people after the storm. CoServ sent two crews and equipment to assist.   For this episode of As A Meter Of Fact, we were joined by Justin Brown, a CoServ Lineman who was par...

Coffee with a Scammer

October 08, 2020 11:00 - 34 minutes - 47.3 MB

In this episode, Jason talks with a real scammer who was targeting customers by impersonating their electric company. Sara and Jason then talk with their colleague Brianna about other recent CoServ scams, ways to fight them, and red flags to look for. Visit CoServ.com/SmartHub to stay on top of your account. It takes less time to check than it does to fall for a scam.

Q&R - kWh? ccf? What does it all mean?

October 01, 2020 14:52 - 8 minutes - 13 MB

We all go through seasons when we ask the basic questions of life: Who are we? Where did we come from? What is a kilowatt hour? All those answers and more in this Q&R episode of As A Meter Of Fact! If you have a question you’d like us to answer on the show, email it to [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you!

They Love Us, They Love Us Not

September 14, 2020 11:00 - 25 minutes - 35.4 MB

If you want to leave a review about your experience as a CoServ Member or read some of the reviews we reference in this episode, find us on Google here: https://g.page/coserv-energy?gm. If you have a question you’d like us to answer here on the show, send it to [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you!   And speaking of reviews, if you’ve loved our show so far, would you be willing to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts?

Q&R - [Almost] All your questions about natural gas, answered

August 21, 2020 18:34 - 3 minutes - 5.77 MB

If you suspect a gas leak: Immediately evacuate everyone from the area, moving upwind of the product release. Warn others to stay away. After everyone is safely away, call 911 and immediately notify CoServ Gas at (844) 330-0763. Emergency personnel will let you know when it’s safe to return. If you have a question you’d like us to answer on the show, email it to [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you!

Digging Deep: The 411 on 811

August 11, 2020 09:00 - 19 minutes - 27.1 MB

August 11 is National Safe Digging Day, a good reminder to call 811 before you dig in your yard. Sara and Jason talk about the nationwide service, its benefits, how it works, and they also introduce CoServ Gas. Also....Mr. Diggs!

Digging Deep: The 411 on 811 Day

August 11, 2020 09:00 - 19 minutes - 27.1 MB

August 11 is National Safe Digging Day, a good reminder to call 811 before you dig in your yard. Sara and Jason talk about the nationwide service, its benefits, how it works, and they also introduce CoServ Gas. Also....Mr. Diggs!

The Heat Is On (Yuck)

July 12, 2020 17:00 - 28 minutes - 39.7 MB

There is a lot of uncertainty this summer, but one thing we can count on is the Texas heat. This episode we go over some well-known and little-known tips to beat the heat and save money on your summer energy bills. We also talk with CoServ Director of Energy Services Gary Franzen to learn about the Texas grid and unlikely-but-fascinating worst case scenarios for electric distribution during the hottest days. Grab your earbuds, your iced tea, and your favorite fan and tune in for a f...

Q&R - Why do we meet annually?

July 02, 2020 15:00 - 6 minutes - 9 MB

CoServ Electric holds an Annual Meeting each year to review company highlights and conduct company business that includes announcing the voting results of CoServ’s Board of Directors election. In most years, we also have prizes, giveaways, free food, and fellowship! In 2020, the meeting will be held online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information and any updates about this year’s Meeting, visit CoServ.com/AnnualMeeting. We hope to see you all online at 3 P.M. on July 16th...

Capital Credits and The Cooperative Difference

June 25, 2020 20:30 - 9 minutes - 13 MB

This episode we take a quick dive into the world of Capital Credits: a special cooperative perk that reflects your return of investment into CoServ Electric.

Q&R - Squirrels, Birds, and Johnny Cash

June 15, 2020 13:00 - 5 minutes - 7.58 MB

This episode, we get a little science-y and answer a listener's question: "How do squirrels walk on power lines and not get zapped?" It's a great question and our answer may or may not involve hanging out of a helicopter.

Starting Our Engines With A New Partner

June 01, 2020 12:30 - 22 minutes - 30.7 MB

Things are already accelerating with our new community partner: Texas Motor Speedway. From 34 high school graduations with over 14,000 students to a special Indycar race on June 6, we're excited to join TMS to better serve our CoServ community!

Delay of Game (part 3)

May 26, 2020 16:00 - 19 minutes - 26.9 MB

Our final episode in the miniseries about local sports teams and the pandemic. This week, we talk with the Frisco RoughRiders, the Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers. Hear what's happening in the baseball world!