THE MESSENGER
A Publication for North Arkansas Electric Cooperative Members
Get utilities marked to stay safe
April is a great time to start outdoor projects. It’s also Safe Digging Month.
Professionals and homeowners alike must practice safe digging by contacting Arkansas 811 to have the utilities marked at no charge. Following this process helps avoid danger, delays and fines.
Whether you’re planting a tree, building a fence or doing any other digging, you are required by law to contact Arkansas 811 before you begin. You can get starting by dialing 811, visiting ar811.org or using the Arkansas 811 app. Each method is free and available at all times.
Contact Arkansas 811 at least two days before you plan to dig, and mark the desired excavation area with white spray paint. After the ticket is made, you can track its progress online.
After your request is submitted, buried lines will be located and marked in a designated color by the utilities or their contractors. For example, underground electric lines are marked with red paint or flags, and communication lines are marked with orange paint or flags.
Please note that any utility lines behind the meter belong to the property owner and will not be marked.
After the lines are marked, use safe digging methods to dig outside of the indicated markings.
When the lights go out, lineworkers are ready to answer the call, day or night, to safely restore power and keep our communities moving forward. They take pride in powering the places we call home. Today and every day, we thank lineworkers for their service and commitment.
Lineworker
Appreciation Day
April 13, 2026
Let there be lights
SPRING INTO ENERGY SAVINGS
• Schedule a tune-up for your heating/cooling system.
• Replace your heating/cooling system’s filter regularly.
• Set fan blades to run counterclockwise for cooling.
• Adjust your thermostat a few degrees.
• Take shorter showers to save on water heating.
• Run major appliances during the cooler evenings.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIP OF THE MONTH
As temperatures rise, many homeowners focus on staying cool. Don’t forget about small gaps around windows and doors. Air sealing is often associated with keeping cold air out during winter, but it’s just as important during summer. Tiny cracks and worn weatherstripping allow cool, conditioned air to escape and hot, humid air to seep indoors. This forces your air conditioner to work harder than necessary and increases energy costs. Check for drafts, replace weatherstripping and seal leaks.
—energy.gov
& LOWS — FEBRUARY 2026
Warmest Day: Feb. 28, 78.4°
Coolest Day: Feb. 1, 12.4°