Paying your electric bill has never been easier. In this episode, Member Services Coordinator Brooke Becker walks through AVECC's convenient payment options, from SmartHub and AutoPay to kiosks and Vanilla Direct, and shares simple tips to make bill pay stress-free.

Episode Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome & Episode Introduction

00:35 – Meet Brooke Becker

01:09 – Every Way You Can Pay Your AVECC Bill

02:42 – Why So Many Payment Options Matter

03:30 – The Shift to Digital Payments

04:08 – Do Different Generations Pay Differently?

05:49 – Helping Members Feel Comfortable Going Digital

06:42 – Real-Life Benefits of Digital Payments

07:52 – Everything the SmartHub App Can Do

09:14 – Brooke's Best Bill-Pay Tips

10:14 – Final Thoughts & Where to Get Help

What does it really take to keep the lights on? In this episode of The Next Greatest Thing, longtime Right-of-Way Supervisor David Kendrick shares stories from nearly two decades at Arkansas Valley Electric, the importance of maintaining reliable right-of-way, and one unforgettable encounter with a swarm of bees while working in the field. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at the people and work that keep power flowing across the River Valley.

We use electricity constantly, but most people never stop to think about the risks hiding in everyday routines. In this episode, Kerri Taylor from Safe Electricity shares simple, practical safety tips that could protect your home, your devices, and your family. 

Episode Breakdown

00:00 – Introduction to the episode & guest Kerri Taylor from Safe Electricity

02:00 – What Safe Electricity does and why electrical safety education matters

06:30 – How modern homes use more electricity than ever before

08:45 – Outlet overloads, extension cords & warning signs homeowners miss

13:20 – Smart home technology and hidden electrical risks

16:15 – DIY electrical work vs. hiring a professional electrician

19:00 – Lithium-ion battery safety: phones, laptops, e-bikes & more

23:00 – Safe charging habits and why charging devices in bed is dangerous

25:40 – Electrical safety tips for kids and teens

29:30 – Vehicle accidents involving power lines & what NOT to do

32:45 – Pool safety, docks, lightning & outdoor electrical hazards

36:15 – The “taco” explanation for weather watches vs. warnings

37:15 – Tree climbing, substations, drones, fishing & overhead power line safety

40:30 – How parents can teach electrical safety in a way kids will remember

45:00 – Common electrical safety myths debunked

48:30 – Why you should ALWAYS assume a downed power line is energized

50:15 – Kerri's most important electrical safety takeaway

53:00 – Where listeners can find trusted electrical safety resources

Go behind the scenes with LaDonna Holman as she shares what it takes to keep payroll, accounting, and member services running smoothly at Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative. From her 12-year journey with the co-op to the family culture that makes it all worthwhile, this episode highlights the people and purpose behind the scenes.

Go behind the scenes with AVECC lineman Eric Shelton as he shares what really happens when the lights go out. From storm restorations and safety tips to the heart behind the job, this episode offers a new appreciation for the crews working to keep the power on.

Long hours. Mountain backroads. Storm calls at midnight. Meet Landon Blair and hear why serving his community as a journeyman lineman is more than a career, it’s a calling.

Get the latest on how WAVE Rural Connect is expanding service, improving reliability, and helping rural families and businesses stay connected like never before. In this episode, James Ratterree shares what’s changed over the past year, how members are really using their internet today, and what’s ahead for the future of fiber in our communities. Tune in to hear how local service, real support, and smarter connectivity are making a difference across the River Valley. 

What makes Paris, Arkansas such a special place to live, work, and visit? In this episode, Paris Chamber of Commerce Director Tanya Fletcher shares how community pride, local leadership, and small-town collaboration are helping shape the future of Logan County. From the iconic Eiffel Tower Park to festivals, tourism, and downtown revitalization, discover why so many people love Paris.

Go behind the scenes with Wave Rural Connect’s Marketing Coordinator, James Ratteree, as he shares the journey of building a rural broadband brand from the ground up and what it means to truly serve a community. From connecting thousands of customers across the River Valley to life on the road and beyond, this episode offers a personal look at the people, purpose and passion powering WAVE today.

We sit down with Jessica Wills to talk about her new role as a Member Service Specialist and the behind-the-scenes work that helps keep the cooperative running smoothly. From growing up in a cooperative family to serving members through billing, community, and connection, Jessica shares why teamwork and a family-oriented culture matter most. You’ll also get to know the person beyond the desk—musician, baker, dog mom, and proud River Valley resident.