Grants Made Possible by Members Enrolled in PEC’s Power of Change Program
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(JOHNSON CITY, Texas) March 2, 2026 — Pedernales Electric Cooperative (PEC) is committed to giving back to the communities it helps power. This month, PEC awarded nearly $40,000 in community grants to nine area nonprofits. PEC community grants are made possible through the generosity of members enrolled in the cooperative’s Power of Change Program. The voluntary program allows PEC members to give back by rounding up their electric bills to the nearest dollar or making a one-time donation through PayPal or Venmo.
PEC grant recipients can use funds for projects related to capital improvements, energy efficiency, and technology to further their missions that keep our communities strong.
“Not everybody has thousands of dollars to give, but rounding up the change in your bill adds up and helps in ways that you don’t realize,” said Jayne Whisnant, chief development officer at Texas Humane Heroes. The Leander nonprofit will use its grant funds for a remodeling project that will improve its building and kennel area for shelter animals.
Marble Falls Area EMS Operations Director Starla McLaurin said they plan to use their grant to purchase two new ultrasound devices. The tools will help first responders quickly diagnose life-threatening conditions in the field.
“We’re really appreciative of the grant,” McLaurin said. “The new devices will help us better assist patients who might be unconscious or in cardiac arrest and ultimately help us save lives out here in Burnet County.”
Here’s a complete list of PEC community grant recipients in 2026:
- Marble Falls Area EMS received a $4,700 grant to help purchase two ultrasound devices to quickly diagnose life-threatening conditions.
- Friends of the Kimble County Library will use its $5,000 grant to purchase a security system to improve safety for staff and library visitors.
- Highland Lakes Amateur Radio Emergency Service is a nonprofit dedicated to providing disaster preparedness, emergency communications, and public service communications to government and nongovernment entities. The nonprofit will use its $5,000 grant to fund two remote field communication stations to use during emergencies.
- Old Blanco County Courthouse Preservation Society will use its $5,000 grant to restore entry doors to improve the building’s energy efficiency.
- Patriots Hall of Dripping Springs will use its $5,000 grant to install an irrigation system for its veteran-led community garden.
- A $3,600 grant to the Friends of Oakalla Public Library will help purchase a library marquee sign and enhance its community garden.
- Friends of Inks Dam National Fish Hatchery will use its $2,000 grant to purchase dissection kits for juniors and seniors in advanced placement science courses.
- Texas Humane Heroes received a $5,000 grant to improve its climate-controlled buildings for shelter pets.
- Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center will use its $4,000 grant to add restrooms with compostable toilets for visitors to the nature preserve.
This year, PEC’s Power of Change program is celebrating a decade of giving back. Since the program began, it has raised more than $1 million and supported nonprofits across the Texas Hill Country. The program also provides financial assistance to members who need help paying their electric bills and supports educational programs for area students. Learn more about PEC’s Power of Change Program and enroll online at myPEC.com/change.
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