Setup Parental Wi-Fi Controls

Save the Date: New app to launch Dec. 9

Dec. 9 is the big day, and we want to be sure you’re ready! That’s the day we will convert to a new software platform for Gibson Electric. While we’re making the change to improve service for you, the transition will require you to also take action. Please read the following to know what you should do to help ensure an easy and smooth transition.

Moving our electric and broadband accounts to one platform will enable you to manage both your Gibson Electric account and your Gibson Connect account using the same convenient app — Gibson Co-ops and the gibsoncoops.com member portal. It also will enable us to provide a more integrated and smoother customer service experience.

While transitions can be challenging, we are confident that the benefits of our new software platform will outweigh any temporary inconveniences. Our team is dedicated to making this change as easy on you as possible, and we appreciate your patience during this process.

Gibson Co-ops app

All Gibson Electric members and Gibson Connect subscribers will need to download the new Gibson Co-ops app on or as soon as possible after Dec. 9. Your Gibson Electric and Gibson Connect account information will be available through this app. (Please don’t download the Gibson Co-ops app before Dec. 9. Doing so will require you to go through the setup process again after our official launch.)

If you have Gibson Electric and Gibson Connect services, please make sure your email address is the same for both accounts. If it is identical, you should be able to use one username and password to log in to both your electric and broadband accounts. Ideally, your name, service address and phone number also would match for both accounts. Please call your local Gibson Electric member service center, and we can help you make this change.

Initially Gibson Connect subscribers will still be able to access their account information and make payments through the existing Gibson Connect SmartHub app, but the existing app will be turned off soon after Dec. 9, so we encourage everyone to download and begin using the new Gibson Co-ops app Dec. 9.

Billing and payments

We will continue to mail printed Gibson Electric bills to members unless you choose to go paperless. We encourage you to activate the paperless billing option in the Gibson Co-ops app on or after Dec. 9. Doing this will enable you to receive your bill quicker and help protect our environment.

If you have been enrolled in paperless billing with Gibson Electric prior to the conversion on Dec. 9, your first bill after Dec. 3 will be printed and mailed to your service address. You will continue to be emailed regarding your bill, but you will need to download the Gibson Co-ops app on or soon after Dec. 9 to view your detailed account information. Gibson Connect bills will remain paperless.

From noon on Dec. 3 through Dec. 8, we will be unable to receive and apply Gibson Electric or Gibson Connect bill payments. We will not disconnect service during this time. Members on PayGo (PrePaid) billing will not receive daily use information from Dec. 3 through Dec. 8. As with members on monthly billing, we will be unable to receive and apply payments, and we will not disconnect service during this time.

Both our Gibson Electric and Gibson Connect bills will have a new look. We’ve tried to make the bills cleaner and easier to read while including all of the details you need. Please visit our website on or after Dec. 9 to view our new bill formats.

“Auto Pay” to replace “Draft”

For our members currently enrolled in credit card draft or Auto Pay, you will need to go into the Gibson Co-ops app or go to our website (gibsoncoops.com) on Dec. 9 or as soon as possible after to enter your credit card information. We apologize for this inconvenience, but the conversion will not allow us to transfer your credit card information. This precaution is for your account security and must be done in a timely manner to ensure your payments continue without interruption. Fortunately, bank account drafts will automatically and securely transfer.

“Prepaid” to replace “PayGo”

Members who are on PayGo billing will find their account information in the Gibson Co-ops app under “Prepaid.” For our members who have used Auto Pay in PayGo, our new platform will not initially offer this functionality. Your bank account or credit card will no longer be drafted once it meets a threshold you’ve set. You can, however, set up alerts in the Gibson Co-ops app to notify you when your account balance falls below a dollar amount you set.

Alerts and notifications

Please take a moment to set up your account profile, including your preferences for alerts and notifications. Doing so will help you easily manage your account and help us keep you informed.

Energy use monitoring, Outage Map and Outage Reporting features

The Gibson Co-ops app will still have an electric use tool, an Outage Map and Outage Reporting features. The electric usage tool enables you to keep track of your energy use and make timely adjustments to save energy dollars. The electric Outage Map provides up-to-date information on where we are experiencing electric outages. You can also easily and quickly report an outage through the app.

We’re excited about these changes because they will ultimately enable us to provide you with a better service experience. We’ll do all we can to make the transition smooth for you, but please be patient with us as we convert to the new platform. Please also mark your calendar for Dec. 9, download the Gibson Co-ops app and take any other steps needed based on your service preferences. We’re here for you if you have a question or concern — just call or visit your local Gibson Electric member service center.

Internet Safety – Online Scams

Scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, but staying informed can help you avoid falling victim. The FDIC’s article provides valuable advice on how to recognize and protect yourself from various types of scams.

The article covers the different tactics scammers use, from phishing emails to fake investment opportunities. It emphasizes the importance of being skeptical of unsolicited offers and requests for personal information. Remember, legitimate organizations will never ask for sensitive details through insecure channels.

Key tips include verifying the identity of anyone asking for personal information, being cautious with your financial details, and regularly monitoring your accounts for unusual activity. The article also highlights the importance of reporting any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities to help prevent others from being targeted.
Taking these precautions can significantly reduce your risk of falling for scams. For a detailed guide on avoiding scams and protecting yourself, check out the full article here

https://www.fdic.gov/consumer-resource-center/2021-10/avoiding-scams-and-scammers

Cyber Safety Basics

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to brush up on best practices for protecting your devices, data, and privacy online. You can protect yourself online by following a few simple steps. Here are a few cybersecurity essentials that everyone should be aware of:

Using Strong, Unique Passwords
Your password is the first line of defense against cyber threats. Ensure your passwords are strong, unique, and not easily guessable. Avoid using common passwords like “password123” or “admin” and consider using a password manager to keep track of your credentials securely.

Being Alert for Phishing Scams
Phishing scams are one of the most prevalent online threats. Cybercriminals use deceptive emails, messages, or websites to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information such as login credentials or financial details. Always scrutinize unexpected emails, especially those requesting personal or financial information, and verify the sender’s authenticity.

Thinking Before Clicking on Links/Attachments
Exercise caution when clicking on links or opening attachments, even if they appear to come from trusted sources. Hover over links to preview the actual URL and ensure it matches the expected destination. If something seems off, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Keeping Software Updated
Outdated software can leave your devices vulnerable to security exploits. Regularly update your operating system, applications, and antivirus software to ensure you have the latest security patches and protections.

Using Antivirus Protection
Invest in reliable antivirus software to protect your devices from malware, viruses, and other online threats. An effective antivirus program can detect and prevent malicious software from infiltrating your system.

Avoiding Public Wi-Fi for Shopping and Banking
Public Wi-Fi networks may not always be secure, making them hotspots for cybercriminals to intercept sensitive data. When conducting online shopping or banking transactions, opt for secure, private networks or use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) for added protection.

Recognizing Secure Websites
When sharing personal or financial information online, ensure you are on a secure website. Look for “https://” in the URL and a padlock icon in the browser’s address bar, indicating a secure, encrypted connection.

So, as autumn arrives make sure that cybersecurity is at the top of your list. Arm yourself with cyber smarts and safeguard your digital life!

What is a VPN?

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a tool that helps you secure your internet connection and protect your online privacy. It creates a private tunnel for your data, shielding it from prying eyes and ensuring that your activities are kept confidential. Imagine it as a secure, encrypted pathway for your data to travel through the internet, away from potential hackers and snoopers.

How Does it Work?
When you connect to a VPN, your internet traffic is routed through a secure server before reaching its destination. This means that your IP address is masked, and your data is encrypted, making it much harder for anyone to track your online movements or intercept your information.

Why is it Important?

Access Restricted Content: With a VPN, you can bypass geo-restrictions and access content that may be limited in your region.

Who Should Use a VPN?
Whether you’re a frequent traveler, a remote worker, or simply someone who values privacy, a VPN can be a valuable addition to your online toolkit. It’s especially useful for anyone concerned about data security or who wants to access global content safely.

Curious to learn more about VPNs and how they can enhance your online security? Check out this detailed guide from Microsoft Azure: What is a VPN?

Gibson Connect does not provide VPN as a service.

Member Appreciation Events

Another Look at Broadband Labels

It’s #TechSupportTuesday again and we’re taking another look at the new broadband labels. These new labels allow you to have a clear view of what you’re paying for with your home, business, or mobile internet. Let’s look at these two labels, one from Gibson Connect and one from a national competitor as an example. When comparing plans or providers, make sure to pay close attention to the “Monthly Price” and “Additional Charges & Terms” sections. These will show you what you can expect to pay monthly, when you first sign up, and what you will be charged for things like Managed Wi-Fi, Professional Installation, and Late Payment Fees.

It’s also important to compare the “Monthly Price” on the label to what the company is advertising, so you don’t have any billing surprises in the future. We don’t do temporary discounts, but many companies do, which is why it’s so important to check the label.

How to Use Wi-Fi Calling

Living in rural areas often means dealing with a spotty cell signal, but with Wi-Fi calling, you can make clear, reliable calls using your internet connection. Here’s a quick guide to setting up Wi-Fi calling on both iOS and Android devices:

Benefits of Wi-Fi Calling:

Reliable calls even in areas with poor cell reception

High-quality audio

No extra cost, it uses your existing Wi-Fi connection

For iOS:

Go to Settings.
- Tap on Phone.
- Select Wi-Fi Calling.
- Toggle on the option for “Wi-Fi Calling on This iPhone.”
- Follow the on-screen instructions to enter your emergency address.

For Android:

Open the Phone app.
- Tap on the three dots (menu) in the upper right corner.
- Select Settings.
- Tap Calls
- Tap on Wi-Fi Calling and toggle it on.

Follow any additional prompts to complete set up.

Why Your Internet Speeds Matter

Wondering why synchronous internet speeds matter? Check out our latest Tech Support Tuesday video to learn how equal upload and download speeds can transform your online experience. Whether you’re working from home, gaming, or video calling, find out why speed symmetry makes all the difference!

How to Share Your Wi-Fi with the App

This Tech Support Tuesday we’re going to help you easily share your Wi-Fi with friends and guests right in your Gibson Connect Smart Home App. The video below shows you how to share the guest network, but you can do this same process with your regular network if you don’t have guest Wi-Fi (or don’t want to use it). Don’t have the app? Visit gibsoncoops.com/protect on a smartphone or tablet to download it.