CHEC Hot Watts February 2025

Published monthly by Cookson Hills Electric Cooperative, Inc.

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FEBRUARY 2025

T WATTS

Rate Adjustment Effective in April Across our region and the country, many electric cooperatives and other utility companies have been faced with increasing wholesale power costs. Unfortunately, Cookson Hills Electric has not been exempted from this trend. Over the past few years, we have experienced significant cost increases in materials, insurance premiums, cost of labor, and yes, wholesale power costs, too.

In the last quarter of 2024, our power provider, Associated Electric Cooperative in Springfield, Missouri, announced a rate increase that will begin in April, 2025.

Because of the stiff pressures we have faced, we have been persistent in prioritizing our financial responsibilities. As a not-for-profit, member-owned cooperative, the employees and Board of Trustees at CHEC vow to continue our efforts to diligently contain costs, while still providing the safe and reliable service you expect and deserve.

For the first time in over a decade, CHEC has made the difficult decision to increase our rate

structure. This is not a decision we take lightly, because we realize this will impact our members.

Rates will increase for members on the April 2025 billing cycle, to support the increasing operational costs. The last full rate increase we implemented took place in 2014, with the monthly service availability charge experiencing an increase in 2018.

The Board of Trustees approved the changes at the December 2024 board meeting, and we are still working to finalize the new rate structure. We strive for full transparency with our members, and we will provide more information to you at the earliest date possible. Please look for updates on our website, Facebook page, direct mail, or the Hot Watts newsletter. We will continue to work hard every day to ensure we provide reliable, safe, and affordable electric service to our members. Thank you for your trust and support as we navigate this new territory together!

WATTS INSIDE Youth Tour applications open to high school

Pole inspections in Sequoyah County

juniors >> page 2

>> page 3

Cookson Hills Electric Cooperative, Inc. Headquarters Office PO Box 539 • 1002 E. Main Stigler, OK 74462 • 800-328-2368 Branch Office PO Box 587 • 1800 KOA/Power Drive Sallisaw, OK 74955 • 918-775-2211 Pay-by-Phone: 1-888-678-1937 www.cooksonhills.com Alternate Emergency Only: 918-552-0016

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Joe Ogle, President John Dillard, Vice President Ronnie Pevehouse, Sec/Treasurer Vacant Dan Callahan, Trustee Dart Drummonds, Trustee Mike Rose, Trustee

District 6 District 3 District 7 District 1 District 2 District 4 District 5

STAFF

CHEC Opens Youth Tour Applications to High School Juniors Cookson Hills Electric is proud to once again offer an incredible scholarship opportunity for high school juniors! The Oklahoma Youth Tour Scholarship and Essay competition is open to 11th grade students who attend an accredited high school or are homeschooled within our service territory. It is not a requirement that the student live in a home powered by CHEC. Through the competition, students have the chance to win cash prizes, scholarships, and an all-expenses-paid “trip of a lifetime” to Washington, D.C.! While in the nation’s capital, students will travel with the Oklahoma Youth Tour delegation to visit many historic sites and national landmarks, meet Oklahoma’s Congressional delegation, and much more. 3505400 For application, guidelines, and more information, please visit www.cooksonhills.com/youth-tour, or call us at 800-328-2368. Entries are due Tuesday, February 18th at 5:00 p.m., and must be submitted by a teacher or school representative. Good luck!

Juli Orme, General Manager Marty Huff, Director of Safety & Loss Control/ROW Coordinator Ellen Mattison, Manager of Accounting Services Kristie Cash, Manager of Office Services Jeremy Stubblefield, Chief Technology Officer Brad Martin, Director of Member/Public Relations and Economic Development Dallin Shaw, Director of Engineering Kellan Lujan, Manager of Subsidiary Accounting Austin Poindexter, Director of Operations

Russell V. Barber, General Counsel Cookson Hills Electric Cooperative, Inc. welcomes members to submit photos, and articles which will be subject to editing. Cookson Hills reserves the right to publish or modify any article.

Companies and individuals featured in the Hot Watts newsletter do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or view of Cookson Hills.

Cookson Hills Electric Cooperative, Inc. is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

If you find your account number hidden in this issue of the Hot Watts, you’ll receive a $25 credit on your electric bill.

bit.ly/CHEConFB (case-sensitive)

2 | February 2025

Deadline to enter: February 18, 5 p.m.

Pole Inspections in Sequoyah County Members may notice increasing activity around our electric poles over the next couple of months.

Cookson Hills Electric has contracted with Sundance PPI, a utility transmission and distribution inspection company, to inspect the integrity of our electric poles.

Pole inspection is a crucial part of maintaining our infrastructure, because it allows for early detection of potential damage or weaknesses that could lead to

power outages, safety hazards, and property damage.

Inspectors will wear safety vests and utilize passenger vehicles marked with the Sundance and CHEC logos. The use of ATV’s will occasionally be necessary to access areas not approachable by roads. If you have any questions or concerns, please call Dallin Shaw, Director of Engineering, at 800-328-2368.

Thank you for your cooperation!

EFFECTIVE WAYS To Lower Home Energy Use

Outside factors, such as fuel and equipment costs and extreme weather, can impact electricity prices. But you have the power to control home energy consumption by taking proactive steps to reduce energy use.

Thermostat Management The thermostat is one of the best places to lower your energy use because heating and cooling account for a significant portion of home energy consumption.

During winter months, adjust your thermostat to the lowest comfortable setting to reduce energy use. The Dept. of Energy recommends 68 degrees or lower.

Utilize Off-Peak Energy Times Plan energy-intensive chores and tasks, such as running the dishwasher or washing clothing, during off-peak energy hours, when the demand for electricity is lower. Off-peak times are early in the morning or late evenings. By scheduling these activities during off-peak periods, you can help keep rates lower, reduce demand and relieve pressure on the grid.

Seal Your Home According to ENERGY STAR®, about 20% of heated or cooled air that moves through a home is lost due to lack of proper insulation and air leaks. Ensure your home has sufficient insulation levels and seal air leaks around windows and doors with caulk and weatherstripping. This is a simple, effective way to lower energy use and improve indoor comfort.

Maintain Equipment

The health of your heating and cooling system is essential for comfort and can greatly impact energy bills. Maintain your system by regularly replacing dirty filters and scheduling annual inspections for maintenance and necessary repairs.

www.cooksonhills.com | 3

Right-of-Way Work Continues in Sequoyah County In January 2025, crews began clearing the rightsof-way across our service territory. Ensuring that these areas are clear from trees, brush, and foliage is a crucial step to create a safer and more reliable system for our members, along with helping reduce the number of power “blinks” you may experience.

The work will primarily occur in Sequoyah County surrounding our distribution lines fed by Substation 13- VIA (Vian).

Members may expect to see crews and equipment working in the following areas: west of Sallisaw

along Highway 64, McKey Hill, Pinhook Corner, Drake Perry, Sycamore, and the areas south of Vian surrounding the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge.

You can determine which substation serves your location by looking at your most recent electric bill or by calling our office. Look for the number and threeletter identifier on your statement in the box labeled “Sub”. If you have any questions or concerns about this project, please call us at 800328-2368 or visit www.cooksonhills. com/right-of-way.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation!