Published monthly by Cookson Hills Electric Cooperative, Inc.
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NOVEMBER 2020
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WATTS WATTS INSIDE >> page 2
Four ways to save energy in the kitchen >> page 3
Downed and dangerous: Stay clear of downed power lines
CHEC members participate in first-ever drive-thru Annual Meeting In what continues to be an unforgettable year, CHEC conducted our Annual Meeting via a socially distant drive-thru on Oct. 3. The first-ever drive-thru meeting saw 394 members register. “I am so proud of our staff for adapting in such a way that we could still hold our Annual Meeting for our members,” said General Manager Juli Orme. “Without all of their hard work, we would not have been able to celebrate our members this year.”
The first-ever drive-thru Annual Meeting saw 394 CHEC members register for a $20 electric credit. We would like to extend a special thank you to our sponsors who helped make this event possible: Gordon Construction Company, Arkansas Electric Cooperatives and KAMO Power. Also, thank you to the members who attended for your patience and understanding. We hope to see you at the 2021 meeting.
>> page 4
Capital credit check could be headed your way
bit.ly/CHEConFB (case-sensitive)
Thank you to our Annual Meeting sponsors: Gordon Construction Company, Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, KAMO Power
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 Rocky Woods, Sr., Vice President Ronnie Pevehouse, Sec/Treasurer Dan Callahan, Trustee John Dillard, Trustee Dart Drummonds, Trustee Mike Rose, Trustee
District 6 District 1 District 7 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5
STAFF Juli Orme, General Manager Chris Morris, Chief Financial Officer Jason Fontaine, Director of Engineering Mark Blaylock, Director of Operations — Stigler Marty Huff, Director of Operations — Sallisaw Ellen Mattison, Manager of Accounting Services Kristie Cash, Manager of Office Services
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.
bit.ly/CHEConFB (case-sensitive)
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.
2 | November 2020
Four ways to save energy in the kitchen By Abby Berry
Ah, the kitchen. It’s undeniably one of the most-loved rooms in our homes. It’s where we gather with family and friends for our favorite meals and memories. But like most of us, you probably aren’t thinking about saving energy when you’re planning that perfect dish. Here are four ways you can save energy in the kitchen with minimal effort.
estimated that one home’s energy vampires left plugged in yearround can add up to $100-$200 in wasted energy costs. Unplug them when they’re not in use, or better yet, use a power strip for convenient control. [2598207] Help large appliances work less. There are small ways you can help your larger kitchen appliances run more efficiently. For example, keep range-top burners clean from spills and fallen foods so they’ll reflect heat better. When it’s time to put leftovers in the refrigerator, make sure the food is covered and allow it to cool down first. That way, the fridge doesn’t have to work harder to cool warm food.
Slow cookers are more efficient than large ovens
When possible, cook with smaller appliances. Using smaller kitchen appliances, like slow cookers, toaster ovens and convection ovens is more energy efficient than using your large stove or oven. According to the Department of Energy, a toaster or convection oven uses one-third to one-half as much energy as a full-sized oven.
Unplug appliances that draw phantom energy load. Halloween may be over, but it’s possible you have energy vampires in your kitchen – these are the appliances that draw energy even when they’re not in use, like coffee makers, microwaves and toaster ovens. The Department of Energy has
Use your dishwasher efficiently. Only run full loads, and avoid using the “rinse hold” function on your machine for just a few dirty dishes; it uses 3-7 gallons of hot water each use. You can also save energy by letting your dishes air dry. If your dishwasher doesn’t have an automatic air-dry switch, simply turn it off after the final rinse and prop the door open so the dishes will dry faster.
Downed and Dangerous
Bonus tip: The best way to save energy is to not use it. Try a tasty, no-bake dessert recipe. Your sweet tooth (and energy bill!) will thank you. By slightly adjusting a few of your habits in the kitchen, you’ll be well on your way to energy savings. Contact us to learn about additional ways you can save energy and money at home. Abby Berry writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the national trade association representing more than 900 local electric cooperatives. From growing suburbs to remote farming communities, electric co-ops serve as engines of economic development for 42 million Americans across 56 percent of the nation’s landscape.
If you see a downed power line, always assume it is energized and dangerous. Avoid going near it or anything in contact with the power line.
35 ft. Downed power lines can energize the ground up to 35 ft. away – so keep your distance.
Never drive over a downed line or through water that is touching the line.
!!!! CHEC offices will be closed Nov. 26 and 27 to celebrate Thanksgiving. Please call 1-800328-2368 to report any power outages or safety hazards that may occur.
If you see a downed line, notify the local authorities immediately.
Never try to move a downed power line, even if you think the line is deenergized or if you’re using a non-conductive item – this will not prevent injury or death! Source: ESFI.org www.cooksonhills.com | 3
CAPITAL CREDITS A CO-OP MEMBER’S DIVIDENDS
Unlike investor-owned utility companies that strive to generate profits for shareholders, electric cooperatives like CHEC operate on an at-cost basis. Any profits made by CHEC — referred to as margins — are returned to the consumermembers. Capital credits represent these dividends.
Energy Efficiency
Tip of the Month Keep cold air out to save energy. Seal air leaks around pipes and any gaps around chimneys and unfinished spaces behind cupboards and closets. Source: U.S. Dept. of Energy 4 | November 2020
CHEC board of trustees approves $991,190 in capital credits to be paid to members CHEC’s board of trustees has authorized the distribution of over $991,000 in capital credits to members of the cooperative who purchased electricity during parts of 1990, 1999, 2001 and 2002 — $403,051.60 of which is being passed on by CHEC’s wholesale power provider. CHEC has returned over $8.2 million to members over the last 10 years. As a not-for-profit entity, cooperatives must return margins above operating costs to consumers. Capital credits are somewhat similar to the dividends paid to shareholders of investor-owned utilities, except the co-op’s “shareholders” are the members it serves, and the “dividends” are the capital credits. It is one of the things that makes the cooperative business unique. We encourage you to check the list of unclaimed capital credits at www.cooksonhills.com. If you see the name of a family member who is deceased and you are the rightful heir, you can download the form from www.cooksonhills.com and return it along with the appropriate paperwork to transfer all remaining capital credits into your name. Checks will not be issued for less than $5 unless a member has no further refunds due for future years. Refunds of less than $5 are retained until and added to the next distribution. If needed, mail paperwork and supporting documents to CHEC, PO Box 539, Stigler, OK, 74462.