CHEC Hot Watts August 2021

Published monthly by Cookson Hills Electric Cooperative, Inc.

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AUGUST 2021

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WATTS WATTS INSIDE >> page 2

Tips to avoid utility scams >> page 3

Home charging options for electric vehicles >> page 4

How affordable electricity powers quality of life

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Scammers strike again Utility customers have historically been easy targets for scammers hoping to cash in. Luckily, one of our members recognized and thwarted the attempt.

A member received a call July 7 from someone claiming to be a lineman for Cookson Hills Electric Cooperative. The caller informed the member their electric bill was past due, and that the meter would be pulled and service disconnected if the member did not pay the past due amount of $500. The caller instructed the member to go to a Dollar General store and purchase a $500 gift card as the method of payment. Thankfully the astute member came to our Stigler office to inquire about their account status and avoided being scammed out of $500.

During this particular scam attempt, the caller number appeared on the member’s phone as our actual “800” number, and the caller mentioned names of employees working at CHEC. These fraudulent details often convince the innocent victim to follow through with a transaction only to find out later the whole thing was a scam.

We strongly encourage you to call us at 800-328-2368 if you ever receive a similar demand for payment on your account. See page 2 for some guidelines to follow if you receive a mysterious call. >> continued on page 2

Exciting updates coming soon!

Be sure you’re registered for updates at cooksonhills connect.com

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

Scammers strike again continued from page 1

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 | August 2021

• Thank the caller for the information. Then firmly tell them you will contact the utility company directly using the number on your bill or on the company’s website.

• Even if the caller insists you have a past due bill or your services will be shut off, never give banking information over the phone unless you place the call to a number you know is legitimate.

• Utility companies don’t demand banking information by email or phone. And they won’t force you to pay by phone as your only option.

• If the caller demands payment by gift card, cash reload card, wiring money or cryptocurrency, it is a scam. Legitimate companies don’t demand payment by gift cards (like iTunes or Amazon), cash reload cards (like MoneyPak, Vanilla, or Reloadit), or cryptocurrency (like Bitcoin).

• Tell your friends and loved ones about the scam so they can protect themselves. If you got this scam call, others in your community probably did too. We know when people hear about scams, they’re much more likely to avoid them.

AVOID UTILITY SCAMS Scammers will threaten you with everything from shutting off power to your home to legal action. Don't fall victim to these types of scams.

• Our employees will never show up at your door to demand payment.

• Never give personal information to an unknown caller or visitor.

Our representatives have access to the details they need to service your account.

• Demands for immediate payment by wire transfer, cryptocurrency, gift cards or cash reload cards should immediately raise red flags.

• If you think you’ve been contacted by a scammer falsely representing the co-op, please let us know as soon as possible.

Home charging options for electric vehicles Electric vehicle (EV) owners have multiple options for charging their vehicle at home. There are three common EV charging levels: Level One, Level Two and DC Fast Charge.

Level One Charging Level One is the most basic charging level. If you choose this option, your EV will typically include an adapter that plugs into a typical 120-volt outlet. This is the easiest and cheapest charging solution, but it will take much longer to charge your EV. Level Two Charging Level Two is about three to five times faster than Level One, but this level of charging often requires separate purchases and installation. The EV is plugged into a 240-volt outlet, which is used for larger appliances, like a clothes dryer. Most homes do not include a 240-volt outlet in garages, so the outlet must be installed by a licensed professional. You typically see Level Two charging stations at shopping malls, office buildings and multi-family community spaces.

DC Fast Charging DC Fast Charge stations are typically seen near high-traffic public areas, like gas stations, rather than in homes. This is the fastest charging level, with the ability to charge an EV at 80% in under 30 minutes. As EVs continue to become more popular, you can expect to see more DC Fast Charge stations throughout Oklahoma.

If you’re charging an EV at home, please contact CHEC. EV charging creates additional energy demand. The time of day you charge your EV can have an impact on the grid and your monthly energy costs. By letting us know about your EV charging levels, we can help ensure your home is prepared for the additional energy consumption.

Electric Vehicle Charging Levels AC Level One

AC Level Two

DC Fast Charge

Join us for a drivethru Annual Meeting Saturday, Oct. 2 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sallisaw High School parking area. More details to come.

Standard household outlet

VOLTAGE: 120V 1-Phase AC

VOLTAGE: 208V or 240V 1-Phase AC

VOLTAGE: 208V or 480V 3-Phase AC

AMPS: 12-16 Amps

AMPS: 12-80 Amps (typ. 32 Amps)

AMPS: <100 Amps

CHARGING LOADS: 1.4 to 1.9 KW

CHARGING LOADS: 2.5 to 19.2 kW (typ. 6.6kW)

CHARGING LOADS: 50-350 kW

VEHICLE CHARGE TIME: 3-5 Miles per Hour

VEHICLE CHARGE TIME: 10-20 Miles per Hour

VEHICLE CHARGE TIME: 60-80 Miles in 20 Minutes

20+ for some EV models

Sources: Advanced Energy and EPA

www.cooksonhills.com | 3

Affordable electricity powers quality of life

By Anne Prince

Most of us use electricity, either directly or indirectly, most of the time. Because electricity is so abundant and available with the simple flip of a switch, it’s easy to take it for granted.

According to the Energy Information Agency (EIA), the typical U.S. household now uses more air conditioning, appliances and consumer electronics than ever before. The average home also contains 10 or more internet-connected devices. Considering everything that is powered by electricity, it’s no wonder we occasionally might wince at our monthly bill. But keep in mind, it’s no longer just the “light bill.”

Electricity powers quality of life Electricity powers our quality of life. From the infrastructure of your home (appliances, water heater and HVAC system) to charging your smartphones, computers, TV and Wi-Fi router, your energy bill covers so much more than lighting.

Today, there is more demand for electricity than ever before. At home, in schools and business, and in

commercial sectors such as transportation, the need for electricity is increasing.

Typically when demand goes up, so does the price, as is the case with most goods or services, like cable or even your favorite specialty coffee. However, that’s not true with electricity. Let’s take a look at how the value of electricity compares to other common expenses. [2474400] Over the last five years, the cost of rent increased 3.4%; medical care increased 2.8%; and education increased 2.2%, but the cost of electricity only increased 1%. Considering all the ways we depend on electricity, it still remains a great value.

So, the next time you’re enjoying your favorite podcast, TV series or movie, consider the value of electricity and how it enhances your quality of life.

We care about you, the members we serve, and understand that electricity is more than a commodity––it’s a necessity. That’s why CHEC will continue working hard to power your life, reliably and affordably.

Anne Prince 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% of the nation’s landscape.

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