H T WATTS
Scammers Hard at “Work”
Scammers are once again targeting the Cookson Hills Electric service area. This time, they are not only attempting to swindle money over the phone but are also making personal visits. There have been reports of individuals claiming to be Cookson Hills employees, contractors or representatives visiting homes and asking to inspect the electric meters. These individuals assert that Cookson Hills Electric is replacing all meters with digital ones to accommodate solar power and that members would be charged $15 a month for the new meter.
We want to assure you that this information is NOT accurate, and these individuals are not affiliated with Cookson Hills Electric Cooperative or Cookson Hills Connect. Here are three simple tips to help you avoid being scammed:
1. Never give a copy of your bill, driver’s license, or personal information such as your date of birth, social security number, or account number to anyone visiting your home, calling, texting, or emailing you. Only provide this
information when you visit our office or initiate a call to us.
2. Watch out for warning signs, such as threats to disconnect your service or requests for payments using gift cards, wire transfers, or other unusual payment methods.
3. If someone arrives at your home, ask them to wait outside while you call Cookson Hills Electric at 800-328-2368 to verify their identity. If they contact you by phone, hang up and contact us to discuss your account. Don’t reply to an email or text without contacting us first.
You work hard for your money, and scammers try to trick you out of it. Cookson Hills Electric is here to help you avoid these scams. Remember, call us at 800328-2368 or visit our office, and we will be happy to assist you by addressing any questions you may have. For further information on avoiding scams, visit the Utilities United Against Scams website at https://www. utilitiesunited.org/#ConsumerGuide
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
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Mike Rose, Trustee District 5
STAFF
Juli Orme, General Manager
Mark Blaylock, Director of Operations
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.
We are pleased to announce that Cookson Hills Electric Cooperative had zero lost-time accidents in 2023. CHEC linemen participate in regularly scheduled safety training to learn about workplace safety, and we are grateful for another safe year!
2024 Youth Tour winners return from Washington, D.C.
The CHEC Youth Tour winners recently enjoyed the trip of a lifetime in Washington, D.C.! These four outstanding students earned an all-expenses-paid trip after winning the annual Youth Tour contest. They toured historical landmarks and national monuments, and Congressman Markwayne Mullin continued his tradition of giving Oklahoma’s Youth Tour group a private, after-hours tour of the U.S. Capitol.
After graduating from high school, each winner will receive a scholarship upon enrollment in the college or university of their choice. 2234201
Do you know a student who will be a high school junior this fall? Encourage them to participate in the Youth Tour program! Information will be shared with area schools in late fall and early 2025. For more information about the Youth Tour Scholarship, visit our website at www.cooksonhills.com/youth-tour or call Brad Martin at 800-328-2368.
Co-op Principle # 6: Cooperation Among Cooperatives
Sometimes, when severe weather causes significant power outages, electric cooperatives need to seek assistance to restore power promptly. Recently, in the service territory of Verdigris Valley Electric Cooperative, Cookson Hills Electric Cooperative crews stepped in to help. Crew members from the Sallisaw and Stigler offices worked to restore power in the Claremore, Oklahoma, area after severe storms hit. We are grateful for the willingness of our team to provide assistance. This is just one of the many reasons we take pride in being a part of the co-op “family.”
Pictured from left: Adrianne Carpenter from Kinta Schools, Zayley Cheater from Vian Schools, Callie Huff from Central Schools, and Jonah Claborn from Muldrow Schools.
