Published monthly by Cookson Hills Electric Cooperative, Inc.
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FEBRUARY 2022
T WATTS
Space Heaters & Efficiency Are Portable Space Heaters Efficient for My Home? By Abby Berry
Small space heaters are meant to do exactly as their name says: heat a small space. But unfortunately, many people use portable space heaters to heat their entire home, which can really take a toll on your energy bills. The truth is, whether you should use space heaters really depends on your home’s efficiency and energy needs. If you’re using a space heater to compensate for problems in your home, like inadequate insulation, drafty windows and exterior doors, or an inefficient heating system, space heaters are not a practical solution. Your best bet is to improve the overall efficiency of your home. If you’re on a tight budget, caulking and weather stripping around windows and exterior doors is a low-cost, easy way to save energy. Depending on the size of your home, adding insulation can be a great next step. Loose fill insulation typically costs $1 to $1.50 per square foot. Taking these
proactive energy-saving measures rather than relying on space heaters for supplemental warmth can reduce your heating and cooling bills for years to come. Perhaps your home is energy efficient but you’re cold-natured and want a specific room to be cozier than the rest. In this case, a space heater may work for your needs. A good comparison is ceiling fans; we use ceiling fans in the summer to cool people, not rooms. A space heater can be used in a similar way during winter months. Only use a space heater in small spaces that you’re occupying and, if possible, try to shut off other rooms to contain the warmth provided by the space heater. If you decide to use a space heater to heat a small area in your home, make sure the heater is properly sized for the space; most heaters include a general sizing table. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 >>
WATTS INSIDE Lobbies temporarily closed >> page 3
Contract crews working with CHEC across service area >> page 4
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 Mark Blaylock, Director of Operations — Stigler Marty Huff, Director of Operations — Sallisaw Ellen Mattison, Manager of Accounting Services Kristie Cash, Manager of Office Services Rockey Oldham, Manager of Broadband Services Jeremy Stubblefield, Chief Technology Officer Brad Martin, Director of Member/Public Relations and Economic Development Dallin Shaw, Director of Engineering
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)
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Space heaters and efficiency, continued from page 1 A word about safety: the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates more than 25,000 residential fires are associated with the use of space heaters every year, resulting in more than 300 deaths. If you must use a space heater, purchase a newer model that includes the most current safety features and make sure it carries the Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) label. Choose a thermostatically controlled heater to avoid energy waste and overheating, and place the heater on a level surface away from foot traffic when in use. Always keep children and pets away from space heaters. Consider alternative ways to stay warm like extra layers of clothing or UL-approved electric blankets. If you have hardwood or tile floors, lay down area rugs to provide additional insulation (and appeal!) and maintain warmth. We know it’s cold out there, but remember in addition to safety concerns, space heaters can greatly increase your energy bills if used improperly. [785602] If you’re looking for alternative ways to save energy and increase comfort in your home, visit www.cooksonhills.com. We’re here to help you manage your energy use. 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% of the nation’s landscape.
Wondering if your account is eligible for Cookson Hills Connect high-speed internet? Our announcements include substation and feeder numbers, both of which can now be found on your bill!
2022 Youth Tour Essay Contest
APPLICATIONS DUE FEB. 16 Contact Brad Martin at 800-328-2368 for details
WWW.COOKSONHILLS.COM
Lobbies closed temporarily, drive-thru windows remain open Due to an increase in Covid cases in our area, we have decided to close our lobbies effective Wednesday, Jan. 12. This closing includes both our Stigler and Sallisaw offices. Our drive-thru windows will remain open during this time. Please feel free to contact us at 800-328-2368 if you have questions or need something that requires a visit to our office and we will be happy to make arrangements for you. Thank you for your understanding, and please stay safe!
Energy Efficiency Tip of the Month
About 30% of a home’s heating energy is lost through inefficient windows. Caulk and weatherstrip all windows to seal air leaks. When running your home heating system, lock all operable windows to ensure the tightest seal possible. Source: Dept. of Energy
In order to provide members with the most reliable service, at times we must conduct planned outages to upgrade our system. When you receive alerts that a planned outage is occurring in your area, please plan for a power back-up if you need power for medical equipment or other needs. Our planned outages typically last 4-8 hours, and you will be notified by phone and/or email with advanced notice.
Check your availability and sign up for updates at www. cooksonhills connect.com
Bringing the fastest, most reliable, highspeed internet to our communities www.cooksonhills.com | 3
Don’t miss out on the CHEC scholarship opportunity for those pursuing postsecondary education!
Crews, crews and more crews! Multiple crews are working in the Cookson Hills Electric service territory, making system improvements and bringing new opportunities to our members. On any given day, including Saturdays and Sundays, contract crews who have partnered with CHEC are visible, working on everything from replacing poles to installing fiber inside homes. We currently have Conexon, Osmose, MDR, Ervin, Anixter, P&F, and PCS working in various areas throughout our service territory. Most of this work is taking place to help bring Cookson
Monitor your energy use this winter with SmartHub!
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Hills Connect high-speed internet out to every Cookson Hills member. Crews will be in ditches, pastures, yards, and in some cases, will be performing work scheduled inside the home. Work inside the home for the fiber project will always be scheduled by appointment with the member. Contract crews can be identified by the Cookson Hills Electric Cooperative logo sign displayed on the side of the vehicle. We hope the signs help our members better identify our partner crews, but we ask members to call 800-328-2368 with any questions or concerns.
Applications due by March 4 Visit www. cooksonhills. com for more info
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KSO N COO HILLS E L PER ATIV ECTRIC E
Scan this code with your smartphone’s camera to download CHEC’s SmartHub app!