Published monthly by Cookson Hills Electric Cooperative, Inc.
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NOVEMBER 2021
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WATTS WATTS INSIDE >> page 2
Capital credit checks coming soon to eligible members >> page 3
Holiday cooking efficiency tips
CHEC members participate in drive-thru Annual Meeting For the second year in a row, CHEC conducted our Annual Meeting via a socially distant drivethru on Oct. 2. Over 860 members attended this year’s meeting, which was held at the Sallisaw High School parking lot. “I am proud of our staff for adapting to another drive-thru meeting for the second year,” said General Manager Juli Orme. “Without all of their hard work, we would not have been able to welcome the 866 members who came out to
take an active part in their co-op — even in the pouring rain.” The 866 members in attendance each received a $20 bill credit. We would like to extend a special thank you to our sponsors who helped make this event possible: Gordon Construction Company and KAMO Power. [667801] Also, thank you to the members who attended for your patience and understanding. We hope to see you at the 2022 meeting.
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More CHEC lineworkers assist Louisiana co-ops in hurricane recovery
bit.ly/CHEConFB (case-sensitive)
Thank you to our Annual Meeting sponsors: Gordon Construction Company, 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 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)
2 | November 2021
Capital credit checks coming in December CHEC’s board of trustees has authorized the distribution of over $926,000 in capital credits to members of the cooperative who purchased electricity during parts of 1990, 1999, 2001 and 2002 — $338,651.77 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. Eligible members can expect to receive their checks in December. 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. If you have 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 and added to the next distribution. If needed, mail paperwork and supporting documents to CHEC, PO Box 539, Stigler, OK, 74462.
Triennial survey continuing through December. Members may receive a phone call or email. We appreciate your feedback!
Happy Veterans Day! Cookson Hills Electric would like to thank all veterans past and present. We appreciate your selfless sacrifice and service! CHEC would also like to recognize three of our very own employees for their military service:
Ann Jones Air Force 8 years Reuben Kemp U.S. Marines 4 years Jason Blalock Oklahoma Air Guard 8 years
COOK UP ENERGY SAVINGS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON. • • •
Clean oven burners regularly. Match the pan size to the burner you’re using. Use small appliances like slow cookers and toaster ovens when possible.
From our table to yours, Happy Thanksgiving! www.cooksonhills.com | 3
Cooperation Among Cooperatives
A third Cookson Hills Electric crew headed out to help with hurricane relief efforts. This was the last of three CHEC crews who headed south to help restore power after Ida left so many without power. From left: Jesse Ruark, Matt Davis, Jason Blalock, Mike Sizemore and Blu Cloud.
CHEC offices will be closed Nov. 25 and 26 to celebrate Thanksgiving. Please call 1-800-3282368 to report any power outages or safety hazards that may occur.
Join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cooksonhillsconnect 4 | November 2021