KEC Light Post April 2022

APRIL 2022

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WFEC Renewables Report

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Steps for safe digging this spring

A supplement to the Oklahoma Living

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Lig ght Post

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Stewed Tomato Pork Chops

PUBLISHED FOR MEMBERS OF KIAMICHI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

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ceo’s report

Kiamichi Electric Cooperative 944 SW Highway 2 PO Box 340 Wilburton, Oklahoma 74578 tele: (918) 465-2338 toll free: (800) 888-2731 FAX: (918) 465-2950 www.kiamichielectric.org email: support@kiamichielectric.org HOURS OF OPERATION Monday-Friday 8 am to 5 pm 24-HOUR OUTAGE HOTLINE (800) 888-2731 BOARD OF TRUSTEES Mark Ichord, President DISTRICT 6 Ron Pelaconi, Vice President DISTRICT 3 Russell Shaw, Treasurer DISTRICT 1 Amy Miller DISTRICT 2 David Ray DISTRICT 4 Don Parr DISTRICT 5 Larry Culwell DISTRICT 7 Brett Orme Executive Vice President-CEO Kiamichi Electric provides reliable and affordable electricity to members in Pushmataha, Leflore, Latimer, Atoka and Pittsburg Counties.

BRETT ORME

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

You’ve likely noticed KEC’s crews out and about, working on power lines and other electrical equipment in our community. It’s no secret that a lineworker’s job is tough––but it’s a job that’s essential and must be done, often in challenging conditions. This month, as we celebrate Lineworker Appreciation Day on April 11, I thought I’d share some interesting facts about electric lineworkers with you.

The work can be heavy, in more ways than one. Did you know the equipment and tools that a lineworker carries while climbing a utility pole can weigh up to 50 pounds?

That’s the same as carrying six gallons of water. Speaking of utility poles, lineworkers are required to climb poles ranging anywhere from 30 to 120 feet tall.

Needless to say, if you have a fear of heights, this likely isn’t the career path for you.

Lineworkers must be committed to their career — because it’s not just a job, it’s a lifestyle. The long hours and ever-present danger can truly take a toll.

In fact, being a lineworker is listed in the top 10 most dangerous jobs in the U.S. Lineworkers often work non-traditional hours, outdoors in difficult conditions. It requires technical skills, years of training and hands-on learning. Did you know that to become a journeyman lineworker can take more than 7,000 hours of training (or about four years)? That’s because working with highvoltage equipment requires specialized skills, experience and an ongoing mental toughness.

Shortcuts are not an option, and there is no room for error in this line or work.

Despite the many challenges, KEC’s lineworkers are committed to powering our local community. During severe weather events that bring major power outages, lineworkers are among the first ones called.

They must be ready to leave the comfort of their home and families unexpectedly, and they don’t return until the job is done, often days later. That’s why the lineworker’sUse family your is smartphone’s also dedicated to service. They understand the camera to scan importance of the job to the community. the QR code and In addition to the highly visible tasks download the lineworkers perform, their job today goes mobile app far beyond climbing utility poles to repair a wire. Today’s lineworkers are information experts who can pinpoint power outages from miles away. Line crews now use laptops, tablets, drones and other technologies to map outages, survey damage and troubleshoot problems.

The job of a lineworker is absolutely essential to the life of our community.

Without the exceptional dedication and commitment of these hardworking men and women, we simply would not have the reliable electricity that we need for everyday life.

So, the next time you see a lineworker, please thank them for the work they do to keep power flowing, regardless of the time of day or weather conditions. Afterall, lineworkers are the power behind your power.

Please join us as we recognize them on April 11, and follow “#ThankALineworker” on social media to see how others are recognizing lineworkers.

Manage your KEC account from wherever you are with our free mobile app

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Renewables Report

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W W W. K I A M I C H I E L E C T R I C . O R G

Data collected from Western Farmers Electric Cooperative — KEC’s wholesale power provider — reflects generation during December 2021, which shows 37 percent of the power generated

by WFEC came from renewable sources.

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operation round up M O N T H LY U P D AT E Operation Round Up® is a voluntary bill roundup program that benefits local communities, organizations ,and needy families. Funding applications are available at Kiamichi Electric, local social services, or online at www.kiamichielectric.org.

Stewed Tomato Pork Chops INGREDIENTS

• 4 large pork chops • salt and ground black pepper to taste • 1 large onions, halved and sliced • 2 (14.5 ounce) cans whole tomatoes

• • • • • •

8 large garlic, minced 3 tablespoons capers, with liquid 1 tablespoon dried rosemary 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes ½ tablespoon dried oregano ½ tablespoon dried basil

YEAR-TO-DATE COLLECTIONS 2020: $64,343.64 YEAR-TO-DATE DISBURSEMENTS 2020: $64,344.70 TOTAL COLLECTED SINCE INCEPTION: $1,672,218.50

DIRECTIONS

TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS SINCE INCEPTION: $1,620,237.02

Heat a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Season pork chops with salt and black pepper on both sides and add to skillet. Brown pork chops, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and cover with aluminum foil.

Energy Efficiency

Tip of the Month When streaming content, use the smallest device that makes sense for the number of people watching. Avoid streaming on game consoles, which use 10 times more power than streaming through a tablet or laptop. Streaming content with electronic equipment that has earned the ENERGY STAR® rating will use 25% to 30% less energy than standard equipment.

Add onions and garlic to the hot skillet. Cook and stir until softened but still crisp, about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes, capers and liquid, rosemary, red pepper flakes, oregano, and basil. Bring sauce to a simmer and cook about 5 minutes to meld flavors.

Pour any accumulated juices from the plate with the pork chops into the sauce in the skillet and stir. Add cooked pork chops and cover with sauce. Simmer until warmed through, about 5 minutes more.

Recipe from AllRecipes.com