cluding your distribution president of Associ— Emery “Buster” Geisendorfer perative and a board inated Electric. h level. AUGUST 2020 A supplement to the Oklahoma Living r electric cooperatives in om our member-owntion because they operate around the clock. They can be caretakers of the natural environment. To balance reliable dorfer, member-elected controlled unlike power sources that use available wind, and affordable electricity with environmental responsibility directors. “We know they sunshine or water to operate. There also are adequate is not easy or inexpensive, but Associated is committed to enerated in a responsible supplies of natural gas and coal, including a 45- to 60-day generating power the right way. er we generate — it must coal stockpile onsite that keeps each of the plants running Associated and its members have spent more than $1.1 responsible test.” when needed. billion to reduce air emissions since 1994, resulting in Cooperative member, more than 70% improvement in air quality. By adding Power at a fair price cello, Missouri. He serves significant amounts of wind power to diversify generating nt of Northeast Missouri sources, investing in environmental controls and staying onal transmission co-op. Electricity is provided to members 24 hours a day, 7 day up-to-date with regulations and technologies, Associated — distribution, transmisa week, 365 days a year. As members ramp up their use, complies with environmental regulations at the lowest cost fference in why and how Associated’s goal is to ensure reliability, then match mempossible for members. bers’ needs to the most affordable generation resource. “Having actual end users of its electricity sit on its board ys. “Those who serve our Coal generation supplied about half of members’ electricof directors makes Associated unique among other generthe three-tiered system ity in 2019. Low prices for natural gas increased the use of ators,” says Buster. “Balancing reliable and affordable electhis fuel source in Associated’s energy mix, which benefits tricity with environmental responsibility takes a steadfast members. Coal and natural gas are typically less expensive commitment and an allocation of resources. It’s a priority for generation than wind or other renewable sources. Associated takes seriously. Their experience assures AssoHydropower, the lowest-cost source, is used as much as ciated meets the needs of its member owners. I can’t imagpossible, but is limited in supply by rainfall and is coned by members requires ine a better way to run a business that puts service first.” PUBLISHED FOR MEMBERS trolled by the U.S Army Corps of Engineers. ociated’s fleet — producOF KIAMICHI al gas, coal, wind and In next month’s issue: Reliability means having electricityELECTRIC Power generated the right way to provide power on the available when you flip the switch. We’ll dive deeper into COOPERATIVE and calmest days. NatAssociated’s ongoing efforts to maintain excellent reliability liable forms of generaA focus on members drives Associated to be responsible for members.
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WFEC Renewables Report
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Operation Round Up report
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Top Rated Lemon Bars
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The Thomas Hill Energy Center is one source for the affordable, reliable electricity generated by Associated Electric Cooperative.
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Balanced generation: Focus on Members Provided by Associated Electric Cooperative
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owering homes, farms and businesses affordable power generated in a responsible in rural northeast Oklahoma is a way. That’s how we view the power we “We know they want repoint of pride for Associated Electric generate — it must meet that reliable, Cooperative, the generation and transmission affordable and responsible test.” liable, affordable power cooperative located in Springfield, Missouri. A Lewis County Rural Electric generated in a responsible If you are a member of a co-op in northeast Cooperative member, Buster is a cattleman Oklahoma, Missouri or southeast Iowa, from Monticello, Missouri. He serves on his way. That’s how we view your electricity comes from Associated’s local board and is president of Northeast power plants. This cooperative is owned by Missouri Electric Power Cooperative, the power we generate — members like you and serves 2.1 million a regional transmission co-op. He says people. It’s controlled through three tiers, the three-tiered system — distribution, it must meet that reliable, including your distribution cooperative, transmission and generation — is a key affordable and responsible its transmission cooperative and a board difference in why and how Associated Buster Geisendorfer includingis representatives generates power. both a member offrom each level. test.” his localgenerates co-op and power for electric “Associated “I’m a member, too,” Buster says. “Those president of Associcooperatives in our system with values who serve our member-owners at every level — Emery “Buster” Geisendorfer ated Electric. learned from our member-owners,” says of the three-tiered system are focused on Emery “Buster” Geisendorfer, membermembers.” elected president Associated’s board ofaround the clock. They can be tion of because they operate caretakers of the natural environment. To balance reliable directors. “We know they want power reliable,sources that use availablecontinued controlled unlike wind, andpage affordable on 3 >>electricity with environmental responsibility sunshine or water to operate. There also are adequate supplies of natural gas and coal, including a 45- to 60-day
is not easy or inexpensive, but Associated is committed to generating power the right way.
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ceo’s report BRETT ORME
C HI E F E X E C U T I V E O F F I C ER
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 Don Parr, President DISTRICT 5 Mark Ichord, Vice President DISTRICT 6 Ron Pelanconi, Treasurer DISTRICT 3 Russell Shaw DISTRICT 1 Amy Miller DISTRICT 2 David Ray DISTRICT 4 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.
Even though I work in the energy industry, like most people, I still don’t think much about the electricity I use. I expect the lights to turn on when I flip the switch and the coffeemaker to work each morning. Because electricity is so abundant, we don’t think much about it. Since many of us have been spending more time at home over the past few months, we have likely been using more energy. And yet, we still expect an endless supply of power with uninterrupted service 24/7. The only time we really think about electricity is when the power goes out or perhaps when the monthly bill arrives. Given how electricity powers our modern lifestyle every day, it’s a great value, especially when compared to other common services and expenses. For example, think back to the cost of a gallon of gasoline 20 years ago. Consider the cost of groceries or a cup of your favorite specialty coffee from a few years back. In comparison, the cost of electricity has remained largely flat, unlike most other consumer goods. Like many of you, I have a cell phone to stay connected, and I subscribe to cable channels so I can enjoy more viewing options. Many of us consider these necessities for modern day life. We can see what we’re getting for our money, and we
pay the price for those services. In contrast, when we use electricity, we don’t necessarily “see” all that we’re getting for our money. But considering what electricity does for us, it’s a tremendous value for our quality of life as well as our budgets. For comparison, consider that the average rent increase was nearly 4% (from 2014-2019) according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index (CPI). The cost of medical care was increased 3% during this time, and education was not too far behind at 2.6%. So, where did electricity rank? According to the CPI, electricity increased by less than half a percentage point, 0.4%. The bottom line: electricity brings everyday value. We are striving to increase our service reliability, reduce those brief interruptions and reduce costs. We are continually working to improve our operations to ensure a more efficient grid and exploring more renewable energy options where possible. KEC provides the reliable service you expect and deserve as valued members of the co-op. And as your trusted energy advisor, we want to help you save you energy and money. We recognize that the past few months have been challenging for many of our members and we’re here to help. If you have questions about your account or are looking for ways to save energy at home, please give us a call. KEC is your electric co-op and our sole purpose is to serve you and the needs of our community. That’s everyday value.
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exploring more
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Balanced generation: Continued from page 1 POWER WHEN YOU NEED IT Providing reliable power expected by members requires different types of generation. Associated’s fleet — producing electricity generated by natural gas, coal, wind and hydropower -— is diverse enough to provide power on the hottest, coldest, driest, windiest and calmest days. Natural gas and coal are the most reliable forms of generation because they operate around the clock. They can be controlled unlike power sources that use available wind, sunshine or water to operate. There also are adequate supplies of natural gas and coal, including a 45- to 60-day coal stockpile onsite that keeps each of the plants running when needed. POWER AT A FAIR PRICE
Electricity is provided to members 24 hours a day, 7 day a week, 365 days a year. As members ramp up their use, Associated’s goal is to ensure reliability, then match members’ needs to the most affordable generation resource. Coal generation supplied about half of
Renewables Report
members’ electricity in 2019. Low prices for natural gas have increased the use of this fuel source in Associated’s energy mix, which benefits members. Coal and natural gas are typically less expensive for generation than wind or other renewable sources. Hydropower, the lowest-cost source, is used as much as possible, but is limited in supply by rainfall and is controlled by the U.S Army Corps of Engineers. POWER GENERATED THE RIGHT WAY
A focus on members drives Associated to be responsible caretakers of the natural environment. To balance reliable and affordable electricity with environmental responsibility is not easy or inexpensive, but Associated is committed to generating power the right way. Associated and its members have spent more than $1.1 billion to reduce air emissions since 1994, resulting in more than 70% improvement in air quality. By adding significant amounts of wind power to diversify generating sources, investing in environmental controls and staying up
ELECTRICAL SAFETY TIPS FOR HUNTERS
This hunting season, we encourage all members to be aware of electrical equipment and take necessary precautions while hunting. Keep these safety tips in mind as you enjoy the great outdoors.
to date with regulations and technologies, Associated complies with environmental regulations at the lowest cost possible for members. “Having actual end users of its electricity sit on its board of directors makes Associated unique among other generators,” says Buster. “Balancing reliable and affordable electricity with environmental responsibility takes a steadfast commitment and an allocation of resources. It’s a priority Associated takes seriously. Their experience assures Associated meets the needs of its member owners. I can’t imagine a better way to run a business that puts service first.”
The people behind your power Associated Electric Cooperative generates the energy that powers your life
Take notice of posted warning signs and keep clear of electrical equipment. Consumer-Members
Data collected from Western Farmers Electric Cooperative — KEC’s wholesale power provider — reflects generation during April 2020, which shows 44 percent of the power generated by WFEC came from renewable sources.
Do not place deer stands on utility poles or climb poles. Energized lines and equipment can conduct electricity to anyone who comes in contact with them, causing shock or electrocution.
Do not place decoys on power lines or other utility equipment. Any non-electrical equipment attached to a pole can pose an obstruction and serious hazards to our line crews.
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POWER FLOW
44% Renewables
Be especially careful in wooded areas where power lines may not be as visible.
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Do not shoot at or near power lines or insulators.
Know where power lines and equipment are located on the land where you hunt.
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operation round up
RECIPE
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. YEAR-TO-DATE COLLECTIONS 2020: $32,426.77 YEAR-TO-DATE DISBURSEMENTS: $9,915.78 TOTAL COLLECTED SINCE INCEPTION: $1,640,301.63 TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS SINCE INCEPTION:
$1,565,808.10
Energy Efficiency
Tip of the Month Installing a smart power strip is a quick and easy way to start saving money while making your home more energy efficient. Smart power strips can actually cut power off to save energy since they are able to detect when a device is in standby mode. Source: Energy.gov
Top Rated Lemon Bars INGREDIENTS
1 cup all-purpose flour ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar ¼ cup butter 1 cup white sugar 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder 2 eggs 3 tablespoons lemon juice 1 tablespoon lemon zest 1/3 cup confectioners’ sugar for decoration
DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). To make Bottom Layer: Mix one cup flour and 1/4 cup confectioners sugar. Melt the butter and stir into flour mixture. Press flat and even into an 8x8 inch baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes. While baking, make the top layer: Mix 1 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, and the baking powder. Beat eggs and add to mixture, stirring well. Add lemon juice and rind, mix again. Pour over bottom layer; Bake at 350 for 25 minutes. Cool a little, cut into squares while warm; dust with confectioners sugar. Recipe from AllRecipes.com
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