AUGUST 2022
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Five tips for better indoor air quality
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Save the date for KEC’s Annual Meeting
A supplement to the Oklahoma Living
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ceo’s report
Renewables Report
PUBLISHED FOR MEMBERS OF KIAMICHI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
BY BRETT ORME
C H I E F E X E C U T I V E O F F I CER
Preparing for the Future I would like to update KEC members on some substantial developments in a few areas. I am sure this will not come as a surprise to most of you, but KEC’s costs have increased significantly. Similar to the prices we are all paying for fuel and groceries, as well as most goods, the cost of electricity is not immune and is being heavily impacted. For instance, the cost of meters has gone up 15%, vehicles and equipment are up around 25%, poles are up 36% and transformers are up over 50%. Lead times are also becoming very extended from several months to even years. We are continuing to stay on top of this issue. KEC RATES
COST OF PURCHASED POWER
Historically, approximately 60% of KEC’s total cost of service has been the cost of purchased power. This cost is highly dependent upon market prices for fuel. Currently, low natural gas supply and unseasonably elevated temperatures have created the perfect storm for supply and demand issues that are driving up the cost of power. The cost of purchased power has increased approximately 30%. The majority of KEC’s power comes from a regional power market of the Southwest Power Pool (SPP), which covers all or parts of 14 states in the central U.S. — the same market from which most electric companies, including PSO, OG&E and most electric co-ops, purchase their power — and SPP uses the most efficient generation first. KEC’s rates to members do cover a portion of these power costs but any fluctuations are seen in the PCA or power cost adjustment.
“Similar to the prices we are all paying for fuel and groceries, as well as most goods, the cost of electricity is not immune, and is being heavily impacted.”
KEC recently conducted a costof-service study completed by an independent third-party consultant to evaluate if our current rate structure is covering the associated costs. Since your cooperative is a not-for-profit entity, we are only trying to break even RELIABILITY with a small margin that is required You may have seen in the news by our lenders.These margins are lately discussions concerning rolling returned to you, the members, on a blackouts in a large portion of the U.S. scheduled rotation in the future — Per N.E.R.C 2022 Reliability Study — BRETT ORME referred to as capital credits. (www.nerc.com), SPP’s footprint is The cost-of-service study indin an elevated status. If there are no icated a deficiency in our current rate unplanned or forced outages on power plants and the weather is as structure. As a result, we must increase the service availability charge. Beginning in October, this charge will increase by $3 per month, predicted, we should be okay. If unforeseen circumstances arise there bringing it to $33. In addition, another $3 will be added to the service will be a possibility of rolling blackouts to protect the grid integrity. availability charge in mid-2023. As we previously made you aware, an There is a multi-stage process of notifications, and we will keep you additional $3 per 1,000 kWh charge was added in January, 2022. This updated as we know more. Please know that Kiamichi Electric is involved and doing what we charge will remain in effect but will be periodically re-evaluated and can to help mitigate these negative impacts as best we can. removed as the financials stabilize. Please stay safe this summer, and thank you for understanding.
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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.
Stay Fresh: Five Tips for Better Indoor Air Quality By Abby Berry
We spend a lot of time indoors. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency estimates the average person spends 90% of their life indoors. (I don’t know about you, but I suddenly have the urge to go for a long walk!) Additionally, our homes are becoming more energy efficient––they’re better insulated and sealed with less ventilation–– which is great for our energy bills but not so much for our indoor air quality. The thought of breathing in pollutants can be scary, but the truth is, indoor air pollution is common and simply unavoidable. The good news is there are ways you can easily improve the air quality of your home. Here are five tips to help you breathe a little easier. 1. Change your air filter often. Clogged, dirty filters reduce the amount of airflow and the HVAC system’s efficiency. When a filter becomes too clogged, the excess dirt and dust are sent through your air ducts, adding unnecessary allergens and other unwanted particles into your living space. During the cooling season (summer months), the Department of Energy recommends replacing your air filter every month or two. This is one of the easiest ways to promote better indoor air quality and energy efficiency. 2. Regularly vacuum carpet and rugs —especially if you have furry friends. The cleaner the home, the healthier the home. Vacuuming carpet and area rugs once a week can greatly reduce the accumulation of pet dander and dust inside your home. Frequently clean other areas that collect dust, like drapes, bedding and cluttered areas.
3. Use vents to remove cooking fumes. Those exhaust fans aren’t just for when you burn the bacon. Fans help remove fumes emitted while cooking and eliminate unwanted moisture and odors. They may be a bit noisy, but these handy tools can help you improve indoor air quality while you’re preparing that culinary masterpiece (or even a grilled cheese sandwich!). 4. Get a handle on humidity. Summer months typically bring more humidity than we’d like, especially if you live in a high-humidity climate zone. Moisture in the air can carry bacteria and other unwanted particles that you eventually breathe in. Dehumidifiers work to remove that moisture from the air, reducing the amount of bacteria, mold and other allergens in your home. 5. Incorporate air-purifying plants into your living space. There are several varieties of indoor plants that can help detoxify your home from dust and germs found in a variety of home products, furniture and other materials. A few low-maintenance, air-purifying plants to consider are snake plants, aloe vera plants and pothos plants (also known as Devil’s Ivy). These vibrant, lush plants are eye-catching and beneficial for any home. Remember to review care conditions and think about placement for any new plants you add to your home. Taking simple steps to purify indoor air can improve health and overall quality of life. With a little effort, you can improve the indoor air quality of your home and breathe a bit easier.
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 coops serve as engines of economic development for 42 million Americans across 56% of the nation’s landscape.
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Renewables Report
KEC Foundation donated to Latimer County Coalition to help sponsor the Back to School Bash. This event is held every year in August which provides school supplies to elementary students. This is just one-way KEC gives back to their community, which is one of the 7 Cooperative Principles: Concern for Community
Data collected from Western Farmers Electric Cooperative — KEC’s wholesale power provider — reflects generation during March 2022, which shows 41 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. YEAR-TO-DATE COLLECTIONS 2022: $31,493.00 TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS SINCE INCEPTION: $1,689,078 TOTAL COLLECTED SINCE INCEPTION: $1,793,555
Energy Efficiency
Tip of the Month An easy way to save energy is to seal air leaks and holes where plumbing pipes run through walls in your home. You can also check wall-mounted cabinets for plumbing holes or air gaps in the back. Fill any holes or gaps with spray foam. Wear protective gloves and use a damp rag for cleanup.
Honey-Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs INGREDIENTS
• 4 skinless, boneless chicken thighs • ½ cup soy sauce • ½ cup ketchup
• 1/3 cup honey • 3 cloves garlic, minced • 1 teaspoon dried basil
DIRECTIONS Lay chicken thighs into the bottom of a 4-quart slow cooker. Whisk soy sauce, ketchup, honey, garlic, and basil together in a bowl; pour over the chicken. Cook on Low for 6 hours. Recipe and image from AllRecipes.com