FEBRUARY 2022
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WFEC Renewables Report
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Operation Round Up report
A supplement to the Oklahoma Living
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Energy Efficiency Tip of the Month
PUBLISHED FOR MEMBERS OF KIAMICHI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
WAYS TO SAVE ENERGY WHEN WORKING FROM HOME
By Abby Berry
Today, more Americans are working from home than ever before. More time spent at home means more energy used throughout the day. If you’re punching the clock from home, there are small steps you can take to reduce your energy use and save on electric bills. Here are five easy ways to save energy when working from home. 1. Use a smart power strip. Plugging in your most-used devices, like computers, monitors and routers, to a smart power strip ensures these devices aren’t drawing power when they’re not in use. Smart power strips also give you the option to select which devices should stay in “always on” mode. 2. Unplug your least-used equipment. If your home office includes equipment like printers and scanners, you’re probably not using these electronics every day. In this case, go ahead and unplug your least-used electronics and devices, since many of these draw energy even when they’re not being used. 3. Choose ENERGY STAR®-certified office equipment. If you’re looking to purchase new equipment for your workspace, look for the ENERGY STAR® label to ensure you’re getting the most energy efficient features. Computers, monitors, imaging equipment and
other office electronics that receive the ENERGY STAR® rating include power management features to make saving energy easy, and most are designed to run cooler and last longer. 4. Flip the switch and use natural light instead. It’s still chilly out there, so take advantage of natural light and additional warmth from the sun. When you’re working during the day, open blinds, curtains and other window coverings to let natural light in––and don’t forget to turn off the lights to reduce energy use! 5. Lower the thermostat. Home heating makes up a significant portion of your energy bills. Turn the thermostat down a couple degrees during the day to reduce energy use and save money. The Department of Energy recommends setting the thermostat to 68 degrees or cooler during winter months. You’re more likely to stay focused and alert when it’s cooler in your home, so all the more reason to mind the thermostat. Working from home doesn’t have to take a toll on your energy bills, and whether you’re working remotely or not, these practical tips can help everyone reduce their energy use. Contact KEC if you have questions about your bills or want additional information about saving energy at home.
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.
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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.
BRETT ORME
C HI E F E X E CUT I V E OF F I CER
February may be the shortest month, 3. Members of our co-op also serve on the but it’s packed with special observances board of directors. They provide guidance like Presidents’ Day, Black History Month for setting co-op priorities and helping and Valentine’s Day, in addition to a host of make big decisions. Because our board unofficial “national” days you’ve probably members live in the area, they’re able to never heard of like “National Tater Tot Day.” serve as the pulse of the larger community But they all have something in common. They and identify immediate and long-term were created to draw attention to a particular needs. The broader co-op membership issue or theme. provides helpful input through their vote Valentine’s Day may seem like an on director elections and by weighing in on observance originally created co-op and community issues. by a greeting card company, but 4. You help us get it right. over time, it’s become a widely KEC members are great about As a co-op, our celebrated day generating keeping us in the know. We millions of dollars spent on do our best to avoid power mission is to flowers, candy and of course, outages, but Mother Nature greeting cards professing our can occasionally throw us a enhance the love. But Valentine’s Day isn’t curveball; our members are just for the lovebirds. It’s also quality of life in our quick to report any power the perfect time to let our disruptions and are patient as community and friends, family, co-workers and our crews work to safely restore other special people in our lives We know outages are look after its long- power. know we care about them–– frustrating, and your support as with or without a store-bought term interests. We we work through storms means greeting card. so much to our employees. So, in that vein, we’ve We also appreciate your love serving our created our list of top five feedback on co-op programs members and our and services. Your opinions are reasons why we love serving you, the members of KEC. critical for the co-op’s success, local community, 1. We love serving our and we thank you for that. members because without 5. You and other KEC and just like you, you, the co-op wouldn’t members make up the want to see it exist. Our purpose is to community we serve — and provide you with reliable, for us, it’s all about community. continue to thrive. Our employees live and work responsible and safe electricity. Simply put, KEC here too and care about our exists to serve you. That’s community the same way you why we were formed in 1945 do. We’re invested and work — to bring power to our local area when to help it thrive. That’s why KEC donates for-profit utilities would not. to local charities, schools and scholarship 2. You enable us to complete our mission funds. It’s also why we invest in economic by supporting our efforts to give back. development, and why you’ll see our A major part of our mission is to serve employees volunteering at local schools our community and look after the greater and other charitable and community good. With your assistance, we’re able to endeavors. help the most vulnerable members of our As a co-op, our mission is to enhance the community through food and toy drives quality of life in our community and look and programs like Operation Round Up after its long-term interests. We love serving that help local families pay their energy our members and our local community, and bills when times are tough. just like you, want to see it continue to thrive.
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As soon as Christmas is over, stores and businesses start decorating with hearts in preparation for Valentine’s Day. But American Heart Month isn’t just about romance. It’s about keeping your heart healthy by eating nutritious food and regulating blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Even if your New Year’s resolution to eat healthier and exercise regularly is already a distant memory, February is a great time to kickstart your healthy heart routine. The electric appliances you might already have in your kitchen can help. For example, a multicooker like the Instant Pot can steam and air-fry meat and vegetables without oil. A slow cooker can prepare chicken and beef dishes without added fats, too, if you let them simmer in broth, juice or another liquid and let the meal stew all day. An electric indoor grill draws the fat from meat into a drip pan below the grate instead of using it to cook the dish. And a blender with blades sharp enough to shred ice makes it simple to whip up smoothies for breakfast and snacks so you and your family get plenty fruits and veggies, even in the morning. This February, redefine “romance” to include helping your partner get and stay healthy. Recom-mit to those New Year’s resolutions and celebrate Heart Month by protecting yours and those of your loved ones.
Shut the Door on Energy Waste.
Renewables Report
39% Renewables
Did you know 25% to 40% of energy used to heat and cool your home is wasted through air leaks? Seal all exterior doors with weatherstripping to minimize energy waste.
Data collected from Western Farmers Electric Cooperative — KEC’s wholesale power provider — reflects generation during October 2021, which shows 39 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 2021: $26,515.55 YEAR-TO-DATE DISBURSEMENTS: $14,630.79 TOTAL COLLECTED SINCE INCEPTION: $1,711,463.93 TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS SINCE INCEPTION: $1,637,867.81
RECIPE
Strawberry Chicken Salad INGREDIENTS
½ cup mayonnaise 2 teaspoons lemon juice 1 teaspoon honey 2 teaspoons poppy seeds 2 cups chopped, cooked chicken ¾ cup sliced fresh strawberries ¼ cup pecan pieces
1 stalk chopped celery 2 stalks green onions, chopped 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley salt and ground black pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS
Energy Efficiency
Tip of the Month About 30% of a home’s heating energy is lost through inefficient windows. Caulk and weatherstrip windows to seal air leaks. When running your home heating system, lock all operable windows to ensure the tightest seal possible.
Mix mayonnaise, lemon juice, honey, and poppy seeds together in a medium bowl. Add chicken, strawberries, pecans, celery, green onions, parsley; toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Recipe from AllRecipes.com
Source: Energy.gov
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Average Prices for Residential Electricity 2020 figures, in cents per kWh U.S. Average: 13.2¢ per kWh WA 9.9¢ OR 11.2¢
NV 11.3¢ CA 20.5¢
MT 11.2¢ ID 10¢
UT 10.4¢
AZ 12.3¢
WY 11.1¢ CO 12.4¢ NM 12.9¢
ND 10.4¢ SD 11.8¢ NE 10.8¢ KS 12.9¢
OK 10.1¢ TX 11.7¢
AK 22.6¢ HI 30.3¢
MN 13.2¢
WI 14.3¢
IA 12.5¢
MI 16.3¢
VT: 19.5¢ NH: 19¢ MA: 22¢ RI: 22¢ NY CT: 22.7¢ 18.4¢
PA 13.6¢ IN OH IL 13¢ 12.8¢ 12.3¢ WV VA MO KY 11.8¢ 12¢ 11.2¢ 10.9¢ NC TN 11.4¢ 10.8¢ SC AR 12.8¢ 10.4¢ GA AL MS 12.6¢ 12¢ LA 11.2¢ 9.7¢ FL 11.3¢
ME 16.8¢
NJ: 16¢ DE: 12.6¢ MD: 13¢ DC: 12.6¢
Residential Average Price (cents per kilowatt-hour) Over 12.5¢ Under 10 ¢ 10¢ to 12.5¢ Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration Numbers rounded to nearest tenth of a cent