KEC Light Post July 2021

JULY 2021

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CEO’s Monthly Report

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Don’t fall victim to utility scams

A supplement to the Oklahoma Living

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Lig ght Post

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Honey Chicken Kabobs

PUBLISHED FOR MEMBERS OF KIAMICHI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

ADVOCATING for YOU Co-op leaders meet with state leaders at capitol Part of Kiamichi Electric Cooperative’s mission to provide members with safe, reliable electricity is the advocacy of issues that matter to you as member-consumers and that matter to us as a cooperative. In April, co-op leaders met with state leaders to discuss matters related to our industry and how Oklahoma continues to offer electric rates well below the national average.

“Co-ops were born in politics in the 1930s, and it’s important we walk alongside our elected officials so they can continue to work on behalf of our members,” said Brett Orme, CEO. Leaders from 28 rural electric cooperatives in the state attended the Day at the Capitol, organized by Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives. Speakers consisted of Governor Kevin Stitt, Speaker Charles McCall, Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat, House District 53 Representative Mark McBride and many more.

“It was an informative day, and I’m happy to report our state’s leaders are doing a great job of ensuring Oklahomans’ power bills are not massively affected by the winter storm events of February,” said Orme. “I’m grateful that board trustees Larry Culwell (Dist. 7) and Ron Pelanconi (Dist. 3) accompanied me to the capitol. Rest assured we will continue working for the interests of our members.”

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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

As I’ve noted before in my past columns, the energy industry is undergoing a dramatic transformation as consumer demand for more renewable energy sources grows, and innovation and technology continue to advance exponentially. You’re likely witnessing this energy evolution firsthand.

In driving across the region, you may have noticed fields of solar panels along with an increase in solar panels on your neighbors’ roofs. Maybe you’ve heard about the impending changes in the transportation sector with most major vehicle companies announcing plans to offer more electric vehicles at more affordable prices.

Consumer interest in renewable energy is strong and growing. In addition, national studies indicate that consumers have an expectation that companies operate in an ethical and responsible manner––including when it comes to the environment.

At KEC, we have always put the good of our community first. While our primary function is to provide reliable and affordable energy to our members, we are more than an electricity provider. Because we are a co-op, our mission is to enrich the lives of our members and to serve the long-term interests of our community. We feel we’re doing both by investing in renewable energy sources.

Green energy is certainly not new.

Solar, wind and hydro power have been around for decades. However, the recent innovations and advances in renewable technology have led to sharp decreases in cost, making it more feasible and accessible.

In recent years, WFEC (Western Farmers Electric Cooperative, KEC’s wholesale

power provider) has been able to adjust our fuel mix by utilizing more renewables.

Today, around 30 to 35% of their fuel mix is comprised of renewable energy sources, the majority of which is wind.

However, to borrow a nautical analogy, it takes a long time to turn the direction of a large ship––and changing the energy mix we use to power homes and businesses doesn’t happen overnight. While renewable energy use is increasing, we will still depend on traditional forms of energy to keep power flowing reliably to your home. After all, solar and wind energy are referred to as “intermittent” power since the sun does not always shine and the wind does not always blow. This fact coupled with the growing demand for renewables creates its own challenges. That’s why there is real value in maintaining a balanced mixture of fuel types to ensure reliability, resiliency and meet the growing demand for electricity.

As the energy industry continues to evolve, KEC is striving to take advantage of technology advances and market opportunities as they become available. This means KEC can leverage the flexibility of the grid to offer a wider range of renewable power selections as we continue to bring safe, reliable and affordable power to our community.

Albert Einstein once observed that, “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” In order for KEC to meet the growing demand for renewable energy and ensure the reliability of our power supply, we must constantly make operational adjustments as we strive for balance and a brighter future for our members.

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.

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY! KEC offices will be closed on Monday, July 5, in observance of Independence Day. Please report outages or safety hazards to 800-888-2731.

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Don’t fall victim to utility scams

By Abby Berry Every day, millions of Americans are targeted by scammers through phone calls, emails, text messages, online or in person.

Scammers’ tactics can change daily, which is why it’s important for consumers to stay on top of the latest scam reports from local and national news outlets, as well as your local utility companies.

Last year, several KEC members were targeted through a phone scam where the scammers demanded immediate payment and threatened to shut off power if the money was not received. Remember, KEC will never call you and demand immediate payment without notice.

We want you to be aware of two trending scam tactics. One is the overpayment trick, where a scammer contacts you and claims that you have overpaid your utility bill. The scammer will say they need your personal banking information to deposit the credit

back to your checking account. Don’t fall for this scam! If you make an overpayment on your energy bill, KEC will automatically apply the credit to your account, which will carry over to your next billing cycle. Another trending scam is smishing (short for SMS phishing). Many consumers know to watch out for suspicious emails, but we tend to trust text messages sent to our smartphones.

Always question suspicious texts, especially from someone claiming to represent a utility.

These are just a couple examples of trending scams, so it’s important to watch for any red flags.

Here are a few reminders on how to take control of the situation when you’ve been targeted by a scammer: • Take your time. Utility scammers try to create a sense of urgency so that you’ll act fast and hand over personal information, especially over the phone. Take a moment

to think about the situation before acting.

• Be suspicious. Scammers typically request immediate payments through prepaid debit cards or third-party apps.

Unusual requests like this should raise red flags. Remember, if the request seems strange and out of the ordinary, you’re likely being targeted by a scammer.

• Confirm before you act. If you’re contacted by someone claiming to represent KEC or another utility but you’re unsure, just hang up the phone and call the utility directly. You can reach us at 800-888-2731 to verify the situation.

Our increasingly connected world provides scammers with more opportunities to connect with unsuspecting consumers. Be vigilant, and please report any utility scams to KEC so we can let others in our community know. Together, we can help prevent our friends and neighbors from being victimized.

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.

Renewables Report

Data collected from Western Farmers Electric Cooperative — KEC’s wholesale power provider — reflects generation during March 2021, which shows 53 percent of the power generated

by WFEC came from renewable sources.

AVOID UTILITY SCAMS Scammers will threaten you with everything from shutting off power to your home to legal action. Don't fall victim to these types of scams.

• Our employees will never show up at your door to demand payment.

• Never give personal information to an unknown caller or visitor.

Our representatives have access to the details they need to service your account.

• Demands for immediate payment by wire transfer, cryptocurrency, gift cards or cash reload cards should immediately raise red flags.

• If you think you’ve been contacted by a scammer falsely representing the co-op, please let us know as soon as possible.

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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

Honey Chicken Kabobs INGREDIENTS • • • • •

¼ cup vegetable oil 1/3 cup honey 1/3 cup soy sauce ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper 8 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into 1 inch cubes

• 2 cloves garlic • 5 small onions, cut into 2 inch pieces • 2 red bell peppers, cut into 2 inch pieces • skewers

DIRECTIONS

Energy Efficiency

Tip of the Month During summer months, run large appliances that emit heat (like clothes dryers and dishwashers) during the evening when it’s cooler. This will minimize indoor heat during the day when outdoor temperatures are highest.

Source: Energy.gov

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

In a large bowl, whisk together oil, honey, soy sauce, and pepper. Before adding chicken, reserve a small amount of marinade to brush onto kabobs while cooking. Place the chicken, garlic, onions and peppers in the bowl, and marinate in the refrigerator at least 2 hours (the longer the better). Preheat the grill for high heat. Drain marinade from the chicken and vegetables, and discard marinade. Thread chicken and vegetables alternately onto the skewers.

Lightly oil the grill grate. Place the skewers on the grill. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, until chicken juices run clear. Turn and brush with reserved marinade frequently.

Photo and recipe courtesy of AllRecipes.com.

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