LIGHT POST
C O N C E R N F O R R E L I A B I L I T Y
HOW NEW EPA RULING COULD AFFECT CO-OPS
Y E A R
B r e t t O r m e
L o r e m i p s u m d o l o r s i t a m e t , c o n s e c t e t u r a d i p i s c i n g
e l i t . I n n e q u e n u n c , m o l e s t i e e u s
Access to dependable energy is essential for every home. Robust energy sources significantly contribute to economic growth by generating employment opportunities, fueling local enterprises, and enhancing healthcare and education. CONTINUED ON
R E A D M O R E
L o r e m i p s u m d o l o r s i t a m e t , c o n s e c t e t u r a d i p i s c i n g
e l i t . I n n e q u e n u n c , m o l e s t i e e u s e m p e r i d , a u c t o r q u i s
m e t u s . M a e c e n a s m a t t i s m e t u s s a p i e n , v i t a e u l t r i c i e s
n u n c o r n a r e v i t a e P r a e s e n t m o l l i s n i s l m a g n a , a c
d i c t u m m a s s a s c e l e r i s q u e a t S e d l a o r e e t l i g u l a v i t a e
j u s t o l u c t u s , v e l i a c u l i s l e o s c e l e r i s q u e
R E A D M O R E
B y H o w a r d O n g THE
m a g n a , a c d i c t u m m a s s a s c e l e r i s q u e a t S e d l a o r e e t
l i g u l a v i t a e j u s t o l u c t u s , v e l i a c u l i s l e o s c e l e r i s q u e
Although most members understand and accept vegetation management as a necessary task, there will always be cases where Kiamichi Electric Cooperative’s (KEC) responsibility to prune trees or remove vegetation creates conflict with members who object. This is a universal issue for electric utilities and one KEC has experienced from its early days.
L o r e m i p s u m d o l o r s i t a m e t , c o n s e c t e t u r a d i p i s c i n g e l i t . I n n e q u e n u n c , m o l e s t i e e u s e m p e r i d , a u c t o r q u i s m e t u s . M a e c e n a s m a t t i s m e t u s s a p i e n , v i t a e u l t r i c i e s n u n c o r n a r e v i t a e . P r a e s e n t m o l l i s n i s l m a g n a , a c d i c t u m m a s s a s c e l e r i s q u e a t . S e d l a o r e e t
W I N T E R V E G E T A B L E
l i g u l a v i t a e j u s t o l u c t u s , v e l i a c u l i s l e o s c e l e r i s q u e .
G A R D E N I N G
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A WORD FROM THE CEO
continued from page 1
However, on April 17, 2024, the EPA released a burdensome rule that could potentially disrupt our domestic energy security. If implemented, this rule could force the premature shutdown of critical power plants and make the construction of new plants difficult, thereby jeopardizing our energy future.
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rules are unlawful, unreasonable, and unachievable. The EPA’s overreach poses immediate and irreparable harm to the American electric grid and the economy. According to the EPA’s new rule, coal-fired units planning to operate beyond 2039 must reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 90% by 2032. Units that will be retired before 2039 must start co-firing with natural gas at a 40% rate beginning in 2030.
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In early May, NRECA requested a motion to stop the implementation of new EPA power plant rules until lawsuits opposing the rules are resolved. The rules require significant reductions in carbon emissions from existing coal-fired power plants and new natural gas plants. The proposed change will result in earlier retirements, decrease reliability nationwide, and impose substantial compliance costs.
NRECA has filed a lawsuit against the EPA, claiming that the
NRECA CEO Jim Matheson said, “Reliable electricity is the foundation of the American economy. EPA’s rule recklessly undermines that foundation by forcing the premature closure of power plants that are critical to keeping the lights on, especially as America increasingly relies on electricity. EPA’s power plant rules are unlawful, unreasonable, and unachievable. It exceeds EPA’s authority and poses an immediate threat to the American electric grid.”
Help us protect reliable and affordable energy. Sign up now at www.voicesforcooperativepower.com for regular updates and find out how you can get involved.
You can help our voices be heard.
District Elections Set for August
It’s that time of year again when you have the opportunity to vote for members to represent you on Kiamichi Electric Cooperative’s Board of Directors. Elections for districts 2, 4 and 6 will be held on Aug. 6, 2024.
As a member-owned cooperative, you play a vital role in how Kiamichi Electric operates. One of your opportunities as a member is to vote for our Board of Directors. Our board is made up of members like you who live in our neighborhoods and work to make the best decisions for our cooperative.
BOAR
RON PELACONI, PRE DISTRICT 3
RUSTY SHAW, VICE PR DISTRICT 1
Candidates in eligible districts are listed in the graphic to the right.
BALLOT MATERIALS
AMY MILLER, TREA DISTRICT 2
Please look for election materials to arrive in your mailbox around July 24.
DAVID RAY DISTRICT 4
CEO BRETT ORME
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WINTER VEGETABLE GARDENING
5 A W E S O M E T I P S
By keeping the trees and brush out of the right of way, emergency repairs can be completed safely and in less time. To maintain an adequate level of reliability and to ensure a high standard of quality service for our members, KEC manages vegetation growth that may create a problem.
P L A N T I N G T I P S
The crews take great care in removing and trimming only what is necessary. Sometimes, a tree may not appear to pose a threat to power lines, but when it is covered with snow or ice, it can still make contact with the overhead lines.
no one uses it.
• KEC, as an electric cooperative, strives to comply with applicable legal standards, including those set forth by Rural Utilities.
• Mitigate the risk of wildfire by reducing the available fuel source in the event of a down power line.
HOW CAN OUR MEMBERS HELP?
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Trees, tree branches, vines, and brush can be a conductor of electricity. Electrical shock or electrocution can occur through indirect contact when trees or tree branches have grown into or close to energized power lines or equipment. It is extremely important to keep children from climbing trees that have power lines running through them due to the risk of shock or electrocution.
WE CLEAR FOR SEVERAL BASIC REASONS:
• Safety for KEC employees and the public.
• A clear right of way enables our line crews to quickly access power lines, identify outage causes, and make repairs.
• Prevent danger trees from falling into the lines. Danger trees are standing trees that present a hazard due to conditions such as deterioration or physical damage.
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nunc, molestie eu semper metus sapien, vitae ultricie magna, ac dictum massa justo luctus, vel iaculis leo vitae posuere consectetur arcu velit at odio Duis ut et commodo sagittis
KEC supports the philosophy of “the right tree in the right place” to create a more attractive community and a more dependable electrical system to serve our members.
Our members can take several relatively simple steps to assist KEC in properly maintaining power line easements.
• Keep the easement clear of debris and obstacles that create an obstruction.
• Make prospective buyers aware of existing power line locations and applicable KEC easements.
• Plant trees outside the easement where they will not cause problems with power lines in the future.
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• To prevent trees from growing into power lines, which energizes the tree and creates a hazard to people, pets, and equipment. Also, electricity going into the tree and then into the ground costs us all money, like leaving the water running while
M I
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Tree trimming, continued from page 3
• Place all plants and landscaping a sufficient distance from underground electrical equipment to allow access by KEC personnel.
• Stay clear of areas where KEC clearing activities are occurring. Please treat our crews with respect. Our crews are there to perform their job and are required to treat everyone they encounter with dignity and respect. If there is a concern, our crews are instructed to contact a supervisor to assist in resolving the concern. Report any hazardous trees thatyou see to our Vegetation Management Department so we can determine if they need to be removed. For more information regarding KEC’s Vegetation Management Department, please visit our website at www. kiamichielectric.org
We look forward to working with all our members to continue to improve lives and power our communities. Please contact us with any questions or concerns.
Data collected from Western Farmers Electric Cooperative — KEC’s wholesale power provider — reflects generation during April 2024, which shows 32 percent of the power generated by WFEC potentially come from renewable sources.
recipe of the MONTH
Harissa Honey Chicken
INGREDIENTS
• 4 large skin-on, bonein chicken thighs
• 3 tablespoons harissa paste
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
DIRECTIONS
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 green onion, thinly sliced
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Stir harissa paste, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper together in a bowl. Rub the mixture over each chicken thigh and under the skin, ensuring each thigh is coated evenly. Place chicken thighs skin-side up in a baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is browned and caramelized, 35 to 40 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest part of thigh, near the bone, should read 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Garnish with green onions.
Recipe from AllRecipes.com