JUNE 2022
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Safety tips for before, during & after the storm
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WFEC Renewables Report
A supplement to the Oklahoma Living
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Right-of-way guidelines
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PUBLISHED FOR MEMBERS OF KIAMICHI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
We are your trusted energy provider, powering your home since 1945.
Introducing KEC’s new logo Since 1945, Kiamichi Electric Cooperative has provided you with reliable, affordable electricity. Our mission has always been the same, but over time our brand has evolved to convey our continued efforts to ensure your needs are met safely and efficiently. As we turn a new page in our history, it is time again for our brand to do the same. We are pleased to introduce you to our new logo. Electric cooperative members across the country look and behave differently than previous generations. Their expectations are different, and we strive to relate to all of our members with a forward-looking sense of pride while knowing our past has helped define us. Co-ops like KEC were born out of community — a group of people who decided to pool their resources together and provide themselves an essential service when no one else would. Our rich
history has helped direct us into a present and future where our members’ needs come first, and we work diligently to meet them. A brand is just that — a way to identify with a company with which you do business. Our hope is that you know, as a memberowner, you are much more than simply a customer. You helped build us and continue to support us. This is your co-op, and we truly hope you are proud of how we continue to evolve with new generations while staying plugged into the history that molded us. BY BRETT ORME
C H I E F E X E C U T I V E O F F ICER
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The Steps to Restoring Power When a major outage occurs, our crews restore service to the greatest number of people in the shortest time possible – until everyone has power.
Kiamichi Electric Cooperative
1. High-Voltage Transmission Lines These lines carry large amounts of electricity. They rarely fail but must be repaired first.
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
2. Distribution Substations Crews inspect substations, which can serve hundreds or thousands of people.
HOURS OF OPERATION Monday-Friday 8 am to 5 pm 24-HOUR OUTAGE HOTLINE
3. Main Distribution Lines Main lines serve essential facilities like hospitals and larger communities.
(800) 888-2731 BOARD OF TRUSTEES Mark Ichord, President DISTRICT 6 Ron Pelaconi, Vice President DISTRICT 3
4. Individual Homes and Businesses After main line repairs are complete, we repair lines that serve individual homes and businesses.
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.
BOOK A KEC SAFETY SHOW AT YOUR SCHOOL OR SUMMER CAMP! If your school is interested in hosting a KEC Safety Show, please contact Michelle Warmuth, mwarmuth@kiamichielectric.org or by calling 918-465-2338.
SAFETY TIPS FOR BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER
THE STORM
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Report outages using our free mobile app
By Abby Berry
Storm season is in full swing. Many summer storms have the potential to produce tornadoes–– they can happen anytime, anywhere, and can bring winds over 200 miles per hour. In April, a video of NBC Washington chief meteorologist Doug Kammerer went viral. During a live broadcast, Kammerer called his teenage son to warn him of a tornado that was headed straight for their home. Knowing the kids were likely playing video games and not paying attention to the weather, he told them to head straight to the basement. Kammerer debated if he should call his family onair, but he knew it was the right thing to do. Luckily, the kids made it safely through the storm. As adults, we understand the importance of storm safety, but younger children and teens may not realize the dangers storms pose. That’s why it’s so important to talk to your family and have a storm plan in place. Here are a several tips you can share with your loved ones. BEFORE THE STORM
• Talk to your family about what to do in the event of a severe storm or tornado. Point out the safest location to shelter, like a small, interior, windowless room on the lowest level of your home. Discuss the dangers of severe thunderstorms; lightning can strike 10 miles outside of a storm. Remember: when you hear thunder roar, head indoors. • Make a storm kit. It doesn’t have to be elaborate––having a few items on hand is better than nothing at all. Try to include items like water, non-perishable foods, a manual can opener, a First-Aid kit, flashlights and extra batteries, prescriptions, baby supplies and pet supplies. Keep all the items in one place for easy access if the power goes out.
DURING THE STORM • Pay attention to local weather alerts––either on the TV, your smartphone or weather radio––and understand the types of alerts. A thunderstorm or tornado watch means these events are possible and you should be prepared; a warning means a thunderstorm or tornado has been spotted in your area and it’s time to take action. • If you find yourself in the path of a tornado, head to your safe place to shelter, and protect yourself by covering your head with your arms or materials like blankets and pillows. • If you’re driving during a severe storm or tornado, do not try to outrun it. Pull over and cover your body with a coat or blanket if possible.
Renewables Report
AFTER THE STORM
• If the power is out, conserve your phone battery as much as possible, limiting calls and texts to let others know you are safe or for emergencies only. • Stay off the roads if trees, power lines or utility poles are down. Lines and equipment could still be energized, posing life-threatening risks to anyone who gets too close. • Wear appropriate gear if you’re cleaning up storm debris on your property. Thick-soled shoes, long pants and work gloves will help protect you from sharp or dangerous debris left behind. Summer is a time for many fun-filled activities, but the season can also bring severe, dangerous weather. Talk to your loved ones about storm safety so that everyone is prepared and knows exactly what to do when a storm strikes.
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.
Data collected from Western Farmers Electric Cooperative — KEC’s wholesale power provider — reflects generation during February 2022, which shows 35 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: $18,902.00 YEAR-TO-DATE DISBURSEMENTS 2022: $6,360.00 TOTAL COLLECTED SINCE INCEPTION: $1,686,228.00
Energy Efficiency
Tip of the Month If you’re looking to add smart technology to your home, consider smart plugs. Smart plugs are inexpensive and can be used to control lighting and other electronic devices through a smart phone app. With smart plugs, you can conveniently manage lighting, home office equipment, video game consoles and more. By powering off unused devices when you’re away, you can save energy (and money!).
Quick Chicken Piccata INGREDIENTS
• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves • cayenne pepper, or to taste • salt and ground black pepper to taste • all-purpose flour for dredging • 2 tablespoons olive oil • 1 tablespoon capers, drained
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½ cup white wine ¼ cup fresh lemon juice ¼ cup water 3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut in 1/4-inch slices • 2 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley, chopped
DIRECTIONS Place chicken breasts between 2 layers of plastic wrap and pound to about 1/2-inch thick. Season both sides of chicken breasts with cayenne, salt, and black pepper; dredge lightly in flour and shake off any excess. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken in the pan, reduce heat to medium, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes per side; remove to a plate. Cook capers in reserved oil, smashing them lightly to release brine, until warmed though, about 30 seconds. Pour white wine into skillet. Scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Cook until reduced by half, about 2 minutes. Stir lemon juice, water, and butter into the reduced wine mixture; cook and stir continuously to form a thick sauce, about 2 minutes. Reduce heat to low and stir parsley through the sauce. Return chicken breasts to the pan cook until heated through, 1 to 2 minutes. Serve with sauce spooned over the top. Recipe from AllRecipes.com
KEC RIGHT-OF-WAY GUIDELINES