MARCH 2021
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WFEC Renewables Report
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A supplement to the Oklahoma Living
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Three ways to save in the kitchen
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Air Fryer Potato Wedges
PUBLISHED FOR MEMBERS OF KIAMICHI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
ceo’s report
BRETT ORME
C HI E F E X E C U T I V E O F F I C E R
KEC Conducts a Fiber Feasibility Study As a cooperative, we are interested in improving the quality of life for our members and communities. Over the last couple of years, KEC has researched and evaluated broadband needs and existing services in and around our area to determine if KEC’s investment in a fiber-to-the-home project would make sense. We understand there is a desire from our members to have better internet service. There are many factors that must be considered before any financial risk is taken that could put the electric system in jeopardy. The KEC staff worked with a third-party consultant to conduct a feasibility study for providing fiber to all KEC members. The results of the study were reviewed by the board and a determination has been made not to move forward with a fiber project at this time. The feasibility of fiber-tothe-home does deserve continued research and consideration. KEC will continue to monitor ongoing changes, developments, grants and reevaluate, as necessary.
KEY REASONS FOR THIS DECISION: • The estimated cost of making available fiber service to every member was more than $80 million. To put this in perspective KEC’s total assets are currently around $100 million. • The study included an evaluation of potential government grant funding of up to $30 million, but there is no guarantee of grant funds and this would still leave KEC with over $50 million in financial responsibility in the best-case scenario. • Even if KEC received grant funding, the cooperative would still have to borrow money to complete the project. Based on the feasibility study estimates, this would cause KEC to double the cooperative’s debt in a relatively short period of time. • Existing internet service providers in the area may prevent some members from needing or choosing to utilize fiber service offered by KEC, which would negatively impact the estimates on project success and the cooperative’s return on investment.
• If the feasibility study estimates on overall cost, project success (take rate) or grant funding were inaccurate, it could negatively impact electric rates for all KEC members. We know members depend on safe, reliable and affordable electricity. Based on the results of the feasibility study, the KEC board did not feel it was in the best interest of the members or cooperative overall to move forward with a fiber project at this time. KEC will continue to monitor options and opportunities that might change the feasibility of providing fiber service to members in the future. At Kiamichi Electric Cooperative we are always focused on doing what’s right for our member-owners while working to ensure the long-term sustainability of your cooperative. Your cooperative keeps a close eye on new developing technologies including fiber-tothe-home. KEC staff and board of trustees are focused on our responsibility to provide safe, reliable, affordable electricity in a financially responsible manner to you – our members.
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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
Concerned about a high bill? Remember this month’s bill is for last month’s energy use. See your energy use in your KEC mobile app.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES Mark Ichord, President DISTRICT 6 Ron Pelanconi, 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.
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3 WAYS TO SAVE
Three electrifying kitchen appliances to save time and energy By Abby Berry
Whether your oven and stove top are powered by gas or electricity, it’s no secret that they consume more energy than smaller countertop appliances, like slow cookers and toaster ovens. In addition to efficiency, smaller kitchen appliances can provide faster cooking times and less hassle with cleanup. If you’re looking for convenient cooking methods with the added bonus of energy efficiency, here are three electrifying appliances for your kitchen: 1. Air fryers are becoming increasingly popular, and consumers have a lot of good things to say about these handy little appliances. Air fryers use convection to circulate hot air and cook the food––this means little to no oil is required, resulting in healthier meals than those from traditional fryers. Air fryers are fairly small, so they won’t take up much of your counter space, and with everything cooked in the fryer, cleanup will be a breeze. Air fryers are available in a variety of sizes, and prices range from $40 to $200+. 2. Electric griddles have certainly been around for a while, and they offer several benefits for any home chef (beyond bacon and eggs!). Griddles are convenient because you can cook
everything at once––like a “one-pan” meal, and the possibilities are endless. From fajitas to sandwiches to French toast, griddles can help satisfy any taste buds. They consume small amounts of energy and provide quick cooking times, so your energy bill will thank you. Prices and sizes for griddles vary, but you can typically find one for about $30 at your local retail stores. 3. Pizza brings people together, so why not consider a pizza maker for your kitchen? These compact, countertop machines are an inexpensive alternative to a costly brick oven, and they use less energy than your traditional oven. Choose your own fresh ingredients to whip up a faster, healthier pizza at home. Plus, most pizza makers are multifunctional and can be used to cook flatbreads, frittatas, quesadillas and more. You can purchase a pizza maker for about $30 to $150+ online or at your local retailer. These are just a few electrifying appliance options for your kitchen. Remember, when you’re cooking a smaller meal, countertop appliances can save time and energy. To learn about additional ways to save energy at home, visit www. kiamichielectric.org.
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 November 2020, which shows 39 percent of the power generated by WFEC came from renewable sources.
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energy efficiency << continued from page 2 reducing greenhouse gases and helping our environment. It can also translate into a better quality of life. For example, when you can trade the loud rumble of a gas-powered mower or blower for the quiet efficiency of electric versions, you eliminate the exhaust emissions and the unpleasant noise. HOW WE’RE DOING OUR PART TO HELP THE ENVIRONMENT
As the overall energy sector continues to evolve, KEC is striving to take advantage of the advances in technology and the opportunities of the market 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. We care about our community because we live here too. While each member’s reduction might be small, together, they can lead to significant savings of money and emissions. And that means a brighter future for all of us. Anne Prince 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.
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 2020: $64,343.64 YEAR-TO-DATE DISBURSEMENTS 2020: $64,344.70 TOTAL COLLECTED SINCE INCEPTION: $1,672,218.50 TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS SINCE INCEPTION: $1,620,237.02
Air Fryer Potato Wedges INGREDIENTS
• 2 medium Russet potatoes, cut into wedges • 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil • 1/2 teaspoon paprika • 1/2 teaspoon parsley flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt • 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
DIRECTIONS Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Energy Efficiency
Tip of the Month Don’t keep your refrigerator too cold. The Department of Energy recommends a temperature setting of 35 to 38 degrees for the fresh food compartment and zero degrees for the freezer. Make sure the refrigerator doors are sealed airtight to maximize efficiency.
Place potato wedges in a large bowl. Add olive oil, paprika, parsley, chili, salt, and pepper and mix well to combine. Place 8 wedges in the basket of the air fryer and cook for 10 minutes. Flip wedges with tongs and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Repeat with remaining 8 wedges. Image and Recipe from AllRecipes.com