MARCH 2022
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Use Surge Protectors Safely
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ORU Scholarship Application Open
A supplement to the Oklahoma Living
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Lig ght Post
the
WFEC Renewables Report
PUBLISHED FOR MEMBERS OF KIAMICHI ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
KEC Applies for Fiber/Broadband Grant By CEO Brett Orme
BRETT ORME
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
The ongoing pandemic gives strong evidence that reliable, highspeed internet connectivity is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Kiamichi Electric Cooperative believes that every home, business and school in small towns and rural areas should have access to high-speed internet and phone capabilities. High-speed internet is necessary for many who work from home, remote learning for students, telemedicine and not to mention shopping and streaming services. For our rural communities to grow and prosper, reliable highspeed internet will be essential. Nonprofit electric cooperatives like KEC came to exist for the purpose of serving the unserved and the underserved in rural America. Because of this, we are well positioned to once again meet the needs of those in our service territory by bringing them high-speed internet. The cooperative business model focuses its goals and objectives on providing these services to the end use members. The costs to install, own and operate a fiber network are economically prohibitive without help. On Oct. 28, 2021, your cooperative applied for an American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Grant to help bring fiber broadband internet service to your home. KEC
was notified on Dec. 27 that the proposal is in review. Currently, KEC does not have an estimated time frame for when or if it will receive funds or amounts but we hope to hear something soon. KEC has been researching and evaluating the feasibility and risks associated with a fiber-to-the-home project for a few years and commissioned a broadband feasibility study from a thirdparty vendor who are professionals in this field. This study has also been reviewed and updated as conditions change. To give you an idea, the magnitude of a project of this scope is estimated to cost more than $90 million. It is KEC’s intention to move forward with broadband when it makes economic sense and does not put excessive risks and potential burdens on the electric business and its member-owners. Currently, KEC is an associate member of the Cooperative Broadband Coalition (CBC), which is comprised of electric cooperatives that believe Oklahomans should have access to fast, reliable, affordable service regardless of where you live, urban or rural. Kiamichi Electric will keep its members updated on progress and developments with this grant and potential project.
It is KEC’s intention to move forward with broadband when it makes economic sense and does not put excessive risks and potential burdens on the electric business and its member-owners.
