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.
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SURGE PROTECTION
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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 BOARD OF TRUSTEES Mark Ichord, President DISTRICT 6 Ron Pelaconi, 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.
By Abby Berry A power surge is an unexpected increase in voltage, and it can occur from a variety of sources. Regardless of the cause, power surges can majorly damage electronic devices and equipment in your home. Let’s take a look at common causes of power surges and how you can protect your sensitive electronics. One of the most common causes of a power surge is lightning. Most of us have experienced this during a severe thunderstorm. When lightning strikes an electrical system, the excess current must be channeled somewhere––unfortunately in many cases, it’s sent through a home. Your best bet is to unplug all unused devices and electronics during severe thunderstorms. Another common cause of power surges is electrical overload. This happens when devices or appliances are plugged into an outlet that can’t handle the required amount of voltage, or if multiple devices are plugged into one outlet through an extension cord. If you’re experiencing power surges due to
electrical overload, it’s time to call a qualified electrician to evaluate your home’s circuits and electrical needs. Faulty wiring in a home can also cause power surges. Damaged or exposed wires can cause spikes in voltage, creating a potentially dangerous situation. If you notice signs of faulty wiring, like visible burns on outlets, buzzing sounds from outlets or frequently tripped circuit breakers, your Damaged or home may be due for exposed wires electrical wiring can cause spikes repairs and updates. in voltage, Surges can also occur after creating a a power outage. potentially Sometimes, when electricity dangerous is being restored and situation. reconnected,
SURGE PROTECTION Keep your electronic equipment safe.
A power surge is typically caused by lightning, changes in electrical loads, faulty wiring or damaged power lines. Install power strips with surge protection to protect sensitive equipment. • Easy to use (just plug them in) • Protect electronics plugged into the device • Must be replaced over time or after a major surge event REMEMBER: Not all power strips offer surge protection. Carefully read the packaging labels when purchasing.
it’s common to experience a quick surge in current. Similar to advice for a surge caused by lightning, it’s best to unplug sensitive electronics during the outage––then wait to plug them back in after power is fully restored. Aside from unplugging devices when you suspect a power surge, there are two ways you can take additional precautions to protect electronics in your home. Point-of-use surge protection devices, like power strips, can protect electronics during most surges. But remember, not all power strips include surge protection, so read the packaging label carefully before you buy, and don’t overload the power strip with too many devices. You can also install specialized electrical outlets that offer additional surge protection. Talk to a trusted electrician to learn more. Another option is a whole-home surge protector, which can help protect your home from larger, more powerful surges. In most cases, whole-home suppressors are connected to your home’s service panel and include features like thermal fuses and notification capabilities that indicate when a device has been impacted by a surge. Whole-home surge protection prices vary based on the size of the home and suppressor. Whole-home suppressors should always be connected by a licensed electrician, so consider the cost of installation as well. Occasional power surges are inevitable, but by unplugging devices when you think a surge may occur and using additional levels of protection like power strips or whole-home suppressors, you can better safeguard your sensitive electronics and devices. Contact KEC if you have questions about ways to protect your home from power surges. 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.
COLLEGE STUDENTS: Apply now for the ORU Scholarship! Use your smartphone’s camera to scan this code and access the ORU Scholarship application & criteria!
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operation round up
RECIPE
M O N T H LY U P D AT E
Air-Fried Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp
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.
INGREDIENTS
YEAR-TO-DATE COLLECTIONS 2021: $26,515.55 YEAR-TO-DATE DISBURSEMENTS: $14,630.79 TOTAL COLLECTED SINCE INCEPTION: $1,711,463.93
16 toothpicks 16 jumbo Shrimp, fresh, raw, jumbo (11-15) ¾ teaspoon Cajun seasoning
8 strips thin sliced bacon, cut in half 2 tablespoons hot honey (such as Mike’s Hot Honey®)
DIRECTIONS
TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS SINCE INCEPTION: $1,637,867.81
Place shrimp on a plate and sprinkle both sides with Cajun seasoning. Wrap each shrimp with 1 narrow strip of bacon and fasten with a toothpick. Refrigerate for 25 to 30 minutes.
Energy Efficiency
Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Tip of the Month
Air-fry shrimp for 3 minutes. Flip and continue cooking until bacon is lightly crispy, 4 to 5 minutes more. You may have to do 2 batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
When was your cooling system last serviced? Most manufacturers recommend an annual tune up for your home’s cooling system. March is a great time to schedule this service so you can beat the summer rush when the pros are busiest. A qualified professional can check the amount of refrigerant, accuracy of the thermostat, condition of belts and motors and other factors that can greatly impact the efficiency of your system. Source: Energy.gov
Plant Trees Safely
Remove shrimp to a plate and drizzle with hot honey. Serve immediately, being watchful of any toothpicks. Recipe from AllRecipes.com
Before you dig, call 811 to locate buried utility lines.
LOW TREE ZONE
MEDIUM TREE ZONE
LARGE TREE ZONE
Avoid planting within 20 ft. of power lines. If planting is unavoidable, only plant shrubs and small trees that reach a mature height of 15 ft. or less.
Plant medium trees (under 40 ft. when mature) at least 25 ft. away from power lines.
Plant large trees (over 40 ft. when mature) at least 50 ft. away from power lines.
Renewables Report
Over 40 ft.
40 ft. high or less
38% Renewables
Maximum tree height 15 ft.
Keep shrubs at least 10 ft. away from transformer doors and 4 ft. away from the sides. 4 ft.
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Data collected from Western Farmers Electric Cooperative — KEC’s wholesale power provider — reflects generation during November 2021, which shows 38 percent of the power generated by WFEC came from renewable sources.