KEC Light Post March 2024

LIGHT POST

LIGHT POST

C O N C E R N

A BROADBAND UPDATE

F O R R E L I A B I L I T Y

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 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

I want to update you on the status of KEC’s Broadband project following the recent award of ARPA Grant funds by the State of Oklahoma.

R E A D M O R E

In 2021, KEC hired an independent third-party Broadband specialist, Conexon, to conduct a feasibility study for the entire KEC system. This first study estimated the cost of $87.6 million to make Broadband available to all KEC members.

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

A BALANCED TEAM FOR RELIABILITY

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

The winningest basketball teams in history are ones that are consistent and have players with varying abilities. Some are better at shooting three-pointers, some are best at defense. Having a balanced mix of skills makes the team a powerhouse on the court. The way to keep electricity reliable is a bit like that too.

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 .

W I N T E R

V E G E T A B L E

The power team first requires a foundation of consistent sources that can be put in the game any time they’re needed. Having enough “always available” fuel sources like natural gas and coal can ensure consistent power generation.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 >>

A WORD FROM THE CEO

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dollars were required to be spent by 2026. Building a system wide project of approximately 4200 miles of fiber is not feasible it that time frame.

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On October 28, 2021, we submitted our first ARPA Grant application. KEC received notification on December 27, 2021, that our application was under review. No further communication was received on our application until 2023.

July 28, 2023, we updated and submitted our second ARPA Grant application and a new feasibility study, to reflect the increased costs, which had risen to $113.5 million. On August 11, KEC received notification from the Oklahoma Broadband Office (OBO) that the current application process had been cancelled and a new Notice of Funding Opportunity would be launched and require a new application.

KEC submitted its third ARPA application on Monday, October 9th, for three projects within KEC’s service area. These three areas were chosen by Conexon as having the highest probability of receiving funding, based on the unserved and underserved criteria mentioned in the application. At this point, a systemwide application was no longer practical since all the ARPA funding

On December 5th, we were notified that a contest or challenge had been raised against our project proposals. We responded with a rebuttal on December 12th. However, on January 5th, 2024, we received notification from the OBO that approximately 75% of all three projects submitted for grant funding had been challenged successfully by other internet service providers. As a result, KEC was deemed ineligible to receive funding for a substantial portion of the projects that were submitted. At this point, the decision was made not to submit a fourth grant application for the remaining smaller areas within the project boundaries, as it would not have made economic or operational sense to pursue.

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This is not the outcome we hoped and feel KEC has done everything possible to get this project started. The success of a project of this magnitude is dependent on grant funds and without them would not be financially feasible for the KEC membership. More grant opportunities are coming in 2024, but the possibility of KEC getting into Broadband seems less likely. However, we have not ruled out applying for these remaining grants. KEC is working with other entities on practical solutions to bring broadband internet service to the KEC territory.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

RON PELACONI, PRESIDENT

DISTRICT 3

RUSTY SHAW, VICE PRESIDENT

DISTRICT 1

AMY MILLER, TREASURER

DISTRICT 2

DAVID RAY DISTRICT 4

Renewables Report

DON PARR

DISTRICT 5

MARCH ICHORD

DISTRICT 6

LARRY CULWELL

BOARD OF DIREC

DISTRICT 7

BRETT ORME EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT — CEO

DAVID RAY

DISTRICT 4

Data collected from Western Farmers Electric Cooperative — KEC’s wholesale power provider — reflects generation during December, 2023, which shows 26 percent of the power generated by WFEC potentially come from renewable sources.

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WINTER VEGETABLE GARDENING

5 A W E S O M E T I P S

B y O l i v i a W i l s o n

P L A N T I N G T I P S

Just like a team needs different players for different situations, our power grid requires multiple sources to keep the grid running. Relying solely on one player to win every game is not an effective strategy—if they get injured, you’ll likely lose. Similarly, using a single fuel source for electricity generation poses a significant risk to energy reliability. Natural disasters, geopolitical tensions or unforeseen disruptions can severely impact the supply chain of a particular fuel. A diverse mix of energy sources acts as a safeguard, ensuring that the grid remains operational even in the face of unexpected challenges.

sources have varying characteristics, including generation patterns, responsiveness and storage capabilities. This diversity allows for a more balanced and resilient energy system that can adapt to fluctuating demand and unforeseen circumstances. Having a mix of these energy sources is like having a team with different skills to handle various situations and scenarios.

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A diverse energy mix also enhances grid flexibility by accommodating the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources like solar and wind. Think of solar power like a team’s inconsistent three-point shooter. It’s awesome when the sun is shining bright, but what if it’s nighttime or a cloudy day? That’s where the other players, like wind, hydro, nuclear, natural gas and coal can step up and keep the team scoring.

Diverse fuel sources contribute to the stability and reliability of the electric grid. The different

A diverse set of energy sources is essential, but that’s not the only thing we need to have reliable electricity—or a winning team. Basketball teams are always trying out new plays or training rookies to create a versatile lineup. Similarly, electric cooperatives are constantly innovating to maintain reliability for tomorrow. But creating new ways to make our power sources more efficient and reliable takes time, money and advances in technology that aren’t necessarily ready yet.

As we continue to work on the innovations of tomorrow, the key to keeping our electricity reliable right now is ensuring a diverse “team” of fuels. Each one brings something special to the table, and together, they make sure we have the power we need, whenever we need it.

Easy Key Lime Pie

INGREDIENTS

• 5 egg yolks, beaten

• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

• ½ cup key lime juice

• 1 (9 inch) prepared graham cracker crust

DIRECTIONS

Gather all ingredients.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

Combine sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and egg yolks in a large bowl; mix well.

Pour mixture into unbaked graham cracker crust.

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Bake in the preheated oven until filling is set, about 15 minutes.

Allow to cool completely before slicing.

Recipe from AllRecipes.com