KEC Light Post September 2023

LIGHT POST

8 Questions to Consider Before Installing Rooftop Solar

BY ABBY BERRY

“Free energy from the sun and lower electric bills… Where do I sign up?”

The benefits of installing rooftop solar panels may seem like a no-brainer, but the reality is, not every home (and homeowner’s situation) is always right for solar.

There are several factors to consider before pulling the trigger on a rooftop solar system, like determining if your home will receive enough sun to achieve your goals, finding the right contractor, negotiating contracts and other important details.

Investing in solar for your home is a major decision. If you’re considering rooftop solar, KEC can help.

Here are eight questions to consider before installing rooftop solar panels.

1. How will I work with KEC?

KEC should be your first call when considering to install solar. The system must be connected to the electric grid, so you’ll need to sign an interconnection agreement. We can walk you through the steps, including how associated rates and fees work. Visit www.kiamichielectric.org for a general overview of how you can work with us on connecting your new rooftop solar system.

2. What are my goals? If your primary goal is to save money on electric bills, you may be able to achieve this through an energy audit, which can identify areas of the home for maximum energy savings. If your main goal is to use renewable energy and help the environment, we have good news! Our wholesale power provider, Western Farmers Electric Cooperative (WFEC), already includes a healthy mix of renewables into its fuel mix. We publish percentages on page 4 of each month’s edition of The Light Post. Because of WFEC’s inclusion of renewables in the power they generate — and the power we distribute to your homes and businesses — you are already being powered by renewable energy, without having to invest and maintain a home system.

3. Is my roof suitable for solar? Your roof should be in good condition before installing solar panels. If your roof is old and in poor shape, it may need to be replaced before panels can be mounted. Additionally, your roof should receive a lot of sun to make the most of a rooftop system.

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Wilburton, Oklahoma 74578

(918) 465-2338 | (800) 888-2731

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Ron Pelanconi, President DISTRICT 3

Recently, one of our newer employees asked me what makes electric co-ops different than other types of utilities. This month, I thought I’d tell you of few of the things I told her.

Because we’re a co-op, we operate a little differently than other utilities. KEC’s decisions are made locally, by directors who also live right here in our community. Everyone who pays to receive electricity from the co-op is a member. When you pay your electric bill each month, your money stays here – to pay for the electricity used, or to make improvements to our local system to strengthen service reliability. The money you pay the co-op doesn’t line the pockets of shareholders five states away. We’re a co-op, and we exist to provide a service to you, our local members.

on Saturday, Oct. 7, so we can hear from you. Attending the co-op’s annual meeting is truly seeing democracy in action.

Because you’re part of an electric cooperative, you can count on our team to maintain local jobs, at-cost electricity and firstclass service, no matter what the economy — and supply chain issues — throw at us.

Please know that you — the members of KEC — are at the heart of everything we do. Co-ops adhere to seven guiding cooperative principles that reflect core values of honesty, transparency, equity, inclusiveness and service.

Larry Culwell DISTRICT 7

KEC SENIOR STAFF

Brett Orme EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT — CEO

Linda Baldwin EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

Crystal Butler CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Dennis Dolan MANAGER OF OPERATIONS

Andy Eakle MANAGER OF ENGINEERING

Sharla Ivy MANAGER OF PROCUREMENT

Michelle Warmuth MANAGER OF MEMBER & PUBLIC RELATIONS

Heather Ziverk MANAGER OF MEMBER SERVICES

You may notice that throughout the year, we schedule opportunities for you to attend co-op events, like Annual Meeting coming up

We exist to serve you and provide the quality, reliable, friendly service you expect and deserve. While we’ve grown over the years, we’re still driven by the same guiding principles to serve our community. We hope to see or hear from you soon. This co-op was created for you, the members. The power is in your hands.

Brett Orme General Manager

8 Questions to Consider Before Installing Rooftop Solar, continued

Consider how much sun (and shade) the roof receives and if any trees will need to be removed. Solar panels perform best when facing south, so keep this in mind as you think about where the panels will be mounted.

4. How long will I own the home? If you’re considering rooftop solar, you’re likely planning to stay in the home for several years. But if you plan to sell the home at some point down the road, consider that not all potential buyers will want to maintain a rooftop solar system. If you enter a contract to lease the system, carefully review the terms and what those mean if you decide to sell the property.

5. Lease or purchase? Purchasing a rooftop solar system outright is expensive, which is why many homeowners opt to lease their solar panels. However, federal tax credits can help cover some of the costs for a new system, up to 30%. Regardless of how you decide to finance the solar system, make sure you get several quotes from qualified contractors.

Speaking of contractors, there are several factors you’ll want to discuss with them upfront.

6. Can the contractor provide up-todate documentation? It may seem obvious but be sure to request proof and documentation of the contractor’s licensing, permitting and other credentials. Comb through company reviews, check

the contractor’s status with Better Business Bureau, etc.––do your homework on the front end before signing a contract.

7. Does the contract seem reasonable and fair? If you decide to hire a contractor to install rooftop solar, carefully read the fine print of the contract. Do the system performance calculations seem realistic? Does the project timeframe sound reasonable? Negotiate the contract terms to fit your goals and needs.

8. Who will maintain the solar panels? Determining who is responsible for maintaining the solar panels will depend on who owns the system. If you lease the system from a solar installer, it may be their responsibility. Periodically, solar panels need to be cleaned as dirt and debris can impact panel productivity. Parts may also need to be replaced, so it’s important to know who will take on these responsibilities.

For many homeowners, solar panels are a great way to help the environment and save on electric bills––but there are many factors to consider before diving in and installing a system.

As with any major home project, do plenty of research upfront, and contact KEC if you have questions or decide to move forward with installation.

We’re your local energy partner and can serve as a helpful resource throughout the process.

Energy Efficiency Tip of the Month

Did you know fall is the perfect time to schedule a tuneup for your heating system? Home heating accounts for a large portion of winter energy bills, and no matter what kind of system you have, you can save energy and money by regularly maintaining your equipment.

Combining proper equipment maintenance and upgrades with recommended insulation, air sealing and thermostat settings can save about 30% on your energy bills.

Source: Dept. of Energy

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

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.

Pork & Zucchini Rice

Skillet

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup uncooked white rice

• 3 cups chicken broth, divided

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 pork chop, diced

• 2 zucchini, diced

• 3 green onions, chopped

DIRECTIONS

Renewables Report

• 2 sprigs chopped fresh rosemary

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Combine 2 cups of chicken broth and brown rice in a saucepan over medium heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to mediumlow, cover, and simmer until rice is tender and liquid has been absorbed, about 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a deep skillet over medium heat and cook pork until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Add zucchini and cook for 3 minutes. Add 1 cup chicken broth and simmer until zucchini are soft, about 5 minutes. Add rice. Mix in green onions, rosemary, and Parmesan cheese and cook until well combined, 1 to 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Recipe from AllRecipes.com

Did You Know?

Electric cooperatives have retired $20 billion to members since 1988 –$1.4 billion in 2021 alone. Because electric co-ops operate at cost, any excess revenues (called margins) are allocated and retired to members in the form of capital credits.

Source: National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation

$1.4 BILLION IN 2021

$20 BILLION SINCE 1988

Data collected from Western Farmers Electric Cooperative — KEC’s wholesale power provider — reflects generation during May 2023, which shows 35 percent of the power generated by WFEC potentially come from renewable sources.