Empowered Newsletter January 2025

Empowered is a monthly newsletter for members of

POWER SAVINGS WITH OUR REBATE PROGRAM At Central Rural Electric Cooperative, we believe in empowering our members with more than just electricity. We’re here to help you make smart energy choices that save money and improve comfort. Central offers a range of rebates designed to make energyefficient upgrades more accessible.

water heaters, ground source heat pumps, indoor ground source heat pump replacements, central air source and mini-split heat pumps.

BACKUP GENERATOR PROGRAM

ADVANCED THERMOSTATS An easy upgrade to your home, this rebate is available for up to two new Energy Star-certified thermostats.

When storms cause major power outages, generators can help keep your power running even during extreme weather.

These rebates are more than just financial incentives, they’re an investment in your home. Whether you’re upgrading or building, rebates can make it more affordable. Below are a few of the rebates offered.

WINDOW AIR CONDITIONERS Available for one new Energy Starrated unit or replacement of an existing unit.

Central and Generator Supercenter have teamed up to offer members automatic standby generator systems. The program options includes free turnkey installation, 24/7 service, annual maintenance, a warranty and remote monitoring.

WATER HEATERS Available for up to two new energyefficient electric water heaters.

HEAT PUMPS Several options for heat pumps, including Energy Star heat pump

LEVEL 2 ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS Applies for the purchase of qualifying electric vehicle level 2 charging stations, upon completion of installation.

Visit mycentral.coop/rebates for more information.

If you are interested in the generator program, a good tip is to list essential appliances and devices you want to be powered during outages before the site survey. Learn more at mycentral.coop/generators.

CENTRAL’S TEAM SHINES AT AMP AWARDS Central’s Communications Team (pictured left to right) Kory Bowman, Larry Mattox and Ivy Swan were recognized at Oklahoma Living’s AMP awards, demonstrating their creativity, dedication and innovation in serving cooperative members.

The team brought home an Award of Excellence for Best Annual Report; Awards of Merit for Best Newsletter Layout and Design, and Best Marketing Campaign; and Honorable Mentions for Best Promotional Item, Best Long Video and Best Article.

EMBRACING A NEW YEAR Message from the interim CEO.

JANUARY 2025 Central Board of Trustees: James Wells, President (District 6) Sid Sperry, Vice President (District 4) Greg Tytenicz, Secretary/Treasurer (District 2) Randy Wedel (District 1) Melanie McGuire (District 3) Ken Starks (District 5) Randy Ethridge (District 7) Sondra White - Interim Chief Executive Officer Empowered Editors: Jillianne Tebow - Vice President of Business Development and Marketing Larry Mattox - Director of Communications Kory Bowman - Marketing and Communications Specialist Ivy Swan - Marketing and Communications Specialist

www.mycentral.coop facebook.com/MyCentralCoop

As we step into a new year, it’s good to take a moment to reflect on the past before turning our attention to the hope and excitement a new year brings. Last year allowed Central to reaffirm our mission, build on our achievements and focus on what matters most, you, our members.

We are stepping into the new year ready to embrace a new CEO, a new ambassador class, member events, district elections and so much more. We also know we are not immune to challenges, and we are doing our best to prepare for those as well.

Our power provider announced a rate increase of 7% effective April 2025. With approximately 65% of Central’s operating costs going toward power, this will have a large impact on your cooperative. This, coupled with increasing distribution costs, ultimately creates the need for a rate adjustment across all rate classes, both residential and commercial. These rate adjustments will be implemented this spring.

In 2023, Central had the second lowest residential rates among Oklahoma rural electric cooperatives and will continue to be one of the lowest. We take Sondra White, Inflation has caused great pride in being able Central Interim CEO prices to rise for to provide you safe, everyone, and electricity is no reliable and affordable electricity. different. This past year, the entire We are optimistic that this year will energy industry faced price volatility continue to help us position the from rising materials costs and cooperative for the future, while supply chain disruptions. This has upholding the levels of service and impacted our entire three-tier satisfaction we know you expect. system.

instagram.com/MyCentralCoop

Central Rural Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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Oklahoma rural electric cooperatives 20 15 10 5

Central

Notice: Central’s office will be closed Wednesday, Jan. 1 for New Year’s Day and Monday, Jan. 20 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

RATE COMPARISON Residential Cents Per kWh

Contact Us: editor@mycentral.coop 405-372-2884 | 800-375-2884 3305 S. Boomer Rd. | P.O. Box 1809 Stillwater, OK 74076

0 2023 residential rates

RATE ADJUSTMENT NOTICE Rate adjustment effective April 1.

As a not-for-profit, member-owned cooperative, a third-party entity annually evaluates Central’s rates and cost of service to ensure its current rate structure is equitable for all members. This process is in place to ensure all the necessary expenses required to operate and maintain the system are adequately covered and the current rate structure is appropriate for all members.

After an extensive review of our current rates and cost of service, the board of trustees has voted to implement a necessary rate adjustment effective April 1, 2025.

Adjustments will be made to all rate classes.

Residential Rate Information All residential members will see a change in the monthly service

availability fee, which will increase $2, from $28 to $30.

Residential members will also see a change in the kWh price from $0.0890 to $0.1025, which is a $0.0135 per kWh change. The change to your electric bill will be determined by your individual use patterns and weather patterns (temperature). Typically, Central members use more kWh in the summer and winter than in the spring and fall. Therefore, you will see a larger increase during the hotter and colder months.

For commercial rate information and additional information regarding Central’s rates, please visit mycentral.coop/rates.

CHILL OUT AND STAY SAFE! Winter can be cozy, but a few smart moves will keep you snug and safe all season! ⚠ Space heaters are friends, not flamethrowers! Keep your space heater at least three feet from anything that can burn. Think of your space heater as an introvert, give it space! ⚠ Plug it in, don’t burn it down! If your outlet looks like it’s hosting a party of plugs, it’s time to spread them out before your photo is in a slide show at the Fireman’s Ball. If your outdoor lights were around when Beanie Babies were cool, you should consider replacing them. ⚠ Extension cords are not long-term roommates.

They should be just visiting for the winter, not moving in. Avoid plugging space heaters or heavy appliances into extension cords, they’re not ready for that level of commitment. ⚠ Left in the cold? Don’t freeze up! If there’s a power outage this winter, don’t wait to call! Call your favorite electric cooperative at 405-372-2884.

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WINTER ACTIVITIES TO KEEP THE FAMILY BUSY Centrally-located activities the whole family will enjoy International Finals Rodeo Lazy E Arena, Guthrie January 16 - 19 Four days of non-stop rodeo action!

Athletes will compete in riding, steer wrestling, roping and more!

Payne County Flea Market Payne County Expo Center, Stillwater January 18 • 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Whether you’re looking for trinkets, tools or hand-crafted items it’s sure to be a fun shopping experience!

StillWonder Learn Through Play Horticulture Education Center at The Botanic Garden at OSU, Stillwater January 25 • 10 a.m. - noon Learn through play with StillWonder Popup at the Botanic Garden.

Perfect for children, this free event focuses on opportunities to engage in science, art and of course, play.

Stillwater Cars and Coffee Kicker Visitors Center, Stillwater Jan. 25 • 8 a.m. - noon Hang out with the Stillwater Car Club team for a good, old-fashioned car meet. Spend the day talking with enthusiasts and spectators or making new friends! Coffee and donuts are provided.

2nd annual Ag Booster Club Dinner and Auction Route 66 Interpretive Center, Chandler January 25 • 5 p.m.

Support the Chandler FFA and 4-H Ag Booster Club at this dinner with door prizes, an auction and more!

Crochet and plush toy class Stilly Arts, Stillwater Wednesdays and Thursdays • 5 p.m.

Learn the basics and essential techniques of crocheting.

Lina’s Littles Play Cafe 717 E. McElroy Rd., Stillwater Tuesday - Sunday • 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Designed for children ages 0-6 years old, perfect for children who are tired of being cooped in from winter!

Open Play Pickleball Stillwater Indoor Pickleball Club Wednesdays • 7 - 9 p.m.

Reserve an indoor court for this fast growing paddle sport that anyone can play!

AMA Arena Cross Championship Lazy E Arena, Guthrie January 24 - 26 Get ready for extreme indoor motocross racing as athletes battle it out on a high-intensity track!

Country Dance Lessons Tumbleweed, Stillwater Thursdays • 8 - 9 p.m.

Learn the latest country steps, come as a pair or solo to learn a variety of dance steps.

WIN A WEEK-LONG TRIP TO WASHINGTON D.C. Oklahoma Youth Tour is a competition for a week-long, all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. for high school juniors sponsored by Central.

YOUTH TOUR 2025 4

Scan the QR code to learn more!