C o-op Co-op C omments Comments
Rounding up your monthly bill to help community members
The seven cooperative principles define how Rural Electric Cooperative conducts business within the communities it serves. These principles can be felt not only by REC's members, but everyone in the communities the Cooperative serves, especially principle number seven: Concern for Community.
One of the ways REC shows concern for community is offering a program called Operation Round-Up. This program allows REC to help others in need by having the members round up their monthly bill to the next dollar amount.
The Operation Round-Up program is voluntary for REC members who desire to round up their monthly bill to the next dollar amount. The difference between the actual bill and the next dollar amount is “ear-marked” for use by the Operation Round-Up Board to assist those who qualify according to the rules and regulations of the program. For REC to use the rounded up amount, the member must sign up to participate in Operation Round-Up. Members who desire to sign up can find the contribution form on REC's website, www.recok.coop or call the office at 800-259-3504.
Operation Round-Up has provided thousands of dollars in assistance to individuals and organizations throughout this area. People with medical needs, those who have lost homes to fires and
natural disasters and non-profit organizations have benefited from this program and the generosity of our members.
Donations can be made from one account or multiple accounts. The average yearly contribution from each participating cooperative member is about $6. The most a member would contribute each year is $11.88 per account and the least is zero cents. Members can also make a larger donation if desired.
Since starting in 1999, the funds donated for Operation RoundUp have helped more than 110 families in our area.
The Operation Round-Up Board consists of five individuals who reside in REC's service territory and have a desire to help others. The Board evaluates each application and determines the need for the applicants.
REC wants to help those in need throughout our service territory. By providing the Operation Round-Up program, REC is able to specifically help these residents in their time of need. In addition to helping individuals, Operation Round-Up also provides financial funds to non-profit organizations throughout the service area to assist with special projects benefitting our local communities.
In the past, Operation Round-Up has helped an area family who had lost their home and all of its contents. The family was not adequately insured so the Board of Operation Round-Up approved $1,000 to help this family purchase household items and clothing. Also, they have assisted several senior citizen centers by helping purchase necessary food.
If you are not participating in this program, you are encouraged to sign up now to help your neighbors and local non-profit organizations. All the contributions are tax deductible and participation is voluntary. Members who are interested in this program must notify REC's office for you to be added to Operation Round-Up.
Anyone needing additional information about this program should contact REC’s Member Services Department at 1-800-2593504 or 405-756-3104, extension 238.
Help lock in savings
As temperatures rise and summer activities heat up, a reliable flow of electricity is essential to ensure REC members stay cool and connected.
August brings some of the most extreme summer temps, which means people will be spending more time indoors to avoid the heat, and air conditioners will be working overtime. This increased use of electricity will cause spikes in demand, also known as energy peaks. During peak times, REC must work closely with our wholesale power provider to ensure a balanced supply of electricity is always available to meet our members' energy needs.
The electric grid is essentially a giant network connecting power plants, utility poles and power lines to homes and businesses across the country, throughout our state and to our local communities.
When the demand for electricity is higher than usual, power providers must ramp up electricity production – whether from coal, natural gas, wind, solar or other energy sources – and utilities will pay more for electricity produced during the peak. These higher prices along with the general increase in electricity use are why you typically see higher bills during the hottest months. In extreme cases, demand can overpower the available supply, causing electricity shortages. During these times, utilities are required to implement rolling power outages to reduce the demand for
electricity and re-balance the grid.
During extreme summer heat and higher demand for electricity, you can help by conserving energy. It is easy – avoid energy-intensive activities and chores during hottest part of the day.
When we all work together to reduce energy use during these peak times, REC can lock in a lower electricity rate, which means everyone can save. Conserving during these times will also ease pressure on the grid and helps balance the supply and demand of electricity.
There are many ways to lower your home energy use. Here are a few recommendations to help you save energy:
• Set your thermostat a few degrees higher. If you have a smart or programmable thermostat, adjust the settings so your cooling system syncs with the off-peak hours.
• Speaking of raising the thermostat, did you know ceiling fans can make you feel four degrees cooler? Operate ceiling or oscillating fans in occupied rooms to supplement your air conditioning. Be sure to raise the thermostat while fans are running for maximum energy savings. Remember, fans cool people (not homes), so turn them off when you leave the room.
• Plan energy-intensive activities like laundry and running the dishwasher for off-peak hours. Use automatic timers to run hot tubs, pool pumps, water heaters and other appliances in the same way.
• Unplug electronics when they are not in use or use power strips to manage devices.
• Close drapes and blinds during the afternoon to block unnecessary heat from sunlight.
When we all work together to beat the summer peak, our entire community benefits. Saving energy during peak times reduces your bills, keeps electric rates lower for all and relieves pressure on the grid.
August 2024
Co-op Comments
Official publication of Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. CO-OP COMMENTS is owned, controlled and directed by Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. It is printed monthly and mailed to members in Garvin, McClain, Comanche, Stephens, Grady and Carter counties in Oklahoma.
Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. 13942 Highway 76 • P.O. Box 609 Lindsay, OK 73052 405-756-3104 • 800-259-3504
Outage Number: 855-399-2683
www.recok.coop
Board of Trustees
Gary Jones, President, District 1
Scott Christian, Vice President, District 1
Brent Bacon, Sec./Treasurer, District 1
Larry Anderson, District 2
Johnny Harrel, District 2
Terri Hays, District 2
Mark Finch, District 3
Randy Griswold, District 3
Sonny Harrison, District 3
Lisa Whitman, Attorney
Management and Staff
Dusty Ricks, Manager/CEO
Linda Ray, CFO
Kelli Lindsey, Administrative Assistant and Staff Coordinator
Elaine Gilreath, Manager of Customer Service and Data Processing
Jon Jones, Manager of Engineering
Mitch Gilreath, Manager of Information Technology Services
Eric Neill, Manager of Cyber Security and Special Projects
Megan Lawrence, Manager of Member Services and Marketing
Casey Henson, Manager of Safety and Loss Control/Facilities
David Crull, System Superintendent
Jason Mays, Operations Superintendent
Keeping REC's rights-of-way clear with brush crew spraying
REC has contracted with Apex Row, LLC, for 2024, to help control the brush growing under our electric lines. They will
spray all of REC’s service area. 184100
“This work is necessary for the safety and reliability of your electrical service,” says
John Byrd, Rights-of-Way Coordinator. Apex Row, LLC will not spray any yards or around groomed property. They will use a low volume method of spraying consisting of backpack sprayers. Members may see them walking around your property to spray instead of driving around.
Apex Row, LLC will not spray any trees over 15 feet tall or a diameter at breast height (DBH) of four inches. However, they will spray trees within REC’s rightsof-way easement consisting of 16.5 feet on each side of REC’s primary line.
If you have any questions or need to talk with REC’s Rights-of-Way department, please call 800-259-3504 ext. 227 or Project Manager for Apex Row, LLC, Jeremiah Thomas at 870-448-2183.
REC hires Grant Rogers and Jed Flournoy as line workers
Recently REC hired two new line workers: Grant Rogers and Jed Flournoy.
Grant Rogers is from Maysville, Oklahoma and lives there currently with his wife Sarai. Rogers graduated from Edmond Memorial High School in 2012. After graduat-
ing high school, he served in the Marine Corps for five years. Prior to working for REC, Rogers worked for Pike Electric for five years.
“I am looking forward to getting to know all of the employees and learning more about the Cooperative,” says Rogers.
Rogers enjoys fishing, spending time with his family and going to Oklahoma City with his friends and family.
Unlike Rogers, new line worker Jed Flournoy is originally from Red Bluff, California. He currently lives in Blanchard, Okla. with his wife Brittney and their sixyear-old daughter Tinley.
Flournoy graduated from Los Molinos High School in 2010. He and his family moved to Blanchard in 2021. Before working for REC, Flournoy worked for Davis H. Elliot for a year and a half.
After his wife visited some of her family in Oklahoma, they knew they wanted to move here and start new a new journey.
“I am looking forward to continuing to
Jed Flournoy
learn more about line work and get my Journeyman’s Certificate and learning more about the area,” says Flournoy.
Flournoy enjoys playing on his softball team, golfing, hunting and spending time with his family and friends.
Grant Rogers
MISCELLANEOUS
FOR SALE: Solid wood desk with three large drawers in excellent condition, $90.
Classified Ads
are FREE to REC members to post non-commercial items. Deadline for ads is the 8th of every month. Call the Member Services Dept. at 405-756-3104 ext. 238.
PH: 405-351-0878.
FOR SALE: Pit Boss smoker, only had for
one year, used twice, like new, $400. PH: 405-596-8862.
Free used wood poles available at REC
Is your REC up-to-date?
Account Information
Have you changed your phone number or email address lately? Notify REC, so we can update our information. Call our office at 405-756-3104 and make sure we have your current phone numbers and email address. When we have the most up-to-date contact information it allows us to better inform you, our members, about what is happening at REC.
Energy Efficiency
Tip of the Month
Placing heat sources, such as lamps, computers or TVs, near your thermostat can result in false temperature readings, increased energy use and inconsistent cooling/ heating. Make sure your thermostat is installed in an area clear of obstructions, electronic devices, direct sunlight and drafts.
Ensuring your thermostat is free from these types of interferences optimizes energy efficiency, improves indoor comfort and reduces wear and tear on your cooling/heating system.
Learn more at www.energy.gov
REC has used wood poles available for free. If you are interested or need more information please call the Warehouse at 405-756-3104 ext. 253.
Local Co-op Connection Card Deals
A-U-Store It, Purcell -
$5 off first month rent
Backroads Boutique, Lindsay5% off everything excluding special order and sale items
Best Western, Chickasha15% Off Regular Room Rate
Blue Moose Portable and Septic Services, LLC, Elmore City5% Off Septic Tank Pumping, Tent Rental and Special Event Toilet Rentals
Chickasha Diesel Services, Chickasha$50 off any big diesel oil change
Edwards Canvas, Pauls Valley - 5% Off
Jenny’s Pics Photography, Lindsay10% Off $50 or More Purchase of Pictures
Lindsay Tire and Lube, Lindsay$5 Off Any Full Service Oil Change
M & M Furniture, Chickasha10% Off Any Purchase
Mazzio’s Italian Eatery, Purcell10% Off Purchase
Photos by Ginger, Pauls Valley1 Free 8x10 Print With First Order of $25 Pharmacy Discounts -
Check out the discounts available using your Co-op Connections Card at participating pharmacies throughout our area. For a complete list of pharmacies, visit REC’s website to see if your pharmacy is offering discounts to Co-op Connections Card holders.