December 2022

A newsletter for members of Rural Electric Cooperative

December 2022

Co-op Comments REC hires two new employees Recently, REC hired a new Line Worker and a Manager of Safety and Loss Control/ Facilities.

Trey Schwabe graduated from Ponca City High School in 2020. After high school, Trey attended Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology. He received his Applied Science Associates Degree in High Voltage Line Technician.

While in school, he interned at Red River Valley Electric Cooperative and REC. Trey currently lives in Lindsay and helps around his grandparents’ farm in Lindsay when he is needed.

“I heard REC was a good company to work for and I wanted to be closer to family,” Schwabe explains. “I am looking forward to growing my skill set while serving our members.”

In Schwabe’s spare time he enjoys hunting, fishing and being with his family.

Similar to Schwabe, REC’s new Manager of Safety and Loss Control/Facilities, Clint Yeary is looking to make a career at REC. Yeary graduated from Lexington High School in 2007. He married his wife Megan after high school and they have two children: Hannah who is 14 years old and Beckham who is 9 years old. Yeary served in the Marine Corps Infantry as a machine gunner. After four years of active duty, Yeary worked in the oilfield before working for Oklahoma Electric Cooperative in Norman, Oklahoma. He received his bachelor’s degree from Liberty University in Christian Leadership and Business Management in 2020 and is currently working on his MBA from Liberty University.

“I am still trying to get adjusted and get to know everyone,” Yeary explains. “But I am looking forward to being in a slower paced environment where I can enjoy and appreciate the rural environment of REC.”

Clint Yeary In Yeary’s spare time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and children, his church family, traveling, camping, fishing and trying out new restaurants.

Did You Know?

Electric cooperatives retired $1.5 billion to members in 2020 alone. Since 1988, co-ops have retired $19 billion in capital credits.

$1.5 billion in 2020

Trey Schwabe

CEO’s MESSAGE

Change changing lives

The holiday season is finally here. Some call it the most wonderful season of all, because we associate it with family traditions and gathering with friends and loved ones.

It is a time of giving and spreading joy.

But giving back reminds me of the many good things we have right here in our community and why it is important to spread the good as far as we can, especially to the most vulnerable in our local area. I am also reminded of our wonderful community and what a big impact we can have when we work together.

When you are a member of REC, you help us spread the good throughout the year. Through our Operation Round-Up program and you rounding up your bill to the nearest dollar each month helps local families and individuals in need. Members who are interested in participating in Operation Round-Up need to call our office and ask to join.

When you “round up” your monthly bill from REC and donate to this fund, you are making a big difference in someone’s life.

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You are not only helping to meet an immediate, critical need, but you are telling this person the community cares.

Over the years, our community-focused programs, food donations and other giving projects have supported our local schools and young people, fed hungry families and so much more.

REC also participates in the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour, where we take our community’s brightest young people to Washington, D.C. for a week-long immersion to experience democracy in action.

REC also sends eighth graders to YouthPower Energy Camp, where students learn about the cooperative business model, electrical safety and leadership skills.

Ultimately, the larger community benefits from these programs because of you and your neighbors.

You have likely heard me say the cooperative principle “concern for community” is part of REC’s DNA. It defines who we are as an organization. When we first brought electricity to this community in 1937, the quality of life improved. When things also need to be addressed through the years, this Co-op has been at the forefront of bringing improvements to the quality of life in this community. It is why we created the Operation Round-Up program.

To date, with your help, we have given back to local families and individuals through this program. Across the country, more than 350 electric co-ops have an Operation Round-Up program, and together, we have raised millions for local communities. This shows small donations from electric co-ops like ours, over time, can collectively make a big impact.

I hope all our members have a joyous Christmas season and enjoy their families.

May it be merry and bright.

To learn more about Operation RoundUp, you can visit our website at www. recok.coop/content/operation-round or call our office at 405-756-3104 ext. 238 and talk to our Member Services Department.

December 2022 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 Charles Crawford, District 3 Mark Finch, District 3 Randy Griswold, 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 Megan Lawrence, Manager of Member Services and Marketing Clint Yeary, Manager of Safety and Loss Control/Facilities David Crull, System Superintendent Jason Mays, Operations Superintendent

Five ways to fight the winter chill this season and save energy We all have our favorite season. Some people love crisp, cool weather and bundling up under a favorite blanket, while others prefer the warm temperatures summer brings and all the fun outdoor activities that go with it.

But there is one thing we can all agree on: high winter bills are never fun. REC is here to help you find ways to manage your home energy use and keep winter bills in check.

Here are five tips to help increase your home’s energy efficiency this winter: 1. Mind the thermostat. This is one of the easiest ways to manage your home energy use. We recommend setting your thermostat to 68 degrees (or lower) when you are home. When you are sleeping or away for an extended period of time, try setting it between 58 and 62 degrees; there is no need to heat your home when you are away or sleeping and less active.

2. Button up your home. The Department of Energy estimates air leaks account for 24 to 40 percent of the energy used for heating and cooling a home. Caulking and weather stripping around windows and doors is another simple, cost-effective way to increase comfort and save energy. If you can feel drafts while standing near a window or door, it likely needs to be sealed.

3. Use window coverings wisely. Open blinds, drapes or other window coverings during the day to allow natural sunlight in to warm your home. Close them at night to keep the cold, drafty air out. If you feel cold air around windows, consider hanging

curtains or drapes in a thicker material; heavier window coverings can make a significant difference in blocking cold outdoor air.

4. Consider your approach to appliance use. When combined, appliances and electronics account for a significant portion of our home energy use, so assess how efficiently you are using them.

For example, if you are running the dishwasher or clothes washer, only wash full loads. Look for electronic devices consuming energy even when they are not in use, like phone chargers or game consoles. Every little bit helps, so unplug them to save energy.

5. Think outside the box. If you are still feeling chilly at home, think of other ways to warm up – beyond dialing up the thermostat. Add layers of clothing, wear thick socks and bundle up under blankets. You can even add layers to your home. If you have hardsurface flooring, consider purchasing an area rug to block cold air leaking through the floor. 187900 If you are taking steps to save energy but continue to see major increases in your bills, give us a call at 800-259-3504 or take advantage of our free home energy audits. REC can help identify areas and other factors impacting your home energy use and recommend the next steps for savings.

Winter months often bring some of the highest energy bills of the year. By being proactive about saving energy, you can increase the comfort of your home and reduce monthly bills. Visit our website at www.recok.coop/content/together-we-save for additional energy-saving tips.

Get cozy under your favorite blanket for additional warmth. Don’t forget to bundle up your furry friends, too.

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Classified Advertisement MISCELLANEOUS REC's office closed for the holidays FOR SALE: Alls Well queen 4-inch copper infused mattress pad used 2 nights, paid $144 but will take $100. PH: 405-919-5154.

Merry

Look for your

Capital Credits

Christmas

applied to your bill If you were a member in 1990 and 1991, your Capital Credits will be applied to your bill.

From our co-op family to yours, wishing you a joyous Christmas season and a happy and peaceful New Year!

Account number worth $10 bill credit Locate your account number in an article of this issue; it will be good for a $10 credit on your electric bill.

To claim the prize, you must locate the account number - if the number is yours, contact REC by the 10th of the month and we will credit your account. Only the member assigned that number is eligible for the prize. If you don’t know your account number, it can be located on your electric bill.

Energy Efficiency Tip of the Month Blocked air vents force your heating system to work harder than necessary and increase pressure in the ductwork, which can cause cracks and leaks to form. Make sure all air vents are unobstructed from furniture, drapes or other items to ensure sufficient circulation throughout your home.

If necessary, purchase a vent extender, which can be placed over a vent to redirect air flow from underneath furniture.

Learn more at www.energy.gov.

REC's office will be closed for the Christmas holiday on Friday, December 23 and Monday, December 26 for our employees to spend time with their families. REC will also be closed on Monday, January 2 for New Year's Day. If you need to report an outage or need assistance please call our outage number at 855-399-2683.

Local Co-op Connection Card Deals A-U-Store It, Purcell $5 off first month rent Backroads Boutique, Lindsay 5% off everything excluding special order and sale items Best Western, Chickasha 15% Off Regular Room Rate Blue Moose Outdoor Portable Rentals, Elmore City 5% 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, Lindsay 10% Off $50 or More Purchase of Pictures Lindsay Tire and Lube, Lindsay $5 Off Any Full Service Oil Change M & M Furniture, Chickasha 10% Off Any Purchase Mazzio’s Italian Eatery, Purcell 10% Off Purchase Photos by Ginger, Pauls Valley 1 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.

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