Co-op Comments
How to determine if a ductless mini-split system is right for you
How would you like a personalized comfort zone within your home? One where the temperature is customized to your liking and may be different than the temperature in the shared living areas or other rooms in the house. This flexibility and customization are precisely why mini-split systems, also known as ductless air-source heat pumps, and their energy efficiency aspects are so popular.
A mini-split system is a type of HVAC equipment used for heating and cooling, allowing you to control the temperature in individual rooms or spaces. Similar to central heating and cooling, mini-split systems have two main components – an outdoor compressor and an indoor air-handling unit(s). A narrow conduit links the indoor unit(s) to the outdoor compressor.
While central heating and cooling systems feature an indoor unit connected by long lengths of ductwork, mini-splits are typically ductless. This means energy is not lost traveling through long stretches of ductwork. Installing the air-handling unit in a desired room or area enables you to control the temperature more precisely, reducing energy consumption. Since you are adjusting the temperature to a single room or space rather than the whole home.
Is a mini-split system right for you?
Mini-split systems are a popular option in home additions, or to supplement heating and cooling in a space furthest away from the main living area, such as a finished attic or basement. In these instances, it may not be feasible to install or extend the ductwork required in traditional central cooling and heating systems. In contrast, mini-splits are relatively easy to install requiring a small hole for the conduit connecting the indoor and outdoor units. Most systems can handle up to four indoor rooms or zones connected to one outdoor unit. Each of the zones can be customized because each includes a thermostat enabling you to heat or cool the space as needed, saving energy and money over time.
Cool solutions
Mini-split systems bring additional benefits. They are quiet, improve indoor air quality and are typically easy to install. Many come with remotes to make temperature control even easier, and because of their smaller size, mini-split systems have many placement options for indoor and outdoor units.
One of the greatest benefits of mini-splits is they typically have a higher SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) rating than traditional central heating and cooling systems. The higher the unit's SEER rating, the more energy efficient it is. 921002
Additional considerations
However, according to the Department of Energy, “mini-splits cost about $1,500 to $2,000 per ton of cooling capacity. About 30 percent more than central systems (not including ductwork) and may cost twice as much as window units of similar capacity.
While the technology is improving and evolving, those in particularly colder climates may need a fuel backup to run a mini-split system. Aesthetics are another factor to consider, as some homeowners do not like the appearance of the indoor units, which are more visible than central air conditioning vents.
If you are considering an upgrade or additional heating and cooling equipment, talk to a qualified technician first.
Giving back is the Cooperative way
The holiday season brings a spirit of generosity and compassion. It is a time to reflect on our many blessings and uplift those in need. While this is certainly a special time of year, cooperatives like Rural Electric are deeply rooted in giving back to their local communities year-round.
Our mission is reliable power. Our purpose is people – the members we are proud to serve. You help us power our purpose, to make a positive, meaningful impact for our communities. REC’s Operation Roundup program is made possible through members’ participation in “rounding up” electric bills to the next dollar amount. Your generous contributions help less fortunate families in our community and support local charitable organizations and community services.
Another way REC gives back is by investing in tomorrow’s leaders. Through,
scholarship opportunities, the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour, Energy Camp and our Youth Leadership Summit, we aim to empower students for a brighter future. When we invest in our local youth, we strengthen the fabric of our communities.
As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, we believe in giving credit where credit is due – to the members who shape our Coop. One of the ways we do this is through capital credits. Since REC operates at cost, we give cash back to our members rather than outside investors or shareholders. Here is how capital credits work: REC members use the electricity we provide and pay their monthly bills, and we track their business with the Co-op over time. REC pays all operating expenses throughout the year, and if any operating revenue is leftover, we allocate it as capital credits. When financial conditions permit, the Co-op’s Board of Trustees vote to pay capital credits back to the members. Once the decision is made to allocate capital credits to members, REC will apply this credit to your energy bill for the specific years they are giving back to our members.
Capital credits are just one of the many benefits of co-op membership. Giving back to our local members instead of outside parties is one of the many aspects setting cooperatives apart from other types of businesses and organizations.
Our members guide every decision we make and are the reason our Co-op exists. To us, you are more than a customer – you are a member-owner. This holiday season, we hope you are proud to be part of a community-focused co-op putting people before profits.
From your friends at Rural Electric Cooperative, we hope you have a bright, blessed holiday season.
December 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
Groundbreaking for the new units at the Anadarko plant
Western Farmers Electric Cooperative's Board of Trustees and distribution cooperative staff were on hand for the recent groundbreaking ceremony, hosted at the future site of two new GE Vernova aeroderivative LM6000VELOX generators. These new units will expand the Anadarko Plant to 650 megawatts (MW) of output.
The new turbines are named Roulet 12 and 13, in honor of Gary Roulet, the current CEO of WFEC who will soon celebrate 50 years with the generation and transmission cooperative. WFEC’s Board of Trustees felt the naming of the units was appropriate since Roulet has been instrumental in this project and it is under his leadership the project was discussed, planned and now will soon be underway.
Steam units have served WFEC’s Anadarko Plant for more than 60 years will be replaced with innovative technology identical to other units already existing at this location. Planning for this project has been underway for several years, with evaluation of technologies, engineers and construction companies.
These aeroderivative units, derived from jet-engine technology have the ability to start quickly and ramp up/down quickly. This capability is important to follow variable renewable generation assets like wind turbines and solar farms slightly less predictable by their very nature. Conversely, the LM6000s rely on clean burning natural gas to power them and will be a great complement to WFEC’s robust portfolio of almost 1,000 MW of renewable projects already in service or scheduled to be in service by the end of the decade.
Donnie Bidegain, President of the WFEC Board of Trustees, noted the Board started talking about adding capacity during a strategic retreat in March of 2023, which was followed by collaborative efforts among personnel who were all dedicated
to this task.
Roulet explained this project is good for Anadarko – the Anadarko Plant – and for WFEC’s cooperative members for many years to come. “Our Board had the longterm foresight of building new capacity, plus a great vision for the future by ensuring adequate capacity, and high reliability for rural members, at a time when it is needed,” Roulet noted.
“Adding two more combustion turbines identical to the existing five units at the Anadarko Plant, will increase reliability, lower maintenance costs, and help keep electric rates as low as possible for our distribution members,” he said.
“Retiring units 1, 2 and 3 were obsolete units only running sparingly, and inefficient. The retiring units using existing transmission for units 12 and 13 are new, efficient and state of the art, providing
benefits to cooperative retail members as soon as they are commercial,” Roulet pointed out.
“The cooperative model ‘owned by those we serve’ sends a clear message to keep electricity reliable and affordable,” he noted.
“I appreciate the Board of Trustees’ commitment to the future generation needs of our member-owner distribution cooperatives,” said Justin Soderberg, WFEC’s Vice President of Generation.
WFEC has been working with Sargent and Lundy as the engineer for the addition of Roulet Units 12 and 13. Sargent and Lundy have worked hand in hand with WFEC staff on selecting the appropriate technology for these new units and developing a turbine specification.
Construction of the new units will start in late 2024 and finish in late 2026.
WFEC’s Board of Trustees took part in a groundbreaking ceremony in recognition of two combustion turbine units to be constructed . Board members include (from left) Mike Lebeda, Ronnie Tharp, Ken Autry, Eric Segovia, Clint Pack, Tyson Littau, Chris Mackey, Jean Pence, Brian DeMarcus, Gary Jones, Jeff Willingham, WFEC CEO Gary Roulet, Donnie Bidegain, John Graham, King Martin, Gary Highley (manager & alternate trustee), Gene Peters, Jim Hall, David Ray, Gary Olsen (alternate trustee), Don Ellis, Chuck Wagner and Heath Sirmons (Altus Air Force Base).
Classified Advertisement
MISCELLANEOUS
FOR SALE: Last year's hay $50 per bale, this year's hay $70 per bale, sprayed and fertilized. PH: 580-264-0107.
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.
Look for your applied to your bill
Capital Credits
If you were a member in 1993 and 1994, your Capital Credits will be applied to your bill.
Energy Efficiency Tip of the Month
If you are planning to purchase electronic gifts this holiday season, look for the ENERGY STAR® label, which indicates higher energy efficiency performance. Electronics receiving the ENERGY STAR® rating are up to 25 percent more efficient than standard products. This holiday season, give the gift of energy savings with ENERGY STAR®-rated electronics and equipment.
Learn more at www.energystar.gov
FOR SALE: Freshly butchered calves, humanely raised and inspected by the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture. PH: 580-264-0107.
PETS & LIVESTOCK
FOR FREE: German Shepherd puppy born on August 7, vaccinated and ready to go. PH: 405-388-7453.
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.