A newsletter for members of Rural Electric Cooperative
February 2024
Co-op Comments Tree giveaway set for February 10 Rural Electric Cooperative has over 3,000 miles of electric distribution lines and clearing trees is an on-going project. One of the ways REC can provide reliable, affordable electric power is through its right-of-way clearing program which includes pruning, removals and chemical control. In addition to removing trees, REC crews also prune new growth during their daily routines. REC’s tree giveaway program helps replace trees the Cooperative must remove from under its power lines. These trees are provided to the members as a way for the Cooperative to help replace one of our natural resources. Rural Electric Cooperative’s annual tree giveaway for its members will be held Saturday, February 10 beginning at 8 a.m. Employees of REC will be in Lindsay, Elmore City, Maysville and Rush Springs to give members trees during the Cooperative’s Operation Tree Planting/Replacement Program. Each member will each receive up to ten trees. Employees of the Cooperative will be at the Walmart parking lot in Lindsay, located at the junction of Highways 19 and 76; in front of the Town of Rush Springs City Hall/Police Department in Rush Springs, located at 301 W. Blakely Street; the parking lot of Don Javier's Restaurant and Cantina in Maysville, located at 314 6th Street and the parking area of Speedy G’s in Elmore City, located at 22964 Highway 29.
The types of trees available are Shortleaf Pine and Shumard and Pin Oak. 1196300 Shortleaf Pines are one of the most widely distributed southern yellow pine trees. It is a large tree with a broad, open crown. The needles are in bunches of three and are three to five inches long. Shortleaf pines grow on average to be 50 to 100 feet tall and are the hardiest and most adaptable of the southern pines. Shumard Oak is a pyramidal tree which grows to 50 to 90 feet tall. This oak variety will become more open at maturity. The leaves are up to seven inches long with two to four pairs of pointed lobes. During the fall the leaves will change to a scarlet color. Shumard Oaks are a relatively fast, growing tree and are drought resistant. Shumard Oaks are great shade trees and will produce acorns. Pin Oaks have a distinctive branching pattern compared to other oaks. This oak is another fast-growing tree and offers dense shade and is tolerant to many soil conditions. Pin Oaks will produce acorns and grow to be 60 to 70 feet tall. The Cooperative requests members not to plant trees any closer than 30 feet of the electric power lines. This will allow the trees to mature without requiring trimming or removal in the future. Members should contact our office at 405-756-3104 ext. 238 for additional information.
CEO’s MESSAGE
A good kind of audit
Colder weather typically results in higher energy bills, and with winter in full swing, we would like to remind you about a free co-op service which can help you boost efficiency and save money. As your trusted energy partner, we believe savings and efficiency are within reach for everyone, and we want to help you get there. Which is why Rural Electric offers free home energy audits. An energy audit provides a holistic view of your home’s efficiency. Understanding how your home uses energy can help determine the best ways to adjust energy consumption, improve problem areas and ultimately keep more money in your wallet. An energy audit can also identify potential safety issues surrounding electrical wiring and HVAC systems, making your home safer. You could say this is a good kind of audit. So how does it work? First, request the energy audit by calling our office. The 2 Co-op Comments
audit is conducted at your home by one of our trained energy advisors. Our energy advisor conducts a walkthrough of your home, examining energy use and identifying potential problem areas. The advisor will look at specific elements of your home impacting energy use such as doors, windows and insulation levels. The advisor will also examine major appliances including your heating and cooling system and conduct a room-by-room assessment. During the assessment, the advisor will ask questions about your energy use habits and review past energy bills. The advisor will provide you with a report showing when your electricity is being used and what could potentially be the reason for the high usage. By looking over the information and following the recommendations given regarding your energy consumption can help improve your efficiency and save money. Also, our energy advisor will help our members download the SmartHub app, allowing for an easy way to monitor energy usage. SmartHub is a tool our members can use to see their usage data in 15 minute intervals, which is helpful when trying to pinpoint when you are using your energy the most. Once you are aware of your usage patterns you are able to start making changes to help you save the most. SmartHub can be used anytime during the month to check and see the status of your usage. One of the greatest values of an energy audit is helping you understand how you use electricity and more importantly, identifying ways to use it more efficiently. Free energy audits are just one of the many perks of your co-op membership, so we hope you’ll take advantage of this valuable service. If you are looking for more ways to save, check out our additional efficiency offerings such as our rebate program. These rebates are designed with Rural Electric members in mind, putting the power to save in your hands.
February 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 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
CO-OP NEWS
REC recognizes two employees for Employee of the Year Every year REC recognizes employees who exceed in their defined job description, achieve outstanding results in certain areas and demonstrate loyalty to the Cooperative. Since 1994, REC has honored these employees as Employees of the Year. Beginning in 2010, REC started recognizing two employees – one from Operations and one from Administration. The 2023 Operations Employee of the Year is Chris Mills. Mills started in October of 2017 as a Line Worker. He completed his Journeyman certificate in December of 2021 and was later promoted to District Serviceman in July 2022. Mills is a dedicated employee and normally one of the first to arrive at work every morning. He is quick to volunteer and always willing to assist where he is needed. He enjoys spending time outdoors and being with his family. Mills graduated from Lindsay High School and he and his wife Lacee live around the Bradley area. "It is an honor to be recognized as Employee of the Year," says Mills. It makes me happy the work I am performing is not going unnoticed. At the same time, I am saddened someone else did not
Tammy Drennan receive the award, as there are others who deserve it as well. I am truly blessed to work with a great group of coworkers who help make me better everyday." REC's 2023 Administration Employee of the Year is Tammy Drennan. Drennan started in November of 2008. She started as a Customer Service Representative and was later moved to the Accounting Department as an Accounts Payable Clerk in 2018. Drennan is a tremendous asset to all our employees and members. She is dedicated, dependable and loyal. She accepts tasks with an optimistic attitude and is willing to assist where she can. She is from Ryan, Oklahoma but lives with her husband Bart in Lindsay. She enjoys making memories with her family and friends, while spending time with her grandsons. "This was a complete shock," admits Drennan. "I am blessed to work at REC and by all the opportunities REC has afforded me. I am truly touched to be recognized and even more grateful to work with some of the best co-workers around." Chris Mills Co-op Comments 3
Classified Advertisement AUTOMOTIVE FOR SALE: 1994 Izuzu pickup as is, not running, $700. PH: 580-432-5239.
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.
MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE: Canon shield series gun safe, $650. PH: 405-639-9361.
FOR SALE: Sealy firm queen mattress, very clean, looks new, seldom used, $30 OBO, in Pauls Valley. PH 405-926-0168.
Saving tips to help conserve your energy usage during the peak of winter weather
Does REC have your most up-to-date account information? Call our office at 405-756-3104 and make sure we have your current phone numbers and email address so we can communicate what is happening around REC.
Co-op Connections Use your Co-op Connections Card to save you money on lodging, photographs, oil changes and other items. You can also save on prescriptions, dental, vision, hearing, lab work and imaging and chiropractor services at participating locations. Your card is a discount card. If you have misplaced your card, contact REC for a replacement card and use it to save yourself some money.
Energy Efficiency Tip of the Month Area rugs are an easy, cost-effective solution to cold floors. Adding area rugs to hard-surface flooring can add warmth to any room and keep your feet cozy on cold winter days. Choose rugs made from wool or other natural fibers and plush or highpile textures for the most insulation. Place rugs in areas where you need additional warmth, like the foot of a bed or under a coffee table. Area rugs can enhance the aesthetic of your home and keep you cozier.
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 Portable and Septic Services, LLC, 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.
Learn more at www.energy.gov.
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