Co-op Comments
Tree giveaway set for February 8
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. 1254100
Rural Electric Cooperative’s annual tree giveaway for its members will be held Saturday, February 8 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 the former Don Javier's Restaurant and Cantina in Maysville, located at 314 6th Street and the parking area of Casey's in Elmore City, located at 22964 Highway 29.
The types of trees available are Loblolly Pines and Pin Oaks. Loblolly Pines are one of the most common pine trees. This North American native has dark green needles with narrow, redbrown pinecones about three to six inches long. These trees grow to be about 60’ to 90’ tall and have a spread of 25’ to 35’ wide once they reach maturity.
Pin Oaks have a distinctive branching pattern compared to other oaks. This oak is a 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.
Understand factors impacting your bills
During the cold days of winter, our home heating systems work harder and longer to keep us warm, which leads to higher energy bills.
There are a few key factors affecting electricity prices, as well as a few ways you can make a meaningful impact on home energy savings.
But you might be surprised to learn beyond your monthly energy consumption, there are external factors impacting the cost of electricity.
REC purchases electricity from our power generation partner, Western Farmers Electric Cooperative, at a wholesale cost, then we deliver the power to our local communities. The cost of generating and transmitting electricity from our generation partner accounts for a significant portion of the cost to provide electric service to local homes and businesses – and the cost of fuels used to generate electricity, such as natural gas and coal, fluctuate based on supply and demand.
To cover the costs associated with providing electricity to your home or business, REC members pay a monthly service
availability charge. This flat monthly fee ensures the cost of equipment, materials, labor and daily operations are covered for all members in REC’s service territory. To ensure the reliable service you expect and deserve, we must maintain the local grid, including power lines, substations and other essential equipment.
Federal energy policies and regulations can have a profound impact on electricity costs. As energy generation shifts to the use of more renewable sources and stricter regulations for traditional, always-available fuel sources, such as natural gas and coal plants, costly upgrades and technologies must be constructed and deployed. These additional costs are ultimately passed to consumers.
U.S. power consumption is expected to double by 2050. Across the country, electric cooperatives are working with members of Congress to advocate for smart energy policies to reliably power our local communities.
While many of these external factors impacting electricity costs are out of our control, we all have the power to manage our energy use at home. The most effective way to lower use is thermostat management. Since heating and cooling account for a major portion of home energy use, adjusting the thermostat to the lowest comfortable setting can help you save energy and money. Remember to service your heating and cooling system annually and replace dirty filters as needed. Be sure to seal air leaks around windows, doors and other areas where gaps are possible. This will help your heating and cooling system work less and improve the overall comfort of your home.
REC is your local energy partner, and we are here to help. As always, we will continue working diligently to provide you with reliable power at an affordable cost.
February 2025
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
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 2024 Operations Employee of the Year is T.J. Doan. Doan started in May of 2021 as a Line Worker. He started the Lineman Training Program in October of 2021 and moved to be an Apprentice Line Worker. He has completed the Lineman Training Program in February of 2024 and finishing the on-the-job training hours needed to complete his Journeyman Line Worker Certification.
Doan is a dedicated employee and wants to continue to develop the necessary skill set to excel. He is thorough in his record keeping and willing to do whatever is needed to accomplish any task. He graduated from Lindsay High School and still lives in Lindsay with his wife Ashley and their four children: Baylor, Hunter, Taylor and Aiden. He enjoys drag racing, hunting and fishing and spending time with his family.
"I am truly grateful to work for a company that values its hardworking and dedicated employees," says Doan. To some, it
Amy McLemore
may seem like a small gesture, but to me, it means a lot when an employer recognizes the efforts of its team. I am very appreciative to be selected. This recognition means more to me than words can express."
REC's 2024 Administration Employee of the Year is Amy McLemore. McLemore started in April of 2007. She started as a Customer Service Representative and was later moved to the Collections Department in August of 2012.
McLemore is always willing to assist within her department as well as the Cooperative with a smile on her face. She is dedicated to serving the members and helping find the best solution for them and the Cooperative.
She is from Sterling, Oklahoma but lives with her husband and daughter in the Bradley area. She enjoys staying busy on the farm with her family and coaching sporting events with her husband. As well as attending as many stock shows and ball games as she can to watch and support her family.
"Being named Employee of the Year was a complete surprise," admits McLemore. "I am beyond grateful to work at REC and for all the opportunities REC has allowed for me to grow and develop my skill sets, all while working with the best co-workers around."
T.J. Doan
REC hired Aiden Scruggs
Recently, REC hired Aiden Scruggs for the IT Help Desk position. He originally served as an intern for REC this past sum-
Aiden Scruggs
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.
Energy Efficiency Tip of the Month
If you have a home office, look for opportunities to save energy in your workspace. Use ENERGY STAR®-rated equipment, which consumes up to 50 percent less energy than standard models. Set equipment like printers and scanners to automatically switch to sleep or energy-saver mode when not in use. In addition to saving energy, the equipment will stay cooler, which will help extend its life. Another way to save energy in your home office is to use efficient lamps for task lighting. Replace any older bulbs with energy-saving LEDs.
Learn more at www.energy.gov
mer in the IT Department.
Scruggs graduated from Lindsay High School in 2024 and from Mid America Technology Center in 2024 with a certification in Cyber Security.
When Scruggs is not at work, he enjoys
playing the piano, fishing and traveling.
“I have enjoyed how nice everyone has been as they have welcomed me to REC,” says Scruggs. “I am excited about the opportunity to learn more about REC and the new experiences I will gain.”
Wrapping your home in energy savings
Ensuring your home is properly insulated can improve energy efficiency and make your home more comfortable. Insulation acts like a cozy coat reducing heat loss during the winter and adds a protective layer to reduce heat gain during the summer.
Many older homes have less insulation than newer homes, but even newer homes can benefit from additional insulation. By adding insulation and air sealing your home, it provides the biggest bang for your buck in energy savings and overall comfort.
The most common areas to insulate are attics, ceilings, crawlspaces or unconditioned basements, exterior and interior walls, floors, and ductwork located in unconditioned spaces.
It is important to understand how insula-
tion effectiveness is measured. Insulation is rated in R-value, which measures the material’s resistance to conductive heat flow. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating effectiveness. The R-value you will need depends on factors like climate, type of heating and cooling system and which area of the home you plan to insulate.
Insulation is offered in a wide range of materials from bulky fiberglass rolls to cellulose materials made from recycled paper products. If you are considering installing additional insulation, talk to an expert who can offer guidance on the right materials for your budget, climate and comfort needs.
Investing in proper insulation for your home not only enhances comfort but also reduces energy consumption.
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.