A newsletter for members of Rural Electric Cooperative
January 2024
Co-op Comments Board of Trustee members receive DGC and CCD certificates Recently, REC’s Board of Trustees members Brent Bacon and Sonny Harrison received certificates for completing coursework to expand their knowledge base. Bacon was recognized for completing his Director Gold Credential certificate and Sonny Harrison is now a Credentialed Cooperative Director. The Director Gold program was created to recognize directors committed to continuing their education beyond the Credentialed Cooperative Director Certificate and the Board Leadership Certificate and
Gary Jones, Board of Trustee's President, presents Board of Trustee member, Sonny Harrison with his Credentialed Cooperative Director certificate.
who demonstrates their on-going commitment to advancing their knowledge. All the director certificate programs are specifically designed to help electric cooperative directors, at every stage of their service, understand their roles and responsibilities. These programs help the directors stay-up-to-date on key issues and trends in the electric industry and prepare them to meet the challenges facing electric cooperatives today and in the future. To earn this certificate, Bacon had to complete both the Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD) and the Board Leadership Certificate (BLD)and three additional credits from the BLC series of courses. "The Director Gold Credential certificate is geared towards directors who are committed to continuing their education beyond CCD and BLC and who desire a tangible credential reinforcing their stature as part of an experienced and educated group of directors," said Dusty Ricks, CEO. "Director Gold also demonstrates to co-op members those directors' ongoing commitment to advancing their knowledge and performing their fiduciary duty to the best of their ability." For Bacon to maintain his Director Gold certificate he will continue education requirements including earning three credits of approved course work and/or attend conferences every two years. For Harrison to receive this certificate
Gary Jones, Board of Trustee's President, presents Board of Trustee member, Brent Bacon with his Director Gold certificate at a recent board meeting. he was required to attend and demonstrate understanding of the basic competencies contained in five core courses: Director Duties and Liabilities, Understanding the Electric Business, Board Operations and Process, Strategic Planning and Financial Decision Making. “I am encouraged by our Board's desire to continue to learn and seek additional education about the electric industry which only makes our Cooperative better,” concludes Ricks.
CEO’s MESSAGE
Co-op values January 2024 translating to benefits Co-op Comments
Rural Electric Cooperative’s core job is keeping the lights on, but our passion is serving our members. We are a co-op, our purpose is to enrich the lives of our members and serve the long-term interests of our community. This service focus is at the heart of who we are. Values-focused approach We were built and led by the members we serve. Whether tested by severe weather events or a pandemic, our co-op puts people first not just during tough times but all the time. Over the years, our charitable efforts, staff volunteer service hours and other locally-focused projects have supported local schools and young people, supported local food banks, assisted families in need to keep the lights on and much, much more. . 2 Co-op Comments
Powering the local economy We partnered with the local chambers of commerce and businesses in our service territory to help meet the evolving needs of the communities we serve and assist them to thrive. The money we spend stays right here, in our local service area, and benefits our local economy. We have invested in the infrastructure of our Co-op and community in order to ensure the long-term viability of both. When the Co-op thrives, our community thrives. Sustainable Future We have many energy efficiency programs and rebates available for our members to access and save money on energy bills such as rebates on HVAC equipment and programable thermostats. Technology such as the SmartHub app offers more options to track energy use and help manage the costs under your control. To learn more about available rebates or SmartHub, visit our website, www.recok.coop. The energy industry is rapidly changing. In our region, the increased availability of renewables at the point of generation allows us to take advantage of more options for our energy mix. Building a sustainable future is a priority. But more importantly, while use of renewables is increasing, we will need to incorporate other forms of energy in the mix to ensure service reliability. After all, solar and wind are referred to as “intermittent” power because the sun does not always shine, and the wind does not always blow. As a local business, we are proud of our role in helping bring good things to our communities. While the larger environment in which we operate is constantly changing, one thing remains constant. Working together with you, the members we serve, we will continue to be a catalyst for good.
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
Guide to the electric grid Electricity plays an essential role in everyday life. It powers our homes, offices, hospitals and schools. We depend on it to keep us warm in the winter (and cool in the summer), charge our phones and binge our favorite TV shows. If the power goes out, even briefly, our lives can be disrupted. The system delivering your electricity is often described as the most complex machine in the world, and it is known as the electric grid. What makes it so complex? We all use different amounts of electricity throughout the day, so the supply and demand for electricity is constantly changing. For example, we typically use more electricity in the mornings when we are starting our day, and in the evenings when we are cooking dinner and using appliances. Severe weather and other factors also impact how much electricity we need. The challenge for electric providers is to plan for, produce and purchase enough electricity so it is available exactly when we need it. Too much or too little electricity in one place can cause problems. So, to make sure the whole system stays balanced, the electric grid must adjust in real time to changes and unforeseen events. At its core, the electric grid is a network of power lines, transformers, substations and other infrastructure spaning the entire country. But it is not just a singular system. It is divided into three major interconnected grids: the Eastern Interconnection, the Western Interconnection and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas. These grids operate independently but are linked to allow electricity to be transferred between regions when backup support is required. Within the three regions, seven balancing authorities known as independent system operators (ISOs) or regional transmission organizations (RTOs) monitor the grid, signaling to power plants when more electricity is needed to maintain a balanced electrical flow. ISOs and RTOs are like traffic controllers for electricity.
The journey of electricity begins at power plants. Power plants can be thought of as factories making electricity using various energy sources, like natural gas, solar, wind and nuclear energy. Across the U.S., more than 11,000 power plants deliver electricity to the grid. 121900 REC receives power from our generation and transmission (G&T) co-op, WFEC. We work closely with WFEC to provide electricity at the lowest cost possible. Being part of a G&T benefits members like you by placing ownership and control in the hands of your co-op, prioritizing affordability and reliability, supporting local economic development and fostering a sense of community. To get the electricity from power plants to you, we need a transportation system. High-voltage transmission lines act as the highways for electricity, transporting power over long distances. These lines are supported by massive towers and travel through vast landscapes, connecting power plants to electric substations.
Substations are like pit stops along the highway, where the voltage of electricity is adjusted. They play a crucial role in managing power flow and ensuring electricity is safe for use in homes and businesses. Once the electricity is reduced to the proper voltage, it travels through distribution power lines, like the ones you typically see on the side of the road. Distribution lines carry electricity from substations to homes, schools and businesses. Distribution transformers, which look like metal buckets on the tops of power poles or large green boxes on the ground, further reduce the voltage to levels suitable for household appliances and electronic devices. After traveling through transformers, electricity reaches you, powering your everyday life. We are proud to be your local, trusted energy provider. From the time it is created to the time it is used, electricity travels great distances to be available at the flip of a switch. Making the electric grid our nation’s most complex machine – and one of our nation’s greatest achievements.
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Classified Advertisement REAL ESTATE FOR SALE: five acres with mineral rights,
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.
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.
SEC 17-4N-7W, call Steve with questions,
$4,000 an acre. PH: 580-861-2121.
Leave your heat on during winter travel If you are traveling during the cold, winter months, leave the heat on at home. The same goes if you have a vacant vacation home, even for a day during the winter. A house without heat can cause a burst pipe which could be a big flood waiting to happen. You might be trying to save money and conserve energy, but you could be setting yourself up for the wet mess caused by a burst plumbing pipe or sprinkler system. When the water inside your pipes freezes, it puts pressure on its container –
including metal and plastic pipes. When that happens, the pipes can leak or explode causing a flood and plenty of property damage to your home. To keep your pipes from freezing, do not expose them to freezing temperatures. Keep the thermostat at 55 degrees or higher in all areas of your home and vacation home. In parts of your house without heat, like exterior walls and attics, add insulation around pipes to keep them warm all winter long.
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 During winter months, ensure your home is well sealed and properly insulated to reduce the need for excessive heating. Seal air leaks around your home and add insulation where needed to save up to 10 percent on annual energy bills. Install weather stripping on exterior doors and apply caulk around windows. Check attic insulation levels and hire a qualified contractor if additional insulation is needed. Learn more at www.energy.gov.
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.
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