Co-op Comments
The future of reliable electricity
As our country’s economy continues to grow, so too does the demand for reliable electricity. Data centers, new manufacturing facilities and our daily lives are requiring more and more electricity. In fact, U.S. power consumption is expected to rise to record highs this year and next, and the demand for electricity in the U.S.
is expected to at least double by 2050. Meanwhile, our supply of electricity is already decreasing as always-available power plants are being prematurely shut down. The North American Electric Reliability Corporation has warned 19 states could see rolling blackouts during times of high electrical usage over the next five
years. We all know what happens when supply can not meet demand – prices go up, and the lights go off
As we prepare for this rising demand, REC is planning ahead to ensure local families and businesses have access to an affordable, reliable supply of electricity. Meeting the challenge
To meet these challenges, REC is utilizing a balanced mix of always-available energy sources as a safeguard to maintain a reliable energy supply. We are also investing in innovative technologies to bolster grid resilience and enhance data management to improve operational efficiency, expedite outage response times and minimize service disruptions.
As electricity demand in the U.S. continues to rise, upgrading and building new infrastructure will be critical. This is why REC with the help of Western Farmers Electric Cooperative pool resources and expertise on projects with advance technology, security, infrastructure and innovative energy sources to meet the increasing needs of our communities.
This collaborative approach is a core strength of REC and enables us to deliver affordable energy to local families and businesses. Our priority is ensuring energy solutions tailored to the unique needs of our community to help it thrive now and in the future.
REC was built by the community it serves, providing essential services to drive growth and pave the way for an energy future prioritizing reliable electricity at a cost local families and businesses can afford.
Balancing electricity supply and demand
Electricity is essential for nearly every aspect of daily life – so essential we rarely think about how it is produced and delivered to our homes.
We are all connected to the electric grid, so ensuring the right amount of electricity for all involves a complex process of forecasting energy demand, planning for capacity and securing enough supply to meet Americans’ needs.
First, electricity must be generated at a power plant using either traditional sources, such as coal, natural gas or nuclear energy, or from renewable sources, such as solar, wind or hydropower.
At REC, we work closely with Western Farmers Electric Cooperative to secure enough electricity for our communities, using a diverse mix of energy sources to generate the power we deliver to your home or business. By maintaining a diverse energy mix of coal, natural gas, wind, hydropower and solar REC has options to ensure reliable power at a competitive cost.
On a larger scale, across the country, electricity supply and demand are managed through a market which includes long-term planning agreements, where electricity is bought and sold just like other common goods and services.
Electricity supply changes throughout the day because demand fluctuates based on consumers’ needs. REC knows we need to ensure more electricity in the mornings when you are starting your day, and in the evenings when you are cooking dinner, running appliances and watching TV. Demand also increases when weather patterns change, such as extremely warm or cold temperatures.
Across the country, other electric utilities are managing the same task of balancing supply and demand, which is why we have a larger network of key players in place to ensure enough power is delivered across the grid.
In most cases, the amount of electricity generated and how much is sent to specific areas are coordinated and monitored by regional transmission organizations (RTOs) and independent system operators (ISOs). In other areas, individual electric utilities perform these tasks.
RTOs, ISOs and electric utilities act as air traffic controllers for the electric grid. Forecasting when you, your neighbors and communities across a large region will need more power. These organizations take measured steps to ensure there is enough supply to meet demand.
Electricity use in the U.S. is expected to rise to record highs this year and next, with the demand for electricity expected to at least double by 2050. At the same time, energy policies are pushing the early retirement of always-available generation sources, which will undoubtedly compromise reliable electricity.
Managing the balancing act of electricity supply and demand is a complex job, which is why we have a network of utilities, power plant operators and energy traffic managers in place to direct the electricity we need and keep the electric grid balanced.
January 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
Board Member Johnny Harrell earns Director Gold Credential
Recently, REC’s Board of Trustees member, Johnny Harrel received a certificate for completing his Director Gold Credential.
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 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, Harrel 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
Employees complete certificate programs
Recently, two employees, Colton Adams and Lance Wren completed certificate programs for Journeyman Line Worker and UTS Power Line Design and Staking. Adams completed the requirements to become a Journeyman Line Worker. He had to complete four sections with 10 units per section along with 6,240 hours of on-the-job training with Northwestern Lineman College. Wren had to complete four courses in distribution line design and staking to receive this certification in Distribution Line Design and Staking. Pictured from left to right is Gary Jones, Board of Trustees, President; Jon Jones, Manager of Engineering; Colton Adams, Journeyman Line Worker; Lance Wren, Stalking Engineer and Dusty Ricks, CEO.
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." 80600
For Harrel 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.
“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.
Johnny Harrel
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.
FOR SALE: Freshly butchered calves, humanely raised and inspected by the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture. PH: 580-264-0107.
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.
Energy Efficiency Tip of the Month
Taking steps to help your home heating system run more efficiently can reduce energy use and lower your winter bills. Check to see if any air vents around your home are blocked by furniture, curtains or other items. Obstructed vents force your heating system to work harder than necessary and can increase pressure in the ductwork, causing cracks and leaks to form. If necessary, consider purchasing a vent extender, which can be placed over a vent to redirect air flow from underneath furniture or other obstructions.
Learn more at www.energy.gov
PETS & LIVESTOCK
FOR SALE: Nigerian dwarf goat, 2 1/2
years old, $2,000 or trade for another 2 1/2 year old or younger. PH: 405-756-5442.
Use portable electric generators safely
Portable electric generators offer many benefits when an electrical outage occurs. However, if not used properly, generators could be deadly.
Follow these tips to prevent misuse:
• Be sure to follow manufacturers’ directions for installation and operation.
• To prevent electric shock, make sure your generator is properly grounded. The operation manual should provide correct grounding procedures.
• Operate electric generators or other fuel-powered machines outside where deadly carbon monoxide fumes cannot enter the home.
• Use the generator only in a wellventilated and dry area located away from air intakes to the house. Do not use a generator in an attached garage.
• Do not overload the generator by operating more appliances and equipment than the generator can handle. The operating instructions should have an output rating.
• Individual appliances should be plugged directly into the receptacle outlet of the generator using appropriately sized extension cords to carry the electric load. Make sure the cords are rated for outdoor use, have a grounded, three-pronged plug, and are in good condition.
• Do not run extension cords under rugs.
• Never connect generators directly to your home’s wiring. The reverse flow of electricity can electrocute an unsuspecting utility worker.
• Never plug a generator into a household outlet.
• Do not refuel a generator while it is running.
• Only store fuel outside of living areas and away from heat sources like water heater pilot lights.
• Turn off all equipment powered by the generator before shutting it down.
• Keep children and pets away.
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.