C o-op Co-op C omments Comments
The power of smart technologies in homes to increase your comfort
Smart home technologies are transforming how we live, making our homes more comfortable, convenient and energy efficient than ever before.
Smart home technologies are devices communicating with each other to automate everyday tasks and functions around the home, like heating and cooling, lighting and security. In addition to convenience, smart technologies enable consumers to manage and monitor their energy consumption through device scheduling and control. 237405
With just a tap on your phone or a voice command to your virtual assistant (like Alexa or Siri), you can conveniently control many aspects of your home environment. If you are new to the smart tech world, there are several cost-effective devices you can try as you explore ways to make your home smarter.
One of the best and most inexpensive places to start is with a smart bulb or plug. Smart LED bulbs allow you to control home lighting remotely through a smartphone app or voice commands. You can set schedules to automatically turn lights off or on, which can help you save energy and boost home security.
Smart plugs are another inexpensive way to give electronics and
small appliances the smart home treatment. Smart plugs allow you to set schedules and remotely control power to lamps, small appliances and electronics, minimizing standby energy consumption and maximizing convenience. For example, you can sync the timing of your bedside lamp, alarm, speakers and coffee maker to turn on at the same time each morning.
If Alexa or Siri is already part of your household, you can build on your existing “tech ecosystem” by adding a smart hub, like Amazon Echo or Apple HomePod. Voice assistants synced to smart devices like bulbs and plugs provide additional options for device management and allow family members to interact with the various devices through voice control rather than individual apps.
Home heating and cooling account for a significant portion of energy use, so one of the best investments you can make in smart tech is a smart thermostat. While traditional programmable thermostats can be set to your schedule and preferences, a smart thermostat takes this one step further by learning and adjusting to your routine and building a schedule around it.
Smart security systems are popular options for homeowners looking for advanced security solutions that incorporate cameras, sensors and cloud-based video recordings. As with other smart technologies, smart security systems provide convenient, flexible ways to monitor homes (and businesses), giving you peace of mind even when you are away.
If you are considering smart tech for your home, start by defining your goals. Is saving energy your top priority, or are you aiming to improve home security? Smart home technologies provide great convenience – but remember, they are internet-connected devices. Meaning you will need a stable Wi-Fi connection to ensure devices are working properly, and you will need strong passwords for your router and individual devices.
Whether you are looking to automate every aspect of your home or simply want to try a device or two, smart technologies have the power to transform your living space into a home where comfort and convenience reign supreme.
The restoration process from REC's perspective
Have you ever watched a video or TV show where a person is cooking a meal, then suddenly, they snap their fingers, and the meal is plated and ready to eat? That is called a jump cut.
While we wish we could “jump cut” from a power outage to power restoration, it can often take more effort and people to make it happen.
Here are 10 things you might not know about the restoration process:
1. We need you. When your power goes out, it might be just at your home or small section of a neighborhood. We rely on you to let us know if your power is out.
2. Our employees might be affected too. REC is a local electric cooperative owned by the members we serve, our employees are local too. When you are without power, our people might also be without power.
3. It is a team effort. Every one of REC's employees are working to get your power restored as soon as possible. When your power goes out, we all work together as quickly and safely as possible to get you back to normal.
4. We assess the situation first. Every outage is different, and we do not know how dangerous it is or what equipment might need to be replaced. When respond-
ing to outages, we first see what happened, then figure out what materials we need to fix the problem(s) without compromising electric flow for the rest of our members.
5. Restoration is normally prioritized by the largest number of members we can get back on in the shortest amount of time. Our crews focus on responding first to public safety issues and critical services. Then we complete work impacting the largest number of people first.
6. Our employees face many dangers. Besides working around high voltage electricity, our crews are on alert for wild animals, weather elements, falling trees and fast-moving cars. (If you ever drive past one of our vehicles, please do so slowly.)
7. Flickering lights are a good thing. Some mistake flickering lights for outages, but these “blinks” are important as they indicate our equipment worked and prevented a possible outage likely caused by wayward animals or stray tree limbs.
8. You need a backup plan. We do our best to help those who need it, but if you depend on electricity for life support purposes, you must have a back-up plan.
9. Our employees have to plan and eat. If you ever see our trucks in a restaurant parking lot while your power is out, know that sometimes our employees huddle in a safe, common area to map out their plan for getting your power back on.
10.Sometimes it is a waiting game. Our portion of the power grid is connected to other electric utilities, and we maintain positive relationships with power providers interconnected to our system. If our outage is due to an issue from their feed into our system, we must let them do their repairs.
We do our best to avoid power disruptions, but they are inevitable from time to time. If the lights go out, know we are working as quickly and safely as possible to restore power.
July 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.
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
Barbara Russell retires after 30 years
After 30 years of service, Barbara Russell has retired. Russell started at REC in September of 1993 as the Capital Credits Clerk. She then became a Cashier/Receptionist for five years, then
worked as a Billing Clerk/Collections before holding the position of Secretary for the Member Services and Marketing Department for 17 years. Her last position held at the Cooperative was Secretary to the CEO where she worked for six years.
“Thinking about my time here at REC has definitely gone by fast,” explained Russell. “I have great memories here and grateful for the opportunities REC provided for me and my family.”
Russell is looking forward to being able to spend more time with her family and friends and more than just a weekend at a time on her boat.
“It was exciting to think about upcoming travel plans and realize I didn’t have to get back for a certain time,” added Russell. “I have several trips planned, but spending time with my family and friends is what I am looking forward to the most.”
Russell helped in many areas of the Cooperative, not just in the positions she held. She was quick to volunteer and help during outages, served as an Energy Camp counselor for many years, went as a Youth Tour Chaperone and a Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp Chaperone.
“I am definitely going to miss my co-op family the most, but thankful for the memories and laughs we have all shared along the way,” concluded Russell.
Barbara Russell recently retires from REC after over 30 years of service. A celebration to commemorate her tenure at REC was enjoyed by her, many in her family and close friends from the community.
Classified Advertisement
MISCELLANEOUS
FOR SALE: Solid wood desk with 3 large drawers in excellent condition, $90. PH: 405-351-0878.
FOR SALE: John Deere la145 riding lawn mower with an 48 inch deck and a Briggs and Stratton 22 horse power engine, $500 or best offer. PH: 405-428-0313.
FOR SALE: Angus/Beefmaster cross custom slaughter steers, all natural, no hormones, no anti-biotics, humanely raised, taking orders for December 2024 processing, available in quarter, half, or whole orders, for more information contact Linda. PH: 405-444-0403 or 405-444-0472.
FOR SALE: Frigidaire side by side refrigerator, black, 1 year old, $600. PH: 580-559-1264.
FOR SALE: 35 foot DJ gooseneck trailer, $8,000. PH: 580-559-1264.
REC recently hires Erin Garvin as a new Customer Service Representative
Recently, REC has hired Erin Garvin as a Customer Service Representative. Garvin
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.
Energy Efficiency
Tip of the Month
Electricity used to operate major appliances accounts for a significant portion of your home energy use.
Here is an easy way to lighten the load on your clothes dryer. Before you dry a load of damp clothing, toss in a clean, dry towel. The towel will absorb excess water, shortening the drying time. If your dryer does not include an autosense feature to determine drying time, remember to reduce the timer to about half of what you normally would. Remove the towel about 15 minutes after the cycle begins. Shorter drying times will extend the life of your dryer and save energy.
is married to her husband Buck and lives in the Foster area. They have four children: Kyler, 27, who lives in eastern Oklahoma; Lauren, 20, who lives in Chickasha; Noah, 27, who lives in Enid and Genesis, 26, who also lives in Enid.
Garvin is originally from Alex, Oklahoma and most of her family continue to live there today, while her husband’s family live around the Elmore City area. Before working at REC, Garvin worked in the banking industry.
“I still have a lot to learn, but I love it here,” explains Garvin.
In her spare time Garvin enjoys being outside with her family while enjoying pool time and cooking out as a family.
"I am looking forward to learning more about REC and getting to know more of the members," adds Garvin. "I am excited for this opportunity and enjoying getting to know my new fellow employees better."
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
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. Does REC have your most up-to-date account information?
Learn more at www.homesandgardens.com.
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 -
Erin Garvin