A newsletter for members of Rural Electric Cooperative
March 2022
Co-op Comments The basics of surge protection A power surge is an unexpected increase in voltage, and it can occur from a variety of sources. Regardless of the cause, power surges can majorly damage electronic devices and equipment in your home. Let us take a look at common causes of power surges and how you can protect your sensitive electronics. One of the most common causes of a power surge is lightning. Most of us have experienced this during a severe thunderstorm. When lightning strikes an electrical system, the excess current must be channeled somewhere – unfortunately in many cases, it is sent through a home. Your best bet is to unplug all unused devices and electronics during severe thunderstorms. Another common cause of power surges is electrical overload. This happens when devices or appliances are plugged into an outlet that can not handle the required amount of voltage, or if multiple devices are plugged into one outlet through an extension cord. If you are experiencing power surges due to electrical overload, it is time to call a qualified electrician to evaluate your home’s circuits and electrical needs. Faulty wiring in a home can also cause power surges. Damaged or exposed wires can cause spikes in voltage, creating a potentially dangerous situation. If you notice signs of faulty wiring, like visible burns on outlets, buzzing sounds from outlets or frequently tripped circuit breakers, your home may be due for electrical wiring repairs and updates. Surges can also occur after a power outage. Sometimes, when electricity is being restored and reconnected, it is common to experience a quick surge in current. Similar to advice for a surge caused by lightning, it is best to unplug sensitive electronics during the outage – then wait to plug them back in after power is fully restored. Aside from unplugging devices when you suspect a power surge, there are two ways you can take additional precautions to protect electronics in your home. Point-of-use surge protection devices, like power strips, can protect electronics during most surges. But remember, not all power strips include surge protection, so read the packaging label
carefully before you buy, and do not overload the power strip with too many devices. You can also install specialized electrical outlets offering additional surge protection. Talk to a trusted electrician to learn more. Another option is a whole-home surge protector, which can help protect your home from larger, more powerful surges. In most cases, whole-home suppressors are connected to your home’s service panel and include features like thermal fuses and notification capabilities indicating when a device has been impacted by a surge. Whole-home surge protection prices vary based on the size of the home and suppressor. Whole-home suppressors should always be connected by a licensed electrician, so consider the cost of installation as well. Occasional power surges are inevitable, but by unplugging devices when you think a surge may occur and using additional levels of protection like power strips or whole-home suppressors, you can better safeguard your sensitive electronics and devices. Contact us if you have questions about ways to protect your home from power surges.
CEO’s MESSAGE
Are you ready to serve?
In one of the most notable inaugural speeches given, John F. Kennedy spoke his famous words, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” His inspiring words urged Americans to take action to benefit the greater good. In essence, Kennedy was saying our country thrives when we all contribute our talents to the common good. On a smaller scale, I think the same can be said about our Co-op. REC’s Board of Trustees members are community-minded individuals with a variety of skill sets. Our Board members live in our service area, and we consider them the eyes and ears of the community because they provide their perspective on important community issues. We recognize it takes many people with different skills to create a well-rounded board who can represent the full spectrum of our community. We know not all of our members have the time or energy to fully devote being a Board of Trustees member, which is understandable, however we still need members to serve on our three main committees throughout the year. The Planning Committee helps REC staff members plan for REC’s Annual Meet2 Co-op Comments
ing. One family from each of REC’s three districts serve on this committee and share their input on registration gifts, entertainment and giveaways for the meeting. The Nominating Committee is made up of nine members, three from each district, residing in the district they represent. This committee meets not more than 120 days nor less than 90 days prior to the Annual Meeting. The responsibility of this committee is to nominate at least one candidate from each office to be filled. The committee may nominate more than one candidate. The Credentials and Elections Committee is made up of an uneven number of members, not less than five and not more than 15. The responsibility of the committee is to establish or approve the manner of conducting member registration and any ballot voting; to pass upon all questions that may arise with respect to the registration of members in person; to count all ballots cast in any election or in any other ballot vote taken; to rule upon the effect of any ballots irregularly or indecisively marked and to pass upon any protest or objection filed with respect to any election or to conduct affecting the results of any election. In the event of a tie vote, except for the election of trustees, the committee shall cause the matter in which the tie vote was made, to be resubmitted to the membership for their vote until the tie is broken. Serving on REC’s Board of Trustees or committees means you are making a difference locally, using your individual talents and perspective to guide big decisions about the Co-op. We need members who are willing to serve on our committees. If you have interest in any of these committees or want to know more please contact our office at 405-756-3104 ext.238. We love our community and want to help it thrive. If you share the same commitment and want to contribute to the greater good in a tangible way, I hope you will consider serving on a committee to help us find the best representation for our members.
March 2022 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 Charles Crawford, District 3 Mark Finch, District 3 Randy Griswold, District 3 Dan Williams, 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 David Crull, System Superintendent Jason Mays, Operations Superintendent
Leave electrical jobs to professionals There is a little bit of a do-it-yourselfer in everyone. But some projects are best left to professionals. Leave complicated jobs—especially those involving electricity— to the professionals. Even the most seasoned handymen stay away from jobs that could put them in danger or start a fire. • If you do work with electricity, your tools need insulated grips. • Switch off the circuit breaker corresponding to the project you will be working on. • If you are repairing a lamp, appliance or other plugged-in device, unplug it before you start your work. • Plug power tools into ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). Preventing you from getting shocked. • If you need an extension cord for your power tool, choose one with a cord measuring less than 100 feet. • Water and electricity do not mix, so do not use power tools in wet areas. 444804 • If you are drilling into a wall, check you will not come into contact with electrical wires or water pipes.
• Shield your eyes and ears and suit up with heavy-duty gloves and other protective gear when you power up your tools. • Wear sturdy, protective shoes and long pants when using power tools—even your lawn mower.
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Classified Advertisement MISCELLANEOUS Tune up your air conditioner before summer FOR SALE: Adult wheelchair, $280. PH: 405-351-0878.
Does REC have your most up-to-date account information? If you change your phone number or have a new email address, please notify us so we can update our information. Call our office at 405-756-3104 and make sure we have your current phone numbers and email address. When we have the most up-to-date contact information it allows us to better inform you, our members about what is happening around REC.
Hot weather is still a couple of months away, but it is not too early to think about whether your central air conditioning system can make it through one more summer. Spring is the perfect time to call a qualified service technician to give your central air conditioning system a once-over. Why wait until the middle of July for it to break down when you can have an expert tell you now how your unit is going to make it
through the summer? You should have your a/c checked every single year, as soon as the weather begins to warm up in the spring. The technician will make sure your system is running efficiently - which will save you money in the long run - and your system not needing any repairs or leaving your family sweltering indoors when the weather is at its peak in the mid-summer.
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 When was your cooling system last serviced? Most manufacturers recommend an annual tune up for your home’s cooling system. March is a great time to schedule this service so you can beat the summer rush when the pros are busiest. A qualified professional can check the amount of refrigerant, accuracy of the thermostat, condition of belts and motors and other factors greatly impacting the efficiency of your system.
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 Outdoor Portable Rentals, 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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