C o-op Co-op C omments Comments
REC's 85th Annual Meeting set
Registration for the 85th Annual Meeting of Rural Electric Cooperative will begin on Thursday, October 3, as a drive-thru only from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and an in-person only meeting on Saturday, October 5, beginning at 8 a.m. Both the drive-thru and the in-person meeting will be held at REC’s Multi Purpose Center on Highway 76 N in Lindsay.
Official notice, prize drawing information and ballot will be arriving in the mail about 10 days prior to the meeting. Please bring this information with you on either day for ease in the voting and registration process.
During the early drive-thru registration on Thursday, members will stay in their vehicles and enter the circle driveway of the Multi Purpose Center off of Highway 76 and go through the registration line.
For members attending on Saturday, please follow the signs to park and attend in-person. Each member who registers will automatically receive a one-time $25 bill credit in addition to their registration gift. 362700
Cara Belt will provide the entertainment on Saturday, October 5, beginning at 8:45 a.m. Belt was born and raised in California where music was steeped in her blood.
Belt was raised in a musical family where she learned the importance of using her voice. She has been singing since she was a little girl in church and playing guitar since her teens. In her professional career she has played and performed all around the United States in theatres, oprys and venues. Currently she resides in the Allen, Oklahoma area where she continues to pursue her music and is the Worship Minister at her church. For updates on where she will be next, and more information, you can find her on Facebook at Cara Belt Music.
After enjoying entertainment from Cara Belt, members who are in attendance on Saturday will hear reports from Board President, Gary Jones, and CEO, Dusty Ricks, updating members of activities from 2023. Members driving through on Thursday can find these reports on REC's website after the meeting at www.recok.coop.
REC will give out seventy-five, $75 gift certificates for electricity during the business session and three grand prize drawings of $500 gift certificates for electricity. All members registered on either Thursday or Saturday will be eligible for the seventy-five, $75 gift certificates for electricity. During the in-person meeting on Saturday, three members will win $500 gift certificates for electricity. To be eligible to win the grand prize drawings members must be present to win.
Registration gifts include: an REC baseball cap, handy can cover, four port USB charger, bendable screwdriver, LED light bulbs, calendar, 2025 Farmers’ Almanac and an ink pen.
For more information about the 85th Annual Meeting, call 405756-3104 ext. 238.
Power plant rule threatens reliability
As a consumer-member of Rural Electric, keeping the lights on at a cost you can afford is the focal point of everything we do.
In May, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a rule impacting energy production from power plants. The power plant rule will undoubtedly threaten access to reliable electricity for our local communities and across the country.
The rule constrains existing coal and new natural gas plants by requiring them to install carbon capture and storage (CCS) – a technology with potential but has not been proven to be viable. No power plant in North America currently uses CCS at the scale and levels mandated by EPA. When power plants are not able to comply with EPA’s CCS requirements, they will be required to shut down, significantly limit operations, or switch fuels. These unrealistic standards will force the unnecessary and early shutdown of many power plants currently providing reliable electricity 24 hours a day.
Renewable sources, such as solar and wind, are important components of our overall generation mix. But given the intermittent nature of these energy sources, we simply cannot depend on them. The need for always-available power generating resources is still essential.
The timing of the power plant rule is equally troubling. At the same time the EPA is leading our nation down the path to fewer power plants, utilities are facing a surge in electricity demand – driven by the onshoring of manufacturing, the growth of the American economy and the rapid expansion of data centers to support artificial intelligence, e-commerce and cryptocurrency.
Many states have already experienced rolling outages, and if the supply of electricity is further threatened by the EPA’s power plant rule, the problem will only get worse. In fact, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), the nation’s electric reliability watchdog, recently forecasted over the next five years, all or parts of 19 states are at high risk of rolling power outages during normal peak electricity demand conditions.
It is also no secret, when demand is high and supply is low, costs go up. We are concerned about threats to reliability as well as cost increases to our members.
I do not say this to worry you, but I do want our members to understand the challenges we face. Just as we have always done, we will look for solutions to serve our members best. We are joining electric co-ops across the country to fight these regulations, and we are working with our local elected officials to help them understand the consequences.
Co-ops are no strangers to innovation, and we are taking proactive steps to address today’s energy challenges and tomorrow’s energy needs. We will also continue to explore new technologies and strategies to bolster reliability and our local grid.
Electric cooperatives like REC deliver power to 42 million Americans. At the end of the day, our top priority is to meet our members' energy needs, and we must have reliable electricity available to do that.
September 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.
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
Staying safe during fall harvest
Modern farming often relies on data and equipment with GPS and auto-guidance systems. However, even with these modern conveniences, farm workers must remain vigilant. Farming is considered one of the most dangerous jobs.
Massive machinery is indispensable to farming, but the same impressive size, height and extensions make them particularly vulnerable to contacting power lines. Staying alert, focused and knowledgeable about potential hazards and safety procedures is crucial.
During a busy harvest season, the familiar sights around the farm can easily fade into the background, and farm workers can overlook the power lines overhead. However, failing to notice them can lead to deadly accidents.
360 Awareness
Awareness of your surroundings, around, above and below, and planning safe equipment routes can significantly reduce the risk of accidents. Even with GPS and auto-steering, it’s imperative farm workers keep a close eye on the equipment’s location and are ready to take action if necessary.
Exposed underground powerlines, defective wiring in farm buildings and extension cords are also hazards. Grain bins can pose a potential danger as well. The National Electrical Safety Code requires power lines to be at least 18 feet above the highest point on any grain bin with which portable augers or other portable filling equipment are used. If you plan to install new grain bins or you are concerned about the proximity of power lines to existing grain bins, contact REC.
Smart Harvest Safety Tips
To ensure a safer harvest season, SafeElectricity.org recommends the following tips to avoid electrical accidents on the farm:
• Exercise caution near power lines. Be careful when raising augers or the bed of grain trucks around power lines.
• Use spotters when operating large machinery near power lines. Ensure the spotters do not touch the machinery while it is moving near power lines.
• Lower equipment extensions, portable augers or elevators before moving or transporting equipment. Do not raise equipment, such as ladders, poles or rods into power lines. Remember non-metallic materials like lumber, tree limbs, ropes and hay can conduct electricity, especially when damp, dusty or dirty.
• Never attempt to raise or move power lines to clear a path. Doing so could result in electric shock or death.
• Avoid using metal poles inside bins. Do not use metal poles to break up bridged grain inside or around bins.
• Hire qualified electricians. Ensure qualified electricians handle work on drying equipment and other farm electrical systems.
While rare, the only reason to exit equipment which has come into contact with overhead lines is if the equipment is on fire. However, if it happens, jump off the equipment with your feet together and without touching the machinery and the ground at the same time. Then, still keeping your feet together, hop to safety as you leave the area.
Classified Advertisement
AUTOMOTIVE
FOR SALE: 1968 Chevy Camero, call for more information. PH: 405-779-3848.
MISCELLANEOUS
FOR SALE: Solid wood desk with three large drawers in excellent condition, $90. PH: 405-351-0878.
FOR SALE: 2015 year model double wide manufactured Oak Creek home, located in Ninnekah area, 56' x 28', $42,000. PH: 405-816-9500.
FOR SALE: 20' gooseneck trailer, call for details. PH: 405-756-6775.
FOR SALE: 6' Frontier rotary tiller, $1,300. PH: 580-222-1399.
FOR SALE: ProForm stationary bike, $50. PH: 580-222-1399.
FOR SALE: 2 Lazy Boy red leather recliners, all power, $300 each. PH: 580-222-1399.
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
Now is the time to schedule annual maintenance for your home’s heating system. During fall months, HVAC technicians are typically less busy, making this an excellent time for maintenance and any necessary repairs before the winter months.
A qualified technician can clean filters, check for leaks and ensure all system components are working efficiently to keep you home cozy and warm when the temperatures begin to drop.
RECREATIONAL
FOR SALE: 2012 Puma by Palomino 5th wheel travel trailer, large slide out,
everything works as it should, $12,000. PH: 405-207-7676.
Register to vote on September 17 during National Voter Registration Day
National Voter Registration Day is September 17, 2024. Learn more about the five steps it takes and complete your voter registration at: https://vote.coop/become-a-coop-voter/
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.