Co-op Comments
Rounding up your monthly bill to help community members
The seven cooperative principles define how Rural Electric Cooperative conducts business within the communities it serves. These principles can be felt not only by REC's members, but everyone in the communities the Cooperative serves, especially principle number seven: Concern for Community.
One of the ways REC shows concern for community is offering a program called Operation Round-Up. This program allows REC to help others in need by having the members round up their monthly bill to the next dollar amount.
The Operation Round-Up program is voluntary for REC members who desire to round up their monthly bill to the next dollar amount. The difference between the actual bill and the next dollar amount is “ear-marked” for use by the Operation Round-Up Board to assist those who qualify according to the rules and regulations of the program. For REC to use the rounded up amount, the member must sign up to participate in Operation Round-Up. Members who desire to sign up can find the contribution form on REC's website, www.recok.coop or call the office at 800-259-3504.
Operation Round-Up has provided thousands of dollars in assistance to individuals and organizations throughout this area. People with medical needs, those who have lost homes to fires and
natural disasters and non-profit organizations have benefited from this program and the generosity of our members.
Donations can be made from one account or multiple accounts. The average yearly contribution from each participating cooperative member is about $6. The most a member would contribute each year is $11.88 per account and the least is zero cents. Members can also make a larger donation if desired.
Since starting in 1999, the funds donated for Operation RoundUp have helped more than 110 families in our area.
The Operation Round-Up Board consists of five individuals who reside in REC's service territory and have a desire to help others. The Board evaluates each application and determines the need for the applicants. 251400
REC wants to help those in need throughout our service territory. By providing the Operation Round-Up program, REC is able to specifically help these residents in their time of need. In addition to helping individuals, Operation Round-Up also provides financial funds to non-profit organizations throughout the service area to assist with special projects benefitting our local communities.
In the past, Operation Round-Up has helped an area family who had lost their home and all of its contents. The family was not adequately insured so the Board of Operation Round-Up approved $1,000 to help this family purchase household items and clothing. Also, they have assisted several senior citizen centers by helping purchase necessary food.
If you are not participating in this program, you are encouraged to sign up now to help your neighbors and local non-profit organizations. All the contributions are tax deductible and participation is voluntary. Members who are interested in this program must notify REC's office for you to be added to Operation Round-Up.
Anyone needing additional information about this program should contact REC’s Member Services Department at 1-800-2593504 or 405-756-3104, extension 238.
How to understand your electric bill
August is typically one of the warmest months of the year, meaning air conditioners across our community are working overtime to keep homes comfortable.
At REC, we believe understanding your electric bill is an important part of being an informed member. While the total amount due may seem like a single number, it actually reflects several different costs associated with delivering reliable electricity to your home or business.
The largest factor is often the amount of energy you use. Electricity is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), and the more energy your household consumes, the higher your bill will be. During the summer, air conditioning is typically the largest driver of increased energy use. When temperatures climb into the 90s or higher, our cooling systems run longer and more frequently, consuming more electricity than they do during milder weather.
Another major factor is the cost of generating or purchasing electricity. REC purchases power from Western Farmers Electric Cooperative. The cost of producing electricity fluctuates based on fuel prices. Changes in wholesale power costs
influence the price of electricity delivered to our members.
Transmission costs also play a role. Before electricity reaches your home, it must travel across a network of high-voltage transmission lines connecting power plants to local distribution systems.
REC maintains the local electric distribution system — utility poles, power lines, transformers, substations and other essential equipment safely delivers power to members. Maintaining this equipment is covered through the monthly service availability charge. This is a flat monthly fee all members pay, regardless of how much electricity they use. This fixed fee ensures all members pay a fair share of the basic, operational costs required to keep the power grid reliable and ready to serve your home or business.
Summer temperatures also influence costs in less obvious ways. When the demand for electricity is high across a region, wholesale power prices can increase. Utilities and grid operators must ensure enough generation is available to meet peak demand, and those costs can be reflected throughout the electric system.
Simple steps to lower energy use can make a meaningful difference. Setting your thermostat a few degrees higher when you are away, replacing dirty HVAC filters, using ceiling fans, sealing air leaks and avoiding the use of major appliances during the hottest parts of the day can help reduce energy consumption, lower your bill and reduce strain on the local grid during peak demand.
REC’s mission is to provide safe, reliable and affordable electricity while being transparent about the factors impacting energy costs. We understand every dollar matters, and we are committed to making smart investments to keep the lights on and support the communities we serve.
August 2026
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.
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
Darren Townley, CFO
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
Scott Henson, System Superintendent
Jason Mays, Operations Superintendent
Exploring AI’s potential for improved service and reliability
Like it or not, artificial intelligence seems inescapable. Even a quick Google search produces an AI-generated smorgasbord of results, rather than a simple list of links. AI is even shaping conversations about the future of energy.
While news headlines often focus on the rapid growth of AI, electric cooperatives are taking a measured approach to understanding how these tools might help improve service for the local communities they serve.
For REC, our goal is not to adopt AI technology simply because it is new. Instead, any tool or innovation must provide a clear benefit to our members, whether improving power reliability, increasing operational efficiency or helping our team make better-informed decisions. As we explore AI tools, we are doing so cautiously, evaluating where it can add value while maintaining a strong focus on member needs, privacy and system reliability.
One area where AI shows promise is electricity load forecasting. Electric demand changes throughout the day and fluctuates significantly during periods of extreme weather. Advanced forecasting tools can analyze historical data, weather patterns and additional factors to help predict when electricity use is likely to increase. Better forecasts allow us to prepare for higher demand, manage resources more effectively and support reliable service during peak periods.
AI tools are also being used to identify potential problems along the local grid before they lead to power outages. By analyzing information from automated meters and other equipment across the electric system, AI-powered tools can detect unusual patterns or
anomalies that might otherwise go unnoticed. These early warnings could help our crews investigate issues sooner, potentially reducing the likelihood or duration of outages.
Maintaining power lines is another critical area where AI technology may offer benefits. Trees and overgrown vegetation are one of the leading causes of power outages. Many electric utilities, including co-ops, are exploring image recognition tools to help monitor vegetation growth near power lines more efficiently. Rather than replacing the expertise of our field crews, these tools can help identify parts of the system needing attention, allowing crews to prioritize work areas and make the best use of their time.
Beyond the electric system itself, AI could also improve day-today operations. For example, AI tools can assist office employees by summarizing lengthy reports, organizing member feedback and analyzing large amounts of data. These types of tools could help our team spend less time on repetitive administrative tasks and more time focusing on members and addressing our community’s energy needs.
Even with these potential benefits, we recognize AI is not a cure-all. Human oversight remains essential, and decisions affecting our members will never rely solely on automated systems.
As AI tools evolve, REC will continue exploring their potential. But as with any new technology, adoption will be guided by a simple principle: if an AI tool helps improve reliability, efficiency or services for our members, it is worth considering. If it does not, we will continue exploring solutions that do.
Classified Advertisement
MISCELLANEOUS
FOR SALE: Smokin Joes Grill and Smoker, Smokin Joes Grill and Smoker, used maybe 8 times, $250 used maybe 8 times, $250. PH: 405-207-0428 405-207-0428.
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
August heat can put your air conditioner to the test, making it a great time to check your system’s air filter. A dirty, clogged filter restricts airflow, forcing your cooling system to work harder than necessary to keep your home comfortable. That extra strain can reduce efficiency, increase energy use and contribute to unnecessary wear and tear on equipment. Inspect your filter monthly during periods of heavy air conditioner use and replace it if it appears dirty. A clean filter supports efficient operation and can even enhance indoor air quality—helping you stay cool and comfortable during the hottest days of summer.
Learn more at www.energy.gov
FOR SALE: Portable play pen with carr y Portable pen with carry bag, potty chair booster seat with cover, potty chair booster seat with cover,
highchair all for $125. PH: 405-351-0878. all for $125. PH: 405-351-0878.
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.