Co-op Comments
Keeping REC's rights-of-way clear with brush crew spraying
REC has contracted with Apex Row, LLC, for 2025, to help control the brush growing under our electric lines. They will spray all of REC’s service area.
“This work is necessary for the safety and reliability of your electrical service,” says John Byrd, Rights-of-Way Coordinator.
Apex Row, LLC will not spray any yards or around groomed property. They will use a low volume method of spraying consisting of backpack sprayers. Members may see them walking around your property to spray instead of driving around.
Apex Row, LLC will not spray any trees over 15 feet tall or a diameter at breast height (DBH) of four inches. However, they will spray trees within REC’s rights-of-way easement consisting of 16.5 feet on each side of REC’s primary line.
If you have any questions or need to talk with REC’s Rightsof-Way department, please call 800-259-3504 ext. 227 or Project Manager for Apex Row, LLC, Jeremiah Thomas at 870-448-2183.
Randy Griswold receives his Director Gold Renewal Certificate
REC’s Board of Trustees member Randy Griswold received his Director Gold Renewal Certificate. Griswold was recognized at a recent Board Meeting with his new certificate. Griswold initially received his Director Gold Certification in 2023.
The Director Gold program is geared toward Board of Trustee members who are committed to continuing their education and who desire a tangible credential reinforcing their stature as part of a group of experienced and educated members.
To maintain the Director Gold Certification, Board of Trustee members must have earned three credits from the approved list of continuing education programs within a two-year period. A maximum of one credit can be earned by attending a conference or non-NRECA program with the remaining credits being earned by taking NRECA's Board Leadership Certificate courses.
“I am encouraged by our Board's desire to continually learn and seek additional educational opportunities about the electric industry which only makes our Cooperative better,” concludes CEO Dusty Ricks.
Board of Trustee member Randy Griswold (right) was presented with his Director Gold Renewal Certificate by Board of Trustees President Gary Jones (left).
The power of political engagement
American families expect the lights to stay on at a cost they can afford. But with the demand for electricity skyrocketing and the supply of always-available power sources at risk, the need for smart energy policies bolstering reliability and affordability are more critical than ever before.
As your electric provider, REC is committed to reliably powering our local communities. Beyond routine maintenance and updates improving the reliability of the grid, we work in other ways to ensure our members’ needs are addressed. One of the ways we do this is through proactively engaging elected officials to ensure our members are well represented in Washington, D.C.
Next month, hundreds of electric cooperative leaders from across the country, including Oklahoma, will travel to Washington, D.C. for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s Legislative Conference.
As we meet with elected officials on Capitol Hill, we will discuss key energy issues and priorities impacting our members back home.
We will be focused on telling our own unique story of how electric cooperatives in Oklahoma and across the nation are ensuring reliable and affordable power for our communities through a diverse supply of energy resources to meet the growing demand for electricity.
As we meet with members of Congress, we will detail the need to improve environmental permitting processes and cut costly and burdensome regulations – like the EPA Power Plant Rule – to accelerate deployment and maintenance of essential electric infrastructure. We will highlight the importance of federal hydropower resources as well as the need to pass legislation to facilitate co-op vegetation management efforts and reduce wildfire risks.
An additional focal point of our discussions with policymakers will include ensuring federal programs and resources supporting electric cooperative energy projects as we invest to meet the unique needs of our communities. This includes tools such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service electric loan program and the New Empowering Rural America co-op loan and grant program, energy tax credits with an elective (direct) pay option for co-ops and recently funded Department of Energy infrastructure programs.
While you may not consider it on a daily basis, electricity is essential and underpins nearly every aspect of modern life. Understanding today's evolving energy landscape is important as it shapes how electricity is produced, delivered and consumed.
Advocating for reliable, affordable power on behalf of REC’s members is a critical part of our commitment to you. We look forward to meeting with Oklahoma’s members of Congress to discuss the important energy issues impacting us here at home.
May 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
We are here to help you save
When summer heats up, our electric bills tend to increase as air conditioners are working overtime, driving up home energy consumption. REC is your local not-for-profit electricity provider, and we are committed to helping you beat the heat without breaking the bank.
As the temperatures get hotter over the next few months, we want to make sure you know about a range of energy-saving offerings designed specifically with you in mind. By taking advantage of these programs and services, you can manage your summer energy consumption and costs.
Levelized Billing
When you sign up for REC’s levelized billing plan, your energy bill is calculated by averaging your previous 12 months of use. With levelized billing, your monthly energy costs are easier to budget and manage, especially during seasonal fluctuations
when bills tend to increase based on the weather. Levelized billing is a great option for anyone on a fixed income or those with highly variable seasonal needs.
Home Energy Audit
REC's energy advisors are available to conduct a free energy audit of your home to identify areas where energy is wasted and provide recommendations on ways to improve efficiency and lower your monthly bills. 1428900
Rebate Program
When you make upgrades or purchases to reduce home energy use, those smart decisions should be rewarded. REC offers rebates on energy efficient heating and cooling equipment and thermostats. Visit www.recok.coop to learn about our rebate program.
You Have the Power
Small actions combined can have a big
impact on summer energy bills.
The best way to lower energy use during summer months is to raise the thermostat to the highest comfortable setting. Ceiling fans can also help you feel cooler, but remember to turn them off when you leave the room. On warm summer nights, fire up the grill to keep additional heat out of the kitchen. Remember to change air filters often so your cooling system does not have to work harder than necessary.
Do not let energy bills take a toll on your summer fun. REC is here to help manage your energy use, whether through efficiency programs and services or energy-saving advice from your local energy advisors.
Contact us to learn more about practical strategies to lower your use, trim your bills and make this summer a breeze for both you and your wallet.
Is your REC up-to-date?
Local
Account Information
Have you changed your phone number or email address lately? Notify REC, 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 at REC.
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
Routine maintenance is important to keep your refrigerator running efficiently. Lint and dirt should be cleaned from the refrigerator coils every six months to a year – and more often if there are pets in the home.
When coils are coated with lint, dust or pet hair, your refrigerator works harder than it is designed to, which can prevent the appliance from cooling properly and efficiently. The additional work can increase the energy costs of the refrigerator by as much as 35 percent and shorten the life of the appliance.
artists help judge and select winners for REC's annual Art Calendar contest
Recently, Jacquelyn Knapp (left), Professor of Art and Coordinator for the Art Department at USAO and Valerie Beck (right), former Art Teacher for Lindsay Public Schools judged 84 entries for REC's Art Calendar contest. The judges selected a front cover winner and individual month winners. The cover art winner will receive $100 while the month winners will receive $50 each. The art work will be displayed in the calendar REC gives to the membership during Annual Meeting.
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.