Co-op Comments
WFEC facing challenges of SPP reserve capacity requirements
Southwest Power Pool (SPP), a 14-state Regional Transmission Organization and Regional Electricity Market) concluded reliability (both generation and transmission) needed to improve, following Polar Storm Uri, in February of 2021.
For Western Farmers Electric Cooperative (WFEC), as one of SPP’s 120 plus members this meant a need for more generation of all types (coal, natural gas, wind, nuclear and solar), plus increased transmission capability, for this region.
To accomplish this goal, SPP and its members did two things: 1) increased the winter season reserve margin from 16 percent to 36 percent and strengthened the way generation capacity is calculated. 2) SPP started authorizing construction of more transmission or improvements to existing transmission to make sure new generation could reach loads. 137405
How did these two decisions impact WFEC? Based on the load of WFEC’s distribution members, reserves were required to increase from 352 megawatts (MW) to 792 MW, an increase of 440 MW of generation to make the region more reliable during extreme weather conditions. WFEC members’ load is also growing, and additional generation (160 MW) is necessary to serve normal load growth over the next five to six years.
At the same time, WFEC was issued Notices to Construct (NTC’s), for various transmission projects with a total cost of over $250 million dollars. These additional expenses and investments in reliability and capacity may increase rates but are necessary to maintain reliability and deliverability to consumers.
WFEC is a not-for-profit, wholesale power supplier for 21 distribution cooperatives, including REC and Altus Air Force Base, located across Oklahoma and into parts of New Mexico.
“As your electric provider, we are doing everything possible to minimize the impacts of those future challenges that will help ensure WFEC and its cooperatives can continue to provide reliable service at a competitive price,” commented WFEC, CEO, Gary Roulet.
For additional information, please visit the WFEC website at www.wfec.com.
Reflect on progress, plan for the future
As we close another year, I want to pause and express gratitude - for you, the members of Rural Electric - for your continued trust and support. Our cooperative was built on the promise of people coming together to improve the quality of life in their communities, and that promise still guides everything we do today.
Over the past year, electric cooperatives across the country came together for advocacy efforts on the EPA’s Power Plant Rule. Renewable energy sources are an essential and growing part of our energy future, but we also know the demand for electricity is rising rapidly, and natural gas, coal and nuclear remain essential for ensuring power is available around the clock. As we collaborated and engaged with policymakers, we pressed for a more balanced approach to generating power - one supporting clean energy innovation while still recognizing the role of traditional resources. Our efforts are helping to shape a more workable path forward to better protect reliability and keeps costs in check for our members.
Another area of ongoing progress came through advocacy work on federal permitting reform. For too long, outdated rules and lengthy delays have stood in the way of building critical infrastructure, including new transmission lines and generation projects. This year, electric co-ops helped
move the needle on permitting reform, advocating for policies making the process faster, more predictable and more efficient. Investments we make in infrastructure will reach communities sooner, improving reliability and preparing us for the future.
We are also seeing progress with bipartisan support of the FEMA Act of 2025, which would speed up the disaster recovery process for electric cooperatives and the communities they serve.
FEMA is a crucial partner for electric co-ops in efforts to restore power after disaster strikes, but currently, the federal reimbursement process after a major storm is slow and full of red tape. If passed, the bill would make FEMA a stronger, more responsive agency to help strengthen rural resilience, protect taxpayer dollars and ensure essential services are restored as quickly as possible after a natural disaster.
In addition to advocacy efforts, we are proactively addressing our communities’ needs for the future by investing in new technologies and programs to improve service for our members. Through advanced monitoring systems and AI tools to improve daily operations, we are better equipped to identify power delivery issues or challenges before they occur.
As we look ahead to a new year, I see both challenges and opportunities on the horizon. The energy industry is undergoing significant change driven by the rising need for more electricity, new tools and technologies, and federal energy policies.
The path forward requires innovative thinking and member-focused solutions. I am confident with the dedication of our employees and the continued support of our members, we are well positioned to adapt and meet challenges head-on. Through it all, our promise to you remains steadfast: reliable power for today – and tomorrow.
December 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
Darren Townley, CFO
Linda Ray, Manager of Staff Development
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
Scott Henson, System Superintendent
Jason Mays, Operations Superintendent
REC hires three new employees
Recently, REC hired three new employees. All three new employees bring a unique skill set to better serve REC’s membership.
Derrick Scoggins was hired as the Chief Mechanic. Scoggins is from the Lindsay area and is 2007 Lindsay High School graduate. Prior to working at REC, he worked for Rinehart, Cudd Energy Services and Ford Motor Company.
When Scoggins is not working for REC, he enjoys working around his house and on vehicles.
“I was excited for this opportunity as I have always known about REC and it was a great place to work," Scoggins explained. "I was also excited about the possibility of coming back home and finding something closer to home."
Emily Schoneberg was born and raised in Chase County, Kansas near Elmdale. She was hired as the Payroll/HR/Benefits Administrator. Schoneberg along with her husband Cameron and their 13-year-old son Cayden, moved to Lindsay in May of 2025.
Schoneberg graduated from Chase County High School in 2000 and received her Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from Fort Hays State University in 2005. She and her husband have been married for 15 years, and they own Schoneberg Performance Bits. Schoneberg Performance Bits is known worldwide for their horse bits.
Prior to working for REC, Schoneberg managed a bank in Alta Vista, Kan. for 13 years. She also helped with their family business of making horse bits.
When she is not spending time with her family and helping with their business, she enjoys barrel racing as well as training and selling horses.
“I was attracted to REC for its reputation of being a good organization and excited how close it was to our new home,” added Schoneberg. "I am looking forward to learning more about the Cooperative."
Darren Townley was hired as the CFO. Townley grew up in Konawa, Oklahoma until his family moved to Washington his
senior year in high school. He then graduated from Washington High School in 2006. He continued his education at the University of Oklahoma where he received his Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and Finance in 2011. He then obtained his Certified Public Accountant license.
He and his family live in Washington. Townley and his wife, Elizabeth, have been married for 14 years and they have two children; Maddix who is 8 years old and Tate who is 5 years old.
Prior to working at REC, Townley worked for Chesapeake Energy for three years and Devon Energy for 11 years where he was the Manager of Financial Reporting and Analysis.
When he is not working, he enjoys spending time with his family, watching OU football and reading with his daughter, Maddix.
“I was looking for a smaller organization that focused more on their consumers rather than profits,” stated Townley. “REC seems like a perfect fit, as it is local and cares deeply for its members.”
Derrick Scoggins
Emily Schoneberg
Darren Townley
Classified Advertisement
AUTOMOTIVE
FOR SALE: 1981 Oldsmoblie Toronado, text for more information. PH: 405-756-5760
FOR SALE: 1996 Buick Century, text for more information. PH: 405-756-5760.
FOR SALE: 1998 Dodge Durango, text for more information. PH: 405-756-5760.
FOR SALE: 1962 International 560, text for more infomation. PH: 405-756-5760.
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.
Look for your applied to your bill
Capital Credits
If you were a member from 1994 - 1998, your Capital Credits will be applied to your bill.
Energy Efficiency
Tip of the Month
To maximize your fireplace’s efficiency, always keep the damper closed when the fireplace is not in use. An open damper is like an open window, allowing warm indoor air to escape and cold air to enter. Consider installing a fireplace insert, which improves heat output by circulating warm air into the room rather than letting it escape up the chimney. Also, burn only seasoned hardwood to ensure a hotter, cleaner burn. Regularly clean and inspect your chimney to maintain safe and efficient operation.
Learn more at www.energy.gov
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.