A newsletter for members of Rural Electric Cooperative
January 2026
Co-op Comments Generation, transmission and distribution all play essential roles in electric power industry Oftentimes for any business, there are various components working together to provide the best full service possible for its customers. The same holds true for Western Farmers Electric Cooperative (WFEC). A not-for-profit, wholesale power supplier for 21 distribution cooperatives and Altus Air Force Base, located across Oklahoma and into parts of New Mexico, WFEC provides two major components - generation and transmission through the substation. Member cooperatives provide a third major component from the substation to
the end-use consumer, with each playing a different role. Generation WFEC maintains a well-balanced and diversified portfolio of generation resources reflecting a mix of technologies and fuel types. This diversity, including natural gas units, a coal plant, wind resources, solar energy and hydropower allocations, all helping reduce exposure to changing market conditions. Electricity generation costs are on the rise, driven primarily by increased de-
mand, higher fuel costs, extreme weather conditions and global events. Transmission through the substation WFEC owns more than 3,800 miles of transmission line, operated and maintained by WFEC personnel, plus owns and maintains more than 330 substations and switch stations, serving its member systems. WFEC continues to improve and expand its transmission system across some areas of the service territory to help with transmission congestion occurring when the capacity of power lines is insufficient to manage the amount of electricity being transmitted. Shortages of transmission capacity, particularly in electric grids, are becoming a growing concern. Distribution Electricity distribution is the final stage of delivering power to consumers, taking it from substations to individual homes and businesses. Even though this system ensures a safe and efficient supply of electricity for everyday use, there are increasing costs associated in the modernization of energy infrastructure. WFEC has dealt with its share of these issues. For additional information, please visit the WFEC website – www.wfec.com.
CEO’s MESSAGE
Working together to lower demand for all
When outdoor temperatures drop, electricity use naturally rises. Colder weather drives us indoors, where we rely more heavily on home heating systems, more lighting and household appliances. Heating systems run longer and more frequently to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. Combined with the fact most people use electricity at the same times - typically in the mornings and early evenings - and the result is significant pressure on our electric grid. REC works closely with WFEC, our local generation and transmission (G&T) cooperative, to plan for these seasonal weather patterns and changes and ensure you have reliable power every day of the year. This partnership involves detailed resource and infrastructure planning to make certain electricity is available whenever you need it. However, it is important to remember our local system is part of a much larger regional and national electric grid. During the winter months, when homes and businesses across the country are using more electricity simultaneously, overall demand can approach - or occasionally exceed - available supply. This is especially true during severe weather events, such as ice storms, sudden temperature drops or equipment malfunctions reducing generation capacity. In rare cases when demand threatens to outpace supply, the regional grid operator 2 Co-op Comments
may call for temporary, controlled outages - often referred to as rolling blackouts - to prevent broader system failures. To prepare for these scenarios and minimize risks, REC and WFEC take proactive measures to strengthen reliability year-round. These include routine system maintenance, investments in grid modernization and comprehensive disaster response planning. These proactive steps are designed to ensure our portion of the grid remains resilient even under extreme conditions. You can help by taking simple actions during periods of high electricity use, especially on the coldest days of winter: 1. Lower your thermostat slightly. Even reducing the temperature by a few degrees can help. 2. Delay using large appliances during peak hours. Wait to run dishwashers, washing machines and dryers typically midday or late evening. 3. Adjust your water heater. Setting it to 120 degrees F and spacing out showers helps conserve both energy and hot water. 4. Unplug unnecessary devices. Power used for lighting and electronics adds up and accounts for a significant portion of home energy use. Disconnect unused items to reduce energy waste. Understanding how winter weather impacts electricity demand is key to maintaining system reliability. By practicing simple energy conservation habits at home, you not only save money on your monthly bill - you also help strengthen the resilience of the grid powering our community. Together, through small actions and shared awareness, we can ensure our homes remain warm, our lights stay on and our local grid continues to serve us reliably throughout the season.
January 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. 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
AI tools for electric cooperatives Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming an increasingly popular tool for many industries and even in our daily lives. AI is a hot topic—sometimes exciting, sometimes a little scary. It has the potential to bring many opportunities – and a few challenges – to the electric utility sector. But machine learning takes time, and we are still in the process of determining how AI can really be utilized. 121900 Many electric cooperatives are already exploring emerging technologies like AI, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). Most of AI’s current applications are task-specific - like using chatbots to answer common questions from Co-op members or analyzing data to better understand members’ needs. Contrary to what Hollywood would have you believe, AI can not think for itself. Its abilities depend on how it is
programmed, the quality of its training and the data it receives. AI is essentially about learning from patterns and making decisions based on that input - not about having thoughts or opinions of its own. Because AI interacts with both internal systems and external networks, cybersecurity is a top priority. As REC looks to adopt tools powered by AI and other tech, we will ensure our systems are safe from potential cyber threats. Strong digital defenses are essential to using any new technology safely. As we consider emerging AI tools, our focus will not be so much on the technology itself as on solving real problems. If AI can streamline a process, predict an issue or improve service for our members, it is worth considering. As the technology evolves, AI may eventually be built into smart meters to help members track their
energy use more effectively. It could even help our staff better manage the local grid or predict storm damage to deploy crews more efficiently. Another exciting area is AR and VR. Many electric utilities are currently testing AR for training, giving line workers a hands-on experience to prepare for dangerous situations before facing them in real life. In the future, smart glasses may help crews instantly identify and troubleshoot equipment in the field. Ultimately, AI, AR and VR are tools helping utilities like REC serve their communities better - making energy more reliable, services faster and operations more efficient.
The challenges AI advancement brings to the grid The rapid growth of artificial intelligence, particularly energy-intensive technologies like generative AI and large language models, is presenting several challenges for electric utilities. One of the biggest concerns is the dramatic increase in energy demand. AI relies heavily on data centers, which require massive amounts of electricity to operate. As these technologies expand, power consumption is expected to rise significantly. This growing demand is also creating a strain on our nation’s electric grid, which can lead to instability and a higher risk of outages, especially in areas that are already dealing with high energy use or aging infrastructure. While AI tools offer great potential in improving utility operations, these challenges highlight the growing tension between AI advancement and the long-term capability of the grid.
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Classified Ads
Employees complete certificate program
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.
Co-op Connections Use your Co-op Connections Card to save you money on lodging, photographs, oil changes and other items. You can also save on prescriptions, dental, vision, hearing, lab work and imaging and chiropractor services at participating locations. Your card is a discount card. If you have misplaced your card, contact REC for a replacement card and use it to save yourself some money.
Energy Efficiency Tip of the Month Winter weather can cause your home heating system to work overtime. Check for air leaks and drafts around doors and windows, then seal them with weatherstripping or caulk. Close fireplace dampers when not in use, and consider installing insulating curtains to help keep warm air inside. You can also save energy by lowering your thermostat a few degrees. Even small adjustments like these can reduce heating costs and improve comfort during the coldest months.
Recently, six of REC's Line Workers completed their certificate program for Journeyman Line Worker. The requirements to become a Journeyman Line Worker include four sections, with 10 units per section, of classroom learning and 7,424 hours of on-the-job training with Northewestern Lineman College. These requirements total over 8,000 hours of skill development and hands-on experience. Congratulations to Luke Gifford, Trey Schwabe, Gentry Holden, Justin Jones, Jed Flournoy and T.J. Doan. Pictured from left to right: Luke Gifford; Trey Schwabe; Casey Henson, Manager of Safety and Loss Control/Facilities; Gentry Holden; Dusty Ricks, CEO; Justin Jones; Jason Mays, Operations Superintendent; Jed Flournoy; Ben Pigg, Construction Supervisor and T.J. Doan.
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 Portable and Septic Services, LLC, 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.
Learn more at www.energy.gov
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