Co-op Comments
While electricity cost have remained mostly flat other commodities have seen increases
In an economy where prices continue to rise steadily year after year, electricity stands out as a rare example of cost stability. While the prices of many everyday items have surged over the past two decades, the cost of electricity has remained relatively flat, providing consumers with predictable energy bills amidst broader economic uncertainty.
Consider the following examples: Since the early 2000s, the average price of a loaf of bread has increased by nearly 60 percent. A gallon of milk has gone up by over 50 percent and the cost of a dozen eggs has more than doubled. Gasoline, always a volatile commodity, has seen fluctuations ranging from around $2 to over $5 per gallon in the same timeframe. Even basic household goods have experienced noticeable price hikes due to inflation. Electricity, however, has shown remarkable restraint. According to U.S. Energy Information Administration data, residential electric rates have increased by only about 1.5 to 2 percent annually on average over the past 20 years - far lower than the inflation rate of many consumer goods.
In a world where consumers are increasingly squeezed by unpredictable expenses, the steady cost of electricity offers a measure of financial certainty. This essen-
tial service remains reliably priced - even when everything else seems to be going up.
Western Farmers Electric Cooperative (WFEC) is a not-for-profit, wholesale power supplier for 21 distribution cooperatives and Altus Air Force Base. These
members, located across Oklahoma and into parts of New Mexico, have had this same cost stability for past years.
For additional information, please visit the WFEC website – www.wfec.com.
Why vegetation management matters
There is something timeless about trees. They ground us. They remind us of where we have been, and they stretch toward what is ahead. Here in our community, we take pride in the natural beauty surrounding us—the shade on a summer afternoon, the colors mark the changing seasons, the quiet strength of something growing slowly but endures.
At the same time, we share another responsibility - one just as essential to our daily lives. The responsibility to keep the lights on, to power our homes and businesses, to make sure when you flip a switch, the energy you depend on is there.
One of the most important ways we do this is through regular tree trimming.
Now, it may not always be obvious, but keeping lines clear of overgrown vegetation plays a major role in preventing power outages. We have all seen what can happen when severe weather rolls instrong winds, heavy ice or sudden storms can bring down branches and, with them, power lines and poles. In fact, nearly half of all power outages can be traced back to trees and vegetation coming into contact with electrical infrastructure.
Which is why you may notice our crews or our trusted contractors working in
neighborhoods throughout the year. Our crews are highly trained and certified, following the latest industry standards to ensure the job is done safely and effectively. Their work might seem routine, but it is anything but - it is a proactive step helping prevent problems before they start.
Electricity is a powerful force, and when trees grow too close to power lines, power can become dangerous. Branches touching lines - or even come close - can carry electrical current. Children climbing trees in their own yards may not realize the risk. And during storms, fallen trees can create hazardous conditions not only for families but also for our lineworkers working to restore service.
There is also a financial reality we can not ignore. Preventative maintenance - like tree trimming - is far more cost-effective than repairing widespread damage after an outage. Left unchecked, overgrown vegetation can lead to more frequent disruptions and higher costs for everyone. A thoughtful, strategic vegetation management program helps keep those costs down for our members.
You can help, too. When planting new trees, consider their mature height and distance from nearby power lines. Trees growing up to 40 feet should be planted at least 25 feet away from overhead lines. Larger trees - those exceeding 40 feet - should be planted at least 50 feet away. If you are landscaping near pad-mounted transformers, keep shrubs at least 10 feet from the front and four feet from the sides to allow safe access.
If your neighborhood has underground lines, do not forget to call 811 before digging. It is a simple step that can prevent serious accidents.
At the end of the day, we all want the same thing: a safe, resilient and beautiful community for us all to enjoy.
June 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
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
Keeping REC's rights-of-way clear with brush crew spraying
REC has contracted with Apex Row, LLC, for 2026, to help control the brush growing under our electric lines. They will spray all of REC’s service area. 890100
“This work is necessary for the safety and reliability of your electrical service,” says John Byrd, Right-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 and brush within REC’s right-of-way easement consisting of 20 feet on each side of REC’s primary distribution line.
If you have any questions or need to talk with REC’s Right-ofWay department, please call 800-259-3504 ext. 227 or Project Manager for Apex Row, LLC, Jeremiah Thomas at 870-448-2183.
Classified Advertisement
AUTOMOTIVE
FOR SALE: 2008 Chevy ¾ ton 4x4 flatbed
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.
with bale spear and feeder, 183,000 miles. PH: 405-831-9610.
MISCELLANEOUS
FOR SALE: Minerals only, no surface, 10 Minerals no surface, 10
acres in section 16-4-7 and 17-4-7, $2,000 acres in section 16-4-7 and 17-4-7, per acre PH:580-861-2121 per acre. PH:580-861-2121.
Nominating Committee will meet in June
Account Information Is
your REC up-to-date?
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. is happening at REC.
Energy Efficiency
Tip of the Month
During these warm summer months, a smart thermostat can help keep your home comfortable while reducing cooling costs. Smart thermostats learn your routine and automatically raise the temperature when you are away and cool things down before you return, avoiding unnecessary energy use. You can also adjust settings remotely from your phone, so you are never cooling an empty house. Setting your thermostat a few degrees higher while you are away or asleep can lead to significant savings. Many smart thermostats provide reports and tips, helping you fine-tune your energy use and stay cool while keeping your electric bill in check.
Learn more at www.energy.gov
The 2026 Nominating Committee will meet in June to select candidates for Rural Electric Cooperative’s Board of Trustees. As defined in the Bylaws, the Nominating Committee selects at least three membersone from each district-as candidates for the Board.
Three members from each of REC’s three board districts make up the Nominating Committee. A minimum of one representative from each district must be in attendance at the meeting to constitute a quorum and conduct business.
Guidelines for nominations and election of Trustees are contained in Article Three (3), Section Seven (7) of REC’s Bylaws. Copies of Bylaws are available upon request at REC’s headquarters.
Candidates for the Board of Trustees are
voted on at REC’s 87th Annual Meeting Saturday, October 3, 2026. The meeting will be held in REC’s Multi Purpose Center located north of Lindsay on State Highway 76.
Additional nominations may be submitted by petition with any 50 or more members of the Cooperative, acting together, in writing over their signatures. Any such nomination shall list the candidate’s name with necessary signatures and be filed with the Cooperative at least 120 days prior to the Annual Meeting of the Membership. A list of candidates nominated by the Nominating Committee and by petition shall be filed in the office of the Cooperative and posted at the main entrance of the Cooperative’s headquarters in Lindsay, Oklahoma at least 90 days prior to the 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.