Co-op Comments
Global supply chain disruptions, surging demand creates pressure
Across the United States, electric utilities are grappling with sharp increases in costs, coupled with significant delays of critical infrastructure components are impacting projects. From poles and transformers to conductors, crossarms and substation equipment, nearly every aspect of the electric grid supply chain has been affected.
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, is in the same condition as the rest of the country.
The prices for wooden utility poles have climbed substantially due to lumber shortages and labor constraints in the forestry sector. Steel and aluminum prices - key materials for conductors and substation components - have also risen steeply, driven by increased global demand and fluctuating energy costs tied to their production.
Perhaps the most critical shortage has been with substation transformers. Lead times for transformers have tripled to more than 36 months. During the past four years, transformer costs have doubled, with longer wait times.
Similarly, power line costs have increased from $400,000 per mile to more than $600,000. Power plant equipment costs have also increased and can take more than five years to arrive and be constructed at a cost of around $200 million
for 100 MW of natural gas generation.
The scarcity and demand have triggered nationwide competition among utilities, cooperatives and municipalities, all vying for limited inventories, as domestic manufacturers struggle to keep pace with orders and international shipping remains unreliable.
As cooperatives and other utilities push toward a more resilient and sustainable energy future, addressing the escalating cost and competition for electric utility supplies is a top priority.
For additional information, please visit the WFEC website – www.wfec.com.
Helping to reduce the risk of wildfires
Gone are the days when wildfires were primarily confined to the western United States. Rising temperatures, prolonged drought and shifting weather patterns are creating dangerous conditions in places that historically experienced few major fires. Today, more than 30 states face elevated wildfire risk. The reality is clear: wildfire risk is no longer regional—it is national. And it demands action from all of us.
At Rural Electric, protecting our members and the communities we serve is our highest priority. As we recognize National Wildfire Awareness Month in May, I want you to know wildfire mitigation is not seasonal work for us. It is a year-round commitment embedded in how we operate and invest in our local system.
One of the most important ways we reduce wildfire threats is through our comprehensive vegetation management program. Overgrown trees and power lines
are a dangerous combination, particularly during dry and windy conditions. Throughout the year, REC crews—along with our trusted local contractors from Davey—proactively trim and remove vegetation that could come into contact with power lines and other critical infrastructure. This work requires careful planning, coordination with property owners and ongoing inspection. While it may not always be visible, it is one of the most effective tools we have to prevent fire ignition and maintain reliable electricity.
Wildfire mitigation also requires thoughtful public policy. Policies promoting responsible land management are also an essential part of a comprehensive wildfire prevention strategy.
While we are committed to doing our part, wildfire prevention is a shared responsibility. There are important steps each of us can take to protect our homes and neighborhoods.
Properly extinguish fires by dousing them with water, stirring the ashes and ensuring they are cool to the touch before leaving the area. Avoid outdoor burning on windy or excessively dry days. Maintain a defensible space around your home by clearing dry leaves, dead branches and other flammable debris. Use lawn equipment carefully, particularly during hot conditions, and always check local regulations for burn bans or restrictions.
Wildfires are becoming more complex and more widespread, but through proactive system management, smart investments, sound policy and community partnership, we can reduce risks and strengthen resilience.
At Rural Electric, we take this responsibility seriously. Our members depend on us not only for reliable power, but for leadership in safeguarding the communities we call home.
May 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
REC donates money to rural fire departments to assist with needs
In REC’s service area, there are 24 rural fire departments with over 360 men and women volunteering their time to help protect their families, neighbors and friends. Not only do these individuals fight fires, but they also help construct buildings to house equipment, perform maintenance and work fundraisers to have the necessary money to purchase fuel and equipment to protect homes and properties in their area. These services survive because of the dedication of volunteer firefighters.
For 36 years, firefighters in REC’s service area have gathered for recognition for their efforts in protecting lives and property.
This year 22 fire departments were in at-
tendance at the banquet and REC presented each department with a check to assist in purchasing equipment and supplies. REC’s grant program awarded $18,350 to the area departments bringing the program’s total donated funds to $488,900.
“It is important to support our local rural fire departments as they are first responders protecting our lives, businesses and property,” CEO, Dusty Ricks said. “REC’s grant program is designed to assist these departments in being better equipped to handle fires in our rural areas. The service rural fire departments provide is invaluable and we cannot thank them enough for the work they do every day.”
REC recognizes the importance of the tasks these men and women perform and the obstacles they must overcome to do their jobs. 918702
Departments receiving grants include: Acme, Alex, Bailey, Bradley, Bray, Cox City, Dibble, Doyle, Elmore City, Farwell, Katie, Lindsay, Maysville, Naples, Ninnekah, Paoli, Payne, Pernell, Purcell, Rush Creek, Rush Springs, Washington, Wayne and Wynnewood.
Collectively, the 24 departments have 367 firefighters trained to fight wildfires as well as structure fires. During 2024, the departments went on 3,281 runs.
Pictured from left to right: Front row: Reuel Leveridge - Wayne, Kraig Edelman - Purcell Tanner Roberson - Lindsay, Cody Yates - Paoli, John Williams - Alex, Robbie Nestlerode -Katie, John Terry - Cox City and Tyler Stewart - Naples. Second row: Kole Gensamer - Bray, Earl Henderson - Doyle, Brad England - Dibble, Josh Spencer - Washington, Kevin Gorden - Rush Creek, Logan Zimmerman - Acme and Chris Mallow - Wynnewood. Third row: Brian Bearce - Bradley, Austin Unruh - Ninnekah, Braden Nightingale - Farewell, Representative Cindy Roe, Will McLin - Elmore City, James Anderson - Pernell, Jeremy Coldwell -Maysville and Dayton O'Neal - Bailey.
Classified Advertisement
AUTOMOTIVE
FOR SALE: 2013 Harley Davidson Heritage Softail Classic, 23,115 miles, call for photos, $10,500. PH: 405-331-9808.
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
As temperatures start to rise, many homeowners focus on staying cool. Do not forget about the small gaps around windows and doors. While air sealing is often associated with keeping cold air out during winter, it is just as important during summer. Tiny cracks and worn weatherstripping allow cool, conditioned air to escape and hot, humid air to seep indoors. This forces your air conditioner to work harder than necessary and increases energy costs. Take a few minutes to check for drafts, replace weatherstripping and seal leaks. A tighter home keeps you more comfortable and helps manage energy use.
Learn more at www.energy.gov
MISCELLANEOUS
FOR SALE: Row-N-Ride exercise bike, Row-N-Ride exercise new, never used, $250 PH:405-351-0878 new, never $250. PH:405-351-0878.
FOR SALE: 40' cargo trailer, 8' wide x 9 ½' high, $3,000. PH: 530-604-7497.
Local 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 68 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 and 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.