A newsletter for members of Rural Electric Cooperative
November 2026
Co-op Comments Successful 87th Annual Meeting REC's 87th Annual Meeting had 584 members who either drove through or came in-person to REC's Multi-Purpose Center. For members who drove through the MPC parking lot or came in-person on Saturday received a $25 bill credit, was entered for the prize drawings, voted and received a registration gift. Members who attended on Saturday, enjoyed entertainment from Cara Belt and learned more about the Cooperative from the different booths inside. During the business meeting, members heard from Board President, Gary Jones and new CEO-elect, Darren Townley about the overall wellbeing of the Cooperative and what new changes are coming. REC members approved the re-election of three Board of Trustees' during the registration process. Re-elected for a threeyear term were: Brent Bacon, District One, Office Two; Larry Anderson, District Two, Office Two and Sonny Harrison, District
Three, Office Two. Winners of the $75 gift certificates for electricity were: Mike J. Hines; Stevie Lindsey; Rick L. Bray; Sondra A. Adams; Larry E. Jackson; Tina C. Smith; Bobby Hodge; B & B Tool Company Inc.; James A. Byrd; Jonathan D. Scruggs; Jason A. Brown; MB Burruss & Sons Farm/Charlie Burruss; Karen E. Branch; Kimberly K. Gray; Michael A. Weisenbeck; Stacy L. Roady; Ronnie Akerman; Kenneth R. Scruggs; Harry L. Wright; Kevin R. Beam; April D. Frodsham; Peter T. Ferriola; Darrell L. Somers; Penny Parkinson; Jessica F. Jones; Quinton D. Ferguson; Evan G. McConnell; Charles M. Vess; Matthew Q. Watkins; Linda E. McDaniel; Nannette J. Burrows; Chad A. Kimbro; Charles L. Stewart; Max Tracy; Gary N. Parks; Randi J. Rutledge; Doyle L. Hassler; Terry W. Mottinger; Gary D. Johnson; Joe J. Rubio; Bob Bilyeu; David E. Pirtle; Mandy K. Morton; James A. Mcelreath; Katie Volunteer Fire Dept.; Mi-
chael R. Berry; Woodrow W. Byrd; Eugene Boxley; Katty Sims; James A. Richardson; James B. Gibson; Ralph R. Phillips Jr.; Cleta P. Rainey; Kerry Lofton; Billy F. Hooper; Ivan D. Couch; David Chris Harrell; Donna J. Copeland; Mary L. Collinsworth; Carol S. Woods; Nancy M. Kellum; Jake G. Marcum; Kelly L. Robison; Richard Huffman; Threseia A. Wilson; Bill L. Jordan; Ethel B. Condit; Cecil E. Covel; Monty T. Selzer; Michael J. Pope; Phillip Newman; Brownie Drennan; Christina D. Taliaferro; Terry J. White and Lacie Wilkins. The three grand prize winners of the $500 gift certificates for electricity were Shirley England, William M. Chambers and Harold or Pam Boswell. The cordless portable chainsaw provided by Western Farmers Electric Cooperative went to Reuel W. Leveridge III and the 65' television provided by Wesco went to Kelsey Scruggs. The two childrens' bikes went to: Gemma Thornton and Quillen Bullock.
CEO’s MESSAGE
Closing one chapter and starting another With the change in the temperature, one can see how the year continues to shift as it begins to prepare for new seasons. Just like the weather, change is also happening here at REC. After six years of service our CEO, Dusty Ricks, is retiring. Ricks led REC’s membership through the COVID-19 pandemic, the passing of our previous CEO, Dale Nye, and the extreme Oklahoma weather conditions. His steadfast service has kept REC financially strong, and he has led our membership with passion. He is looking forward to playing more golf, feeding his cows in the daylight and spending more time with his family. But Ricks now knows he will be able to enjoy the peace of retirement as REC’s Board of Trustees has selected Darren Townley as the next CEO. Members who came to our recent Annual Meeting had an opportunity to meet and talk with Townley. Townley is from Washington, Okla. and has been serving as the CFO for the past year. Townley and his wife, Elizabeth, have
two children: Maddix and Tate. Maddix is nine years old and Tate is six years old. Prior to working for REC, Townley worked at Chesapeake Energy for three years and Devon Energy for 11 years in an accounting and finance capacity as a CPA. “I am looking forward to this opportunity and being able to serve REC’s members,” Townley adds. “What lead me to this opportunity is caring for our members and being able to work at a place where people are valued more than profits.” Townley is prepared to lead REC’s employees and guide our Cooperative into the future. He is ready to tackle the new challenges in the industry and find the best solutions for the members. Just as the seasons change, there is still familiarity in the different seasons. While the people might change overtime, REC’s commitment to the members will continue to remain the same. REC’s Board of Trustees and employees are dedicated to providing our members with the same dependable, affordable electricity they have come to expect for the last 87 years.
November 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 Darren Townley, Manager/CEO Jon Jones, COO Elaine Gilreath, Manager of Customer Service and Data Processing 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
Darren Townley (left) presents Dusty Ricks (right) with a resolution for his retirement. 2 Co-op Comments
CO-OP NEWS
Modest rate increase starting with members' November usage Recently REC members learned about the necessary rate adjustment approved by the Board of Trustees. The rate adjustment will be comprised of two components – a kilowatt hour charge and a service availability charge. Starting November 15, there will be a slight increase, of approximately two mills per kWh, for residential and small to medium commercial members. A mill is a tenth of a cent. Additionally, REC’s large commercial accounts will see an approximate six percent overall increase starting in January 2027 based off their energy and demand charges. REC members currently pay $0.0875 per kWh, and after the new rate is implemented with the November usage, members will be paying $0.08868 per kWh. This slight increase to our kWh charge is needed to help cover the Cooperative’s rising costs of delivering electricity to the membership. A majority of REC’s operating costs are fixed. Whether the member uses one kWh per month or 1,000 kWhs, the same amount of infrastructure and materials are needed to provide electricity. Our service availably charge is necessary for REC to recover many of these costs. Starting in April 2027, residential and small to medium commercial members will have an increase in their service availably charge from $17 to $25 a month.
During a recent revenue requirement study by the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation, it was determined these increases are necessary to help REC remain financially healthy while continuing to provide the safe and reliable service to our members. Over the past several years, growth to REC’s system has helped absorb rising costs and avoid increasing rates while many other electric cooperatives have had to raise rates. This will be REC’s first rate increase since 2018, despite the significant inflation and increase in cost of materials, equipment, labor, and other expenses we have experienced. We have provided an excellent energy value to our members over an extended period of time. Our rates are among lowest in the state, and even with these increases we will remain one of lowest. Every time REC’s Board of Trustees meet they are always thinking about how changes will impact our member-consumers. With this in mind, they know the value our members place on energy extends beyond just price. It is the right combination of price, quality of service, reliability and being a responsible partner in meeting the needs of our members today and in the future. REC will continue to strive to keep rates as low as possible while continuing to provide reliable power.
Optimize your HVAC system to save energy usage As November settles in and temperatures begin to drop, your HVAC system will soon become one of the hardest-working appliances in your home. One of the easiest and most effective measures you can take is checking filters. A clogged or dirty filter makes it harder for air to move through your system, which can cause it to work longer and harder than necessary. Check filters regularly and replace them according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Vents matter too. Take a look around your home to make sure furniture, curtains, rugs and other household items are not blocking any supply or return vents. 455701 If you have a heat pump, your outdoor unit also deserves extra attention this time of year. Falling leaves, limbs and other debris can collect around the unit and restrict airflow. If you have a traditional
central air conditioning system, your outdoor unit will likely remain idle during winter months, but it is still good practice to keep it clear of debris. Do not overlook what you can not see. With forced-air systems, ductwork plays an essential role in delivering heated air throughout your home. Leaks, gaps or disconnected sections can allow conditioned air to escape before it reaches the rooms where it is needed. If you have noticed rooms never seeming to get comfortable or unusually high energy use, ask an HVAC professional to inspect your ductwork. Fall is also an ideal time for a professional tune-up. A technician can inspect your heating system, identify potential problems and make sure it is operating safely and efficiently before the coldest weather arrives. Regular professional maintenance can also help extend the life of your equipment.
Finally, take more control of your energy use by proactively managing your thermostat. Lowering the temperature when you are asleep or away can help reduce energy use. A programmable or smart thermostat can make those adjustments automatically. Your home heating system has an important job this winter. Giving it a little extra attention this fall to help the system operate more efficiently, reduce unnecessary energy use and potentially prevent an inconvenient breakdown on a cold winter night.
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Classified Advertisement MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE: Portable playpen with carry bag; potty chair booster seat with cover; highchair, $225 for all. PH: 405-351-0878.
RECREATIONAL FOR SALE: 2002 HitchHiker 33' fifth
wheel camper with 3 slide-outs. PH:405-343-5119.
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.
Is your REC
Account Information 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 Adjust your water heater settings to save energy. As cooler weather arrives, your water heater may be working harder to keep up with longer, hotter showers. Check its temperature setting and consider lowering it to 120°F, which the U.S. Department of Energy recommends for most households. Lowering the temperature can reduce energy use while also helping prevent scalding. Always check the owner's manual before making adjustments.
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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