Co-op Comments
REC's 86th Annual Meeting set
Registration for the 86th Annual Meeting of Rural Electric Cooperative will begin on Thursday, October 2, as a drive-thru only from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and an in-person only meeting on Saturday, October 4, beginning at 8 a.m. Both the drive-thru and the in-person meeting will be held at REC’s Multi Purpose Center on Highway 76 N in Lindsay.
Official notice, prize drawing information and ballot will be arriving in the mail about 10 days prior to the meeting. Please bring this information with you on either day for ease in the voting and registration process.
During the early drive-thru registration on Thursday, members will stay in their vehicles and enter the circle driveway of the Multi Purpose Center off of Highway 76 and go through the registration line.
For members attending on Saturday, please follow the signs to park and attend in-person. Each member who registers will automatically receive a one-time $25 bill credit in addition to their registration gift.
Zach Ray will provide the entertainment on Saturday, October 4, beginning at 8:45 a.m. Ray is originally from Blanchard, Oklahoma and got his start singing at his home church.
Ray was raised on country music and Jesus and likes to incorporate his upbringing into his music. He started taking piano lessons at nine years old and then started taking guitar lessons just a year later. During high school, he gained experience from singing and performing at the Rodeo Opry in Oklahoma City, Okla. During college Ray was in three bands and led worship at the Baptist Collegiate Ministry for Southeastern Oklahoma State University and many other events. He recently moved to the Durant area with his wife Brittney and their sons Daniel and Davis. He has released two EP's and two music videos. He has played at the Grand Ole Opry, the Bluebird Cafe and the Listening Room in Nashville.
After enjoying entertainment from Zach Ray, members who are in attendance on Saturday will hear reports from Board President, Gary Jones, and CEO, Dusty Ricks, updating members of activities from 2024. Members driving through on Thursday can find these reports on REC's website after the meeting at www.recok.coop.
REC will give out seventy-five, $75 gift certificates for electric-
ity during the business session and three grand prize drawings of $500 gift certificates for electricity. All members registered on either Thursday or Saturday will be eligible for the seventy-five, $75 gift certificates for electricity. During the in-person meeting on Saturday, three members will win $500 gift certificates for electricity. To be eligible to win the grand prize drawings members must be present to win. 346901
Registration gifts include: an REC baseball cap, portable rechargeable desk and neck fan, triplex 3-in-1 light-up charging cable, sun care first aid kit, LED light bulbs, calendar, 2026 Farmers’ Almanac and an ink pen.
For more information about the 86th Annual Meeting, call 405756-3104 ext. 238.
Zach Ray
Preparing for the threat of wildfires
Across the United States, the threat of wildfires has increased significantly in recent years. For electric utilities, the danger is all too real, as dry vegetation can easily ignite from power line contact - especially during periods of high winds, which can accelerate the spread of wildfire.
In some cases, electric utilities may be liable for financial responsibilities in the aftermath of a fire linked to utility equipment. Utilities even may be held responsible for the fire, its suppression costs and any natural resource damages when they are not at fault under strict federal liability statutes, even when wildfires result from events beyond their control - such as wind-driven debris igniting fires. Advocating for Better Processes
Utilities, including electric cooperatives, are advocating for reforms to reduce regulatory barriers hindering wildfire prevention efforts. One of the biggest challenges is the complex and slow federal permitting process for grid-hardening projects and vegetation management. In some instances, it can take years to gain
approval to remove a single hazardous tree, to replace a wooden pole with a metal pole or to underground a line. Even when approved, regulations may require utilities to leave cut trees on the ground, increasing fuel for future fires.
The Fix Our Forests Act, a bipartisan bill currently moving through Congress, aims to streamline these processes. It would expand vegetation clearance zones from 10 feet to 150 feet around power lines and shield utilities from unnecessary lawsuits. Utilities are also establishing forest operating agreements with the U.S. Forest Service to reduce strict liability.
Planning and Mitigation Strategies
As wildfire threats increase, many electric co-ops are creating detailed mitigation plans, which include strategic vegetation management, infrastructure and equipment upgrades and sometimes public safety power shutoffs.
Co-ops are also utilizing new and developing technologies to safeguard their local grid. Some technologies help reduce the risk of fire and minimize structural damage, such as fire-resistant utility pole covers and non-expulsion fuses, which eliminate the expulsion of gases and molten metal when tripped. Additionally, co-ops are utilizing tools aiding in detecting wildfires or weather conditions leading to them. Technologies such as satellite and drone imaging, advanced power line sensors and strategically placed pole cameras are just a few examples of how utilities can keep a closer eye on the local grid and spot potential risks.
In addition to advocacy efforts and technologies to better protect against wildfires, co-ops understand community collaboration is key. By working with government agencies, local businesses and community groups, co-ops will be better prepared for wildfire prevention and response.
September 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
Linda Ray, CFO
Kelli Lindsey, Administrative Assistant and Staff Coordinator
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
Saving energy during high usage periods benefits all members
Conserving electricity during high energy use times not only lowers your monthly bill – it can benefit our entire community. These high energy use times refer to periods of the day when the demand for electricity is highest. Think early mornings when people are getting ready for work or school and evenings when families return home, cook dinner and unwind with electronics. When everyone uses energy at once, it adds pressure on the electric grid. REC works around the clock to ensure electricity flows to your home whenever you need it. Behind the scenes, an enormous and intricate system is at work - one of the most complex machines in the world: the U.S. power grid. The grid is made up of three major interconnections spanning the country, each managing supply and demand through regional authorities to keep the lights on and our economy running smoothly.
Electricity comes from a diverse mix of sources - hydropower, natural gas, coal, solar, wind and more. Some power plants can respond quickly to spikes in demand, while others are less flexible. Once energy is generated, it travels through high-voltage transmission lines to local utilities, like REC, which then delivers it to your home or business through distribution power lines. When electricity demand surges during high use times, it is more expensive to generate or purchase power. If supply can not keep up, the risk of outages increases. Which is why using less energy during these times are more important than ever. It not only eases strain on the grid but also helps you save money.
So how can you conserve during these high use times? Start by adjusting your thermostat a few degrees during these times. Smart thermostats can automate this for you. Delay using energy-hungry appli-
ances like ovens, clothes washers and dishwashers until later in the evening. Charging your electric vehicle overnight instead of right after you get home can also help.
Small actions taken by many households can lead to big results. When we all work together to reduce energy use during these times, we protect our power grid, help control costs and ensure reliable electricity for our communities.
Enabling CCV2 for credit card payments
Beginning in October, all payment applications will automatically require card verification value (CVV2) to make a payment. The CVV2 address risks associated with compromised magnetic strip or chip data, as well as cards obtained from stolen numbers.
You are already familiar with the threedigit number printed on the back of all Visa, Mastercard and Discover credit cards or four-digit number on the front of American Express cards. CVV2 is based on the account number, expiration date and service code and is calculated by applying a cryptographic algorithm to the encoded account information.
Also, all members who make payments over the phone are promoted to provide a pin number.
Members using SmartHub can sign into their account and begin updating their information, but starting in October, members will be required to provide their CVV2 as well.
These additional steps are continued ways REC keep your information safe. For any questions or additional information needed, please call our office at 1-800259-3504 or 405-756-3104.
REC offers enhanced security measure to SmartHub accounts
In response to the growing threat of phishing attacks targeting members in the utility and broadband industries, REC is taking proactive steps to enhance the security of the SmartHub billing and payment system. REC has implementation of twofactor authentication (2FA) as an added layer of protection for your account.
“Phishing attacks are a common tactic used by cybercriminals to get you into re-
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
Take advantage of “shoulder months,” which refer to the transitional periods between peak heating and cooling seasons. During the fall, these milder weeks typically occur between September and November. Shoulder months offer a great opportunity to reduce home energy consumption as the need for extensive heating or cooling is reduced. Look for simple ways to boost indoor comfort without running your heating and cooling system. Use ceiling fans and open windows on breezy days to ventilate your home. On cooler days, add a layer of clothing and avoid running the heat.
vealing your personal information, such as login credentials or financial details," said Dusty Ricks, CEO. “These are not system breaches or applications being hacked but social engineering attempts. These attacks often involve fraudulent emails or text messages appearing to be from a legitimate organization, enticing you to click on a malicious link or provide sensitive information.”
Recognizing the importance of safeguarding your account information, REC is committed to providing a secure online experience. Implementing 2FA adds an extra layer of security to help prevent unauthorized access to your SmartHub account.
Ricks said, “With 2FA, you must provide two forms of identification before gaining access to your account. This typically involves entering a unique code sent to your mobile device or email address and your username and password. This added security measure makes it significantly more
difficult for cybercriminals to compromise your account, even if they have obtained login credentials through phishing or other means.”
REC encourages all its customers to enroll in 2FA to further protect their accounts from unauthorized access. Ricks adds, “This will allow us to satisfy our commitment to protecting your account while giving you the trusted confidence of secure transactions.”
Customers with questions or concerns about phishing attacks or 2FA are encouraged to contact REC at 1-800-259-3504 or 405-756-3104 for additional information.
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.
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 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.