Ruralite
OREGON TRAIL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
JANUARY 2025
INSIDE >>
Power Theft Affects Us All
Oregon Empowers: Oregon
Cooperatives Prepare to Help
Power Guatemalan Village
New Trump Administration
Means New Energy Policies
Baker County. PHOTO BY COVER CONTEST WINNER DAN TURK
Ruralite
January 2025 • Volume 72, No. 1
CEO Michael Shepard
SENIOR VP OF CONTENT Leon Espinoza
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Chasity Anderson, CCC
DEPUTY EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Noble Sprayberry
SENIOR EDITOR Jennifer Paton, CCC
ASSISTANT EDITORS Victoria Hampton, CCC; David Herder, CCC
ASSOCIATE EDITORS
Valeri Pearon, Nina Todea
PUBLICATIONS PRODUCTION SR. MANAGER
Elizabeth Beatty
SENIOR PUBLICATIONS COORDINATOR
Alyssa McDougle
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Stories That Inspire Change
As the new year unfolds, it brings with it the promise of fresh starts and new opportunities. Many of us take this time to reflect on the past year and set resolutions for the months ahead.
Whether it’s pursuing personal growth, building stronger relationships or contributing to our communities, this annual reset reminds us change is always possible. I hope that in this season of renewal, you find the strength and courage to achieve your resolutions and embrace the potential for transformation in your own life.
Yet, alongside the optimism, we must also acknowledge the importance of facing life’s more difficult truths. Sometimes, the stories that break our hearts are the ones that teach us the most. They remind us of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of hope to overcome even the darkest of circumstances.
One such story is that of Jane, a survivor of human trafficking, whose journey exemplifies courage, determination and the profound impact of community support.
Jane’s story, as told by our very own awardwinning writer Victoria Hampton, is a sobering reminder that trafficking often doesn’t look like the stereotypes we might imagine. It’s not confined to far-off cities or shadowy strangers. It
can occur in the homes and neighborhoods we think we know best.
Despite the horrors she faced, Jane’s journey didn’t end in despair. Her eventual escape and recovery were made possible by the tireless efforts of local advocacy groups and community task forces that refused to let her story go unheard. Today, she works to support other survivors, channeling her experiences into advocacy and care. Her resilience and resolve serve as a beacon of hope for countless others who face similar struggles. Read more on Page 10.
As we step into this new year, let us take inspiration from Jane’s journey and the work of those who supported her. Consider how you might contribute to change in your own community. Whether it’s volunteering, donating time, supplies or money, or simply raising awareness, every effort matters. The new year is a time for hope, resolve and action. Together, we can create a world where every individual has the opportunity to rewrite their story and dream of brighter days ahead.
Thank you for the wonderful story ideas many of you submitted in the past month. I’m still following up on many of them. Have additional thoughts about a story we should share? Reach me at editor@pioneer.coop.
Happy New Year!
Chasity Anderson Editorial Director
For supplemental and interactive content, search @Ruralite on your favorite social media sites.
Giving a Voice to the Silent
Community task forces create first lines of defense against human trafficiking in rural communities
Spotlight, Page 10
It Tastes Better in a Bowl
In The Kitchen, Page 16
Oregon Empowers Guatemala, Again
A Pacific Northwest-based crew sets its sights on another village in need
By Shane Stenquist
In March 2023, a crew of nine lineworkers and an engineer from Oregon electric cooperatives embarked on a mission to share the gift of electricity with the remote Guatemalan village of Ventura, in a mountainous region of the state of Jalapa. The project was the culmination of a planning process and cooperation among individual electric cooperatives in Oregon with the statewide Oregon Rural Electric Cooperative Association and NRECA International.
Let’s Do It Again
The 2023 project was a triumphant success that impacted not only the villagers of Ventura, but every crew member who participated in the project. Upon their return home to their cooperatives in
Oregon, the men shared their experiences with their peers, many of whom asked when there would be another opportunity to participate in such an incredible project.
Oregon Empowers is proud to announce plans to return to Guatemala in March to bring power to another village: Aldea Coco, a three-hour drive from Guatemala City in the state of Zacapa. Planning is underway and will again include crew members from co-ops across Oregon, including from Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative.
Aldea Coco is a remote village of about 30 homes, a church and a school. The project requires running approximately
3.7 miles of primary wire, 1,000 feet of secondary wire, 35 to 40 primary poles and 10 secondary poles across difficult terrain.
The History of Helping
Thanks to the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, electric cooperatives have been powering rural areas in America for nearly a century, which gives these co-ops unique insight into what it takes to bring electricity to those who have not yet experienced this incredible resource.
National Rural Electric Cooperative Association represents more than 900 consumer-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperatives, including Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative. In 1962, NRECA established a new philanthropic arm, NRECA International, to implement electrification programs and projects to improve the quality of life in rural
In March 2025, a team of lineworkers returns to Guatemala to bring electricity to residents in need. The group’s destination is Aldea Coco, about a three-hour drive from Guatemala City in the state of Zacapa. PHOTOS COURTESY OF OREGON TRAIL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
communities and developing economies around the world.
Since then, NRECA International has empowered more than 220 million people worldwide to improve their quality of life by providing them access to safe, reliable and affordable electricity.
The outreach projects of the Oregon electric cooperatives is aptly named Oregon Empowers. Oregon Empowers brings electricity to people in developing countries by designing and implementing successful, sustainable, scalable rural electrification programs that improve education, health care, safety and economic opportunity.
The project leader for the 2023 mission
was Charlie Tracy, director of engineering at Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative.
“Having something like electricity is a privilege that many Americans may take for granted,” Charlie says. “This gives you a lot of perspective.”
He says the lineworkers became close with the villagers during the project.
“You could see it on their faces that they were very appreciative of what we were doing,” Charlie says. “When you are there and meet and speak with these wonderful people, you know this will change their lives forever.”
The absence of electricity limits villagers’ ability to access education, health care and economic opportunities. Equipping each
home with a lightbulb, light switch and electrical outlets provides new freedom and opportunities.
Electrifying remote villages was a challenging task during the 2023 visit because the Oregon Empowers team did not have access to its regular tools and equipment. Without bucket trucks, the crew spent many hours climbing poles and hiking steep terrain. However, the Oregon Empowers team and the villagers worked together to overcome challenges. They hand dug deep holes to support the new electrical infrastructure and manually pulled wires through fields to connect with the municipal power system.
How You Can Help
If you are interested in supporting the work of Oregon Empowers and helping bring the gift of electricity to those less fortunate, you can make a taxdeductible donation through our website oregonempowers.com or send a check payable to ORECA International to 8565 SW Salish Lane, Suite 130 Wilsonville, OR 97070. One hundred percent of your donation will be used to help those who do not have access to the opportunities we take for granted. n
Visit oregonempowers.com to learn more about the 2023 project in Ventura and to follow the 2025 project in Aldea Coco.
Lineworkers will need to cross steep and rocky terrain to reach the homes, one church and one school in Aldea Coco.
Cool Cool Cool
Arc faults often cause overheating in wires and electric equipment. Common culprits are pinched, damaged or overloaded wires. AFCI outlets shut off when they detect unwanted arcing. AFCIs are useful in all living areas.
Heating Equipment
Most electrical fire deaths occur in December and January, according to the United States Fire Administration. This is also the time of year when we use space heaters, wood stoves and other heating devices. Heating devices can become dangerous when used improperly. Keep these tips in mind when using heating devices:
• Keep anything that can burn at 3 feet away from heating equipment, such as furnaces, space heaters, fireplaces or wood stoves.
• Only use products as intended. Space heaters are not for drying clothes, and the cooking stove is not a heater.
• Ensure all fuel-burning heating equipment is vented to the outdoors, and keep all intake and output vents clean and clear of debris.
• If using a wood stove or fireplace, use a screen to prevent sparks from flying into the room.
• Never plug a space heater into an extension cord.
• Keep space heaters on level ground, away from areas where you may trip over it.
Generators
Many people use portable generators during outages. To properly use one:
• Let the generator run for a couple of minutes before plugging things in to prevent catastrophic surges. Similarly, plug things in one at a time, as each device requires a small surge to start up.
• Only plug generators in to your home’s transfer switch or into a heavy duty extension cord rated for the weather conditions. Never plug generators into wall outlets—this can endanger lineworkers by backfeeding electricity onto distribution lines.
• Keep generators at least 20 feet from your home to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. n
New Batteries, New Fire Hazards
Many new devices enter our homes during the holidays, and that means new batteries to charge. Lithium-ion batteries are efficient and effective at powering phones, toys, electric bikes and more, but they can be fire hazards.
Damaged lithium-ion batteries can rapidly overheat and ignite. Whatever you’re plugging in, safe charging can prolong your battery life and prevent fire danger.
X Stop using a battery if you notice any smell, change in color or shape, too much heat, leaking or odd noises.
X Plug battery chargers directly into a wall outlet.
X Don’t overload circuits. Batteries take in a lot of energy while charging. Make sure you don’t overload your home’s circuits by having too much plugged in at once.
X Charge in a flat, dry area, away from sunlight and doorways. Heat and water can create fire risks, and keeping batteries away from exits keeps emergency paths clear should a fire start.
X Always buy batteries from known, quality sellers.
X Stay near your batteries while they are charging.
Three OTEC Board Positions
Open for Nominations
Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative is a member-owned and locally controlled electric cooperative. OTEC holds an election each year to determine who will represent you, the co-op’s member-owners, on the OTEC Board of Directors. The OTEC board is comprised of nine directors who each serve three-year terms. Each year, member-owners vote for three board positions.
What does it take to be an OTEC director?
An OTEC director is someone who is interested in OTEC, the utility industry and their community. Directors should be capable of independent thought, analysis and decision-making in a group environment while remaining open to differing opinions.
Directors must be at least 18 years old and OTEC member-owners, with their legal residence in one of OTEC’s four districts.
Directors have a fiduciary duty to act solely in OTEC’s best interests. Their
primary duties are strategic planning, setting policies and rates, hiring the CEO, establishing budgets, monitoring financial and operational performance and approving significant contractual agreements. Directors represent OTEC in the community and at various associated groups and organizations.
Directors attend monthly board meetings and occasionally travel for other meetings or trainings. Attendance at these events is critical in preparing board members to carry out their duties.
While directors do not receive salaries for their services, they may be reasonably compensated for time spent on OTECrelated business and may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred on OTEC-related business.
Because directors make decisions that directly affect OTEC member-owners, it is important that they are prepared to make these decisions with the best information and knowledge possible. n
Read more about the OTEC Board of Directors in the OTEC bylaws at otec.coop.
Notice of 2025 OTEC Board of Director Elections
The three seats up for election in 2025 are:
X Position 7, Union County: Incumbent Cory Miller
X Position 8, Union County: Incumbent David Baum
X Position 9, Baker County: Incumbent Charlene Chase
If you are an OTEC member-owner interested in running for the OTEC Board of Directors, visit otec.coop/annualmeeting-board-elections or contact the administration office at 541-524-2831.
The nominating committee recommends qualified candidates for the 2025 OTEC Board of Directors elections and asks any members interested in running for a board position to contact them on or before Jan. 31.
Nominations by petition are due March 7. Election results are announced at OTEC’s annual meeting May 8.
OTEC Bylaws
Article III: Nomination and Election of Directors
Section 3—Each nomination committee shall submit its nominations to the Secretary of the Cooperative not less than 90 days before the annual meeting in which the director from that district is to be elected. The function and authority of each committee shall terminate upon completion of the annual meeting.
Section 4—Not less than 90 days before the annual meeting in which the directors shall be elected, the Secretary of the Cooperative shall cause to be posted at the Cooperative’s principal place of business a list of names of candidates selected by the nominating committee. Additional nominations may be made by petition filed with the Secretary not less than 60 days before the annual meeting. A petition shall contain the name of the candidate and the signatures of at least 50 members qualified to vote, and a request that the name of the candidate be placed on the ballot. All candidates nominated must meet the director qualifications contained in the Section 5 of this article. Members may not nominate a candidate for director from the floor at the annual meeting.
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“When you’re being forced to do things that you don’t want to do—besides the physical pain that you go through—I think it is just a really difficult thing to cope with mentally. There was a point where my brain just kind of broke.”
JANE, HUMAN TRAFFICKING SURVIVOR
Human trafficking affects victims from all age groups and walks of life.
Once a trafficker has effectively isolated their victim, they use tactics of fear, shame and helplessness to keep them in the life. For Jane—a child who did not know a lifestyle beyond the one she lived on her family’s isolated ranch—traffickers used fear as their tool to keep her compliant.
“They told me that people could read my mind, and I believed that,” Jane says. “My brothers would be hurt if I didn’t do what they would ask me to do.”
In communities, trafficking happens under the radar.
“Especially in rural communities, (trafficking) doesn’t always look like the way we think it would,” Jane says. “I
wasn’t standing on street corners. I lived at home with my family. Most of my trafficking happened in people’s homes.”
Jane’s abuse continued throughout her childhood while she went to school, played sports and attended church. She seemed like any other child, with a shy and obedient nature.
“One part of me was doing all this terrible stuff, and the other part of me was who I kind of presented to the world,” Jane says. “If you had looked at me, you wouldn’t think, ‘This person is being trafficked.’”
Jane was terrified of what might happen if she opened up to anyone about her abuse. Her cousin—the same one selling her for sex—introduced her to substance abuse to help cope with the
trauma and physical abuse inflicted by her buyers and to make her easier to control.
“When you’re being forced to do things that you don’t want to do—besides the physical pain that you go through—I think it is just a really difficult thing to cope with mentally,” Jane says. “There was a point where my brain just kind of broke. It’s incredibly difficult to process.”
She also started self-harming and attempted suicide multiple times. Jane was connected to a school counselor and saw a therapist. While she was too scared to speak her truth, no one recognized the signs of what was going on behind closed doors.
“Nobody ever asked me why,” Jane says. “I don’t understand why nobody saw the bigger picture.”
Jane overlooks Summer Lake in Oregon while wrapped in a blanket gifted to her by a friend who wanted to honor Jane’s heritage. After escaping familial trafficking, Jane takes small steps to reclaim pieces of her inherited identity while creating a better life for herself.
PHOTO COURTESY OF JANE
Communities for Change
To help mitigate this crime in local communities, county task forces are relying on what small towns do best: help one another. County task forces are community-based multidisciplinary teams with the training and skills to identify, respond to, and help victims and survivors of human trafficking.
Each task force is different but often includes employees from the local police department, domestic violence and housing assistance organizations, youth nonprofits, school districts and other county organizations with existing resources to support victims and survivors.
“Our goal is to have them in every county,” says Amanda, who is responsible for building Oregon’s response to sex and labor trafficking.
This effort starts with building awareness and understanding the root causes of trafficking and how it thrives in communities. From there, task forces find the best ways to support victims and survivors by pooling resources and educating their communities about human trafficking and where they can direct suspected victims for help or report a suspected incident.
“One of the goals of the task force is
to build this team of people who know what trafficking is and know how to respond to it so that when a victim or survivor is identified, they know what to do and the other agencies they can reach out to support the person,” says Ashley Johnson, Anti-Trafficking Alliance of Central Oregon task force coordinator and “at:project” coordinator.
If a victim is in a police station, entering foster care, contacting a domestic violence center or sitting in a school counselor’s office, the goal is for the professionals they’re encountering to know how to identify the signs of trafficking and connect them with what they need in the moment.
Starting with meeting basic needs— something to eat and a safe place to rest— may lead to counseling, housing and job support, or prosecution of their trafficker.
Community awareness and collaboration changed Jane’s life.
After escaping her traffickers in her early 20s, Jane eventually found her way to Central Oregon. Even through the trauma and abuse Jane experienced, she didn’t think of herself as a survivor.
“At this point, I still didn’t understand what trafficking was,” Jane says. “I didn’t know that was what had happened to me. I knew it was a lot of abuse and a lot of really
bad things that shouldn’t have happened.”
When she moved to Oregon, Jane was in an abusive relationship and struggling with her mental health. While working in a hospital, she suffered from a concussion after hitting her head on a piece of equipment. During her medical examination, the doctor found evidence of multiple concussions Jane had suffered from abuse inflicted by her traffickers and buyers.
Finally, someone asked Jane a question that took down all the walls she’d spent her lifetime building: Why did this happen to you?
“I just broke down and told him everything,” Jane says. “That was the first time I had really opened up about the things I had been through in my life. Up until that point, I was too scared. I told myself I was never going to tell anyone what had happened.”
Thanks to the local advocacy and awareness efforts by the county task force, the doctor knew where to direct Jane to get the help she needed. Jane was connected to at:project, a local nonprofit created by law enforcement and the district attorney’s office employees, service providers and agencies to support survivors of human trafficking in Central Oregon.
The at:project helped Jane gain her
LEFT: As a survivor of human trafficking, Jeri Moomaw founded Innovations Human Trafficking Collaborative to help victims and survivors access life-changing services. PHOTO COURTESY OF JERI MOOMAW RIGHT: From left, Oregon Department of Justice employees Kaitlyn Hardy and Amanda Swanson; Lizzie Martinez, Lincoln County Trafficking Intervention task force coordinator; and Shawna Gray, Siletz Tribal Gaming Commission executive director, host a human trafficking presentation at Chinook Winds Casino. PHOTO COURTESY OF LIZZIE MARTINEZ
“Getting connected with the at:project was probably the best thing that has ever happened to me.”
JANE
independence and a new outlook on life through therapy, housing assistance and the support of others who understood what she was going through and were there to support her every step of the way.
“Getting connected with the at:project was probably the best thing that has ever happened to me,” Jane says. “I had true, genuine, caring support for the first time in my life, and I feel like that was the turning point for me, and everything just got so much better.”
How You Can Help
As a former homeless youth in Lincoln County, Oregon, Lizzie Martinez has firsthand experience of the transformative nature of community support for people experiencing hardship. This inspired Lizzie to dedicate her career to giving back to her community. Lizzie is the Lincoln County Trafficking Intervention Task Force coordinator and works for Children’s Advocacy Center of Lincoln County.
“Just the strength and resilience that I have seen as I’ve walked alongside survivors makes it very motivating to advocate for them in the professional arena and be a voice where they so often don’t have one,” Lizzie says.
Protecting communities from these crimes goes back to where the exploitation of children and adults often starts: vulnerabilities. Lizzie understands everyone has a different capacity to help in their communities, yet there is power in every action taken to raise awareness and support existing programs that help the most vulnerable members of communities.
From small to large, there are ways residents can address vulnerabilities and help safeguard their communities:
• Listen to survivors’ stories at thelifestory.org.
• Donate to a food bank.
• Volunteer at a school as a tutor.
• Donate clothes to youth and adult organizations.
• Research and share internet safety training resources with families. The school district may have resources available.
• Support a domestic violence or housing assistance organization.
• Report any suspected incidents of human trafficking to police.
• Organize a trafficking awareness event, such as a film screening or guest speaker. Contact a county or state antitrafficking agency for training support.
• Volunteer with Court Appointed Special Advocates or a youth advocacy organization.
• Do not buy or encourage others to buy sex.
• Form a task force with programs and services that can support victims and survivors of human trafficking. It can start with a group of concerned community members meeting at someone’s house and expand from there, which is how the Anti-Trafficking Alliance of Central Oregon was formed.
“Being able to address those vulnerabilities makes such a big difference that people don’t even realize,” Amanda says.
A decade later, Jane is still an explorer, and her reality is a place she no longer has to escape from. She takes her lived experiences and helps victims and survivors as a supervisor at an antitrafficking organization in Central Oregon.
“Something that I’ve realized doing this kind of work is how many people have stories similar to mine,” Jane says.
Jane is working on a degree in social work and plans to apply to a master’s program to continue supporting others and be a voice for change.
“I feel like it is a way of taking some of my power back,” Jane says. “Everything that I am learning right now is helping me feel even more confident and capable in my ability to show up for other people.” n
At her request, Jane’s name was changed and her last name omitted to protect her privacy.
Want to find out more? Listen to Jeri Moomaw, Innovations Human Trafficking Collaborative executive director, speak about holding perpetrators accountable at ruralite.com/giving-a-voice-to-the-silent.
Need Help?
Contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline
This 24-hour, confidential hotline connects victims and survivors of sex and labor trafficking with services and support to get help and stay safe.
If you need assistance, here’s how you can connect:
Call: 888-373-7888
Text: 233733 (BEFREE)
Chat: humantraffickinghotline.org/chat
If you suspect potential situations of sex and labor trafficking in your community, call the hotline or report it to your police department.
trick and threaten them into providing commercial sex or forced labor. It is a crime that happens everywhere.
“It’s happening in every community, whether people want to acknowledge it or not,” Kylla says. “It is important we are aware and make sure our community is safe. It is an everywhere problem, so it is an everyone solution.”
TAT’s free training includes industryfocused, documentary-style videos, corporate and community training resources, printable posters and wallet cards, and a mobile app. The training videos bring together survivors’ firsthand accounts and antitrafficking education.
Awareness on the Road
TAT’s survivor-driven education changed Oregon Department of Transportation’s Maureen McNeill’s perspective on her work eight years ago when she attended Kylla’s presentation at a law enforcement conference in Bend. During the presentation, a young human trafficking survivor shared some of her darkest moments and how she carries the weight of those experiences with her every day.
“I sat right across the table from her as she told her story, and it really stuck with me for a long time,” Maureen says. “I said to
TOP: Sunset Empire Transportation District’s employees are trained to identify signs of human trafficking. PHOTO COURTESY OF SUNSET
EMPIRE TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT RIGHT: Kylla Lanier gives a presentation on human trafficking awareness to 300 law enforcement officers at the 2022 Western States Information Network. PHOTO COURTESY OF TAT
myself, ‘I need to do something about this.’”
As the backbone of the country’s economy, Maureen knows each truck driver she meets may encounter human trafficking victims and perpetrators. Traffickers use the same extensive road network as truck drivers to transport their victims, including the rural stretch of I-84 Maureen manages from Umatilla to Baker City.
“They are the eyes of the road,” she says. “When they’re stopping in rest areas, truck stops and casino parking lots, they are likely to see something.”
When Maureen was promoted to Blue Mountain regional manager of commerce and compliance, she added human trafficking awareness to trainings she and her team present to trucking businesses and farming operations in Eastern Oregon. She has fliers and wallet cards at weigh stations
for her employees to hand out to drivers.
“Traffickers are on our highways, and they need to stop and use facilities,” Maureen says. “That’s where we’re going to spot them.”
Kylla hears stories of industry professionals across the country who have encountered suspected human trafficking and reported it to local police. Oftentimes, the people who step up to help in these situations never hear the outcome of their efforts. Yet, Kylla knows how much of a difference these actions make from the survivors she works with at TAT.
“When you see survivors thriving— these are creative, strong, smart people that deserve a chance at a better life,” Kylla says. n
Bring attention and advocacy to your community with TAT’s free human trafficking awareness resources at tatnonprofit.org.
TAT is dedicated to giving transportation employees the training they need to identify signs of human trafficking while on the road.
PHOTO BY MIKE TEEGARDEN
ABOVE: Clockwise from left, Stephanie Rodriguez, Rick Yelton, Chuck Poellnitz and Jennifer Geisler played a role in preventing two teenage girls from running away aboard a Sunset Empire bus. PHOTO BY MIKE TEEGARDEN
It Tastes Better IN A BOWL
Acai Bowl With Whole-Wheat Toast
1 100-milligram frozen acai smoothie pack
1 cup low-fat milk
1 medium frozen banana, sliced
1 cup fresh or frozen mixed berries
2 slices whole-wheat bread
Fresh blueberries
Granola
Coconut flakes
Under warm water, thaw frozen acai smoothie pack about 5 seconds. In a blender, combine acai, milk, banana and mixed berries. Blend until smooth.
Toast bread slices to desired doneness.
Pour acai mixture into bowl and garnish with blueberries, granola and coconut flakes before serving. Serve with toast.
Source: Culinary.net
Chicken and Grape Cauliflower Rice Bowl
Chicken
1/2 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon minced ginger
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
Zucchini
1 tablespoon olive oil
Cauliflower rice
1 pound thawed frozen riced cauliflower
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped 1/3 cup water
1 teaspoon turmeric
2 large garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons minced ginger
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
1 pound (3 to 4 pieces) small boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
2 medium zucchini, trimmed and cut into 3/4-inch chunks
1 tablespoon ground cumin
15-ounce can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed well
1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
11/3 cups halved red grapes
To make the chicken: In a medium bowl, combine oil, garlic, ginger and cumin. Add turmeric, season lightly with salt and pepper, and whisk to blend. Lightly pound chicken pieces to even them out, then coat in oil-spice mixture. Let stand 20 to 30 minutes.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add chicken, smooth side down. Cook until golden brown underneath, about 4 minutes. Flip with spatula, and reduce heat to medium. Cook about 4 minutes until just cooked through. Transfer chicken to a plate and tent with foil. Do not clean the pan.
To make the zucchini: In a medium skillet, heat oil on medium-high heat until hot. Add zucchini pieces. Cook, stirring often until crisp and tender, about 4 minutes. Remove from heat.
To make cauliflower rice: In a colander, drain cauliflower well. In same large skillet used for chicken, add oil, onion and water over medium heat. Cook, stirring until softened, about 3 minutes. Add turmeric, garlic, ginger and cumin. Cook, stirring, for 3 minutes. Add drained cauliflower and garbanzo beans. Cook until hot, about 5 minutes. Stir in cilantro. Season with salt and pepper.
Divide cauliflower rice among four large soup bowls. Slice chicken against the grain. Arrange on top of cauliflower rice along with grapes and cooked zucchini. Serve warm.
Source: California Table Grape Commission
Mixed Berry Smoothie Bowl
1/2 cup fresh raspberries
1/2 cup sliced fresh strawberries
¼ cup sliced banana
¼ cup pomegranate juice
3/4 cup dairy whipped topping
1/8 cup fresh blueberries
1 tablespoon raw pepitas
1 teaspoon honey
Set aside a few berries to place on top of finished smoothie. Add banana, remaining raspberries, strawberries and pomegranate juice to blender. Blend until smooth. Add whipped topping, and pulse until blended.
Pour smoothie into a bowl. Artfully arrange reserved berries, blueberries and pumpkin seeds on top. Drizzle with honey. Top with additional whipped topping, if desired.
Source: Ready Set Eat
Oatmeal Power Bowl With Peanut Butter Drizzle
1 banana, mashed
2 tablespoons chia seeds
1/3 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
2/3 cup dairy-free milk
1/3 cup water
1 tablespoon milled flaxseed
¼ cup natural creamy peanut butter, warmed
The night before, prepare oats by combining the banana, chia seeds, oats, cinnamon, dairy-free milk and water. Stir, cover, and refrigerate overnight.
In the morning, scoop the mixture into a saucepan over mediumhigh heat. Bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and continue stirring frequently until mixture is thick and completely heated. Remove from heat. Stir in flax. Pour oats into bowl, and drizzle with melted peanut butter. Add toppings as desired.
Source: Ready Set Eat
Orange Shrimp Quinoa Bowls
1 cup orange juice
1 tablespoon hot sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon soy sauce
4 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon white miso
¼ cup butter
11/2 pounds shrimp, peeled, deveined and tails removed
¼ teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 cup quinoa, cooked
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 cucumber, sliced into half moons
5 green onions, sliced
1 avocado, sliced
1 teaspoon sesame seeds
2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
In a medium bowl, whisk orange juice, hot sauce, honey, soy sauce, vegetable oil, lime juice and miso until combined. Pour one-quarter of liquid into a separate bowl. Set aside. Add shrimp to the remaining mixture, and marinate 15 minutes.
Heat large skillet over medium heat with butter. Add shrimp, salt and pepper. Cook 2 minutes on each side until pink. Add mushrooms and cook until tender.
In two serving bowls, divide quinoa, bell pepper, cucumber, onions, avocado and shrimp. Sprinkle sesame seeds and cilantro over both bowls. Drizzle with reserved dressing.
Source: Culinary.net
See millions of years of history embedded in stone at Oregon’s
Sheep Rock
What Is It?
Jutting into the sky with its layers of rock and fossil, Sheep Rock in Eastern Oregon is home to millions of years of geologic history. One of three parts of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument and next to the beautiful Painted Hills, the area is great for history, hiking and marveling at landscapes.
Rock Records
The Sheep Rock Unit of the fossil beds is home to rocks up to 95 million years old, with plant and animal fossils from 7 to 33 million years ago. The unit houses the Thomas Condon Paleontology Center, where visitors can see a collection of fossils. The unit also includes seven hiking trails, ranging from a quarter mile to 3.25 miles round trip.
Two More Units
John Day Fossil Beds National Monument has two other units. One, the Painted Hills, is famous for its rolling hills with striking stripes in its rock. The colors—best viewed in the afternoon sun—are caused by variations in mineral levels. The third unit, Clarno, is home to pillars of rock formed by volcanic mudslides.
Take a Road Trip
When visiting the John Day Fossil Beds, consider making it a road trip along Oregon’s Journey Through Time Scenic Byway. The byway is nearly 290 miles long, taking visitors from the Columbia River south through the fossil beds, then east through the Blue Mountains before ending in Baker City.
More Information
The John Day Fossil Beds do not require a pass, unlike many National Parks Service sites. To start planning your trip, head online to www.nps.gov/joda or call 541-987-2333.
ADOBE STOCK
PHOTO BY DAVIDRH
NORTH AMERICA’S
#1 Selling Walk-In
The best walk-in tub just got better with breakthrough technology! Presenting the all new Safe Step Walk-In Tub featuring MicroSoothe. ® An air system so revolutionary, it oxygenates, softens and exfoliates skin, turning your bath into a spa-like experience. Constructed and built right here in America for safety and durability from the ground up, and with more standard features than any other tub.
✓ Heated seat providing warmth from beginning to end
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✓ High-quality tub complete with a comprehensive lifetime warranty on the entire tub
✓ Top-of-the-line installation and service, all included at one low, affordable price You’ll agree – there just isn’t a better, more affordable walk-in tub on the market.
Sacred Stone of the Southwest is on the Brink of Extinction
Centuries ago, Persians, Tibetans and Mayans considered turquoise a gemstone of the heavens, believing the striking blue stones were sacred pieces of sky. Today, the rarest and most valuable turquoise is found in the American Southwest–– but the future of the blue beauty is unclear.
On a recent trip to Tucson, we spoke with fourth generation turquoise traders who explained that less than five percent of turquoise mined worldwide can be set into jewelry and only about twenty mines in the Southwest supply gem-quality turquoise. Once a thriving industry, many Southwest mines have run dry and are now closed.
We found a limited supply of turquoise from Arizona and purchased it for our Sedona Turquoise Collection . Inspired by the work of those ancient craftsmen and designed to showcase the exceptional blue stone, each stabilized vibrant cabochon features a unique, one-of-a-kind matrix surrounded in Bali metalwork. You could drop over $1,200 on a turquoise pendant, or you could secure 26 carats of genuine Arizona turquoise for just $99
Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. If you aren’t completely happy with your purchase, send it back within 30 days for a complete refund of the item price.
The supply of Arizona turquoise is limited, don’t miss your chance to own the Southwest’s brilliant blue treasure. Call today!
Jewelry Specifications:
• Arizona turquoise • Silver-finished settings
Sedona Turquoise Collection
A. Pendant (26 cts)
$299 * $99 +s&p Save $200
B. 18" Bali Naga woven sterling silver chain $149 +s&p
C. 1 1/2" Earrings (10 ctw) $299 * $99 +s&p Save $200 Complete Set** $747 * $249 +s&p Save $498
**Complete set includes pendant, chain and earrings.
Offer Code STC935-09
You
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Necklace enlarged to show luxurious color
Blades ofaFeather
As one of the largest purveyors of collectible knives in the country, you can trust Stauer to give you the best knife for your money.
Case in point: The Blades of a Feather Knife –– a remarkable hunting and adventure knife with an even more remarkable price. This is the kind of knife people flock to.
This stick tang knife boasts a stainless steel blade with a scalloped edge that gives it a distinct feathered appearance. This “feathered” edge is more than a striking aesthetic touch; it enhances the knife’s performance by creating air pockets in the spaces. These air pockets prevent shredding and allow for a cleaner, smoother cut. Consider it your edge up.
Recalling the days of the great American frontier, this knife’s artisan handle is crafted of natural bone, redwood and brown Pakkawood. It’s a great addition to your collection, and will prove a trusty companion for all your outdoor adventures from hunting and fishing to camping and hiking. It also makes one heck of a letter opener. Plus, by making the call today, you are guaranteed to receive a genuine leather sheath in the deal.
Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Feel the knife in your hands, wear it on your hip, inspect the impeccable craftsmanship. If you don’t feel like we cut you a fair deal, send it back within 30 days for a complete refund of the item price.
We invite you to join the hundreds of thousands of Stauer knife collectors who appreciate a fine blade along with a fine deal. We assure you, you’ll be in good company. Don’t let this beauty slip through your fingers. Call today!
Knife Speci cations:
Call today and you’ll also receive this genuine leather sheath!
• Stainless steel stick tang blade; 12” overall length
• Natural bone, redwood & brown Pakkawood handle
Blades of a Feather Knife $249 $49* + S&P Save $200 California residents please call 1-800-333-2045 regarding Proposition 65 regulations before purchasing this product.
*Special price only for customers using the offer code.
1-800-333-2045
Your Insider Offer Code: BFK144-02
feel of this knife is unbelievable... this is an incredibly fine instrument.”
The Shocking Truth
Power theft can have deadly consequences
Power theft affects us all. Some reports estimate more than $6 billion worth of electricity is stolen annually in the United States. The costs for that theft are paid by honest consumers.
Beyond the cost in dollars and cents, power theft can result in fines, incarceration, or even extreme physical harm or death. Tampering with a meter is dangerous and can cause an arc flash. Only qualified electrical workers should work on meter bases.
Power theft is illegal. Stealing power can result in hefty fines and/or imprisonment. Power theft totaling $1,000 or more is a felony in Oregon.
Illegally connecting to a power supply, reconnecting a disconnected line or tampering with a meter in an attempt to avoid recording usage are all examples of power theft. Most power theft crimes occur through meter tampering, bypassing meters and tapping power lines.
Other power theft crimes include tapping into neighboring premises, using
illegal lines after disconnection, and self-reconnection without consent. Lawabiding consumers do not engage in these practices, so many are unaware of the effects or the very real dangers associated with electricity theft.
Power theft can reduce the reliability and quality of power service. The power line can become overloaded with energy, which can harm electronics and appliances of other customers connected to the line.
Electricity thieves may also unknowingly backfeed energy into a power line, which creates dangerous conditions for lineworkers.
Here are some ways you can help prevent and reduce power theft:
• Notify Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative immediately if you know of any illegal connections.
• Do not cut the seal on a meter base or tamper with an electrical meter.
• Apply for a legal connection if you do not have one.
• Remain aware of your surroundings.
Report any suspicious activities to OTEC. Everyone is affected by power theft. Detecting and reporting illegal activity helps reduce the price we all pay while improving the safety and reliability of power for all OTEC member-owners. n
3 beautiful 1.01-acre lots in Pahrump, NV, awesome mountain view in nice area. No HOA. $30K each or two for $55K. Easy access to offroading. Horses okay. Also 10-acre lot with water rights and underground utilities. pkcfitness@hotmail.com. 775-209-2830. 0125
Recreational Rentals
Bed and Birds; a guesthouse. Wet meadows, range, forest, dark sky. Beds for 9. Lakeview, OR. Explore or ride? Near ski hill. Reasonable. 541-219-2044. 0125
Bend country cabin. Very clean and fully furnished cabin on private ranch. Close to recreation areas. Very nice. $95/night. 541-382-3050; bendcountrycabins@gmail.com.
Wavecatcher: oceanfront cottage. Central Oregon coast. $175/night (plus cleaning/tax).
Open April through Oct. Holds up to 6-plus kids and pets. Wavecatcherbeachrentals.com.
Reservations: 541-740-2846. 0125
Recreational Vehicles
Thor Ace model 27.2, 2017 motor home. Excellent condition. 14K miles, 2 slides. Sleeps 6, 2 TVs, always covered. $60K. debutler1947@icloud.com; 541-953-0295. 0225
24ft Sunseeker RV Mercedes. Diesel, 8-ft. slide out with 4-person dinette, sleeps 6. 60K miles, 2016. $48.5K. Ted, 458-910-3727. 0225
Services
Dawn Till Dusk Masonry. Brick, block, stone and pavers. Small jobs and repairs welcome. dawntillduskconstructionmasonry.com. 541-388-7605; 541-410-6945. License #245760 bonded and insured. La Pine, OR. 0225
Historic Windows & Restoration: windows, storm sashes, screen doors for residential buildings. historicwindowsllc.com. 541-714-3460. License #252960. Serving Corvallis, Albany, Eugene, Salem, Portland and surrounding areas. 0125
Swaps and Trades
Private horse ranch in Sisters, OR, offers a spot for your RV living in trade for light horse feeding and cleaning. TK, 541-504-1234. 0125
Want to Buy
Old carpenter tools, planes (wood/metal), levels, chisels, slicks, adzes, axes, hatchets, handsaws, old rulers, spoke shaves, wrenches, shipwright tools, old tool chests. 503-659-0009; 971-666-0659.
Gold, silver, coins/currency, buy, sell. Collections wanted. Fair prices paid. 44 years in retail store. Baker City, OR. 800-556-2133; garrymclin@aol.com. 1025
Buying American Indian collectibles, Navajo blankets and rugs, baskets, beadwork, etc. Also, quality paintings of the early Southwest and Americas. Call 760-409-3117 or send photos to amer.ind.baskets@gmail.com. 0225
Cash paid for old gas station and oil company signs, pumps, globes, metal oil cans. Good condition. Discreet cash settlement. Clifton Jones, collector. 512-413-4459. 0225
Buying quality concert posters and handbills from the 1960s and ‘70s. Cash paid for desired items. Eric, 541-520-2794 or ericwedmondson@yahoo.com. 0125
Child Who Stutters Cannot
FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF ST. LOUIS
Trump-Biden Energy Policies Emphasize Differing Priorities
By Shane Stenquist, OTEC Manager of Communications
While the new presidential administration has yet to take office, one thing is clear: The potential impacts changes in policies could have on the electric industry are vast.
The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association represents more than 900 consumer-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperatives, public power districts and public utility districts in the United States, including Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative. Electric cooperatives, like OTEC, power 56% of the American landscape, serving 42 million people, including 92% of persistent poverty counties. Co-ops power more than 22 million businesses, homes, schools and farms in 48 states.
NRECA CEO Jim Matheson urged President-elect Donald Trump to help electric co-ops deliver affordable, reliable
power to rural communities in a Dec. 4 letter to Trump’s transition office.
The letter outlined high-priority actions the new administration can take to support a pro-energy policy agenda to help meet skyrocketing U.S. electricity demand, remove regulatory burdens for co-ops and promote the well-being of rural communities.
“Our nation is at an energy crossroads,” Matheson said. “And your leadership in our nation’s energy policy is more critical than ever.”
Matheson said reliability is under threat from “flawed public policies” forcing the premature closure of power plants. That’s a key reason the North American Electric Reliability Corp. expects many states to be at high risk of rolling blackouts in the next five years during normal peak demand conditions. The problem is exacerbated by increasing demand from data centers, which could consume nearly 10% of all
U.S. electric output by 2030, the letter stated.
Matheson listed seven key actions Trump can take to address these challenges:
• Repeal the Environmental Protection Agency’s greenhouse gas rule for existing coal-fired and new natural gas plants, as well as other EPA regulations threatening electric reliability.
• Streamline and accelerate federal permitting reviews of energy projects.
• Roll back public lands and species conservation rules inhibiting the operation and maintenance of power lines on federal lands and hurting wildfire mitigation efforts.
• Reverse plans that imperil hydroelectric output from the lower Snake River dams in the Pacific Northwest.
• Effectively use remaining funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to improve electric infrastructure and
Average price, electricity per kilowatt-hour during the past two presidential administrations, January 2017 through November 2024. CHART COURTESY OF U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS, RETRIEVED FROM FRED,
enhance grid resilience and reliability.
• Ensure access to important federal programs used by electric co-ops to benefit rural communities, including grant programs at the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Energy and for broadband deployment.
• Support the Treasury Department in administering crucial direct-pay tax credits that co-ops can use to invest in energy technologies.
“We urge you to take a coordinated approach which ensures that energy projects can be built efficiently, effectively and at reasonable cost,” Matheson concluded. “And we look forward to supporting your administration’s efforts to cut costly and burdensome regulations that would otherwise undermine affordability and reliability.”
In the past four years, the country has seen federal energy policies that made a significant shift from the previous administration. While President Joe Biden did not abandon the use of fossil fuels, he focused on transitioning away from them in an effort to address climate change concerns. On Biden’s first day in office, he canceled a key permit for the Keystone XL pipeline, which effectively killed the project. After that, he imposed stricter regulations on new fossil fuel projects, including pausing new oil and gas leasing on federal lands and waters.
Biden reversed many of the policies of the first Trump administration, including reinstating stricter emissions standards for automobiles and industries, restoring restrictions for waterways and public lands and implementing tighter methane regulations.
The Biden Administration passed the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which allocated $1.2 trillion for various infrastructure projects, including $65 billion for power grid improvements
and $21 billion for environmental remediation. It also included significant investments in clean energy technologies and electric vehicle infrastructure. The Inflation Reduction Act also earmarked billions of additional dollars toward energy security and addressing climate change.
Biden also prioritized the growth of the EV market, offering incentives to both manufacturers and buyers of EVs to achieve his goal of having EVs account for 50% of all new car sales by 2030.
Despite Biden’s emphasis on clean, renewable energy, he also helped broker the secret agreement between the federal government and hydropower opponents that would jeopardize electric reliability and increase costs for millions of Americans throughout the Pacific Northwest by breaching the four lower Snake River dams, which provide clean, carbon-free energy throughout the region.
Today, we are preparing for another shift in energy policies when Donald Trump once again assumes the office of president. During Trump’s first presidency, his policies allowed various market sectors—including coal, oil, and natural gas industries—to compete openly. This included opening federal lands and offshore areas for fossil fuel exploration and extraction. The administration prioritized U.S. economic
health over country-specific global environmental targets as demonstrated by the withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. While the Trump Administration’s priorities are not yet fully known, we learned from his last presidency that although the focus was predominantly on fossil fuels, there was also support for renewable energy initiatives. Under Trump, the Department of Energy announced several funding opportunities for advanced energy technologies and grid modernization. Trump’s administration also supported investments in innovative energy technologies, such as nuclear power from small modular reactors and carbon capture and storage. The administration also imposed tariffs on imported solar panels to encourage more domestic production.
Overall, Trump’s administration placed a strong emphasis on reducing regulatory burdens on the energy sector. These actions were intended to bolster U.S. energy independence, create jobs and position the country as a dominant player in the global energy market. Opponents, however, criticized these policies for their potential long-term environmental impacts and for downplaying the importance of renewable energy sources and climate change.
Regardless of changing administrations and energy policies, OTEC will continue to focus on providing safe, reliable and affordable power for our member-owners and will support policies on the local, state and national levels that help us achieve those goals. n
When Two Hearts Join
D“Gift of the Year”
Client Rating of 4.9 Stars!
iscover the enchanting allure of our Two Heart Necklace, where love’s symphony unfolds in timeless elegance. Inspired by that moment, when it all clicks and you realize you have found the one…. and where two become one, this exquisite piece captures the essence of two hearts entwined in a dance of destiny. Crafted with precision and passion and encased in 14k gold, it embodies the essence of your enduring love, echoing the sentiments of Shakespeare’s sonnets and the romances of Jane Austen. Our client’s favorite, it is now priced at its lowest ever even as gold reaches a record high, awarding it a stellar 4.9-star rating in reviews making it the Gift of the Year. Embrace the magic of shared dreams and whispered promises with the Two Heart Necklace, a treasure to cherish for generations to come.
Let this necklace be your own love story, a testament to the beauty of companionship and the joy of finding
your perfect match. Embrace the romance and elegance of a bygone era with our Two Heart Necklace, a treasure to cherish for a lifetime.
Falling in love costs nothing but the value is priceless. Showing your love with this two hearts set costs next to nothing and the feeling you will get when wearing it or giving it to your love will certainly be priceless.
Two Hearts Collection
A. #57505 Bracelet (13 2/5 ctw) $299 $39* + S&P Save $260
B. #57507 Necklace (2 ⅛ ctw) $199 $39* + S&P Save $160
C. #56877 Earrings (4 ¼ ctw) $229 $39* + S&P Save $190
#57508 Necklace, Bracelet & Earrings $727 $79* + S&P Save $648 *Special
District Offices
4005 23rd St. P.O. Box 226
Baker City, OR 97814 541-523-3616
567 W. Pierce St. Burns, OR 97720 541-573-2666
400 Patterson Bridge Road P.O. Box 575
John Day, OR 97845 541-575-0161
2408 Cove Ave. La Grande, OR 97850 541-963-3155
www.otec.coop communications@otec.coop Report Outages at 866-430-4265
Facebook.com/OTECoop
Follow Us on Instagram otec_coop
Follow us at x.com/OTECoop (@OTECoop)
Board Members
President Aletha Bonebrake, Baker County
Vice President Gary Miller, Grant County
Secretary-Treasurer
Cory Miller, Union County
George “Austin” Bingaman, Union County
David Baum, Union County
Robert Cargill, Harney County
Charlene Chase, Baker County
Jeff D. Clark, Union County
Wayne Overton, Baker County
Les Penning, CEO
Ron Williams, Attorney
We Resolve to Adapt and Deliver
Happy New Year! I hope you had a joyous and safe holiday season. As our calendars turn to 2025, many of us set resolutions and design goals to achieve them.
According to a survey conducted by Statista, more than half of Americans set resolutions related to weight loss or eating habits each year. Many others set financial or career goals, while some focus on personal objectives, such as home renovations, spending more time with loved ones or reducing screen time.
Here at Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative, we have our goals set on achieving superior member satisfaction and serving you, our member-owners, the best we can.
This includes everything from continuing to exercise top-tier safety practices to ensuring reliable power and competitive rates. This also includes monitoring the legislative landscape to stay informed for our business and on behalf of our member-owners and major employers.
This year will bring about plenty of change and new goals from the federal level as our country once again transitions to a new administration. We have already learned about some of the goals the new administration is setting, which includes placing U.S. energy as a primary focal point..
From an electric utility standpoint, we are keeping a close eye on energy policies and what changes will mean for our cooperative. You can read more about anticipated changes in energy policy, as well as what issues your National Rural Electric Cooperative Association has urged President-elect Donald Trump to support to help electric co-ops deliver affordable, reliable power, on Page 28.
One encouraging sign is the support the incoming administration has shown for the vital role of hydropower. The Pacific Northwest is blessed with an abundance of water resources, making hydropower a natural and efficient choice for generating electricity in the region. Hydropower not only provides a stable and renewable source of energy, it contributes to
grid reliability and resilience, particularly during peak demand periods.
In light of changing energy policies, OTEC is proactively engaging with policymakers, industry experts and other stakeholders to ensure hydropower remains a pivotal component of our energy mix. We are advocating for policies that recognize the benefits of hydropower and support investment in its ongoing development and maintenance.
The energy landscape is undergoing significant transformations, driven by new regulations, technological advancements, nationwide demand and a growing emphasis on capacity and sustainability. Again, with this incoming administration, you most likely will see a push in every energy sector to increase production to help meet these demands as the administration plans to grow our industrial base, incentivize the return of manufacturing to the United States and race to meet the major energy appetite of artificial intelligence. These major demand issues are also driving a resurgence of nuclear energy, which we will explore further in an upcoming issue of Ruralite. These changes present challenges and opportunities for OTEC. As your trusted energy provider, we are committed to adapting to these shifts while continuing to deliver safe, reliable power at an affordable price.
We encourage our member-owners to stay informed about policy changes and their implications for our cooperative. Together, we can influence positive outcomes that align with our shared values and goals.
Thank you for your continued trust and support.
CEO Les Penning
P.S. Be sure to read about the upcoming international electrification project in Guatemala on Pages 4-5. OTEC is proud to be a part of this amazing NRECA International and Oregon Empowers project in 2025.