Co-op Comments - Rural Electric Cooperative

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Co-op Comments - Rural Electric Cooperative
A newsletter for members of Rural Electric Cooperative                                                                         July 2021

        Co-op Comments
Save energy in the laundry room
  Clothes washer and dryer account for a significant portion of             5. Make use of the “cool down” cycle. If your dryer has this cycle
energy consumption from major appliances, and let us face it –          option, you can save energy because the clothes will finish drying
laundry is no one’s favorite chore. Make the most of your laundry       with the remaining heat in the dryer.
energy use. There are several easy ways you can save energy (and            6. Use lower heat settings to dry clothing. Regardless of drying
money) in the laundry room. The Department of Energy recom-             time, you will still use less energy.
mends the following tips for saving on suds:                                7. Use dryer balls. Dryer balls, usually wool or rubber, will help
  1. Wash with cold water. Switching from warm water to cold            keep clothes separated for faster drying, and they can help reduce
water can cut one load’s energy use by more than half, and by us-       static, so you can eliminate dryer sheets.
ing a cold-water detergent, you can still achieve the brilliant clean       8. Switch loads while the dryer is warm. This allows you to take
you would normally get from washing in warm water.                      advantage of the remaining heat from the previous cycle.
  2. Wash full loads when possible. Your washing machine will               9. Clean the lint filter after each drying cycle. If you use dryer
use the same amount of energy no matter the size of the clothes         sheets, remember to scrub the filter once a month with a tooth-
load, so fill it up if you can. 182402                                  brush to remove excess buildup.
  3. Use the high-speed or extended spin cycle in the washer. This          10. Purchase ENERGY STAR®-rated washers and dryers. When
setting will remove more moisture before drying, reducing your          it is time to purchase a new washer or dryer, look for the ENERGY
drying time and the extra wear on clothing.                             STAR® label. New washers and dryers receiving the ENERGY STAR®
  4. Dry heavier cottons separately. Loads will dry faster and          rating use about 20 percent less energy than conventional models.
more evenly if you separate heavier cottons like linens and towels          To learn about additional ways you can save energy at home
from your lightweight clothing.                                         visti www.energy.gov/energysaver.
Co-op Comments - Rural Electric Cooperative
CEO’s MESSAGE

Balanced Fuel Mix                                                                                  July 2021
Promotes Reliability                                                                            Co-op Comments
                                                                                                 Official publication of Rural Electric
                                               for decades. However, the recent innova-        Cooperative, Inc. CO-OP COMMENTS is
                                               tions and advances in renewable technol-         owned, controlled and directed by Rural
                                               ogy have led to sharp decreases in cost,          Electric Cooperative, Inc. It is printed
                                               making it more feasible and accessible.            monthly and mailed to members in
                                               In recent years, Western Farmers Electric        Garvin, McClain, Comanche, Stephens,
                                               Cooperative has been able to adjust the fuel    Grady and Carter counties in Oklahoma.
                                               mix we purchase, to being one of the lead-
                                               ing Generation and Transmission Coopera-            Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc.
                                               tives utilizing more renewables. Today, our        13942 Highway 76 • P.O. Box 609
                                               fuel mix is comprised of renewable energy                 Lindsay, OK 73052
                                               sources, the majority of which is wind.              405-756-3104 • 800-259-3504
                                                  However, to borrow a nautical analogy,           Outage Number: 855-399-2683
                                               it takes a long time to turn the direction                 www.recok.coop
                                               of a large ship – and changing the energy
   You are likely witnessing energy evolu-     mix we use to power homes and busi-
tion first-hand, as the energy industry is     nesses does not happen overnight. While
undergoing a dramatic transformation as        renewable energy use is increasing, we
consumer demand for more renewable             will still depend on traditional forms of
energy sources, innovation and technology      energy to keep power flowing reliably                      Board of Trustees
to continue the advancement.                   to your home. After all, solar and wind             Gary Jones, President, District 1
   While driving across the region, you        energy are referred to as “intermittent”        Scott Christian, Vice President, District 1
may have noticed the increase in solar         power since the sun does not always shine        Brent Bacon, Sec./Treasurer, District 1
panels. Maybe you have heard about the         and the wind does not always blow. This                Larry Anderson, District 2
impending changes in the transportation        fact coupled with the growing demand for                Johnny Harrel, District 2
sector with most major vehicle companies       renewables creates its own challenges. This               Terri Hays, District 2
announcing plans to offer more electric        is why there is real value in maintaining a           Charles Crawford, District 3
vehicles at more affordable prices.            balanced mixture of fuel types to ensure                 Mark Finch, District 3
   Consumer interest in renewable energy       reliability, resiliency and meet the growing           Randy Griswold, District 3
is strong and growing. In addition, na-        demand for electricity.                                  Dan Williams, Attorney
tional studies indicate consumers have an         As the energy industry continues to                   Management and Staff
expectation for companies to operate in an     evolve, REC is striving to take advantage of           Dusty Ricks, Manager/CEO
ethical and responsible manner – includ-       technology advances and market opportu-                      Linda Ray, CFO
ing when it comes to the environment.          nities as they become available. This means      Kelli Lindsey, Administrative Assistant
   At Rural Electric Cooperative, we have      we can leverage the flexibility of the grid               and Staff Coordinator
always put the good of our community           to offer a wider range of renewable power        Elaine Gilreath, Manager of Customer
first. Our primary function is to provide      selections as we continue to bring safe,               Service and Data Processing
safe, reliable and affordable energy to our    reliable and affordable power to you.              Jon Jones, Manager of Engineering
members as we are more than an electric-          Albert Einstein once observed, “Life is      Mitch Gilreath, Manager of Information
ity provider. We are a co-op, our mission      like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance,               Technology Services
is to enrich the lives of our members and      you must keep moving.” In order for REC         Megan Lawrence, Manager of Member
to serve the long-term interests of our        to meet the growing demand for renew-                    Services and Marketing
community. We feel we are doing both by        able energy and ensure the reliability of our       Jason Brown, Manager of Safety
investing in renewable energy sources.         power supply, we must constantly make                   and Loss Control/Facilities
   Green energy is certainly not new. Solar,   operational adjustments as we strive for bal-     David Crull, System Superintendent
wind and hydro power have been around          ance and a brighter future for our members.     Jason Mays, Operations Superintendent

 2 Co-op Comments
Co-op Comments - Rural Electric Cooperative
CO-OP NEWS

REC hires four new employees
 With recent job changes from retire-         sports, hunting and fishing in his spare time.   and fishing in his spare time.
ments, REC hired four new line workers.          “I am excited about working on the line         “I am excited about working at REC and
                                              and learning more about the electrical
                                              industry,” says Jones.
                                                 TJ Doan graduated from Lindsay High
                                              School in 2008 and was working in the
                                              oilfield before starting at REC. He is
                                              married to his wife Ashley and they have
                                              four children: Taylor, Baylor, Hunter and
                                              Aiden. He enjoys drag racing which he has
                                              been doing since he was approximately 10
                                              years old as well as hunting and fishing.
                                                 “I am looking forward to having a career
                                              I can retire from,” adds Doan.
                                                 Nolan Wright graduated from Blanchard
                                              High School in 2017 and then graduated
                                              from Oklahoma State University – OKC
                                              with a degree in Power Transmission and
                                              Distribution. Prior to working at REC, he
                                              was a Line Worker. In Wright’s spare time
                                              he enjoys being outside hunting and fishing.
                                                 “I am excited for the opportunity to
                 Justin Jones                 work at REC with good people and have                           Nolan Wright
   Justin Jones graduated from Maysville      a job with good benefits and retirement          having a solid career,” says Adams.
High School in 2012 and worked in oil field   package,” states Wright.                           These new employees will start as a
sales before starting at REC. He is mar-         Colton Adams graduated from Nin-              Groundman and then start the process of
ried to his wife Jaycie and they have two     nekah High school in 2013 and then grad-         completing the Line Worker Journeyman
children: Chipper and Paxxley. He enjoys      uated from Northwest Lineman College.            certification program.
                                              He is married to his wife Samantha. Before
                                              working at REC, he was a Line Worker.
                                              Adams also enjoys being outdoors hunting

                                                 Learn more about
                                                 your energy usage
                                                  with Smarthub.

                  TJ Doan                                                                                    Colton Adams

                                                                                                                   Co-op Comments 3
Co-op Comments - Rural Electric Cooperative
Classified Advertisement
PETS & LIVESTOCK                                MISCELLANEOUS
FOR SALE: 2 male llamas, good guardian          FOR SALE: Like new Corpus F3 permo-                   Classified Ads
animals. PH: 405-251-0048.                      bile motorized chair with charger, comes          are FREE to REC members to post
FOR SALE: 2 week old multi-colored              with oxygen tank holder and all the extras,       noncommercial items. Deadline for
guineas. PH: 580-432-5239.                      $4,500 or obo. PH: 405-249-1954.                    ads is the 8th of every month.
                                                FOR SALE: Reliable maid service.                  Call the Member Services Dept. at
REC’s system                                    PH: 405-779-8440.                                       405-756-3104 ext. 238.

inventory continues
   Last year, REC hired Davey Resource
Group to conduct a system inventory to
have an accurate reflection of equipment
in the field as an effort to keep information
updated to better serve REC's members.
   Davey is nearing the completion of the
inventory as they continue to work on the
last three substations. Once the data is
gathered from the last substations, a small
crew will still be around finishing the
project. The project should be completed
by the end of the year.
   All Davey employees will be easily
recognized with the Davey logo on their
apparel, vehicle and ID badge. If you have
any questions please call REC’s office at
405-756-3104.

 Account number
worth $10 bill credit
      Locate your account number in
   an article of this issue; it will be good
                                                       Local Co-op Connection Card Deals
    for a $10 credit on your electric bill.     A-U-Store It, Purcell -                       Chickasha Diesel Services, Chickasha -
 To claim the prize, you must locate the        $5 off first month rent                       $50 off any big diesel oil change
account number - if the number is yours,        Backroads Boutique, Lindsay -                 Edwards Canvas, Pauls Valley - 5% Off
 contact REC by the 10th of the month           5% off everything excluding special order     Jenny’s Pics Photography, Lindsay -
and we will credit your account. Only the       and sale items                                10% Off $50 or More Purchase of Pictures
member assigned that number is eligible         Best Western, Chickasha -                     Lindsay Tire and Lube, Lindsay -
  for the prize. If you don’t know your         15% Off Regular Room Rate                     $5 Off Any Full Service Oil Change
   account number, it can be located on         Blue Moose Outdoor                            M &M Furniture, Chickasha -
             your electric bill.                Portable Rentals, Elmore City -               10% Off Any Purchase
                                                5% Off Septic Tank Pumping, Tent Rental       Mazzio’s Italian Eatery, Purcell -
 Energy Efficiency                              and Special Event Toilet Rentals              10% Off Purchase
                                                                                              Photos by Ginger, Pauls Valley -
   Tip of the Month                                                                           1 Free 8x10 Print With First Order of $25
                                                                                              4 Seat Saddles, Boots and Hats -
    During summer months, run large                                                           10% Off $100 or More, or 5% Off Repairs
  appliances emitting heat (like clothes                                                      Pharmacy Discounts -
   dryers and dishwashers) during the                                                         Check out the discounts available using your
   evening when it is cooler. This will                                                       Co-op Connections Card at participating
  minimize indoor heat during the day                                                         pharmacies throughout our area. For a com-
 when outdoor temperatures are highest.                                                       plete list of pharmacies, visit REC’s website to
      Learn more at www.energy.gov.                                                           see if your pharmacy is offering discounts to
                                                                                              Co-op Connections Card holders.

                                                                                                                      Co-op Comments 4
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