Co-op Comments

A newsletter for Rural Electric Cooperative membersJanuary 2020

Classifi ed Ads 4Classifi ed Ads 4Electronic Gift Giving Guide 3Electronic Gift Giving Guide 3 Refreshed SmartHub App 4Refreshed SmartHub App 4

Members receive capital creditsIt’s time once again for you to get the credit—capital credits,

that is for helping build, sustain and grow your local electric cooperative. Starting in December, REC will retire – or pay by cash or credit – more than $814,000 to members like you across portions of the six counties served by the Co-op.

When you signed up to receive electric service from REC you became a member of an electric cooperative. While investor-owned utilities return a portion of any profi ts back to their share-holders, electric co-ops operate on an at-cost basis. So instead of

returning left over funds, known as margins, to folks who might not live in the same region or even the same, REC allocates and periodically retires capital credits (also called patronage divi-dends, patronage refunds, patronage capital, or equity capital) based on how much electricity you purchased during a year.

Th is year, members from 1988 -1989 will receive capital credit retirements through bill credits, refl ecting their contribution of capital to, and ownership of, the Cooperative during those years. While this may seem like a long time ago, those funds helped us keep the rates low; reduced the amount of money we needed to borrow from outside lenders to build, maintain and expand a reli-able electric distribution system and covered emergency expenses.

Each year, the Board of Trustees makes a decision on whether to retire capital credits based on the fi nancial health of the co-operative. It is important for inactive members or members who have moved to keep their information up-to-date with REC so future retirements can be properly mailed.

If you have any questions about capital credits please contact our offi ce at 405-756-3104.

REC receives awards during a recent communications contest

Recently during a statewide communications contest REC won the Award of Excellence for the Best Overall Content for a

newsletter in the small cooperative division; Th e Award of Merit for Best Photo and Honorable Mention for Best Feature Story.

Megan Lawrence, Manager of Member Services and Marketing (left ) and Tony Staggs, Member Services Assistant (right)

accepted the awards.REC has a new tree service company, Davey, helping maintain our

rights-of-way. Th ey will be working throughout our service territory.

New tree service company hired

2 Co-op Comments

CEO’s MESSAGE

Board of TrusteesGary Jones, President, District 1

Scott Christian, Vice President, District 1Brent Bacon, Sec./Treasurer, District 1

Larry Anderson, District 2Johnny Harrel, District 2

Terri Hays, District 2Charles Crawford, District 3

Mark Finch, District 3Randy Griswold, District 3

Dan Williams, Attorney

Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc.13942 Highway 76 • P.O. Box 609

Lindsay, OK 73052405-756-3104 • 800-259-3504

Outage Number: 855-399-2683www.recok.coop

Management and Staff Dale Nye, Manager/CEO

Linda Ray, CFOKelli Lindsey, Administrative Assistant

and Staff CoordinatorElaine Gilreath, Manager of Customer

Service and Data ProcessingEd Bevers, Manager of Engineering

Mitch Gilreath, Manager of Information Technology Services

Megan Lawrence, Manager of Member Services and Marketing

Leonard Coff ee, Manager of Safety and Loss Control/Facilities

David Crull, System SuperintendentJason Mays, Operations Superintendent

January 2020Co-op CommentsOffi cial 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.

May your holidaysbe merry and bright

Th e holidays are a time of year many of us eagerly anticipate. Th e season is marked by special foods, seasonal decorations and lots of festivities. Here in Lindsay, we look forward to the annual Christmas parade at the beginning of December and the local businesses decorating the light poles on Main Street.

We cherish carrying on old family tradi-tions and enjoy creating new ones. For me personally, I look forward to more time spent with family and friends.

However, given the hustle and bustle of the season, the holidays can also off er an opportunity to slow down and refl ect. For all of us at Rural Electric, we are grateful for you, the members of the co-op.

You see, one of our founding principles as a co-op is “Concern for Community.” While our main focus is providing safe, reliable and aff ordable electricity, we also want to give back and help our local com-munities thrive. Refl ection

In looking back at this past year, I’m grateful we were able to make a posi-

tive impact in the community. Th rough programs such as Operation Round-Up, which allows our members to round-up their bill to the next highest dollar amount, we set aside the diff erence in a separate account to help our neighbors in need. In order to participate in Operation Round-Up, our members have to notify the Cooperative and sign up for this program. We have helped many in our local commu-nities with these funds.

We were also grateful for the opportu-nity to partner with local schools and help our future leaders gain additional skills and encourage others to expand their mind and teach them something new dur-ing our Youth Leadership Summit.

We continue to work closely with our local high schools to award scholarships to seniors. In 2019, we awarded $11,000 to 10 students. We sent three juniors to Washington D.C. for Youth Tour, three stu-dents to Colorado for Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp and eight, eighth graders to Energy Camp.

Th ere are other ways we can help the community, whether we’re providing infor-mation about the Cooperative, or helping you fi nd ways to save energy at home, we want you to know we’re here to help. Looking Ahead

Looking ahead to 2020, we hope you will share your opinions with us. We recognize our members have a valuable perspective which is why we continually seek your in-put. Whether through community events, our social media channels or Annual Meeting – we want to hear from you. We are led by you – the members of the co-op and we depend on your feedback.

As we prepare for next year, we look forward to the opportunity to serve you and the greater community. On behalf of the Rural Electric family, we hope your holidays are indeed merry and bright.

Co-op Comments 3

Refreshed SmartHub app now availableREC’s SmartHub online and mobile app

provides many features to help manage your account, from billing and payment information to detailed usage analysis. SmartHub is a great tool to help members access their account information on the go or online. 1273004

Recently, REC rolled out a new upgrade for the SmartHub mobile application help-ing members get to the features needed quickly and effi ciently.

Th e mobile app has a fresh, new look. When the app is opened, members will see their usage analysis or they can contact REC with the click of a button right from the home screen.

Outage and billing alerts are also dis-played from the home screen, making it easy for REC to communicate important information with you the member. Billing, payment and other features are also avail-able with one click of a button in a new condensed menu.

Th ese app updates will provide a more user-friendly and effi cient experience. All of the features about SmartHub are still available, just with a refreshed look and an enhanced user experience.

Th e electronic gift giving guideTh is holiday season, give the gift of tech.

If you’re searching for the latest gadgets and electronics to gift but don’t know where to start, we’ve got you covered.

Gift s for those on the go: We all have that one friend who never stays in one place, so they’ll appreciate gift s to keep them charged and entertained while on the go.

A portable charger (or power bank) can keep their smart phones and tablets juiced, and the good news is this gift won’t drain your wallet. You can purchase portable chargers online or at local retailers for as low as $20. Typically, these compact devices can fully charge an iPhone three times before running out of steam.

A Bluetooth speaker is another great gift to keep those on the go entertained. Whether they’re listening to their favorite tunes or watching the latest fl ick, Bluetooth speakers can clarify and amplify volume to satisfy any media enthusiast. Prices range depending on features, but you can pur-chase a quality Bluetooth speaker online or at local retailers for as low as $30.

Gift s for the chef: Every foodie knows temperature matters when mastering the perfect cut of meat. A Bluetooth-connect-ed thermometer can help your chef ensure a delicious (and safe-to-eat) meal. Just download the associated app and keep an eye on the grill right from your smart phone or tablet. Prices vary from $30 to $200, but you can purchase these handy gadgets online or at any big box store, like Wal-Mart or Target.

A digital kitchen scale is a must for any culinary pro. No more guessing–the easy-to-read digital screen ensures the exact weight or amount required for that perfect dish. Prices vary depending on the weight the scale can handle, but you can fi nd a 13-pound max weight scale for about $20 on Amazon.com.

Gift s for the pet owner: Let’s face it–pet owners would be lost without their fur babies. Luckily, pet tracking products continue to advance, so pet owners can

always keep a watchful eye on their furry friends. Most trackers simply attach to your pet’s collar. Prices vary depending on

the tracker’s capabilities, but some features include water resistance, health monitor-ing and exceptional battery life. You can

purchase pet trackers online or at your local pet store.

Speaking of keeping an eye on pets, you can also purchase surveillance cameras for real-time monitoring–some cam-eras even allow you to toss treats to your furry friend while you’re away. Additional features include a microphone (so you can talk to your pets), a built-in laser toy (for our feline friends) and the ability to snap a photo or take video from your smart phone. Prices vary depending on the bells and whistles, but you can purchase a pet camera for as low as $40 on Amazon.com.

With so many electronics available to-day, you’re sure to fi nd the perfect gift for your tech-savvy loved ones.

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Co-op Comments 4

Laundry Tip: Dry towels and heavier cottons separately from lighter clothing. You’ll spend less time drying the lighter-weight items.

Learn more at www.energy.gov

Energy Effi ciencyTip of the Month

FARM EQUIPMENTFOR SALE: 574 International Harvester, 67 HP farm tractor, recently tuned, serviced and updated, runs great, 1800+ hours, asking $4,500. Call or text for more information. PH: 405-238-0042.

MISCELLANEOUS-FOR SALE: Large Aquarium, 84" x 31", 18-3/8" wide, $300 cash. PH: 405-344-6496.FOR SALE: Pecan Firewood, $120 per rick, Extra for delivery. PH: 405-331-0111.FOR SALE: Heavy duty wheel chair with padded arms and swing away footing, ex-cellent condition. PH: 405-351-0878.

Jenny’s Pics Photography, Lindsay - 10% Off $50 or More Purchase of PicturesLindsay Tire and Lube, Lindsay - $5 Off Any Full Service Oil ChangeM &M Furniture, Chickasha - 10% Off Any PurchaseMazzio’s Italian Eatery, Purcell - 10% Off PurchasePhotos by Ginger, Pauls Valley - 1 Free 8x10 Print With First Order of $254 Seat Saddles, Boots and Hats -10% Off $100 or More, or 5% Off RepairsWestern Fuel Co., Maysville - 2 Cents Off Per Gallon of Propane on aMinimum of 125 Gallons. Cash Sales Only. (No Other Discounts Allowed)Pharmacy Discounts - Check out the discounts available using your Co-op Connections Card at participating pharmacies throughout our area. For a com-plete list of pharmacies, visit REC’s website to see if your pharmacy is off ering discounts to Co-op Connections Card holders.

FOR SALE: 2005 Honda Elite 80CC scooter, adult owned and driven, 2,600 gentle miles, always garaged, very nice, $1,300. PH: 580-223-2988.

REAL ESTATEFOR SALE: House on 20 acres near Lake

Look for your

on your next billIf you were a member in 1988 and 1989, your Capital Credits will be

applied to your bill.

CapitalCredits

Does REC have your most

up-to-date account information?

Call our offi ce at 405-756-3104 and make sure we have your current phone numbers and email address so we can communicate

what is happening around REC.

Fuqua, with barn, shop building and pond.PH: 405-756-6371.

PETS & LIVESTOCKFOR SALE: Half Anatolian/Great Pyr-enees puppies, excellent guard dogs. Call or text PH: 405-926-7626.