July 2015
SmartHub, Page 2
Linemen Certification, Page 2
Summer Safety, Page 3
CHEC Survey, Page 4
Hot Watts
Published monthly by Cookson Hills Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Right-of-Way Crews Begin Spraying in July Energy Efficiency
Tip of the Month By cleaning your air conditioner’s air ducts, you can lower your energy consumption by between 5 and 15 percent. Source: energy.gov
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ookson Hills Electric Coopera ve (CHEC) has contracted with Progressive Solu ons, LLC, to proceed with our annual brush control program on the right-of-way associated with CHEC. Star ng in July, Progressive Solu ons’ crews will be spraying certain areas within Sequoyah County. They will be selec vely spraying the tall growing brush under the electric lines, using products that will stop the growth of brush and trees in the right-of-way. Please note that the people spraying on your property are indeed doing work on behalf
of CHEC. Progressive Solu ons’ crews will walk the right-of-way, using backpack sprayers. The contractor crews’ vehicles should be iden fied by a company name or logo on the door of their vehicle. Progressive Solu ons, LLC are responsible applicators, and the products they use are selected based on our concerns for your safety and for our environment. Their service is one of the very effec ve tools that we use to assure reliable electric service.
CongratulaƟons! Larry Thomason is our online survey winner.
Has Your Phone Number Changed? Offices Closed CHEC offices will be closed on July 3 in observance of Independence Day.
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eeping your account informa on up-to-date is important to you as well as to CHEC. The most common inaccurate account informa on is your phone number. CHEC periodically calls members to no fy you of a controlled outage, billing informa on, and other important informa on. If your phone number has changed, if you have disconnected your home phone, or if you have a new cell phone number, please contact us. Please take the me to update your account informa on by visi ng our website at www.cooksonhills.com and logging onto SmartHub, or call your local office at 800-328-2368 (S gler) or at 918-775-2211 (Sallisaw).
Cookson Hills Electric Cooperative, Inc. Headquarters Office PO Box 539 • 1002 E. Main Stigler, OK 74462 800-328-2368 Branch Office PO Box 587 • 1800 KOA/Power Drive Sallisaw, OK 74955 918-775-2211 Pay-by-Phone: 1-888-678-1937 www.cooksonhills.com
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HEC offers the latest technology to help you manage your electric account 24/7 by computer, smartphone, or tablet with a free applica on called SmartHub. SmartHub is an applica on that is available in both mobile apps and a web version. With SmartHub, you can: Make a secure payment Check your daily or hourly electric usage No fy member services of account issues Receive alerts by email Communicate directly with your coopera ve
BOARD OF TRUSTEES William T. Mills, President Joe Falleur, Vice President Kenneth Kelley, Sec.-Treas. Rocky Woods, Sr., Trustee Joe Ogle, Trustee Ronnie Pevehouse, Trustee Theron Croisant, Trustee
District 4 District 3 District 5 District 1 District 6 District 7 District 2
STAFF Kendall Beck, General Manager Eric Johnson, Assistant General Manager Dalen Garner, Director of Operations Brett Orme, Director of Engineering Juli Orme, Chief Financial Officer Amy Smith, Manager of Accounting Services Kristie Cash, Manager of Office Services Bill V. Wilkinson - Attorney
View bills See payment history Set up recurring payments Report outages The web version has a profile page available for members to maintain their personal informa on, password, and security phrase. Go to our website www.cooksonhills.com to register your accounts. The mobile apps can be downloaded and installed on your compa ble mobile phone or tablet. Simply look for “SmartHub” in the Apple Store or in the Android Market. If duplicates appear, look for the app provided by our partner, Na onal Informa on Solu ons Coopera ve (NISC). The app is free to download and install. Members making payments through SmartHub will be charged a $3.95 convenience fee. If you aren’t using SmartHub, consider star ng today. SmartHub is a convenient method of payment and communica on. If you have any ques ons concerning SmartHub, please contact your local office at 800-328-2368 (S gler) or 918-775-2211 (Sallisaw).
Cookson Hills Electric Cooperative, Inc. welcomes members to submit photos, and articles which will be subject to editing. Cookson Hills reserves the right to publish or modify any article. Companies and individuals featured in the Hot Watts newsletter do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or view of Cookson Hills.
Photo by: Donna Rhodes
Felicia Williams, Editor E-Mail: fwilliams@cooksonhills.com
If You Find Your Account Number Hidden in This Issue of the Hot Watts, You’ll Receive a $25 Credit on Your Electric Bill
Marty Huff and Blu Cloud July 2015 - 2
Safety Stay Safe Exploring the Great Outdoors this Summer By Abby Berry
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ummer is in full swing, and that means it is me for fun in the sun! As you find yourself spending more me outdoors, CHEC reminds you to stay safe. Planning a home improvement project? When working outdoors, you may be using tools, such as ladders, power tools, shovels – or even paintbrushes with extendable arms. These items help 1902400 you get the job done but have the poten al to be dangerous if used improperly. Pay a en on to where you place metal ladders or dig for fence posts. Before you start any project, always look up and avoid overhead power lines. Keep a minimum of 10 feet between you and overhead lines. If you are planning a project that requires digging, remember to dial “811” first to find out if the area you will be working in is clear of underground power lines. Power tools should be kept away from wet surfaces, and outlets should not be overloaded. Exploring the great outdoors is a great way to spent me with the family, but keep these safety ps in mind. Children should never climb trees near power lines – always assume a wire is live. Fly kites and remote controlled airplanes in large open areas like a
park or a field, safely away from trees and overhead power lines. Planning to take a dip in the pool? Electrical devices, such as stereos, should be kept at least 10 feet away from water sources, and outdoor electrical outlets should always be covered. If you hear a rumble of thunder, exit the pool right away. Speaking of thunder, summer storms can be dangerous if you’re caught in the wrong place at the wrong me. If you find yourself outdoors during a storm, move toward suitable shelter with covered sides, and s ck to low-lying ground if possible. These are just a few ps to remember when you are spending me outdoors this summer with your family. Have some fun out there, and always keep safety in mind!
Abby Berry writes on consumer and coopera ve affairs for the Na onal Rural Electric Coopera ve Associa on, the Arlington, Va.-based service arm of the na on’s 900-plus consumer-owned, not-for-profit electric coopera ves.
Poor boat and dock wiring may create hazards that can electrocute swimmers, boaters, and people on the dock. They should be maintained and inspected often by professionals. Prepare for a safe summer on the water.
July 2015 - 3
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