Empowered Newsletter April 2024

Empowered is a monthly newsletter for members of

FACTS TO KNOW BEFORE INSTALLING A SOLAR SYSTEM SOLAR MYTHS

As the summer months approach, companies are out in full force selling solar panels to residents. Some companies even claim to partner with Central Rural Electric Cooperative, something Central has never done.

As your leading energy expert, Central is here to help walk you through your solar options to ensure you don’t fall for a scam and to help you understand how the addition of solar can affect your electric bill.

“Many members have been misled and taken advantage of by solar companies’ promises,” said David Freeman, Central’s Director of Information Systems. “We want members to be aware and fully understand what they’re getting. We are here to help members understand their solar options.”

The average residential system is around 10 kilowatts; however, determining what is best for your system can help in making your

WHY SHOULD I CONTACT CENTRAL?

Before you sign an agreement with a solar company, you need to complete the interconnection application with Central 30 days before installation.

decision. When considering solar, Central should be your first call. Members have a lot of options and Central is here to help you through the process.

Five tips to know before signing a solar contract:

• Pick an experienced contractor and request bids from at least three contractors.

• Verify contractor licenses.

• Before signing a contract, read it carefully and thoroughly. Ask questions and ensure all costs are included.

• Contact Central to discuss requirements and costs for connecting the new system.

• Be sure and complete Central’s interconnection application before installing your solar system.

Want to learn more about your solar options? Scan the QR code or call Central at 405-372-2884.

HOW CAN MY CO-OP HELP?

Central can help with the initial planning stages and assist in determining the necessary safety equipment required for connecting your system.

MYTH: I’LL ELIMINATE MY ELECTRIC BILL WITH SOLAR.

TRUTH: Solar only produces for several hours a day, and you will continue to have an electric bill.

MYTH: I’LL USE SOLAR PANELS WHEN MY ELECTRICITY IS OUT.

TRUTH: Solar panels can act as a backup but only with an appropriate battery which adds to the cost and is often not included with installation. Back-up generators are a more cost-efficient option for those looking for a plan when electricity is out.

MYTH: I HAVE TO OWN PANELS TO USE SOLAR AT MY HOME.

TRUTH: Central offers a community solar program that allows members to purchase electricity generated from Central’s 500-kW solar array.

APRIL 2024

Central Board of Trustees:

Carol Dvorak, President (District 3)

James Wells, Vice President (District 6)

Greg Tytenicz, Secretary/Treasurer (District 2)

Randy Wedel (District 1)

Sid Sperry (District 4)

Ken Starks (District 5)

Randy Ethridge (District 7)

Hunter Robinson - Chief Executive Officer

Empowered Editors:

Jillianne Tebow - Vice President of Business Development and Marketing

Larry Mattox - Director of Communications

Kory Bowman - Marketing and Communications Specialist

Ivy Swan - Marketing and Communications Specialist

www.mycentral.coop

facebook.com/MyCentralCoop

instagram.com/MyCentralCoop

Contact Us:

editor@mycentral.coop

405-372-2884 | 800-375-2884

3305 S. Boomer Rd. | P.O. Box 1809 Stillwater, OK 74076

THE POWER BEHIND YOUR ELECTRICITY

Central’s focus is to provide you with safe, reliable and affordable electric service. This is not always an easy task as Mother Nature often has other plans. Central operates and maintains more than 4,500 miles of line across seven counties, which is often double or triple the amount of electrical infrastructure exposure than that of a mid-sized municipal electric utility. There is no magic tool that can prevent 100 percent of outages. Our best defense? Linemen who are ready and willing to respond at a moment’s notice.

avoid the job at hand. It was my job to restore power for the member, regardless of the conditions. Whether it was -15 or 115 degrees outside, lightning as I repaired a pole while 40 feet in the air or dropping freezing rain on me while climbing an ice-covered pole, I had a job to do to help others. This was not only my mentality, but also that of my coworkers.

by Hunter Robinson, Central CEO

April 18 is recognized as National Lineman Appreciation Day. It is easy to take for granted the critical nature of having electricity until it is gone. During the month of April, we take time to reflect, appreciate electricity and acknowledge that it takes people to keep the lights on. Linemen across the nation work in challenging conditions and do so happily to ensure people have power restored as soon as possible. It is also during April that I often think back to my time as a lineman.

I have many memories from those years, and most of them come from restoring power during major weather events when working conditions were not the best. However, no matter the conditions, I knew there were no excuses to

Most people are familiar with the risks associated with working on highvoltage lines. It takes a special person to have the desire to be ready for the challenge; it also takes a special family. When the call comes, a lineman will leave family holidays, birthday parties or Little League games to respond, not knowing how long it will take. As you are thanking the linemen, thank their families too. The situation looks much different without their support.

I appreciate the work of our Central linemen and their dedication to the mission of providing safe and reliable power. If you happen to see a lineman working down the road from your house, filling up at a gas station or restoring your power after an outage, take a moment to say hello and let them know how you feel about their commitment to the members. It means more than you may know.

Central Rural Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

JOIN THE FUN AT CO-OP KIDS DAY

Have you registered for Co-op Kids Day on May 4?

Watts of fun to be had at the upcoming Co-op Kids Day!

For the third year, Central will welcome Co-op Kids and their parents or grandparents to the co-op’s headquarters for a unique experience filled with all things electric co-op.

Children will be able to interact with Central linemen, jump in bounce houses and watch electricity jump from the electrical safety trailer demonstrations.

Co-op Kids Day will take place on May 4 at Central’s Headquarters in Stillwater from 10 a.m. to noon. Interactive stations will be set up to teach children about electrical safety, what happens at Central and

Interactive

so much more. Snacks and coloring stations will also be available.

Interested in this fun-filled event?

Children can participate in Co-op Kids Day by becoming a Co-op Kid!

The Co-op Kids program is free and designed to introduce children ages 0-18 to the world of electric cooperatives by providing agespecific gifts throughout their childhood, invitations to special events and information about scholarship opportunities. Co-op Kids is free, fun, educational and open to Central members’ children or grandchildren!

Scan the QR to register!

DOWNED POWER LINE SAFETY

Severe storms, car accidents and public damages are just a few reasons power lines can become damaged or fall. If you see a downed power line, take these actions:

⚠ Consider all power lines energized and deadly.

⚠ Stay at least 50 feet away.

⚠ Call 9-1-1 if in immediate danger, call Central at 405-372-2884 to report it.

⚠ Do not approach it or try to move the line with another object.

⚠ Do not get out of a vehicle if it is touching the line.

⚠ Warn others to stay away.

⚠ Turn around and go another way.

Never approach a downed powerline. Energized downed lines spread voltages through the ground or nearby objects. If you go near a downed line, you can become electricity’s path to ground.

For more safety tips, visit safeelectricity.org.

SPEND A DAY IN STILLWATER

Spend a day in bustling Stillwater with options the entire family will enjoy. Located in Central’s service area, Stillwater is the perfect location for a day getaway or a fun-filled weekend.

everything outdoor on April 5-8

Laramie Project Play

Town and Gown

April 4-7 • 7:30 p.m.

The Laramie Project is playing at Stillwater’s community theater for a great date night!

Home and Garden Show

Payne County Expo Center

April 6 • 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

April 7 • 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Visit with local vendors about everything home and garden. If you attend, be sure and stop by Central and Centranet’s booth!

Baseball: OSU vs OU O’Brate Stadium

April 5-6 • 6 p.m.; April 7 • 1 p.m.

Insect Adventure

The Botanic Garden

April 6 • 10 a.m. - noon

Inside the new Horticulture Education Center, visit and learn about amazing insects. $3 per person.

Tennis: OSU vs Baylor

Greenwood Tennis Center

April 7 • 1 p.m.

FLYING THROUGH APRIL 12-14

Second Saturday

OSU Museum

April 13 • 11 a.m.- 2 p.m.

Free hands-on art activities are designed to be inclusive of visitors of all ages.

Flying Aggies

Stillwater Regional Airport

April 13 • 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

See aircraft from the last 100 years in aviation, local vendors, food and airplane rides! Attendance is free.

Laramie Project Play

Town and Gown

April 11-14 • 7:30 p.m.

The Laramie Project is playing at Stillwater’s community theater for a great date night!

A RED DIRT WEEKEND ON APRIL 19-21

Red Dirt Film Festival

Downtown Stillwater

April 18-21

Thurs & Fri • 8 a.m.-9 p.m.

Sat & Sun • 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Join filmmakers and artists from around the world as they promote and celebrate their work.

Concert in the Garden

The Botanic Garden

April 19 • 5:45 p.m.

Enjoy this free concert with the Brazos Valley Boys.

Insect Adventure

The Botanic Garden

April 20 • 10 a.m. - noon

Inside the new Horticulture Education Center, visit and learn about amazing insects. $3 per person.

Stillwater Arts Festival

Prairie Arts Center

April 19 • noon-8 p.m.; April 20 • 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Join up to 60 regional artists who will showcase their creative and unique talents, enjoy the music, food trucks and family-friendly activities while you browse through creative and unique artwork.

Softball: OSU vs Texas Tech

Cowgirl Stadium

April 19 • 6 p.m.; April 20 • 2 p.m.; April 21 • 1 p.m.

Remember the 10 Run

Boone Pickens Stadium

April 20 • 7-9 a.m.

Run the 5K, 10K or 1-mile fun run during this annual tradition honoring the 10 Cowboy basketball family members who died in a plane crash in 2001.