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CENTRAL OFFERS FREE ENERGY AUDITS Concerned about your home’s energy consumption or want to make your home more efficient? Central Rural Electric Cooperative offers free on-site home energy audits for residential members to identify ways to improve your home’s efficiency and possibly reduce your overall electricity bill. “Every home is different in size, construction, age, occupancy and lifestyle routines that have a direct impact on energy consumption,” said David Freeman, Central’s Director of Information Systems. “The auditor will consider all of these factors and provide recommendations based on your home and lifestyle to help your home become more efficient.” When Central members sign up for this service, an independent thirdparty contractor will schedule an audit at the member’s home. It takes roughly one hour, and members will receive an Energy Efficiency Assessment Report. “Our home energy audit was wonderful,” said Cale Hyer, Central member. “They were able to point out areas that needed improvement and ended up lowering our monthly bill.” The audit includes an inspection of mechanical systems, ducting, attic
and crawl spaces, insulation, windows, lighting, appliances and a blower door test which helps determine drafts and leakage. “HVAC systems and water heaters average 70% of a home’s total energy costs,” Freeman said. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a home will typically lose 31% of its energy through floors, walls and ceilings. Common problem areas auditors find are in insulation, ductwork and ineffective sealing.
The assessment includes a free weatherization kit provided at Central’s office. The kit includes LED light bulbs, weatherstripping, foam spray sealant, pipe insulation and caulking. Need appliance upgrades? Central offers rebate programs to help members save money on energyefficient appliances. Rebates can be found at MyCentral.coop/rebates. Want to sign up for an energy audit? Visit MyCentral.coop/residentialenergy-audit.
UPDATE FROM THE CEO
A GREAT YEAR GIVING BACK TO OUR COMMUNITY FEBRUARY 2022 Central Board of Trustees: Carol Dvorak, President (District 3) James Wells, Vice President (District 6) Gary McCune, Secretary/Treasurer (District 1) Greg Tytenicz (District 2) Sid Sperry (District 4) Mark Pittman (District 5) Bill Davis (District 7) Hunter Robinson - Chief Executive Officer Empowered Editors: Jillianne Tebow - Vice President of Business Development and Marketing Larry Mattox - Director of Communications Kory Frazier - Marketing and Communications Specialist Ivy Hill - Marketing and Communications Specialist
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Contact Us: editor@MyCentral.coop 405-372-2884 | 800-375-2884 3305 S. Boomer Rd. | P.O. Box 1809 Stillwater, OK 74076
The Central Community Foundation granted more than $96,000 through 76 grants during 2021 thanks to Central members who participated in Operation Round Up. The foundation is made possible by the generous gifts of Central members who participate in Operation Round Up by choosing to round up their bill to the next whole dollar. This “pocket change,” a maximum of only $11.88 per year, makes a big difference in our communities.
The foundation allows Central to do just that by being a resource to assist our communities in addition to providing electricity and reliable internet.
Hunter Robinson, Central CEO
Last year, funding helped projects such as fi xing plumbing and damages from the arctic blast one year ago this month, disaster relief assistance to help local residents, art supplies for schools, holiday meals to students and so many more amazing projects. Improving the quality of life in rural areas and communities is the reason cooperatives were founded.
Round Up Plus was introduced in 2020 as a way to give on top of rounding up on your monthly bill. Round Up Plus allows members to make a one-time donation or an additional fi xed monthly gift.
Since its start in 2006, Operation Round Up and Round Up Plus has collected and distributed more than one million dollars to residents and organizations within Central’s service area. Want to learn more about Operation Round Up and the Central Community Foundation? Visit MyCentral.Foundation to find out how to get involved.
Want to participate in Operation Round Up or Round Up Plus? Visit MyCentral.Foundation or scan the QR code.
Central Rural Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
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To see if you’re already donating, check your monthly bill under “Current Service Detail,” if you see “Round Up Amount” you are already participating!
What is operation round up? Central members have the option to round up their monthly electric bill to the nearest dollar. That money is put into the Central Community Foundation and then distributed throughout Central’s service area based on grant applications received. Last year, Operation Round Up provided $96,426.77 through five types of grants to organizations and individuals.
2021 Operation Round Up grant breakdown
Health Care grants provide aid for ambulance services, hospice programs, and construction and renovation of medical facilities and other healthcare-related areas.
7% Personal needs
Disaster Relief grants help when homes or property is destroyed or damaged by tornado, fire, flood or other natural disasters. Education grants help school programs, and fund projects, equipment, building construction and renovations.
10% Health Care
AVOID ELECTRICAL HAZARDS Protect yourself and others from electrical hazards by following these safety tips. �
Never touch a fallen power line. Call Central at 405-372-2884 to report fallen power lines.
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Do not drive through standing water if downed power lines are in the water.
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If a power line falls across your car while you are driving, stay inside the vehicle and continue to drive away from the line. If the engine stalls, do not turn off the ignition and call 9-1-1.
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If electrical circuits and electrical equipment have gotten wet or are in or near water, turn off the power at the main breaker or fuse on the service panel. Do not enter standing water to access the main power switch. Call an electrician to turn it off.
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If you see frayed wiring or sparks when you restore power, or if there is an odor of something burning but no visible fire, you should immediately shut off the electrical system at the main circuit breaker.
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Never turn electricity on or off yourself, or use an electric tool or appliance while standing in water.
14% disaster relief 17% Education
52% Community Purpose
Community Purpose grants fund projects that benefit the entire community. Examples include playground equipment, splash pads, community services, etc. Personal Need grants fund projects for individuals that do not fit into one of the other categories. Projects may include assistance for food, clothing or other necessities.
View recent grants recipients at MyCentral.Foundation.
Applying for an Operation Round UP Grant? Find application deadlines, grant guidelines and applications by visiting MyCentral.Foundation/apply or scan the QR code.
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Help Willie Wiredhand find 10 differences on his valentine shakes!
Want to become a Co-op Kid? Scan the QR code!
ATTENTION HIGH SCHOOL JUNIORS: WIN A WEEK-LONG TRIP TO WASHINGTON D.C. Application Deadline: FEbruary 11, 2022
YOUTH TOUR 2022 4
Scan the QR Code to learn more