FROM theTOP
PATRICK GRACE
CEO ADDRESS
While it feels like we've lived through our share of storms and weather events this year already, we're now gearing up for spring storm season. One proactive approach we take year-round is the trimming of trees away from our power lines so when the wind does come sweeping down the plains — and it always does — it won't lead to unnecessary power flashes and outages. For years now, we've been focused on system hardening, which is a fancy term for the aggressive, strategic improvement of our power system. We've installed state-of-the-art technology and studied each mile of line to look for ways to make it better, and that's led to a massive reduction in our outage times over the years. But a practice that often gets criticized may be the best investment we've made when it comes to reliability, and that's tree trimming. Who can forget the October ice storm? Did you know we only lost 200 poles due to the ice and high winds? I say 'only 200 poles' because five years prior during Winter Storm Goliath, we lost over 600 poles in a storm with pretty comparable ice accumulations. That's a testament to the focus we've put on improving our system — mostly via tree trimming. Adding a fiber-to-the-home network has allowed us to upgrade the system as well. More equipment attached to our poles means heavier poles are needed, and those withstand natural elements better than smaller poles. We know that over time, man-made infrastructure can and will fail. That's why we've been proactive about caring for our overhead lines and continue maintenance and looking for opportunities to improve it even more. Part of keeping the lights on is having a great workforce. Our lineworkers take pride in what they do in both the construction of our system and the maintenance of it. Our low outage numbers also show how dedicated our lineworkers are in going out in all kinds of weather. When the meteorologists are telling people to stay off the roads, you can bet OEC trucks will be rolling down the roads. As a member myself, I appreciate the dedication our lineworkers display, and I know you do too. Oklahoma Electric Cooperative 242 24th Ave NW | PO Box 1208 Norman, OK, 73070 321-2024, FAX 405-217-6900 http://www.okcoop.org
BOARD OF TRUSTEES Rusty Grissom, President District3Trustee@okcoop.org
Ronnie Tharp, Vice President District9Trustee@okcoop.org
Bob Usry, Sec. Treas. District8Trustee@okcoop.org
Shirley Idleman, Asst. Sec. Treas. District5Trustee@okcoop.org
Mike Argo
District1Trustee@okcoop.org
Percy Moreu
District2Trustee@okcoop.org
Ronnie Grover
District4Trustee@okcoop.org
John Jensen
District6Trustee@okcoop.org
Danny Watters
District7Trustee@okcoop.org
District
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SENIOR MANAGEMENT
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Chief Executive Officer ............................. Patrick Grace Chief Financial Officer ............... Preston O’Brien, CPA VP of Administration ...................................... Jonna Buck VP of Engineering .................................... Thad Peterson VP of HR and Legal Services ................ Tracy Mowdy VP of Information Technology .. David Goodspeed VP of Metering ............................................... John Spencer VP of Operations ............................................ Marty Hayes
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Oklahoma Electric Co-op News is published monthly by Oklahoma Electric Cooperative, 242 24th Ave. NW, Norman, OK 73069, (USPS-865-700). Subscription rates: $6.00 per year for non-members, 50¢ per year for members. Periodical postage paid at Norman, OK and other additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Please send form 3579 to: Oklahoma Electric Co-op News, PO Box 1208, Norman, OK 73070.
Co-op News Editor Brianna Wall, CCC brianna.wall@okcoop.org Members who find their account number hidden within the text of this issue will be awarded $500. Call 405-217-6708.
