FROM theTOP
PATRICK GRACE
CEO ADDRESS
Electric rates can be complex and difficult to fully grasp with a lot of moving parts. We must factor in the cost of building new infrastructure and replacing old, maintaining the poles, wires, transformers and substations we currently have in place, paying highly-trained, knowledgeable employees, and ensuring our technology is safe from cyber attacks. And not to mention we must consider the cost of the electricity itself — the ever-changing fuel costs, transportation from the generation plant to your homes and so much more. From the engineering behind the electrical system’s design to the billing software and community safety programs, we must be sure to capture these costs in our rates. Sounds easy, right? Costs naturally increase every year, but our growth has been able to offset the need for a rate increase. Our service area includes areas near the OKC metro that are experiencing booming growth. Families are migrating toward suburban and rural areas where their dollar goes further. Because of this, we are able to continually assess our rate structure without implementing an increase while ensuring our members have options that benefit you and your cooperative. Those who like simplicity have enjoyed our standard residential rate, while those who are more energy-conscious are able to take advantage of our flexible time-of-use rate. Those who charge an electric vehicle overnight or are able to switch their energy use to overnight hours have a rate that fits their needs, too. I invite you to use the calculator at www.okcoop.org/ratecalc to determine which rate is best for your home and energy needs. Our goal is to save you money in the long run by being on the right rate. Speaking of saving money, summertime is (almost) officially here, and as your trusted energy advisor for 84 years and counting, we’re here to ensure you don’t spend any more on your summer power bills than you have to. Check out our helpful energy efficiency stories and tips on pages 6 and 9, and learn more about our rates on page 4. Be sure to follow us on social media for all the energy-saving tips we’ll be sharing this summer. 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.
