From the Top with CEO Patrick Grace

In his book Power Plays, author Ted Case outlines the historic origins of electric cooperatives in America and reminds readers that the movement to electrify rural America was born in politics. A House Bill that made its way through the Oklahoma Legislature in April reminded us of the role politics continues to play 85 years later.

You might recall receiving an email from us last month asking you to contact your legislator in regards to HB 3835, a bill that — in its original language — would've seen OEC and other electric co-ops subsidizing the costs for investor-owned telecommunications companies to attach to our poles. When we needed to ensure our legislators' understanding aligned with ours, you answered the call to help us inform them. The impact of your collective voices got their attention and, in the end, we believe the outcome benefitted both the members and OEC Fiber subscribers.

We are not a political organization, we are a utility. We reserve those calls-to-action to very specific needs that arise periodically that pose a threat to the cooperative and thus its members. Our statewide association, Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives (OAEC), exists to serve as a unified voice for electric co-ops. This includes looking out for memberowners' best interests, like policies or potential laws that could be created that negatively affect electric co-ops across Oklahoma and their members. OAEC staff spearheaded the statewide effort and, as a result, over 3,500 co-op members from across the state took action, emailing and calling their legislators and sharing social media posts.

We appreciate all those who took the time to contact your representative. It is proof that the co-op model is still relevant, effective and is aligned with our overall mission to increase the quality of life through the safe delivery of highly reliable, reasonably priced electric service, innovative energy programs and exceptional member service.