What’s Inside From crewman to journeyman: Cotton Electric employees complete apprentice program
Small contributions lead to big impacts in local communities
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Current
A Publication of Cotton Electric Cooperative Inc.
“The Current - Informing Our Members Since 1957” VOLUME 68
January 17, 2025
NUMBER 5
2025 Energy Camp essay contest due in March The clock is ticking for all incoming and current eighth graders looking for an exciting experience to develop leadership skills and learn about rural electrification at the 2025 Energy Camp at Red Rock Canyon. When students attend Energy Camp, they will have opportunities to watch safety demonstrations, climb a pole, learn about the cooperative business model and network with students from other Oklahoma electric cooperatives. To be eligible to enter the competition, contestants must be an incoming or current eighth grader in the Cotton Electric service area. The students and their families do not have to be Cotton Electric members. This year’s contest is broken into two rounds. First, applicants will submit an essay between 50 and 100 words to the co-op about why they would like to represent Cotton Electric at the 2025 Energy Camp. Writers of the top 10 essays will move on to the second round for a live video interview with independent judges arranged by Cotton Electric. Last, the top four applicants will be selected to attend the allexpense-paid trip to the 2025 Energy Camp. The deadline to submit an essay is 3 p.m. March 20. Contest deadlines, resources and contest submission can be found on our website at www.cottonelectric.com/ EnergyCamp. For questions or more information, please call 580-875-3351 or email zyoung@cottonelectric.com.
Enhancing account security and control through SmartHub 2FA
By Carli Eubank At Cotton Electric Cooperative, members have the ability to take control of their account, and one of the key features available is SmartHub. Recently, SmartHub introduced the option for members to sign up for two-factor authentication (2FA), adding an extra layer of security to help protect member accounts and provide peace of mind. With 2FA, SmartHub users can rely on more than just a password to secure their accounts. This feature requires a second verification step before logging in, making it more challenging for unauthorized users to gain access. In addition, 2FA allows SmartHub to send an alert if someone tries to log in to your account from an unrecognized device, allowing members to act quickly if anything seems suspicious.
• Choose from email, text message or a one-time password to select your preferred 2FA communication method. • Members will receive a verification alert via your previously selected method. Enter the code in the Verification Code field in SmartHub. • Select Verify. • A Success screen will pop up, confirming that 2FA is now activated on your account. • Moving forward, you will need to verify your login with your chosen 2FA method each time you access your Cotton Electric account. Enabling 2FA is a quick and simple way to strengthen your digital security while staying informed and in control of your Cotton Electric account. Members can sign up or access their SmartHub account on a computer at www.cottonelectric.com/ Activate 2FA on mobile app • Log in to SmartHub and select More, Settings, smarthub or mobile device by downloading the app Security, and Two-Factor Authorizations to activate from the Apple store or Google Play. For more information, call 580-875-3351. to begin the setup.
Power Cost Adjustment Calculated The power cost adjustment now being applied to bills mailed after Jan. 1, 2025, is $0.01212 per kilowatt hour (kWh).
On a member’s average bill of 1,300 kWh, this will amount to a charge of $15.76 on the January bill.
December 2024 Temperature Extremes Day High Low 1 58 29 2 61 27 3 54 30 4 68 35 5 49 30 6 50 24 7 54 37 8 58 37 9 52 34 10 49 29 11 59 25 12 63 26 13 62 50 14 65 33 15 72 31
Avg. 44 44 42 52 40 37 46 48 43 39 42 45 56 49 52
Day High Low Avg. 16 65 41 53 17 66 35 51 18 56 29 43 19 59 23 41 20 51 26 39 21 55 24 40 22 63 30 47 23 65 53 59 24 58 48 53 25 52 48 50 26 55 39 47 27 59 39 49 28 65 39 52 29 70 35 53 30 75 40 58 Source: www.srh.noaa.gov/oun/ 31 55 34 45 Average Daily High: 60 Average Daily Low: 34
Did You Know? Have you downloaded the SmartHub app? With SmartHub, co-op members can check energy use, pay power bills and more! Download SmartHub in Google Play or the Apple Store.
Contact Us
Do you have a story idea for The Current, or do you need to place an ad? If so, let us know. We can be reached at 580-875-3351 or by email at TheCurrent@ cottonelectric.com. You can also drop us The next issue of The a line at Cotton ElecCurrent should arrive tric Current, 226 N. in mailboxes Feb. 14, Broadway, Walters, OK 2025. 73572.
Mission Statement Our mission is to safely deliver reliable and affordable power, provide excellent member service, and improve the quality of life in the communities we serve.