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Current
A Publication of Cotton Electric Cooperative Inc.
“The Current - Informing Our Members Since 1957” VOLUME 67
July 12, 2024
NUMBER 11
Energy Camp powers potential for local youth By Carli Eubank Eighth graders representing electric cooperatives from across the state kicked off their summer break at Canyon Camp for a few days after Memorial Day for the 2024 Energy Camp. Representing Cotton Electric were Madysen Staggs of Duncan, Isabella McClung, Corbyn Stephens and Gracelynn Williams of Walters, and Cotton Electric Vegetation Management Worker Dillon Newby, who volunteered as a counselor. Earlier this year, students were selected based on their leadership and teamwork qualities reflected in their essay submission explaining why he or she wanted to attend Energy Camp. Stephens shared that he was encouraged by his mother and science teacher to apply, and he looked forward to the leadership skills he could gain through the camp. Organized by Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives, the camp agenda was full of activities. The first day started with a few ice-breaker games, and then students learned about the electric cooperative business model, Cooperative Principles and life before electricity. “I would share with students that every time you flip on a light switch or charge a phone, there are a ton of people and equipment that make it possible,” Newby said. “If not for electric cooperatives around the state, rural electrification wouldn’t be possible.” The following days included learning about power line construction, hearing about different careers within the electric cooperative industry, climbing power poles, seeing a variety of electric vehicles, watching a live-line demonstration and much more. One of the camp sessions included Cotton Electric Energy Efficiency Coordinator Heath Morgan, who shared his experiences volunteering with the 2023 Energy Trails project late last year when he and other volunteers wired nearly 200 structures in 38 Guatemalan villages. Newby shared how he enjoyed seeing the students engage in the week’s activities and how he learned probably just as much as the kids did. “Over the last year, God has encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone, and I had no idea what to expect when God laid it on my heart to volunteer for this camp, but it was a blessing. I think this is a great thing for kids to be part of,” Newby said. “Thank you to Cotton Electric for letting me be part of it. It’s nice to work for a place that has opportunities like this for children in their communities.” Students also exercised the Democratic Member Control Cooperative Principle and how electric cooperatives are managed by nominating and participating in their own Board Member election for the
Power Cost Adjustment Calculated The power cost adjustment now being applied to bills mailed after July 1, 2024, is $0.00447 per kilowatt-hours (kWh).
On a member’s average bill of 1,300 kWh, this will amount to a charge of $5.81 on the July bill.
Cotton Electric was represented at the 2024 Energy Camp by Corbyn Stephens, Madysen Staggs, Gracelynn Williams, Isabella McClung and Cotton Electric Vegetation Management Worker Dillon Newby. Photo courtesy of Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives. camp. One of the elected Board Members for the week was Stephens. “I was very surprised and excited when I was elected,” Stephens said. “My responsibilities with the position included voting on the general manager and writing the report of Energy Camp on the last day.” During the afternoons, there was plenty of time for swimming, hiking and other outdoor games, and campers ended the final night of camp with pizza and a neon dance party. The next morning was
for thank-you notes and reflections before everyone traveled back to their hometown. “Attending Energy Camp was really outside my comfort zone, and I was nervous to go,” Stephens said, “but it ended up being a very fun and exciting time that I will remember forever.” For more information about Cotton Electric’s youth programs, call 580-875-3351 or visit www. cottonelectric.com/youth-programs.
Isabella McClung puts on lineworker gear before climbing up a power pole. Photo courtesy of Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives.
Corbyn Stephens was elected to be on the camp’s Board of Directors. Photo courtesy of Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives.
June 2024 Temperature Extremes Day High Low 1 89 67 2 75 65 3 82 67 4 97 70 5 92 67 6 97 64 7 96 70 8 99 72 9 93 71 10 85 70 11 81 67 12 91 63 13 96 68 14 97 71 15 96 68
Source: srh.noaa.gov/oun/
Avg. 78 70 75 84 80 81 83 86 82 78 74 77 82 84 82
Day High Low 16 96 66 17 95 75 18 92 76 19 91 73 20 92 71 21 95 76 22 98 71 23 104 71 24 101 73 25 102 78 26 107 80 27 99 79 28 105 79 29 103 79 30 103 81
Average Daily High: 95 Average Daily Low: 72
Avg. 81 85 84 82 82 86 85 88 87 90 94 89 92 91 92
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 a line at Cotton ElecThe next issue of The tric Current, 226 N. Current should arrive in Broadway, Walters, OK mailboxes Aug. 9, 2024. 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.