What’s Inside Top 5 announced in 2023 essay competition page 7
Piecing together memories with every stitch page 11
The
Cheesy Chicken Tortellini Bake page 14
Current
A Publication of Cotton Electric Cooperative Inc.
“The Current - Informing Our Members Since 1957” VOLUME 66
March 13, 2023
NUMBER 7
Co-op offers rebate program to members
S
pring is here, and now is the perfect time to start prepping for summer. From April 1 through June 20, Cotton Electric is offering to help members offset the cost of getting air conditioning units ready for high summer temperatures. Through the HVAC Tune-Up Rebate program, the co-op will provide a rebate of 50% the cost of your spring tune-up service, excluding repairs and not to exceed $50. New in 2023, the co-op will now extend the rebate to include 50% the cost of annual maintenance contracts on heat pump systems, excluding repairs and not to exceed $75. The goal of this incentive program is to ensure the largest power-consuming appliance in members’ homes is ready to operate at peak performance when needed most. When was the last time you had your home’s HVAC system serviced? Heating and air conditioning systems are typically the largest purchase for homeowners, led only by home and vehicle purchases. Like with a vehicle, lack of maintenance can have a huge impact on the efficiency and life of HVAC systems. Many car owners would not even consider skipping the scheduled maintenance of their vehicle; the same type of thinking should be applied to air conditioning service. There are two schools of thought when it comes to maintaining these systems: Reactive and preventative. Reactive practices are marked by forgoing regular maintenance and running equipment until parts fail. Preventative practices involve periodic maintenance as recommended by manufacturers.
There are numerous studies showing the effects that poor maintenance procedures have on HVAC systems. A majority of studies show a 5% loss of efficiency over the course of one year. This loss in efficiency can be attributed to a reduction of air flow through indoor and outdoor coils. As dirt attaches to coils, airflow is limited. Units not properly serviced, even for just a few years, can have up to 40% loss of efficiency throughout its life. Lack of maintenance can affect more than just the efficiency of the unit. Restricted airflow can raise operating amperage of motors and compressors, resulting in a shortened operating life span. You wouldn’t drive your car with a flat tire, would you? Continuing to drive with a flat tire would result in further damage. The same is true for your air conditioning system. Running components at higher amps than they are designed for will decrease the life of that component. It may be difficult to see if your unit has a weak start capacitor or is low on refrigerant; this is why we recommend involving a professional contractor. Scheduled tune-ups allow professionals an opportunity to perform recommended cleanings and test specific components and refrigerant levels that keep your system operating properly. Applications will be available at www.CottonElectric.com/rebate-program, through your contractor or at one of Cotton Electric’s office locations. Continued on page 5
Local seniors attending 2023 Leadership Summit
Kenzie McCracken High school seniors Kenzie McCracken and Emma Nunley will represent Cotton Electric Cooperative at the 2023 Leadership Summit on
Power Cost Adjustment Calculated The power cost adjustment now being applied to bills mailed after March 1, 2023, is $0.00981 per kWh. On a member’s average bill of 1,300 kilowatt hours (kWh), this will amount to a charge of $12.75 on the March bill.
contest. Each student at Leadership Summit will take home a $500 college scholarship. McCracken attends Central High School where she is involved in FFA and currently serves as the chapter President. She enjoys showing pigs and spending her free time with friends. After high school, she plans to go to college to study Embryology. Nunley attends Sterling High School and is active in fastpitch and slowpitch softball, basketball, track, FFA Emma Nunley and Student Council. Outside March 13 at the Oklahoma of school, she enjoys spending State Fairgrounds. McCrack- time with her family, friends en and Nunley were selected and youth group at church. from those who participated She plans on attending Camin the 2022 Youth Tour essay eron University to receive a
February 2023 Temperature Extremes Day High Low 1 32 20 2 48 26 3 52 27 4 63 27 5 66 27 6 77 32 7 56 41 8 44 33 9 55 27 10 47 27 11 54 23 12 67 24 13 62 34 14 69 48 15 76 35
Source: srh.noaa.gov/oun/
Avg. 26 37 40 45 47 55 49 39 41 37 39 46 48 59 56
Day High Low 16 43 27 17 49 19 18 49 24 19 65 34 20 73 53 21 84 46 22 76 50 23 52 25 24 33 28 25 43 31 26 72 42 27 73 42 28 79 32
Average Daily High: 59 Average Daily Low: 32
Avg. 35 34 37 50 63 65 63 39 31 37 57 58 56
bachelor’s degree in Allied Health Sciences while playing collegiate basketball, before being accepted into a doctorate’s program to become a physical therapist. During the event, McCracken, Nunley and other attendees from Oklahoma electric cooperatives will be presented activities that are designed to encourage students to become leaders of
Did You Know? 2023 Energy Camp applications are due March 31. More information and applications can be found at www. cottonelectric.com/EnergyCamp.
their schools and communities. They will also hear from speakers, Rhett Laubach and Kelly Barnes, focusing on how to make the most of the service and growth opportunities today and in the future. McCracken and Nunley are looking forward to learning how to become a better leader and meeting new friends at the 2023 Leadership Summit.
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 in tric Current, 226 N. mailboxes on April 10, Broadway, Walters, OK 2023. 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.