What’s Inside Electrical safety for new homeowners Page 3
Gospel Jesus Park a testament to faith Page 9
The
Vegetables a healthy summer option Page 11
Current
A Publication of Cotton Electric Cooperative Inc.
“The Current - Informing Our Members Since 1957” VOLUME 69
May 8, 2026
Local students set to start summer at 2026 Energy Camp
n s!
Co
u t l a a r t g io n
NUMBER 9
Brynley Harrison
Jeran Davenport
Cotton Electric’s 2026 Energy Camp winners Wyatt Jarman
Abigail Hale
Cotton Electric is pleased to announce Brynley Harrison of Cache Public School, Wyatt Jarman of Central High Public School, Abigail Hale of Hope Academy and Jeran Davenport of Temple Public School as winners of the 2026 Energy Camp contest. After advancing through an essay competition, these eighth graders will represent the co-op at Red Rock Canyon in Hinton this summer. During Energy Camp, students will have the opportunity to be a lineworker for a day, hear from motivational speakers, learn the science behind electricity and participate in team-building group activities. Congratulations to Brynley, Wyatt, Abigail and Jeran.
Reap what you sow: Stay safe during planting season Long hours and fatigue are a constant battle for farmers during planting season. If you farm, remember to take care of yourself by getting as much rest as possible and allowing yourself breaks to clear your head. Be especially aware of electrical hazards around the farm. Be cautious and think twice before acting around electricity. Cotton Electric and Safe Electricity offers farmers the following reminders: • If your machinery or vehicle comes in contact with a power line, do not get out. Once contact has been made with a live line (even when your tractor or truck makes contact), you are now a pathway to ground and you could get electrocuted if you step out. Instead, stay where you are and call 911 to dispatch the appropriate utility to de-energize the power line. • If you come across an accident or incident near a downed power line, alert individuals (from a distance) to stay in the tractor or vehicle as long as there is no imminent danger. Do not approach the scene. • When using machinery with long extensions or tall antennas and when using ladders, look up to avoid contact with overhead power lines. • Even if there is no contact, an electrical current can jump or arc, so keep equipment at least 10 feet
Power Cost Adjustment Calculated The power cost adjustment now being applied to bills mailed after May 1, 2026, is $0.02196 per kilowatt-hours (kWh).
On a member’s average bill of 1,300 kWh, this will amount to a charge of $28.55 on the May bill.
from surrounding power lines at all times. • Remember, nonmetallic materials (such as tree limbs, ropes and hay) can conduct electricity, depending on dampness and dust/ dirt accumulation. • Visually inspect overhead lines. If a wire is hanging low or is on the ground, consider it energized and stay at least 50 feet away. Call Cotton Electric at 580-875-3351 or 800-522-3520. • Every day, map out where equipment will be moved to ensure it will clear power lines. • When working in the vicinity of power lines, always use a spotter who has a broad vantage point. • Train anyone working with or for you (including seasonal employees) to be aware of power line locations, and teach them proper clearance distance. Also design and implement a safety training program that includes a review of electrical hazards and how to safely deal with power lines. • According to American Family Insurance, “know your PTO.” To stay safe when working with a power take-off (PTO), always disengage the PTO, turn off the engine and remove keys before getting off the tractor. Also, never step across a rotating power shaft. For more information on electrical safety, go to safeelectricity.org.
April 2026 Temperature Extremes Day High Low 1 86 63 2 87 63 3 83 58 4 69 45 5 71 40 6 72 41 7 72 42 8 77 41 9 81 51 10 83 58 11 81 62 12 83 65 13 89 66 14 82 64 15 85 59 Source: srh.noaa.gov/oun/
Avg. 74 75 70 57 55 56 57 59 66 70 71 74 77 73 72
Day High Low 16 88 61 17 76 55 18 66 42 19 72 37 20 74 43 21 62 53 22 76 60 23 85 68 24 82 64 25 89 60 26 88 67 27 91 63 28 75 57 29 70 53 30 70 52
Average Daily High: 79 Average Daily Low: 55
Avg. 74 65 54 54 58 57 68 76 73 75 77 77 66 61 61
Did You Know? Cotton Electric offices will be closed Monday, May 25, to recognize Memorial Day. Emergency calls will be answered at 580-8453351 or 800-522-3520.
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 June 12, Broadway, Walters, OK 2026. 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.