Empowered is a monthly newsletter for members of
BOARD APPROVES FIBER BUILD OUT
More than 10 years ago, Central Rural Electric Cooperative, in conjunction with our power provider KAMO, took steps to increase our smart grid capabilities by running fiber to our first substation. Having fiber in the substations has led to numerous advances in our distribution system operations. Through the implementation of Fault Location, Isolation and Service Restoration (FLISR) strategies, we are better equipped to perform predictive outage analysis, which means we are able to increase system uptime, while also reducing outage duration. Today, all of Central’s 21 substations have fiber communications as it has become as essential as poles and wire in providing safe and reliable power to our members.
As you know, Central’s board of trustees has been evaluating the prospect of expanding fiber communications throughout our entire service area in an effort to increase connectivity in the field, which will improve system reliability and overall operations. After much research, including interviews with other Oklahoma cooperatives that are in various stages of fiber buildouts, the board is excited to announce its deci-
Let us know if you are interested in broadband, and sign up on our website for updates by visiting MyCentral.coop/fiber
sion to move forward with a system-wide fiber buildout. A full fiber network will not only assist with reliability and safety, but also it will allow Central to prepare for the future by building the foundation needed to establish data-driven rate designs. In an era of increased automation and technologies, a 100 percent-connected system allows for real-time analysis of load trends for future demand and time-of-use rates. Understanding the members’ electrical use demands and behaviors will also help us become more flexible as we see the increasing system integration of distributed generation
such as solar, battery or wind. Not only will Central members benefit from a smarter electric grid and the potential of modern rate designs, but also the capability of fiber internet services being offered to the home from the full-system fiber buildout. This fiber to the home (FTTH) connection will help bridge the current urban-rural digital divide. Currently, there are six electric cooperatives in Oklahoma offering variations of FTTH, and many electric cooperatives across the nation are exploring the idea. The recent pandemic has accelerated the movement as more
co-op members are seeking faster internet options as a result of working and/or learning from home. Central members are no different, with many unable to receive high speed internet service because of their location. With any project of this scale, it will likely take 5-7 years to reach 100 percent saturation. After all, we’ve been building our electric grid for more than 80 years, continually making improvements that benefit our members. Despite the timeframe, the board of trustees is confident in its decision, and Central employees are ready to light up rural Oklahoma once again.
UPDATE FROM THE BOARD PRESIDENT
IT’S ALMOST ANNUAL MEETING TIME
SEPTEMBER 2020 Central Board of Trustees: Bill Davis, President (District 7) Gary McCune, Vice President (District 1) Carol Dvorak, Secretary/Treasurer (District 3) Stu Preston (District 2) Len Tontz (District 4) Mark Pittman (District 5) Raymond Nettles (District 6) Hunter Robinson - Chief Executive Officer Empowered Editors: Jillianne Tebow - Vice President of Business Development and Marketing Larry Mattox - Director of Communications
www.MyCentral.coop facebook.com/MyCentralCoop twitter.com/MyCentralCoop instagram.com/MyCentralCoop
Contact Us: editor@MyCentral.coop 405-372-2884 | 800-375-2884 3305 S. Boomer Rd. | P.O. Box 1809 Stillwater, OK 74076 Notice: Central’s office will be closed Monday, Sept. 7 for Labor Day.
Central Rural Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
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What a roller coaster of a year 2020 has been. We were preparing for our 81st Annual Meeting when the pandemic disrupted the world, and it quickly became apparent that we would not be able to have the meeting in May. That seems like ages ago, however, here we are, just one month out from our first drive-through Annual Meeting in four locations. Our staff has put their creative hats on to bring the meeting to you in a manner that is convenient and most importantly, safe for all to enjoy.
While this year’s annual meeting won’t be conducive to long, face-to-face conversations, that doesn’t mean the dialog must stop. We will make updates to you available via videos posted to our website and social media. You will have the opportunity to hear from Hunter Robinson, our CEO; Carol Dvorak, our secretary/treasurer, and myself as the board president. We have some great things to share with you all! We also encourage you to send us an email at editor@mycentral.coop or give us a call at the office. We would be happy to answer your questions and converse with you about the bylaw amendments or other issues you might have. After all, democracies are most effective when the membership is well-informed.
This year, attendance is critical to Central’s business model as members will vote on three bylaw amendments proposed by the board of trustees. Information on Bill Davis, the bylaw amendments will District 7 Trustee be included in your official notice that you will receive We hope you will prioritize your demby mail later this month. You can also ocratic member control in Central by find the amendments on our website at attending this year’s Annual Meeting. MyCentral.coop/AnnualMeeting. Watch our website and social media for additional information and watch your Voting at member meetings falls under mail for the official notice. Be sure to one of the seven cooperative principles pre-register for your location online at that guide co-op operations: DemoMyCentral.coop/AnnualMeeting or by cratic Member Control. It means that you, as a member of Central, select who calling 844-533-4130. represents you on the board of trustees and help determine the guiding direction of the co-op. This direction comes from participation in member meetAnnual Meeting Checklist ings, answering surveys and being an Save the date on your calendar engaged member. Like any successful democracy, the decision-making process does not operate in the dark. We do our best to keep you informed about the financial condition of the co-op, tell you when situations arise that could affect your bill or service, and educate you about the issues involved. We do this through these pages in Oklahoma Living, on our website and social media, and in conversations with you at meetings.
Pre-register online or by phone Review the proposed bylaw amendments Watch the mail for your official notice Put the official notice in your car Attend one of the four locations
YOUR POWER: A BALANCED MIX
§ RENEWABLES MAKE UP 21% OF CENTRAL’S POWER GENERATION
Wind and hydropower also are important parts of Associated’s generaASSOCIATED Member owned, tion mix. But there’s a diff erence.ELECTRIC They Member-owned, member focused only produce electricity when wind member-focused and water are plentiful enough to make turbines spin. Generation from renewable sources, like solar, typically don’t match members’ peak use times — early in the morning 2019 AECI GENERATION RESOURCES on a winter day or late in the day during the summertime. This mismatch is Coal “Keep the turbine turning so we can keep the lights why having a diverse powburning.” er supply, with a foundation of around-the-clock resources like coal and gas, Natural Gas is important.
For most things in life, balance is healthy. The same is true of the power generation mix that delivers electricity to your home, farm or business. Balance is a key part of the reliability Associated Electric Cooperative, the power generation and transmission cooperative for Central, works every day to achieve.
A mix of generation means reliable F power
Associated’s balanced generation mix — featuring different fuels and ways to generate electricity — ensures lights come on when you flip that switch. Coal, natural gas, wind and hydropower generation means flexibility to meet members’ needs. This mix lets Associated focus on reliability, along with providing electricity that is affordable.
or most things in life, balance is healthy. The same is true of the power generation mix that delivers electricity to your home, farm or business. Balance is a key part of the reliability Associated Electric Cooperative, the power generation and transmission cooperative for Northeast Oklahoma’s electric co-ops, works toward every day. Associated’s balanced generation mix — featuring different fuels and ways to generate electricity — ensures lights come on when you flip that switch. Coal, natural gas, wind and hydropower generation means flexibility to meet members’ needs. This mix lets Associated focus on reliability, along with providing electricity that is affordable. By using coal and natural gas units members receive electricity reliably from generators designed to run around the clock. These plants can increase or decrease their power output to serve members when they need electricity.
Associated’s maintenance programs ensure these generators are efficient and available when they’re most needed. If one unit stops operating, others make up the difference. Joe Bader, an Ozark Border Electric Cooperative member, is one of many Associated employees tasked with keeping plants running. Joe is a journeyman machinist/ mechanic at the New Madrid Power Plant. He works on equipment that supports power production, including turbines. His motto? “Keep the turbine turning so we can keep the lights burning.” Joe says being a co-op member drives him to serve diligently. He knows families like his depend on his work for the electricity that powers their lives. “That inspires me to do the best I can,” Joe says. “No one likes to be with-
A balance of generation sources means the lights Wind Power for Plant — Natural gas will keepChouteau burning members throughout Associated’s system. More Hydro than 700 employees work for Associated at its power plants and headquarters in Using coal and natural gas units, mem- Springfield, Missouri. Each is a critical part of the power supply picture, and bers receive electricity reliably from each is devoted to ensuring you have generators designed to run around affordable, reliable electricity when you the clock. These plants can increase or need it. Learn more about your power decrease their power output to serve mix at aeci.org. members when they need electricity.
“No one likes to be w even a minute. My job
piece functions so the
on line.” SLOW DOWN, IT’S BACK TO SCHOOL
— Joe Bader
enough to make turbines spin able sources, like solar, typica
peak use times — early in the School days bring congestion: late in the day during the sum having a diverse power su School buses are picking up their why around-the-clock resources li It’s a balance passengers, kids on bikes are A balance of generation sou hurrying to get to school before the keep burning for members th tem. More than 700 employee at its power plants and headq bell rings, parents are trying to drop souri. Each is a critical part o and each is devoted to ensuri able electricity when you need their kids off before work. It’s never In next month’s issue: Affor Associatedimportant employees like Joe Baderfor go to work every day knowing more drivers to slow to all members. We’ll explore e their efforts keep the power flowing for members. Associated works to keep cost down and pay attention than when out electricity for even a minute. My job is to ensure every piece functions so these power plants stay on line.” kids are present – especially before Why members benefit from a diverse supply Bluegrass Ridge W andWind after school. and hydropower also are important parts of Associated’s generation mix. But there’s a difference. They only produce electricity when wind and water are plentiful
Z Never pass a bus from behind New Madrid Power Plant — Coal – or from either direction if you’re on an undivided road – if it is stopped to load or unload children. Z If the yellow or red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended, traffic must stop. Z The area 10 feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children; stop far enough back to allow them space to safely enter and exit the bus.
for sale
for sale
SERVICES
SERVICES
Z Be alert; children often are unpredictable, and they tend to ignore hazards and take risks.
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Operation Catnip Stillwater Free spay/neuter/vaccination clinics for stray/feral/barn cats. Registration is required, and humane traps and instructions are provided. 7 clinics held during the school year (3 in Fall 2020 and 4 in Spring 2021) and are conducted at the OSU Veterinary School. Call 405-466-5810 or visit operationcatnip.okstate. edu for specific dates and info. Also, please visit the Operation Catnip Stillwater Facebook page.
INSTALLATION SERVICES We install windows, fences, siding and roofing. FREE estimates. Bonded and insured, call 405-714-5984
Z In a school zone when flashers are blinking, stop and yield to pedestrians crossing the crosswalk or intersection.
SERVICES Dr. Myers Chiropractic, Luther Real “Hands-on” physical adjustment $35 total office visit. Truck Driver DOT health card $75. Truck Driver DOT drug test $45. Truck Driver DOT alcohol test $45. Truck Owner FMCSA (DOT) Compliant. Randomized Drug Testing Program. Call 405-277-3325
SUBMIT YOUR AD Submit your ad by email to editor@mycentral.coop by the 10th of each month!
Z Always stop for a school patrol officer or crossing guard holding up a stop sign. Z Take extra care to look out for children in school zones, near playgrounds and parks, and in all residential areas.
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MORE THAN JUST A STORE
§ GOODWILL RECEIVES CENTRAL COMMUNITY FOUNDATION GRANT “At Goodwill, we are more than Stillwater will use the laptops for just a store; we’re in the people training employees. development business,” said Jim Priest, CEO of Goodwill Industries Prior to the grant, training was done of Central Oklahoma, explaining on computers that served multiple how Goodwill offers many services purposes. The dedicated laptops to its communities. Goodwill helps purchased in part by the $1,500 individuals overcome challenges to grant will now allow team members employment by providing educato be trained in safety, customer tion, support and services to those service and financial courses with who often struggle fewer interrupto secure or retain tions. employment. COMMUNITY FOUNDATION https://MyCentral.Foundation Grants from the Through a focus Central Commuon education, employees learn skills nity Foundation are made possible that help build a foundation for by Central members who round up employment within or outside of their monthly electric bills to the Goodwill. “Employers often recognearest dollar. These funds are put nize individuals who went through into the Foundation, which distribGoodwill programs,” Priest said. utes them to individuals and organi“Customer experience is something zations in need throughout Central’s we take to heart.” seven-county service area. Training plays a key part to this, and thanks to a recent grant from the Central Community Foundation, it will be more easily accessible to Goodwill team members. The grant was used to purchase laptops for its two locations in Central’s service area. The centers in Guthrie and
The Central Community Foundation is a charitable organization established by Central to administer the Operation Round Up program. The foundation has five fields of interest: healthcare, education, disaster relief, personal need and community purpose.
Drive-Through
Pictured from left are: Cortney Branham, CREC Director of Energy Services; Jim Priest, CEO of Goodwill Industries of Central Oklahoma (GICO), Lisa Dillon, GICO VP of Workforce Development; Janey Carroll, Central Community Foundation Director; Amara Schook, GICO Director of Training & Employment Services; Jillianne Tebow, CREC VP of Business Development & Marketing; and Erin Talley, Central Community Foundation Coordinator.
Amara Schook demonstrates the training laptop purchased with the grant to Janey Carroll.
Choose your meeting! Payne Co. Fairgrounds • Stillwater Noble Co. Fairgrounds • Perry Logan Co. Fairgrounds • Guthrie Lincoln Co. Fairgrounds • Chandler
Watch your mail for the official notice later this month! Pre-register for additional information about the location you choose, MyCentral.coop/AnnualMeeting