From the Top

Every time you flip a switch, you expect the lights to come on. That simple expectation is the foundation of our work at OEC. Behind the scenes, though, keeping power reliable takes constant investment, planning and preparation.

One way we support reliability is through the service availability charge. While it may not always seem connected to how much electricity you use, this charge helps cover fixed costs, expenses that don’t change whether a member uses 200 kilowatt-hours a month or 200,000. These costs allow us to be storm-ready and keep outages as short as possible.

When severe weather hits, you count on us to restore power quickly. We need strong systems, equipment that can handle shifting loads, backup sources to reroute electricity and lines that can withstand heavy conditions. These aren’t last-minute fixes. They result from steady, year-round investments designed to protect the grid and you from extended outages.

A big part of this work is system hardening. We identify our underperforming areas and make improvements. That means trimming back trees near lines, replacing older hardware, upgrading equipment and tightening connections. It’s the equivalent of preventative care: taking action now to avoid bigger problems later.

These upgrades are not driven by how much electricity any one member uses. They’re fixed investments made for the benefit of the entire system. Whether you live alone, use a small amount of energy or run a large business, you depend on reliable service. And that reliability is built on continuous improvements.

Your dollars are hard-earned, and we take that responsibility seriously. The service availability charge provides fairness and stability across our membership, allowing us to keep the system strong and dependable, ensuring we can keep your power flowing, especially during storms when you need it most. The ongoing work to strengthen our grid is how we honor that hard-earned dollar.

Thank you for your trust and support as we continue to invest in your cooperative. Your confidence in us allows us to focus on what matters most—being there when you need us and keeping your power dependable in every season.