May tends to bring with it strong storms, some of which can be severe. While the tornadoes in February gave us a preview of what we can typically expect, the spring weather seems to test the true reliability of our system. Because reliability is one of our top priorities, we spend the rest of the year doing preventive maintenance in preparation for the extremely high winds and storms we can experience this time of year. We must be prepared for anything, and thanks to the foresight of OEC’s Board of Trustees — a group of your fellow co-op members — we have always worked hard and invested to improve the reliability of your power supply, and significantly increased that effort since 2017.
During the severe weather and tornadoes in February, members in Cleveland County whose homes were not directly impacted experienced brief outages. Thanks to the addition of high-speed fiber services and the ability to accommodate smart equipment on our system, power was automatically rerouted and restored within minutes. A few short years ago, the effects of severe weather would’ve resulted in power outages lasting for hours or even days. But because of the investment we’ve made in a self-healing grid, our members continue to enjoy the most reliable power in central Oklahoma.
As you will read on page 4, our outage times continue to decrease at record levels. We are very proud of these numbers because they show our commitment to improving the quality of life for our members and subscribers, no matter where they choose to call home. Whether our members reside in an urban subdivision or on an acreage at the end of a 10-mile stretch of lines, we believe you deserve the same level of exceptional service. This is why we build our systems — both electric and broadband — stronger than any minimum requirements.
Oklahoma’s weather can and will take down just about anything, so our system is designed to handle more wind and ice than the average system. Our focus is on reliability and ensuring you have power and internet services you can count on.
Share this article
Want more Co-op News?
Rural Renaissance | OEC News
Discover the transformative journey of OEC Fiber, originating from the endeavors of Oklahoma Electric Cooperative. Explore how our reliable fiber internet is revitalizing rural Oklahoma by promoting economic growth, enriching education, and bolstering agricultural advancements. Call (405) 217-6868 to experience unmatched reliability with OEC Fiber!
Capital Credits | OEC News
Explore the significance of Oklahoma Electric Cooperative’s $2 million capital credits retirement, highlighting the cooperative’s commitment since 1937. Learn about the allocation and claim process for both current and former members. Understand the difference between a cooperative and investor-owned utility companies, focusing on member benefits and community impact.
Growing Together | OEC News
Celebrate National Co-op Month this October with Oklahoma Electric Cooperative (OEC)! Discover how co-ops like OEC are pivotal in community growth, economic empowerment, and fostering cooperation and learning. Explore our enduring commitment to member satisfaction and our continuous evolution to meet your needs.
Shift into Gear | OEC News
Oklahoma Electric Cooperative’s (OEC) innovative Drive-Thru Annual Meeting at Lloyd Noble Center marks a milestone in member engagement and convenience. The event set an attendance record and featured prize drawings and live stream business meetings. Explore the highlights and insights of this unprecedented member-centric event.