From the Top — May 2024 | OEC News

As we usher in another storm season, we find it timely to discuss an issue foundational to our operations and our identity as an electric cooperative: safety. Our endeavors to promote a safety culture and enhance reliability are not just corporate speak; they are lived experiences, technological advancements and a promise of steadfast service to you—our nearly 50,000 members.

Our story of safety is a narrative that stretches back to the earlier days of America’s industrial vigor. It’s a history where safety often played catch-up to innovation. Unlike those times, safety at our cooperative is not an afterthought. It is the underlying thread of our culture, deeply embedded in our daily routines and long-term strategies. We prioritize the well-being of our workforce and the communities we serve, placing it above all other concerns. Personal protective equipment, cutting-edge technology and comprehensive training are not mere line items in a budget; they are the investments that safeguard lives.

Our lineworkers, a group of highly skilled professionals, are a testament to our dedication to safety. They work in proximity to one of the most dangerous elements—electricity. But beyond the physical demands of their job, they carry a responsibility that weighs heavily on each decision they make, each wire they mend. In our cooperative, no deadline and no financial incentive can justify bypassing the safety of these individuals and the public.

In Oklahoma, our unique weather challenges are well-known. The National Weather Center’s location in our state speaks volumes of the extreme weather we encounter. In anticipation of these conditions, we engage in proactive measures such as system hardening and implementing weather-resistant technologies. Our aim is not merely to withstand the storm but to emerge resilient and deliver uninterrupted service in the aftermath.

When disruptions do occur, we are steadfast in our response. Our advanced technologies are designed to maintain an energized system until a failure is detected. At such times, our crews are as efficient as they are thorough because even as we seek to restore power quickly, we do so with the utmost care for safety. It’s an assurance we provide—a promise that the power we deliver is matched by the responsibility we uphold. Read more about the delicate process of restoring power and internet service on page 6.

As we look towards the horizon, ready for the storms we may face, let us hold fast to this truth: our cooperative is not merely defined by the services we provide but by the care, the caution and the unwavering commitment to the safety of all.