From the Top – Jan. 2026 | OEC News

As we move into 2026, I find myself thinking about what truly sets Oklahoma Electric Cooperative apart. Every utility has access to the same poles and wires, the same software and tools, and the same basic infrastructure. What makes OEC different is our people. The culture our employees have built over more than 80 years continues to be our strongest asset, and it is an honor to work alongside individuals who take such pride in serving our members.

That culture did not appear overnight. It was shaped by the people who came before us and strengthened by those who carry it forward today. My goal is not to reinvent what has worked so well for decades. Instead, I aim to protect it, support it, and make sure it remains the foundation of everything we do. When you have a team that is dedicated, thoughtful, and focused on doing the right thing, you do what you can to help them thrive.

Highlights From 2025

Looking back at 2025, the most visible milestone was the completion of our new facility at 24th and Main in Norman. Many of you have already seen it, and we hope it reflects the standard of excellence we work toward every day. Our employees deserve a space that matches the quality of the work they do. When people have room to collaborate and the tools they need to succeed, good ideas flow and the entire cooperative benefits. The new building is more than added square footage. It is a commitment to supporting the people who serve you.

Outside of that major project, 2025 was a steady and stable year. Our fiber build has leveled off, with only modest expansion that aligns closely with growth on the electric side. This balanced pace puts us in a strong position. Our service territory continues to grow at a healthy rate, not so fast that it strains the system, but enough to help keep costs manageable and rates stable.

What to Expect in 2026

As we look to 2026, we expect more of that steady rhythm. One shift already underway is gradual increases in power supply costs. Generation expenses across the industry are rising as many long-serving power plants near the end of their operational life. Some of these units have been in service for 50 or 60 years. Replacing aging generation and building new resources is necessary, and it will continue for decades.

Growing communities also require more substations, more line, and more capacity. While increased power supply costs are never welcome news, they reflect something positive. Our state and our cooperative are growing, and that growth supports the reliability our members count on every day of the year.

Thank You to Our Members

Thank you for being part of OEC. We remain committed to delivering safe, reliable, affordable service while honoring the people and culture that make this cooperative special.