On Aug. 5, we held our first Annual Meeting since 2019, and it made me think of the leaps we’ve taken as a cooperative in those three years. Obviously, our broadband project has exploded onto the scene as OEC Fiber became viable for more and more members, but our electric membership has experienced significant growth as well. This growth specifically is what will sustain OEC for another 85 years.
Since 2019, our membership has grown 8.8%, a steady 3% per year, which is strong growth for a co-op of our size and proximity to a metro area. We now serve 47,780 members, up from 43,920 in 2019.
New commercial growth has been remarkable and has contributed to an increase of 20% in electricity consumption compared to 2019. This increase in demand and usage for OEC is not necessarily unique to us, as the Southwest Power Pool has experienced increased demand for power across their 14-state service area over the last three years. A November 2020 ice storm, Winter Storm Uri in 2021 and extremely hot summers are all historic events that have contributed to this increase.
OEC Fiber has taken tremendous leaps as well, growing from 1,400 miles of fiber line across our seven-county service area in 2019 to close to 3,300 miles of line today. We had about 2,500 subscribers in 2019 and have grown at record speeds to now serve reliable, affordable, high-speed internet to over 30,000 subscribers.
We are proud to say all OEC members now have access to high-speed broadband thanks to the efforts of OEC’s entire team and Board of Trustees.
On the subject of OEC’s Board of Trustees, I am happy to announce the appointment of Debbie Frazier as the District 3 trustee. The board voted to appoint Debbie at the July board meeting, and I invite you to learn more about her on page seven.
Thank you to those who attended our Annual Meeting, and have a safe start to your fall season.
Share this article
Want more Co-op News?
Right Tree, Right Place | OEC News
Learn how planting the right tree in the right place can save up to 20% on energy costs for homeowners. OEC is committed to safe and reliable energy and provides tips on proper vegetation management practices.
Engaging Education | OEC News
OEC and OEC Fiber sponsored a STEM Maker Night featuring hands-on making and STEM activities focused on electricity, attracting over 100 attendees. Engage Learning’s project-based learning approach provides students with real-world problem-solving skills, inspiring a new generation of innovators.
Power You Can Count On | OEC News
Recent data shows that OEC members experienced an average outage time of 65.1 minutes for the entire year, exactly half of what it was in 2016, while investor-owned utility customers were without power 175 percent longer. OEC’s score of 58.1 places us in the top 20 percent of most reliable electric co-ops in the nation. Learn about our efforts to provide safe, reliable, and reasonably priced electric service, innovative energy programs, and exceptional member service.
Powering Up | OEC News
Winter Storm Uri left a trail of destruction in the United States, especially in the utility industry. Find out how fuel costs, demand charges, and other factors affect your electricity rates and what Oklahoma Electric Cooperative is doing to ensure reliable access to power at an affordable cost.