Tag: electric coop

Storm season is upon us, which means greater potential for power outages. If you’re planning to use a portable generator in the event of an outage, Oklahoma Electric Cooperative reminds you to play it safe.

With proper use and maintenance, portable generators can provide great convenience during an outage. However, when generators are used incorrectly, they can be extremely hazardous. In a 2022 report, the Consumer Product Safety Commission estimated 85 U.S. consumers die every year from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning caused by gasoline-powered portable generators.

Here are 10 Do’s and Don’ts to keep in mind when using portable generators:

1. DO: Install backup CO alarms.

2. DO: Keep children and pets away from portable generators at all times.

3. DO: Position generators at least 25 feet outside the home, away from doors, windows and vents that can allow CO to enter the home.

4. DO: Ensure your generator is properly grounded. Use a portable ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) to prevent electric shock injuries.

5. DO: Use three-pronged extension cords that are rated to handle the load of the generator. Inspect extension cords for cuts, frays or other damage before use.

6. DON’T: Operate a generator inside your home or an enclosed (or partially-enclosed) space. Generators produce high levels of CO, which can be deadly.

7. DON’T: Open windows or doors while the generator is running.

8. DON’T: Rely on generators as a full-time source of power. They should only be used temporarily or in emergency situations to power essential equipment or appliances.

9. DON’T: Overload generators. They should only be used to power essential equipment. Make sure your generator can handle the load of the items you plan to power.

10. DON’T: Connect generators directly into household wiring unless you have an appropriate transfer switch installed. If a generator is connected to a home’s wiring without a transfer switch, power can backfeed along power lines and electrocute utility lineworkers making repairs.

While generators provide convenience during power outages, they can quickly become hazardous––even deadly––if improperly operated. Before you operate a portable generator, be sure to thoroughly read the owner’s manual for important safety information and tips.

If you have questions about proper use of portable generators, we’re here to help. Give us a call at (405) 321-2024 or contact us at okcoop.org.

Trust between customers and businesses is hard to come by, especially in today’s ever-evolving marketplace. Many industries face this difference, even cooperatives, but what makes the difference?

The cooperative business model values the trust our members place in us above all else. The way we achieve trust is a recipe of seven values with which we move forward. Our trust recipe includes core values of transparency, honesty, equity, inclusiveness and service to the community.

Transparency is, in and of itself, one of the most essential ingredients in our recipe. It is more than a positive outcome of good management; it is the lifeblood of an engaged and satisfied membership. It is why we continue to provide published and easily accessible information about our operations to the membership. Members can find most information on our website.

Learn more about your cooperative by reading our six information spotlights.

1. What is means to be a cooperative. We often discuss what it means to be a cooperative, something we call the cooperative difference. You can learn more about our dedication to being a good corporate neighbor to the communities that make up our service territories at okcoop.org/about-us/ and by scrolling down to the section titled The Cooperative Difference.

2. Your board representative. A locally elected board trustee represents every OEC member. Each serves a three-year term. Each member has an equal voice in co-op matters, including those who represent them on our board. Our trustees are selected and voted for by you, our members. You can learn what districts each trustee represents and their contact information at okcoop.org/meet-our-team/

3. What makes up your energy. As reported in our article titled Solar Vision last month, alternative energy sources are rising. While oil and gas remain the base of energy generation, our wholesale power provider, Western Farmers Electric Cooperative, maintains a balanced and diverse mix of energy generation. Members can find an explanation of WFEC’s generation practices and percentages of your energy mix at wfec.com/operationsgeneration#operations-generation-portfolio. You can also find renewable energy mix percentages in our WFEC section on page 13 of the Co-op News. This information is published every month in this magazine.

4. Explaining your energy costs. Throughout the year, energy bills and their fluctuations are often a concern for members, especially in times of high bills like winter and summer. More often than not, the cost adjustment section of your bill can explain noticeable higher costs, but what is a cost adjustment? You can learn more about the cost adjustment, why it fluctuates and who is affected at link.okcoop.org/PCA. Members can also track their electricity usage in your MyOEC app under the settings and usage option.

5. Our Bylaws.

The rules and regulations by which OEC operates, or bylaws, are approved and voted on by you, our members. These bylaws can be found on our about us page on our website or at link.okcoop.org/bylaws.