Real Answers To Help You Save

Light Post
the
May - June 2014
published for members of kiamichi electric cooperative
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Kiamichi Electric Cooperative members can
pay their bills using KEC's new payment app for
smartphones, iPads and tablets. To download
the app, visit www.kiamichielectric.org.
Real Answers To Help You Save
Kiamichi Electric Cooperative
966 SW Highway 2 • PO Box 340
Wilburton, Oklahoma 74578
Members appreciate cool savings and improved comfort
with Kiamichi Electric's energy efficiency program
K
iamichi Electric's energy efficiency
program is earning praise from
members, who are lining up to
participate at a rate of 10 or more
per week. By partnering with Energy
Pioneer Solutions, a company specializing
in energy saving services and financing
or home improvements, co-op members
receive a free, whole-home energy audit
that includes a list of suggested upgrades.
Problem areas such as leaky windows,
inefficient appliances, and inadequate
insulation, are prioritized based on their
estimated impact on the homeowner's
monthly energy use. At this point, it's up to
the member to decide which improvements,
if any, they wish to make. Members who
choose to finance improvements through
EPS will be billed through KEC, with loan
payments itemized on their electric bill.
Todd Minshall, KEC director of member
"Yes, this program is about
helping our members save
energy, but it's also about
increasing the comfort
level of their homes."
—todd minshall, kiamichi electric cooperative
services, said EPS has completed over
80 free energy assessments for KEC
members, with 30 more scheduled and
more calls coming in every week.
"We're hearing very good things from our
members about the energy assessment
process," he said. "They are happy with
value of
membership
■ page 2
shaw retires
from board
■ page 3
tele: (918) 465-2338
toll free: (800) 888-2731
FAX: (918) 465-2950
Kiamichi Electric on the Web
www.kiamichielectric.org
www.facebook.com/kiamichielectric
email: support@kiamchielectric.org
Hours of Operation
Monday-Friday
8 am to 5 pm
24-Hour Outage Hotline
(800) 888-2731
the information they're getting, and
are pleased with the knowledge and
professionalism of the auditors."
One member was so impressed he
wrote EPS a letter thanking them
for their excellent service.
Minshall himself signed up for a home
assessment. The findings solved a
persistent energy loss problem in a
room that had once been a garage. "The
house was too hot. If it was 90 degrees
outside, our house would be 80 degrees,
even with the AC running," he said. The
assessment revealed numerous leaks and
holes in the add-on room, which were
quickly fixed. They also recommended
additional insulation in his attic. "Now the
house stays right at 73 degrees," he said.
Comfort, Minshall pointed out, is an
important factor that can get brushed aside
in the stampede for greater energy savings.
"Yes, this program is about helping our
members save energy, but it's also about
increasing the comfort level of their homes,"
he added."I'm very proud of this program."
Convenient Bill Payment Options
■ Pay online using our secure payment
site at www.kiamichielectric.org.
■ Pay via smart phone, iPad or tablet
using our mobile app. Download the
free app at www.kiamichielectric.org.
■ Pay via telephone 24 hours a
day using a major credit card at
800-888-2731.
■ Pay in person at Kiamichi Electric, or
use our drive-through payment drop
box, available 24 hours a day.
■ Pay using the payment kiosk
at the following authorized
Kiamichi Electric payment locations.
To schedule a free home energy assessment,
visit www.kiamichielectric.org and click on
the EPS link, or call EPS at 855-937-9484.
a new home for you can afford
your co-op?
to go geo
■ page 4
■ page 5
Dr. Doo’s Lakeside Motor Sports
Highway 9 East, Longtown
BancFirst
E. Carl Albert Parkway, McAlester
The Rhone Agency
1318 S. Main Street, McAlester
Western Auto
312 Dewey Street, Poteau
right of way
spraying ongoing
■ page 7
commen tar y
The Value of Co-op Membership
Board of Trustees
Exploring the benefits of being a member-owner
Larry Culwell, President
district 7
ou set up your electric service account
with Kiamichi Electric and think to
yourself, “That’s done. Now I just
have to pay my monthly bill.” But the truth
is we’re more than just a utility provider
that you pay each month for electricity.
Kiamichi Electric has a lot to offer – and we
want you to know about these benefits.
David Ray, Vice President
district 4
Don Parr, Secretary-Treasurer
district 5
Members
Dale Shaw
Richard Medlock
Ron Pelanconi
Mark Ichord
district 1
district 2
district 3
district 6
Jim Jackson
Executive Vice President-CEO
Kiamichi Electric Cooperative (KEC) is
committed to providing reliable and
affordable electric service to members in
Latimer, LeFlore, Pittsburg, Pushmataha
and Atoka counties.
The people and businesses that purchase
electricity from Kiamichi Electric are
considered member-owners of the co-op.
Each member—regardless of how much
electricity they purchase – has an equal
say in how the cooperative is operated.
To exercise their right, Kiamichi Electric
members are encouraged to attend co-op
meetings and vote in co-op elections.
Kiamichi Electric service territory is
divided into seven districts. Members
within each district meet every two years
to choose a fellow member to represent
their interests on the Kiamichi Electric
board of trustees. KEC board members set
policy and oversee cooperative business.
Through local leadership and control,
Kiamichi Electric Cooperative members
can rest assured their electric co-op
remains focused on the needs of its
members and its rural communities.
Y
There are more than 900 electric
cooperatives in the U.S. that serve 42
million members. Kiamichi Electric
serves 21,426 meters with lines stretching
across 4,092 miles. So what's so unique
about being a co-op member?
We’re all in this together. You are a member
of Kiamichi Electric, not a customer. That
means you have a voice when it comes
to the way we do business. You have the
option to vote for your board of directors.
These directors play a key role in making
important decisions for Kiamichi Electric,
which is why your voice is important.
We’re local. It’s likely that you know
a Kiamichi Electric employee. Our
employees – who are your friends and
neighbors – share the same concerns for
our communities that you do. We support
our local schools and communities
through programs like Coats for Kids and
Operation Roundup, Youth Tour and more.
To learn more about what we do, visit our
website at www.kiamichielectric.org.
We’re not-for-profit.
This means Kiamichi
Electric doesn’t offer
profits to investors.
Instead, we return
money over and above
operating costs to you,
our members, based
on your electricity
consumption. Every
year, electric co-ops
nationwide return
millions of dollars
By Jim Jackson
to members through chief executive officer
this capital credits
process. Last year,
Kiamichi Electric
members received $775,632.15 in
the form of capital credits.
We’re here for you. At Kiamichi Electric our
mission is to provide you with safe, reliable,
and affordable electricity. We care about
our members’ quality of life, which is why
our employees are continuously finding
innovative ways to improve our service or
help you make your home more efficient.
These are just a few facts about electric
cooperatives that make us unique.
In the end, it's all about local service
and staying tuned to your needs.
For more information about Kiamichi
Electric and the services we offer,
give us a call at 800-888-2731, or
visit www.kiamichielectric.org.
operation rou n du p
Monthly Financial Report
year to date collections:
year to date disbursements: total collected since inception: $29,594.87
14,830.99
$1,135,651.152
total disbursements since inception: $1,068,335.90
2 | may - june 2014 | Light Post
Operation Roundup
is a voluntary bill
roundup program that
benefits southeast
Oklahoma communities,
organizations and needy
families. Applications
for funds are available at
Kiamichi Electric, local
social services , or online at
www.kiamichielectric.org.
in side y ou r co -op
Shaw Announces His Retirement
After 48 years of service to his co-op, he's earned a break.
D
ale Shaw, District 1, recently
announced his decision to retire
from the Kiamichi Electric
Cooperative board of trustees. After 48
years of service, he's certainly earned it.
Shaw became a Kiamichi Electric board
member on March 22, 1966. Over the
years, he witnessed significant growth
in his co-op, numerous technological
improvements, and many hard-won battles
in the state and federal arenas to protect the
reliability and affordability of rural power.

Kiamichi Electric Cooperative is dedicated to
providing excellent service for its members. The
following employees are available to help you when
you have questions regarding your electric service.
Please call 800-888-2731 or 918-465-2338, or email
questions to your co-op at
support@kiamichielectric.org.
administration
Jim Jackson, Chief Executive Officer
Linda Baldwin, Executive Assistant
Sharla Blackledge, Management Assistant
operations
Bob Owens, Manager of Operations
Tony Nixon, Manager of Construction
Kevin Davis, Manager of Engineering
A native of Jack Fork, Shaw familiarized
himself with the rural roads of Pittsburg
County as a high school student by serving
as bus driver for Haileyville Public Schools.
Following high school, Shaw served
in the U.S. Army, and was stationed in
Guam and Guadalcanal during WWII.
Dale Shaw, Kiamichi Electric trustee for 48 years,
retired from the board in February 2014.
In 1947, he married Mildred Kindred. They
lived and ranched in Buffalo Valley where
they raised two children, Sharon and Rusty.
Dale Shaw and Richard Medlock, KEC trustees, at the
old KEC office in the 1960s.
Who to call
at your co-op
Dale Shaw's commitment to his co-op
and steady leadership will be missed.
District Meetings Scheduled in August
office services
Crystal Butler, Chief Financial Officer
Renae Taylor, Customer Service Supervisor
Charlie Watkins, Chief Customer Service Representative
Mandy Holy, Customer Service Representative
Rashell Ward, Customer Service Representative
Susan Conley, Customer Service Representative
Jakiebeth Ben, Customer Service Representative
Michael Cawley, Customer Service Representative
meter services
Cindy Cockburn, AMR Systems Coordinator
Brenda Saxon, Connects/Disconnects
Rick Sheppard, Meter Technician
new services
Jodie Miller, New Services Representative
Wendy McCarley, New Services Assistant
accounting
Kristi Vickers, Accountant
Julie Guazdausky, Assistant Accountant
Kiamichi Electric Cooperative members
in Districts 2, 4, and 6 will meet on
August 5 at 10 am to nominate candidates
for the Kiamichi Electric board of trustees.
Kiamichi Electric service territory is
divided into seven districts, with one
trustee representing each district.
The term of office is two years.
If you live in one of these districts, you
will receive an official meeting notice
in the mail. The notice will include
the meeting date, time and locations,
which are yet to be determined.
For more information on election
procedures or trustee qualifications,
please refer to your co-op bylaws.
dispatching services
Heather Ziverk, Dispatcher
John Cook, Operations & Engineering Clerk
For a copy of the Kiamichi Electric
bylaws please contact Linda Baldwin,
KEC executive secretary, at 800888-2731 or download a copy at
www.kiamichielectric.org.
public relations/member relations
(Includes Newsletter, Co-op Connections, Exede
Internet, Energy Rebates, Safety, Youth, Energy
Efficiency Programs and Operation Roundup)
Todd Minshall, MR-PR Director
Kiamichi Electric bylaws include
information on district meetings, election
procedures, and trustee qualifications.
engineering
Allen Littlejohn, Field Staking Technician
Chris Alexander, Field Staking Technician
Light Post | may - june 2014 | 3
co- op values
A New Co-op?
Improved operations, greater safety and
lower utility costs would ensure better
environment for employees and members
T
he Kiamichi Electric Cooperative
board of trustees will meet in
June to review final details of the
co-op's proposed new office facility.
The board is expected to vote on the
question at their meeting in July.
Jim Jackson, Kiamichi Electric Cooperative
(KEC) general manager, said board
members wanted to review final details
and costs before making their decision.
The decisions follows more than year of
meetings and conferences with engineers,
builders and architects. The co-op hired
Oklahoma City-based C.H. Guernsey
Engineering and Architecture to assess
the co-op's building needs based on
future growth projections. "Originally,
our idea was to renovate our existing
facility to bring us into compliance
with American Disability Act (ADA)
requirements, add the additional space
we need, and address ongoing problems
due to leaks and mold," said Jackson.
After Guernsey's initial estimate
and lengthy report detailing issues
involved in renovation, the board
asked the firm to develop plans for a
new facility as a cost comparison.
"Renovation costs amounted to $190.44/
sq. ft. with no contingency costs included,
which we believed we would run into. After
adding these costs, the renovation estimate
came to around $230/sq. ft," said Jackson.
Many months and several design stages
later, Guernsey presented the co-op with
a new building option at an estimated cost
of $208/sq. ft. This cost was later amended
following input from a general contractor.
"As we moved forward with the process,
and incorporated a general contractor to
assist in the estimating process, our latest
estimate came in at $206/ sq. ft. That's
4 | may - june 2014 | Light Post
much less than the original estimate and
significantly less than costs associated
with renovation. It 's possible that as we
move further into the process, we could
see even more savings," Jackson said.
The Guernsey design calls for a 19,000 sq.
ft. office facility with an attached 7,500 sq.
ft. warehouse. Features include dedicated
office space for each co-op department
and an enlarged front lobby for greater
comfort for members. An office/conference
room adjacent to the lobby will provide
private space for meeting with members.
Enhanced safety features include an
internal sprinkler system, additional
entrances and exists, mounted and
monitored security cameras at the main
entrances and exits, and bullet resistant
doors and windows in the front lobby.
An internal safe room will house
the dispatch area and all emergency
communication equipment. It will also
serve as storm shelter for employees and
visitors. An enlarged conference/meeting
room with audio/visual equipment will
serve as main location for safety meetings
and other professional development
training. The room includes enough
seating capacity for all co-op employees.
Handicapped accessible parking will
be available at two entrances and all
bathrooms will be ADA compliant.
Designed for energy efficiency, the
proposed facility will be heated and cooled
by a geothermal heat pump with a centrallycontrolled thermostat. Windows will
feature tinted, low E, insulated glass; doors
are hollow (R-7.5) and insulated. The co-op
will save an estimated 25 percent on energy
costs from the geothermal unit alone.
"Considering the ongoing problems
with our old building and the high cost
to renovate, we are pleased with the
possibility of a new safe, sound structure
with the capacity and quality to carry us
into the future," Jackson noted."Our old
building lasted over 40 years and we've
come a long way since then. Imagine
what the next 50 years might bring.
If the board approves the new facility,
construction could begin as early as
this summer, with a finished building
ready for business in 11/2 years.
Please check the July-August issue of the
Light Post for further updates on the building,
or contact your co-op at 800-888-2731.■
en ergy w ise
You Can Afford It
GO GEOTHERMAL
T
here's little doubt that a
geothermal heating and
cooling system can save
Kiamichi Electric members a bundle
of money. In fact, studies by the
U.S. Department of Energy show
that geothermal systems can save
homeowners from 30 to 60 percent
on home heating and cooling costs.
Enhanced Safety and
Greater Convenience
•
ADA- compliant handicapped
accessible parking,
entranceways and bathrooms.
•
Improved security for visitors
and employees provided
via monitored security
cameras at each entrance.
•
Improved Energy Efficiency
•
•
High efficiency geothermal
heat pump provides heat
and air for the facility at an
estimated savings of 25 percent
•
Centrally located thermostat
ensures setting remains at the •
optimum for energy savings.
•
Energy efficient windows
and doors enhance comfort
and provide additional
energy savings.
•
Advanced fire protection
provided via internal
sprinkler system
throughout the building.
Safe room houses the co-op
dispatch center and critical
communications equipment,
and provides tornado shelter
for all employees and visitors.
Bullet-resistant windows
and doors in the front lobby
and drive-through area.
Dedicated visitor-only
parking area .
Improved Operations
•
•
7,500 sq. ft. warehouse
provides more storage space
for construction materials
and allows KEC to purchase
materials at the best possible
price and store for later use.
Warehouse connected to main
office facility for improved
inter-office communications
and efficiency.
•
Fence surrounding warehouse
protects co-op warehouse
and equipment.
•
Improved conference/
meeting area offers
greater seating capacity
for all-employee meetings,
professional development
training, and public voting.
•
Enlarged front lobby provides
a more comfortable waiting
area for members and
visitors. An adjoining member
conference room provides
space for members to discuss
account details in private.
While these savings are impressive,
many Kiamichi Electric members
are hesitant to go geothermal
due to the high installation
costs associated with burying
the necessary ground loops.
Understanding these concerns,
Kiamichi Electric now offers a
geothermal financing option that
drastically reduces the upfront cost.
Members who qualify for the
program are responsible for the
purchase price of the unit, while
Kiamichi Electric finances the cost
of installation. Members are billed a
small monthly fee for the in-ground
equipment, which appears as an
itemized expense on their electric
bill. Additional savings are provided
by KEC's heat pump rebates,
which pay up to $750 per ton.
Before you shut the door on the
geothermal possibilities, please
contact your co-op for more
details at 800-888-2731. You
can afford to go geothermal!
Light Post | may - june 2014 | 5
your community
Teens Trip To DC Is Well Earned
Essay competition asked a tough question, but teens delivered
K
iamichi Electric Cooperative will
send two local teens to Washington
D.C. in June to participate in
the 2014 Rural Electric Youth Tour.
coming up
in Kiamichi Country
June 4
B.A.S.S. Nation Division Tournament
SE Expo, McAlester and Lake Eufaula
June 13-15
What About Bob Chuckwagon Races
3610 Hayes Rd, Wilburton
June 13-14
Wilburton Round-up Club Rodeo
Round-up Club Arena, Wilburton
June 28
Blue Mountain Cruzers Car Show
Pool Park, Hartshorne
July 3
Fireworks Spectacular
1 Choctaw Way, Talihina
July 4
Celebrate America, Poteau-Style
Don Reynolds Community Center
The winners, Madison Sewell, McCurtain
School, and Landon Blackledge, Wilburton
High School, will spend June 13-19 visiting
historic monuments, museums, and
famous government buildings as part of
Oklahoma's Youth Tour delegation.
The teens earned the opportunity by
competing in KEC's Youth Tour essay
contest. The contest for high school
juniors required teens to consider rulings
by the EPA on coal-fired generation
plants, and propose possible solutions
for their co-op that would balance
energy needs and environmental
concerns without causing drastic
increases in costs for rural consumers.
Todd Minshall, manager of KEC member
services and coordinator of KEC's youth
programs, admitted the teens faced a
challenging question. "Still, they managed
to propose solutions that were balanced
and well-written," he said. "They definitely
earned their place on this tour."
July 4
Fireworks Over Lake Carlton
Robbers Cave State Park, Wilburton
July 18
Phil Gardenhire Memorial Rodeo
Phil Gardenhire Arena, Poteau
6 | may - june 2014 | Light Post
Urge EPA to
consider an "all
of the above"
strategy at
action.coop
Madison Sewell
KEC congratulates the teens on their
accomplishment and offers best
wishes for the trip of a lifetime.
Madison Sewell is the daughter of
Deborah Sewell. Landon Blackledge
is the son of Sharla Blackledge.
For more information on the Rural
Electric Youth Tour, please visit www.
kiamichielectric.org, www.oaec.coop,
or call your co-op at 800-888-2731.
take action 
July 4
Stars and Stripes Funfest
SE Expo Center, McAlester
Landon Blackledge
co -op iss ue s
Right of Way
Treatment Ongoing
Kiamichi Electric members are reminded
that the co-op right of way maintenance
operations are in full swing. Vegetation
management crews from West Tree
Service will spray co-op right of way from
the Coal Creek, Red Oak and Sunset
substations from mid-June through
mid-July. (See spray maps, right)
Right of Way FACTs
Kiamichi Electric Cooperative maintains
4,092 miles of powerline right of way. The
most effective and affordable means of
controlling vegetation in the right of way is
to trim and clear trees and brush, and apply
herbicides. Right of way maintenance costs
KEC over $1 million per year.
Right of Way Spraying Areas
Herbicide application will take place in the shaded areas in 2014.
Red Oak Substation
Crews in other locations will be trimming
trees and clearing brush to ensure co-op
crews can easily access lines and poles.
Right of way crew members will be wearing
shirts and caps marked with the West Tree
Service logo. Their vehicles will also be clearly
marked with the West Tree Service logo.
Right of way maintenance is key to
Kiamichi Electric's ability to restore
power quickly and safely.
If there are circumstances that could limit
the crew's access or ability to treat of right
of way on or near your property, please
contact Terry Wyllia, director of herbicide
at West Tree Service, 501-568-5111.
If you have questions concerning Kiamichi
Electric's right of way program, please
contact your co-op at 800-888-2731.
Thank you for your cooperation!
Coal Creek Substation
Sunset Substation
Light Post | may - june 2014 | 7
endnotes
buy•sell•trade
Give Your Home An Energy Vacation
Summer can mean
long weekends
away or possibly
a family vacation.
Don’t let your house waste
energy while you’re away.
Before you head out:
•
•
•
•
Turn off the heat pump
or air conditioner, or
set the thermostat
to 85 to 90 degrees if
there’s something in
the house that could
suffer heat damage
such as house plants.
Empty the refrigerator
and unplug it if possible.
Remember, as your house
grows warmer, a manualdefrost refrigerator may
run twice as much as usual,
and self-defrosting models
can run an additional
20 to 30 percent, trying
to keep food cool. Clean
it out thoroughly and
prop open the door to
prevent mildew growth.
Empty the freezer as
well: If you leave it on
while turning off your
AC, it can eat into your
energy savings as it works
harder to stay cold.
•
Unplug computers,
televisions, lamps, and
all electronics. These
devices will continue
to pull electricity, even
when they aren’t in use.
Chances are your desktop
computer, laptop, tablet,
phone, printer and scanner
all “live” near each other.
To make it easy, plug them
all into a surge-protector
power strip. That way,
you have to pull only one
plug to disconnect them
all before you leave your
home for an extended time.
Leave a light or two on
so bad guys won’t know
you’re away, but be
sure to connect them to
programmable timers
that will turn them on
and off at the times you
specify. Aside from saving
energy, the on-and-off
lights will make your
home appear occupied.
For more energy saving tips,
please visit togetherwesave.
com, or contact your coop at 800-888-2731.
■ for sale
■ Looking to Buy
20 Acres of hay to be cut
in Poteau. Land clear,
no rocks. $150. 918-6350701, large building to
store hay if needed.
Looking for male or female
mute swan. If you know
where I can locate one,
please call 918-688-2304.
Ads in the Buy•Sell•Trade section are free for Kiamichi
Electric members! Ad deadlines for the 2014:
Light Post Issue
Ad Deadline
July-August
July 10, 2014
September-OctoberSeptember 10, 2014
November - DecemberNovember 10, 2014
kiamichi electric cooperative
buy•sell•trade
Ad submission form
Check one:
❏ buy ❏ sell
❏ trade
Your Name ___________________________________________________
Billing Address_________________________________________________
City/State/Zip_________________________________________________
Telephone No._________________________________________________
Check one: ❏ Autos/Pickups/RVs
❏ Farm Equipment
❏ Livestock❏ Pets ❏ Real Estate
❏ Boats ❏ Motorcycles & ATVs
❏ Miscellaneous
Please print or type your ad below. Use sheet of paper if you prefer. Ads may be
Energy Efficiency
Tip of the Month
edited. ______________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
When replacing incandescent bulbs from recessed light
fixtures, use energy-efficient bulbs that are rated for that
purpose. For example, the heat buildup in down lights will
significantly shorten the life of spiral CFLs.
Source: Department of Energy
8 | may - june 2014 | Light Post
___________________________________________________________
__________________________________________
Submit ad by mail, fax, or e-mail to Todd Minshall, KEC Light Post, PO Box 340,
Wilburton, OK 74578. Email ad to toddm@kiamichielectric.org, or fax to
918-465-2950/Attention Todd Minshall.
Deadline for the May-June issue is May 10, 2014.