■ currents ask your co-op
Q. A.
Why do I have to pay a $5 membership fee when I sign up for Choctaw Electric service?
When you sign up for service from Choctaw Electric Cooperative (CEC), you become a
member-owner of the co-op. The $5 membership fee is paid by every member, and is fully refundable if you relocate or no longer need electric service from the co-op.
The fee exists because it helps cover the costs associated with establishing your account, but its history is as old as your co-op itself.
When the electric cooperative movement began, the Rural Electrification Administration required co-ops to sign up at least three members per projected mile of line, and collect a $5 membership fee from each member, before the co-op would qualify for REA’s low-interest loans. While it was difficult for members back then to scrape up $5, these individuals understood the importance of their commitment and they believed strongly in the co-op’s mission to bring electricity to rural areas. That $5 was more than just a fee; it was $5 leap of faith that they could organize and operate their own electric utility.
Today,certain state regulations apply to incorporated cooperatives such as Choctaw Electric. These rules require incorporated co-ops to have established bylaws, membership applications and fees, elected directors, and certain licenses and permits.
Do you have a question for your electric co-op? If so, we’d love to hear from you. Please submit your questions by mail or email to:
Jennifer Boling
Choctaw Electric Cooperative PO Box 758, Hwy 93 North Hugo,Oklahoma 74743
Email:
jboling@choctawelectric.coop. 4 | november 2013 November Office Hours
Choctaw Electric Cooperative will close on November 11 for Veterans Day. The office will also close on November 28 - 29 forThanksgiving. To report a power outage or service problem during this time, please call CEC’s 24-hour outage hotline at 800-780-6486.
Become a Safer Driver
There’s still time to enroll in an AARP safe driving class. The eight hour course is led by an AARP-certified safe driving instructor and is designed to help drivers of all ages correct bad driving habits and increase their awareness while driving
The class will begin at 9 am on the following dates:
November 20, 2013 – Hugo CEC office December 18, 2013 – Idabel CEC office
The cost for the course is $12 per person for AARP members, and $14 per person for others. Fees for the course are used to purchase teaching materials that participants may take home with them.
To enroll or for more details, please contact Brad Kendrick at 800-780-6486, ext. 248.
Pole Inspections Taking Place Near Glover
Co-op members in Glover and Golden, may notice Choctaw Electric employees and vehicles working in the area.
The teams are inspecting CEC utility poles for problems caused by birds, insects, weather, as well as manmade damages caused by vandalism, vehicle accidents, signage and other items that are illegally attached to electric poles.
These inspections are critical to protecting and ensuring a reliable flow of electricity. Your cooperation is appreciated.
CEC Loans Make Efficient Appliances Affordable
If someone you love is in desperate need of a new cookstove, refrigerator or washer and dryer, you can afford to make that happen with an appliance loan from Choctaw Electric. CEC offers loans to members for small and large appliances.
CEC created the loan program to encourage co-op members to purchase more efficient appliances. Appliances that use less energy are generally more expensive than other models.
“Although they pay for themselves in energy saved, co-op members on a limited budget may not be able to afford the upfront ticket price of an Energy Star-rated appliance,” said Brad Kendrick, CEC member services representative. “The loan option makes it possible for them to choose the most efficient model and enjoy the long-term energy savings.”
Today’s Energy Star-rated refrigerators use up to 15 percent less energy than other models. For members who still rely on a 1990s model fridge or older, the savings can be noticeable.
Kendrick said the co-op is happy to work with members to arrange a payment schedule they can live with. Loan payments will appear as an itemized charge on CEC’s monthly electric bill.
“Our goal is to help members control their energy costs, while helping CEC control its systemwide usage. When we do that, it’s a win for all of us,” he said.
Details on the appliance loan program are available online at
choctawelectric.coop, or call CEC at 800-780-6486, ext. 248.
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