■ currents ask your co-op
Q. A.
Why can’t CEC use volunteers to answer the phones during a major outage? That would save a lot of money in labor.
Back in the day, Choctaw Electric members did answer telephones during major outages. Like
helping to string lines or sign up new members, the contributions of member- owners were important in helping a fledgling co-op “get up on its feet.”This level of member involvement took place at electric co-ops across the country in the early days; however, as these co-ops grew, their business responsibilities and liabilities also grew. Today, Choctaw Electric must abide by strict standards of safety and operation that serve to protect employees and members.
A major power outage raises many safety issues. Certain protocol must be followed to ensure power is restored as quickly as possible. The actions of every employee play a role in how this process is carried out, with as little stress and discomfort for members as possible. Employees who answer the phones must be knowledgeable of CEC’s restoration process and understand CEC’s computer system in order to relay information to other departments. Furthermore, to answer a caller’s question, they may need to access the member’s account.
While it sounds like a good idea, handing our phone lines to volunteers during a crisis puts the co-op and our members at risk. A major outage is an emergency situation that should be handled by trained professionals.
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.
Utility Bills Increase Due to Cold
February may be the month of flaming hearts and red hot lovers, but for Oklahoma consumers
there was nothing warm about it. Utility customers statewide will be reminded of February’s frigid temperature when bills begin arriving in March.
Choctaw Electric members should also brace for higher than normal bills. “Even the most energy conscious members will see higher bills this month due to the cold weather in February,” said John Drake, CEC energy use specialist.
When temperatures hover in the single digits, heating units must work overtime to keep homes warm. The result is increased usage and energy bills.
Members who are struggling to pay their bill should contact Choctaw Electric at 800-780-6496 before their bill is overdue. Your co-op is happy to work with you to establish a payment schedule that will help you avoid disconnects and late fees.
Youth Tour Entries Due
High school juniors are reminded to submit their Youth Tour entries and applications by March 12, 2014.
Contest guidelines, entry forms and applications are available online at
www.choctawelectric.coop, or contact Tonia Allred,at 800-780-6486, ext. 217.
CoBank Approves Funds
Cobank notified Choctaw Electric Cooperative that it has approved the co-op for a $10 milllion emergency line of credit. The line of credit authorizes the co-op to draw upon the funds for construction projects or ito help cover the restoration and repairs following an ice-storm,tornado or other emergency situation.
CoBank is a national cooperative bank serving vital industries across rural America. The bank provides loans, leases, export financing, and other financial services to agribusinesses and rural power, water and communications providers in all 50 states.
Be a Better Driver
Become a better driver and save money on your car insurance by enrolling in an AARP Defensive
Driving course. Classes are scheduled for the following dates at the CEC office in each community.
March
20...............Hugo April 24
................Idabel May 22
.................Antlers
The fee for the eight-hour course is $15 per person for AARP members; $20 per person for others. The fee includes all course materials.
To enroll in a class, please contact Brad Kendrick at 800-780-6486, ext. 248.
Two Contests For Members Offer Cash Prizes
■Find the Lucky Lightbulb Visit the co-op website at www.
choctawelectric.coop and find the lucky lightbulb. If you spot it, please email Lois Ann Beason at lbeason@
choctawelectric.coop. You could win $25!
■Lucky Account Number: Search your newsletter for the lucky account number. If you find the number and it belongs to you, contact CEC by the 10th of the month for a bill credit up to $
100.Call, stop by, or email. 800-780-6486, ext 207, email:
jboling@choctawelectric.coop.
4 | march 2014
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