our KEC 77 Years of “Power to the People” in North-Central Okla.
istent. The hard hat was gradually being introduced, and the first job site to mandate their use was the Hoover Dam where falling debris was responsible for many deaths. Fire retardant clothing wasn’t even a glimmer in anyone’s eye and climbing poles often involved lad- ders rather than spikes and safety belts. Many of these cowboys gave their lives to bring the ben- efits of electricity to their homes and communities.
Once power was flowing, members reported how much they used and the cooperative sent them a hand-prepared bill by regu- lar RFD mail. No automatic meter reading systems or computerized billing options. Ledgers formed the permanent record of transactions. Today these tasks are complet- ed using digger and bucket trucks assisted by mechanized tension- ers. Distribution systems are controlled by advanced technol- ogy, and cooperatives can provide more consistent levels of service and quality at a much lower cost. The work remains dangerous and arduous, but modern safety tools, clothing and practices reduce the
risk substantially. And technology continues to improve our ability to control system operation and costs while continuously improv- ing quality and member service. Automated systems abound that improve the accuracy of bills and simplify data management. Given all that has happened, some might think the cowboy cooperative is a thing of the past. But they would be wrong to think that. The cowboy cooperative is needed just as much in 2014 as it was in 1935. Changes are sweeping through the electric utility industry, and if the coopera- tives are to retain the benefits that electrification has brought to rural America, bold, decisive action by a new breed of cooperative cow- boy will be required. A new generation of members is coming onto cooperative lines. Members who saw electric co- ops as “saviors” by bringing in the simple benefits of light, refrig- eration and other appliances are fading into memory. We must now wrestle with the perception of just being another utility. Quite a fall from the savior ranks.
Community involvement is a staple of KEC. Today we are actively in- volved in local civic organiza- tions, support- ers of the area schools and provide safety education presentations as a means of
improving where we live and work beyond the simple provision of power. As these efforts continue, we recognize that community for many of our new members resides on the Internet – a collec- tion of electronic representations of individuals rather than meeting in person. New members expect immediate response and limitless information. It is a challenge wor- thy of a cowboy response. Engaging our membership in the future will be challenging, but so was bringing electricity to rural America. While the tools differ, the cowboy cooperative mindset and ethic have not changed. Think about the points James Owen identified. They reflect values still consistent with the seven coop- erative principles and underscore the relevance of the cowboy co-op in facing today’s challenges. The frontier life of today is dif- ferent indeed. In the 21st century, co-ops will continue to work in their self-interests. This means employees and members alike pitching in and doing whatever they can individually and collec- tively to be sure that the interests of our community are well served and that electricity remains afford- able and reliable. Just as it was in the 1930s, working in our self- interest won’t be selfish, it will be for the benefit of the families in our communities – and that’s who we, here at KEC are here to serve.
Tom Tate, NRECA, produced this story.
The two images are historical photos from KEC’s photo vault.
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