■ Trustee Qualifications What you need to know before running for co-op trustee. page 2
■ All Geared Up Co-op linemen carry a load when climbing poles. page 3
■ Storm Brewing? Know what to do when the thunder rolls and lightning strikes. page 4
countryliving APRIL 2017 PUBLISHED FOR MEMBERS OF EAST CENTRAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE Get Active To Protect
Your Electric Rates Help your co-op reach out to legislators by joining ACRE
Rural Electric Cooperative Association Annual Meeting. At the meeting, Jim Matheson, NRECA CEO, reminded members that rural voters changed the outcome of the 2016 presidential election. That impact did not go unnoticed by elected officials, who now, more than ever, hear the voice of rural America.
C
ACRE supports political candidates that support rural electric cooperatives. 99% of ACRE donations go to campaigns for state and federal offices.
For East Central Electric Cooperative and its members, Matheson's message is good news. Grassroots actions gets results. For electric co- ops who face
unique challenges in delivering electricity to rural areas, having the ear of federal and state officials can go a long way in ensuring that rates remain affordable for their members. Keeping that attention, however, requires the collective voice of co-op members.
operation roundup update
Operation Roundup funds support local charitable organizations, civic groups, youth programs, community services, and needy families and individuals. For more information on this voluntary bill roundup program, please visit
www.ecoec.com.
o-op leaders from around the nation recently gathered for the National
The Action Committee for Rural Electrification (ACRE) offers a way for co-op members to raise
their voices on issues that impact their co-op—and their electric rates. Members who join ACRE pool their resources to make
political contributions to elected officials of any political party who support electric co-ops and their mission. ACRE raised $4.1 million for election campaigns in 2016. Ninety nine percent of funds came from individual donors.
Members who participate in ACRE contribute by making monthly payments of $2.08 via their electric bill for an annual donation of $25. ECE members can sign up for ACRE online via the co-op website. Members who join will receive periodic bulletins about ACRE that explain hot button issues and how they could affect your rates.
Helping elect folks who will listen to co-op concerns, and who understand your co-op's not-for-profit, member-owned business model, is the best way to protect your service.
To sign up for ACRE, please visit
www.ecoec.com and click on the ACRE link, or call us 918-756-0833.
Figures to date: Applications reviewed...........................865 Applications granted..............................596 Applications denied................................244 Applications tabled...................................16 Scholarships awarded..................$169,000
Total Disbursements.........$1,432,317.33 Average member contribution............44¢
East Central Electric Cooperative PO Box 1178 • 2001 S. Wood Drive Okmulgee, Oklahoma 74447-1178 (918) 756-0833
www.ecoec.com
OFFICE HOURS: Monday-Friday, 8 am - 4:30 pm.
POWER OUTAGE HOT LINE (918) 756-0833
BOARD OF TRUSTEES Lowell Hobbs, President
Larry Harvey, Vice President Dwight Luther, Secretary Treasurer Jim Hall, Asst. Sec. Treasurer Ed Kloeckler Michael Vernnon Max Shoemake
Tim Smith, General Manager PAYMENT OPTIONS
• Pay online at
www.ecoec.com using SmartHub, or download the app.
• Pay by phone using VISA, Mastercard or Discover at 866- 999-4584. Available 24 hours a day. Convenience fee associated with payments.
• Pay with cash or credit⁄ debit card at participating Moneygram or Pay Site locations. Convenience fee associated with payments.
• Pay using our drive-through window or lobby, Monday - Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm.
• Pay via automatic draft of your checking or savings account. Sign up online or download the ebill form for easy automatic payments at
www.ecoec.com.
Country Living is published monthly by East Central Oklahoma Electric Cooperative, Inc., 2001 S. Wood Drive, Okmulgee, Oklahoma 74447. Second class postage paid at Okmulgee, Oklahoma 74447 and at additional mailing office. Subscription price: 60 cents /year. POSTMASTER: Send address corrections to
ECE Country Living, PO Box 1178, Okmulgee, OK 74447. country living | APRIL 2017 | 1
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