■ Lower Plant Emissions Power plants emit less carbon dioxide than automobiles. page 2


■ Clearing the Way Co-op right of way crews begin seasonal maintenance. page 3


■ Planting Trees The right tree in the right place can make a difference. page 4


countryliving PENNIES MAKE


MARCH 2017 PUBLISHED FOR MEMBERS OF EAST CENTRAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE


Wishes COME TRUE YOUR


Operation Roundup celebrates a decade of local giving


to haul the 386-ton load. Thankfully for the communities of central Oklahoma, this wealth arrived in increments— a few cents here or there, donated by members of East Central Electric Cooperative (ECE) through the co-op's Operation Roundup program.


I


Operation Roundup participants volunteer to round up their monthly electric bills to the next whole dollar and donate the remainder to charity.


Operation Roundup celebrates its tenth year anniversary this year. The milestone is particularly special to


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.


f $1.4 million dollars were pennies, it would take more than nine 18-wheelers


Operation Roundup helps programs such as the Right Path Riding Academy help others. The Drumright-based academy provides therapeutic riding programs for special needs adults and children.


the 596 organizations and needy families who have benefited from the program, but all co-op members share in the achievement.


"Operation Roundup is one of the best examples of co-op values in action," said Tim Smith, ECE general manager. "Our members should feel very good about what they are doing to help others here at home."


Since 2007, Operation Roundup donations have funded community action agencies, senior citizen centers, youth groups, fire departments,


veterans organizations, health clinics, and more.


Grants are limited to $10,000 or less per applicant per year for organizations, and $2,500/year for individuals.


Mike Brannon, chairman of the Operation Roundup board of directors, said smaller grants allow more organizations to benefit. "There are a lot of organizations and people out there who need help. This way we reach more of them and spread the good works around," he said.


Cont'd on page 2


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 | MARCH 2017 | 1


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