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BY DENNIS KRUEGER G E N E R A L M A N A G E R


Upping The Game


The WFEC coal-fired plant in Hugo, one of three facilities in Oklahoma expected to close due to EPA regulations.


EPA Issues Final Ruling


The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued its final ruling on emissions from existing power plants on August 3. After a briefing with reporters on the new regulations, NRECA CEO Jo Ann Emerson said the rules go too far.


“Any increase in the cost of electricity most dramatically impacts those who can least afford it, and the fallout from the EPA’s rule will cascade across the nation for years to come,” she said.


The plan, which EPA estimated will cost about $8.4 billion in compliance, calls for a 32 percent reduction in carbon dioxide from the power sector by 2030 from 2005 levels.


After receiving more than 4 million comments, the EPA made changes in its final plan from a draft proposal it issued in June 2014. EPA still will give each state a numerical target for reducing carbon dioxide emissions from existing power plants. However, the overall 2030 target of 32 percent has been upped from an earlier 30 percent target.


In response to utility complaints, a first round of required reductions has been pushed back to 2022, instead of 2020.


States also have additional time and strategies to meet the regulations. Final state implementation plans are due at EPA in 2018.


For more details on this issue, please visit www.action.coop.


2 | SEPTEMBER 2015 | Kilowatt W


e just finished an “epic” annual meeting. I appreciate all the members who


attended, participated, and voted on the issue of consolidation.


The Kiwash Electric membership overwhelmingly voted to approve the consolidation of the two cooperatives by an 84.95 percent majority. The Caddo Electric membership approved the issue with an 89.3 percent vote. Both cooperatives surpassed the two-thirds majority required by law to pass the consolidation proclamation. As we begin a new year, CKenergy Electric Cooperative, Inc. will become your electric service provider.


meant labor saving devices could be incorporated into barns and homes. This resulted in greater rural prosperity—and probably longer work days—all thanks to electricity.


Rural life changed dramatically over the last 77 years. With the increase in large family farming and corporate ranching operations, many of the early rural homes disappeared. Today, more city dwellers are moving to the country, and many rural communities are experiencing growth.


“Overnight we quadrupled the number of meters we serve and increased the diversity of our accounts. In my opinion, both are positive factors. “


We have a few short months to complete the final year of Kiwash Electric Cooperative, a company that has been a beacon of economic activities in five rural counties since 1938. Soon we will begin the paperwork and legal aspects of blending the two cooperatives into CKenergy Electric Cooperative.


Most members weren’t here in the late 1930s or early 1940s when investor- owned utilities refused to serve rural areas because it wasn’t profitable. During those early years, a section of land held four or fewer rural homes. It was Kiwash Electric that brought electricity to these rural farms. Back then, the available electricity


Over time, this growth can change the farm landscape by expanding city limits. In the Kiwash Electric service area, profitable oil and gas production has led to job growth and positive economic change. On the horizon, the expanse of wind turbines is generating even more economic benefits for our rural areas. As these winds of change blow over our rural landscape, it’s only fitting that your electric cooperative also change with the times.


By consolidating with Caddo Electric and changing our name, we are upping the game to better serve you, our member-owners. Overnight we quadrupled the number of meters we serve and increased the diversity of our accounts. In my opinion, both are positive factors. Kiwash Electric serves over 6,400 active meters today. On January 1, under the management of CKenergy Electric Cooperative, Inc., we will grow to over 25,000 meters.


By working together as one cooperative entity, Caddo and Kiwash will continue to make a positive difference for our members and our rural communities.


Thanks again for allowing us to serve you!


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