country living

DECEMBER 2019

FOR MEMBERS OF EAST CENTRAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

4 Best Easy Toffee Ever2 Notes From

The Chair

Is that a Bird...Or A Plane?

TOP STORY

The FAA-licensed, contract drone pilot, prepares to launch his quadcopter drone. photo/amy nix.

3 Help For Winter Bills

Some East Central Electric (ECE) members may have noticed the strange airborn craft humming above co-op power lines, and

wondered,"What the heck?" That UFO, which was really a UAV, spent three days in October inspecting poles and other infrastructure along 30 miles of co-op right of way.

ECE hired the drone and its federally-licensed pilot to gauge the feasibility of aerial inspections and how the technology might be used to improve reliability.

A growing number of electric co-ops use drones, a.k.a. unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to check for structural defects in poles and locate faulty equipment.

"A drone is able to provide a lot of useful information in a lot less time. That information can help co-ops not only locate problems faster, but prevent them from happening in the first place," said Royce McMahon, director of engineering and operations.

ECE gives drone technology a test flightTypically, checking poles along a 30 mile span would take from two to five days to complete, McMahon added. The drone did it in three days.

During a major outage, flying a drone along inaccessible rights of way can help a co-op pinpoint the source of an outage. "It also tells field crews what materials they may need before they even leave the office," he added.

Drone technology is saving electric utilities thousands of dollars in time and labor expense. It also enhances safety. "The less time a lineman spends climbing a pole, the less likely he is to suffer a serious accident," McMahon pointed out.

More study is needed before ECE makes a decision on incorporating a drone into its operations. If and when that happens, members will be notified in advance.

Do you have questions about your co-op right of way or commercial drones? Please call ECE at 918-756-0833, or email rmcmahon@ecoec.com.

Commercial drone operators are insured, FAA-certified pilots that undergo extensive training before they are allowed to fly.

Commercial drones are regulated by the FAA and treated as aircraft.

Most drones used for utility purposes weigh less than 55 pounds. Because they are battery operated they have a low noise profile.

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ENERGY WISE

Good Reasons To Be Thankful

To learn more about your elected trustees, or to view a district map, please visit www.ecoec.com. To contact your trustee, please call 918-756-0833.

God has granted those of us in production agriculture the gift and opportunity to be stewards of His land and animals. I thank

God every day that I am one of those that are privileged to enjoy His presence as I deal with our ranch and livestock. I am aware that my role is very temporary, and I am thankful that I have a family that shares my delight in rural Oklahoma.

East Central Electric (ECE) is part of that family. We hope to make life better and easier for those that come after us. It is an ongoing process that changes rapidly.

I recently saw a copy of a three-cent postcard sent in by one of the early electric co-op members. He wrote, "Our electricity has been off all this week, and I just thought if your crew

was out this way soon, you might see if you could get it back on."

Today's cooperative members don't even want their electricity to blink. Your ECE board and employees work diligently to provide reliable, affordable electric service. And now, broadband is coming. What a thrilling time!

A short while back, I was working with several women, and I was bragging about my wife and how thankful I was to have her. One asked, "Do you ever tell her that?" I replied, "No way. If I told her she wouldn't even be able to wear her own hat!" The lady replied, "Well then, she could just wear one of yours!"

Lowell Hobbs represents ECE District #2. To reach him, please call his cellphone at 918-695-5289.

by Lowell Hobbs, President, East Central Electric Cooperative Board of Trustees

notes from

the chair

This Christmas, Please Give-A-Watt

If you're looking for way to spread the Christmas spirit, why not Give-A-Watt? This cooperative giving program helps co-op members who are struggling to pay their electricity bills. All donors and recipients remain anonymous. To participate:

1. Stop by the ECE office and select a lightbulb from our Christmas tree. Each lightbulb corresponds to an account number of a member in need.

2. Take the lightbulb to the cashier's desk, and tell the cashier how much you wish to donate. Donations may be made with cash, check or credit card.

3. The amount will be applied to the recipient's account with a special message informing them of their Give-A-Watt gift. Donors remain anonymous.

Please consider giving. Your gift will provide a touch of warmth and kindness to those who need it. Thank you!

EV Charging Goes StatewideThere aren’t a lot of electric vehicles (EVs) on Oklahoma roads these days, but that might change when drivers realize they can access a public fast charging station within 50 miles of any location.

On November 2, Western Farmers Electric Cooperative (WFEC) hosted a event in Norman to highlight the completion of the extensive EV charging network. By January 1, drivers can plugin at one of 110 sites in the network.

EV fans say readily available fast charging sites will attract EV-driving tourists to Oklahoma. It also makes EV ownership more possible for rural residents.

The event concluded WFEC’s Plug In to Win promotional campaign and cash drawing. As part of the campaign, WFEC brought information booths to electric co-op annual meetings around the state. Members were encouraged to stop by, learn about EVs, and enter the drawing for $5,000.

ECE's finalist Sarah Brock attended the Norman event. She didn't win the cash, but did come away feeling good about the future for electric vehicles. To learn more, please visit www.chooseev.com/ok.

Good LashingMembers of East Central Electric's Friends of Rural Electrification (FORE) spent October 17 touring ECE's fiber warehouse, above, and other facilities to learn about fiber technology. The educational journey included presentations from ECE and ecoLink staff and a close up look at how fiber is strung beneath the power lines, a process known as fiber lashing.

ECE's FORE program educates members about co-op services and operations in order to promote a better understanding of the unique challenges faced by electric co-ops. Learn more at www.ecoec.com or call 918-756-0833.

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Winter officially arrives on December 21. That means colder weather and higher heating bills. For some

residents, the cost of staying warm inside when the temperatures drop outside presents a difficult situation.

At East Central Electric Cooperative (ECE), we care about members who struggle to pay their power bills. When members reach out to us, we are happy to help them find assistance through local agencies and organizations.

Members who qualify are encouraged to apply for the Oklahoma Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

LIHEAP works through local Department of Human Services (DHS) agencies to provide financial support to eligible residents that pays a portion of their power bills. Members must apply for LIHEAP bill payment assistance at their local DHS office or online at www.okdhslive.org. Applicants will need

to provide their ECE account number and the co-op's contact information.

Open enrollment for LIHEAP funding begins December 10.

LIHEAP provides a one-time vendor payment to cover one heating bill during the winter months. To apply, a household must:

• Be responsible for paying home heating and cooling cost.

• Be a United States citizen or have been legally admitted for permanent residence.

• Have the following or less in reserves: $2,000 for one person; $3,000 for two persons; and $50 for each additional person in the household.

• Meet specific income guidelines.

LIHEAP assistance is distributed until funds run out so apply soon.

To visit with an ECE representative about assistance programs or other services, please call 918-756-0833, or refer to list below.

Need Help With Winter Heating Bills? Call Us.

Creek County DHS..........................918-746-3300

Okfuskee County DHS.....................918-623-3100

Wagoner County DHS....................918-614-5000

Tulsa County DHS............................918-581-2689

McIntosh Co. DHS........................... 918-689-1200

Okmulgee Co. DHS......................... 918-752-2000

Muskogee Co. DHS.......................... 918-684-5300

Bristow Social Services..................918-367-5400

Gospel Rescue Mission..................918-682-3489

Bixby Community Outreach.............918-366-9226

Community Action Wagoner Co.......918-341-5000

Community Action McIntosh Co......918-689-3132

Community Action Muskogee Co....918-683-7637

Jesus Helping Hands McIntosh Co...918-473-7773

Caring Community Friends...............918-224-6464

Local Agencies Offer Assistance

Please Note Our Holiday HoursEast Central Electric will close December 24-25 for Christmas, and January 1 for New Year. To report a service problem during this time, please call 918-756-0833, or report your trouble using SmartHub.

Wishing You Happy Holidays!

From your friends at East Central Electric Cooperative

The Smallest Gift Goes A Mighty Long WayAt The Right Path, good things come in large, and sometimes small, packages.The Drumright-based organization provides equine-assisted therapy for people with special needs. Their therapy team includes good-natured equines such as Velvet, pictured above, a miniature pony with a giant heart.

This year, The Right Path received a grant from ECE's Operation Roundup program that helped 1,291 individuals improve motor skills, build strength, and gain confidence. Thank you, ECE members, for your contribution. The pennies you donate each month through Operation Roundup add up to big benefits for those in need.

Remember to ask about ECE services that can help you eliminate late fees and reduce your home energy costs!

PO Box 1178 2001 S. Wood Drive

Okmulgee, Oklahoma 74447-1178

(918) 756-0833www.ecoec.com

OFFICE HOURS: Monday-Friday, 8 am - 4:30 pm.

POWER OUTAGE HOT LINE(918) 756-0833

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.

This institution is an equal opportunity employer, Veteran/Disabled.

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.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Lowell Hobbs, District 2President

Larry Harvey, District 1Vice President

Dwight Luther, District 7Secretary Treasurer

Jim Hall, District 6Asst. Sec. Treasurer

Ed Kloeckler, District 5Michael Vernnon, District 4Max Shoemake, District 3

Tim SmithGeneral Manager

Applications reviewed...................1,105Applications granted.......................756Applications denied........................330Applications tabled...........................26Scholarships awarded............$245,000

Total Disbursements........$1,856,686.00

Average member contribution..........48¢

Operation Roundup funds support local charitable organizations, civic groups, youth programs, community services, and needy families. For more information on this voluntary bill roundup program, please visit us online at www.ecoec.com.

ELECTRICAL SAFETYTIP OF THE MONTH

M O N T H L Y U P D A T Eoperation round-up

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The best gift you can give your family is Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) breakers or outlets. Many electrical fires that occur every year could have been prevented by AFCIs.

source: electrical safety foundation international

RE

CIPE

S

East CentralE L E C T R I C C O O P E R A T I V E

Best Ever Easy ToffeeINGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONSIn a large saucepan, combine the butter, sugar and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the butter is melted. Allow to come to a boil, and cook until the mixture becomes a dark amber color, and the temperature has reached 285 degrees F. Stir occasionally.

While toffee is cooking, cover a large baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. When the toffee reaches the proper temperature, pour it onto the baking sheet. Sprinkle chocolate over the top, and let it soften. Spread the chocolate into a thin even layer once it is melted. Sprinkle nuts over the chocolate, and press in slightly. Putting a plastic bag over your hand will minimize the mess.

Place the toffee in the refrigerator to chill until set. Break into pieces, and store in an airtight container.

Source: allrecipes.com

2 cups butter2 cups white sugar1/4 teaspoon salt

2 cups semisweet chocolate chips1 cup chopped almonds