The Current Buzz: Recent Episodes

Oklahoma Electric Cooperative

At Oklahoma Electric Cooperative (OEC), our purpose is to improve our members’ quality of life through the safe delivery of highly reliable, reasonably priced electric service, innovative energy programs, and exceptional member service.This podcast is just one more way that we are here to help you, our members, learn more about the industry.

Listen as hosts Kayla and Autumn unfold the complexities of Oklahoma's spring weather and its rapid transition into higher temperatures, which significantly influence energy consumption patterns. The duo reviews our tailored electricity rate plans that are designed to cater to diverse needs and lifestyles.

This episode not only demystifies the electric rates but also highlights how non-EV owners can benefit immensely from the Electric Vehicle rate through the strategic use of smart home technologies. Discover more and get personalized advice at okcoop.org/rates.

🎧 Make sure to follow, rate, and review on Spotify to stay updated with all our future episodes!

In this episode of "Growing Forward and Celebrating Success" on The Current Buzz, Kayla and Autumn share the exhilarating news of Oklahoma Electric Cooperative (OEC) and OEC Fiber being honored as the Large Business of the Year. Explore the rich history of OEC, established 87 years ago, and how it continues to innovate and serve its members and subscribers with dedication and pride.

🌟 Join us in celebrating these milestones and learn about the sustainable growth strategies that ensure OEC remains a pillar in its communities. Tune in to feel inspired by the commitment OEC has to powering forward and keeping modern with the times. Don't forget to follow us on Spotify and leave a review!

Today's discussion features first-time guests Isaac Lewis and Kyle Caldwell from the OEC Fiber sales team, diving into the heart of what makes their sales approach uniquely subscriber-centric.

Tune in as they unfold the layers behind their strategy, focusing not on the sale but on solving problems and enhancing the subscriber experience. Learn about the specific needs of commercial accounts and how OEC Fiber's tailored solutions facilitate businesses to thrive without the hassle of connectivity issues.

🎧 Listen and follow on Spotify to stay updated on all things fiber and electric!

Hosts Kayla and Autumn discuss the impact of inclement weather on electric and fiber systems. Delve into the nuances of how ice and wind affect power lines and fiber optics and explore the redundancy measures ensuring system reliability. Learn about the natural partnership between electric utilities and high-speed fiber networks, leveraging decades of experience for maximum efficiency.

Hosts Kayla and Autumn discuss the recent rebranding efforts, emphasizing the synergy between electric and fiber services. Delve into the story behind the new logo and explore the profound impact of fiber on enhancing member experiences. From the origins of OEC Fiber to its integration with electric services, this episode underscores the cooperative's commitment to serving communities. Gain insights into the collaborative spirit driving innovation and excellence in member service. Stream now for a deeper understanding of the cooperative's mission and vision.

Join us for an engaging episode of The Current Buzz, as Marty Hayes, VP of Operations at OEC Electric and Fiber, reflects on his remarkable 38-year journey with the cooperative. From his humble beginnings in 1985 to his current role overseeing operations, Marty shares firsthand experiences and insights into the evolution of OEC. Discover the challenges faced, technological advancements embraced, and the unwavering commitment to member service that defines OEC's legacy. Don't miss this enlightening conversation on the power of dedication, innovation, and community impact.

From the grassroots origins to the transformative impact, explore the growth and evolution of these cooperatives as they navigate the dynamic landscape of high-speed internet and electricity. Learn about the strategic initiatives, system enhancements, and collaborative efforts driving innovation and reliability across OEC's service territory. Discover firsthand accounts, behind-the-scenes insights, and future plans that promise to revolutionize connectivity and community engagement. Stream this episode now to stay informed and inspired by the remarkable story of OEC and OEC Fiber.

In this episode of The Current Buzz, join hosts Kayla and Autumn along with Tim Ferree, a key accounts specialist, as they delve into the fascinating world of solar energy and net metering. From the basics of distributed generation to the nuances of energy credits, this conversation is an essential listen for anyone interested in sustainable energy solutions. Tim brings his expertise to the table, shedding light on common misconceptions and providing practical advice for navigating the solar energy market. Tune in for an engaging and informative discussion that will empower you to make more informed decisions about your energy consumption.

In this episode of The Current Buzz, powered by Oklahoma Electric Cooperative and OEC Fiber, we're thrilled to present a special segment from Newcastle Middle School, featuring two inspiring Youth Tour participants, JC Shoreman and Chandler Patterson.

Join us as JC and Chandler, both high school seniors, recount their exhilarating journey to the Youth Tour in Washington D.C. during the summer of 2023. They share the creative thought process behind their community service project proposals, reflecting their dedication to service and leadership.

The discussion takes a deeper dive into the essence of the Youth Tour, revealing its impact on participants. From celebrating birthdays in front of the White House to receiving exclusive tours from Senators, they describe how the tour offers an unparalleled, nonpartisan experience of our nation's capital.

Hear firsthand how this experience has shaped their outlook, gratitude, and aspirations, fostering a sense of belonging within a community of driven, like-minded students. This episode is a testament to the power of youth leadership and the lasting impact of educational opportunities like the Youth Tour.

🎧 Tune in to be inspired by the voices of tomorrow's leaders and learn more about the opportunities offered by OEC Fiber.

🔗 For more information, visit:

Apply for Youth Tour: okcoop.org/youth/#tour
Oklahoma Electric Cooperative: okcoop.org
OEC Fiber: oecfiber.com

Meet podcast first-timers Ashley Evans and JoMarie Ramsey as they face off in our first-ever energy efficiency quiz bowl!

Join us as Brianna Wall gives a firsthand update on our annual meeting's innovative changes. Plus, a unique peek at our neon sign! Subscribe for more! 🔔

Join us in this power-packed episode of 'The Current Buzz,' a podcast by Oklahoma Electric Cooperative and OEC Fiber. Learn how integrating technology into your home can revolutionize your energy efficiency! 🏡💡

🎙 Episode Highlights:

Kayla Wade from OEC Fiber dives into the benefits of combining electric and fiber services.💡🌐 Daniel Laughlin, our Energy Efficiency and Solutions Specialist, breaks down how reliable internet plays a vital role in smart home integrations. 🏠🤖 Revealing the overlooked connection between smart devices, energy savings, and fiber-optic internet! Learn about exciting rebates, rate options, and the many ways OEC & OEC Fiber is committed to benefiting its members. Don't miss out on the discussion about electric rates, electric vehicles, and how shifting your energy consumption patterns can lead to significant savings! 🚗⚡

Find more about us and our services: 🌐 OEC Website: okcoop.org 🌐 OEC Fiber: oecfiber.com

If you enjoyed the episode, don't forget to give us a thumbs up 👍, drop a comment 💬, and subscribe 🔔 for more energy-efficient insights and tips!

EnergyEfficiency #SmartHome #OECFiber #BuzzPodcast #SaveEnergy #FiberToHome #SmartDevices

Get ready to tackle your energy costs this summer with part two of our Energy Efficiency Series. Daniel shares his expert tips on do-it-yourself energy-saving projects. From installing programmable thermostats to understanding HVAC efficiency, Daniel's insights are sure to help you reduce your energy bill!Don't forget to tune in for the final episode in this series, where we'll explore how high-speed internet, particularly OEC Fiber, can enhance your home's efficiency. #OECBuzz #EnergyEfficiencyTips #DIYEnergySavings

We have received multiple reports of door-to-door salesean with solar companies claiming to either be OEC employees or to be partnered with OEC. 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙖 𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙖𝙡𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙘, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙚 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙛𝙖𝙡𝙨𝙚 𝙘𝙡𝙖𝙞𝙢𝙨. We do not partner with third-party solar suppliers and would like to identify the companies making these claims.

Before making a solar panel purchase for your home or business, please explore these resources, which have been carefully researched and crafted by our renewables experts: https://okcoop.org/renewables/

Learn some easy ways to beat the heat and the peak!

OEC was built on a foundation of transparency and open communication. Our values shaped how we do business and the service we provide our members. In this week's episode, Autumn and Kayla discuss how our commitment to transparency has helped us build strong trust with our members and subscribers and how those values shaped OEC Fiber.

As we bid farewell to two giants of our OEC family, we take a moment to reflect on what makes OEC and OEC Fiber different. We talk a lot about the "OEC Family" and our commitment to taking care of each other, this is never more obvious than when we celebrate a retirement (or two!). Join Kayla and Autumn as they dive into John Spencer and Janet Maginnis AND how we celebrate our retirees. Learn more at www.okcoop.org.

Join Energy Efficiency Solutions Specialist, Daniel Lofland, as we talk about costly mistakes he sees members make in the winter as well as ways to save. This BPI Certified specialist details ways that everyone can save a few extra bucks without suffering. Learn more at www.okcoop.org/hecp.

Our Member and Subscriber Services teams work hard to provide excellent service to our membership. Autumn and Kayla discuss the importance of member service and how our services departments go above and beyond for you, our members.

Founded on the 7 Co-operative Principles, OEC works diligently to make our members' voices heard. One of the ways we allow for member participation is at our district and annual meetings each year. Join Kayla Wade and Autumn McMahon as they discuss not just the idea of "one member, one vote," but live music, free food and fun games. Learn more at www.okcoop.org and www.oecfiber.com.

Join Blanchard Parks and Recreation Director, Chris Wittenbach, as he discusses the power of having OEC as a partner. As a local cooperative, we pride ourselves in living in the communities we serve. This affords OEC the ability to make a true impact in our communties. Chris details the impact OEC has had on Blanchard, and more specifically, the Blanchard Fireworks Celebration. Come out to Independence Park (off of Hwy 62) in Blanchard on Saturday, July 2nd from 6-10 for a family night of fun and entertainment that you won't forget.

Join Manager of Maintenance, Bobby Herring, and Manager of System Engineering, Nick Shumaker, as they discuss OEC's new Adaptively Controlled Electric System (ACES). This revolutionary program highlights the dramatic impact of high-speed, reliable OEC Fiber internet and its impact on our members' electric reliability. Put simply: this technology addresses potential outages sometimes before members even notice a blink. Learn more at https://okcoop.org/as-summer-peak-times-loom-oec-and-oec-fiber-unveil-automatic-outage-restoration/

As we enter into storm season, Kayla and Autumn share some of our members' weirdest power outage causes. They also discuss SAIDI scores--OEC ranks in the highest quartile across the nation for power reliability--and how to ensure safety around power lines. Learn more at www.oecfiber.com and www.okcoop.org.

Join Kayla and Autumn as they talk about the #CooperativeDifference. As a local cooperative, our employees live in the communities that we serve and we pride ourselves on supporting our hometowns. Learn about some of the ways we support or communities and how to reach out so we can support your favorite event! Visit www.okcoop.org or www.oecfiber.com for more information.

Co-hosts Kayla Wade and Autumn McMahon chat with OEC Journeyman lineman, Brad Hunter. Brad discusses the "different breed" of people who can be a lineman: intensive education, deep commitment to safety, a heart of service for members and just a touch of stubbornness (maybe more than a touch!) Join us as we continue to dive into what makes Oklahoma Electric Cooperative and OEC Fiber different.

Welcome to Season 3, Episode 1 where we join Autumn McMahon of Oklahoma Electric Cooperative and Kayla Wade of OEC Fiber to learn more about our services by telling YOUR stories. Follow us on our social media platforms or at www.okcoop.org and www.oecfiber.com for a chance to join the show.

Music: "Every Morning" by Anton Vlasov

Join CEO Patrick Grace and Board of Trustee member Bob Usry as we remember the life and legacy of our friend Jonna Buck. Jonna proudly served OEC for 30 years and boasted a career filled with achievements and a life filled with love.

Join Manager of Vegetation Management, Clifford Chastain, as we discuss the necessity of vegetation management. He depicts the impact it has on service reliability, community safety, and even the most recent Tree Line USA that OEC received from the Arbor Day Foundation (for the 14th year in a row!)

Join Patrick Grace, OEC CEO, as he discusses the "perfect storm" of unprecedented events that combined to make #WinterStormUri incomparable. He discusses the historical relevance of the storm, the role of the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) and what this means for the future.

Stephanie Knight from Apogee joins us to discuss how technology helps to better understand electrical rates. By utilizing any of the suite of tools that OEC offers, members can find the perfect rate for their unique needs. Learn more at www.okcoop.org/rates.

Join Nick Shumaker and Autumn as we discuss OEC's new ACCESS grant. Through a partnership with the Department of Energy and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), this grant has empowered OEC to partner with Norman Public Schools to build a solar farm. This partnership will offset Norman Public School's energy consumption and cost. Learn more at https://okcoop.org/oec-solar-projects/

Need the fastest internet in the west for your business? Look no further than OEC Fiber. Today we chat with Michelle Hohlier, OEC Fiber Sales Manager, about the ease and affordability of having high-speed internet at your business. We make it easy, so you can make money! Learn more at www.oecfiber.com/business.

OEC is governed by a board of 9 trustees. Each trustee represents the district they reside in. Rusty Grissom is the Board President and tenured member of the Board. Listen to his experience on the board and learn a little more about him as a person. You can learn more at https://okcoop.org/board-of-trustees.

In our second member question feature, veteran member service associate Jeannie drops even more knowledge. Tune in to learn more about OEC and OEC Fiber.

Join one of our excellent member service associates Erin as she covers some of the top most asked questions for both OEC and OEC Fiber.

Join Moore Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Robert Romines, as we discuss the changing world of education and the deeply critical role it plays in our community.

OEC is founded on 7 Cooperative Principles, the 7th of which is Concern for Community. As locals, employees live and work beside the people in the communities we serve. Today, Brianna Wall, OEC Creative Director, discusses the impact that concern for community has had on her and the larger community.

Join Green Home Coach, Marla Esser Cloos, as she discusses how to make your home healthier. She shares simple, affordable options that pack a big punch.

Join President, David Goodspeed, Manager of Outside Plant Joe Torres, and Creative Director Kayla Brandt, as we chat about the heart of OEC Fiber. We live in the communities we serve and we are passionate about service.

Join Kayla Brandt, OEC Fiber Creative Director, as we discuss the newest OEC Fiber services: TV and phone. Learn more at www.oecfiber.com.

Join Operation Round Up Board President, Alan Davenport, and Tory Tedder-Loffland as we discuss the impact of Operation Round Up. By combining members' pennies (never more than $0.99 a month) we are able to make a big impact in our local communities and families.

Russell with Precise Building Performance discusses their comprehensive home energy assessment that is free to all OEC members. He also offers insight into the worst way to spend your energy dollars and simple tweaks that provide big savings.

Have you ever considered how the electricity gets to your home? There is an elite group of experts, linemen, who work day and night to keep your power running. Today we chat with seasoned District Lineman, Jake Calvert, about the training, daily routine, and expertise required to wear the OEC badge of honor.

OEC is founded on a series of cooperative principles that govern how we do business. One of those principles is concern for community. As such, we take our role as a community partner very seriously and partner with organizations that serve or members and our communities. One of those partners is Engage Learning. Join Executive Director Bart Keeton as he discusses the creation and mission of Engage Learning and how they have pivoted in response to COVID-19. Learn more at www.engagelearning.org.

As an Oklahoma company, OEC is proud of our great state. Join us as we chat with Norman Chamber of Commerce President, Scott Martin, as we discuss Oklahoma's excellence as an energy state, the necessity of access to high-speed internet, and innovation in business. Learn more at www.okcoop.org.

Representative Merelyn Bell joins us to discuss Oklahoma's future in energy, specifically renewable energy. We also highlight the future of electric vehicles (EVs) and the infrastructure needed to increase access across the state.

Dr. Nick Migliorino and Dr. Justin Milner of Norman Public Schools discuss their partnership with OEC to create the first NPS Solar Farm. This unique partnership will feature not only renewable energy generation to fuel the district, but hands-on learning opportunities for students.

Jonathan Fowler, Fowler Holdings President, joins us to discuss the changing landscape of cars in Oklahoma. He shares all the current updates on charging infrastructure in Oklahoma, access to EV cars, and more. Learn more at www.okcoop.org/EV

This week we chat with Nick Shumaker, OEC Manager of System Engineering, about renewable energy and who might be a good fit. Learn about distributed generation, "the grid," solar and wind energy here.

Founded on the concept that everyone should have access to electricity, OEC is now expanding that mission to include high-speed internet with the addition of OEC Fiber. OEC CEO Patrick Grace and OEC Fiber President, David Goodspeed, explain the concept and the speed of the build out.

As the reality of the global pandemic settles in, OEC Chief Financial Officer, Preston O'Brien, offers some tips for weathering the financial storm. In this episode he discusses OEC's response, the ways we are helping our members, and offers some pointers for households and businesses.

In Oklahoma, April showers can lead to dramatic weather. At OEC, our primary goal is to keep our members and our employees safe. In times of inclement weather, we are here to partner with you to keep you, your family, and your business moving forward. Learn about storm preparedness and our outage response from veteran lineman, Tim Ferree, and visit www.okcoop.org/preparing-for-an-outage.

Daniel Loffland, OEC Energy Efficiency Solutions Specialist highlights ways that members can save energy and money through: rebates, FREE home energy assessments, even electric vehicle ownership. Learn more at www.okcoop.org.

Created based on an outcry from OEC members for reliable high-speed internet, OEC Fiber continues to meet the needs of their subscribers, even during a global pandemic. On this episode of the Current Buzz, Creative Director Kayla Brandt discusses OEC Fiber's deep commitment to transparency, fantastic high-speed internet and now expanded offerings that include OEC Fiber TV and OEC Fiber Phone. Learn more at www.oecfiber.com.

In these uncertain times, OEC is standing always ready to provide safe and reliable electric service. This week we discuss the ways we are helping our members make ends meet as well is ways to help in the community.