The Current Buzz

Solar Smart: What Homeowners Should Know

Solar is one of the most talked-about energy options right now—but what actually happens when you install it on your home? In this episode of The Current Buzz, we sit down with OEC’s system engineering experts Nick Shumaker and Teddy Whitehead to break down how solar works with the grid, what it can realistically offset, and why the decisions you make upfront matter more than you think. From system sizing to roof direction, billing impacts to payback timelines, this conversation gives you the practical insight most sales pitches skip. We also tackle the biggest misconceptions head-on—like whether solar eliminates your electric bill (spoiler: it doesn’t) and what happens during an outage. If you’re considering solar, already have it, or just want to better understand how your co-op supports it safely and responsibly, this episode equips you with the knowledge to make confident, informed decisions. Ready for the next step? Visit https://okcoop.org/renewables [https://okcoop.org/renewables]to get started.

Ten Years In: A Conversation From the Top

In this episode of The Current Buzz, we sit down with CEO Patrick Grace to reflect on his first 10 years in the role—and 25 years with Oklahoma Electric Cooperative [https://okcoop.org]. From handwritten outage tickets and paper map books to today’s self-healing grid and fiber expansion, Patrick shares a behind-the-scenes look at how far OEC has come. He walks through the pivotal moments that shaped the co-op, including the bold (and initially unexpected) decision to launch OEC Fiber [https://oecfiber.com], and how a member-driven mission continues to guide every major move. Looking ahead, the conversation dives into the growing pressures on the power grid, long-term infrastructure planning, and what stability looks like after a decade of rapid transformation. Patrick also offers candid leadership insights—from learning to stay open-minded to leading through change—and reinforces what sets a co-op apart: a deep commitment to community, service, and putting members first. It’s a thoughtful, forward-looking conversation grounded in history, humility, and a clear vision for the future.

Behind the Blink: How Fiber Internet Is Restored After a Storm

In this episode of The Current Buzz, we sit down with OEC Fiber’s Joe Torres to pull back the curtain on what really happens behind the scenes during outages—especially after major storms. From proactive system upgrades to the coordination between electric and fiber crews, Joe shares how preparation, teamwork and infrastructure investments all play a role in keeping your internet running strong when it matters most.  But when outages do happen, restoring fiber isn’t as simple as flipping a switch. Joe explains the intricate, time-intensive process of splicing fiber—comparing it to working with strands of glass as thin as a hair—and why restoration can take longer than power. If you’ve ever wondered why your internet doesn’t come back the second your lights do, this episode offers a fascinating, eye-opening look at the complexity behind the service you rely on every day.

Behind the Bill: What Every Line Item Really Means

Electric and fiber bills can sometimes feel confusing — but they don’t have to be. In this episode of The Current Buzz, Brianna and Daniel sit down with billing experts Chelle and Shana to walk through OEC electric and fiber bills line by line. They explain what each section means, from energy usage and service availability charges to power cost adjustments, taxes and Operation Round Up®. The team also discusses how members can monitor their usage, choose the best rate option, and understand the differences between electric and fiber billing. If you’ve ever wondered what all those numbers on your bill actually mean, this episode breaks it down in a clear and practical way.

When the Lights Go Out: The Restoration Process Explained

In Episode 60 of The Current Buzz, we sit down with Clint Mobley and Bobby Herring to talk about what happens before, during, and after major outages — and how OEC prepares for extreme weather and large-scale events to keep members safe and the lights on. We unpack what “storm prep” really means (hint: it starts long before the storm arrives), how OEC uses modeling and load shifting to reduce risk during extreme temperatures, and why system hardening has made a measurable impact on reliability. Clint and Bobby also break down common electric system terms—like feeders, fuse coordination, and why you sometimes see “power blinks”—in a way that’s easy to understand. Plus, they share a few unforgettable storm stories, including the time a substation was back-fed using semi-mounted generators after severe ice damaged transmission lines. If you’ve ever wondered why some areas are restored first, what the control room does during outages, or how OEC Fiber has strengthened the electric grid, this episode is for you. Additional resources mentioned 1. Operation Round Up Applications: okcoop.org/ORU [https://okcoop.org/ORU] 2. OEC Fiber: OECFiber.com [https://oecfiber.com/] 3. OEC YouTube Videos: YouTube.com/OklaElec [https://youtube.com/OklaElec]