Powered by Generosity: $7 Million Given Back to OEC Communities

Beat the Heat: Summer Energy Tips That Actually Work

When Oklahoma heat cranks up, so can your electric bill — but it doesn’t have to. In this episode of The Current Buzz, Daniel and Brianna welcome back energy efficiency expert Russell Philpott for a fast-paced, practical conversation packed with summer energy tips that actually work. From thermostat settings and ceiling fan myths to pool pumps, air filters, insulation, and peak energy demand, they break down simple habits that can help members stay comfortable while using less electricity. You’ll also hear surprising insights about what really drives summer energy use, why shading the outside of your home matters more than closing blinds, and how everyday choices — like when you run your dryer or dishwasher — can make a noticeable difference. Whether you’re trying to shave dollars off your monthly bill or simply survive Oklahoma heat a little more efficiently, this episode is full of realistic, easy-to-apply advice. Visit https://okcoop.org/efficiency [https://okcoop.org/efficiency] for more energy-saving tips. Follow and subscribe The Current Buzz to be the first to hear new episodes.

Powered by Generosity: $7 Million Given Back to OEC Communities

The OEC Foundation just crossed a major milestone: more than $7 million given back to local communities through Operation Round Up [https://okcoop.org/oru] since 1993. In this episode of The Current Buzz, we sit down with OEC Foundation Board President Brandy Everett and Vice President Alan Davenport to talk about the impact behind the numbers — from helping individuals in crisis to supporting organizations making a difference across central Oklahoma. We also cover the latest Operation Round Up grant cycle, how members can apply for funding, and why member feedback through the CAPS survey helps shape the future of OEC programs and services. It’s a conversation about generosity, community impact, and the power of small contributions adding up to something much bigger over time.

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.