More than 1.6 billion people in the world remain without electricity. Energy Trails is an electrification project made possible through a partnership between the Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives (OAEC) and the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives (AMEC). This partnership marks the first electrification project sponsored by Oklahoma’s electric cooperatives. The project will take place in northern Bolivia and will bring electricity to two villages, El Torito & Dos de Junio. A local electric cooperative, Cooperativa Electrica Riberalta (CER), will assist volunteer linemen from Oklahoma and Missouri on this project. Two safety directors are leading this initiative. Twelve volunteer linemen will be needed, six from Oklahoma and six from Missouri.

The OAEC International Committee, comprised of trustees from the statewide association board, received 39 applications from linemen, electricians and engineers representing 17 out of 27 distribution systems in the state. “We were very excited with the number

of applications we received for this first project,” Jimmy Taylor, International Committee chairman, said. “Due to the tremendous response, we will continue to seek opportunities to serve on international projects through the NRECA

International Foundation.”The families in these two villages live in primitive

means. They have no way to preserve their food

and no running water. Their bathroom facilities are basic outhouses. When the sun goes down around 6:30 p.m., the day is over. It’s not safe

to walk on the streets. Kids do homework by

candlelight. “Rural electric cooperatives

are known for bringing power to areas that would not otherwise enjoy

electricity,” Chris Meyers, OAEC general manager, said. “It’s rewarding to know we will play a part in making a difference in the lives of families who are striving for a better quality of life.”

This project is slated for the period of August 1 to August 17, 2016. The endeavor is possible through the coordination and leadership of NRECA International Foundation. OAEC has a page dedicated for the Energy Trails International Project on the

Published Monthlyfor the Members of

Alfalfa Electric Cooperative, Inc.Cherokee, OK

www.aec.coop

Number 7 , Volume 71July 2016

TIME TO GET YOUR A/C CHECKED AS THE TEMPERATURES RISE. CALL AEC SERVICES, INC. (580) 596-3333 or 1-800-853-4969

AREANEWS BRIEFS

POWER OUTAGE?(580) 596-3333 OR

1-888-736-3837

July 4 Fourth of July Enjoy time with family and friends celebrating America’s independence.

(continued on page 2)

July 16-22 Cooperative Youth Leadership CampNick Nakvinda & McKayla Holson enjoy an amazing experience in Steamboat Springs, CO.

Help light the Bolivian path

July 6 Energy Trails donation deadlineBring flip-flops, toothbrushes,and toothpaste todrop-off points.

ALTERNATING CURRENTS...

Joel LopezApprentice Lineman

What is Demand Load Management (DLM) or Peak Days? This is a program for commercial accounts to reduce demand charges by controlling usage during peak time periods. The program begins each year on June 20th and runs through September 9th (excluding the holidays and all Sundays). The Peak Hours are from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Any day throughout this period of time may be termed a “Peak Day.” Peak Days are usually called when the temperatures are in the 100’s and stay that way for several days in a row.

AEC is notified by 12:00 p.m. on any day that is considered a Peak Day by Western Farmers Electric Cooperative. Western Farmers supplies the electricity for AEC. Consumers who participate in this program have the option of being notified by text message, email, or facebook. Participants may also call 580-366-4582 Ext. 123 to listen to a message as to whether or not it is a Peak Day.

Western Farmers typically will call about ten Peak Days per year. Of the total number of Peak Days called,

only the three highest peaks will be used to determine the billing amount for demand. That amount is billed beginning in January of the following year and runs for the entire year. A new demand will be established each year for the following year’s billing. This can be a substantial savings if a consumer is able to control their usage during these Peak Hours. All AEC consumers can help reduce the system demand by limiting the usage at their homes during these Peak Hours. This helps AEC maintain some of the lowest rates in the region.

To take part in the DLM or Peak Program, AEC consumers must contact Alfalfa Electric to get signed up. There is a $40 annual fee per account to participate in the Demand Load Management Program. This is another way that AEC helps its members keep the cost for electricity at a minimum. Just a reminder, this program is only available to commercial accounts. For more information, call 580-596-3333 and ask for Brandon Wright or Douglas Conrady. This phone call could put money back into your pocket.

Peak Day Program

(continued from page 1) OAEC website: http://www.oaec.coop/

media/?page=energytrails. This page contains helpful resources and information with updates as they become available.

Although your co-op did not have any employees chosen for this project, we are pitching in with other co-ops to help with this life-changing cause. AEC is collecting flip-flops (all sizes), toothpaste, and toothbrushes which will be distributed throughout the local villages in the project area. Items can be dropped off at our AEC office and also at the United Supermarket in Cherokee. Bring the items to

these locations by July 6. “Concern for Community” is not

limited to our Kansas and Oklahoma borders. As a member of Alfalfa Electric Cooperative, you are already a part of this dream. AEC has donated to these projects in years past, but this is the first year that it has actually helped send a group from Oklahoma. Our Oklahoma volunteers will be blessed by this experience. AEC members and our surrounding communities can also be blessed by reaching out and giving in this small way. Help your co-op brighten lives in these two remote villages in Bolivia.(photo by Anna Politano, OK Living)

Joel has discovered there is always something new to learn while on the job at Alfalfa Electric. He has been an Apprentice Lineman for a year and a half. Joel enjoys being a part of the many aspects that go into delivering electrical power to the members.

Joel was born in Fort Morgan, CO. His mother Amy Mosier raised him until he reached junior high, when he moved to the small town of Woodrow, CO to live with his aunt and uncle.

Joel has a one-year-old son, James. He and Shay are expecting their second son in August. Joel and his growing family live in Cherokee.

Joel spends most of his spare time with his family. He enjoys outdoor activities like fishing and hunting. Someday, he hopes to enjoy these activities with his sons. Joel would like to go to Australia and scuba dive in the Great Barrier Reef. Sounds like an exciting family vacation!

Surprisingly, Joel enjoys history and science. He spends hours in front of the TV watching the History Channel and the Discovery Channel. Joel claims the Oakland Raiders, the OU Sooners, the Colorado Rockies, and the CU Buffaloes as his favorite teams.

The achievement of putting himself through college at Dodge City Community College makes Joel proud. Even though his mom did not go to college, he worked hard to achieve this goal and even had a 4.0 GPA. AEC is proud to have this hard-working young man on its workforce.

Seeing is believing. Seeing the historical sights on Youth Tour in Washington, D.C. can help students believe in and even work toward a better America. Seeing what past Americans sacrificed to establish this great country is emotional and motivating.

The Rural Electric Youth Tour is an annual, week-long event in June. Almost 1,600 high school juniors from all across the United States convene in Washington, D.C., to learn more about the government, leadership, and electric cooperatives. During Youth Tour, delegations of students follow state-planned itineraries, which include time with their state’s congressional delegation.

Carlee Salisbury from Kremlin- Hillsdale found the time with Representative Frank Lucas and Senator Jim Inhofe very educational. “The things they do for agriculture and electric cooperatives is amazing. I have to say that we are in very good hands as Oklahomans and as cooperative members and farmers.”

The students learn about the government, the cooperative form of business, and the business of rural electrification. The tour is coordinated by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) and the Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives (OAEC). OAEC has been an active sponsor of Youth Tour since 1964. More than 2,500 students have been sponsored to attend Youth Tour since the 1950’s.

Alfalfa Electric Cooperative sent three students on this life-changing experience. The event served several purposes. One of those was to help students become more familiar

with the historical and political environment of the nation’s capitol through visits to monuments and government offices. Students learned leadership and cooperative skills while gaining life-long friends.

Another Kremlin-Hillsdale student Jordan Harris was more than impressed with her time in D.C. “Youth Tour has been one of the

greatest experiences of my life. I loved meeting new people and seeing all the monuments. My favorite part was the National Holocaust Museum and the Arlington National Cemetery.

It was mind blowing to see everyone who has given their lives for our freedom.”

Last year AEC began sending a student from our Kansas service area with the Kansas delegation. This allowed the student to travel with other Kansas students and also meet with their Kansas elected officials.

South Barber Kansas student Sabrina Hughbanks took advantage of this opportunity. “Touring the U.S. Capitol and sitting in on a Senate voting was one of my favorites. The Holocaust Museum is a ‘must see.’ It is a life-changing experience. Realizing what all everyone back then had to witness or experience is outrageous.”

Alfalfa Electric Cooperative was represented well in Washington, D.C. These three students grew tremendously in knowledge and respect for our country. They were fortunate enough to see first-hand places, items, and even people they have been studying about

in their texts books for years. These students are the leaders of not only their schools and communities but also their states and their country. AEC is committed to our members and sponsors the Youth Tour each year in order to enrich future generations. I believe we have succeeded again this year.

Students see history come to lifeBy Robyn Turney

AEC’s students from OK and KS get together for a brief moment at Arlington Cemetery in Washington, D.C., during Youth Tour 2016. L-R Oklahoma delegates-Carlee Salisbury and Jordan Harris from Kremlin-Hilldale and Kansas delegate-Sabrina Hughbanks from South Barber

Board of Trustees

Doug McMurtrey President - Cherokee, OK

District 2

John RegierVice President - Ringwood, OK

District 4

Steve EckSec. Treas. - Sharon, KS

District 6

Mark AngleByron, OKDistrict 1

Julie RussellFreedom, OK

District 3

Joe WaggonerNash, OKDistrict 5

Joe HiseCleo Springs, OK

District 7

Joe WoodsCherokee, OK

District 8

The Hotlines is published monthly by Alfalfa Electric Cooperative, Inc.

PO Box 39, 121 E. Main, Cherokee, OK 73728

www.aec.coop

Staff

Colin WhitleyChief Executive Officerand General Manager

Greg GoetzManager of Engineering

and Operations

Gail RidgwayManager of Finance and Administration

Brandon WrightDirector of Engineering

Christy SchanbacherDirector of Accounting

Terry RyelManager of Marketing and Public Relations

Jim DaubDirector of Operations

Kyle HadwigerAttorney

Robyn TurneyCommunications Specialist

Hotlines Editor

AEC Offices will be closed Monday

July 4th so our employees may spend time with

family and friends. God BlessAmerica!

Wet but successful campBy Robyn Turney

This year’s Energy Camp was a wet one, but the temperatures were very pleasant. Alfalfa Electric chose four outstanding 8th grade students from schools in our service area. Representing AEC were Kylee Harzman and Kellen Claflin from Alva Middle School and Lauren Lagos and Kutter Jewell from Burlington. The students spent four days at Canyon Camp just east of Hinton, OK.

While at camp the delegates attended sessions on energy, electrical safety, and rural electric careers. The students elected their own Manager and Board of Directors. Kylee Harzman was elected to one of the board positions. Kylee expressed, “If I am honest, I wasn’t expecting to get much out of this camp, but I’ve ended up with the best and most memorable camp experience of my life. The environment of Energy Camp was so welcoming and warm.”

The Manager and Board of Directors operated a Coke & Candy Cooperative. Other special activities of the four-day program included hands-on electrical demonstrations, such as pole climbing and bucket truck rides from linemen. Students also participated in low-element rope courses, swimming, and of course, a trip to Celebration Station in Oklahoma City. At Celebration Station

the kids enjoyed arcade games, go-carts, bumper boats, and loads of pizza!

Lauren Lagos enjoyed the camp. “Racing on the go carts was awesome. There were many fun games we got to play to keep us busy. We met a bunch of new people and gained lifelong friends.”

Kellen Claflin also appreciated the experience. “I think I enjoyed the Celebration Station the most because we had basically unlimited everything! We were treated like adults and even got to ride charter buses. I especially enjoyed Cimarron Electric’s CEO Mark

Snowden because he loved his job and was a great speaker.”

The last night the campers participated in the camp Dance Party with karaoke. Kutter Jewell shared his thoughts. “The best thing about

energy camp was the opportunity to make so many new friends. My favorite part of the camp was the dance on the last night where we all got to hang out together. I also enjoyed all the interactive presentations the camp put on.”

The YouthPower Energy Camp is coordinated by the Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives (OAEC), Alfalfa Electric Cooperative, and other state-wide electric cooperatives.

Kutter Jewell, Kylee Harzman, Lauren Lagos, and Kellen Claflin enjoy YouthPower Energy Camp near Hinton, Oklahoma.