The Times are Changing

Greek philosopher Heraclitus once said, “There is nothing more permanent except change.” I feel this philosophy applies to the electric cooperative industry now more than ever.

During my time on my local Southwest Rural Electric Cooperative board and Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives’ board, I have seen many changes. We have changed how meters are read and how bills are paid, as well as explored new areas of service like internet, renewable energy and electric vehicles.

The pandemic was a major source of change and innovation as we learned new ways to best serve our members. As one example, drive-through annual meetings became a new practice to allow for cooperative business at a safe distance.

Local co-op memberships across the state have indicated they would like to see this drive-through option continue, and recent legislative efforts support this sentiment. New legislation that allows drive-th­rough attendance at co-op annual meetings count toward quorum was recently signed into law. Although this is a departure from the traditional annual meeting style, co-op employees strive to make the drive-through experience personal and work to continue building relationships with those they serve.

We can expect our electric cooperative to look differently in the coming years, but rest assured, your co-op’s commitment to serving you will never change.

Don Proctor

Board President | Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives