Winter Preparedness – Co-ops plan ahead to ensure reliable power
As a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative, our commitment is to look after the best interests of our members. Because we are neighbors helping neighbors, we share on the same cost impacts our members may experience. We are focused on delivering safe, reliable, and affordable power—and that commitment never wavers, even in extreme winter weather events. By promoting energy efficiency and winter preparedness, we help members stay comfortable, manage their energy use, and reduce unnecessary strain on the electric system.
We are committed to proactive communication, system readiness, and member support. That includes maintaining our infrastructure, planning for extreme weather, offering tools and programs to help manage winter bills, and being available when members need assistance. Working together, we can strengthen reliability, control costs, and ensure our cooperative is prepared to meet winter challenges—today and in the future.
Why winter preparedness matters
- Winter weather can increase energy use as homes work harder to stay warm.
- Small efficiency steps can help members stay comfortable, reduce strain on the grid, and manage winter bills.
- Preparing ahead helps prevent outages and keeps everyone safer during extreme cold.
Simple ways members can save energy this winter
- Set thermostats wisely: Keeping thermostats at 68°F when home and lower when away can significantly reduce energy use.
- Seal air leaks: Weather-strip doors and windows, seal attic access points, and close fireplace dampers when not in use.
- Use ceiling fans correctly: Run fans clockwise at a low speed to push warm air down.
- Let the sun help: Open curtains on sunny days and close them at night to retain heat.
Heating system efficiency tips
- Change air filters regularly to improve airflow and efficiency.
- Schedule furnace or heat pump maintenance before extreme cold hits.
- Use space heaters safely and sparingly: They can increase bills and pose safety risks if not used properly.
Preparing for winter storms and outages
- Insulate exposed pipes to prevent freezing and water damage.
- Have an emergency kit with blankets, flashlights, batteries, and a battery-powered radio.
- Know how to report outages and avoid downed power lines.
- If using generators, operate them safely—outdoors only and away from windows.
Managing winter bills
- Winter bills can rise due to longer heating hours and colder temperatures.
- Co-ops offer budget billing, payment assistance programs, and energy audits to help members plan and save.
- Members are encouraged to call the co-op early if they have concerns.
Reach out to your local electric cooperative
- The people who work and provide governance at the co-op are your neighbors. The same rate structures that impact you, impacts them as well.
- If you need to make payment arrangements or have questions about energy efficiency measures, call your electric cooperative. They will be happy to help.
- For awareness, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) started accepting applications on January 6, 2026. Find more information at https://okdhslive.org
What your co-op is doing to prepare for winter
- Your co-op is actively preparing for winter by maintaining and upgrading critical equipment as well as winterizing infrastructure for winter temperatures and extreme conditions.
- Co-op closely track winter weather forecasts and stand ready with crews and resources for power restoration efforts. Co-ops also maintain mutual aid agreements to ensure power is restored as safely and as quickly as possible should extended outages occur.
- Co-ops are committed to their members being informed. They provide members with real-time outage information and share winter safety tips as well as energy conservation tip during extreme cold to help lesson strain on the grid and reduce outage risk.
- Because we are a cooperative community, we look after on another. Together, let’s stay safe and save energy this winter.