The Current Buzz

The OEC Foundation just crossed a major milestone: more than $7 million given back to local communities through Operation Round Up 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 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 to get started.

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. 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, 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. 

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. 

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.

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

2. OEC Fiber: OECFiber.com

3. OEC YouTube Videos: YouTube.com/OklaElec

In Episode 59 of The Current Buzz, Brianna and Daniel are joined by Tim Ferree (OEC Key Accounts & Advocacy Specialist) and Kylah McNabb of Vesta Strategic Solutions to break down the growing conversation around data centers in Oklahoma. They explain what data centers are (essentially buildings full of computers powering AI and cloud services), why Oklahoma is attracting them—thanks to low electric rates, strong grid reliability, natural gas availability, and participation in the Southwest Power Pool—and what their large energy use really means for local communities.

Most importantly, the episode addresses member concerns: data centers pay for their own infrastructure, operate under strict engineering and regulatory review, and often run on interruptible rates that can actually help stabilize the grid during peak demand. The conversation highlights how OEC protects its members while responsibly managing growth and new opportunities in the energy landscape.

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In this episode of The Current Buzz, hosts Brianna and Daniel sit down with David Madden from OEC Fiber to talk all things high-speed internet—what’s happening behind the scenes, how OEC Fiber supports members, and the tools available to help troubleshoot internet issues at home.

David shares insights into a powerful diagnostic app that scans more than 160 data points across a home network, walks users through step-by-step fixes, and even allows the subscriber support team to see what members see (with permission) to resolve issues faster.

From gaming frustrations to device limitations, this conversation offers practical, real-world guidance for getting the most out of your OEC Fiber service.

>>Learn more and sign up for service at www.OECFiber.com.

In this episode of The Current Buzz, Brianna and Daniel sit down with Russell Philpott of Precise Building Performance, the expert behind OEC’s free Home Energy Consultation Program. With nearly 2,000 energy audits under his belt, Russell breaks down where homes lose the most energy—and what actually makes a difference on your electric bill.

From heating systems and insulation to space heaters and pool pumps, this conversation cuts through common myths and gives practical, real-world advice OEC members can use right now.

Welcome to The Current Buzz, the podcast where we break down what’s happening now at Oklahoma Electric Cooperative and OEC Fiber — and why it matters to you.

In this episode, OEC VP of Member Engagement Autumn McMahon joins hosts Brianna Wall and Daniel Lofland to kick off the new year with a conversation about what’s ahead for OEC and OEC Fiber. They highlight people, programs and community connections that make a difference across OEC and OEC Fiber's service territory.

The episode also introduces new recurring segments designed to keep members informed, empowered and connected.