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. 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.