PODCAST · education
The Current Buzz
by Oklahoma Electric Cooperative
At Oklahoma Electric Cooperative (OEC), our purpose is to improve our members’ quality of life through the safe delivery of highly reliable, reasonably priced electric service, innovative energy programs, and exceptional member service. This podcast is just one more way that we are here to help you, our members, learn more about the industry.
Episodes
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A Community of Support: Turning Awareness Into Action
Would you recognize abuse if it didn’t leave a bruise? In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Brianna and Daniel welcome Ajia, interim executive director of the Women’s Resource Center in Norman, for an honest conversation about the forms abuse can take—and how communities can…
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Driving Home Our Member Appreciation
OEC’s Drive-Thru Annual Meeting returns October 2 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Lloyd Noble Center—and we’re giving members everything they need to know before they arrive. Brianna and Daniel explain who can participate, what to bring and how OEC has fine-tuned the process to get members…
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From Co-op Country to Capitol Hill
From small-town Oklahoma to the heart of Washington, D.C., OEC Youth Tour winners Taylor Meeks of Minco and Tia Peery of Lexington join us to share the unforgettable moments, meaningful friendships and eye-opening experiences that made their week in the nation’s capital so special. They reflect…
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Powering Possibility: A Look at the School Year Ahead
As a new school year begins, Noble Public Schools Superintendent Frank Solomon and Blanchard Public Schools Superintendent Brady Barnes join The Current Buzz for a candid conversation about the opportunities and challenges shaping education in their communities. They discuss managing rapid…
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Meet Your Trustees: Debbie & Danny
What does OEC’s Board of Trustees actually do—and how do its decisions shape the cooperative’s future? Trustees Debbie Frazier and Danny Watters take us behind the scenes to discuss their paths to the board, the communities they represent and the responsibility of balancing affordability,...
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Rural Roads, EVs & the Future of Charging
Electric vehicles have come a long way in just a few years—but are they really practical for rural communities? In this episode of The Current Buzz, we sit down with Seth Christ, Chief Strategy Officer at Francis Energy, to separate fact from fiction about today's EV landscape. From range anxiety...
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Local Support, Real Solutions: Inside OEC Fiber Business Services
What does business internet look like when you're treated like a neighbor instead of a sales target? In this episode of The Current Buzz, hosts Daniel and Brianna sit down with OEC Fiber Business Development team members Michelle and Isaac to discuss how they help local businesses find the right...
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Summer Nights & Small-Town Pride
What makes a Fourth of July celebration truly unforgettable? In this episode of The Current Buzz, we're sitting down with leaders from the cities of Newcastle and Blanchard to talk about the heart, hustle, and hometown pride behind two of central Oklahoma's favorite Independence Day traditions....
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Beat the Heat: Summer Energy Tips That Actually Work
When Oklahoma heat cranks up, so can your electric bill — but it doesn’t have to. In this episode of The Current Buzz, Daniel and Brianna welcome back energy efficiency expert Russell Philpott for a fast-paced, practical conversation packed with summer energy tips that actually work. From...
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Powered by Generosity: $7 Million Given Back to OEC Communities
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...
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Solar Smart: What Homeowners Should Know
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...
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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...
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Behind the Blink: How Fiber Internet Is Restored After a Storm
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...
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Behind the Bill: What Every Line Item Really Means
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...
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When the Lights Go Out: The Restoration Process Explained
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...
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Big Servers, Big Questions: Data Centers, the Grid, and What You Need to Know
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...
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The Need for Speed: Wi-fi Wisdom from the Pros
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...
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Chill Smarter: Efficiency with the Experts
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...
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New Year, New Energy Goals
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...
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Find the Right Rate for You
Listen as hosts Kayla and Autumn unfold the complexities of Oklahoma's spring weather and its rapid transition into higher temperatures, which significantly influence energy consumption patterns. The duo reviews our tailored electricity rate plans that are designed to cater to diverse needs and...
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Growing Forward and Celebrating Success
In this episode of "Growing Forward and Celebrating Success" on The Current Buzz, Kayla and Autumn share the exhilarating news of Oklahoma Electric Cooperative (OEC) and OEC Fiber being honored as the Large Business of the Year. Explore the rich history of OEC, established 87 years ago, and how…
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OEC Fiber Sales: Subscribers are the Focus
Today's discussion features first-time guests Isaac Lewis and Kyle Caldwell from the OEC Fiber sales team, diving into the heart of what makes their sales approach uniquely subscriber-centric. Tune in as they unfold the layers behind their strategy, focusing not on the sale but on solving…
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Cold Weather: No Problem for OEC Electric and Fiber
Hosts Kayla and Autumn discuss the impact of inclement weather on electric and fiber systems. Delve into the nuances of how ice and wind affect power lines and fiber optics and explore the redundancy measures ensuring system reliability. Learn about the natural partnership between electric...
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Streamlined Look: The Power of Electric and Fiber Together
Hosts Kayla and Autumn discuss the recent rebranding efforts, emphasizing the synergy between electric and fiber services. Delve into the story behind the new logo and explore the profound impact of fiber on enhancing member experiences. From the origins of OEC Fiber to its integration with...
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We’ve Come a Long Way: How OEC Has Evolved During the Past 38 Years with Marty Hayes
Join us for an engaging episode of The Current Buzz, as Marty Hayes, VP of Operations at OEC Electric and Fiber, reflects on his remarkable 38-year journey with the cooperative. From his humble beginnings in 1985 to his current role overseeing operations, Marty shares firsthand experiences and...
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Evolution of OEC: How Fiber Underscores our Cooperative Values
From the grassroots origins to the transformative impact, explore the growth and evolution of these cooperatives as they navigate the dynamic landscape of high-speed internet and electricity. Learn about the strategic initiatives, system enhancements, and collaborative efforts driving innovation...
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Solar Power: An explanation of Solar Scams, Credits and More
In this episode of The Current Buzz, join hosts Kayla and Autumn along with Tim Ferree, a key accounts specialist, as they delve into the fascinating world of solar energy and net metering. From the basics of distributed generation to the nuances of energy credits, this conversation is an…
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A Chat with the 2023 Youth Tour Contestants
In this episode of The Current Buzz, powered by Oklahoma Electric Cooperative and OEC Fiber, we're thrilled to present a special segment from Newcastle Middle School, featuring two inspiring Youth Tour participants, JC Shoreman and Chandler Patterson. Join us as JC and Chandler, both high school...
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Energy Efficiency Quiz Bowl
Meet podcast first-timers Ashley Evans and JoMarie Ramsey as they face off in our first-ever energy efficiency quiz bowl!
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A Look Into OEC's Big Annual Meeting Changes
Join us as Brianna Wall gives a firsthand update on our annual meeting's innovative changes. Plus, a unique peek at our neon sign! Subscribe for more! 🔔
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Energy Efficiency Series: How to Leverage Fiber for a Smart Home
Join us in this power-packed episode of 'The Current Buzz,' a podcast by Oklahoma Electric Cooperative and OEC Fiber. Learn how integrating technology into your home can revolutionize your energy efficiency! 🏡💡 🎙 Episode Highlights: Kayla Wade from OEC Fiber dives into the benefits of…
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Energy Efficiency Series: Easy Tips for the DIY-ers
Get ready to tackle your energy costs this summer with part two of our Energy Efficiency Series. Daniel shares his expert tips on do-it-yourself energy-saving projects. From installing programmable thermostats to understanding HVAC efficiency, Daniel's insights are sure to help you reduce your...
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Mini Pod: Don’t be Duped: Avoid Solar Scams
We have received multiple reports of door-to-door salesean with solar companies claiming to either be OEC employees or to be partnered with OEC. 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙖 𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙖𝙡𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙘, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙚 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙛𝙖𝙡𝙨𝙚 𝙘𝙡𝙖𝙞𝙢𝙨. We do not partner with third-party…
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Energy Efficiency Series: Low Hanging Fruit AKA Easy Money
Learn some easy ways to beat the heat and the peak!
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Transparency. Open and Honest Communication
OEC was built on a foundation of transparency and open communication. Our values shaped how we do business and the service we provide our members. In this week's episode, Autumn and Kayla discuss how our commitment to transparency has helped us build strong trust with our members and subscribers...
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Into the Sunset: Building a Culture Where Employees Can Retire
As we bid farewell to two giants of our OEC family, we take a moment to reflect on what makes OEC and OEC Fiber different. We talk a lot about the "OEC Family" and our commitment to taking care of each other, this is never more obvious than when we celebrate a retirement (or two!). Join Kayla and...
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Beyond the Thermostat: Winter Efficiency Tips
Join Energy Efficiency Solutions Specialist, Daniel Lofland, as we talk about costly mistakes he sees members make in the winter as well as ways to save. This BPI Certified specialist details ways that everyone can save a few extra bucks without suffering. Learn more at www.okcoop.org/hecp.
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Member and Subscriber Appreciation Week
Our Member and Subscriber Services teams work hard to provide excellent service to our membership. Autumn and Kayla discuss the importance of member service and how our services departments go above and beyond for you, our members.
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Democratic Member Control
Founded on the 7 Co-operative Principles, OEC works diligently to make our members' voices heard. One of the ways we allow for member participation is at our district and annual meetings each year. Join Kayla Wade and Autumn McMahon as they discuss not just the idea of "one member, one vote," but...
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Small Town USA and OEC
Join Blanchard Parks and Recreation Director, Chris Wittenbach, as he discusses the power of having OEC as a partner. As a local cooperative, we pride ourselves in living in the communities we serve. This affords OEC the ability to make a true impact in our communties. Chris details the impact…
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ACES: How OEC Restores Your Power in (less than) a Blink
Join Manager of Maintenance, Bobby Herring, and Manager of System Engineering, Nick Shumaker, as they discuss OEC's new Adaptively Controlled Electric System (ACES). This revolutionary program highlights the dramatic impact of high-speed, reliable OEC Fiber internet and its impact on our members'...
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Weird Outages, Underground Power Lines and Safety
As we enter into storm season, Kayla and Autumn share some of our members' weirdest power outage causes. They also discuss SAIDI scores--OEC ranks in the highest quartile across the nation for power reliability--and how to ensure safety around power lines. Learn more at www.oecfiber.com and...
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Touch-a-Truck, Community Involvement and Snow!
Join Kayla and Autumn as they talk about the #CooperativeDifference. As a local cooperative, our employees live in the communities that we serve and we pride ourselves on supporting our hometowns. Learn about some of the ways we support or communities and how to reach out so we can support your...
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True Grit: The Life of a Lineman
Co-hosts Kayla Wade and Autumn McMahon chat with OEC Journeyman lineman, Brad Hunter. Brad discusses the "different breed" of people who can be a lineman: intensive education, deep commitment to safety, a heart of service for members and just a touch of stubbornness (maybe more than a touch!)…
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The Cooperative Difference
Welcome to Season 3, Episode 1 where we join Autumn McMahon of Oklahoma Electric Cooperative and Kayla Wade of OEC Fiber to learn more about our services by telling YOUR stories. Follow us on our social media platforms or at www.okcoop.org and www.oecfiber.com for a chance to join the show.…
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Remembering Jonna Buck
Join CEO Patrick Grace and Board of Trustee member Bob Usry as we remember the life and legacy of our friend Jonna Buck. Jonna proudly served OEC for 30 years and boasted a career filled with achievements and a life filled with love.
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Plant the Right Tree in the Right Place
Join Manager of Vegetation Management, Clifford Chastain, as we discuss the necessity of vegetation management. He depicts the impact it has on service reliability, community safety, and even the most recent Tree Line USA that OEC received from the Arbor Day Foundation (for the 14th year in a row!)
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Rolling Blackouts, the SPP and the Future
Join Patrick Grace, OEC CEO, as he discusses the "perfect storm" of unprecedented events that combined to make #WinterStormUri incomparable. He discusses the historical relevance of the storm, the role of the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) and what this means for the future.
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Know Your Rate, Know Your Savings
Stephanie Knight from Apogee joins us to discuss how technology helps to better understand electrical rates. By utilizing any of the suite of tools that OEC offers, members can find the perfect rate for their unique needs. Learn more at www.okcoop.org/rates.
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ACCESS to Solar for All
Join Nick Shumaker and Autumn as we discuss OEC's new ACCESS grant. Through a partnership with the Department of Energy and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), this grant has empowered OEC to partner with Norman Public Schools to build a solar farm. This partnership will...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
At Oklahoma Electric Cooperative (OEC), our purpose is to improve our members’ quality of life through the safe delivery of highly reliable, reasonably priced electric service, innovative energy programs, and exceptional member service. This podcast is just one more way that we are here to help you, our members, learn more about the industry.
HOSTED BY
Oklahoma Electric Cooperative
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Current Buzz have?
The Current Buzz currently has 62 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Current Buzz about?
At Oklahoma Electric Cooperative (OEC), our purpose is to improve our members’ quality of life through the safe delivery of highly reliable, reasonably priced electric service, innovative energy programs, and exceptional member service. This podcast is just one more way that we are here to help...
How often does The Current Buzz release new episodes?
The Current Buzz has 62 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Current Buzz?
You can listen to The Current Buzz on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Current Buzz?
The Current Buzz is created and hosted by Oklahoma Electric Cooperative.
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