A solar panel farm is going to be providing electricity to East Central Rural Electric Customers.
That was the announcement Tuesday by REC board member Jim Hall.
Speaking to the Henryetta Lions, Hall said there will be over 200 solar panels constructed. That work will make the Okmulgee-based cooperative one of two in the state with solar generator facilities. "This is very exciting," he told the Lions members. "The idea is it will pay for itself over time."
Hall said the cooperative started over 75 years ago and has been able to provide electrical service at a low cost to members throughout a seven-county area. He pointed out 75 years ago the cost of one kilowatt hour was 8.5 cents and now it is ten cents. "Tell me anything that hasn't gone up in 75 years."
He prefaced his talk with a presentation of a $3,000 check to the club for the eyeglass program.
That money came from the REC Operation Roundup program. Through that voluntary program, REC members can have their bill "rounded up" to the next dollar and the money awarded through grants. Hall said members average about 44 cents per bill for around $15,000 monthly. The program has provided some $1.2 million in grants since it's inception in 2007.
"This is a positive thing and not a waste of money," said Lions eyeglass chairman Donnie Smith. He pointed out the eyeglass program was originally designed to help children and, through grants now helps adults who could otherwise not afford them.
rec lions checkIn the photo: REC board member Jim Hall (right) presented Henryetta Lions with a $3,000 donation for the club's eyeglass program. Receiving the check were club president Jeanda Spurlock, Tara Rice Matthews, Mary Warden and Billie Been.