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2025 Annual Report

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 17:03:15 GMT

Ozark Electric's 2025 Annual Report is now available!

Ozark Electric's 2025 Annual Report was mailed to all Cooperative members in April 2026 and contains valuable information and a wrap of the year 2025. CLICK HERE to view the Annual Report.

Co-op 101 Program Scheduled for May 4

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 16:08:33 GMT

Co-op 101: Associated Electric's Large Load Program scheduled for May 4 in Mt. Vernon.

Join us in Mt. Vernon on Monday, May 4 at 6:00 p.m. for our next Co-op 101 educational program! Hear from Associated Electric, our generation cooperative, on their Large Load Program put in place to address the potential for data centers on the cooperative system. If you've had questions about AI and the possibility of data centers, this would be a great program to attend.

Refreshments provided. Hope to see you there!

Co-op 101 Educational Program Scheduled for February 9

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 20:09:09 GMT

Co-op 101: Net Metering (Solar) and EV's scheduled for February 9 at 6:00 p.m.

Save-the-date for our next Co-op 101 educational program! Join your OEC staff and Board Directors at our Mt. Vernon office on Monday, February 9 at 6:00 p.m. for an educational program on net metering (solar) and electric vehicles. Our Manager of Engineering, Ken Raming, and District 4 Board Director and net-metering member, Scott Mahaffey, will be on hand to provide their knowledge and expertise on the topics.

Refreshments provided - we hope to see you there!

OEC to Host Co-op 101 Educational Program

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 17:57:25 GMT

Co-op 101: Understanding Your Bill scheduled for December 8 at 6:00 p.m.

Save-the-date for our next Co-op 101! Join us at our Mt. Vernon office on Monday, December 8 at 6:00 p.m. for an educational program all about understanding your bill. Our Billing Services Manager will review items listed on your bill and discuss our available billing options. In addition, we'll provide a tutorial of the SmartHub program and information on rebates and upcoming community programs.

Refreshments provided - we hope to see you there!

Crighton and Trogdon Honored with A.C. Burrows Award

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 14:06:35 GMT

Two Former OEC Directors Honored with A.C. Burrows Award

At the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives (AMEC) annual meeting, Ron Crighton and David Trogdon were recognized with the A.C. Burrows Award. The purpose of the award is to recognize directors and employees of electric cooperatives for outstanding service to their cooperative, community and service areas. Those who received the award were selected because of their leadership above and beyond the call of duty to strengthen and improve the economic and social conditions in their areas.

Ron Crighton

Ron was appointed to the Ozark Electric Board on Dec. 28, 1984. He went on to serve the cooperative for an extraordinary 39 years. During his tenure, he held the office of secretary/treasurer and earned the title of Credentialed Cooperative Director. A proud Angus cattle rancher, Ron has been the heart of a Century Family Farm since 1970. For the past 16 years, he has cultivated and sold sweet corn. Ron has been a committed advocate for youth development. He was a strong supporter of the Youth Tour. He served 17 years on the Willard R-2 School Board and several years as vice president of the Willard Children’s Charitable Foundation, including time on its scholarship committee. His community involvement includes past membership in the Willard Lions Club, the Masons and the American Angus Association. He remains active in the Willard FFA Alumni.

David Trogdon

David was elected to the Ozark Electric Cooperative Board of Directors in 1977 and has served on the OEC board for 48 years. David has quite a legacy on both the Ozark Electric board and the KAMO Power board. At Ozark Electric, he served as president from 1990-1995 and again from 2008-2013. He spent 19 years on the board of KAMO Power, which is based in Vinita, Oklahoma. David worked on the family dairy farm through high school until he joined the National Guard where he trained to be a helicopter repairman. After six months in the Guard, he returned home to work alongside his father on the dairy farm, where he worked until age 50. After those years on the farm, he moved into the stock cattle and hay business, still managing both today at age 83. David grew up in Ash Grove, Missouri, and still lives with his wife, Lavonda, on the land and in the house where he grew up. He has three adult children, 11 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

The award is named for the late Audrian Cleon Burrows of Van Buren, Mo., who rose through the ranks to become general manager of the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives, the statewide service organization for Missouri’s 48 electric cooperatives. Burrows served in this position from 1968 to 1976. He was recognized as an outstanding leader in rural electrification and as a distinguished individual who dedicated his life to helping others.

The Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives, Jefferson City, is the statewide service organization for Missouri’s electric cooperatives.

Ozark Electric Receives No Lost Time Award

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 17:26:50 GMT

Ozark Electric Recognized for Safe Work

Daren Bowles, District 2 Board Director and Vice President, accepts the No Lost Time Accident Award on behalf of OEC.

Ozark Electric Cooperative was one of 35 Missouri electric cooperatives recognized for working safely. Employees of the cooperative have now worked a total of 495,188.80 hours without a lost time accident.

“We are proud of the steps these cooperatives have taken to ensure each and every employee goes home to their families safe at the end of every day,” says Johnie Hendrix, vice president of risk management and training for the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives (AMEC). “We offer a tremendous amount of training that always stresses safety. But in the end, it is the employees themselves who have created a culture of safety at these cooperatives.”

The recognition came on October 1 at the 2025 Annual Meeting of the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives (AMEC), which is the Jefferson City-based statewide service organization for Missouri’s electric cooperatives.

Ozark Electric Honored with High Voltage Award

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 20:05:25 GMT

Ozark Electric Receives High Voltage Award for Best Social Media Presence

Pictured left to right: Anna Eley, Member Energy Specialist; Jennafer Mayfield, Communications Specialist; Sara Schafer, Rural Missouri Editor

Rural Missouri magazine honored Ozark Electric Cooperative, Mt. Vernon, as the electric cooperative with the best social media presence during a presentation of the magazine’s 2025 High Voltage Awards on Oct. 16.

The awards recognize the best member communications taking place at Missouri’s electric cooperatives. “Communication is at the heart of the cooperative difference,” said Rural Missouri Editor Sara Schafer. “Missouri’s electric cooperatives continue to find creative, effective ways to connect with members — from print and digital storytelling to social media outreach. It’s inspiring to see how they’re using every tool available to keep members informed and engaged.”

Judges had this to say about Ozark Electric’s efforts: “Ozark Electric’s social media presence stands out for its consistent branding, engaging content and creative communication techniques. Their posts strike a healthy balance of graphics, photos and videos, keeping followers informed and entertained. The co-op’s team sets a strong example for communicators everywhere with their hands-on approach to member engagement and skillful navigation of tough conversations online. Their constant daily focus on community involvement, combined with the CEO updates from Manager Patrick Oehlschlager, are the best we’ve seen. We especially liked the “doggone good” graphics letting members know that the next issue of Rural Missouri is available online. Truly this year’s social media winner is doing a great job of communicating online.”

Rural Missouri is the statewide member magazine produced by the Missouri Electric Cooperatives. Each month is mails to nearly 600,000 cooperative members across the state.

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Member Appreciation Picnics in the Park

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 20:33:02 GMT

Join us for Member Appreciation - Picnics in the Park!

What's better than a fall night full of food, family, and fun?! Mark your calendar for our Member Appreciation Picnics in the Park coming in October, in honor of National Cooperative Month! Bring the family, your lawn chairs or blankets, your fall vibes, and let us celebrate YOU - our members!

Event Locations

October 6: Greenfield City Park
October 7: Crane City Park
October 9: JR Martin Park (Republic)

Activities

Dinner (Burgers and Hot Dogs)
Lawn Games
Kids Activities (The Balloon Lady, Pumpkin Decorating, OEC Truck)
Member Appreciation Give-A-Way Item
and More!

RSVP to our Facebook events and let us know which night you'll be attending. We can't wait to see you!

Park Addresses

Greenfield City Park is located on O'Hara Street

Crane City Park is located at 107 Myrna Lewers Pkwy

JR Martin Park (Republic) is located at 300 E. Hines

EVENT PHOTOS - GREENFIELD

EVENT PHOTOS - CRANE

EVENT PHOTOS - REPUBLIC

89th Annual Meeting

jmayfield@ozarkelectric.com (Jennafer Mayfield) — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 13:58:41 GMT

89th Annual Meeting Scheduled for Friday, July 25 in Mt. Vernon

Ozark Electric Cooperative Member-Owners are invited to attend our 89th Annual Meeting on Friday, July 25, 2025! The meeting will be held at Mt. Vernon High School (400 W. Hwy 174).

Clip and bring your registration card to the Annual Meeting on Friday, July 25 (or to the early voting opportunities) to expedite the registration process. Your registration card will be located on the back of your July issue of Electric Sparks/Rural Missouri.

REGISTRATION (10:30 AM-1:00 PM)
Both IN-PERSON and DRIVE-THRU registration and voting options will be available. Registration opens at 10:30 a.m. Members who register in-person by 1:00 p.m. will receive all registration benefits (see benefits below). Those who choose to register by our drive-thru option will only qualify for the $10 bill credit, registration gift, eligibility to vote, and be entered into the electronically drawn attendance prize. **NO MEAL is provided with the drive-thru option.**

All members who register will have the opportunity to vote on board candidates in District 2, 3, and 9 and the bylaw proposal (Proposition A).

MEMBER BENEFITS (IN-PERSON OPTION)
•$10.00 Bill Credit
•Attendance Prize Drawing (members who register are automatically entered to win, electronic drawing on July 28)
•Registration Gift
•Grand Prize Drawing (only members who register in-person and stay until the end of the business meeting are eligible)
•Steak Sandwich or Hotdog Lunch
•Well Water Testing (bring 2 ounces in a clean jar)
•Mercy Health Checks (blood pressure, heart rate, body fat, and sugar)
•Shuttle Rides to Registration & Voting

MEMBER BENEFITS (DRIVE-THRU OPTION)
•$10.00 Bill Credit
•Attendance Prize Drawing (members who register are automatically entered to win, electronic drawing on July 28)
•Registration Gift

ENTERTAINMENT (11:15 AM-12:45 PM)
The Asher Creek Boys will be performing inside the Mt. Vernon gym from 11:15 a.m.- 12:45 p.m. Join us for some great music!

BUSINESS MEETING (1:00 PM)
The business meeting will be called to order at 1:00 p.m.

NEW IN 2025 - EARLY VOTING OPPORTUNITIES
Early in-person voting will be available at each office (Mt. Vernon, Nixa, Cape Fair) ahead of the Annual Meeting. Members utilizing the early voting opportunities will receive a $10.00 bill credit and be entered into the attendance prize drawing. **No registration gift or meal will be provided.**

EARLY VOTING DATES/TIMES
•Saturday, July 19: 8:00 AM-12:00 PM
•Sunday, July 20: No Voting
•Monday, July 21: 6:30 AM-5:30 PM

•Tuesday, July 22: 6:30 AM-5:30 PM

•Wednesday, July 23: 6:30 AM-5:30 PM

•Thursday, July 24: 6:30 AM-5:30 PM
•Friday, July 25: 10:30 AM-1:00 PM at Annual Meeting

ANNUAL MEETING INFORMATION
For more information on the Annual Meeting, including a schedule of events, board candidate bios, update videos, and more, click here .

Hope to see you there!

After-Hours Town Hall Programs

jmayfield@ozarkelectric.com (Jennafer Mayfield) — Fri, 23 May 2025 13:23:38 GMT

Ozark Electric Cooperative to Host After-Hours Town Hall Programs in June

Members.... save-the-date for our After-Hours Town Hall Programs coming in June! We'll host three events across our service area on Monday, June 9 (Ash Grove), Tuesday, June 10 (Mt. Vernon), and Thursday, June 12 (Cape Fair). Programs begin at 6:00 p.m. and include a Q&A town hall with OEC board candidates.

Program will begin at 6:00 p.m. with a moderated Q&A session with Board of Director candidates.

Members will be provided with question cards upon arrival. Member questions will be provided to the moderator and incorporated into the town hall, as time allows.

Video from the After-Hours Town Hall on Monday, June 9 can be found below:

Spring Storm Emma - April 2025

jmayfield@ozarkelectric.com (Jennafer Mayfield) — Thu, 01 May 2025 18:27:25 GMT

Spring Storm Emma Worst to Hit Ozark Electric Since 2007 Ice Storm

May 1, 2025

Spring Storm Emma - Highest Number of Outages Since 2007 Ice Storm

Spring Storm Emma slammed into Ozark Electric's service area the morning of Tuesday, April 29, causing widespread damage and power outages across multiple counties. This storm included three confirmed tornadoes:

EF-1 tornado that began at 9:00 a.m. near Highway 60 between Verona and Aurora and ended in southern Aurora just west of Highway 39. The tornado had a path length of 2.18 miles, a width of 100 yards, and maximum wind speeds of 90 mph.
EF-1 tornado near Friestatt that began at 8:55 a.m. The tornado had a path length of 4.18 miles, a width of 100 yards, and maximum wind speeds of 90 miles per hour.
EF-0 tornado near Marionville that began at 9:09 a.m. near the Lawrence County and Stone County line along County Rd. 2210. The tornado had a path length of 3.06 miles, a width of 50 yards, and maximum wind speeds of 80 miles per hour.

Wind speeds at the Springfield-Branson Regional Airport were measured at 90 mph.

At our peak, nearly 10,000 members were out of power - the highest number of outages since the 2007 ice storm. Our team responded immediately to assess damage, contact tree contractors to begin clearing debris and rebuilding, and develop a strategy for restoration. Six crews (12 linemen) from White River Valley Electric Cooperative (Branson) arrived on Tuesday, and three crews (six linemen) from Laclede Electric Cooperative (Lebanon) arrived on Wednesday to assist our team in the restoration efforts.

This storm was unique. In the aftermath of most storms, damage is isolated to a small area, allowing OEC crews from all three offices to respond and restore power quickly. In this case, the damage was so widespread that crews were needed in multiple counties. In addition, the number of large three-phase poles that were damaged was higher than we typically see. Broken poles totaled 60+, including three-phase and single-phase. Broken poles can take 3.5 hours to replace on a good day - longer when faced with adverse weather conditions and trees/debris that must be cleared first.

As of Thursday, May 1 at 12:00 p.m., 50 hours after the storm passed through our area, 600 members remained without power and as of Friday, May 2, 37 members were without power.

We are incredibly grateful for all those that assisted during this time, and to our members for their patience, understanding, kind messages, and words of encouragement.

THANK YOU to those who assisted in restoration efforts:

Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives (AMEC)
KAMO Power
White River Valley Electric Cooperative
Laclede Electric Cooperative
Kiowa Linebuilders
Riggs Tree Service
Vaught Tree Service

THANK YOU to these individuals, groups, local businesses, and families who supported us during this time:

Ozark Electric Cooperative Members
Hot Spot - Mt. Vernon (assisted with lunch for our crews)
TA Travel Center - Mt. Vernon (brisket lunch for our crews)
Keen Bean Coffee - Mt. Vernon (coffee and pastries for our crews)
Mt. Vernon Chamber of Commerce & Whosoever MV (sack lunches for our crews)
Dougherty Family (cookies and cards for our crews)
Board President Steve Stone (breakfast for Cape Fair crew)
The families of our linemen, many of whom delivered food, snacks, and drinks to crews out in the field while having damage to their own homes, outbuildings, and businesses.
The families of our mutual aid linemen and contractors who left home to help our Cooperative.
Ozark Electric inside employees who answered member phone calls, prepared meals, coordinated lodging, and so much more.

2024 Annual Report

jmayfield@ozarkelectric.com (Jennafer Mayfield) — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 17:05:06 GMT

Ozark Electric's 2024 Annual Report is now available!

Ozark Electric's 2024 Annual Report was mailed to all Cooperative members in April 2025 and contains valuable information and a wrap of the year 2024. CLICK HERE to view the Annual Report.

Co-op 101 Presentation Video

jmayfield@ozarkelectric.com (Jennafer Mayfield) — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 20:42:35 GMT

View the Co-op 101 presentation video from February 10, 2025.

Ozark Electric hosted a Co-op 101 educational program on Monday, February 10 covering heat pumps, rebates, and community programs. CLICK HERE to view the recorded presentation.

2025 Rate Increase Information

jmayfield@ozarkelectric.com (Jennafer Mayfield) — Thu, 02 Jan 2025 16:27:39 GMT

Ozark Electric's Board of Directors Announces 2025 Rate Increase

Each year, Ozark Electric Cooperative's Board of Directors and executive team evaluate finances and industry forecasts to determine the rate structure necessary to continue to deliver reliable power to the homes and businesses of our members. Ozark Electric implemented a rate increase in April 2024 - unfortunately, we were notified by both our power supplier (KAMO) and our generation co-op (Associated Electric) that due to increasing demand for energy and the higher costs associated with generating it, their costs for power would be increasing. Key drivers for their increase were increased peak load growth with higher reserve margin requirements to support the capital spending related to new generation and transmission projects, which is driving larger investments for reliability and increased capital costs. Investment in infrastructure improvements and upgrades to power generation facilities, and capital expenditures for new generation facilities, is passed through our power supplier (KAMO) onto us (our new KAMO rate increase takes effect in April). These investments are crucial to keep up with record demand for reliable electricity. The cost of purchasing power is Ozark Electric's highest expenditure. Paired with rising material costs, a rate adjustment will be necessary again in 2025.

For more information on the increase and factors behind the decision, visit the 2025 Rate Increase Information page .

Heating System Efficiency

jmayfield@ozarkelectric.com (Jennafer Mayfield) — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 21:53:50 GMT

Is your heating system running efficiently? Key tips to keep your system running smoothly.

As the colder months approach, it's crucial to ensure your heating system is running as efficiently as possible. With several heating options available, from heat pumps and gas furnaces to geothermal systems, each has unique maintenance needs and efficiency considerations. Here are some key tips to keep your system running smoothly, avoid unnecessary energy use, and manage your utility bills effectively.

Heat Pumps: Efficiency and Managing Back-Up Heating

Heat pumps are an efficient heating solution for moderate climates, but they can lose efficiency in extremely cold temperatures. Many heat pumps have electric back-up heating systems that provide additional warmth when the outdoor temperature is too low for the heat pump to operate efficiently on its own. However, this type of heating often relies on electric resistance, which can be much more costly. To avoid excessive usage:

Ensure your heat pump is set to a reasonable thermostat setting to prevent the resistance heat from unnecessarily engaging. Sudden or extreme thermostat adjustments can trigger the resistance heating system, leading to higher kW demand and higher kWh usage. Always ensure that you are not unintentionally engaging the heat strips when turning on the heat.
Regularly inspect your heat pump to confirm that it's cycling properly and that the resistance heat is only used when absolutely necessary.
Regular maintenance, including cleaning filters and checking settings, can help ensure your heat pump operates efficiently.

Gas Furnaces: Maximize Efficiency and Reduce Costs

Gas furnaces remain a popular heating option, especially in colder climates. They generally provide efficient heating, but maintenance is crucial for peak performance:

Change or clean your furnace filter every 1-3 months to improve airflow, as a clogged filter forces your furnace to work harder, increasing energy use.
Schedule annual maintenance to inspect the burner and heat exchanger for optimal performance and safety.
Consider installing a programmable or smart thermostat to control heating cycles effectively, allowing for efficient use during peak and off-peak hours.

Geothermal Systems: Leveraging the Earth's Consistency

Geothermal systems are one of the most efficient ways to heat a home, utilizing the consistent temperature of the earth. However, maintaining your geothermal system is key to preserving its efficiency:

Inspect and clean air filters, ducts, and coils regularly to maintain airflow and system efficiency.
Have a professional check your system's fluid level and clean the heat exchanger to ensure peak efficiency.
If your geothermal system includes a resistance heating element, be aware that, similar to heat pumps, electric resistance heating can increase your electricity use. Avoid setting the thermostat too high to prevent resistance heat from activating unnecessarily.

Inefficiencies of Electric Resistance Heating

Electric resistance heating systems, such as baseboard heaters and portable electric heaters, are among the least efficient heating options, typically converting only about 30% of the electricity into usable heat. They often lead to higher energy bills, especially in large spaces or regions with colder climates. Whenever possible, it's beneficial to rely on more efficient options like heat pumps or gas furnaces to reduce kW and kWh usage.

If you're considering an upgrade, Ozark Electric Cooperative offers rebates on heat pumps and geothermal systems, making this an excellent time to enhance your home's efficiency. Learn more at ozarkelectric.com/rebates .

Co-op 101 Scheduled for December 2

jmayfield@ozarkelectric.com (Jennafer Mayfield) — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 15:48:33 GMT

Join us on Monday, December 2 for another Co-op 101 educational program!

This Co-op 101 educational program will take a deep dive into the 7 Cooperative Principles and how they apply to the cooperative business model and our everyday operations. Refreshments will be provided!

Answering the Call: 353 Missouri Lineworkers Assist in Hurricane Helene Recovery

jmayfield@ozarkelectric.com (Jennafer Mayfield) — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 20:25:30 GMT

12 Ozark Electric Linemen Join Forces with Hundreds of Missouri Lineworkers to Assist in Recovery Efforts

Cooperative Principle #6: Cooperation Among Cooperatives was on full display as 353 Missouri Lineworkers answered the call to assist the southeast in their recovery efforts after the devastation left behind by Hurricane Helene. Ozark Electric responded immediately, sending a team of six linemen to assist cooperatives in Georgia. The first team of linemen departed on September 27 and spent approximately 12 days in Georgia assisting Okefenoke REMC in Nahunta and Little Ocmulgee EMC in Alamo. A second team of six departed on October 8 to allow our first group to return home to their families. All of our linemen have since returned home. We are grateful for the dedication of our linemen and their willingness to help others in their time of need.

The full press release from Mike Sutherland, Vice President of Missouri Electric Cooperatives, summarizing Missouri's mutual aid efforts can be found below:

Answering the Call: 353 Missouri Lineworkers Assist in Hurricane Helene Recovery for Georgia Co-ops

When one of the most destructive storms in history hit the Southeastern U.S., Missouri electric cooperatives answered the call. In total, 353 lineworkers representing 33 Missouri electric cooperatives assisted five electric cooperatives in Georgia that suffered extensive damage to their systems, resulting in widespread outages due to Hurricane Helene.

The 353 Missouri lineworkers joined thousands of other lineworkers and personnel from across the cooperative family to repair the unprecedented damage. The teams, who brought their own machinery, equipment and tools, worked to assess the damage and assigned resources as efficiently as possible while prioritizing safety in this dangerous environment. The lineworkers worked in multiple shifts over the last month to restore power to each of the electric cooperatives they assisted and have now returned to Missouri.

“When disaster strikes, the cooperative family stands together, and that commitment was evident in the dedication of our Missouri lineworkers during Hurricane Helene,” said Caleb Jones, CEO of Missouri Electric Cooperatives. “These crews worked tirelessly, often in challenging conditions, to help restore power to communities in Georgia. Their willingness to step up and support others in need speaks volumes about the cooperative spirit we uphold here in Missouri.”

On a national scale, AccuWeather estimated total damage and economic loss from Helene at $145 billion to $160 billion, making it one of the costliest storms on record. The Georgia cooperatives included Altamaha EMC in Lyons, Canoochee EMC in Reidsville, Excelsior EMC in Metter, Little Ocmulgee in Alamo, and Okefenoke REMC in Nahunta.

Missouri’s electric cooperatives have a long history of lending a helping hand to their cooperative peers in trying times, exemplifying the sixth principle that guides electric cooperatives — cooperation among cooperatives. Missouri electric cooperatives first helped with hurricane relief efforts in 2004 when the Gulf Coast was hit by Hurricane Ivan, and they have continued to provide aid ever since. Their most recent deployment responding to a hurricane was in 2021 when crews traveled to Louisiana electric cooperatives following Hurricane Ida.

Missouri’s restoration efforts were coordinated by Missouri Electric Cooperatives. Three staff members were onsite during the storm restoration. The Jefferson City-based association represents all 47 of Missouri’s electric cooperatives. Learn more at www.amec.org.

2023 KRTA Data Summary

jmayfield@ozarkelectric.com (Jennafer Mayfield) — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 13:32:50 GMT

2023 Key Ratio Trend Analysis (KRTA) Summary Now Available

The Key Ratio Trend Analysis is performed annually and compares Ozark Electric data to data from 812 other cooperatives across the nation, the state, and the region. This is important benchmarking data, allowing us to see where we "stack up" in terms of the overall health of our cooperative. Below is a summary of results from the 2023 KRTA. The data is not adjusted for inflation or weather.

Click Here to View the 2023 KRTA Data Summary

The Key Ratio Trend Analysis (KRTA) for Ozark Electric Cooperative was performed by the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation. Bryan C. Bacon, Regional Vice President, oversees Missouri cooperatives along with three in California.

Member Appreciation Days

jmayfield@ozarkelectric.com (Jennafer Mayfield) — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 14:08:43 GMT

Save the date for Member Appreciation Days!

Save-the-date! In honor of National Cooperative Month in October, we're firing up the grill and celebrating our members during Member Appreciation Days! Stop by for lunch at your local Ozark Electric office between 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. on the following dates:

October 8 - Nixa Office
October 9 - Cape Fair Office
October 10 - Mt. Vernon Office

We'll be serving hotdogs, chips, cookies, and drinks drive-thru style. Members will also receive a giveaway item. We hope to see you there!

*Members must be present to receive the meal and giveaway.

"Watt" is Driving Your Demand?

jmayfield@ozarkelectric.com (Jennafer Mayfield) — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 16:25:37 GMT

Want to know "watt" is driving your demand?

Utilize the Demand Estimator, available on our website !

This estimator provides an opportunity to better understand how using multiple household appliances at once can impact your demand charge. View the Demand Estimator here: www.ozarkelectric.com/demand-estimator .

By toggling appliances "ON" or "OFF" within the estimator, you can explore how staggering the use of larger appliances helps manage your energy consumption. Additionally, you can choose Summer or Winter options to see how seasonal changes influence which appliances contribute to demand costs.

Please note the Demand Estimator is for informational purposes only and displays estimated wattage of common appliances.

Co-op 101

jmayfield@ozarkelectric.com (Jennafer Mayfield) — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 13:03:33 GMT

Join us for another Co-op 101 event in September!

This educational program will cover several topics including understanding the basics of demand, ways to lower your demand, rebates/resources available to our members, and more. Refreshments will be provided!

Annual Meeting 2024

jmayfield@ozarkelectric.com (Jennafer Mayfield) — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 12:52:22 GMT

Did you miss our 88th Annual Meeting? View the business meeting video here!

How your dollar is spent at OEC

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 15:11:01 GMT

How Your Dollar is Spent at OEC - 2024

When you pay your bill to Ozark Electric Cooperative, each dollar is carefully allocated: 55 cents covers the cost of power to ensure reliable electricity, 22 cents goes towards operations and maintenance, 9 cents is for depreciation of equipment, 6 cents pays interest on loans, 5 cents supports administrative and general functions, and 3 cents is dedicated to consumer-related services and benefits. This breakdown ensures efficient operation and service delivery, supporting both current needs and future reliability initiatives.

Take Action Against The EPA Ruling

Fri, 31 May 2024 14:37:23 GMT

Help Take Action Against The EPA Ruling

In an over-aggressive manner, the EPA has finalized a rule that will shut down the very power plants in rural Missouri that provide your homes and businesses with electricity. It will also make it difficult and expensive to build new generation to replace these closed plants. The White House has the power to stop this rule, but we need your help!

The Missouri member-owned electric cooperatives power most of rural and suburban Missouri with affordable, reliable electricity. If this rule isn’t stopped immediately, Missouri electric cooperatives will be faced with higher electric bills and rolling blackouts.

The nation’s grid watchdog, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), recently forecasted that over the next five years, all or parts of 19 states are at high risk of rolling blackouts during normal conditions. The EPA’s final rule will only make energy reliability worse, not better.

Congress needs to know this and help keep Missouri’s lights on.

Please click on the take action button and send a letter to your representatives in Washington, D.C., asking them to stop the EPA from harming your family and community.

Thank you for your support and for being a member of the Ozark Electric Cooperative.

Raming honored with engineering award

aeley@ozarkelectric.com (Anna Eley) — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 21:02:02 GMT

Raming honored with engineering award

Ken Raming, manager of engineering services for Ozark Electric Cooperative, was recently honored with the Jim McNabb Engineering Innovation Award by the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives, the statewide service organization for Missouri’s Electric Cooperatives.

The purpose of the award is to give recognition to an outstanding engineer whose innovative thinking has in some way benefitted the entire state by improving the efficiency, increasing the reliability or reducing the costs for the generation and transmission of electricity on the statewide electric cooperative grid.

“To earn this award, a nominee must be considered to have contributed clearly above and beyond the normal routine call of duty in a way that makes a significant impact,” said Caleb Jones, CEO of the association. “Such a person is Ken Raming. He has been an asset to Ozark Electric Cooperative since the day he was hired in 1988.”

Ken has been serving the cooperative members of Ozark Electric for 35 years. He has been an integral asset to the development of the cooperative’s Engineering Department, adding value through technological development, certifications, hiring, and education of new employees.

His cooperative career began in January 1988 as Ozark Electric’s Consulting Engineer, a role he served in for 14 years. Thereafter, he was hired full-time as the Divisional Manager of Engineering in November of 2001.

Throughout Ken’s tenure, he has implemented and developed new technologies to aid Ozark Electric’s operations including SCADA and GIS technologies. Programs implemented also include a Conservative Voltage Reduction program, Fault Locating Isolation and Restoration program, and Loss Control Through Transformer Management program.

He has acquired and maintained certifications to be a Registered Professional Engineer in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and Oklahoma. The success Ken has shown through his departmental leadership at Ozark Electric has allowed him to serve on multiple boards and committees. He has been an active member of the:

• Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers

• National Society of Professional Engineers

• Board director and president for the Ozark Chapter of the Missouri Society of Professional Engineers

• NRECA Transmission and Distribution Engineering Committee

• NRECA Overhead Distribution Lines Subcommittee

• and Ozark Electric’s Safety Committee

On accepting the award, Ken expressed his appreciation to the Board of Directors and Executive Management at Ozark Electric for trusting him in support of his ideas to improve the Engineering Department. Ken also is grateful to his wife, Mary Jo, for always listening and supporting him in his role at the cooperative.

“His life work has made Ozark Electric better and has greatly contributed to the quality of life in 21st century rural Missouri. His dedication to Ozark Electric Cooperative, the other Missouri electric cooperatives and ultimately the members, make him an ideal recipient of this prestigious award,” Jones added.

Herd honored with Life Saver Award

aeley@ozarkelectric.com (Anna Eley) — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 21:18:28 GMT

Herd honored with Life Saver Award

Parker Herd, a lineman for Ozark Electric Cooperative, was honored by the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives for his role in saving the lives of a family whose home caught fire. AMEC’s Life Saver Award was presented to Herd during the AMEC annual meeting Oct. 4.

On Sunday, July 2, Parker and his wife, Lauren, arrived home from a camping trip around 5 p.m.. While unpacking, they noticed smoke coming from their neighbor’s garage. They rushed over to their neighbor’s home and found flames quickly spreading inside. They knocked on the front door and heard people inside.

Parker pushed the door open. The house was full of smoke. They saw someone walking out the back door. Quickly they ran around the house where Lauren helped an elderly woman off the porch and carried her to the front of the house.

Meanwhile Parker and another member of the household were searching for other family members inside. They called out for others in the house, and a 12-year-old girl hung her head out the second-story window. Parker instructed the girl to find a safe way around the fire that was expanding. He proceeded to help the girl down from the second story window. He and his wife then safely led all the household members to the road to wait for the fire trucks and ambulance to arrive.

Afterwards, the young girl told them she was sleeping when she woke and couldn’t breathe due to the smoke. She could hear them searching for her, and from their calls knew she was in danger and needed to call out for help.

“It is an honor to be able to share this story and get Parker the attention he deserves,” said Caleb Jones, CEO of the association. “It takes courage to step forward and take charge when faced with these life-threatening situations, but that is exactly what he did, without hesitation.”

Because of the nature of the work they do, electric cooperative employees receive extensive life-saving training. They hope they never need these skills but are prepared to put their training to work whether it is helping an injured employee or a member of the public. The Life Saver Award was created to recognize those employees who take action to save a life.

Annual Meeting 2023

aeley@ozarkelectric.com (Anna Eley) — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 14:09:33 GMT

Did you miss our 87th Annual Meeting? View the entirety of the business meeting here.

Considering Solar?

Thu, 05 Jan 2023 22:01:57 GMT

Are you considering solar at your home or business? There are many questions you should ask BEFORE installing a solar energy system to ensure you make the right decisions.

How much can you afford? Depending on your location, what system will work for you, local regulations and incentives, the price can vary widely for different types of renewable systems.

Utilize the solar calculator to understand your estimated return on investment: https://shouldibuysolar.com/

And learn more about renewable energy and net metering here: https://www.ozarkelectric.com/renewable-energy

Go Paperless

Thu, 18 Aug 2022 14:27:29 GMT

Why Go Paperless?

When our members opt-out of paper bill statements, our co-op saves on the amount normally spent to mail statements each month. This means more money to be returned to our members through capital credits!

How will you receive bill statements once going paperless?

All Ozark Electric members can log-in or sign-up to Smarthub where you can view your bill statement electronically, along with having access to other useful features such as check usage, text notifications, and more.

Start the process by signing up for Smarthub here: https://ozarkelectric.smarthub.coop/Login.html#registration :

Annual Meeting 2022

Wed, 17 Aug 2022 19:27:38 GMT

Did you miss our 86th Annual Meeting? View the entirety of the business meeting here.

Right of Way TGR Application

Mon, 15 Aug 2022 19:29:38 GMT

ROW TGR Application

Right of Way, along with T&S Growth Solutions, will begin TGR application starting the week of 8/15/22. They will be working out of the following substations:

Nixa 1
Nixa 2
Battlefield

If you have questions, please contact Matt Cesar at 417-466-2316

Energy Class 2021

Thu, 05 Aug 2021 12:46:04 GMT

Energy Class 2021

Ozark Electric Cooperative was honored to sponsor Kameron Coates of Willard for the Energy in Today’s Classroom conference held back in August. Energy in Today’s Classroom is a two-day graduate level course offered through the University of Missouri-Columbia. The course provides teachers with a background in energy and energy production.

On the first day Kameron and other sponsored teachers from across the state covered course material on energy basics and effecency, worked hands on with circuitry projects, and learned about power, generation, and transmission. Day two they covered energy sources, economics and production, had a demonstration of an electric vehicle, and finished with a tour of a local power plant.

We are ecxited for Kameron and others to teach what they have learned back in their classrooms. Thank you Kameron for investing in the next generation!

Annual Meeting 2021

Mon, 02 Aug 2021 12:46:03 GMT

The 85th Annual Meeting of the members of Ozark Electric Cooperative was held on July 30th, at Mount Vernon High School. Due to the rise of Covid-19 cases in the area and safety for everyone involved, a drive-thru only registration and voting was held again this year. Those who registered between 10:30 am – 1 pm, received a $10 credit on their electric bill, a LED lantern registration gift, and an entry into the electronic drawing of attendance prizes (see attendance prize list of member winners on next page.) At 1 pm, Board President Steve Stone called the business meeting to order. Board Director David Trogdon gave the invocation. Steve Stone followed by leading the Pledge of Allegiance. Cooperative Attorney Shawn Battagler next reported that the required quorum of 285 registered members for the meeting was met, with a total of 692 members registering in the drive-thru lines. The 2020 annual meeting minutes and financial reports were presented by Board Secretary-Treasurer Ron Crighton and approved. Attorney Battagler conducted the election of directors. The following incumbent board directors, Ron Crighton of District 4 and Byron Stine of District 6 both ran unopposed and were re-elected for 3-year terms. Mike Smotherman ran opposed to Earl Carpenter of District 7. Earl was voted by members to be re-elected for another 3-year term. After asking for any unfinished business and there being none, President Stone adjourned the business meeting. We hope to see you, our members, at our 86th Annual Meeting which we hope will be back to normal next year!

Youth Tour 2021

Sat, 19 Jun 2021 12:46:04 GMT

Youth Tour 2021

Ozark Electric Cooperative was honored to select 4 delegates for Youth Tour 2021. 70 selected high school students were hosted at each participating Missouri electric cooperative and took place via zoom conference and a trip to Barton County Cooperative. While unable to experience Washington D.C again this year, delegates were still able to learn what it’s like to be involved in politics, serve in leadership positions, and ways to serve their communities. In addition, they experienced virtual tours of national monuments, listened to a congress woman, motivational speaker KC Wolf, received a wealth of knowledge about Electric Cooperatives and post-graduation opportunities

williewirehand

2025 Annual Report

Co-op 101 Program Scheduled for May 4

Co-op 101: Associated Electric's Large Load Program scheduled for May 4 in Mt. Vernon.

Co-op 101 Educational Program Scheduled for February 9

Co-op 101: Net Metering (Solar) and EV's scheduled for February 9 at 6:00 p.m.

OEC to Host Co-op 101 Educational Program

Co-op 101: Understanding Your Bill scheduled for December 8 at 6:00 p.m.

Crighton and Trogdon Honored with A.C. Burrows Award

Two Former OEC Directors Honored with A.C. Burrows Award

Ozark Electric Receives No Lost Time Award

Ozark Electric Recognized for Safe Work

Ozark Electric Honored with High Voltage Award

Ozark Electric Receives High Voltage Award for Best Social Media Presence

Member Appreciation Picnics in the Park

Join us for Member Appreciation - Picnics in the Park!

89th Annual Meeting

89th Annual Meeting Scheduled for Friday, July 25 in Mt. Vernon

After-Hours Town Hall Programs

Ozark Electric Cooperative to Host After-Hours Town Hall Programs in June

Spring Storm Emma - April 2025

Spring Storm Emma Worst to Hit Ozark Electric Since 2007 Ice Storm

2024 Annual Report

Ozark Electric's 2024 Annual Report is now available!

Co-op 101 Presentation Video

View the Co-op 101 presentation video from February 10, 2025.

2025 Rate Increase Information

Ozark Electric's Board of Directors Announces 2025 Rate Increase

Heating System Efficiency

Is your heating system running efficiently? Key tips to keep your system running smoothly.

Co-op 101 Scheduled for December 2

Join us on Monday, December 2 for another Co-op 101 educational program!

This Co-op 101 educational program will take a deep dive into the 7 Cooperative Principles and how they apply to the cooperative business model and our everyday operations. Refreshments will be provided!

Answering the Call: 353 Missouri Lineworkers Assist in Hurricane Helene Recovery

12 Ozark Electric Linemen Join Forces with Hundreds of Missouri Lineworkers to Assist in Recovery Efforts

2023 KRTA Data Summary

2023 Key Ratio Trend Analysis (KRTA) Summary Now Available

Member Appreciation Days

Save the date for Member Appreciation Days!

"Watt" is Driving Your Demand?

Want to know "watt" is driving your demand?

Utilize the Demand Estimator, available on our website !

Co-op 101

Join us for another Co-op 101 event in September!

This educational program will cover several topics including understanding the basics of demand, ways to lower your demand, rebates/resources available to our members, and more. Refreshments will be provided!

Annual Meeting 2024

Did you miss our 88th Annual Meeting? View the business meeting video here!

How your dollar is spent at OEC

How Your Dollar is Spent at OEC - 2024

Take Action Against The EPA Ruling

Help Take Action Against The EPA Ruling

Raming honored with engineering award

Raming honored with engineering award ﻿

Herd honored with Life Saver Award

Herd honored with Life Saver Award

Annual Meeting 2023

Considering Solar?

Go Paperless

Why Go Paperless?

Annual Meeting 2022

Right of Way TGR Application

ROW TGR Application

Energy Class 2021

Energy Class 2021

Annual Meeting 2021

Youth Tour 2021

Youth Tour 2021

Raming honored with engineering award