What is an Electric Cooperative?

A rural electric cooperative is a private, nonprofit enterprise, locally owned and managed, and incorporated under State law. Oconto Electric Cooperative is a member-owned rural electric distribution utility where each member has one vote in the affairs of the cooperative, regardless of the amount of electricity they use. Oconto Electric has adopted bylaws, which guide the operation of the cooperative. Under the bylaws of an electric cooperative, there is one annual membership meeting each year, at which members elect a board of directors from among their membership. The directors elect their own officers and employ a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to run the co-op. Employees are responsible to the CEO, the CEO is responsible to the board, and the board is responsible to the membership at large.

Oconto Electric Cooperative was originally formed in 1936, during a time period where large investor-owned utilities refused to bring electric power to the rural areas of this country. Their reasoning was that it would cost too much to build the system, farmers couldn't afford to pay for the electricity, and the investment would not provide them with a profitable return. With the formation of the Rural Electrification Administration (1935) and the passing of the Rural Electrification Act (1936), numerous rural areas throughout the United States began organizing their own electric cooperatives to bring power to the countryside. The Rural Electrification Act programs became so popular and successful that many rural electric co-ops became known as "the REA."

On October 13, 1937, Oconto Electric energized our system for the first time. The original system included 75 miles of line and five meters. In the next few years the system grew to over 1,000 meters, and Oconto Electric was here to stay. Today, OEC is one of over nine hundred rural electric co-ops in the United States and one of 23 in the State of Wisconsin. Throughout the country, electric co-ops own over half of the distribution line and provide service to over 25 million people. OEC's present electric distribution system includes about 9,000 services and over 1,300 miles of line throughout parts of Oconto, Marinette, Shawano and Menominee Counties in northeastern Wisconsin.

There is a set of seven guiding principles used by most cooperatives. They are:

Oconto Electric Cooperative always tries to follow these principles when creating policies or deciding what is in the best interest of our membership. These principles are what make us different from other forms of business. Members have a voice in how there co-op is managed (principle #2). We have alliances with many other cooperatives (principle #6). OEC, its employees and directors, are very involved in the communities in which we live (principle #7). We are very proud to be a cooperative and to serve you - our member.

Cooperative Membership

Benefits of being a Member

There are many benefits to being a member of Oconto Electric Cooperative.

• Being a member of Oconto Electric Cooperative means that you are an owner of the business. Your opinion matters. The directors, who set policies and guide OEC, are friends and neighbors who are accessible to you.
• In a corporation stockholders make the business decisions. The more a stocks you own, the greater your voting power. Since we are a cooperative, each member has one vote regardless of how much or how little power you purchase. Your vote does make a difference.
• You also reap the benefits of capital credits. Each year, after all the bills are paid, any margins we have are given back to you in the form of capital credits. (See Earning Capital Credits for a more detailed explanation.)
• Oconto Electric holds a Member Appreciation Celebration annually at our headquarters in Oconto Falls (usually in August). The purpose of this celebration, which includes a large picnic, is to acquaint members with the cooperative and its employees.
• You can help us grow and become stronger by being an active member of OEC. If you have a concern, compliment, idea or suggestion for the cooperative, please contact the CEO or one of your directors.
• Each year Oconto Electric Cooperative holds an annual meeting of the membership. This is the most important event of the year for your member-owned cooperative. At the annual meeting, members have direct participation in the operation of OEC through:
  • the election of directors,
  • voting on bylaw amendments, and
  • having a voice and a vote in any other business that is important to the cooperative's operation.
  Other meetings are held on occasion. These cooperative sponsored events also provide you with an opportunity to talk with your directors and tell them what you think of us.

Your Board of Directors

Cooperatives are governed by a unique form of democracy. Members, who are owners of the cooperative, control it through the election of directors to represent their interests on the cooperative's board. This board is the governing body of the co-op.

Oconto Electric Cooperative's service area is divided into seven separate districts (see map). Each district is represented on the board by one director. Every year, two or three of these districts will hold meetings to nominate one or more people from their district to run for the board of director's position. These district meetings are held on the basis of a rotating schedule. The final elections for the director positions are held during the co-op's annual meeting each year. The directors are elected to three-year terms.

The seven-member board holds a regularly scheduled meeting every month, as well as special meetings when needed. During these meetings, financial and operational statistics and reports are reviewed and discussed. Other duties of the board include keeping abreast of issues that may affect the cooperative and to maintain working relationships with other local, state and national organizations. It is also important that the directors establish and maintain contact with the members they represent and a good working relationship with fellow directors and the management of the cooperative.

Current directors are District 1, Marvin Patz; District 2, David Hischke; District 3 Tony Wagner; District 4, Doug Allen; District 5, Ken Cisar; District 6, Dan Kanack and District 7, Alfred Hoffman.

Local control through your elected directors ensures all members an equal voice in the operation of the cooperative. The one member-one vote concept is not only a right of all cooperative members...it's a responsibility.

Earning Capital Credits

Your cooperative is a not-for-profit business, which is to say we're not in business to make money but to provide a service to our members at the lowest possible cost.

Each year, the board of directors approves a budget that allows for employee's salaries, operational expenses, maintenance and improvements of the electrical distribution system, and the purchase of wholesale electricity. At the end of the year, any margins that exceed these annual costs are credited to you in the form of capital credits, or "patronage dividends" as they are referred to in the co-op bylaws.

Capital credits are allocated on the basis of your electric usage. The more electricity you use, the more capital credits you are entitled to. Once each year, a statement will appear on your electric bill indicating exactly how much money is in your capital credit account. The annual issuance and/or method of distribution of capital credits are subject to approval by the board of directors. The annual amount returned as cash or credit, if any, is determined by a percentage of the total accumulation in your capital credit account. The remaining unpaid credits stay in your account where they are used by Oconto Electric Cooperative as cash reserves. Capital credits represent a return on your investment in the cooperative, and are a unique part of the cooperative business structure.

If you should move from the cooperative's lines, you will continue to receive capital credit refunds until your balance reaches zero. Some special provisions exist for more rapid payouts for deceased members on a discounted basis. Capital credits can also be used toward the purchase of electric water heaters and electric heating systems, again on a discounted basis.

Because capital credits involve numerous complex guidelines, we cannot cover them all here. Therefore, if you have questions, please call Oconto Electric Cooperative for additional information.

How to Contact OEC

Headquarters

Oconto Electric Cooperative
7479 REA Road
PO Box 168
Oconto Falls, WI 54154-0168
Phone toll-free (800) 472-8410
Local (920) 846-2816
Fax (920) 846-4327
Operations Fax (920) 846-2025
Email: willie@ocontoelectric.com
Informational website: www.ocontoelectric.com

Office hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
On Wednesdays there is extended lobby service only, until 5:00 PM.

RadioShack Store

RadioShack
Highland Square Mall
PO Box 123
323 E Highland Drive
Oconto Falls, WI 54154
Phone (920) 848-1234

Email: radioshack@ez-net.com

Store hours:
Monday-Friday 9:00 - 6:00
Saturday 9:00 - 2:00

OECellular
Golf View Center
PO Box 222
Cecil WI 54111

Phone (715) 745-4643

Email: oecellular@frontiernet.net

Store hours:
Monday-Thursday 9:00-6:00
Friday 9:00-8:00
Saturday 9:00-4:00
Sunday 10:00-2:00

Other Services

Load Management - Oconto Electric's load management program helps to keep overall power costs down by reducing our peak demand for electricity. In today's world, the demand for electricity is growing faster than generation of electricity is growing. Managing electric load and when it is used will help reduce the need for new generating plants. Under our load management program, electric heat and electric water heating can be turned off during peak demand periods. Below are some details about the two programs. Call our office for more details regarding either program.

Water Heater Program - For allowing us the ability to control your water heater, Oconto Electric offers incentives and rebates to participating members. Marathon and Richmond water heaters can be purchased from OEC at deeply discounted prices. Any member who is part of the load management water heating program and uses more than 400 kilowatt-hours in a month will receive a $5.00 credit on their electric bill. You may be eligible for no-interest payment options.

Heating & Cooling Systems - Today's market offers several economical ways to heat or cool your home or business with electricity. These alternatives include geothermal heat pumps, electric thermal storage and dual fuel systems. These systems can provide higher efficiencies, lower energy costs and greater environmental protection. Oconto Electric also offers incentives, rebates or lower electric rates for the use of these systems.
Plenum heaters fit inside an existing forced air heating system. They are a great option for homeowners who don't want to invest in a new system. Rebates and lower electric rates are also available for plenum heaters.

Wiring & Energy Information - Oconto Electric has trained professionals on staff to help answer your wiring or energy information questions. We also have reference lists of other professionals who can help you get a project done safely and correctly. Please feel free to call the cooperative office with your questions.

Energy Audits - Oconto Electric Cooperative can provide an energy audit of your home, along with suggestions on how to lower your electric bills.

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News - As a part of your membership, you will receive the Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News magazine each month. The WEC News contains timely information on the rural electric industry, safety, household weatherization, energy conservation, agricultural activities, electrical wiring, cooperative news, and features about rural life and interesting cooperative members. Four local pages of each issue are written and produced by Oconto Electric Cooperative and contain local news and information. Be sure to read these issues to keep abreast of your cooperative's activities.

MainStreet Messenger - Oconto Electric Cooperative can make emergency help available to you at the push of a button with our personal emergency response program called MainStreet Messenger. A telephone is installed in your home and you are given a pendant to wear around your neck or wrist. If you need help and can't get to the phone, simply press the button on the pendant. The phone will call a 24-hour answering service that will dispatch help to your location. This service is NOT limited to OEC members.

Community "Change" - The Community "Change" program consists of money that is donated by OEC members and matched by Bay Lakes Cooperative. Oconto Electric members donate to this program by choosing to have their electric bills rounded up to the nearest dollar. Members can choose to contribute more if they wish.
Civic organizations, clubs, charities and individuals with special needs can apply for Community "Change" money. The Community "Change" board of directors is made up of seven people who are not affiliated with either OEC or Bay Lakes. The board meets quarterly to go over the applications and make monetary awards.
One hundred percent of the money collected for Community "Change" goes into the program. Any expenses incurred by the program are donated by OEC and Bay Lakes. It's very easy to sign up for Community "Change". Please call the office to sign up today!

RadioShack

Oconto Electric Cooperative is the proud owner and operator of a RadioShack dealership in Oconto Falls. RadioShack carries a full line of electronic equipment including TVs, DVD players, stereos and cordless phones. We can also help you with most of your computer accessory needs.

Also at RadioShack we offer:

Surge Protection - Power surges are a fact of life. They can come from power, communications, and satellite and cable TV coaxial lines, or they can come from other appliances in your home. RadioShack has a full line of surge protection equipment. There is a lease program (for OEC members only) and strips available to purchase.

Cellular Phone Service - As an authorized 5-star agent for Cellcom, we carry a complete line of cellular phones. Cellcom offers many different rate plans. Stop in and see which one works best for you. OEC also has accessories and replacement parts for most cellular phones.

Satellite systems - Tired of having only a few channels to watch? RadioShack, in partnership with Dish Network, offers satellite programming packages at great rates. There are many different systems and packages to choose from. Stop in to see what RadioShack has to offer today!

Long Distance - RadioShack has long distance phone service available to OEC members and non-members. We offer very competitive rates with no monthly fees or hidden charges. Bring in your long distance bill and let us show you how we can save you money.

OEC and WE Energy Bill Payment - You can pay your Oconto Electric bill and your WE Energy bill at RadioShack. The drive-up window makes bill payment easy and convenient.

The RadioShack Sales Associates take great pride in offering excellent customer service. We promise that you will be pleased with us.

RadioShack is located in the Highland Square Mall in Oconto Falls. You can call us at (920) 848-1234. Store hours are 9:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. Monday through Friday and 9:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. on Saturday.

How to Handle a Power Outage

Electric service is one of your most dependable purchases. There are times, due to extreme weather conditions and accidents, when your service may be interrupted. Power interruptions are usually infrequent and brief.

If your power should go out, please follow these procedures:

1. Check the fuses or circuit breakers in your service panel. Also, be aware that some types of service hook-ups have a main breaker underneath or next to the meter. Be sure to check this breaker if you have this type of service connection. If necessary, replace any blown fuses or reset tripped breakers. (Please note: If an Oconto Electric crew is dispatched to your home for an outage and finds the problem is blown fuses or breakers on your side of the meter, you will be assessed a fee for the service call.)

2. Check with a nearby neighbor to see if they are out of power also. This information will help us determine if the problem is local or more widespread.

3. Call Oconto Electric at 1-800-472-8410 immediately. We have trained operators on duty 24 hours a day to answer your outage calls. To speed our response times, please have the following information available:

A. Name (Give the name your bill is listed under)
B. Address
C. Telephone Number
D. Extent of the outage (Do your neighbors have power?)
E. Any problems you may have observed or heard. (Did you see a sparks from a pole, a tree in the wires, or hear a loud bang?)
F. Time your power went out

During a major outage, your call may be handled by an automated reporting system. Please follow the instructions that you will hear when you place your call.

If you know the cause of the outage, (e.g. a car accident, fallen trees or branches, or a broken wire) please report that information when calling in the outage. Any information you provide could greatly reduce your outage time.

If the outage involves downed power lines, DO NOT GO NEAR THE WIRES! Call Oconto Electric immediately.

In cases of major outages and extended interruptions, tune your battery powered TV or radio to one of the stations listed below for more information.

TV Stations - WBAY-TV 2, WFRV-TV 5, WLUK-TV 11, WGBA-TV 26

FM Radio Stations - WLST 95.1, WSFQ 96.3, WHBY 103.7, WOCO 107.1, WOWN 99.3, WJNR 101.5, WJMQ 92.3, WRVM, WJLW 106.7, WOGB 103.1, WQLH 98.5, WDUZ 107.5, WPCK 104.9 WIXX 101.1, WNCY 100.3, WLYD 99.7

AM Radio Stations - WMAM 570, WAGN 1340, WOCO 1260, WTCH 960, WFCL 1380, WNGB 1400, WNFL 1440

Bill Payments & Procedures

Remember, as a member/owner of the co-op that when you pay your energy bill you are actually paying yourself. Keep in mind that it is important to pay your bills promptly to avoid any additional charges and to maintain a good credit history.

PAYMENT DUE DATE: You will receive your statement around the 12th of each month. Your payment is due by the date posted on the statement.

OFFICE HOURS: When paying in person, OEC's office hours are from 7:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., Monday through Friday. Lobby service is extended until 5:00 P.M. on Wednesdays. You can also pay your energy bill at our RadioShack store, we have a drive-up window so you don't have to get out of your vehicle. Our friendly staff can be reached by phone during office hours at 1-800-472-8410 or (920) 846-2816.

NIGHT DEPOSITORY: For your convenience, we have a night depository located next to the main entrance of our office.

MAILING PAYMENTS: To insure proper credit to your account, please return the bottom portion of your statement with the payment. Please, DO NOT SEND IN A CHECK ALONE. If you should lose your statement, please send your payment with a note that includes your account number, or contact the co-op office for the issuance of a duplicate statement.
Send all payments to:
Oconto Electric Cooperative
P.O. Box 168
Oconto Falls, WI 54154

PAY-STATIONS: For the convenience of our members who live outside the Oconto Falls area, we have enlisted the help of some of our surrounding businesses to serve as pay-stations. These businesses, listed below, will accept your OEC payments until the 22nd of each month.
Wells Fargo Banks in Gillett
Johnny's Market in Pound
Associated Bank in Pound
RadioShack in Oconto Falls

PENALTY: If your payment is made after the due date, you will be assessed a 1½-percent penalty. This penalty amount is included on your bill under the "Pay After Due Date Amount."

SENIOR CITIZENS: If you are age 62 or over, OEC has a special program which allows you to extend your payment date to the 6th of the following month. To activate this service, you must apply at our office and show proof of age.

AUTOMATIC PAYMENT PLAN: Pay your energy bill automatically from your checking or savings account or your payment can automatically be charged to a credit card each month. This electronic transaction conveniently replaces sending in your payment. Call the co-op office for an application form.

BUDGET BILLING: Balance your payments through the year with the budget-billing plan. Make 11 equal payments based on your average consumption from the previous year. The 12th payment is adjusted to make-up any differences. Call the co-op office and ask for the billing department to sign up.

INSUFFICIENT FUNDS CHECK: If you should ever have the misfortune of having a check returned because of "Insufficient Funds," a $25 service charge will be added to your next month's billing.

ENERGY ASSISTANCE: Assistance with energy payments is available through various agencies. Call the co-op office and ask for the Collections Department for eligibility details.

PAYMENT PROBLEMS: From time to time, anyone may have problems making ends meet and paying their bills. In these instances, contact the co-op as soon as possible to discuss the problem. If contacted early, we will gladly help you to determine a payment schedule. Waiting too long will complicate matters and possibly lead to a disconnection of your service. Disconnection and/or reconnection of your service will result in significant additional charges.

Security Lights

Security lights are connected before the meter and are billed on a flat monthly rate rather than for electrical usage. The lights are operated from dusk till dawn by a photoelectric eye and cannot be hooked up to any other type of switch.

Installation Charges

• Lights that are installed on an existing pole with 120 volts readily available will have no installation charges.
• Lights requiring the installation of a pole and wire will be billed at the rate of $150 for the first pole and $100 for each additional pole. The maximum distance between poles is 125 feet.
• If a separate transformer is needed to serve the light, an additional monthly facilities fee of $1.25 will be added to the above rates.

• For installation of security lights with underground wiring, there will be an installation charge of $100 plus $1.25 per foot for the underground wiring.
• No separate underground transformer will be installed to serve security lighting.

The member is responsible for providing a suitable location for the security light. Security light installation charges must be paid in advance. Call Oconto Electric's Operations Department for more information on the types and sizes of lights available or to arrange installation.

Directors & Employees