TO Indian Electric Cooperative Board Members:

District 1 Director Berry Keeler Secretary/Treasurer (918) 605-3355

District 2 Director Jim Hadlock President OAEC Board Member (918) 638-0137

District 3 Director Lee Peckenpaugh (918) 399-9602

District 4 Director Greg Ward

District 5 Director Ralph Jerome Asst. Secretary KAMO Board Member (918) 633-5622

District 6 Director Mike Spradling Vice-President (918) 237-0347

District 7 Director Vacant

PETITION TO REQUEST INDIAN ELECTRIC TO BURY ALL NEW POWER LINES AND POLES

I am an Indian Electric Co-op member, living in a community that is routinely subjected to potential harm because of exposed power lines. These power lines are dangerous to our residents and the workers repairing and maintaining them. The dangers are only escalated due to our geographical location, where incidents like heavy winds, fires, tornados and ice storms are common. 
In the event of these natural disasters, Indian Electric Co-op personnel are required to undertake dangerous repair work, which is not merely a threat to their safety but also leads to increased financial burdens for the company. This cost, unfortunately, is subsequently passed on to us, the members of the co-operative. We have witnessed firsthand during recent high winds how these exposed power lines and poles can be a fire hazard as many people in our community had to be evacuated due to the recent fires. These fires endanger people, property, emergency workers and your own diligent IEC workers when they have to repair the lines. 

Furthermore, the area where we live has very rapid growth. Having buried lines would eliminate the need for continual tree trimming to prevent power outages. Some of the area where lines and poles need to be replaced take at least a week to be cleared enough for IEC personnel to get equipment in to replace the lines and poles.

We request Indian Electric to consider the safety of its customers and employees, the financial implications, and the practicality of the decision. These weather events will likely become more extreme due to current climate trends putting people, property and personnel in greater danger in the future.

It's time to bury all new and future replaced power poles and lines. By taking this step, Indian Electric can ensure a safer, cost-effective, and interruption-free service to its members.