The Edmond Way Editorial Board would like to thank Edmond Electric and the Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority (OMPA) for their stellar performance during the recent snowstorm and polar vortex, a freeze that we have not seen since 1899. These two organizations’ responses to the storm saved Edmond Electric’s customers from the misery suffered by many residents and businesses throughout Oklahoma and Texas. Of course, much of this performance is a testament to year-in, year-out planning, maintenance and hard work.
OMPA, the electric cooperative that provides service to most of Edmond, is not a part of OG&E and as such operates in parallel to what OG&E does for the large majority of Oklahoma. Edmond is a part of OMPA, along with many other smaller communities across the state. We are extremely fortunate to be a part of OMPA and the work they have done throughout the storm and in the weeks since.
First and foremost, Edmond Electric kept our lights on. Any small service disruptions were quickly repaired in spite of the extreme cold and snow. Secondly, there were no rolling blackouts in Edmond Electric’s service area. OMPA, and Edmond Electric, were able to reduce demand enough during the critical days of the storm to avoid these blackouts. Thank you!
And perhaps most importantly for Edmond Electric customers, there will be no rate increases or surcharges as a result of the storm. Director of Edmond Electric Glenn Fisher said OMPA was able to replace some expiring bonds with new ones to cover the added expenses of the storm. This refinancing kept the debt service at the current level, which means no surprise large electric bills for Edmond Electric Customers. Thank you!
Have we said thank you enough yet? Edmond Electric and OMPA are very much deserving of all the thanks and praise the citizens of Edmond can throw their way during these trying times.