Last month, rural electric cooperative members from across the state began a grassroots effort to engage with local representatives. Simply put, this campaign was focused on protecting your cooperative’s right to set and receive adequate pole attachment revenue on the electrical distribution system that you own.

The result of your efforts led to conversations to revise the original bill to one that is now supported by all. Not only do the changes ensure the appropriate recoupment of increased operational expense due to additional pole attachments, but also further changes were made that will help promote access to high-quality broadband for all rural Oklahomans.

Another positive outcome from all your efforts was the resounding reminder you sent to elected officials that cooperative members care about issues impacting their cooperative; issues that impact rural areas. It was a reminder to elected officials that cooperative members are engaged in matters that affect them.

There are several elected officials across our service territory that work hard on your behalf. They care about the issues that matter to you and appreciate the engagement.

Hearing from you lets them receive firsthand information about your concerns and provides an opportunity for discussion. I would like to thank all our elected officials for their desire to engage, listen and work in the best interest of you as a cooperative member.

The bill will now move to the Senate for consideration, and we will be watching how it progresses. Thank you to everyone who contacted your representative and voiced your concerns. Each one of you made the difference and created something that will be beneficial for all and promotes the expansion of broadband across the state, securing a better future for young Oklahomans.