Owen Electric strives to be environmentally-conscious by offering a wide array of renewable energy options. We're committed to investing in cost-effective technologies to bring our members renewable energy generated from biomass, hydro, solar, and wind resources through programs like Envirowatts and Cooperative Solar.
Energy efficiency is a critical component of keeping our members' power costs affordable. Owen Electric offers a wide array of programs to help educate members and assist them in making their home more efficient, including: Energy Audits, Touchstone Energy Home, Button-Up, and the SimpleSaver Bring Your Own Thermostat and Central Air Conditioner programs.
At Owen Electric, we've made our own investment in energy efficiency by upgrading all of our facilities' lighting to LED fixtures, including our headquarters, branches, and our northern service center. In addition to our facilities, we continue to replace older, less efficient outdoor lights across our service territory with newer, brighter, LED fixtures.
In 2021, we added a Chevrolet Bolt to our fleet- our first all-electric vehicle (EV). The Bolt serves as an educational resource for both Owen Electric and our members. As electric vehicles become more prevalent in the automobile market, the Bolt is a tool to help us educate our members on the advantages of EVs while also reducing our carbon footprint. Interested in having our EV at your local event? Send an inquiry to info@owenelectric.com.
Owen Electric is a proud participant in the Adopt-A-Highway program, a statewide effort to reduce roadside litter and keep our highways beautiful. As a part of our commitment to the communities we serve, we've adopted a two mile stretch of Highway 127 in Owen County. As a part of this effort, our employees spend volunteer hours to clean our roadways and promote a clean environment.
Recycling is a part of our everyday operation in several capacities. Cardboard, scrap metal, plastic, paper and aluminum are just a few of the materials recycled by our employees. Receptacles are placed throughout our building and serve as daily reminders to dispose of recyclable items appropriately.
Being more environmentally conscious doesn't have to be difficult- we offer e-bill, or paperless billing options, for members who would like to help eliminate paper waste. Additionally, members can pay online through our website, our free app, OEC Mobile, or by phone. To learn more about paperless payment options, call Member Services at (800) 372-7612, option 4, or by clicking here.
Free energy-saving LED bulbs are available each year to members who attend our Membership Appreciation Days & Annual Meeting each June. Information regarding this event is published in advance via Kentucky Living magazine, social media, website, and email.
Our power supplier, East Kentucky Power Cooperative, has also committed to a sustainable future, working in concert with its 16 owner-member distribution cooperatives. Among other initiatives, they have identified targets for carbon reduction goals over the course of the next 30 years. To view their plan and goals, click here.