News Archive

Many members know the COVID-19 pandemic presented many challenges for all of us. None greater than when schools were forced to close and parents had to educate their children at home. Obviously, this proved to be increasingly difficult since high-speed internet is hard to come by for many in our area. All that is changing, however, for many members in the area thanks to the help of Current Inc., of West Plains, MO, Wisper ISP, LLC, of Mascoutah, IL, and LTD Broadband of Albert Lea, MN.

We are receiving reports of scam calls. The scammer is asking for immediate payment and threatening that power will be shut off immediately.

It is not standard practice for the cooperative to contact members and ask for immediate payment on their electric account.

Portable generators can certainly come in handy during power outages. They can supply electricity to important appliances in your home during a power outage. However, using a generator safely is vital. Improper use of a generator can result in serious injury and even death to you or utility workers who are working to restore power. Your appliances, when connected, can also be damaged from improper use of a generator. Be sure to follow these few steps in order to safely operate your portable generator.

Storm season is here. Severe storms can happen at any time during the year, but are most common during the months of March through July. According to the National Weather Service, Missouri ranks in the top 10 in the United States among states where tornadoes are common.

The 30th Annual Home and Garden Show will be held today, March 4th from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, March 5th from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the West Plains Civic Center. Be sure to stop by the HOEC booth to visit with our team and learn more about energy efficiency.

Some members may experience delays in receiving their March 1st electric bills. Billing statements were printed and ready for pick up by the U.S. Postal Service on Thursday, February 24th, 2022. Unfortunately, this mailing was delayed due to inclement weather. As a reminder, your cooperative provides you with other convenient options to view and pay your bill. You can download the SmartHub Mobile App on your iPhone or Android device, or you may make a payment through SmartHub Web here on our website.

As always, our 24-hour dispatch remains available in the event of a power outage. You can report an outage by calling 417-256-2131 or 1-888-HOE-POWER.

Howell-Oregon Electric Cooperative is seeking a highly organized and motivated individual with proven dispatch skills to work on a full-time basis. Preference given to candidates who have dispatching experience.

Primary responsibilities will include:

UPDATE - "Thank you” to our members for helping us during our PEAK Alert period. Thanks to your help we avoided setting a new PEAK, which in turn saves our members money! THANK YOU!

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A Winter Storm Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service in Springfield for tonight, February 1st through Thursday, February 3rd. A strong winter storm is expected to bring rain, snow, and a wintry mix to the area. Up to two-tenths of an inch of ice with an additional three to six inches of snow is expected for the Howell-Oregon Electric Cooperative service area. HOEC is continuing to monitor this winter storm and stands ready in the event of any power outages.