by Rick Lemonds, president & CEO of South Central Power Company
As a member of an electric cooperative, you are part of a unique organization that operates on democratic principles. Our trustees, who represent you, are elected by the members themselves. This democratic governance ensures that your voices are heard, and the decisions made are in the best interests of the community.
Being part of an electric cooperative comes with a range of benefits that directly impact you, the member. Here are a few examples:
Affordable rates
Electric cooperatives are committed to providing electricity at affordable rates, rather than passing profits to the investors on Wall Street. Our mission is to add value to the lives of members by delivering safe and dependable service, and we are committed to doing so with a focus on value and affordability. Even with a rate adjustment planned for April 1, your cooperative will still be cost-competitive with other electric utilities in the state, and more affordable than some of the larger investor-owned utilities.
Local control and democratic governance
Unlike investor-owned utilities, South Central Power Company is governed by local members. This means decisions are made locally, ensuring that your interests are always at the forefront. In this issue of Ohio Cooperative Living, you get to see in detail the process we follow each year to make sure your voices are heard.
Community support and economic development
South Central Power has a deep connection to the communities we serve. We actively support local initiatives through donations and our foundation, contribute to economic development, and invest in projects that make our communities thrive, like our new fiber internet division, connectSCP.
Reliable and responsive service
Our commitment to you goes beyond providing electricity. We are dedicated to delivering reliable service, responding promptly to any issues, and advocating for generation resources that ensure you have the power you need when you need it. Investments in this area range from year-round tree trimming to maintain clear rights-of-way to minimize outages, to investing in new technologies like remote operated switches that improve service and reliability.
Member service and accountability
Unlike some large corporations you may do business with, South Central Power prioritizes customer service, which we call member service, because we are only here to serve you, our members. We are accountable to you, and we’re a phone call or web chat away from addressing your questions and concerns. And, we make a point to visit local communities for member events each year. Visit our website for a schedule of this year’s member meetings, and we hope you can make plans to join us at a meeting near you.
South Central Power is more than just an electric provider. We are a community-driven organization that puts our members first. As a member of an electric cooperative, you have a voice and a stake in our shared success. Together, we build stronger communities, support local economies, and provide reliable and affordable electricity.
So, the next time you flip a switch or plug in a device, remember the cooperative difference. We are proud to be owned by the members we serve, and we remain committed to delivering exceptional service and building a brighter future for all. Thank you for being a valued member of your cooperative.
From the March 2024 issue of Ohio Cooperative Living.