Manager's Message

POINT OF VIEW: Commitment to Community

From the desk of CEO & General Manager, Eddie Oldham

"Concern for community is one of the many guiding values that set cooperatives apart from other types of utilities and businesses. It is not just what we do; it is who we are." 

As we reflect on 2024 and look forward to 2025, one thing remains constant: our commitment to our core principle, concern for community. This guiding value is one of the many things that set cooperatives apart from other types of utilities and businesses. It’s not just what we do—it’s who we are.  

You’re likely familiar with some of the ways we put this principle into action, such as our Operation Round Up® program. Through the generosity of members like you who “round up” their electric bill, we’re able to assist our most vulnerable neighbors. Another example is our Youth Tour program, where we send local high school students to Washington, D.C., giving them the opportunity to see democracy in action while building lifelong skills.  

Our employees also live this value daily, serving on local boards, coaching youth sports, and volunteering at events throughout our cities and towns. For us, the co-op isn’t just a utility—it’s a reflection of the community it serves.  
Recently, a group of our employees partnered with Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a nonprofit dedicated to ensuring that every child has a bed of their own. Together, we helped build and deliver fully-furnished beds for children in need, directly impacting the lives of 50 local kids currently on the waiting list. Having a bed to sleep in provides more than just comfort—it’s a foundation for better well-being, academic performance, and overall stability.  

While keeping the lights on is our mission, building a stronger community is our true passion. We’re grateful to organizations like Sleep in Heavenly Peace for their tireless work and for letting us be part of their mission.  

We remain dedicated to creating a brighter future for everyone in our community. Thank you for your support—it’s what allows us to make these efforts possible.