PAGE 2 | JUNE 2013
CEO Message to Members
Powering the needs of new generations Change is the one constant in all aspects of life. The utility industry is an excellent example of this. The old way of doing business doesn’t always work anymore; we have to be ready for the future. Tri-County Electric Cooperative is ever evolving to power the needs of new generations.
We are a cooperative with the mission to deliver safe, reliable power at the lowest cost allowed by good management practices. While our cooperative business model and mission hasn’t changed since we were founded in the 1940s, the way we do business and deliver on our mission has.
ENGAGING MEMBERS
For example, we’re developing new ways to engage our membership, expanding our social media presence on Facebook and Twitter while exploring the possibility of texting and other technologies to reach members. We’re looking to meet our members where they’re at, whether that’s through this print newsletter, an e-newsletter or socially. Our members are our owners and we can only be successful through them. When you see me in the community, tell me how we’re doing. That’s why we are here.
INVESTING IN OUR SYSTEM
Our system’s infrastructure is another way our cooperative is changing. Like many other utilities, Tri-County Electric’s system has aged to the point where substations and transmission structures need upgraded and/or replaced. We have seen tremendous growth in recent years and predict that trend will continue. We also have to ensure we can not only meet but exceed the standards of the new smart grid technology today requires. To power the needs of future members, the cooperative will invest significantly in not only replacing but upgrading the system’s infrastructure. We will look for state-of-the- art materials and methods which are affordable yet provide smart grid capabilities.
CHANGING FUEL MIX
The fuel mix used to generate the power we deliver to our members is also changing. As coal is more heavily regulated, our power suppliers look to natural gas and renewables to generate our power. While natural gas as a base fuel is affordable today, prices for natural gas can be volatile. In the past, when natural gas prices rose, power suppliers turned to coal to keep power affordable. With today’s outlook, coal may not be an option in the future so we have concerns regarding the stability of power prices.
ENHANCING QUALITY OF LIFE
As a cooperative, one of our goals is to improve the quality of life for our members. We weave this into every decision we make and it goes beyond making sure you have power when you need it. The cooperative invests in the communities we serve. We support organizations and activities that enhance quality of life. We encourage our employees to participate in local civic organizations and volunteer to help their communities. Anything that promotes local economic development or supports the community, we are there. That’s the cooperative difference. We’re looking out for you.
Jack L. Perkins Chief Executive Officer
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