When you think about Central Electric Cooperative, you probably associate us with the local community. And you would be right. Our board of trustees and employees all live and work right here in the communities we serve. But you may not realize that Central is actually part of a much larger cooperative network that brings additional value, tools and knowledge that benefit you, the member-consumers of the Central.
When a severe weather event is predicted for our region, we call on our neighboring co-ops in areas unaffected by the approaching storm. Through this system of mutual aid, we coordinate with other co-ops to bring additional trucks, equipment and manpower to our area. We work together and share resources in order to restore power to our community. And Central reciprocates by assisting other electric co-ops when they request help.
A defining characteristic of a cooperatives, and one of our co-op principles, is “cooperation among cooperatives.” This is how cooperatives work together to meet bigger challenges such as power restoration after a severe weather event.
This past summer, Central sent crews to help out a neighboring cooperative, Rural Electric Cooperative in Lindsay, Oklahoma. Their co-op was hit by a severe thunderstorm causing an outage to thousands of members. Our linemen are always willing to go help out because they see the value in mutual aid and the cooperative network.
November is a time of year for reflection and giving thanks. I am grateful for Central Electric Cooperative and the opportunity to serve you, our member-consumers. I’m grateful to our employees who work day in and day out, sometimes around the clock, to make sure you have safe, reliable and affordable electricity. I’m grateful to our board of trustees who oversee the governance of your cooperative. I am grateful to our neighboring co-ops who enable us to better serve you and our broader community.
Cooperatives truly are all about cooperation, and when electric co-ops collaborate, we strengthen each other and the communities we serve – and that is something in which we should all be thankful.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!