Member Cooperatives Spotlight: I ♥ My Co-op
“My electric cooperative isn’t just a co-op, they’re like family” – a recurring theme we heard from our member cooperatives throughout the I ♥ my co-op campaign.
While the distribution and sale of electricity may sound transactional, it is far from that when you’re a member of the South Carolina electric cooperatives. That’s because the men and women of the electric cooperatives go above and beyond what is expected of them, delivering on promises of safe, reliable, affordable electricity while continuing to make a positive impact in the communities we serve.
Whether it is working to restore power during hurricane season or simply speaking with a member service representative over the phone, the electric cooperatives are dedicated to providing the highest level of service to its members. As a not-for-profit organization owned by its members, the cooperatives are also always acting with members in mind and looking for money-saving opportunities for families.
Embracing the season of love, we’re excited to highlight a few of the stories that exemplify the cooperative difference and show why South Carolinians love being a part of the co-op network.
1. Lending a helping hand
The South Carolina electric cooperatives have a program called Operation Round Up where members are given the opportunity to round up their bill to the next dollar, creating a fund for community needs. In 2014, an Aiken Electric member’s son was paralyzed in a car accident, resulting in the family needing to alter their home and means of transportation. Aiken Electric used the funds from Operation Round Up to help the family purchase a wheelchair-accessible van and make modifications to their home.
We’re grateful for the contributions from our member cooperatives through the Operation Round Up program and believe it was one of the many reasons it is special to be a co-op member.
2. Being an essential part of the communities we serve
After the devastation communities saw due to Hurricane Helene last year, our South Carolina electric cooperatives came together, demonstrating the true spirit of resilience and cooperation. Lineworkers worked tirelessly to restore power for days, even weeks, co-op staff members supported recovery efforts and neighbors helped neighbors – reminding us all why being an essential part of the communities we serve is at the heart of everything we do.
It’s during times like these that the strength of our cooperative family truly shines and we’re proud to be there alongside our members through every storm, at any time.
3. Supporting educators and students
Another program the cooperatives are proud to support is the Bright Ideas program, a grant program that supports our local educators and their students. Each year, the member cooperatives award thousands of dollars in grants to teachers within the co-op to pursue innovative projects for their classrooms.
Last year, a Mid-Carolina Electric Co-op member and teacher at White Knoll Middle School in Lexington County received a grant to help create a “Maker Space” in the library that students will use to create their own designs for school spirit wear. This project will expose students to entrepreneurship and help boost school spirit.
The electric cooperatives believe deeply in the power of creativity and a strong education. We’re eager to help meet the needs of our local educators through the Bright Ideas grants, providing them with the resources and tools students need to thrive.
When it comes to electricity service, our member cooperatives truly know what it takes to power communities with reliability, care and a personal touch. We love knowing members of the South Carolina electric cooperative family love their co-op as much as we love serving them.
Do you have a story about why you love your co-op? Use this form to join the I ♥ my co-op campaign.