As we approach the end of another successful year at CHELCO, 2025 is already on the horizon. Before we turn the page on 2024, I’d like to reflect on the successes, challenges, and milestones that defined a busy and productive year for our cooperative.
Safety First
Nearly 85 years into our cooperative’s history, safety remains our top priority. This year, we reached new heights by setting a record for consecutive days without an employee lost-time injury. Not only did we surpass our previous record of 885 days, but we also celebrated a historic milestone of 1,000 days. That is equivalent to 934,262 hours worked! And the streak continues to grow as I write this.
I am deeply thankful for each day without injury and incredibly proud of the standards we’ve upheld. As we look ahead, we remain committed to finding even safer ways of operating, staying proactive and vigilant to protect our team and members.
Quality Service
Continuous improvement is central to CHELCO’s mission, whether in safety, processes, member services, or electric reliability. In 2024, we focused on preparing for the future while delivering exceptional service today.
With CHELCO growing at an annual rate of more than 4%, we are adding thousands of new members each year. To meet this demand, we’ve made significant upgrades to our substations, equipping them to handle larger energy loads and ensuring reliable, around-the-clock power.
This year, our Engineering and Operations teams also installed nearly 40 recloser devices. These devices automatically sense and isolate temporary power outages. For example, suppose a tree limb touches a power line. The recloser can sense when the branch is gone and automatically re-energize the line, drastically reducing crew times and helping minimize our most common outages, such as those caused by lightning, wildlife, and fallen limbs.
Value-Added Services and Community Impact
At CHELCO, we take pride in offering programs that go beyond electricity to add value to your lives. In 2024, we continued helping members manage energy usage, protect equipment, and save on monthly bills. We also expanded our outdoor and decorative lighting program, brightening homes, businesses, and neighborhoods.
Our commitment to community impact was stronger than ever this year. Through the Operation Round Up program—100% funded by our members—we awarded nearly $100,000 in grants to more than 50 local non-profits. With nearly 30,000 members participating, this program exemplifies the power of collective generosity.
To everyone who contributes to Operation Round Up: thank you. Your small monthly contributions make a significant difference. If you’re not already part of this program, I encourage you to learn more at CHELCO.com/Operation-Round-Up. Together, we’re creating a brighter future for our community.
Thank You and Merry Christmas!
As we close 2024, I want to thank all of you—our members, employees, and partners—for making this a remarkable year. I am especially grateful to our Board of Trustees, our wholesale power provider, PowerSouth, and our subsidiary, Southland Utility Services, for their unwavering support and dedication.
It is an honor to lead this cooperative, and I have never been prouder to be part of CHELCO.
This Christmas season, I hope you’ll join me in spending time with loved ones and reflecting on the true meaning of the holiday. May God bless your family, and may we carry this year’s spirit of collaboration and kindness into the year ahead.
