Brett Abplanalp
It’s amazing what we learn through listening and observation.
New products and services are more likely to gain the satisfaction of consumers when their introduction follows market research.
Here at DCREMC, we’ve provided members with a mobile application, SmartHub, enabling you to check the status of your electric service, and receive real-time updates on energy use. Our members are using the app to conduct routine business with us, like online bill payments, and viewing real-time outage updates. Forty-six percent of our members have downloaded our SmartHub app since it launched in 2013.
These mobile services are just new ways of connecting with people, like the member services representatives you reach when you call us, or greet you from behind the counters at our office. They help us offer quality services you expect us to provide.
Our goal is to find ways to help you control energy costs. That is why we communicate with you about energy prices and ways we can work together to help ease the burdens on your wallet.
As I have mentioned in previous Electric Consumers, we are working with an independent professional to conduct a cost of service study for Decatur County REMC to ensure our rates are being applied in a fair and equitable manner. These studies are a standard tool used to: 1) determine if the revenue generated is covering the costs 2) determine if any subsidies are occurring between classes and 3) determine cost-based rate components. We are conducting our research to ensure the most appropriate outcomes, products, and services for our members.
Listening improves understanding, builds trust, strengthens relationships and fosters cooperation. It’s also crucial to collaboration and success.
That is why DCREMC still loves facetime with our members. Our member connect meetings are a way for us to meet individually with members and learn what is important to you. Please let us know if you would like to be next on our member connect contact list.
Our annual meeting is also an opportunity for us have quality facetime with you. It is a social event for our whole co-op family. We hope you’ll make plans now to join us June 22 at the Decatur County Fairgrounds for an afternoon of co-op business, fun and prizes.
How do we serve you better in 2018? The same way many of us try to serve community, society and family better, each day — by listening. In our offices, on telephones, through social media exchanges and in our face-to-face meetings, we’re ready to listen.
When you have questions about energy efficiency, electrical service or any of our products or services, just ask us. When we know just what you want, we are in a better position to deliver successful results. So, drop in and see us or call and set up a meeting — we’re always glad to hear from you.
BRETT ABPLANALP
CEO
