BRETT ABPLANALP
Decatur County REMC has been serving its members well for 80 years. We have been providing the same safe, reliable, and affordable electric service that you have come to expect as normal. Our way of doing things works. So if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right?
Wrong! Here at Decatur County REMC, we are constantly looking at processes, programs, solutions, and technology that could improve service to our members. Our motto is “If it ain’t broke, make it better!”
One example of this is our right-of-way (ROW) program. After examining our process of responding to tree issues, and reviewing outage data related to trees, we adopted a new ROW program that called for an aggressive five-year reclaim cycle, followed by a more manageable maintenance program. We are entering our third year of the reclaim phase and we have seen improved system reliability in the areas that have been reclaimed. We also expect this program will lead to long-term savings in the area of right-of-way.
As I mentioned a few months ago, we are also conducting a new cost of service study by an independent professional to ensure our costs are being allocated in a fair and equitable manner. This study is 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.
We’ve also decided to make changes to our annual meeting and voting process this year. As suggested by you, the members, we will be offering early voting options by mail or through SmartHub. We are really excited about our 80th year of serving members. To celebrate, our annual meeting will be held at the Decatur County Fairgrounds on Friday, June 22, from 4-6 p.m. Bring your family and enjoy our festival-style celebration with music; bucket truck rides; kids’ activities, including an inflatable jumpy house, and food, ice cream; and a community blood drive.
As always, I am actively seeking members to engage with my team and myself. If you are interested and have ideas to share, please call the office 812-663-3391 so we can schedule a meeting, or simply stop in and ask for me.
Here at DCREMC we are never satisfied with status quo. We are always looking for ways to improve. That’s why I say, “If it ain’t broke, make it better!”
BRETT ABPLANALP
CEO
