“The holidays.” I love everything about this time of year. Just the thought of the holiday season brings a smile to my face and evokes a sense of comfort and nostalgia. Recalling family gatherings and traditions warms my heart and fills my senses. 

It’s a time of reflection. I’m grateful for my own family as well as my co-op family. At Warren County REMC, we’re driven by a sense of mission and purpose. Our team feels a strong connection to our community and our members, because we live here too. 

While many of our community-focused programs and activities such as our recent sponsorship of two Food Finders mobile food pantries ramp up this time of year, we have several programs and services in place to help our members year-round. I’d like to remind you about some of these offerings in hopes you’ll find them beneficial. 

We hope you’ll take advantage of SmartHub, an app that empowers you to monitor, manage and pay your energy bill conveniently through your phone or online. We also offer energy efficiency programs to save you money and energy. 

In addition to helping members save today, we’re focusing on the future. In our area, we’re seeing increased interest in renewable energy sources. Recent innovations and advances have led to significant cost decreases in renewable energy, making it more feasible and accessible. In recent years, Warren County REMC, along with our power provider — Wabash Valley Power Alliance, has been able to adjust our fuel mix by incorporating more renewables. Today, 16% of our fuel mix is comprised of renewable energy sources, the majority of which are solar and wind. 

But the most important investment we make is in our local youth. Warren County REMC has logged hundreds of volunteer hours supporting schools, youth clubs and programs along with providing scholarships for local students. Each year, we also sponsor youth programs including the Indiana Youth Tour to Washington, D.C.; Camp Kilowatt; Youth Power and Hope Awards and the Cooperative Calendar of Student Art Contest.  

At the heart of all of these programs is you — the members we proudly serve. Looking back, I’m grateful for so many wonderful community partners and for the positive impact we can continue to make. 

This holiday season, I wish you and your loved ones peace, joy and prosperity. Speaking on behalf of our team at Warren County REMC, I know the future will be be bright, because of you.