One of my favorite events will take place on June 24 when we will host our annual meeting for you, our members. I always look forward to this event because it’s a great opportunity for me, the board of directors and our employees to talk with our members and hear what’s on their minds. 

We hope you’ll join us for the annual meeting, which will take place at Jay County High School. During the meeting, we’ll share a few brief business updates on the current state of the cooperative and how we’re prepared to best serve the membership in the future. But we’re going to have a lot of fun, too! We’ll have activities for the kids, entertainment from Colton Chapman and door prizes.

Spending time with you and hearing your take on our community’s energy future is so important to us. In fact, it’s essential, because everything we do is shaped by the members of our community. As I’m sure you know, the energy industry is in the midst of massive change. Consumer needs and evolving technology impact nearly every aspect of how we manage and deliver energy to local homes, schools and businesses. 

As we navigate major changes in the coming years, we need to hear from you, and your neighbors, for planning purposes as we strive to meet the long-term needs of Jay County REMC members. 

You have a say

You may be wondering if your opinion really makes a difference. Yes, it does! Gaining guidance and perspective from our members and board of directors helps set priorities for the co-op and guide future decisions. At our annual meeting, we raise issues for voting consideration by the general membership (that’s everyone who pays for electric service from Jay County REMC). The annual meeting is also a time for members to vote on the co-op’s board of directors.

Our board of directors is composed of 9 members who live and work right here in our local service area, so they are in the best position to know where community investments are most needed. 

Your electric bill is an investment in our community

This local input means those closest to the community know its needs and priorities and help direct where the co-op dollars are spent. Every year, we invest funds to make updates to our local system, which helps maintain reliability and grid resilience. Think of it this way — every time you pay your electric bill, you’re actually investing in your community, because all the funds we take in stay here in the local community. By making these investments in our local system, we can ensure you have reliable power for everyday life. 

Most consumers likely don’t equate active involvement with their electric company with helping their community. But Jay County REMC is not an ordinary utility company. We’re a co-op, and our business model is meant to serve the members and the community in which it operates. 

Our core purpose and mission is to provide safe, reliable and affordable power. But as a co-op, we’re also motivated by service to our community, rather than profits. We hope you’ll exercise the benefits of your co-op membership and join us for the annual meeting on June 24. We look forward to seeing you!