Over the years, you’ve probably heard or read about Marshall County REMC’s concern for our community. This is one of the core principles that sets cooperatives apart from other types of utilities and businesses. We’ve always taken this mission and responsibility to heart. It’s who we are as a co-op. 

Over the past few months, like so many of you, we’ve risen to meet new challenges and strengthen the safety net for our community, particularly for those who are most vulnerable. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve made numerous adjustments to programs and operations to maintain business continuity while staying focused on the bigger mission of helping our consumer-members during this turbulent time. 

Now, with the holidays fast approaching, these recent events have made me pause and think about the role we play in our community. While our purpose is to provide safe and reliable energy to you, the members we serve, we have a greater mission — to be a catalyst for good. 

You’re probably aware of our Operation Round Up program, where we take donations from generous members like you who have “rounded up” the amount due on their electric bill to help organizations in our community or our Youth Tour program, where we take our community’s brightest young people to Washington, D.C., for a week-long immersion to experience democracy in action.  

We also have a strong commitment to safety — not just for our employees, but for our community as well. We visit schools to teach fourth grade students in Marshall County how to stay safe around electricity. We hold safety demonstrations at community meetings and other gatherings. 

You’ll also see our employees serving on local boards, coaching youth sports, volunteering at charitable events and volunteering for their local fire department and EMS. When you work at a co-op, you understand how important a strong community is — after all, without you, the co-op wouldn’t exist. 

We know that our core job is to keep the lights on; but our passion is our community. We live and work here too, and we want to make it a better place for all. 

If there’s anything we can do to help you — whether providing energy-saving advice to help lower your monthly bill or discuss payment plan options during these difficult times — please reach out to us at 574-936-3161.

Concern for community is the heart and soul of who we are. And no matter what the future brings, you can count on your electric co-op to care about you.