Over the years, you’ve probably heard or read about Orange 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 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 bills to help fund worthwhile projects and programs 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 offer scholarships for local students who want to further their education in college or trade school.

We also have a strong commitment to safety — not just for our employees, but for our community as well. We host electrical safety demonstrations to teach children of all ages how to stay safe around electricity. We also provide safety demonstrations at community meetings and other gatherings.

Orange County REMC invests in the economic development of the community through an active role in our local chamber of commerce. And in recent years, our biggest investment in the community has been our dedication to bringing broadband internet service to the rural areas of our service territory.

You’ll also see our employees serving on local boards, coaching youth sports, volunteering at charitable events and leading various youth groups. Because 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. Because 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. Our newly redesigned website at www.myremc.coop has a “contact us” section, as well as a wealth of information about numerous topics.

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.