As an electric cooperative, our top priority is always to provide reliable, affordable energy to you, the members we serve. Because we are a co-op, our mission is to enrich the lives of our members and serve the long-term interests of our local community. This mission has never been more critical than in recent months. I recognize the essential role we play in serving a special community like ours. 

Who would have fathomed in March that the COVID-19 virus would test our community and our nation? The changing circumstances due to the pandemic have created both challenges and opportunities. Over the past several months, we have all been challenged to operate differently, and Bartholomew County REMC has stepped up to help our members and strengthen the safety net for our most vulnerable neighbors. 

As an essential service, and to ensure reliability of your power supply, we modified our operations to safeguard business continuity. Our line crews and other employees began working on staggered schedules to maintain separation. Many employees worked remotely. In the office, we limited and modified meetings and gatherings to allow for safe separation. We also adjusted our walk-in office availability and offered a drive up option to ensure the health and safety of our employees and our members. In addition, we opted to hold our annual meeting virtually and our board meetings off site to allow for social distancing. For the health and safety of everyone, we think these measures were the appropriate course of action for these times.

For our members impacted by COVID-19, we waived late fees and provided a $45 bill credit in May and a special capital credit refund in July. We have postponed late fees and disconnects for non-payment until this month and are offering payment extensions on any past due balance accumulated before Aug. 14. 

We have seen other local businesses rising to meet similar challenges and providing enhanced flexibility during this time. We are proud to be a part of this community. We care about this community – because we live here too. While the challenges caused by COVID-19 have been daunting, I am inspired by how our community continues to pull together.  In 1937, Bartholomew County REMC was built by this community to serve you, and serving you will continue to be at the heart of everything we do.