Steve Seibert

During the holidays, many things come to mind — happy memories of seasons past, good food (and expanded waistlines!), great family and long-awaited gifts. And if you’re like me, the holidays bring about thoughts of giving back, spreading love and sharing joy.

Perhaps you commit random acts of kindess such as serving food for the hungry or giving money to local charities. However you share your own unique holiday spirit, know that we here at Southern Indiana Power strive to share our spirit with you.

Who knew such a simple program that started at a South Carolina co-op 27 years ago would have the ability to affect all of us years later? The money raised from rounding up your electric bill to the next dollar is used to do good works in our communities. Today, hundreds of electric co-ops throughout the country, including Southern Indiana Power, use this idea to help members and organizations close to home.

The Operation Round Up program is the perfect embodiment of the “concern for community” core principle. The average co-op member donates $6 with a maximum possible contribution of $11.88 per year. This may not seem like a large amount, but when combined with an estimated 10,000 meters, it adds up to make a significant impact.

The program is always voluntary, and at any time, members can change their minds about participating. Once folks see the good work the program does in their community, they almost always keep contributing.

Since its inception in 2006, the Southern Indiana Power’s Operation Round Up program has awarded $383,112 back to our communities. This has included helping local churches, assisting the local food pantry and providing funds so that the local fire department can get a needed piece of equipment.

These efforts bring an electric co-op like us even closer to the communities we serve. Operation Roundup is a perfect example of that cooperative spirit this holiday season.

If you have any ideas for ways we could better serve you and your neighbors, please let us know.

STEVE SEIBERT
President/CEO