SEIREMC understands the importance of working together to accomplish great things. Here are some of the ways we have recently been working with others on behalf of our members.

Working with other co-ops

Cooperation among cooperatives is one of our core principles. In addition to giving and receiving help during extensive storm restoration efforts, co-ops come together to develop programs and services that benefit our members in a number of ways.

Here are some examples:

• Broadband programs to help break down the rural/urban digital divide. 
• Grassroots initiatives to amplify the political voice of rural Indiana residents. 
• Residential and commercial rebate programs to help our members use energy efficiently and save money.

Working with Community organizations

Commitment to community is also one of our core principles. In the past few months, your REMC has been very active in community activities across our seven-county service area. We love being actively involved in our communities and helping to support the work of other groups and organizations to help improve the quality of life in southeast Indiana.

Recent involvements:

• 4-H fairs
• Event sponsorships 
• Operation Round Up program

Working with legislators

Sen. Chris Garten visited Southeastern Indiana REMC’s headquarters on Tuesday, July 27, to talk about issues affecting the quality of life in southeast Indiana. During his visit, he toured the headquarters facilities, currently under construction, and participated in an informative Q&A session about important issues affecting the cooperative and its members.

A few of the topics that were discussed were:

• SEIREMC’s diligent efforts to reclaim right-of-way (ROW) to improve system reliability and line-loss.  
• The unique partnership that SEIREMC has in its joint venture with SEI Communications to provide a fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) project to the members of Southeastern Indiana REMC. The importance of state and federal funding to help make rural broadband projects possible.
• The financial impact recent legislative action on pole attachments will have on rural electric cooperatives.

On Thursday, July 29, SEIREMC and SEI Communications were invited to attend a broadband roundtable meeting with Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch and several other Indiana cooperatives.

The purpose of the meeting was to:

• Provide feedback about broadband initiatives in rural Indiana. 
• Discuss challenges and opportunities associated with obtaining funding for these projects. 
• Discuss the crucial need for accurate data regarding internet speeds and availability from the unserved and underserved residents of rural Indiana. 

Working effectively together is crucial to building a strong community and improving the quality of life for all. It is an ongoing effort that will require teamwork, tenacity, and a desire for continual growth and improvement. Southeastern Indiana REMC demonstrates its commitment to these things every day and will continue to do so, in keeping with our mission to safely provide reliable electricity and diversified services to the members and communities we serve.