We all live by rules. Rules help keep society orderly. They protect individual rights, and they give families and businesses a fair basis for planning. We make better decisions when we understand the rules and can trust they’re not going to change without warning. The same is true at your local electric cooperative.
The violent windstorm that swept across Ohio and much of the rest of the Midwest on March 13 was a powerful reminder about how quickly the weather can change — and how much we all depend on electricity in our daily lives.
Gusts were strong enough to bring down trees, snap utility poles, peel shingles, and unceremoniously toss around just about anything that wasn’t tied down. In other words, it was the kind of weather that makes folks worry about whether or not their lights will stay on.
April is a month that naturally invites reflection. As seasons begin to shift and routines change, it gives us an opportunity to pause and recognize the people whose work often goes unnoticed, but whose impact is felt every single day. For electric cooperatives, April 13 holds special significance because it’s Lineworker Appreciation Day — a time to recognize those who keep our electric systems running through every challenge.
When severe winter weather recently swept across Ohio and much of the eastern United States, it put significant strain on the electric grid. As temperatures dropped, electricity demand surged and fuel systems tightened. It was a challenging period that once again showed what truly matters during extreme cold: a reliable, diverse power supply that performs under pressure.
As electric cooperatives, our main job obviously is to keep the lights on. We’re also dedicated to keeping our members informed about things like reliable service, affordable rates, and important rules that affect our business. We often talk about the benefits of being self-regulated, even though there are plenty of laws and regulations that also apply to us as we perform those important functions.
Happy New Year! It’s hard to believe that a full year has passed since I began writing these messages as CEO of our statewide association of electric cooperatives. 2025 was a fulfilling year, filled with both highlights and challenges, and I’ve been grateful for the opportunity to share my thoughts and to reflect on our progress.
Kyle Hicks, the new senior government affairs analyst at Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, hadn’t always planned to pursue a career in public policy — he wanted to be a teacher.
Hicks decided to apply to take the trip after hearing about the experiences his mom and sister had when they went on Youth Tour in 1994 and 2017, respectively. South Central Power selected him as one of its delegates as he was finishing his junior year at Amanda-Clearcreek High School, and that summer, he boarded a D.C.-bound bus with 30 other Ohio students who had been sponsored by their own co-ops.
December is a special time of year. The days may be shorter and colder, but there’s a lot to like. College and pro football start to get really interesting as rankings and playoff hopes take shape, and most of us aren’t too tired of the weather (yet). Christmas music can be heard everywhere, and for those of us who love it, especially the deep cuts or new songs just being released, it brings a lot of positive energy to the season. I look forward to discovering new Christmas music each year and love listening to favorites I haven’t heard for the last 11 months.
