Celebrating National Cooperative Month
Isn’t it amazing how things can turn around on a dime? We went from desperately dry and utterly hopeless times to lush green vegetation in the blink of an eye. Thankfully, springs have started flowing again, some creeks and rivers are running, and lake levels are gradually coming up. We are truly grateful for the life-giving rain, but it did come at a cost and caused some problems for the Co-op. There were outages, and storm-driven winds and lightning took out a considerable number of poles and damaged equipment throughout our system. Granted, it seems a small price to pay for the rain that was so late in coming.
We try to expedite repairs, but realize that there’s not always a quick fix that can be applied. Your understanding in these situations is appreciated more than mere words can express. I understand how frustrating it can be when you’re sitting there in the dark, and there are not frequent updates on social media with your outage status. That’s because it is impossible for the crews to be actually conducting work, and be on the satellite radios at the same time. The work takes priority. We do post updates, when we have news from the crews in the field.
To those of you who may be new to remote parts of Rio Grande’s service territory, I would like to welcome you, and let you know that the rugged beauty and tranquility you came here for are the same things that can slow restoration times. You will likely never have an outage in the Big Bend, for example, restored as quickly as when you lived in Dallas, Houston, or from wherever life brings you. You will also never have a group work any harder to provide service, or to genuinely care about you. You’ll likely never be a part of another organization that cooperates with one another, as completely as Rio Grande’s members, board, and employees. I sound biased, but it’s all true.
As we observe National Cooperative Month, I honestly could not think of a better example of the cooperative spirit than we have within Rio Grande Electric Cooperative. I’m including members in this, as well, because you are the Cooperative. We exist because of you, for you, and we never forget that we work for you.
I hope you will be able to join us virtually for the emPOWER Summit, RGEC’s 77th Annual Meeting, Saturday, October 8. As I said, it’s your Co-op. We conduct annual meetings to inform you about this business you own. We want you to ask questions, to give us your feedback. . .to participate, and not just during the annual meeting, but any time you have questions.