COLBY WELLS CEO
Who Owns What? Understanding
electric equipment responsibilities
As July rolls in with extended daylight and rising temperatures, it also brings the increased potential for severe weather.
South Central Arkansas Electric is prepared to respond swiftly to outages and restore power safely, but it is also important for homeowners to understand which parts of the electric system are their responsibility and which are maintained by the cooperative.
Your electric cooperative is responsible for maintaining and repairing the equipment and lines that run to your home, including utility poles, distribution power lines, electric meters and padmounted transformers.
Members are responsible for the equipment located between the electric meter and your home or business. Members are also responsible for the weatherhead and service mast located outside the home.
If any equipment that you (the homeowner) are responsible for is damaged, please call a licensed electrician to conduct the repairs. A professional has the experience and know-how to assess and
manage these types of repairs.
When severe weather damages electrical equipment, it’s important to note that any necessary repairs to the homeowner’s equipment must be completed before our crews restore power to your home or business. By understanding the equipment you are responsible for, the repair and restoration process will be smoother and faster.
Regular trimming is essential to ensure reliable electric service and minimize damage from severe weather. We regularly trim trees and vegetation throughout our service territory to improve service reliability
By working together to understand the essential equipment that powers daily life, we can all be better prepared to start the repair and restoration process if severe weather impacts our community.
South Central Arkansas Electric boosts firefighter safety
South Central Arkansas Electric hosted a dinner and safety demonstration on May 29 for local and area fire departments. The event aimed to enhance first responders' understanding of electrical hazards and safe practices near power lines and equipment.
Firefighters and emergency personnel from a dozen departments attended, including DeGray, Kansas, Gurdon, East Clark County, Beirne, Arkadelphia, Alpine, Gum Springs, Caddo Valley, Curtis and Clark County Emergency Services.
A lineworker from South Central Arkansas Electric performs a high voltage safety demonstration to local firefighters.
Lineworkers led a high voltage safety demonstration, which covered vital topics like identifying energized lines, understanding safe clearance distances and managing downed power lines.
"The safety of our community's first responders is paramount," said Colby Wells, CEO of South Central Arkansas Electric. "By sharing our expertise around electrical equipment, we aim to equip these brave men and women with the knowledge they need to protect themselves and the public during emergencies. It's truly a partnership in safety."
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SOUTH CENTRAL ARKANSAS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC.
Notice is hereby given that the annual membership meeting of South Central Arkansas Electric Cooperative, Inc. will be held on Thursday, July 24, at the headquarters of the cooperative, located at 4818 Highway 8 West, Arkadelphia, in Clark County, beginning at 2 p.m., for the following purposes: 1. To pass on reports for the fiscal year 2. To elect three (3) directors for the cooperative to each serve three (3) year terms. 3. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting.
Our offices will close for Independence Day on Friday, July 4.
Area students chosen to receive scholarships
South Central Arkansas Electric Cooperative and South Central Connect congratulate this year’s scholarship recipients:
• Scarlett Hasley of Arkadelphia High School, who will attend Ouachita Baptist University.
• Clay Walraven of Nevada High School, who will attend Southern Arkansas University.
• Kiersten Priddy of Spring Hill High School, who will attend the University of Arkansas.
• Carson Carozza of Arkadelphia High School, who will attend Ouachita Baptist University.
• Mollie Cox of Gurdon High School, who will attend Henderson State University.
• Karleigh Carlton of Spring Hill High School, who will attend University of Arkansas HopeTexarkana.
• Caytlee Poole of Prescott High School, who will attend Southern Arkansas University.
• Reese Campbell of Arkadelphia High School, who will attend Louisiana State University.
• Hope Hargrove of Centerpoint High School, who will attend National Park College.
• Tate Spray of Centerpoint High School, who will attend Harding University.
• Lainee King who currently attends National Park College.
• Emma “Gracee” King who currently attends National Park College.
• Tina Barksdale of Centerpoint High School, who will attend the University of Central Arkansas.
• Emily Stanich who currently attends Southern Arkansas University.
• Allison Bell of Arkadelphia High School, who will attend the University of Central Arkansas.
• Savannah Bree Currey who currently attends the University of Arkansas.
Jace Benson is the recipient of our Lineman Scholarship and will attend the ASU-Newport High Voltage Lineman Technology program in the fall.
Alli Bell is the recipient of the Joe Magnini Scholarship and will attend the University of Central Arkansas.
Scholarship recipients from Arkadelphia High School: (from left) Carson Carozza, Scarlett Hasley, Jill Reynolds (employee) Allison Bell and Reese Campbell.
Clay Walraven
Kiersten Priddy Centerpoint High Schoool recipients: (from left) Brian Kirksey (South Central board president), Hope Hargrove, Tate Spray, Tina Barksdale and Nan Kirksey (selection committee member).
Mollie Cox
Karleigh Carlton Caytlee Poole Lainee King
Emily Stanich
Emma "Gracee" King
Savannah Bree Currey
Jace Benson
Alli Bell
COLBY WELLS CEO
Our
Responsibility, Your Power: Building
brighter futures
A Message from Colby Wells, CEO
As a new school year begins, we’re reminded that our mission at South Central Electric Cooperative reaches far beyond keeping the lights on. It’s about empowering the next generation — not just with electricity, but with opportunity, knowledge and trust.
Our 2025–2026 theme, Our Responsibility, Your
Power, captures what it means to be a cooperative. It’s our responsibility to deliver safe, reliable and affordable service. It’s your power to guide our future and help your community thrive.
This issue highlights how we’re investing in education, energy efficiency and youth leadership — from school visits and scholarships to Youth Tour experiences that shape tomorrow’s leaders.
Thank you for trusting us. Together, we’re not just powering homes. We’re powering futures.
Our Responsibility, Your Power: South Central’s vision for 2025-2026
With more than 80 years of experience, South Central Electric Cooperative continues to adapt and grow with our members. While technology evolves and communities expand, one thing remains the same — the trust you place in us.
Our Responsibility, Your Power isn’t just a slogan — it’s a promise. It reminds us who we are, what we do and why we do it.
Our responsibility: A daily commitment
At South Central, responsibility is more than a job — it’s a calling.
From lineworkers in the field to your local service representatives, every team member is focused on serving you.
• We maintain over 1,800 miles of line with regular inspections,
right-of-way clearing and system upgrades.
• We prioritize safety through continuous training and protocols to protect both our employees and members.
• We act as financial stewards, ensuring every dollar spent is done with transparency and long-term value in mind.
Your Power: More than electricity
As a co-op member, your power is more than what comes through the lines:
• Ownership: You elect our board members who vote on policies, giving you a voice in how your cooperative operates.
• Partnership: We work for you, not for profit. Every improvement is made with members in mind.
• Information: We share resources, tools and tips to help you manage usage and save on bills.
• Community: From scholarships to local events, we invest in the places we call home.
Turning the theme Into action
We're bringing Our Responsibility, Your Power to life through three major focus areas this year:
• Reliability & system education —
We’re improving how we communicate about outages, repairs and upgrades — through videos, infographics and educational content that take members behind the scenes.
• Energy efficiency & rates
We're expanding programs that help you save — like take-home efficiency kits, seasonal energy tips and home energy audits to reduce usage and lower monthly bills.
• Improved member services
Through our journey mapping project, we’re reviewing every interaction — from new service applications to outage reporting — to make your experience faster and easier.
Powering the school year
As backpacks are packed and buses roll out, August marks more than a new school year — it’s a fresh opportunity to invest in our youth, our communities and our future.
We believe responsible power starts with empowered members, especially the next generation. That’s why we focus on smart energy habits in the classroom and at home.
Smart habits start young
Energy efficiency can begin in early childhood. Small habits make a big impact:
• Unplug devices when not in use
• Turn off lights when leaving a room
• Adjust thermostats during school hours
• Talk about energy use and conservation with your kids.
Brian Kirksey (President) Scott Clark (Vice President) Karen Kirkpatrick (Secretary-Treasurer)
Batson
Buck
Francis
Loe
Trout
Our offices will close on Monday, Sept. 1, in observance of Labor Day.
Powerful youth, powerful communities
We’re proud to support local students in a variety of ways, including:
• Scholarships to help students pursue higher education
• Youth Tour — an unforgettable trip to Washington, D.C., that builds leadership and civic awareness
• Youth Leadership Programs that explore careers, co-op values and energy education
• School visits and field trips that offer hands-on learning experiences.
Our investment in young people today helps shape the informed, responsible co-op members and community leaders of tomorrow.
Youth Tour 2025: Building leaders
This June, South Central proudly sent Trace Young of Arkadelphia and Cole Chesshire of Alpine to Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., to join others from across the state for the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour.
From Capitol Hill meetings to visits to national landmarks, these students saw democracy and leadership in action — and returned home inspired to make a difference.
Youth Tour isn’t just a trip — it’s an investment in our future.
Together, we power the future
Most of our work happens quietly — in the field, at substations or behind the scenes in our offices. But every effort we make is focused on one thing: you
Whether it’s keeping the lights on, helping a student discover a career path or offering tools to help you save on your electric bill, we’re proud to serve.
Thank you for being part of the South Central family
Our Responsibility is to serve. Your Power is why we do it.
Top 5 back-to-school energy tips for families
1. Unplug chargers
Devices still draw energy even when not in use. Unplug phone and tablet chargers when homework is done!
2. Use natural light
Open blinds and do homework near windows to reduce the need for lamps or overhead lighting.
3. Power down daily
Encourage kids to shut down computers and gaming systems completely at night — not just leave them in sleep mode.
4. Pack energy-saving lunches
Use reusable containers and water bottles to cut down on waste and energy used in production.
5. Set thermostats wisely
Adjust temps when the house is empty during the day. A 2-3 degree change can mean big savings!
Today’s students are tomorrow’s cooperative leaders — and we’re proud to power their paths.
From left: South Central Arkansas Electric Cooperative Youth Tour delegate Trace Young, chaperone and SCAEC Public Relations Coordinator Shelley Tucker and delegate Cole Chesshire visit the U.S. Capitol as part of a weeklong educational tour to Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia.
COLBY WELLS CEO
Thank you for making your voice heard
We want to extend a heartfelt thankyou to every South Central member who participated in this year’s board election. Your vote is your voice — and your voice holds power.
Congratulations to our three members elected to the Board of Directors:
• Brian Kirksey
• Shelley Loe
• Kevin Jester
As community members and cooperative leaders, they share in our commitment to serve with purpose, transparency and heart.
At South Central, your power goes beyond electricity — it’s about shaping the future of your cooperative. Every ballot cast is a reflection of our shared values and a reminder that, together, we are stronger.
Our Responsibility. Your Power. Thank you for being part of it.
South Central Arkansas Electric held its annual meeting on July 24 at the cooperative's headquarters in Arkadelphia.
Now accepting applications for the 2025 POWERful Youth Program!
Are you a high school sophomore or junior ready to grow as a leader, explore exciting career paths and make a difference in your community? The POWERful Youth Program is your chance to shine!
Through hands-on experiences, leadership workshops and peer connections, students will discover the power of cooperation and the vital role electric co-ops play in shaping the future. Plus, participants have the opportunity to earn scholarships, travel to the state Capitol and even attend a life-changing leadership trip to Washington, D.C.
Apply now to be part of something powerful!
Visit SCAEC.com/community to learn more and submit your application. Deadline to apply is Sept. 1.
Stronger together:
Building relationships before the next crisis
In a year marked by devastating storms and widespread emergencies across the region, one message has become clear: Preparedness starts with partnership.
South Central Arkansas Electric Cooperative invites local, state and federal officials, Arkansas Department of Transportation employees, emergency responders and large account representatives to join us for POWERful Partnerships at our Arkadelphia office on Oct. 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will be a day designed to strengthen the connections that matter most before disaster strikes.
Through interactive tours, open dialogue and face-to-face collaboration, this event will spotlight how we can work better, respond faster and support our communities more effectively — together.
Let’s build the bridge now, not in the aftermath.
Brian Kirksey (President) Scott Clark (Vice President) Karen Kirkpatrick (Secretary-Treasurer)
Batson
Buck
Francis
Loe
Trout
Our offices will close on Monday, Sept. 1, in observance of Labor Day.
POWERful Youth participants visit the offices of the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas in Little Rock.
Invest in the future of our youth
Become a Scholarship Golf Tournament and Banquet sponsor toda
At South Central Arkansas Electric Cooperative, we believe that shaping strong, local leaders starts with empowering young minds. That’s why we proudly host our annual South Central Scholarship Golf Tournament and Banquet — a signature event that fuels every youth initiative we offer.
From our POWERful Youth Leadership Program and college scholarships , to once-in-a-lifetime trips like Youth Tour to Washington, D.C. , this event is the sole funding source. Every dollar raised through sponsorships goes directly to benefit students right here in our service territory — helping us invest in the next generation of community leaders, linemen, engineers, educators, and more.
But we can’t do it without you.
We’re currently seeking sponsors for the 2025 tournament and banquet. Whether you're a returning supporter or new to this mission, your partnership makes a meaningful difference in the lives of local youth.
Sponsorship levels and benefits are available. From signage and recognition at the event to networking opportunities with community leaders and other supporters, your sponsorship not only supports a cause — it puts your business on the map in a big way.
Help us build brighter futures, one student at a time.
For more information or to reserve your sponsorship, please contact Shelley Tucker at stucker@SCAEC.com
Together, we’re doing more than raising funds — we’re raising leaders.
