Director's Corner

By John Klauder, CCD, BLC, DGC, District 6 Director

The Energy Cooperative Board of Directors works to keep the members’ best interest in mind, whether our cooperative faces a challenge or an opportunity. One of the challenges (and opportunities) the cooperative currently faces is significant growth. We see extraordinary development in the western side of Licking County within John Klauder our service territory. From Etna to Pataskala to New Albany to Johnstown, there is rapidly growing commercial, industrial and residential development. When the board discusses how to approach this growth, we act in the best interest of the membership. With this development comes increased demand. The board is confident our employees will meet this challenge while maintaining high levels of service and commitment to our members and the community.

Another continued challenge for our cooperative is the COVID-19 pandemic. The board continues to be impressed with the employee’s response to the adjusted policies and mandates. Like many of others, most of the cooperative’s employees were suddenly working from home (including the call center) in March of 2020. Our members experienced minimal to no service interruption because our employees continued to meet their needs. We are proud to know every employee continued to provide prompt service. The Board of Directors sends a big “thank you” to our employees. They are the future of the cooperative and are ready to take on the growth of the Energy Cooperative with continued dedication, hard work and perseverance.

Cooperative Principle #2 is democratic member control. Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members. They elect representatives (directors) to actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. You will soon have an opportunity to participate in that democratic process by voting for three directors. You will receive a ballot in late March. The ballots can be returned by mail, or members can vote online. To see the candidate biographies or for more information go to myenergycoop.com.

On behalf of the Board of Directors I would like to thank you for trusting us to keep the members in mind and work to do what is best for the membership and community.

Cast Your Ballot

As a member of the Energy Cooperative, you can participate in the annual election for our Board of Directors. The Energy Cooperative works with Survey & Ballot Systems to conduct the elections. Voting runs from March 30th to May 2nd at 4 p.m. EST. There are multiple ways to vote. Find one that works best for you and cast your ballot.

Vote by Mail

1. Complete the paper ballot you will receive in the mail.

2. Detach the ballot and return in the enclosed envelope.

Vote in SmartHub

Visit and click the Vote Now button. You can also vote in the SmartHub mobile app. Look for the Vote Now option.

Vote Online

1. Go to the website: directvote.net/tecoh

2. Enter your member number and election passcode that are located in the paper ballot you will receive in the mail.

3. Use both numbers to login and register.

4. Follow the online voting instructions to cast your ballot.