President’s Message

By Todd Ware, President & Chief Executive Officer

Responding to COVID-19

The Energy Cooperative remains committed to providing our members with safe, reliable and affordable energy now and always. We understand the critical importance of the services we provide to our members. This is particularly true in the most difficult of times, such as the one we are currently facing.

Our cooperative is dedicated to safety. In addition to keeping the lights on, the gas flowing, and propane tanks full, we keep the safety of our employees and members as priority number one. This includes a commitment to our employee’s health. For that reason, it is imperative that we help minimize social contact for our employees during this time and give them and their families the best opportunity to avoid exposure to COVID-19. As this situation is ever changing, I encourage you to visit myenergycoop.com/covid-19-response to review the latest steps we are taking during this pandemic. You can also follow The Energy Cooperative on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest updates on this situation, as well as resources for energy efficiency, electric and natural gas safety information, and more.

Disconnect Suspension

We are sensitive to our members who have financial difficulties related to the COVID-19 outbreak. Effective March 13th, we suspended disconnection of services for non-payment for our residential and commercial members. Although non-pay disconnects are suspended, I encourage everyone to continue to make payments so you will not have a large bill to settle when this is over. As always, if you are having difficulties paying your bill contact member services at 1-800-255-6815.

Event Cancellations and Updates

The Governor’s guidelines to postpone large gatherings led us to cancel Earth & Energy Day and Kids Day at the Works. All our employees look forward to hosting member events, and we hope to have an opportunity to treat our members again soon. While not canceled, the Board of Directors postponed our 2020 Annual Meeting of Members. They will decide in the upcoming months when the 2020 Annual Meeting will be held. Once a date has been confirmed, members will receive the Annual Meeting notice and election ballot approximately 30-45 days prior to the date of the meeting.

Free High-Speed Internet Hot Spots

The Energy Cooperative is offering free 24-hour, high-speed wireless internet access throughout our communities. These parking lot hot spots are available for our members, neighbors and friends during this COVID-19 pandemic. Parking lot hot spots are a way to maintain social distancing while also accessing the internet from your vehicle. You’ll be able to connect to our members network at our Newark, Hebron and Utica offices. Visit myenergycoop.com/hotspots for additional information on this free service.

In this together

Finally, I want to thank our employees for their incredible commitment to The Energy Cooperative and our member communities. These are difficult times with a great deal of uncertainty. Together we will get through this. I look forward to the day when we resume normal operations.