PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

By Todd Ware, President & Chief Executive Officer

Ohio winters bring more than snowflakes and chilly winds. Winter brings a holiday season full of family gatherings, holiday baking and staying warm by the fireplace. As we enjoy these seasonal comforts, it is worth pausing to reflect on something you may never think about—the energy behind it all!

Electrical Power Grid

America's electrical power grid is an engineering marvel. It supports nearly every sector of our economy and underpins our national security. It delivers electricity across thousands of miles at remarkable speed and precision, powering everything from Christmas lights to smartphones and traffic signals. Electricity keeps our homes warm, grocery stores stocked, and factories running. It is easy to take this for granted when it works as intended.

For most Ohioans, electricity is available at the flip of a switch, day and night. Behind that convenience lies a highly complex, carefully balanced system. The grid must constantly match supply with demand — in real time, through all seasons, and in any weather conditions. That is why even modest threats to the grid's stability deserve serious attention. Today, the utility industry faces significant challenges in providing that always-available power. As energy demand continues to rise, many of the most reliable generation sources are scheduled to retire because of unrealistic environmental regulations and pressure from advocacy groups.

PJM Interconnection, the regional transmission organization that oversees the electric grid in Ohio, has cautioned that if reliable generation retires too quickly and new resources do not come online in time, the grid could struggle to keep up. This warning is especially concerning during bitterly cold winter days or ice storms, when demand for heat surges and electricity is needed most.

Natural Gas Pipeline System

America's network of natural gas pipelines works similarly to fuel our communities. Utilities deliver natural gas through 2.8 million miles of underground pipeline systems, which include 2.4 million miles of local utility distribution pipelines and 400,000 miles of transmission pipeline throughout the country.

The American Gas Association recently shared its 2025 Winter Heating Outlook. In this publication, they predict natural gas utilities will meet high winter demand with record natural gas production, showing continued reliability for American families, businesses and industries.

Your Energy Cooperative

Your cooperative understands your need for safe, reliable energy that will last for future generations. That is why we continue to work with policymakers on practical solutions that balance environmental responsibility with the urgent need to protect electric grid reliability and smart policies to ensure we can continue to bring you the energy needed for holiday lights, heating your home, charging your devices, and so much more!

On behalf of all of us at your cooperative, I wish you and your family a joyful holiday season. May your homes be warm, your lights bright, and your gatherings be full of peace and cheer.

Thank you for trusting us to bring you safe and reliable energy. We will continue to work hard to honor those commitments and work on your behalf.