One of the highlights on our calendar is approaching as Pee Dee Electric prepares to host our Annual Meeting for you, the members we proudly serve. I always look forward to this event because it’s a great opportunity for me and our employees to talk with our members and hear what’s on their minds.

We hope you’ll join us for the annual meeting, which will take place on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023 at the Robert L. and Elizabeth S. Cole Auditorium and Community Center, 1042 Hamlet Ave., Hamlet. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. for registration, exhibits, and entertainment, with the business meeting starting promptly at 7 p.m.

During the annual meeting, we’ll share a few brief business updates on the cooperative’s financials and recent projects. Plus, we will give away several prizes, including three $150 energy credits and a 2014 Chevy Silverado 1500 as the grand prize.

Spending time with you and hearing your take on our community’s energy future is important to us. It’s essential because the members of our community shape everything we do. As I’m sure you know, the energy industry is in the midst of massive change. Changing consumer needs and technology affect how we provide energy to homes, schools, and businesses. As we navigate significant changes in the coming years, we need to hear from you and your neighbors to inform our planning as we strive to meet the long-term needs of all Pee Dee Electric members.

You have a say

You might be wondering if your voice truly matters, and let me assure you – it does! The input we gather from our members and board members serves as a compass, guiding our priorities and future decisions. The annual meeting is also the opportunity to cast your vote for the board of director candidates standing for election. Our board consists of 10 directors, all members like you, who reside and work within our local service area. This ensures they know where community investments are most needed.

When you pay your electric bill, you’re investing in our community

Having insights from members living and working in our community ensures we understand its needs and priorities, guiding how we invest our cooperative funds. Every year, we invest funds to make updates to our local system, which helps maintain reliability and grid resilience. Think of it this way: every time you pay your electric bill, you’re actually investing in your community because all the money we take in stays here in the local community. By making these investments in our local system, we can ensure you have reliable power for everyday life.

Many people might not link their involvement with the electric company to community support. But Pee Dee Electric is not an ordinary utility company. We’re a co-op, and our business model is meant to serve the members and the community in which it operates.

Our core purpose is to provide safe, reliable, and affordable power, but as a co-op, we’re also motivated by service to our community rather than profits. We hope you’ll exercise the benefits of your co-op membership and join us for the annual meeting on Oct. 5.

We look forward to seeing you!