The holiday season brings a spirit of generosity and compassion. It’s a time to reflect on our many blessings and uplift those in need. While this is certainly a special time of year, cooperatives like Pee Dee Electric are deeply rooted in giving back to their local communities year-round.

Our mission is reliable power. Our purpose is people—the members we’re proud to serve. Pee Dee Electric’s Care to Share grant program is made possible through members’ participation in “rounding up” electric bills to the next dollar amount. Your generous contributions help less fortunate families in our community and support local charitable organizations and community services. Since 2005, over $2 million has been donated to local nonprofits throughout our seven-county service area.

Another way Pee Dee Electric gives back is by investing in tomorrow’s leaders. We aim to empower students for a brighter future through our Bright Ideas Grant Program, safety presentations at elementary schools, scholarship opportunities, and the Cooperative’s Youth Tour program. When we invest in our local youth, we strengthen the fabric of our community.

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, we believe in giving credit where credit is due–to the members who shape our co-op. One way we do this is through capital credits. Because Pee Dee Electric operates at cost, we give cash back to our members rather than outside investors or shareholders.

Here’s how capital credits work

Pee Dee Electric members use the electricity we provide and pay their monthly bills, and we track their business with the co-op over time. Pee Dee Electric pays all operating expenses throughout the year, and if any operating revenue is left, we allocate it back to members as capital credits. When financial conditions permit, the co-op’s board of directors votes to pay capital credits back to the members. In September 2024, Pee Dee returned capital credits to members who received electric service in 1997.

Capital credits are just one of the many benefits of co-op membership. Giving back to our local members instead of outside parties is one of the many aspects that set cooperatives apart from other types of businesses.

Our members guide every decision we make and are the reason our co-op exists. To us, you’re more than just a customer; you are a member. We hope you’re proud to be part of a community-focused co-op that puts people before profits this holiday season.

Merry Christmas!

As you enter this season of traditions and celebrations, I urge you to focus on the important things in your life—faith, family and friends. It is so easy to get caught up in the “busyness” of the season, that we don’t allow ourselves to take the time to truly enjoy the most important parts of our lives. There is no doubt – life can be difficult at times. Through the birth of Jesus, we are given many wonderful gifts, with one of those gifts being hope. Hope gets us through the difficult times. True hope is found in the tiny manger in Bethlehem—hope for healing, comfort, peace, forgiveness, renewed faith – and the list goes on and on.

I pray this Christmas season will be full of wonderful traditions, fun celebrations and hope fulfilled! From the Board of Directors and employees of Pee Dee Electric, we wish you a very happy and joyful Holiday Season!