One of the things that makes us different from Investor- Owned Utilities (IOUs) is that from the beginning we’ve had only one overriding mission and purpose, and that is to deliver at-cost power to our members as reliably and safely as possible. We were formed because it wasn’t cost effective for IOUs to run power lines to rural areas. There were too few customers per miles of line to spread the cost out effectively. That’s why we got together and with assistance from the Rural Electrification Act, did it ourselves. Now even today, in a growing area like ours, Brunswick Electric has about 13 meters per mile of line, while most IOUs have more than double that number. So how have we, with fewer meters to spread out the cost of operations, been able to keep our rates equivalent to publicly traded utilities, with no increase in nearly 10 years? Through careful management that always puts you first.

Every year we publish an annual report and distribute a copy to each of you in the September issue of Carolina Country. We have extra copies available at our offices all year round (or find it online). This report details the key activities we’ve been doing on your behalf over the year, and includes financial statements. It features our bond and insurance ratings, which are always superior and help keep costs down. Also included are some of the capital projects we are working on to make sure we can accommodate growth and maintain 99.92% reliability. We think it’s important that you know what we’re doing, and why.

Another way we’re different is our personalized approach to serving you. Last year we answered well over 300,000 member phone calls personally. And whenever possible, we work one-on-one with you to help solve any challenges you may have. Even though we’re growing at a fast pace, and now have over 70,000 member households spread out over 1,500 square miles of service area, we’re still committed to providing the same neighborly service that we dedicated ourselves to from the beginning. You’re a member, not a customer, and what matters to you, matters to us.

We do our best for you every day not just because it’s our job, not just because it’s the right thing to do, and not just because you are our family, friends and neighbors. We do it because it makes us proud. Providing you with something as essential as affordable electricity means we’ve done a good day’s work. That’s something we know our members can relate to. Thanks for being a member, and we’ll keep the lights on for you.