In March 2020, Pee Dee Electric made the difficult decision to close both of the cooperative’s lobbies. While difficult, we absolutely made the right decision because it was of the utmost importance to protect the health of members and employees. We had certain employees work remotely and staggered our line crews in an effort to combat COVD-19. Little did we know that one year later, our doors would remain closed.

After reviewing the declining number of active COVID-19 cases in our service territory and the increasing availability of the COVID-19 vaccine, the decision has been made to reopen our offices. Beginning on May 3, we will resume normal operations and reopen our lobbies for business. As you know, our employees’ and members’ safety is our top priority, and Pee Dee Electric is taking special measures to protect visitors and employees as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

We’re requesting that our members follow the recommended social distancing guidelines within our offices. We ask all visitors to follow instructions as posted on lobby signage, floor markers, and directional signs for your safety and others.

As the pandemic continues, Pee Dee Electric members are encouraged to use the co-op’s drive-thru service or other electronic means of doing business whenever possible to reduce the risk of exposure.

To minimize health risks for members and employees, Pee Dee Electric is following CDC guidelines and taking additional precautions, including:

• Requiring employees and visitors to wear masks, and wash or sanitize hands frequently
• Traffic flow will be directed by enter and exit signage, directional arrows, and floor markings
• Adding social distancing markers to our lobby floors to help keep visitors at least 6 feet apart
• Providing face masks and sanitizing products to our offices and employees
• Enhancing cleaning and disinfecting procedures throughout our offices

Most services can be handled remotely, reducing the need to visit one of our offices. Members are highly encouraged to conduct co-op business through our website, mobile app, or over the telephone when possible. Our Member Services Department is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and can be reached by calling 1-800-992-1626. Members may download the PeeDeePower mobile app from their device’s app store or access our Member Portal on our website — pdemc.com.

May is electrical safety month, and while we work to promote a culture of 24/7 safety, we must continue to protect each other from the threat of COVID-19. As we begin the process of reopening our offices, I hope this is the beginning of the return to some sense of normalcy. By working together, we can finally beat this virus and continue to keep each other safe!