As your local power provider, Pee Dee Electric’s mission has always been simple: keep the lights on and support the communities we serve. Fulfilling that mission means taking a long-term view of the infrastructure that delivers power to your homes, farms, schools and businesses every day.

Much of the electric system serving our communities today was built decades ago. While it continues to serve our members well, time, weather and growing demand take their toll. From poles and wires to transformers and substations, every part of the grid has a defined lifespan. Routine maintenance helps extend that lifespan, but eventually, equipment must be repaired or updated to meet modern safety and performance standards. These proactive investments reduce the likelihood of outages, shorten restoration times when disruptions occur, and strengthen the backbone of the electric system serving our community.

Reliability doesn’t happen by chance. It happens because of careful planning, disciplined investment, and a commitment to doing what’s right for our members—today and for generations to come.

The demands on the electric grid are also evolving. Homes and businesses today use more electricity than ever, and that trend is expected to continue. Electric vehicles, advanced heating and cooling systems, smart appliances, and new commercial and industrial facilities all place additional demand on the distribution system. Strategic upgrades allow us to plan ahead rather than react after problems arise, ensuring we can meet growing needs while maintaining the level of reliability our members expect.

At the same time, new technologies are reshaping how we operate. Tools such as automated switching devices, smart meters, drones, and advanced monitoring systems allow us to identify issues faster, isolate problems, and restore power more efficiently. These technologies improve insight for our crews, enhance safety, and provide real-time data that supports smarter planning and maintenance decisions.

As a member-owned cooperative, we take a responsible, long-term approach to investing your dollars. While these improvements require thoughtful planning and financial investment, the return is significant. A stronger grid supports economic growth, improves service quality, and enhances safety for our crews and the communities we serve. Most importantly, it ensures that the essential power you rely on is available whenever you need it.

Our commitment to reliability runs deeper than infrastructure alone. It reflects our responsibility to you, our members. Every upgrade, every repair, and every technology investment is made with the goal of delivering reliable service you can count on. By investing in our local grid today, we are building a stronger, more resilient electric system and preparing our community for the future.

Reliability doesn’t happen by chance. It happens because of careful planning, disciplined investment, and a commitment to doing what’s right for our members—today and for generations to come.

Warm regards,

Jordan Hildreth
Chief Executive Officer