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We’re Different—We’re Looking Out for You

Most of you know electric cooperatives are different from other businesses you deal with. To tell you the truth, I like being different. And the fact that you’re reading this article shows you like that difference, too. We’re different because South Plains Electric Cooperative is looking out for you. Now, more than ever, that’s important because we need to work together to keep your electric bills affordable.

Congress did not pass a comprehensive climate bill last year. In January, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began regulating greenhouse gases—an action made possible by a 2007 Supreme Court decision, followed by rulings allowing the EPA to use the Clean Air Act to curb carbon emissions. Policies dealing with coal ash and even more stringent controls on other power plant emissions could also lead to higher costs. It’s hard to predict the future, but one thing seems certain: Government regulations are likely to increase the cost of doing business.

New regulations won’t be the only culprit. Prices for fuel, materials and equipment will continue to rise. Although the recent economic slump and corresponding drop in electricity demand provided some much-needed breathing room, soon we will need to build new power plants, requiring a significant, long-term investment of time and money.

We’re committed to taking every possible step to minimize the effect of all this on our consumers. We’re controlling costs through innovation, taking advantage of new technologies throughout our system. On the member side, we’re providing a wealth of energy conservation resources to make sure you’re getting the best value out of the energy you use.

Above all, we’re member focused. No matter what comes our way, we’ll continue to put you, our members, first. South Plains Electric Cooperative is member controlled and locally operated. As a member, you have a voice in how your co-op operates. At our annual meeting each year, you have the opportunity to elect fellow members to our board of directors to represent your best interests. Our annual meetings are held in September and will be September 13 this year.

Member control means we are accountable to those we serve and are dedicated to assisting our communities—your money stays at work close to home. When it comes to your electric bill, our rates are set simply to cover the cost of doing business, not to generate profits for stockholders.

In fact, as a not-for-profit organization, any revenue we earn beyond expenses is allocated back to the members as capital credits. And, when financial conditions allow, the funds are returned to the members.

The bottom line? We exist only to serve you and meet your needs for safe, reliable and affordable power.

As you can see, we’re different. We’re working together to keep your electric bills affordable. We’re controlling costs through innovation. And we’re continuing to put you, our members, first. No matter what the future brings, one thing is certain. South Plains Electric Cooperative is looking out for you.