Navigating changes and celebrating resilience
 

AS WE APPROACH the end of the year, I want to share some important updates regarding our cooperative and our community.

First, I want to inform you that the Santee Cooper rate freeze will expire at the end of December 2024. This rate freeze was put in place to stabilize costs during a challenging period, but its expiration will lead to increased rates for our members. We understand that using energy wisely is important, but we also need to remember that as rates go up in the future, Santee Cooper will take charge of navigating that change. As your cooper­ative, we are closely examining our budget to identify ways to save money and mini­mize the impact on our members, includ­ing potential budget reductions. We are committed to advocating for your interests as we navigate these changes.

Next, I want to address the recent impact of Hurricane Helene. This his­toric storm brought unprecedented chal­lenges and caused lasting damage to our area. Our service territory alone faced the worst recorded damage, with more than 1,500 poles down across our 5,700-mile service area. To put the size of this area into perspective, that’s the equivalent of a trip to Seattle and back. The widespread destruction required immediate restora­tion efforts and significant rebuilding of our infrastructure.

I am proud to report that we exceeded our original restoration timelines thanks to the remarkable teamwork of crews, employees and contractors from 15 states. For the first time in our co-op’s history, we set up a Tent City to house our dedi­cated workers, providing meals, showers and laundry services. Their hard work and commitment made all the difference, and we are incredibly grateful for their support.

I also want to extend my heart-felt thanks to you, our members. Your patience and understanding during this challenging time have been invaluable as we navigated the aftermath of the storm. Your cooperation made it possible for us to restore services swiftly and effectively. Many of you took the time to donate to our crews and send cards of thanks and cheer. We are incredibly grateful for your kind gestures, support and understanding.

As we look ahead to the holiday season, I wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Your membership is not just valuable to us; it is the heartbeat of our coopera­tive. We appreciate your support and look forward to serving you in the coming year.

Gary L. Stooksbury, Chief Executive Officer