The Newsroom

At-cost electric service; Locally governed; Return excess revenue; Community builders

Our Blog (The Newsroom)

Are you missing out on family time, educational opportunities, smooth business operations, and enjoyable activities due to unreliable electricity or broadband? Ensure a complete and secure life with dependable, affordable electricity through our Who We Are page. Explore our Home Internet page for lightning-fast fiber internet and phone services. Every connection matters to us! We cater to homes, farms, churches, schools, and businesses, striving to enhance lives. Your interest in our cooperative’s efforts to enrich lives is deeply appreciated. Stay updated through our Newsroom.

Warm regards,
Team SEMO

On Behalf of Team SEMO – Thank you!
CEO/Gm Sean's electronic signature
CEO/GM Sean Vanslyke
Smartphone: (573) 703-7694

  • News
    April 16, 2026
    Safety First Is spring yard work on your to-do list? If you are cleaning gutters, working on the roof, or pruning trees, be sure to stay at least 10 feet from power lines. Even if you don’t make contact with a line, electricity can jump if you get too close. Sometimes it’s best to call […]
  • News
    April 15, 2026
    Try vent extenders for energy efficiency! It’s not energy efficient to cover vents with furniture, so what can you do when that vent is under the perfect spot for your cabinet or couch? Get a vent extender! They attach to air vents and redirect the heated or cooled air. It’s a quick fix that’ll pay […]
  • News
    April 14, 2026
    YOU are at the heart of everything we do. There are a lot of titles that are important; mother, father, friend…. But there’s one that means more to us than the rest—member. You are a member of SEMO Electric, which means you are our priority. Discover the benefits of being a member: https://www.gosemo.com/about-us/who-we-are/. #CooperativeDifference
  • News
    April 13, 2026
    April showers bring… potential disruptions. Spring storms can pack a punch—and sometimes that means damage to power lines. If you see a downed or damaged line, always assume it’s energized and stay far away. Report it to SEMO Electric right away. via NRECA #SpringSafety
  • News
    April 12, 2026
    Give your fridge its sparkle back! Spring cleaning vibes are in the air, and your refrigerator deserves some TLC too. Check out these tips that will up your unit’s efficiency and have you saying, “Ice to meet you, sparkling clean fridge!” ✨ Remove expired food. ✨ Deep clean shelves and drawers. ✨ Vacuum underneath, including […]
  • News
    April 11, 2026
    Happy National Pet Day! Whether they’re energizing your home or keeping you company after a long day at work, our furry friends make the best companions! Drop a picture of your hardworking (or hardly working!) sidekick in the comments!
  • News
    April 10, 2026
    Built for Service SEMO Electric is proud to recognize the hardworking men and women who keep our communities powered day and night. Our lineworkers are truly built for service. Whenever the power goes out, you can count on SEMO Electric’s lineworkers to save the day. #LineworkerAppreciationMonth
  • News
    April 9, 2026
    Stay Close. Stay Safe. Cooking something delicious? Stay in the kitchen while you’re frying, grilling, or broiling. Most home fires start on the stovetop—if you leave the room, turn it off. A watched pot really is safer.
  • News
    April 8, 2026
    Now is the Time! Service Your AC Springtime is the perfect time to get your A/C serviced and fully prepared for the hot summer months ahead.
  • News
    April 7, 2026
    Make your life a little easier! Manage your account and pay your monthly statement online or with the SmartHub mobile app. Learn more about your payment options: https://www.gosemo.com/…/payment-billing/payment-options/
  • News
    April 6, 2026
    Before you dig out the gloves and gardening tools, take stock of what utility equipment is in your yard! Utility workers need clearance to maintain equipment. Make sure to not plant near any equipment, such as a padmount transformer or meter.
  • News
    April 5, 2026
    Hoppy Easter to those members who celebrate. As you gather with family and friends, we’re proud to power the moments that matter most. Wishing you a day filled with joy, renewal, and bright beginnings.
  • News
    April 4, 2026
    Line-Dry Your Clothes. Save energy and money—dry your clothes on a clothesline. Line drying clothes will even help extend the life of your clothing.
  • News
    April 3, 2026
    Built by Community During Lineworker Appreciation Month, SEMO Electric celebrates the heroes who keep our communities connected to electricity, and one another. The same community that built this cooperative is the one that built our lineworkers. Join us in thanking them this month. #ThankALineworker
  • News
    April 2, 2026
    Spring Shower Safety Spring showers bring flowers, but they also bring lightning! If you hear thunder or see lightning, refrain from taking a shower until after the storm has passed. That’s because lightning can travel through plumbing, especially if you have metal pipes!
  • News
    April 2, 2026
    Office Closed in Observance of Good Friday SEMO Electric Cooperative will be closed on Friday, April 3, in observance of Good Friday. If you have an emergency or experience an outage, please call (800) 813-5230, or report the outage through the SmartHub app. Stay safe, and enjoy the holiday with your loved ones.
  • News
    March 27, 2026
    Check out what’s growing on! Check out what’s growing on when you peel open a fresh issue of Rural Missouri! You’ll find industry news, local stories, efficiency advice, safety tips and more. Read it online: https://www.nxtbook.com/…/ruralmissouri/202603/index.php
  • News
    March 26, 2026
    You Like Choices. We’ve Got Options! You like choices. Pizza orders. Weekend plans. Even how you pay your electric bill! SEMO Electric offers multiple ways to pay—online, by phone, autopay, in person or via the SmartHub app. Do what works for you. Find your favorite way to pay: https://www.gosemo.com/…/payment-billing/payment-options/
  • News
    March 25, 2026
    Call 811 before you dig. Sprucing things up in your yard this spring? Make sure to call Missouri 811 before you dig to avoid any utility issues! #SafetyFirst
  • News
    March 25, 2026
    Attention! We are aware that an accidental text message was sent notifying member/subscribers of an outage in their area. Please disregard this message. We appreciate you all calling in to inform us of this situation. ***This not associated with a scam.
  • News
    March 24, 2026
    Avoid Counterfeit Chargers Need a new phone charger? It might be tempting to grab a cheap knockoff, but those bargain cords can overheat your phone and even cause a fire. Stick to certified, manufacturer-approved chargers to keep your devices and home safe.
  • News
    March 24, 2026
    Electricity does its job best when we respect it. If you see a downed power line—stay back. Always assume it is energized. Substations are not places to explore. They are built for safety, not access. Those green boxes (underground transformers) may look harmless—but they are not. Give them space. Teach others to do the same. […]
  • News
    March 23, 2026
    Save Energy. Put a Lid On It. #HomeEfficiencyTip: Use a lid when cooking—food cooks faster, so you can turn off your stove sooner, saving you time and money!
  • News
    March 22, 2026
    Let’s Stay Connected. It’s important to keep your contact information current to receive regular updates and communications from SEMO Electric. Head on over to the SmartHub mobile app or call 800-813-5230 to provide your updated information.
  • News
    March 21, 2026
    Call us to report an outage! Spring storms can pop up at any moment. Make sure you have our outage number saved in your phone in case you need it! Call 800-813-5230 to report an outage 24/7/365.
  • News
    March 20, 2026
    Happy First Day of Spring! Spring has sprung and so has the energy of a new season! Say hello to the power of the sun and SEMO Electric as we light up the world together! #FirstDayOfSpring
  • News
    March 19, 2026
    A frayed cord could spark trouble! Freshen up your spring-cleaning routine by checking electrical cords for signs of wear. A frayed cord could spark trouble! Ensure a safe environment by preventing potential electrical hazards. #SpringSafety #ElectricalChecks
  • News
    March 18, 2026
    Have your HVAC serviced. #DYK you should have your HVAC serviced annually? Spring is a great time to have your HVAC serviced to prepare yourself for the coming season and the rest of the year.
  • News
    March 18, 2026
    SEMO Electric Sends Team to Mississippi Six members of Team SEMO traveled to Pontotoc, Mississippi, to assist Pontotoc Electric Power Association with power restoration following Winter Storm Fern. Pontotoc is about 250 miles south of Sikeston and west of Tupelo. The Missouri crews joined other mutual aid teams working around the clock to assess damage, […]
  • News
    March 17, 2026
    Happy St. Patrick’s Day “May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow and may trouble avoid you wherever you go.” – Traditional Irish blessing Wishing you a day filled with good fortune, warm smiles and a little Irish luck along the way. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
  • News
    March 16, 2026
    Stay updated with our online outage map. When a storm affects your power, SEMO Electric works to restore outages as quickly and safely as possible. Our online outage map will keep you updated on our restoration efforts: https://www.gosemo.com/outages-safety/outage-center/
  • News
    March 16, 2026
    Storm Update 3/16/2026 7:09am After nearly 12 hours of restoration work following the storm, crews are wrapping up repairs from an outage that included 11 broken poles. At the height of the outage, over 1,000 members were without power, and thanks to the hard work and dedication of our crews, we are now down to […]
  • News
    March 16, 2026
    Storm Update 5:52 am: Power has been restored to the Town of Diehlstadt, but crews are still working to restore service along Highway 77. So far, 5 of the 7 damaged poles have been set, and crews continue working to complete the remaining repairs as quickly and safely as possible. Thank you for your patience […]
  • News
    March 15, 2026
    Test Your GFCIs Before you spring into action with yardwork and home improvement projects, check your outlets! Have a professional install GFCI outlets outdoors—or anywhere water and electricity could make contact. Already have GFCIs? Be sure to test them! Learn how at https://www.esfi.org/ground-fault-circuit…/… via Electrical Safety Foundation International
  • News
    March 15, 2026
    Preparing for March 15, 2026, Storms The storm is expected to arrive within the next few hours in our area. Please take a few minutes now to prepare. Charge your phones and portable chargers. Make sure you have flashlights, batteries, bottled water, and nonperishable food ready. If you rely on refrigerated medicines or power-dependent medical […]
  • News
    March 15, 2026
    Be Weather Aware Today Changing weather conditions are possible throughout the day, so please stay alert and keep an eye on local weather updates. Have a plan in place in case warnings are issued. If you experience a power outage or see a downed power line, stay far away and keep others away as well. […]
  • News
    March 14, 2026
    #HomeEfficiencyTip: Save Energy. Clean It. Clean or replace your HVAC filters frequently—dirt, dust and allergens decrease your filters’ efficiency. A good rule of thumb is to change or wash your filters every 90 days.
  • News
    March 13, 2026
    Building a Stronger Cooperative Network SEMO Electric had the opportunity to host directors and leaders from six cooperatives today as part of District VI (one of six districts as part of Missouri Electric Cooperatives) and honoring the cooperative principle of cooperation among cooperatives. Representatives from Black River Electric Cooperative – Missouri, Citizens Electric Corporation, M&A […]
  • News
    March 13, 2026
    Your electric bill and your neighbor’s don’t compare. Comparing electricity bills with a friend or neighbor is like comparing apples to oranges! Factors like appliances, HVAC systems, square footage, insulation, and the number of people living in the home can affect usage. If you have questions about your electricity bill, contact us at 800-813-5230.
  • News
    March 11, 2026
    Spring Break Checklist Heading out for spring break? Don’t forget to power down first. Adjust your thermostat. Unplug appliances and electronics. Turn off lights. Install a smart plug for safety lights. Set your water heater to vacation mode. We wish you a safe and enjoyable vacation!
  • News
    March 10, 2026
    National Ladder Safety Month: Choosing the Right Ladder Ladder safety starts with choosing the right ladder for the job. Discover which ladder is the right one for the task at hand: https://www.laddersafetymonth.com/the-first-step-of…/ via National Ladder Safety Month #NationalLadderSafetyMonth
  • News
    March 9, 2026
    #HomeEfficiencyTip: Save Energy. Go Low-Flow. Install low-flow shower heads. Your family will use less water, saving precious water AND money.
  • News
    March 8, 2026
    Do you have our number saved in your phone in case of an outage or emergency? It’s 800-813-5230. Feel free to give us a call with non-emergency questions, too.
  • News
    March 7, 2026
    Daylight Saving Time Don’t forget to set your clocks forward tonight! How are you going to enjoy the extra hour of daylight tomorrow? #DaylightSavingTime
  • News
    March 6, 2026
    Take a break from screens and recharge. On #NationalDayOfUnplugging, take a break from screens, step outside, and recharge. Let’s embrace the power of unplugging to reconnect with what truly matters.
  • News
    March 5, 2026
    Plan ahead for thunderstorms, lightning and floods! By the time you are aware of an approaching storm, you may not have much time to respond. Plan now for spring storms: https://www.cdc.gov/natural-disasters/about. via CDC
  • News
    March 4, 2026
    Clean for efficiency, bloom your savings. Spring into cleaning for efficiency! Clean these often-forgotten items that will make your savings bloom: Vacuum fridge coils. Dust air ducts. Clean dryer vent. Scrub light fixtures. Clear the area around the HVAC system. Clean the vacuum’s filter.
  • News
    February 27, 2026
    New Issue of the Rural Missouri Check out the latest issue of Rural Missouri: https://www.nxtbook.com/…/ruralmissouri/202603/index.php.
  • News
    February 26, 2026
    Update: SmartHub & Payment Systems are back up working. SmartHub & Payment Systems Temporarily Unavailable We’ve been notified of a system outage that is currently affecting the SmartHub app and our ability to process payments over the phone and in person. During this time, members/subscribers will be unable to access account information, view usage, check […]
  • News
    February 25, 2026
    Don’t overload outlets! Never plug more than one high-wattage appliance into a single outlet. An overloaded outlet is a fire hazard. Stay safe!