August 2021 | Thank You

Posted: August 1, 2021 at 3:21 a.m.

Team SEMO Values Your Support

During the next few months, SEMO Electric Cooperative will be sponsoring a survey that is conducted every three years to measure the quality of service provided to you, our member-owners. This survey will ask several questions about your satisfaction with the cooperative and energy usage.

In this random survey of members, a mixture of online and telephone interviews will be conducted. You may be sent an email invitation to participate in the survey OR you may be sent a postcard in the mail inviting you to participate. Members may also be randomly selected to complete a telephone interview. It should take approximately 12 minutes to answer all questions on the phone. The call center conducting the survey will identify themselves as calling on behalf of the cooperative. They will be conducting calls Monday-Friday from 5 – 8:30 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. No Sunday or holiday calling will be conducted. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.

Your feedback is valuable as most of us use electricity, either directly or indirectly, at almost all times. Because electricity is so abundant and available with the simple flip of a switch, it’s easy to take it for granted.

According to the Energy Information Agency (EIA), the typical U.S. household now uses more air conditioning, appliances, and consumer electronics than ever before. The average home also contains 10 or more internet-connected devices.

Considering everything that is powered by electricity, it’s no wonder we occasionally might wince at our monthly bills. But keep in mind, it’s no longer just the “light bill.” Today, there is more demand for electricity than ever before. At home, in schools and businesses, and in commercial sectors such as transportation, the need for electricity is increasing.

Social Value of Electricity for Facebook and Twitter

Did you know over the last five years, the cost of rent increased by 3.4%; medical care increased by 2.8%; and education increased by 2.2%? But the cost of electricity only increased by 1%. Considering all the ways we depend on electricity; it still remains a great value. We may have to raise rates in the future, but our residential price per kWh has remained the same since January 2013.

So, the next time you’re enjoying your favorite podcast, TV series, or movie, consider the value of electricity and how it enhances your quality of life. Also, think about how GoSEMO Fiber has made your life better.

We care about you, and the members we serve, and understand that electricity and, now, broadband are more than commodities – they are necessities. That’s why Team SEMO (the people behind SEMO Electric and GoSEMO Fiber) will continue working hard to make your life better. I hope you feel appreciated. We appreciate you.

Book of the Month: “You can find me chasing a boring marriage, a boring family, a boring work life, and a boring schedule and loving it. Because the thing most of us are chasing in all that insane lifehacking culture – a life of meaning and depth and richness – might be found in the boring instead.” To Hell with the Hustle by Jefferson Bethke Book

Keep pushing forward! Be smart. Act safe.

Vanslyke is the general manager and chief executive officer of SEMO Electric Cooperative.