As the heat of summer is now upon us and keeping cool is now a favorite pastime of most, we take the opportunity to enjoy vacations and other activities that we may not be able to fully relish the rest of the year. I must confess that as my kids have grown older, I value the times that we get with them more than ever along with the change of pace that comes about with the freedom from school studies and the hectic activities that they participate in during the school year. But even though some aspects of our lives become more relaxed during the summer, our roles at STEC in some ways become more challenging as the summer is a time of increased energy demand and the threat of tropical storms and hurricanes is always something lurking in the distance. I believe it's crucial to ensure we approach this season with enthusiasm, preparedness, and a strong sense of teamwork. Below are a few thoughts that I wanted to share as we journey through this summer.

Safety First:

With the rising temperatures and potential storms, safety remains our top priority. Let us all be vigilant in adhering to safety protocols when working in the field, at home, or on vacation. Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and take necessary precautions to protect yourselves from heat-related risks.

Reliable and Affordable Power:

As expected, energy demand surges during the summer. Let's be proactive in ensuring that our Members receive a reliable, affordable, and uninterrupted electricity supply. Do what we can to prevent outages, whether it is transmission, substation or generation related. Be ready to respond to any unexpected outages.

Continuous Learning:

To stay at the forefront of the industry, it's crucial to keep learning and growing. Consider attending workshops, webinars, or conferences related to the electric sector, and particularly those related to electric cooperatives. The knowledge gained will not only benefit you but also contribute to the collective success of our organization and our Members!