October is National Co-op Month: Power On
As an electric cooperative, our top priority is always to provide reliable, affordable energy to you, the consumer-members we serve. Because we are a co-op, our mission is to enrich the lives of our members and serve the long-term interests of our local community— and this mission has never been more critical than in recent months. One of the seven principles that guides all co-ops is “concern for community.” This principle is the essential DNA of San Luis Valley REC, and it sets us apart from other electric utilities.
October is National Co-op Month, and electric cooperatives across the country are highlighting the many ways we “Power On.” Keeping this theme in mind, we recognize the essential role REC plays in serving special communities like ours.
Who would have fathomed in March, that the COVID-19 virus would amount to a test of our community and our nation? The changing circumstances due to the pandemic have created both challenges and opportunities. Over the past several months, we’ve all been challenged to operate differently, and REC has stepped up to help our members and strengthen the safety net for our more vulnerable neighbors.
As an essential service, and to ensure reliability of your power supply, we modified our operations to safeguard business continuity. For our members impacted by COVID-19 who needed help with their electric bills, we waived late fees and worked with those hardest hit to make special payment arrangements. We also offered payment assistance through SLV REC Foundation funds, a program made possible through your kind donations.
We, at SLV REC, care about this community—because we live here too. In 1937, SLV REC was built by the community to serve the community, and that’s what we’ll continue to do – Power On.