Reaching the milestone of 90 years of service invites reflection on just how dramatically daily life has changed. When I look around my home today, electricity is working quietly — but constantly — behind nearly everything I do. The television hums playing Live PD, speaker systems fill the room with surround sound, and the refrigerator kicks on as fresh ice drops into the dispenser. My wife scrolls through social media on her phone beside me and in the other rooms, one child is immersed in video games, another is doing their hair with music blasting. When I hear a noise outside, I simply check the outdoor security cameras right from my phone screen.

Ninety years ago, this scene would have been almost unimaginable — especially in rural areas like ours. While early electrical appliances such as washing machines, radios, and stoves did exist, access to electricity was far from universal. Urban areas benefited first, but many rural households relied on non-electric solutions. Iceboxes preserved food, wood or coal stoves provided heat and cooking, and kerosene lamps lit the night. Everyday tasks required more time, effort, and planning.

Over the past 90 years, electricity has evolved from a scarce resource into an essential foundation of comfort, safety, and opportunity. Today, innovations such as smart meters allow us to track members’ energy use more efficiently, eliminating the need for manual meter readings. Advanced outage-monitoring systems help pinpoint issues faster, reducing restoration times and improving reliability — often cutting outage times in half. These advancements not only enhance convenience but strengthen the connection between us and the communities we support.

As we look toward the future, there is so much to be excited about. Continued advancements in outage restoration technology, battery storage opportunities, and grid innovation promise even greater reliability and resilience. The next chapter of electrical innovation will build on nearly a century of progress, powering homes, communities, and possibilities for generations to come.

WIN $90!

As part of our 90th Anniversary celebration, we’re rewarding members who enroll in Paperless Billing. Every month in 2026, one randomly selected member who is enrolled in the paperless billing program will receive a $90 bill credit — that’s 12 winners throughout the year in honor of 90 years of exceptional service.

To participate, members must be enrolled in Paperless Billing through the SmartHub app. Simply log in, go to Settings, select Paperless Billing, and switch it on — that’s it!

*All members enrolled in Paperless Billing still receive a $1 bill credit every month they participate.