Empowering our communities

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Posted on May 10 2025 in Southern Indiana Power
Operation Round Up logo

Southern Indiana Power members donated $24,700 to local charities, community projects, students, and fire departments through the cooperative’s Operation Round Up program this spring. About 65% of members round up their electric bills and donate the spare change to this fund, making a huge impact in our Southern Indiana communities.

A board of trustees, composed of cooperative members and separate from the Southern Indiana Power Board of Directors, oversees the allocation process. Here are the latest donations from the Operation Round Up program.

Fire departments and emergency services

  • Chrisney Volunteer Fire Department — $3,500 to purchase an 800 MHZ Radio with a microphone 
  • Saint Meinrad Volunteer Fire Department — $3,500 to purchase a Kenwood 800 MHZ/VHF Multiband Radio
  • New Boston Fire Corporation — $2,000 to purchase 10 50-foot BIG 10 Double Jacket Fire Hose and 1 G5 Band Pager/Charger

Community-based programs

  • Isaiah 117 House Spencer/Perry — $2,500 to purchase blinds, curtains, and curtain rods for the house
  • Perry County Council on Aging — $2,400 to purchase an upright freezer for use at the William Tell Center
  • Fulda Parks and Recreation — $3,000 for a sidewalk extension/walking trail and possible concrete work around concessions 

Youth programs

  • Lincoln Trail Elementary — $2,000 to purchase a school-wide online subscription to Generation Genius for the 2025-2026 school year
  • Lincoln Trail Elementary fourth grade — $2,800 to purchase a classroom robot kit and additional accessories for students to have hands-on experience

Scholarships — $500 each

  • Madelynne Elmer – Western Kentucky University/Perry Central High School
  • Jaelynn Etienne – Western Kentucky University/Perry Central High School
  • Carson Guillaume – Western Kentucky University/Perry Central High School
  • Elliot Rahman – Southern Illinois University/Heritage Hills High School
  • Mia Waninger – University of Southern Indiana/Tell City High School
  • Adam Wilhelmus – Western Kentucky University/South Spencer High School

Amount granted since inception (including Spring 2025 Awards): 

$605,008

Thank you to our members who are participating in this program and who are making a difference in our communities. 

Individuals or organizations can participate online at southernindianapower.com. Click on “Community”
and then “Operation Round Up.”