
Posts by: Brett Abplanalp
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Thankful for your membership
This time of year I generally use this space to provide updates on new projects and developments, and report out on the progress of ongoing initiatives. We share these updates so that all of our members have a window into our priorities, progress and challenges. However, during this season of giving thanks, I think it’s… Continue reading.

Save a life! Avoid distracted driving
Some temptations are hard to resist. An example: the allure of that “ding” on your phone, alerting you to an incoming text or call. When you’re driving, you know you shouldn’t check your phone but, still, the curiosity is driving you crazy! You tell yourself that making an exception — just this once — won’t… Continue reading.

New ways to use electricity
If you listen carefully, you can hear a quiet transformation happening. Electric appliances and equipment are becoming more popular than ever among consumers. Advancements in technology and battery power coupled with decreasing costs are winning over consumers looking for comparable utility and versatility. A bonus is that use of electric equipment is quieter and better… Continue reading.

It was a big year
2021 was a big year! We continued to be flexible and innovative with our approach to serving members and the community through the lingering pandemic but have embraced some new efficiencies and technology as a result. Thank you for being engaged and supportive throughout the year. Our cooperative continues to operate seamlessly and maintain a… Continue reading.

Prioritize safety year-round
May is designated as Electrical Safety Month, but we know it’s important to practice safety year-round. Everyone – from Decatur County REMC’s crews to you, the members we serve — should prioritize safety. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, thousands of people in the U.S. are critically injured or electrocuted in electrical fires and… Continue reading.

Sharing relevant business updates
As we near the end of the first quarter of the year, I’d like to share some relevant business updates. We continue to show great progress with our right-of-way program. In fact, based on our 2020 operations review, our five-year average lost consumer hours per member has dropped 17% with tree- related outages dropping by… Continue reading.

Are you ready to serve?
In one of the most notable inaugural speeches given, John F. Kennedy spoke his famous words, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” His inspiring words urged Americans to take actions that benefited the greater good. In essence, Kennedy was saying our country thrives when… Continue reading.

5 reasons we love serving our members
February is the month of love, so in that vein, we’ve created our list of top five reasons why we love serving you, the members of Decatur County REMC (DCREMC). 1. We love serving our members because without you, the co-op wouldn’t exist. Our purpose is to provide you with reliable, affordable and safe electricity…. Continue reading.

Strategically aligned for 2022
What a way to start the year! Our team and board of directors just completed a comprehensive strategic planning process, and we are aligned and ready to roll in 2022. We know you depend on the excellent service provided by Decatur County REMC. We are excited to also bring you new, innovative approaches to… Continue reading.

Co-op programs help you during the holiday season — and beyond
“The holidays.” I love everything about this time of year. Just the thought of the holiday season brings a smile to my face as I recall family gatherings and traditions that warm my heart and fills my senses. It’s a time of reflection. I’m grateful for my own family as well as my co-op family…. Continue reading.

It’s a Matter of (Co-op!) Principles (Part 2)
You may recall that last month my column touched on the first three Cooperative Principles, so this month, I’d like to tell you about the remaining four principles. The Cooperative Principles are essential to the co-op business model and benefit all members of the co-op. Autonomy and Independence The fourth principle, Autonomy and Independence, means… Continue reading.

What’s next?
School is in full swing and summer is coming to a close. Unfortunately, I had to put the boat away until next summer. But we’ll be pulling out all the fall décor and Halloween decorations before you know it. We had a very productive summer at Decatur County REMC. We made even more progress on… Continue reading.