
Posts by: Brett Abplanalp
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2022 Reliability — Outages
I have always been about numbers. Since being at Decatur County REMC, we have implemented metrics behind most of what we do. One of these data points we measure is outages. On average last year, Decatur County REMC electric service was active 99.98% of the time. Being that close to 100% is certainly a point… Continue reading.

Setting goals
“Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible.” Motivational Speaker Tony Robbins said this perfectly. I often read this quote to keep “visible” where I want Decatur County REMC to be. Every year, we write down our goals, work through them and reflect on what we accomplished. Last year, we… Continue reading.

Our focus in 2023
One focus for the new year here at Decatur County REMC is member engagement. Spending time with you and hearing your take on our community’s energy future is so important to us. In fact, it’s essential, because everything we do is shaped by the members of our community. As I’m sure you know, the energy… Continue reading.

Sound management and stewardship
At Decatur County REMC, we know our members put a lot of trust in us to be responsible with their money. That trust is at the forefront every time we purchase new equipment or invest in upgrades for the electric system. Is this necessary to our mission of providing affordable and reliable service? How will… Continue reading.

Looking back and ahead
Merry Christmas! It’s just one of the reasons I enjoy the month of December. The great food, the special time with friends and family, and the memories we always make. Another reason I enjoy the month is it allows time for reflection on this past year. Decatur County REMC had a great 2022. Strategic… Continue reading.

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.