Posts by: Matthew C. Deaton
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Electricity provides powerful value
As we all look for ways to save money in this age of increasing inflation, I think about a typical daily routine and how much value it provides, compared to the money it costs. If you grab a latte on the way to work, that’s $6 every morning, a fast-food combo with a burger, fries… Continue reading.
Clearing a path to reliability
Trees are majestic, beautiful, and good for the soul. But we also know that our members depend on us to deliver reliable power to their homes and businesses. That’s why Orange County REMC strives to balance maintaining the beautiful surroundings we all cherish with ensuring reliable electricity. You might not realize it, but there are… Continue reading.
How extreme weather affects reliability
When outdoor temperatures drop, our electricity use increases. That’s because we’re doing more activities inside, and our heating systems are running longer and more often to counteract colder outdoor temperatures. Factor in that we all tend to use electricity at the same time — in the morning and in the early evenings — and that… Continue reading.
Electric grid 101
Electricity plays an essential role in our everyday life, although it’s not something most of us think about. It powers our homes, offices, hospitals, and schools. We depend on it to keep us warm in the winter (and cool in the summer), charge our phones, and binge our favorite TV shows. If the power goes… Continue reading.
Reliable power for today — and tomorrow
Ending one year and looking toward a new year sparks a sense of renewed hope and optimism about the future. It’s a time when, as CEO of Orange County REMC, I think about our company, where we’ve been and where we’re going along with ways we can better serve you, the members of the cooperative…. Continue reading.
Electric Co-ops Grow for the Communities They Serve
October is National Co-op Month, and Orange County REMC is joining cooperatives across the U.S. to celebrate. Co-ops come in all shapes and sizes, but they each have a common goal: to provide goods or services for the members (who are also part owners) of the co-op. Electric co-ops, including Orange County REMC, exist to… Continue reading.
Power in Your Hands
Recently, one of our newer employees asked me what makes electric co-ops different from other types of utilities. This month, I thought I’d share a few of the things I told her. Because we’re a co-op, we operate a little differently than other utilities. Orange County REMC’s decisions are made locally by directors who are… Continue reading.
The factors impacting electricity prices
I was recently asked by a member what impacts electricity prices. We talked about how the daily cost of living seems to have increased across the board. Just as inflation has impacted everything from the price of gasoline to the price of eggs, costs for the fuels required to produce electricity have also risen. This… Continue reading.
Working to serve you
“We’re here to serve you.” We’ve all heard this phrase countless times. These words may sound generic, but to us — your local electric cooperative — they mean everything. Orange County REMC was created to serve our community. Back in the day, neighbors joined together and formed our co-op for the common good. In our… Continue reading.
Preparing to serve you better
Providing reliable power to you is, and will always be, top priority for Orange County REMC. These days, power reliability seems to be making news now more than ever. As the energy industry continues to transition and more segments of the economy are becoming electrified, such as vehicles, machinery and even lawn equipment, additional pressures… Continue reading.
May is Military Appreciation Month
Service. Mission. Country. You likely identified immediately (and correctly) that these three words describe our nation’s veterans. They also succinctly describe a core co-op ethos. While veterans are innately motivated to serve, in a similar vein, electric co-ops are guided by foundational principles that put their community first. After all, electric co-ops were founded to bring… Continue reading.
Efficiency upgrades to help you save this summer
Spring and summer are opportune times for home upgrades and DIY projects. If you’re planning to make improvements to your home, consider upgrades that promote better efficiency. Here are a few projects that can help you save energy and money — and increase the comfort of your home. Devices like smart LED bulbs also offer… Continue reading.