
Posts by: Matthew C. Deaton
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5 reasons we love serving our members
February may be the shortest month of the year, but it’s packed with special observances. Besides Presidents Day, Black History Month and Valentine’s Day, there are a host of unofficial “national” days you’ve probably never heard of like National Tater Tot Day (which is celebrated on Feb. 2 each year). All these observances have something… Continue reading.

Co-op programs help you during the holiday season — and beyond
Just the thought of the holiday season brings a smile to my face and evokes a sense of nostalgia and reflection. At Orange County REMC, we’re driven by a sense of mission and purpose and our team feels a strong connection to our community and our members, because we live here too. While many community-focused… Continue reading.

It’s a matter of co-op principles (part 2)
For me, this is a time of year for reflection and recognizing many things for which I am grateful. At the top of this list is our wonderful community. I know I speak for all REMC employees when I say that we are thankful to be in such an incredible community. We are fortunate to… Continue reading.

It’s a matter of (co-op!) principles
ACE Hardware, State Farm, REI, Land O’Lakes and Orange County REMC all share something in common: we’re all cooperatives. We may be in different industries, but we all share a passion for serving our members and helping our communities to thrive. In fact, all cooperatives adhere to the same set of seven principles that reflect… Continue reading.

Unplug and connect with meaningful community programs
Most adults have a vague memory of a time when “checking for messages” meant listening to an answering machine. We carried on with our days without relying on cell phones and managed just fine. But today, we are more connected than ever through our smartphones and other devices. Our phones are so much more now… Continue reading.

Affordable electricity powers our quality of life
Most of us use electricity, either directly or indirectly, at almost all times. Because electricity is so abundant and available with the simple flip of a switch, it’s easy to take it for granted. According to the Energy Information Agency (EIA), the typical U.S. household now uses more air conditioning, appliances and consumer electronics than… Continue reading.

A balanced fuel mix promotes power reliability
As I’ve noted before in my past columns, the energy industry is undergoing a dramatic transformation as consumer demand for more renewable energy sources grows, and innovation and technology continue to advance exponentially. You’re likely witnessing this energy evolution first — hand. In driving across the region, you may have noticed fields of solar panels… Continue reading.

We’re ready for storm season… Are you?
Now that summer is in full swing, like many of you, I welcome more opportunities to be outdoors and enjoy the warmer weather. Summertime brings many of my favorite activities like cooking out with family and friends, afternoons on the water and simply slowing down a bit to enjoy life. But summer months also make… Continue reading.

Come ‘full circle’ at the 2021 Annual Meeting
Did you know every cooperative is required to conduct an annual meeting of the membership? The purpose is to hold the election for the board of directors, share important financial information, occasionally vote on other matters such as bylaw changes and of course –– the great door prizes! Last year, with the uncertainties of the… Continue reading.

Ensuring reliability as power supply tightens
You expect reliable and affordable electricity from your electric cooperative, so how does your co-op deliver on that promise? A complex network of electricity generators and tens of thousands of miles of electrical lines work together to ensure that enough electricity is available on the coldest winter morning and during the dog days of summer…. Continue reading.

Are you ready for spring storms?
If you’ve lived in Indiana any length of time, you know how unpredictable the weather can be, especially in the spring months. While we hope for gentle spring showers, we have been known to get thunderstorms, and even the occasional tornado in March or April. Snow and ice are also rare possibilities. While Orange County… Continue reading.

Your co-op: By the members, for the members
Over the years, you’ve heard me expound on why and how Orange County REMC is different — because we’re a cooperative. Our business model sets us apart from other utilities because we adhere to seven guiding cooperative principles that reflect core values of honesty, transparency, equity, and service to the greater good of the community…. Continue reading.