YEARLY REVIEW

2025 was a year unlike any other for Daviess-Martin County REMC. In the early hours of March 15, a tornado struck our facility, causing minor damage to the office but destroying the warehouse that housed our rangers and essential equipment. Despite the loss, our crews immediately began recovery efforts, uncovering equipment and restoring more than 1,200 outages. With their dedication, and the invaluable assistance of Southeastern Indiana REMC, Hendricks Power Cooperative, and WIN Energy, power was restored to all members within five days. This teamwork reflects the true spirit of the cooperative community.

Reconstruction of the warehouse is well underway, and we look forward to placing the new facility into service in 2026.

In 2025, we also welcomed Jennifer Tedrow as member services representative and dispatcher. We celebrated the retirement of Theresa Showalter after 39 years of exceptional service. Her role as benefits specialist is now filled by Kristen Padgett, a DMREMC employee of more than three years.

Throughout the year, our employees demonstrated unwavering dedication to our mission, participating in professional development opportunities to strengthen their skills and uphold the high level of service our members depend on.

SAFETY

DMREMC concluded 2025 with 495,177 hours worked without a lost-time accident, a testament to our employees’ commitment to safety. In addition to this achievement, all staff continued to participate in ongoing safety training led by instructors from Indiana Electric Cooperatives, along with skill development training provided by Hoosier Energy.

CAPITAL CREDITS

DMREMC distributed a $750,000 capital credit retirement in December to members who received electric service from 1997-99. Each member’s refund was based on their individual contribution to the co op’s margins during those years.

Members received a check if their retired amount was more than $250; amounts of $250 or less were applied as a bill credit. If an account had an outstanding balance, the credit was applied toward what was owed. Inactive accounts received a check for amounts over $50, while amounts under $50 remain on the account until they accumulate to $50 or are paid out in the final year of retirement.

RELIABLE, AFFORDABLE POWER

DMREMC remains committed to maintaining a strong and reliable distribution system. Our ongoing distribution maintenance efforts, paired with a comprehensive right-of-way management plan, help keep vegetation clear of power lines. These proactive measures enhance both the reliability and efficiency of our system while helping control long term operational costs.

As a result of these continued efforts, we have seen a steady decline in the number of member outages. The duration of outages, particularly those caused by major storms, has also continued to decrease.

OPERATION ROUND UP 

In 2025, $23,440 was awarded through the Operation Round Up program, continuing our strong tradition of community support. Since 2004, the program has contributed $654,080.05 to local projects and organizations that enhance quality of life across our communities. These contributions are made possible by DMREMC members who generously allow their bills to be rounded up each month.

We extend our sincere appreciation to all participating members; your small contributions create a meaningful collective impact. We are equally grateful to our volunteer Operation Round Up board members, whose thoughtful review and distribution of funds ensure support reaches the initiatives where it is needed most.

Together, our members and our board help Operation Round Up strengthen the communities we are proud to serve.

YOUTH, COMMUNITY AND EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT

Our commitment to community engagement continued to strengthen in 2025. Our linemen visited several local schools and the YMCA, using the live-line tabletop display to teach students essential electrical safety. Employees also represented the cooperative at multiple career fairs and participated in mock interviews at area high schools.

The office staff welcomed Daviess County and Martin County CEO students to our facility, sharing the history of the cooperative and highlighting career opportunities available within our community.

We remained strong supporters of local 4-H programs through monetary donations, livestock purchases, and employee involvement in project judging for electrical exhibits.

Employees also took part in two community volunteer events: the United Way Day of Caring in May and Indiana Electric Cooperatives Community Day in October.

DMREMC proudly sponsored eight sixth-grade students to attend Camp Kilowatt and one high school junior to participate in the Indiana Youth Tour to Washington, D.C.

In October, we hosted another successful Member Appreciation Day, providing lunch, coffee, T-shirts, extension cords, and opportunities for members to win bill credits and other prizes.

During the holiday season, we organized a toy drive benefiting the Martin County Toy Store and Daviess County Christmas Jubilee. Members who donated were entered into a drawing for one of four $50 bill credits.

CYBERSECURITY AND NEW TECHNOLOGY

DMREMC remains committed to sustaining a highly cybersecure environment. Recent hardware and software upgrades incorporate advanced security measures designed to prevent emerging cyber threats, while our multilayered approach ensures the continued integrity of our information technology systems.

The replacement of our Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system is now underway. This new platform will deliver expanded monitoring features and improved system performance.

Additionally, new computer equipment has been installed to replace aging systems and support improved operational reliability.

These advancements strengthen DMREMC’s operational efficiency and overall system security.