As we close another year, I would like to pause and express my gratitude to you, the members of Fulton County REMC (FCREMC), for your continued trust and support. Our cooperative was founded on the promise of people coming together to improve the quality of life in their communities, and that promise continues to guide everything we do today.

Each decision, whether it’s about delivering reliable electricity, innovating for the future, or advocating for smart energy policies that impact our local community, comes back to one simple question: How will this benefit the members we serve?

This past year has been marked by meaningful progress, both in strengthening our local system and in working at the national level to influence energy policies that directly affect reliability, affordability, and resilience. While the details of federal regulations can feel distant, they shape our daily operations here at home.

Over the past year, electric cooperatives across the country came together for advocacy efforts on the EPA’s Power Plant Rule. As originally written, the rule would have forced a rapid shift away from always-available power generation resources. threatening the accessibility of a diverse fuel supply that keeps electricity reliable. Renewable energy sources are an essential and growing part of our energy future. However, we also recognize that the electricity demand is rising rapidly, and natural gas, coal, and nuclear power remain crucial for ensuring power is available around the clock. As we collaborated and engaged with policymakers, we advocated for a more balanced approach to generating power — one that supports clean energy innovation while acknowledging the role of traditional resources. Our efforts are helping to shape a more workable path forward that better protects reliability and keeps costs in check for FCREMC members.

Another area of ongoing progress came through advocacy work on federal permitting reform. For too long, outdated rules and lengthy delays have hindered the development of critical infrastructure, including new transmission lines and power generation projects. Modernizing this process is crucial if we are to strengthen the electric grid and keep pace with increasing demand. This year, electric co-ops helped move the needle on permitting reform, advocating for policies that make the process faster, more predictable, and more efficient.

Investments we make in infrastructure will reach communities sooner, improving reliability and preparing us for the future.

Achievements like these are not just wins in Washington — they are wins for FCREMC members like you.

In addition to advocacy efforts, we are proactively addressing our communities’ needs for the future by investing in new technologies and programs that improve service for our members and provide them with detailed information about their use and bills through SmartHub, while also working to complete 29 miles of line upgrades to improve reliability.

As we look ahead to a new year, i see both challenges and opportunities on the horizon. The energy industry is undergoing significant change driven by the rising need for more electricity, new tools and technologies, and federal energy policies.

The path forward requires innovative thinking and member-focused solutions. I’m confident that with the dedication of FCREMC employees and the continued support of our members, we are well-positioned to adapt and meet challenges head-on. Through it all, our promise to you remains steadfast: reliable power for today — and tomorrow.