The month of July has always been a favorite of mine. It’s the heart of summer, filled with cookouts, time with friends and family, and of course, Independence Day. This year, that celebration carries even greater meaning as we mark the 250th anniversary of our nation. It is a milestone that invites us to reflect on where we have been, the values that have guided us, and the role each of us plays in strengthening the communities we call home.

Independence has always been about more than a moment in history. It is about the spirit of resilience, self-reliance, and service to others. Those same values are at the core of what electric cooperatives were built on. Nearly a century ago, communities like ours came together to bring electricity to rural areas that others would not serve. That commitment to neighbors helping neighbors continues to guide Bartholomew County REMC today.

Of course, July in Indiana is not just about sunshine and celebrations. Summer weather can be unpredictable, and storms can develop quickly. High winds, lightning, and heavy rain can all affect the electrical system and cause outages.

While our crews are trained and ready to respond at any time, there are a few simple steps members can take to stay prepared. Having a plan for outages, keeping your phone charged, and staying aware of changing weather conditions can make a difference. Always treat downed power lines as energized and dangerous, and report them right away so they can be addressed safely.

Behind the scenes, our team works year-round to strengthen the reliability of our system. This includes regular maintenance, system upgrades, and vegetation management to reduce the risk of outages caused by falling trees and branches. These efforts improve reliability, but severe weather can still impact even the most prepared systems.

When outages do occur, our priority remains the same. We work to restore power safely and as quickly as possible for the greatest number of members. That often means addressing larger issues first before moving to smaller, more localized outages. It is a process built on safety, coordination, and experience.

As we pause this month to celebrate 250 years of American independence, it’s a good reminder that strong communities are built on shared responsibility and service to one another. We are proud to be part of that tradition, serving you not just as a utility, but as a cooperative that is owned by and committed to its members.

Thank you for allowing us to serve you. We hope you take time to enjoy all that makes this season special.

Have a safe and enjoyable July.