Sustaining a reliable electric system
Sustaining a reliable electric systemMarch 1, 2023
Over the past several years, electricity’s role in the future of energy and environmental policy has made headlines. Consumer interest in renewable energy is strong and growing, and phrases like “electrifying the economy” have become topics of conversation. If you have heard these terms before, you may wonder, “what does this mean for my electric cooperative?”
At Palmetto Electric, we have always put the good of our community first. While our primary function is to provide reliable and affordable energy to our members, we are more than an electricity provider. Because we are a co-op, our mission is to enrich the lives of our members and to serve the long-term interests of our community. Electric co-ops are increasingly investing in sustainable energy resources, which include solar power, energy efficiency and load management programs to help control electricity demand.
Green energy is certainly not new. Palmetto Electric Cooperative partners with Santee Cooper to offer Green Power, an environmentally friendly electricity product generated from renewable energy sources. Palmetto Electric was one of the first cooperatives in South Carolina to offer Green Power, and continues to be a leader in Green Power commercial sales, with tremendous residential support too. One of the most popular events in our service area, the RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing, is powered by 100% renewable sources. In April, we will celebrate the 15th anniversary of making the tournament a certified Green Power event.
It’s no secret that the popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) is growing. As your local energy provider, Palmetto Electric is best suited to advise and help our members and local businesses plan for the electric vehicle future. If you are considering an EV purchase, Palmetto Electric provides an online resource about electric vehicles, ChooseEV, on our website, palmetto.coop.
As our nation increasingly depends on electricity to power the economy, load management becomes even more important. That is why we have programs like Beat The Peak, H2O Select and Smart Thermostat available to our members. Load management decreases the demand on our electrical system, reduces overall cost for power and is beneficial to the environment.
The energy industry is continually evolving. For Palmetto Electric to meet the growing demand for renewable energy and ensure the reliability of our power supply, we must work to plan and balance the need for intermittent versus continuous generation resources. That’s how we can power your home and our economy, while continuing to serve as your local energy provider.
On a personal note, I would like to recognize Palmetto Electric Director, Eunice F. Spilliards, who announced her resignation from the cooperative’s Board of Directors in January. Spilliards, a resident of Ridgeland, was elected to the Board on May 4, 1991 and served the cooperative for more than 31 years. She held the position of Secretary-Treasurer and served on numerous statewide boards and committees. Her longstanding commitment to Palmetto Electric and our members throughout her tenure is truly appreciated. I am grateful for her contributions to the cooperative, and she will be sorely missed by all.
A. Berl Davis Jr.
President and CEO