News & Press
Dramatic changes are transforming all aspects of the energy industry. Interest in renewable energy is at an all-time high, and ultimately consumers want greater control over their energy use and payment methods. The prevalence of smart-phone apps and “smart” technology for the home is increasing, and consumers and businesses are showing greater interest in electric vehicles. Tri-County is uniquely positioned to meet these changing energy needs because we are a cooperative.
Co-ops Are Community Led
October is National Co-op Month, which is the perfect time to highlight the many ways electric cooperatives are unique. Cooperatives are locally governed, looking out for the long-term needs of their consumer-members.
Ray Grinberg, CEO of Tri-County EMC explains that, “Electric cooperatives belong to the communities they serve. This heightened community focus allows us to quickly adapt to evolving consumer expectations. Our closeness to the community ensures a better response to these needs because we are led by the people that we serve.” (79180001)
Co-ops Are A Catalyst For Good
Electric co-ops, like Tri-County EMC, are a catalyst for good in their communities. Co-ops engage their consumer-members to do things that might otherwise be difficult or impossible, like 75 plus years ago when electric co-ops brought power to rural areas. Today, it means investing in our communities and our future.
Cooperatives exist to meet a previously unmet need in the community. We facilitate to spark positive change. We partner with Chambers of Commerce and Development Authorities across our eight-county service area to bring economic development. And through grant and scholarship programs like Operation Roundup, Bright Ideas and the Washington Youth Tour, we invest in our people.
The co-op business model is unique. It is pragmatic, mission-oriented and puts people first. Co-ops strive to be a trusted voice in their communities. Co-ops have earned that trust because, while not perfect, they always have their members’ best interest at heart and are determined to enrich the lives of those living and working in the communities they serve––now and in the future.