Savings, giving back, and a new Tesla charging station
Saving energy, saving dollars
SOMERSET
Talking with South Kentucky Rural Electric Co-op members about ways to save energy dollars during the recent Lake Cumberland Home and Product Show, Chuck Ball, South Kentucky Co-op’s energy advisor for McCreary and Wayne counties, and David Withers, energy advisor for Russell and Clinton counties, describe the Button-Up Program, ENERGY STAR Appliance Rebate Program, and other money saving ideas. Photo: Joy Bullock
During the Lake Cumberland Home and Product Show, South Kentucky Rural Electric Cooperative focused on the theme “Calculate the Savings” by showcasing programs that save members money. Allen Anderson, CEO for South Kentucky Co-op, says that participating in these events is good for everyone.
“After doing this show for many years, we know it is a great avenue to get specific information to our members,” Anderson says. “Telling members one-on-one seems to make more of an impact. They are more receptive, and so it is great to use events like this, our annual meeting, and our member appreciation days to talk to them. It is always a win if we can help our members be more energy efficient and save energy dollars.”
Christmas all year
GLASGOW
Although it is June, many cooperatives such as Farmers Rural Electric Cooperative are starting to think Christmas. Each year, the cooperative sponsors the “Lighting Up Christmas” program for a school in their service area. It takes months for the co-op’s events team to gather toys, food, essential clothing, and monetary donations for the families in need. And, of course, cooperative employees are always the first to donate.
Electricity for the road
LONDON
A new high-speed charging station for Tesla brand electric cars is now open off Interstate 75 in London, thanks to grid connections made by Jackson Energy Cooperative. The six-car Supercharger Station’s technology needs only minutes instead of hours to fully replenish Tesla car batteries. It’s the only such station for Tesla’s cars in Kentucky outside Louisville and Lexington.
“Electric cooperatives have always been in the forefront of bringing new technology to the areas they serve,” says Carol Wright, president and CEO of Jackson Energy. “This project is an example of how Jackson Energy works with major industries like Tesla to help them provide products and services to their customers.”
Debra Gibson Isaacs from June 2015 Issue
