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Trico will be closing at 2:30 p.m. on December 24, and remain closed through December 25. Happy Holidays!

Tag: Members

Making the Switch to an Electric Vehicle?

Written by mlitwicki on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Making the Switch to an Electric Vehicle?

December 1, 2024

If you’re considering making the switch to an electric vehicle (EV), Trico is here to help. As your trusted local energy partner, we can help you make informed decisions about home charging options and factors to help you decide if an EV works for your typical driving needs.

Types of EVs

There are three common types of EVs. All-electric vehicles, also known as battery electric vehicles or BEVs, are powered solely by a large battery. Because BEVs are powered by a rechargeable battery and do not use gasoline, they produce zero emissions. On average, BEVs can run on a full battery for 110–300 miles.

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are powered by a combination of a large battery, an electric motor and a gas-powered engine. PHEVs recharge battery power from regenerative braking and can also be plugged in to a standard outlet. Depending on the model, they can run on full battery power (alone) for 15–60 miles.

Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) use an electric motor to assist gas-powered engines. Similar to PHEVs, HEVs can also recharge their battery power from regenerative braking, but the power comes from the gas engine, and they do not plug in to an electrical outlet.

Home Charging Options

Most new BEVs and PHEVs include a Level 1 charging unit (110-volt compatible), which can be plugged into any standard household electrical outlet. A Level 1 charger typically provides two to five miles of range per hour of charging, which may work for those with shorter daily commutes.

For lengthier daily drive times, Level 2 chargers can be installed for faster charging, at 10–30 miles of range per hour. A Level 2 charger uses 240-volt service, which may require electrical upgrades conducted by a licensed electrician.

Trico can help

Member interest in EVs is growing and that’s why Trico provides information about EVs on our website so our Members can make informed EV purchasing decisions. We also offer two voluntary rate options for EV owners.

Trico EV Time-of-Use Rate

Trico’s voluntary Electric Vehicle Time-of-Use Rate (EV TOU Rate) is for eligible Members who have EVs. Members who sign up for the EV TOU Rate will receive up to 400kWh of energy at a 45 percent rate reduction if they charge their EVs between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. Encouraging charging during off-peak hours supports Trico’s system and helps save money for all Members. This experimental rate is available to the first 1,000 Members who sign up.

Trico EV Unlimited Rate

With this rate, Trico will own and install a Level 2 charger at the Member’s home and provide unlimited EV charging at a fixed monthly cost when charging between the hours of 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. – 6 a.m. Charging outside these hours is an additional $0.25 per kWh charge. This experimental rate is available to the first 1,000 Members who sign up.

For more information about EVs, visit our website at www.trico.coop, email sunwatts@trico.coop, or call us at 520‑744‑2944 ext. 1524 to speak to one of our Energy Solutions experts.

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CEO Column: Giving Back is the Cooperative Way

Written by mlitwicki on . Posted in Latest News, Livewire.

CEO Column: Giving Back is the Cooperative Way

December 1, 2024

The holiday season brings a spirit of generosity and compassion. It’s a time to reflect on our many blessings and uplift those in need. While this is certainly a special time of year, cooperatives like Trico are deeply rooted in giving back to their local communities year-round.

Our mission is making a difference in the communities we serve by providing our Members cost-effective and sustainable energy solutions. At Trico, we believe that connection powers our purpose.

This connection brings us together as a community – with the understanding that we can do more together than we could do by ourselves. That’s why we organize food and clothing drives and volunteer regularly at the Sahuarita Food Bank to make a positive, meaningful impact for our community. You, our Members, help us to support the community. Trico’s Operation Round Up program is made possible through Members’ participation in “rounding up” electric bills to the next dollar amount. Your generous contributions support Trico’s Power Grants program, which provides $70,000 per year to local charitable organizations and community services.

Another way Trico gives back is by investing in tomorrow’s leaders. Through the Trico Foundation scholarship program, we aim to empower students for a brighter future. Since 1985, the Trico Foundation has awarded over $4.7 million – benefiting over 778 students – in scholarships to Members and their families. When we invest in our local youth, we strengthen the fabric of our community. In the most recent school year, Trico provided $570,000 in scholarships, making it the largest electric cooperative scholarship program in the country.

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, we believe in giving credit where credit is due – to our Members who are also the owners of Trico. One of the ways we do this is through Membership Equity. Because Trico operates at cost, we give cash back to our Members rather than outside investors or shareholders. This year, the Board of Directors approved the retirement of $4.5 million in Membership Equity.

Our Members guide every decision we make and you are the reason our co-op exists. We are truly thankful for our Members and work hard to provide you with excellent service and great value. This holiday season, we hope you’re proud to be part of a community‑focused co-op that puts people before profits.

On behalf of Trico’s Board of Directors, employees, and myself, we hope you have a joyful and blessed holiday season.

To see more ways Trico gives back throughout the year, take a look at our 12 Days of Giving here.

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Membership Equity 2024

Written by mlitwicki on . Posted in Latest News, Livewire.

Membership Equity: Your slice of the cooperative pie

December 1, 2024

Member economic participation is vital to a non-profit cooperative. Trico is excited to announce that for the 15th straight year, the Board of Directors has approved the retirement of Membership Equity in the amount of $4.5 million.

Membership Equity is one of the many benefits of being a Member of a co-op, and it represents your share of Trico’s profits. Trico is not-for-profit – which means we need money to operate, but we don’t seek to make extra revenue to satisfy shareholders. When there’s money left after all the co-op’s bills are paid, it’s returned to Members.

Members will see their Membership Equity Refund on their December bill. Active accounts will see a Membership Equity Refund posted as a credit on their bill.

Or, if you would prefer to receive your Membership Equity as a check, contact us at memberservices@trico.coop, call 520‑744-2944, ext. 2703, or log into your Smart Hub account. To receive a check, your account cannot be past due, and your refund must be over $10 for both active and inactive accounts. If a Member moves or no longer has service, Trico must have their current address to send Membership Equity notices and retirements in the future.

You may consider donating your Membership Equity to the Trico Foundation, which provides college scholarships to about 100 students annually. Members and their dependents are eligible for the scholarships. Donating your Membership Equity is an easy and impactful way to give back to your community and invest in a student’s bright future. If you would like to donate your Membership Equity to the Trico Foundation, visit our website www.trico.coop/trico-scholarships.

For more information about Membership Equity, visit our website at www.trico.coop/membership-equity/.

Thank you for being a valued Member of Trico.

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CEO Column: Trico Files Rate Proposal

Written by mlitwicki on . Posted in Latest News, Livewire.

CEO Column: Trico has filed a Rate Proposal with the ACC

November 1, 2024

Trico’s mission is to make a difference in the communities we serve by providing our Members cost-effective and sustainable energy solutions. As a non-profit cooperative, “cost-effective” is not just a phrase, it is a commitment we make to our Members. We do our best to control the costs that can be controlled and manage the costs that cannot. 

Over the last several years we have all experienced increased prices on everything from gas, to groceries, to housing. At Trico, we have seen similar cost increases in the equipment and materials we use to provide reliable energy. For example, since 2020 the cost of transformers and regulators has more than doubled, while wires and cable have gone up 7 percent. 

Trico has also been expanding its portfolio of generation resources with a combination of traditional and renewable resources, power purchase agreements, and even Member-owned distributed resources. It is vital for Trico to invest in its grid to maintain reliable service, purchase adequate power generation and storage capacity to meet system needs, and recruit and retain high-achieving employees with a commitment to serving Trico Members. All of these efforts produce value for Members and they come with costs.

In October, Trico filed a Rate Proposal Application with the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC). This is the method for utilities (including cooperatives) to change their rates in the State of Arizona. Trico’s last Rate Proposal was filed about nine years ago with the ACC, in 2015 (based on 2014 costs). That rate change was approved by the ACC in 2017. We have worked hard to control costs (and we will continue to do so), but it is now necessary and important for Trico to increase its rates.  

Our current Rate Proposal is based on 2023 costs. As you might expect, costs have changed over the last nine years. To prepare for this Rate Proposal, we worked to forecast projected growth and costs, and the investments we would need to provide reliable service. We then completed a Cost-of-Service Study (Study) to determine what revenue was needed to support Trico’s operations. The Study is designed to identify what we need to recover in rates to cover our costs and produce a margin necessary for healthy continued operations. 

Below is a summary of our Rate Proposal and the impact it will have. Please take a few minutes to read this article and check our website for more information. If you have any questions, please reach out to us.

Trico works hard to balance reliability, planning for the future, and excellent service with cost. As a non-profit cooperative, you (our Members) are the priority, and we will always be focused on providing you great value.

We will continue to keep you informed throughout the Rate Proposal process. Future articles in the Livewire will include updates, and you can visit Trico’s social media and website (www.trico.coop) for additional updates. We thank you for your support, and we look forward to continuing to serve you with cost-effective, sustainable, and reliable energy solutions.

Thank you for being a valued Trico Member.

View more Rate Proposal Information here.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the rate changes go into effect?

The changes will not go into effect until approved by the ACC. We expect this will be in late 2025 or early 2026.

How will Trico’s proposed rates impact residential Members?

Residential Member rates will increase by 7.11%. This includes the change to the Customer Charge and surcharges described below. For the average Residential Member, this will mean an increase of around $9.97 per month. 

We are also proposing that the Demand Side Management (DSM) and Renewable Energy Standard Tariff (REST) surcharges on your existing bills be eliminated and that costs of those programs be included in base rates. We made this change because our Members have told us they find surcharges confusing. This means the effective increase to rates is actually closer to 6.25% rather than 7.11%. 

Is Trico increasing its monthly Customer Charge?

Yes, as proposed the residential Customer Charge will increase from $20 to $25. This charge helps to recover the fixed costs Trico must pay to maintain its system and cover the financing of its system.

How will commercial rates be affected?

Trico has a variety of commercial rates and the changes vary by class. We will be sharing more information on commercial rates in future articles, meetings with Members, and on our website. Any commercial Members interested in meeting with one of our Commercial Account Specialists can contact us at 520-744-2944 ext. 1311.

Is Trico proposing changes to its Rules, Regulations and Line Extension Policy (RRLEP)?

Yes, Trico is proposing changes to make the RRLEP easier to read and more accessible to Members and Trico employees.

Are there changes to the service charges?

Yes. Regular hours service calls will increase from $50 to $125. After hours Meter Crew calls will increase from $70 to $175. After hours Service Crew calls will increase from $175 to $250. Meter testing costs will increase from $35 to $50. The late payment charge will increase from 1.25% to 1.50% per month. The intent is to better capture the actual cost of these services and have the Members who use these services cover the costs.



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Trico Members Enjoy Appreciation Event

Written by mlitwicki on . Posted in Latest News, Livewire.

Members Enjoy Appreciation Event at Marana Pumpkin Patch

November 1, 2024

Thank you to everyone who attended Trico’s Member Appreciation Event on October 9, 2024 at the Marana Pumpkin Patch. Close to 2,400 Members attended.

Feedback from Members was very positive, and we loved having the chance to celebrate with you.

“That was a huge blast! Great way for families to get together and the kids went crazy with everything there was to do. Thank you for doing this, it was a super fun night,” Cindy Williams said.

In addition to admission to the pumpkin patch, there was a photo booth and giveaways, and Trico staff and Board Directors were on hand to answer Member questions. Lineworkers Bryan English, Martin Mares, Matt Ward and Joe Tsethlikai gave a demonstration on electrical safety.

“It was a great time and perfect venue! What made it the best was when we were heading home, our son (sometimes too cool for us being in middle school) said he had a great time. Thank you Trico,” Anastasia Hartmann said.

We hope you had as much fun as we did, and we look forward to seeing you at a future Trico membership event!

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Free Virtual Solar Workshop

Written by mlitwicki on .

Is solar right for you? Join Trico’s experts virtually as they answer your rooftop solar questions BEFORE you sign with a contractor. Register here.

To ask any immediate solar related questions, email us at sunwatts@trico.coop or call us at 520-744-2944, ext. 1524.

 

CEO Column: Electricity Provides Powerful Value

Written by mlitwicki on . Posted in Latest News, Livewire.

Electricity provides powerful value

September 1, 2024

As a member-owned cooperative, Trico does everything in our power to ensure our costs stay reasonable and that electricity remains a great value for our Members. It’s not always easy, as there are several factors that impact the price of electricity—some within our control and many outside our control. We are always working hard to develop smart, innovative ways to control expenses and ensure we provide cost-effective service.

The cost of electricity can fluctuate due to supply and demand, required infrastructure investment, preparing the grid for the future, maintenance and operational expenses, and many other factors. Weather also contributes, affecting both demand and generation capabilities, with extreme conditions leading to heightened energy usage and disruptions. In my column this month I want to share some of the lesser-known ways that Trico works to keep your costs down.

One way Trico controls the cost of energy we provide is by selling excess energy and capacity from our resources to other utilities. There are times (especially in the summer) when we use all the energy and capacity in our resource portfolio. However, when usage on Trico’s system is lower and there is demand in other regions, we make sales to other utilities. As a non-profit, the proceeds of these sales go directly toward reducing costs to our Members.

Trico also works to “hedge” its fuel costs by making advance purchases when the market price for natural gas is down. By planning ahead and making smart buys at the right time, we lock in reasonable fuel prices. This reduces the risk that Trico will suffer from a spike in natural gas prices. We take the same approach to our diesel and vehicle fuel prices. We focus on these efforts because they provide real savings for our Members over the long-term.

Another way we work to provide value is by pursuing grants to offset the cost of needed projects. Hopefully you have read about our success with several awards. We have been fortunate to receive awards that include a low-interest, partially forgivable loan from the Powering Affordable Clean Energy program through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This award will support the construction of four solar and battery projects that will provide needed energy and added resilience. We have also been awarded a grant through the Department of Energy’s Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships program for improved right-of-way maintenance and wildfire mitigation. These programs will save Trico Members millions of dollars overall, and we are working hard to earn other grants.

The energy needs of our community will continue to grow as more aspects of our lives are powered by electricity. Just consider the number of devices you charge every day from phones to tablets to smart devices. Now consider the increased number of electric vehicles you see on the road and the new devices you see at stores, schools and community events. The demand for electricity is expanding and Trico is dedicated to making sure our Members have cost-effective, sustainable energy solutions. Trico will always put our Members first and work each day to provide you with great value. Thank you for being a valued Trico Member.


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Washington Youth Tour Leaves Lasting Impact

Written by mlitwicki on . Posted in Latest News, Livewire.

Trico students experience unforgettable Washington Youth Tour

September 1, 2024

This year’s Washington Youth Tour provided an enriching experience for the three students that Trico sent as well as the chaperones. The tour left a lasting impact on all participants.

Gabrielle Mireles, who attends Mountain View High School, expressed her gratitude: “Words cannot express how forever grateful I am for this amazing opportunity! I have made amazing memories, met new friends, and learned so much. The impact Trico has made on me is immense.”

Devin Campbell, a student at Walden Grove High School, said “My favorite parts of the tour were meeting new people and forming friendships, talking to a staffer about national issues, and exploring D.C.’s museums. Interacting with various people, from museum workers to a Secret Service member, was fascinating and gave me a unique perspective on the city’s pace and history. The museums were incredibly informative, and I wished I had more time to explore them fully. This trip has sparked my interest in politics and advocacy, and I’m now considering an internship in D.C. to be more involved in the nation’s activities and continue learning. Plus, I’d love to use my library card to access even more resources!

“Thank you, Trico, for this incredible experience. Your dedication to the community brings great benefit!”

Alicia Lind, who will be a senior at Sahuarita High School, said the US Marine Corps Museum (USMC) and the sunset marine parade were her highlights of the tour “I encourage others to apply for the Youth Tour because meeting wonderful people and seeing these places in person is incredibly different from online. It’s one of my top three trips ever, and even the places I wasn’t excited for blew me away. I’m grateful I could go. I met so many people and learned so much. Each place was memorable, and even though we were tired and slept on the bus, it was the most fun, most engaging, unbelievable trip anyone could go on.”

Trico Inspector/Locator Andy Mendibles, one of the chaperones, reflected on the journey: “Washington Youth Tour is a great experience for students. Seeing the kids engaged with history and learning new and interesting things about their country was amazing. They also had a great meeting with their representative (Juan Ciscomani), who answered their questions about the state of the country. We had speakers who resonated with all of us, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be a chaperone and a part of the Washington Youth Tour.”

Trico Senior Distribution Designer Deidra Tulk, who was co-director of the tour, recounted the trip: “We visited many incredible places: Mount Vernon, the USMC, Arlington, the Pentagon, the 9/11 Memorial, Ford’s Theatre, the Capitol, many beautiful monuments and memorials, the White House, the International Spy Museum, a river cruise where we saw fireflies along the tidal basin, and congressional visits.

“The trip was amazing and exhausting. Despite the exhaustion, the experiences and camaraderie were worth it. There were tears at the Phoenix airport when we said goodbye. I am grateful Trico allowed me to be a part of the tour this year. I left with amazing memories, lasting friendships, and an even greater appreciation for electric co-ops for their commitment to our communities and our youth.”

The Washington Youth Tour has once again proven to be a remarkable opportunity for students to grow, learn, and engage with history and their peers. Trico is accepting applications for the 2025 Washington Youth Tour. Learn more at www.trico.coop. Deadline to apply is October 31, 2024. 

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Trico Member Appreciation Event Information

Written by mlitwicki on . Posted in Latest News, Livewire.

Trico Member Appreciation Event 2024

August 1, 2024

Trico’s Member Appreciation Event will be held on October 9, 2024 from 4-9 p.m. at the Marana Pumpkin Patch. Registration for tickets will be available on our website starting at 8 a.m. on Saturday, September 21, 2024.

Tickets are first come, first served, and we WILL sell out. Maximum of five tickets are available per Membership – please only take the number you need to allow other families to also enjoy the event.

Your ticket will include free admission, refreshments, and one orange pumpkin per Membership. While most activities are included, there are additional fees for the zipline, pumpkin canon, rock wall, and paintball.

We will share more information as the event gets closer! To be the first to hear updates, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and make sure your email address is accurate in your SmartHub account.

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Trico Awards $35K to Local Nonprofits

Written by mlitwicki on . Posted in Latest News, Livewire.

Trico Awards $35,000 in grants to support local nonprofits

August 1, 2024

Trico has announced the recipients of its 2024 Spring POWER Grants, totaling $35,000, to five local organizations dedicated to improving the lives of residents in Pima County and surrounding areas. This initiative underscores Trico’s commitment to community support and development.

Sahuarita Food Bank & Community Resource Center will receive $10,000 to distribute emergency food to low-income residents of Pima County, including significant portions of the Trico service area. This grant will play a pivotal role in alleviating hunger and providing essential support to those in need.

Similarly, the Marana Food Bank & Community Resource Center will receive $10,000. The funds will aid in distributing healthy food to Marana families facing hunger, operating four days a week, and offering programs to foster self-sufficiency. This grant will significantly impact the lives of many struggling families.

The Marana Unified School District (MUSD) is set to receive $8,750 to equip 1,200 students with backpacks filled with school supplies for the upcoming school year. This initiative ensures students are prepared for their educational journey, easing the financial burden on families. Dr. Cindy Ruich, Director of Student and Family Support Services at MUSD, shared her appreciation: “It takes a village to support and educate the students in MUSD and we are so grateful and blessed you are a part of our village.”

The Mt. Lemmon Fire Fighters Foundation will receive $1,500 to modernize their rope rescue gear, enhancing the safety and efficiency of firefighters during rescue operations. This investment is crucial for the protection and well-being of both the firefighters and the community. “The support provided by Trico Electric Charitable Trust and its members exemplifies a commitment to the well-being of southern Arizona, and it is through contributions like these that we are able to maintain and improve our critical services.” Michael Cuestas, Captain of the Mount Lemmon Fire Fighter Foundation shared. “We are honored to be among the beneficiaries of the POWER Grants program initiative,” he added.

Youth On Their Own (YOTO) will be awarded $4,750 to support students experiencing homelessness in Tucson/Pima County. The funds will provide basic needs, financial assistance, guidance, and support services with the goal of high school graduation. CEO of YOTO, Elizabeth Slater, thanks Trico for supporting Southern Arizona’s students experiencing housing insecurity. “This grant award will provide direct financial and basic needs support to YOTO youth, helping them remain focused on their goal of high school graduation. Thank you.”

Through these grants, Trico continues to demonstrate its dedication to empowering and uplifting local communities. The support provided will enable these organizations to make a substantial and lasting impact on the lives of many individuals and families. You can help by rounding up your bill through Trico’s Operation Round Up program. Learn more at www.trico.coop/operation-round-up.

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CEO Column: New BESS System Saves Members Money

Written by mlitwicki on . Posted in Latest News, Livewire.

CEO Column: Trico’s New BESS Saves Members Money

August 1, 2024

On July 2, 2024, Trico hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the Sahuarita Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), a key part of our ongoing efforts to provide our Members with cost-effective and sustainable energy solutions.

The event marked a significant milestone, supported by a $55.2 million award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) under the Powering Affordable Clean Energy (PACE) program. Sierra Southwest Cooperatives Inc., which develops energy resources for Arizona’s nonprofit electric co-ops, received the award to support three battery storage facilities in Pima, Cochise and Mohave counties totaling 35 megawatts.

The new Sahuarita BESS, with a 10-megawatt peak capacity and a 40-megawatt-hour battery array, will store solar energy produced during the day and release it during peak demand in the evening. This project allows us to provide more reliable power, enhances our resilience, and saves our Members money. The system can power approximately 3,000 households for four hours.

Trico is proud to be among the top five electric cooperatives in the nation for installed solar and storage capacity. With a goal of reducing our carbon emissions by 50% by 2032, projects like the Sahuarita BESS are crucial steps towards achieving this target. Our cooperative’s commitment to clean energy was further reinforced by the presence of local leaders and stakeholders, including Sahuarita Mayor Tom Murphy, who praised the project as a model for other communities to follow.

As a non-profit cooperative, we do everything we can to provide our Members with great value at a reasonable cost. This project is an example of how Trico goes the extra mile to produce savings for our Members. When it comes to power supply, we do this by pursuing grants, managing expenses, developing innovative ways to save on power supply costs, and working with partners who understand what it means to be a co-op. Our new Sahuarita BESS will provide cost benefits not just for the community where it is located, but for all Members and for years to come.


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Outage Restoration Process

Written by mlitwicki on . Posted in Latest News, Livewire.

What really happens when the lights go out

July 1, 2024

Ever wondered how power gets restored after an outage? Let’s take a closer look at what happens behind the scenes:

  1. Teamwork: From frontline representatives to field operatives, everyone works together to get the power restored as quickly and safely as possible.
  2. Assessment: Each time the power goes out, crews take a good look to see what’s broken and figure out the best way to fix it.
  3. Safety First: Safety is always the top priority. Crews make sure to watch out for anything that could cause harm.
  4. Understanding Flickering Lights: Flickering lights indicate that our equipment is working to prevent bigger problems.
  5. Being Prepared: If you rely on power for life support purposes, you must have a backup plan in case the power stays out longer than expected. We encourage Members to complete our Life-Sustaining Equipment Form, which is available on our website at trico.coop/outages.
  6. Working Together: Our portion of the power grid is connected to other electric utilities, so we maintain positive relationships with other power providers to get things back to normal as quickly as possible.

Restoring power is a group effort aimed at your safety and keeping your electricity running smoothly. We’re dedicated to doing our best for you. So, when the lights go out, rest assured we’re diligently working to restore your power and provide you with uninterrupted service.


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