As we reflect on 2025, we are proud of what we've accomplished together at Clarke Electric Cooperative. Every milestone this year represents our continued commitment to providing our members with dependable electric service while investing in smart technology, our employees, and the communities we serve.
One of our most significant achievements was the successful rollout of our new Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) technology. This investment provides the foundation for a more advanced electric system, allowing us to improve outage response time, increase operational efficiency, and deliver better service to our members. We also completed important upgrades at the Clio substation to strengthen system reliability and help ensure dependable power for years to come.
In May, our Board of Directors approved updated rates and tariff changes, including adjustments to idle services, trip charges, postings, disconnects, and reconnects. These updates help ensure we can continue maintaining and improving the electric system while making sure everyone is treated fairly.
Our cooperative remains committed to returning value to our members. In 2025, the Board approved a $350,000 patronage capital retirement and allocated an additional $725,000 back to members, demonstrating one of the greatest advantages of the cooperative business model—when the cooperative succeeds, our members share in the benefits by receiving capital credits.
Safety continues to be one of our highest priorities. We are proud to report that CEC received the National Safety Award's "No Lost Time Award," recognizing our employees' commitment to working safely every day. We also welcomed summer intern Tiffany Bortell, who assisted with verifying idle services throughout our system, helping improve the accuracy of our records and removing unwanted services.
Our employees continue to grow professionally while providing outstanding service to our membership. Congratulations to Hunter Koehn on achieving his Journeyman certification, an important milestone that reflects his dedication to his craft. We also congratulate Ed White and Cody Miller on recertifying their Director Gold credentials through the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), demonstrating our Board's ongoing commitment to cooperative leadership and governance.
Investing in the next generation remains an important part of our mission. Nick Gannon and Chad McIntosh represented the cooperative during Career Day in Murray, sharing career opportunities available in the electric utility industry. We also sponsored a local student to attend the NRECA Youth Tour in Washington, D.C., providing a unique opportunity to learn about government, leadership, and the cooperative difference.
Education extends beyond leadership development. In 2025, we awarded $10,000 in scholarships to 17 graduating seniors from high schools in our service territory, helping support students as they pursue their educational goals.
Our members continue making meaningful differences in our communities with help from our Operation Round-Up grants. In addition, Clarke Electric Cooperative partnered with CIPCO and CoBank to support the rebuilding efforts of the Lineville Fire Department. We were also proud to recognize Annette Brummel’s volunteer efforts when CEC awarded a $1,000 donation to the Murray Saddle Club in her honor.
As we look ahead, we remain focused on the future. By investing in advanced technology, maintaining a reliable electric system, supporting our communities, and returning value to our members, we're building a stronger cooperative for generations to come.
Thank you for your continued trust, support, and membership. It is our privilege to serve you every day.