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Here for the long haul: National network a big benefit

James P. “Pat” Howle, CEO, column from the July 2015 edition of South Carolina Living magazine.

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Touchstone Energy Cooperatives® is the nationwide branding alliance created especially for and adopted by electric cooperatives in the late 90s. It is a unifying symbol of our common four core values; innovation, accountability, integrity and commitment to community.

When your co-op joined the ranks of the Touchstone Energy Cooperatives® nationwide branding alliance on Jan. 1, 1998, we were one of 300 participating electric cooperatives in 32 states delivering energy and energy solutions to more than 16 million members every day.

Today, there are 751 electric cooperatives in 46 states participating in the network collectively delivering on the commitments of integrity, accountability, innovation and commitment to community to 32 million members.

Our history is our future
The Horry Electric name, with Willie Wiredhand right in the center, is one of the most easily recognized symbol of your electric co-op in our community. Willie was the unifying symbol of all the electric cooperatives in the U.S.A. for a number of years. He was the 'spokesplug' for the national network of electric cooperatives
The Horry Electric name, with Willie Wiredhand right in the center, is one of the most easily recognized symbols of your electric co-op in our community. Willie was the unifying symbol of all the electric cooperatives in the U.S.A. for a number of years. He was the ‘spokesplug’ for the national network of electric cooperatives. He officially retired from the national network several years ago, but you still see him around some co-ops – including Horry Electric.

Horry Electric will be celebrating 75 years of service in January. Organized for and by people right here in Horry County, our co-op is deeply rooted in the community. Like all cooperative businesses, we operate according to the core principles and values first set out in 1844 by the Rochdale Society of Equitable Pioneers in England.

Members are directly impacted by at least five of the seven principles. Voluntary and open membership, democratic member control and member’s economic participation truly set us apart from other types of businesses. In everything we do, maintaining the cooperative’s autonomy and independence, as well as having a concern for the community by working for sustainable development are among the priorities set by the management team of your Cooperative and by the members of your board of trustees.

Alliance makes us stronger

The alliance with sister cooperatives and the addition of the Touchstone Energy brand to our existing local, well established presence in 1998 is an excellent example of cooperation among cooperatives, which is another guiding principle. From our history, we know we are much more effective with accomplishing goals by working together with sister cooperatives on a regional and national basis. Improved efficiency and cost effectiveness are other benefits of working together.

TWS_Logo_TSE_stackedBeing a part of the Touchstone Energy Cooperative network is a big benefit to our co-op, our members and our communities. It enhances our local connections and has given us the ability to follow through on another very important guiding principle— education, training and information. The list of resources and tools available through Touchstone Energy is long. You can learn more by visiting us online at HorryElectric.com and TogetherWeSave.com.

Horry Electric Cooperative is here for the long haul. You can count on us to look out for you and be your advocate. It matters to us, because we work and live here, too. The majority of us are members ourselves. What impacts you, also impacts us.

Stay tuned as we gear up to celebrate 75 years in Horry County and 18 years as a Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

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June edition of South Carolina Living is available online; due in mailboxes soon

The June 2015 edition of South Carolina Living magazine will be delivered to the mailboxes of members and subscribers mid-month, but it’s available online NOW!june2015horrycover

Horry Electric local highlights include:

  • CEO Column: In case you missed it: quorum met; successful event
  • Horry News: Horry Electric guys rocked at Lineworker Rodeo; HEC Youth Tour delegation 2015; Making additions to your home? Include us in your plans!
  •  WIRE, Horry knitters help displaced seniors get cozy again
  • A fresh crop of Young Farmers
  • Co-op Connections: Skip on over to Skip’s Grill and chill out!

 

Other highlights from the magazine include: 

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April edition of South Carolina Living available online

Thorryaprilcoverhe April 2015 edition of South Carolina Living magazine will be delivered to the mailboxes of members and subscribers mid-month, but you can view our local content online now!

 HEC local highlights include:

  • CEO Column  It’s that time of year – Annual Meeting 2015 is next month
  • 37th Rural Lady of the Year:  Frances Strickland
  • 2015 Annual Meeting parking/registration location diagram
  • Co-op Connections Card program feature:  Waccamaw River Rentals
  • Green Power – Meet the stars of Team Green
  • Capital Credits – Co-op returning $2.6 million in capital credits to members
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Historic Cold Temperatures May Create Record Demand

911557_10151464718889480_884162178_nSouth Carolina’s electric cooperatives and other utilities are warning that all-time low temperatures forecast for Thursday and Friday mornings may result in a record demand for electricity.

Predicted temperatures in the pre-dawn hours Thursday range from single digits in the Upstate to the low teens in the Midlands and Pee Dee. Below freezing temperatures are also forecast for the Lowcountry. All South Carolina counties are under a wind chill advisory from 7 p.m. Wednesday until 1 p.m. Thursday. Wind chill values in the Upstate could dip below zero both mornings.

Historically, cold weather creates the highest residential electricity use in South Carolina. The most critical hours for utilities supplying power are the hours from 6-9 a.m. when demand is at its peak.

“We have enough (power) capacity to meet our demand,” said David Logeman, director of power supply at Central Electric Power Cooperative in Columbia, which provides wholesale electricity to all 20 of the South Carolina’s member-owned cooperatives. “However, weather events like this mean our system will probably operate at maximum capacity over an extended period.”

Consumers are urged to be mindful of their energy use during the hours of peak demand.

“If each household follows a few simple steps to conserve electricity, those reductions will have a meaningful impact,” said Mike Couick, president and CEO of The Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina. “Using less power means less stress on our systems and increased reliability of service.”

Members can use less power by following these steps in their homes:

  •  Turn off all but essential internal and external lights
  • Unplug non-essential appliances and devices
  • Set thermostats on 68 degrees or lower
  • Minimize or postpone hot water use
  • Ensure heating and air conditioning vents are open and unobstructed
  • Limit use of major power-consuming equipment such as dishwashers, washers, and dryers from 6-9 a.m.

Members can learn more ways to save energy in their homes by visiting togetherwesave.com.

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South Carolina Living for February 2015 packed with news and information

febsclcoverThe February 2015 edition of South Carolina Living magazine will  be delivered to the mailboxes of members and subscribers mid-month,  but you can view it online NOW!

HEC local highlights include:

  • CEO Column  Always call before you dig: Projects big or small; make sure you call
  • Operation Round Up Report: HEC members generously helped 208 neighbors in need with $54,000 in aid during 2014
  • WIRE Jenny Ballard Opportunity Scholarship deadline is June 1
  • In Burgess, memories of another time – Mules and oxen helped bring co-op power to the Freewoods, member says
  • She ‘loved everything on the farm’ – except for one thing – Annie Plowden remembers growing up on her family’s farm in Burgess’ Freewoods
  • Right back where he started – He followed opportunity up North, then followed his instincts back to Burgess – and farming – featuring Cad Holmes. 
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January 2015 edition of South Carolina Living packed with news and information

januarycoverscl2015The January 2015 edition of South Carolina Living magazine will soon be delivered to the mailboxes of members and subscribers,  but you can view it online NOW!

Horry Electric Cooperative local content includes :

  • CEO Column  – Resolve to modify energy use
  • Two opportunities for high school students! Juniors may apply for Youth Tour 2015 (deadline 2/27) and Seniors may apply for the $1500 WIRE scholarship (deadline 3/1)!
  • Co-op Connections® Feature: Heating and air and savings to spare, just for co-op members!
  • Hooray for Hollywood! A touch of Tinseltown in Tabor City helped their teen romance take root in Green Sea
  • Authors share an easy-flowing tale of two rivers –

Other January 2015 highlights available online:

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January bills include Current Word

HEC Winter 15 winter New Current Word_Page_1When members open their billing statement from Horry Electric this month, they’re  going to find the Winter 2015 edition of Current Word, which is published periodically by the Cooperative as a supplement to other communications outlets.

Our  mobile apps are featured  in the Winter 2015 edition of Current Word.  Members will also find information about:

  • Convenient payment options
  • Local Pay Stations
  • An opportunity to get a $50 electric bill credit
  • Touchstone Energy ® Home Efficiency Analysis Tool
  • PLUS, tips on ways to lower energy costs as the temperature drops