Why Your Electric Bill Spiked | #49

Clearing the Way to Reliability | #54

In this episode, Kolby Corrigan and Scott Bacon meet with Tom Dennison to explain how they coordinate with vegetation management crews to keep the right-of-way clear around SMECO power lines to ensure greater reliability. Learn more about our preventative approach to vegetation management and how our team works to identify hazards that could create outages well before they happen. Learn more about vegetation management smeco.coop/safety/tree-trimming [https://www.smeco.coop/safety/tree-trimming/] Hotline Demonstration https://youtu.be/kVz2f4s4tjY?si=_ViVhRGwVcGeUtyJ [https://youtu.be/kVz2f4s4tjY?si=_ViVhRGwVcGeUtyJ] Follow & Connect: Host: Sonja Cox Co-Host: Tom Dennison SMECO on Instagram: somdelectric SMECO on X: somdelectric

A Look Into Maryland's General Assembly Sessions | #52

In this episode, Tom Dennison meets with Sonja Cox to break down what happened during the 2025 Maryland General Assembly session and what it meant for energy policy. They discuss actions taken in Annapolis to help manage utility costs, including adjustments to EmPOWER Maryland mandates and efforts to address ongoing energy supply challenges affecting Maryland residents. Follow & Connect: Host: Sonja Cox Co-host: Tom Dennison SMECO on Instagram: somdelectric SMECO on X: somdelectric

Breaking Down Your SMECO Bill | #51

In this episode, Eugene Bradford and Tami Fellner break down several key elements of the bill. Bradford and Fellner also discuss the process for rate setting and the efforts your cooperative takes to improve its commodity purchasing power to help reduce the impact of rising power costs. Learn more about your bill here: smeco.coop/my-account/paying-your-bill/about-the-bill [https://smeco.coop/my-account/paying-your-bill/about-the-bill] Follow & Connect: Host: Sonja Cox Co-Host: Tom Dennison SMECO on Instagram: somdelectric SMECO on X: somdelectric

Assistance Programs for Our Members | #50

The extended stretch of brutally cold weather this past winter contributed to higher-than-usual electric bills for many SMECO members. We understand how challenging that can be and we are here to help. Learn more about the assistance opportunities available to you at SMECO.coop/Bill-Assistance [https://www.smeco.coop/my-account/paying-your-bill/bill-assistance/]. Follow & Connect: Host: Sonja Cox Co-Host: Tom Dennison SMECO on Instagram: somdelectric [https://www.instagram.com/somdelectric] SMECO on X: somdelectric [https://x.com/somdelectric]

Why Your Electric Bill Spiked | #49

Ever opened your electric bill and wondered, "How did it get this high?" ⚡ In this episode of SMECO Connects, host Tom Dennison sits down with two of SMECO's frontline customer care representatives—Dan Wallace and Leah—to unpack one of the biggest concerns members have right now: high winter electric bills. They share what's really driving the recent spike in bills across Southern Maryland, from unusually cold temperatures to increased energy usage in homes with electric heat. You'll also hear how SMECO works directly with members every day to review their usage, explain billing line items, and connect them with programs that can help lower costs and manage payments. In this episode, you'll learn: * Why cold weather can dramatically increase energy usage * How SMECO's Account Manager tool helps you track your electricity use * Options like budget billing, payment arrangements, and home energy programs that can help manage costs At its heart, this conversation highlights what makes a cooperative different: real people working with their community to provide answers, solutions, and support when it matters most. If you've ever had questions about your electric bill—or just want to better understand how your energy use works—this episode is for you. Tune in and stay connected with the community SMECO proudly serves. Manage your account here: SMECO.coop/AccountManager [http://smeco.coop/AccountManager] Follow & Connect: Host: Sonja Cox Co-Host: Tom Dennison SMECO on Instagram: somdelectric [https://www.instagram.com/somdelectric]SMECO on X: somdelectric [https://x.com/somdelectric]