SMECO Connects

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]

When Winter Sends a $92 Million Bill | #48

When a winter storm hits, the snow melts, but the costs can linger for months. On this episode of SMECO Connects, hosts Sonja Cox and Tom Dennison break down the real impact of Winter Storm Fern and the prolonged cold that followed. While SMECO's electric system held strong thanks to years of reliability upgrades, record cold drove power market prices to levels not seen since the 2014 polar vortex, resulting in a $92 million PJM invoice in January alone. Sonja explains how natural gas prices, regional grid requirements from PJM Interconnection, and uplift charges all contributed to higher costs, and how SMECO's power supply strategy helped soften the blow for members. Tom shares how the extended freeze affected homes across Southern Maryland and what members can expect to see on upcoming bills. In this episode, you will learn * Why prolonged cold impacts both usage and power prices * How SMECO manages its power supply portfolio to reduce risk * What the Power Cost Adjustment means for your bill * Tools like Account Manager and budget billing plans that can help As a customer owned cooperative, SMECO remains committed to transparency, reliability, and supporting the communities of Southern Maryland. If you are concerned about your bill, reach out. The team is here to help. Warmer days are ahead, but staying informed today helps you prepare for tomorrow. 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]