As the CEO of Darke Rural Electric Cooperative, I have the honor of witnessing the impact our annual meeting has on our community and our members. This event serves as an occasion for us to come together, strengthen bonds, and set the direction for our cooperative’s future.
Brad Flora, our chief financial officer, shared promising news about Darke REC’s financial standing, with revenues increasing by 2.6% over the previous year, totaling $18 million. Flora explained that our revenue growth stemmed from a rise in usage among our large agricultural customers. Despite facing higher costs and longer lead times, the cooperative is successfully navigating these challenges while keeping membership equity intact.
During my address, I outlined our strategic objectives for 2024 and 2025, emphasizing our dedication to delivering electricity that prioritizes safety and affordability. I touched on the significance of member feedback, highlighting our ongoing efforts to enhance communication channels and elevate customer satisfaction. Our cooperative’s third-place ranking in the state on customer satisfaction emphasizes our commitment to excellence in member service. Moreover, I’m thrilled to share some great news: Darke REC won’t be raising its rates this year. In fact, compared to other cooperatives in Ohio, our rates are ranking 6.5% lower. Looking ahead, expect to see Davey Resource trucks, as they assist us in mapping each of our poles. This initiative will enable us to create a digital mapping system of our infrastructure, enhancing our efficiency in outage dispatching and ultimately improving service reliability for our members.
Pat O’Loughlin, CEO of Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives and Buckeye Power, delivered a compelling statewide report addressing pressing energy sector issues. He stressed the challenges of inflation and aggressive federal regulations in 2024. O’Loughlin noted the impact of inflation on operational costs and expressed concerns about federal regulations hindering reliable and affordable electricity delivery. Despite these obstacles, his advocacy emphasized a shared commitment to sustainability and community welfare. O’Loughlin’s call for collective action connected the importance of unity in overcoming challenges within Ohio’s electric cooperative network. As he fittingly stated, “One thing has remained constant over the years for Ohio’s electric cooperatives — when we face challenges, we are always more successful when we work together as a team toward our common goals.”
As we concluded the meeting, we celebrated the reelection of David Coons and Stephen Vanzant to the board of trustees, reaffirming their dedication to their respective districts. Their leadership, alongside our entire board, plays a crucial role in guiding Darke REC toward continued success and service.
In closing, I extend my gratitude to our members for their support and commitment to Darke REC. Your participation in our annual meeting reinforces the strength of our cooperative spirit and motivates us to serve you with excellence. I encourage all members to save the date for our next Annual Meeting of Members on March 20, 2025, once again at Romer’s Catering in Greenville.
