SEMO Electric Cooperative & GoSEMO Fiber

James R. Mayhew shared with our team the importance of developing strong relationships—both at work and at home—to create a better life. Investing in the right connections today can shape your future success. Plus, he was kind enough to take our team photo - recognizing that we create our own luck when it comes to safety.

As Winter Storm Kingston hits, stay warm, stay safe, and be mindful of your energy use to avoid high bills! Safety first! #WinterStormKingston #SaveEnergy #LowerYourBill The Weather Channel KFVS-TV

SEMO Electric Cooperative held an in-service session for Unit #117, an Altec digger derrick line truck. This milestone comes after nearly four years of planning and coordination. The cooperative placed the order to secure a production slot, and the truck’s chassis arrived in the summer of 2023. From there, it was sent to North Carolina for the installation of its boom and auger. With the truck and essential tools, this investment totals nearly half a million dollars, underscoring the cooperative’s commitment to providing reliable service.

Here are some quick tips from Dannett Cooper for Winter Storm Cora: Stay Informed: Monitor weather updates for changes in snowfall amounts (5-7 inches expected). Stock Essentials: Have food, water, batteries, and medications ready in case of power outages. Travel Safely: Avoid unnecessary travel; keep an emergency kit in your car. Protect Pipes: Insulate pipes and let faucets drip to prevent freezing. Stay Warm: Use safe heating methods and check on neighbors or loved ones.

Part of our team is headed to Black River Electric Cooperative to assist with power restoration efforts following Winter Storm Blair—a cooperative tradition known as mutual aid. The host cooperative covers the costs for this support. If upcoming weather conditions require our linemen and equipment back home, the team will return. We’re grateful for the opportunity to lend a hand, knowing we might one day need help in return. At the same time, we deeply appreciate the team members who remain at home, working hard to take care of our members and subscribers and ensuring their needs are met during this time. Prayers for all.

Our CEO delivered pizzas to our linemen tonight as work continues due to Winter Storm Blair.

We are experiencing outages due to ice accumulation from the winter weather event that began this morning. Ice accumulation on power lines is a serious challenge. Normal power lines can become dangerously weighed down by ice, potentially causing breaks in poles and other equipment. Additionally, icy conditions make tree branches up to 30 times heavier, increasing the risk of branches falling onto power lines. #winterstormblair #safety

Harsh winter weather doesn’t just threaten our safety; it also puts a strain on our homes and wallets. Last year, Sarah, a busy mom juggling work and family, learned this the hard way. An unexpected ice storm left her neighborhood without power, and her heating system struggled to keep up with the freezing temperatures. On top of that, her energy bill skyrocketed. Determined not to repeat the same mistakes, Sarah is taking action this winter to be better prepared—and you can too. Here’s what Sarah is doing—and what you can do to stay safe, warm, and avoid surprises on your utility bill: 1. Weatherproof Your Home: Sarah checked for drafts around doors and windows, sealing them with weatherstripping and caulk. A little effort now can prevent cold air from creeping in and keep your heating system from overworking. 2. Inspect Your Heating System: Sarah had her HVAC system serviced to ensure it runs efficiently. A clean and tuned system uses less energy, keeping her home cozy and her bills low. 3. Smart Thermostat Settings: Sarah set her thermostat to 68°F while home and lowered it a few degrees when sleeping or away. These small adjustments make a big difference on her monthly energy bill. 4. Layer Up: Instead of cranking up the heat, Sarah and her family bundle up in warm clothes and blankets, making chilly evenings a little cozier—and more budget-friendly. 5. Emergency Preparedness: Winter storms can knock out power, so Sarah prepared an emergency kit with blankets, flashlights, batteries, and a backup phone charger. By taking these steps, Sarah feels ready to face the season without fearing her next utility bill. Winter can be tough, but planning ahead and making small changes can help you stay safe, warm, and in control of your energy costs.

?? Congratulations, Marla Wood, on your retirement and thank you for your loyalty to our members, Team SEMO, our retirees, and the Board of Directors. We recognize and appreciate Marla Wood for her 31-plus years of service to SEMO Electric Cooperative and GoSEMO Fiber. Over the past three decades, Marla was an integral part of our organization, demonstrating dedication, professionalism, and a strong commitment to our mission. Marla’s journey with the cooperative began on May 24, 1993, and from the outset, she set an example with her work ethic and her ability to connect with colleagues and members alike. Whether it was ensuring the smooth operation of day-to-day activities or assisting a member in need, Marla’s contributions were significant. Marla played key roles in executive management, human resources, benefits, and ensuring GoSEMO Fiber subscriber satisfaction. Her loyalty and care for people made her a valued part of our team. Her knowledge of the cooperative’s operations and her willingness to mentor others made her a reliable resource and a respected colleague. Marla’s ability to listen and support others helped the cooperative grow while maintaining our focus on reliability and member-centered service. Beyond her professional contributions, Marla’s kindness and thoughtfulness left a positive impact on everyone she worked with. Her genuine care for her colleagues and the members of our cooperative family reflected the values we strive to uphold. As Marla moves on to the next chapter of her life, we extended our sincere gratitude for her years of service. Her work will continue to inspire us, and her presence will be missed. ?? Thank you, Marla, for your contributions and the example you set for all of us. You will always hold a special place in the cooperative family.

Santa Claus Comes to Sikeston: Photo Opportunity Today! Get ready to spread some holiday cheer! Santa Claus will be making a special appearance today at our office in Sikeston from 4 PM to 7 PM. Families, kids, and the young at heart are invited to come by and capture a magical moment with St. Nick himself. Whether you’re looking to start a new family tradition or continue a cherished one, this is your chance to meet Santa, share your wish list, and snap the perfect photo for your holiday cards. Don’t miss this festive opportunity to create lasting memories. Bring your smiles and your holiday spirit—we’ll see you there! Event Details: ?? Location: 1505 South Main, Sikeston ??? Date: Today ? Time: 4 PM to 7 PM Ho, ho, ho—see you soon!