As each new year begins, we look ahead to the goals and projects that will enhance reliability, improve service, and keep electricity affordable. Yet, the months seem to pass quickly. As 2025 comes to a close, I’m proud of our staff’s dedication—meeting deadlines and expectations, working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure uninterrupted, dependable service for our members.
Supporting Our Military In All Kinds of Weather
In January of this year, our commitment to serving our military partners at Eglin AFB went beyond the ongoing responsibilities of our 50-year Utility Privatization (UP) contract. One key project involved replacing a switch on the 115kV system that powers the McKinley Climatic Laboratory. This facility features chambers that simulate any climatic environment in the world, including sun, wind, rain, dust, salt, fog, and altitude.
2025 Winter Storm
On January 21, 2025, a historic snowstorm transformed the northern Gulf Coast into a winter wonderland, breaking nearly 130-year-old snowfall records. While the storm tested our system, CHELCO’s team worked diligently to keep power flowing. Some areas experienced brief outages; however, the system performed well overall. Areas most impacted were identified for upgrades—some already underway, with more planned in our 2026 Construction Work Plan—ensuring our system remains resilient and prepared for future extreme weather events.
Powered By Safety
This year, we enhanced our public safety efforts by introducing a new and improved Live Line Safety Demonstration Trailer at our 2025 Annual Meeting. The upgraded trailer features life-like equipment that enables our team to simulate real-life scenarios and teach safe practices related to electricity. Since the trailer went into service, we’ve more than doubled the number of demonstrations from the previous year, completing 35 presentations for approximately 1,500 individuals. These sessions reached first responders, municipal public works departments, heavy equipment operators, and students of all ages, providing audiences with hands-on education about the dangers of electricity and how to stay safe.
Charitable CHELCO
Concern for Community remains a valued cooperative principle. Through Operation Round Up, members’ generosity has allowed the cooperative to award nearly 250 grants totaling more than half a million dollars since 2019, helping local organizations and families in need. In addition, the Drebing Fund, established in 2024 following a member’s bequest, has distributed $189,000 to 20 unique charities, further extending CHELCO’s impact. These programs reflect our commitment to giving back and demonstrate how the cooperative and its members work together to make a meaningful difference across the region. To learn more about our team’s charitable efforts, visit chelco.com/charitable-chelco.
Capital Credits
Another testament to the strength and stability of your cooperative is capital credits. Just last month, CHELCO’s Board of Trustees approved a retirement of approximately $3.3 million in capital credits to cooperative members from 2004/2005, which will be disbursed this month to more than 30,000 current and former members. You can find more information on this topic on page 4 of this newsletter or on our website at chelco.com/capital-credits.
As we wrap up 2025, I want to sincerely thank our members for your continued support and trust. Looking ahead, 2026 promises to be another year of growth, innovation, and service, and our team is ready to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead.
From all of us at CHELCO, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
