CEC discusses industry, election results at meeting

Covington Electric Cooperative held its first live-streaming annual meeting on April 3, and at one point during the broadcast nearly seven hundred people were watching. There was much anticipation surrounding the meeting this year because there were four candidates who were vying for the District IV (Kinston) seat. The District III (Brantley) seat had no opposing candidate. In total, 5,278 CEC members cast a vote in this year’s election with 3,907 submitted by mail and 1,371 submitted online. All CEC members with active electric accounts received ballot packets in the mail last month with detailed instructions on how to cast their vote. This packet gave members the option to vote online using a specified website and a personal identification number, or they could cast their vote by mail using the pre-paid, self-addressed envelope. Ballots were not accepted at any CEC office. The confidential ballot process was conducted entirely through an independent tabulator. The board seats for Districts III and IV were up in this year’s election.

Board Chairman Willie Smith opened the annual meeting by recognizing long-time CEC Board Vice Chairman Heflin Smith who officially retired from his position on April 3, after 27 years of service. He thanked the long-time board member for his dedication and leadership while serving in this key role. Chairman Smith also gave the prayer and thanked the CEC membership for their cooperation. “As a member-owner of CEC, you are the focus of everything we do. Your feedback and support have enabled CEC to continue providing reliable electricity and fiber broadband with top-notch service,” he said.

The co-op’s CEO Mark Parker opened his comments by expressing gratitude to the people who worked tirelessly during the last eight decades of CEC’s history to make the co-op what it is today. “Over the years, countless individuals and teams have contributed to CEC’s success,” said Parker. “In 2024, CEC celebrated its 80th anniversary which served as a testament to their collective efforts, vision, and perseverance,” he added. Parker also discussed the addition of CEC’s first Member took place last October and stated that plans are underway to host those events again this year. He discussed Buzz Broadband stating the project is coming in under budget and there are just over 7,700 Buzz subscribers at this time. Electrical safety was another key part of Parker’s message to members, and he shared the co-op’s latest initiatives to increase member engagement through safety education.

Parker went on to explain the need for a rate increase at this time. “Whether we’re talking about providing innovative services like Buzz Broadband or supporting educational initiatives and events that enhance the communities we serve, there is an economic component to everything we do,” he said. “We know that it’s imperative to wisely use the revenue CEC receives, and to be transparent with our members regarding CEC’s financial data. That’s why we publish an annual report each year that details the co-op’s revenue, expenses, assets, liabilities, and equities. You can find this year’s report in the April issue of Alabama Living magazine. You can also read my article outlining the necessary rate changes due to increasing costs for wholesale power, operation materials, heavy duty equipment, bucket trucks and governmental regulations that have dramatically impacted the way power is generated and distributed. As we have stated before, CEC is required to meet specific margins by its lenders to help ensure the co-op’s financial stability remains secure. Without the rate change, we would not be able to meet those requirements.” Parker then turned the meeting back over to co-op attorney Earl Johnson to announce the election results.

Johnson mentioned 2025 proved to be another year of increased member participation in the board election by mail-in balloting or online voting. “The CEC members have spoken, and we will have Mr. Willie Smith back for another term representing District III, and we’re excited to welcome a newly elected trustee for District IV, Jenelle Helms Smith,” said Johnson. “We would like to thank all the candidates for their participation and all the CEC members who voted this year.

The top bill credit prize winners included two $2,500 bill credits that were awarded to Daniel Sasser of Andalusia and Keith Wilbur of Enterprise. Carol Heath of Kinston was the winner of a $750 bill credit, Three Notch Communication LLC of Andalusia won a $500 bill credit, and Christopher Blackwell of Andalusia won a $400 bill credit.

Other prize winners were as follows: Five members won $300 bill credits—Dyess Music Barn of Opp, Aaron Helms of Enterprise, Terry Kelley of Elba, Larry Lunsford of Elba, and Heather Noon of Andalusia. Five members won $100 bill credits—Andrew Jones of Andalusia, Alyssa Dean of Dozier, Shawn Morrow of Dozier, J.C. Farris of Elba, and James D. Mckinney of Elba. Five members won $50 bill credits—A. Z. Stoudmire of Elba, Lee Boyd of New Brockton, Norman Brooks of Red Level, David Baker of Elba, and Michael Bryan of Elba.