York Electric Cooperative, Inc.

We've said many times before we are more than just an electric company. As a co-op, we have a deep concern for community, a desire to improve the quality of life in our area and secure promising futures for our youth. For years we have focused on offering scholarships and opportunities for students to further their education. Although we feel our programs benefit our local students, we want to do more.

Learning starts in the classroom. Our dedicated teachers work tirelessly to prepare students for the world to come. From marrying a teacher to watching my daughter study to be an educator, with a goal to possibly one day become a school administrator, I know firsthand teachers' hearts are wired to help their students grow. Although it is necessary to pass on the basics of science, math and language arts, our teachers go beyond what is required so that the lessons mean something and stick with the student. Funding to accomplish these beneficial projects is often a problem, which is why York Electric Cooperative and our Operation Round Up Trust Board are working together to provide the Bright Ideas Grant Program. All kindergarten through 12th grade teachers in York, Clover, Rock Hill and Fort Mill school districts are eligible to apply for a grant to fund an innovative program to implement in their classroom. Each district will be awarded one grant of up to $1,000, and winners will be announced this fall for the 2019-2020 school year.

Teachers, we salute you. The differences you make in the lives of our young members are unparalleled. York Electric is proud to have local people looking out for you, and we encourage your bright ideas to shine so that you continue to influence the lives of your students. Our hope is that we will electrify your spirit, sparking new, creative ideas, so that you can create a unique classroom experience for your students. Shine bright and good luck!

Paul Basha
President and Chief Executive Officer

Teachers, send in your Bright Ideas!

• Visit us online at yorkelectric.net/my-community to complete the electronic application.
• All applications will be reviewed by a panel, omitting school, district and teacher names.
• One teacher in York, Clover, Rock Hill and Fort Mill School Districts will receive a grant of up to $1,000 to fund a classroom project.
• All winners will be announced this fall for the 2019-2020 school year.
• Questions? Email Porter Gable at ten.c1566409758irtce1566409758lekro1566409758y@elb1566409758aG.re1566409758troP1566409758.

Participating Beat the Peak program volunteers, totaling over 30,000 in South Carolina, have already helped save more than $100,000 in power costs, according to a recent impact study. Based on total memberships, York Electric Cooperative is proud to have the highest percentage of participants among the other SC electric cooperatives and their dedication shows.

Vice President of Community Development, Marc Howie, serves on the state's committee for the program. He appreciates the participation, but mostly the small changes that have made a big impact. "Some members have set their thermostat well above 70 degrees in summer, which has the biggest impact. Others have simply turned off some lights and electronics during those peak times. We appreciate efforts both large and small," says Howie.

It's simple to participate. Best of all, small actions make a big impact. Volunteers receive alerts letting them know when a peak is on the way. In the summer, these peaks usually occur between 4 and 7 p.m. on the hottest days. That's when people come home, crank up the AC, bathe and do laundry and dishes. Simply postponing these habits helps to reduce power costs. Since power costs impact rates, these actions to reduce energy use during peak demand times help keep rates stable and reduce the need for new power plants.

Sign up for an easy way to help keep electricity affordable at beatthepeak.com. You will receive your notifications on when to act to make a difference.

Never far from our reach, our cell phones are the most used form of communication these days. That's why YEC has focused on texting features as part of our Member Comfort Initiative. Power out? Now you can TEXT to report your location. Simply text OUTAGE to 352667 from the mobile phone listed on your account and your address will be flagged with an outage. Important: Please sign on to our member portal to check that your cell phone number is up to date and appearing in the mobile phone field on your account profile. This is necessary for the new texting feature to work accurately. YEC is excited to share this feature, proving our dedication to always looking out for you and working to make your life easier.

Scan the code and download our mobile app today!

Using YEC's Mobile App

Our 78th Annual Meeting held on May 11 was a great time of fun, food, and fellowship. For those of you who couldn't make it, and for those who just want to reminisce on all the fun, here's a video highlighting a few favorite moments from our 2019 Annual Meeting.

2019 YEC Annual Meeting Video

The YEC family came together May 11, with lots of smiles and high spirits. Here are a few favorite moments from our 2019 Annual Meeting.

Grand Prize Winner

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Dee Totherow beams after winning our top grand prize, a 2012 Chevrolet Colorado extended cab pickup.

Just like a nice scoop of ice cream brings you a cool, sweet flavor of backyard summertime fun, our Annual Meeting brings the same feeling of togetherness each year. Thank you all for a wonderful 78th Annual Meeting where we celebrated the value of your membership and communities. Looking back on the festivities of May 11, one thing stood out above the rest. The most valuable asset is YOU. The tightknit relationships among our members show we are more than a group. We are one. We work together to make a difference as a big co-op family. It is powerful to see our diverse membership and their families come together to enjoy fellowship and fun while learning about the impact they have had over 78 years.

These highlights capture the smiles of our members, making your co-op's heart full. That's what we are here to do— look out for you and make a difference in your lives. Speaking of a difference, let's discuss more about the values you bring to our community. Not only have you banded together to give back, you've put a hefty price tag on your generosity through Operation Round Up, contributing nearly $2.8 million dollars since 2000. You also worked together to collect 1,200 pounds of food in the short span of four hours at our Annual Meeting. Together, you helped provide food for the hungry in our community.

Honoring the cooperative advantage of your membership is something we do every day, but actions speak louder than words. That's why we are proud to say we have not increased rates in nine years and have planned to continue this for at least another two years. We also gave back the largest Capital Credit amount in our history—a whopping $1.5 million dollars.

Know that you are valued and that we will keep striving to increase the value of your membership for years to come. Thank you for attending our Annual Meeting and for helping us make a difference in our communities.

Paul Basha
President and Chief Executive Officer

Related

YEC 2019 Annual Meeting Highlights: Video & Slideshow

[PDF] YEC Bylaws

Download PDF 427 KB 561 downloads

Calling all smartphone users! Have you downloaded the free YEC Mobile App? It's an easy way to check your account, pay your bill, make an arrangement or report an outage right from your phone. Plus, you can set up notifications so you know when your payment is posted and when your bill is due. Part of our Member Comfort Initiative, the YEC Mobile App is another way we are providing you with peace of mind that YEC is looking out for you. Scan the code and download today!

Using YEC's Mobile App

Your co-op's dedication to bringing you a brighter future.

Solar Energy continues to make headlines in the electric industry. At your co-op, we are proud to embrace these emerging technologies and be your trusted source for information. A large portion of our membership has shown interest in solar energy, which is why we have developed special net metering rates, invested in two community solar farms, created step by step instructions on the installation process and an educational program to accommodate anyone who wishes to install solar panels on their home.

Your co-op is always looking out for you, which is why it is important to us for you to know the facts before you sign on the dotted line. Thinking about solar? Let us walk you through the process to ensure your investment will outweigh your costs. Through our Solar Advisory Program, members who are interested in installing panels on their home or in their yard to offset their electric bill can talk to an expert who will give them an analysis of their installation proposal. Energy Services Representative Brent Clinton works with members each day to find the best solution for them. "It has been very rewarding to help guide our members through a successful interconnection process and educate them about solar energy. Most of all, I have been happy to help members understand the information that is presented by solar companies for their homes. Sometimes this can be misleading, and other times I am able to validate what the company has presented. Either way, there's no better peace of mind than allowing your co-op to help you make an informed decision about whether or not this renewable plan is right for you," said Clinton. Learn more about this program.

Your co-op has over 200 interconnected solar systems across our territory and your interest keeps climbing. We have become aware that some members are interested in participating but are unable to make a permanent installation at their residence. That's why YEC has invested in two community solar farms and is considering offering a third in the future. The first smaller community solar farm was completely subscribed in less than a month. Our second farm, located in our East York Industrial Park, is more than two-thirds subscribed. If you would like to invest in clean, renewable solar energy, please reach out to Brent Clinton at ten.c1566409758irtce1566409758lekro1566409758y@not1566409758nilC.1566409758tnerB1566409758 or read about our subscription process here.

We are committed to staying up-to-date with emerging technologies so that we may be your source of power and information. We are proud to be your trusted energy advisor, making your future as a member of YEC brighter than ever.

Paul Basha
President and Chief Executive Officer