York Electric Cooperative is proud of its accomplishments during 2011 and we are building on those successes in 2012. Our No. 1 priority is providing you, our members, with reliable, safe and affordable energy. It’s just another way we are looking out for you.
AMI YEC implemented Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) in several test areas. AMI is a program that will help prepare us for the electric power industry’s fast-paced technological advancement. This technology improves outage notification and the restoration process and provides additional metering data to better assist members with billing and service questions. It also gives YEC the capability to provide members with valuable usage information such as consumption patterns, outage history and voltage information.
Power Saver Rewards
This new program provides a partnership between the cooperative and the member. The member allows YEC to install a device on his/her air conditioner to reduce the cooperative’s electric load at peak times. The member receives a savings on the power bill. This program is available currently to 25 percent of our members, but the availability is expanding monthly.
Weathered storms
YEC has a well-maintained distribution system designed to handle all your energy needs, and a proven plan for storm-related outages. The old saying “good luck is when preparation meets opportunity” was definitely the case when major storms passed through our service area on May 10 and 13, 2011. At the peak of the storms, 15,000 members were without power. The damage was widespread and severe, but YEC was able to restore power within approximately three days.
Safety
YEC’s workforce completed 2011 with an impressive safety record. A safe working environment assures that employees will return home unharmed each night. Co-op members also benefit from a lower cost of operation when employees work safely every day.
Cost per meter
YEC demonstrated the cooperative difference through every aspect of our service to members. Financially, YEC remains strong, and our electric rates are stable and competitive. Due to our continued efforts to streamline operating efficiency to hold down costs, members have seen the operating cost per meter remain the same for the past eight years (independent of the wholesale cost of power).
Economic development
YEC continued its economic development efforts as two new industries, Centrex Plastics and Bluestar Silicones, moved into existing buildings in YEC’s East York Industrial Park. Serving large commercial and industrial members helps YEC hold down the cost of service for all co-op members, including residential consumers. That is why we actively recruit industries and other large loads and work with state and local economic development agencies. It also helps provide jobs for our members and other local residents.
2012 Goals
- Power Saver Rewards (energy management) will be available to 75% of YEC’s membership. This system helps YEC reduce the cost of power and keep all members’ bills lower.
- Expand our Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) efforts from our first test area in York to a second in the Gold Hill Road area in Fort Mill.
- YEC will be the “go to” place for members’ questions about alternate forms of energy such as fuel cells, electric cars and solar power. YEC will monitor new technology and provide recommendations to members.
- Keep the increases in the cost of power to around 1 percent.
- YEC will require competitive bids for outside contract work. As a member-owned utility, we conduct business ethically and ensure our members get the most value for their money.
- We will continue to grow the Co-op Connections discount card program with new Healthy Savings benefits and additional participating businesses.
- Keep our employees and the public safe as we maintain our electrical system.
YEC’s directors are determined to continue to support policies and actions that will result in the delivery of quality service to you as we embrace the opportunities and confront the challenges that lie ahead.
Paul Basha
President and Chief Executive Officer
Charles R. (Dick) Burrell
Board Chairman