A regular update for leaders, members and friends of the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives
from Brian S. Mosier — President & CEO
February 2023
A regular update for leaders, members and friends of the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives
from Brian S. Mosier — President & CEO
October 2022
![Virginia Co-ops Provide Mutual Aid to Sister Co-ops](https://vmdaec.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/1-STORMS-copy-1080x675.jpg)
Virginia Co-ops Provide Mutual Aid to Sister Co-ops
On March 4, crews from Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative, Southside Electric Cooperative, Northern Neck Electric Cooperative and Powell Valley Electric Cooperative traveled to Kentucky and parts of Tennessee to assist sister co-ops following destructive storms. At peak, more than 300,000 electric cooperative members in Kentucky were affected by the storm that brought high winds and hurricane-strength gusts. Every electric co-op in Kentucky was hit by the damaging winds, which limited the...
![Virginia Co-ops Provide Mutual Aid to Sister Co-ops](https://vmdaec.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/1-STORMS-copy-1080x675.jpg)
Virginia Co-ops Provide Mutual Aid to Sister Co-ops
On March 4, crews from Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative, Southside Electric Cooperative, Northern Neck Electric Cooperative and Powell Valley...
![Craig-Botetourt Electric Cooperative Hosts 87th Annual Meeting](https://vmdaec.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/DSC_7313-copy-1080x675.jpg)
Craig-Botetourt Electric Cooperative Hosts 87th Annual Meeting
More than 50 members, employees and guests gathered in the cozy confines of a garage bay at the Craig-Botetourt Electric Cooperative headquarters in New Castle, Va., for a memorable 87th annual meeting.
![Association Shares Knowledge and Promotes Services](https://vmdaec.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/DSC_7405-copy-1080x675.jpg)
Association Shares Knowledge and Promotes Services
The North Carolina Electric Meter School and Grid Technology Conference is an endeavor to bring together meter personnel from the electric utility industry to present information on common problems, standard practices, procedures and new technologies.
![CVEC Receives National Recognition for Security Excellence](https://vmdaec.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Juniper-Award-1080x675.jpg)
CVEC Receives National Recognition for Security Excellence
Central Virginia Electric Cooperative received an honorable mention for security excellence in the 2023 Elevate Awards by Juniper Networks.
![The Show Must Go On](https://vmdaec.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Header_DSC_6098-1080x675.jpg)
The Show Must Go On
A little rain did not prevent more than 300 linemen from 11 states from competing in the 20th annual Gaff-n-Go Rodeo this past weekend.
![EMPOWER Broadband Reaches 1,000 Subscribers in Halifax County](https://vmdaec.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Picture1-1080x675.jpg)
EMPOWER Broadband Reaches 1,000 Subscribers in Halifax County
EMPOWER Broadband Inc. recently reached yet another significant milestone, connecting its 1,000th customer in Halifax County to high-speed broadband service utilizing fiber-optic technology.
![Co-op Color Run Funds Books for Local Children](https://vmdaec.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/FunRun-Color-1080x675.jpeg)
Co-op Color Run Funds Books for Local Children
Northern Neck Electric Cooperative’s second Bright Futures Fun(d) Run raised over $5,000, thanks to a matching donation from Oasis Digital Properties, providing children in the area with more than 4,000 books.
![United We Light Team Reunited](https://vmdaec.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DSC_3522-1080x675.jpg)
United We Light Team Reunited
On April 12, team members from the United We Light mission trip to Guatemala and their families came together again for a catered meal at the VMDAEC Training Center. The meal was sponsored by S&N Communications.
![Vegetation Management Seminar](https://vmdaec.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DSC_2706-1080x675.jpg)
Vegetation Management Seminar
At the VMDAEC Vegetation Management group’s quarterly meeting in March, a request was made to see the latest and greatest in equipment and materials used in vegetation management and right-of-way clearing.
![Apprentices Graduate](https://vmdaec.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/LTAP_April2024_49.png)
Apprentices Graduate
On April 5, VMDAEC hosted a graduation ceremony at its Training Center in Palmyra, Va., celebrating completion of the Lineman Technician Apprenticeship Program by 13 apprentices.
![African Utility Pioneers Visit Central Virginia](https://vmdaec.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DSC_3270-1080x675.jpg)
African Utility Pioneers Visit Central Virginia
Central Virginia Electric Cooperative recently had the distinct privilege of hosting a delegation from the Republic of Burundi and Virunga Power Corporation.
![BARC Reaches Safety Milestone](https://vmdaec.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/workhours-1080x675.jpg)
BARC Reaches Safety Milestone
BARC reaches 750,000 personnel hours without a lost-time accident, a huge accomplishment worth recognizing.
![A&N Electric Hosts EV Class](https://vmdaec.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/EVClass0272-1080x675.jpg)
A&N Electric Hosts EV Class
A&N Electric Cooperative hosted a course for the Eastern Shore Academy for Lifetime Learning recently.
![Proof of the Goodness in People](https://vmdaec.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Photo-Main-Rob-1-1080x675.jpg)
Proof of the Goodness in People
Delaware Electric Cooperative CEO Rob Book expresses gratitude following life-changing event.
![Cooperative Collaboration](https://vmdaec.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/DSC_0085-1080x675.jpg)
Cooperative Collaboration
More than 30 human resources professionals gathered around the table Feb. 7-8 in Glen Allen for discussion on a variety of industry topics. The annual HR Roundtable, hosted by the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives, provides an ideal environment for networking and development.
![Directors Attend Winter RoundUp](https://vmdaec.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/DSC_0010-1080x675.jpg)
Directors Attend Winter RoundUp
Winter RoundUp – hosted at the VMDAEC headquarters in Glen Allen, 16 directors from eight member co-ops gathered for a full day of development led by NRECA instructor Kevin Sump. The topic was “ESG and the Cooperative Difference.”
![Future Pilots in Training](https://vmdaec.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/IMG_2057-copy_for-email.jpg)
Future Pilots in Training
In late January, students from various member cooperatives delved into the world of drones during a comprehensive week-long course in collaboration with VMDAEC Associate Member Sentinel Robotic Solutions.
![Firefly Fiber Broadband ranked #2 in the nation for 2023 customer satisfaction scores; #1 in Virginia](https://vmdaec.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Firefly_Final_BlueLogo_3c_CVECtag-1080x675.jpg)
Firefly Fiber Broadband ranked #2 in the nation for 2023 customer satisfaction scores; #1 in Virginia
Firefly Fiber Broadband\, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Central Virginia Electric Cooperative (CVEC), was recognized by Touchstone Energy for ranking #2 nationally and #1 in Virginia for customer satisfaction based on its 2023 ACSI broadband survey results.
![Powering Progress Through Policy: Legislative Day 2024](https://vmdaec.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/DSC_9325-copy-1080x675.jpg)
Powering Progress Through Policy: Legislative Day 2024
Looking out for their members best interests, Virginia electric cooperative leaders and directors gathered in Richmond to visit with elected officials about proposed legislation on Jan. 22.
![Empowering Virginia Legislators](https://vmdaec.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/UtilityU_2-1080x675.jpg)
Empowering Virginia Legislators
In a year that witnessed a significant influx of newly elected Virginia legislators, the importance of providing education on the electric utility industry and its challenges cannot be overstated.
![CVEC Mourns the Loss of Director](https://vmdaec.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Vest-Gloria-570x675.jpg)
CVEC Mourns the Loss of Director
Central Virginia Electric Cooperative is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Director Gloria W. Vest on Wednesday, Jan. 3. Vest served CVEC’s East District for over 20 years, representing members in Fluvanna, Louisa, and Orange counties.
![Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative Implements Brand Refresh](https://vmdaec.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MEC-group-1080x675.jpg)
Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative Implements Brand Refresh
Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative is proud to announce that it has implemented a brand refresh, consisting of a redesigned website and a new logo.
![Training First Responders](https://vmdaec.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/IMG_2067-copy-1080x675.jpg)
Training First Responders
ODEC and its member distribution cooperatives believe in the importance of ensuring their community partners are prepared for encounters with electric vehicles when responding to emergency calls.
![Inaugural Class Graduates](https://vmdaec.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/DSC_9063-1080x675.jpg)
Inaugural Class Graduates
Lineworker pre-apprenticeship enhances Eastern Shore workforce.
![EMPOWER Broadband Reaches 5000th Customer](https://vmdaec.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/EMPOWER-home-install-1080x675.jpg)
EMPOWER Broadband Reaches 5000th Customer
EMPOWER Broadband, Inc. recently reached a significant milestone, connecting its 5,000th customer to high-speed broadband service utilizing fiber-optic technology.
![System Operators Earn Certification](https://vmdaec.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/DSC_8645-1080x675.jpg)
System Operators Earn Certification
System Operators Earn Certification