When you think about Medina Electric Cooperative, you hopefully think of us as a local business. That’s because we are.
Our management team, board of directors and employees live and work right here in the communities we serve. But you may not realize that your cooperative is part of a much larger co-op network that provides value, tools and knowledge that benefit you, the members.
Cooperation Among Cooperatives
When severe weather is predicted for our region, we may call on our sister co-ops for assistance. Through this connection of mutual aid, we coordinate with them to bring additional trucks, equipment and crews to our area. We work together and share resources to more efficiently restore power to our community.
And Medina EC reciprocates by assisting other electric co-ops when they request help.
Cooperation Among Cooperatives is a foundational principle of the co-op business model, in which co-ops work together to meet big challenges such as power restoration after severe weather.
Cooperation is also essential when it comes to cybersecurity. Training, resources and tools provided by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association strengthen our efforts to combat digital threats.
Medina EC’s ability to tap into the nationwide network and access resources, products and leading practices from other cooperatives ultimately makes our co-op and community stronger.
Advocacy
Voices for Cooperative Power is another great example of the power of cooperation.
VCP is a nationwide grassroots network of co-op members that helps our elected officials better understand the many ways your co-op supports you and your community.
Challenges like affordability, energy security and reliability require flexible solutions that empower local utilities like ours to serve their people best.
Diversifying energy sources, collaborating on technologies and balancing progress with reliability are priorities that VCP advocates for in Austin and Washington, D.C.
Global Impact
Communities across the globe have benefited from the lessons learned and experience of co-ops in electrifying the American countryside.
NRECA International has put this knowledge to work, helping provide access to reliable and affordable electricity to 220 million people in 54 countries. This effort is made possible through the support of electric co-ops in Texas and across the country.
Hundreds of lineworkers (including some Medina EC linemen), engineers and other co-op employees have served as volunteers to bring first-time access to electricity and train local partners to help utilities be sustainable in their own communities.
November is a time for reflection and giving thanks. I’m grateful for our sister co-ops that enable us to better serve you and our broader community.
When electric cooperatives collaborate, we strengthen each other and the communities we serve—and that’s something to be truly thankful for this Thanksgiving.
Until next time,
Trey Grebe
