A few months ago, in a local elementary school classroom, a group of kindergartners sat wide-eyed as “Lineman Larry” flipped the pages and read from his new, brightly illustrated book about electrical safety.
When he paused to ask questions, hands shot up across the room— eager, curious and full of ideas. One student proudly explained he knows the difference between MidSouth poles, while another shared she waves to the trucks when passing by. In that moment, it was clear: education doesn’t just inform, it empowers.
That spirit of learning and connection extends beyond the classroom and into everything MidSouth does. As we gather virtually for this year’s annual meeting, we celebrate not only the progress we’ve made, but the ways we continue to invest in knowledge by embracing the 5th Cooperative Principle “Education, Training and Information” for our members, employees and even our youngest community voices.
Members
MidSouth remains deeply committed to educating its members and the broader community. Through Texas Co-op Power magazine, the MidSouth Minute podcast, an active social media presence and regularly updated website content, our co-op provides timely and relevant information on topics such as energy efficiency, electrical safety and storm preparedness. By prioritizing clear, accessible communication, MidSouth ensures that its members are not only informed, but empowered to make decisions that impact their homes, businesses and daily lives.
Employees
Our co-op maintains a strong workforce through ongoing education and professional development. MidSouth remains forward-thinking, knowledgeable and prepared to serve its members with excellence through industry-specific training, regular safety and cybersecurity meetings, government policy education, leadership development and so much more.
Recently, MidSouth had the distinct pleasure of welcoming 40-year industry expert, Keith Stapleton, to educate all employees about their Power in Purpose—serving members and strengthening our communities.
Youngest Community Voices
In 2025, we launched an award-winning children’s education program aimed at teaching electrical and internet safety in a fun and engaging way to the cooperative’s youngest audience. MidSouth Power Kids has sparked curiosity and awareness among children across the service area through interactive storytelling, hands-on activities and school partnerships. Visit MidSouthElectric.com/Kids for educational downloads and our original children’s book, “Lineman Larry.”
Additionally, MidSouth’s Safety Specialists present electrical safety demonstrations utilizing Safety Town—an interactive display presented at local schools, safety events and community outreach programs that educates children on the potential dangers of electricity in daily life. With live electric circuits, this small-scale community model simulates what happens when common everyday items encounter electrical components.
Education is a lifelong endeavor. That is why for many years, MidSouth has supported the higher education of our local youth through trade school and university scholarships. We also send five MidSouth students annually on an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., where they learn more about our federal government and the history of our great nation.
MidSouth believes education is not a one-time effort; it is an ongoing responsibility. We remain dedicated to obtaining and sharing knowledge that strengthens our workforce and enriches the communities we serve.
