Ohio Cooperative Living Magazine

South Central Power holds 90th Annual Meeting

South Central Power members voted in trustee elections, approved amendments, and learned about cooperative successes and savings.

September is preparedness month, but the need to be prepared never ends

September is National Preparedness Month. Learn how your cooperative stays prepared and how you can too.

South Central Power donates to local fire departments

South Central Power showed our appreciation for brave, local heroes by helping them purchase new fire fighting equipment with three $10,000 grants.

Annual meeting: How members play a role

Participate in your cooperative at the 2026 annual meeting held on Aug. 20 at the Tree Church in Lancaster. The business meeting starts at 11 a.m.

Understanding capital credits

South Central returns $16.8 million to members and former members in 2026. Learn how this process works.

As a member, you pay less and save more

South Central members pay less than the Ohio average for electric usage. Here are a few ways your cooperative is helping you pay less and save more.

Giving back

As a cooperative, we exist to serve our members like you. The funds we collect to operate the business don’t come from Wall Street — they come from the end-of-line consumers who rely on our service every day. That’s why one of the cooperative principles is Concern for Community. That’s why cooperatives give back to their communities, and so this month, I want to talk about giving back.

Powered by service

This year, we made a point to focus on service — how as a member-owned cooperative, we are different in how we serve you. Take a look back on 2025 and see what it really means to be “member-owned” and how we’re different from other kinds of electric utilities.

This April, we recognize line workers

In April, we take time to pause and recognize the brave individuals who make safe, dependable service possible — our line workers.

The cooperative way: South Central employee ‘goes above and beyond’ for member’s grandson

It was a perfect storm of circumstances that left 10-year-old Brayden Amburgey of Greenfield alone outside on a bitter cold day in December. Due to an early release, the school bus dropped him off with no one home to let him in. Thankfully, he saw a South Central Power truck next door and approached for help. Tristen Helterbrand, a meter technician out of the co-op’s Hillsboro office, saved the day by keeping Brayden warm in his truck and letting him use his phone to contact his grandmother who quickly returned home after getting the call. “Helping each other is what the co-op stands for," says Tristen.

It’s your cooperative

In 2026, members will select the trustees who represent them in districts 1, 8, and 13. Be on the lookout for a ballot in your mailbox in the upcoming months. You can also participate in your cooperative by joining us for one of our three spring member meetings in St. Clairsville, Hillsboro, or Canal Winchester. We hope to see you there!

Data centers and your power

Often, it’s implied and believed that data centers are the sole reason for rising electricity prices that consumers are seeing in their monthly electric bills. The truth, as usual, is far more complicated than what you normally see in the headlines.

Weathering rising costs

As the ongoing costs of doing business continue to rise, South Central Power Company will implement a $5 monthly increase in our consumer charge for residential members, effective April 1 of this year.

As a cooperative, we share the benefits, but also the costs

Rick Lemonds discusses how being a part of a cooperative is different than being a customer of other utilities - and its many benefits.

Consider an electric cooperative career

At South Central Power, employees are making a difference every day and adding value to the lives of our members.

Working together to keep the lights on

Rick Lemonds discusses the changing era for electric grid reliability, and what it means for our shared goal of keeping the lights on.

In November, we celebrate veterans

As we celebrate Veterans Day, we remember and honor Ohio’s veterans. By doing so, we not only pay tribute to their sacrifice but also together build a brighter future for our state and nation.

Electric cooperatives provide power with purpose

What does “National Cooperative Month” really mean? For South Central Power Company, it means celebrating how far we’ve come and how our community of members has brought us to where we are today.

South Central Power hosts annual meeting

At the recent annual meeting, three members were re-elected to the Board of Trustees, members passed changes to the code of regulations, and leadership provided reports on the cooperative.

Prepay is here

Take control of your electric service with South Central Power's Prepay program - a flexible, pay-as-you-go option designed to fit your lifestyle and budget.

October is Cooperative Month

Rick Lemonds shares his thoughts on what it means to be a cooperative, answering the question: "What if we were not a cooperative?".

The trip of a lifetime

Providing greater billing transparency

To improve transparency and understanding around the charges on your bill, starting as early as October, instead of a single consolidated charge for “generation & transmission,” you’ll see two separate line items representing each of the two components.

September is Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month. It’s a time at South Central Power where we highlight the plans we make year-round to be prepared, but we also like to encourage our members to take advantage of resources to prepare for themselves.

Capital credits reallocation notice

South Central Power Company is attempting to locate former patrons who are eligible for the general retirement of capital credits of the year 2000.

Stay informed: Automatic enrollment in text alerts for power outages coming in September

Starting in September, South Central Power will auto enroll all members who have a cell phone number on file with us in the outage texting program. That means you'll receive a text from us when power is out.

Monitor usage with My Account and app

It's summer and that can mean high bills as we use more energy to keep our homes cool. Find out how to understand your energy use daily, monthly or even hourly.

It’s your cooperative

President & CEO Rick Lemonds shares how we're different because our investors and consumers are the same. We answer to you - not the big guys on Wall Street. Read more to learn about the ways you can participate in your cooperative.

How South Central Power conducts surveys

Learn about the different surveys your cooperative might ask you to participate in, and how we use the feedback we receive.

Making membership even easier

We’re making changes and enhancements that make it easier to be a member and keeping up with bills and payments every month. Check out these easy ways to pay.

The power of your voice

President & CEO Rick Lemonds shares ways that feedback fuels your cooperative, and the power of your voice in how we address short-term operational needs and long-term business strategy.

Are solar panels right for you?

This month, we're sharing the stories of two South Central Power Co. members – one who decided solar panels was right for their home and one who didn’t.

Rooftop Reality

Interested in solar? Take these steps - before signing a contract - to avoid some of the worst pitfalls.

Tree trimming program

This Earth Day and Arbor Day, we'll celebrate the beauty and benefits of the trees in our communities. Unfortunately, though, trees can grow too close to power lines and cause power outages.

Why we celebrate line workers in April

Being a line worker isn't easy. Be sure to thank a line worker when your home is warm in the winter, cool in the summer and the lights come on when you flip the switch.

Rates and bills – Why operating as a cooperative matters

President & CEO Rick Lemonds reflects on the consumer charge increase in April, and shares that because you are a member of a cooperative, no portion of your bill goes toward profits that drive earnings on Wall Street.

The impact of generation and transmission on consumer power bills

South Central Power Company President & CEO Rick Lemonds discusses the impact of generation and transmission on consumer power bills, and that a multipronged, long-term approach is the only answer to solving the energy needs of not just today, but also the future for generations of Ohioans.

Modest rate adjust coming in April

Our goal is to provide you with dependable service at the lowest possible cost, and we are committed to keeping increases in the cost of electricity as modest as possible. Effective April 2025, we are implementing a $2 increase to our monthly residential consumer charge, raising it from $27 to $29.

Nine ideas to save on your bill

Saving energy is saving money. Tactics to save energy come in all shapes and sizes, including steps you can take today at no cost. Or, you can spend a little money to achieve greater savings and make some minor investments in your home to help save even more. Here are some ideas to help you save.

Portable space heaters: using them safely

Electric heaters can make your home cozy, but they come with risks. Learn how to stay safe and warm.

Looking back, moving forward

Rick Lemonds celebrates our 2024 achievements, and looks forward to a bright future ahead with ambitious goals for 2025.

Stay warm and save all winter long

There are a number of things you can do throughout the winter to save money and improve the comfort of you and your family.

Protecting the grid from threats

Protecting America’s electric grid to ensure a reliable, affordable and secure supply of electricity is a top priority for electric cooperatives like South Central Power Company.

South Central Power Company hosts annual meeting

Five members of the board of trustees were re-elected at the South Central Power Company annual meeting in August.

Preparation is key: safety in a disaster situation

Being prepared in the event of a disaster can be the deciding factor in safety for you and your family. September is preparedness month, and that is why South Central Power wants to remind families to prepare themselves for an emergency.

Understanding the need for rate adjustments and other factors behind rising bills

Rick Lemonds explains the need for rate adjustments and other factors behind rising bills.

Upgrading transmission lines to enhance reliability

Many of South Central Power's 264 miles of transmission lines are 70+ years old. By replacing aged wood poles with steel poles of equivalent size and capacity, we will ensure their viability for years to come.

Capital credits reallocation notice

South Central Power Company is attempting to locate former patrons who are eligible for the general retirement of 1999 capital credits.

The meaning of membership

South Central Power Company is a not-for-profit cooperative. It doesn’t have customers; it has members, like you, who actually own the electric company that serves them and share in both the obligations and benefits of that ownership.

Make your life easier

Download the South Central app or visit southcentralpower.com to enroll in paperless billing and auto pay.

Addressing increased power demand and new regulations

South Central Power Company President & CEO Rick Lemonds advocates for balanced policies in this column from the July issue of Ohio Cooperative Living.

Trees and powerlines don’t always mix

Join us in celebrating the benefits of trees this Earth Day and Arbor Day.

April is line worker appreciation month

Let's #thankalineworker in April during Line Worker Appreciation Month.

Celebrating the strength behind our power

Rick Lemonds reflects on the commitment of our line workers this Line Worker Appreciation Day.

What your electric cooperative does for you

We're proud to be owned by the members we serve. Being part of an electric cooperative comes with a range of benefits that directly impact you, the member.

2024 rate adjustment accounts for rising costs

Average bill to rise moderately as cooperative remains among the state’s most affordable energy providers

Rate adjustment unavoidable, but we want to help you save

President & CEO Rick Lemonds discusses the April rate adjustment, says we want to help you save.

My Account upgrade

In mid-January, you’ll see a new look and feel with the South Central Power My Account website.

Keeping the lights on in January

Rick Lemonds talks about electric reliability - and how we can work together to keep the lights on this winter and beyond.

Winter Reminders

Check out these winter reminders to help keep you safe and warm all winter long.

Is budget billing right for you?

Hot summer days and cold winter nights can lead to big swings in your electric bill, and you can’t always predict the total each month. Or can you? Budget billing may offer the consistency you’re looking for.

Reflecting: A look back at 2023

South Central Power Company President & CEO Rick Lemonds looks back on 2023 and looks forward to 2024.

Combating rising costs of power

What we're doing to combat rising costs of power, and some steps you can take to lower your bill.

In November, we celebrate veterans

South Central Power celebrates veterans, especially our employees and board members who are veterans and reservists.

October is Co-op Month

This October, join me in celebrating the work of cooperatives. We are proud to be owned and governed by you.

Energy-saving projects for the weekend warrior

Here are three energy-saving projects that you can easily tackle whether you’re a weekend warrior pro or a DIY dabbler.

September is preparedness month

At South Central Power Company, we have to be prepared any time of the night or day, 365 days of the year.

Look out for scams

Targeted by a scammer? Here are a few reminders on how to take control of the situation when you’ve been targeted by a scammer.

Need Your Meter Disconnected?

Having work done at your home, farm, or business that would cause your electric meter to be disconnected or reconnected? Your first call should be to South Central Power.

Stay cool with these member service tips

Did you know that there are some things you can do to help limit high electric bills? Here are a few suggestions from our member service team from the July issue of Ohio Cooperative Living.

Energy Transition Too Important to Rush

Rick Lemonds outlines why the energy transition is too important to rush

In April, We Celebrate Line Workers

President and CEO, Rick Lemonds, reflects on the heart and service of electric linemen.

Christmas Cold Snap a Reality Check on Power Generation Trends

South Central shares member success in energy-saving efforts.

Improving Transmission Systems Expensive But Necessary

South Central's commitment to long-term success.

Inflation Hits Power Industry, Costs Continue to Rise

South Central sees operational increases in fuel, labor, insurance, and equipment

Members Tour New Facilities, Receive Update on Broadband During Member Meetings

South Central Power Company hosts members at its 3 offices - gives business updates.