South Central Power Company began constructing its fiber network in September 2023. connectSCP, the company’s high-speed internet service, connected its first subscriber in May 2024. Now, a year into the project, connectSCP is set to celebrate its 1,000th subscriber, while continuing to expand its fiber network across the western and eastern parts of its
service territory.
Expanding fiber internet service
connectSCP received two grants from BroadbandOhio to bring high-speed fiber internet to unserved and underserved areas within South Central Power’s service region. These grants covered a portion of the cost of building the network and will help South Central Power keep the monthly price of the service as low as possible. The funding is tied to specific addresses, and connectSCP is focusing on these areas first.
In the western service territory, fiber service is available in parts of Fayette, Highland, and Adams counties. In the east, members in portions of Belmont and Monroe counties can now access the service.
Building a smarter grid
The fiber build-out is one of the ways South Central Power is modernizing its transmission and distribution systems. The company will leverage the fiber-optic backbone to connect substations and automated field devices, leading to fewer and shorter outages.
Fiber-to-the-home capabilities will have the ability to support Wi-Fi connected devices, such as water heaters and thermostats, enabling real-time energy management and peak demand reduction, and potentially preventing blackouts or the use of peaking plants. These initiatives can help lower bills and reduce overall energy demand, benefiting all members and the communities South Central Power serves.
connectSCP continues to explore funding opportunities to expand its broadband service to more unserved and underserved areas. To stay informed about new developments or check fiber availability in your area, complete an interest form at connectSCP.com or call 800-282-5064, option 2.
In October 2024, Michelle M. in Highland County became the 1,000th South Central Power member to be connected to fiber internet service. During the home installation, she was presented with a Fire TV Stick 4k streaming device and movie-themed gear from connectSCP.
connectSCP’s goal is for all members to have access to high-speed fiber internet. Congratulations to Michelle and thank you to all members who have selected connectSCP as their internet provider and helped connectSCP achieve this milestone.
From the December 2024 issue of Ohio Cooperative Living.