
Jeff Lewis, General Manager
Here we are at the end of 2022! October marked my one-year anniversary at Little River Electric Cooperative. So much has happened this past year.
We wrapped up a great Annual Meeting in September. Thank you to the 1,123 members that came out to register and vote. As a result, the new Bylaws passed with 79% in favor of the changes.
Giving back
Little River is in very sound financial standing. As a result, we returned nearly $300,000 in Capital Credits to our members that had service with Little River in 1998 and 2021. Capital Credits reflect each member’s ownership in the cooperative. Any margins or revenues related to the sale of electric service remaining after all expenses have been paid are returned to the cooperative members in proportion to their electrical use. Depending on your billing cycle, you should’ve seen a credit on either your October or November bill.
Excited for growth
We’ve seen great growth on our system within the past six months. Over 2% growth is tremendous for our area. Two-hundred-thirteen meters have been added, and we continue to add new members daily.
LREC is excited to welcome the first large industrial customer, Aerofoam, on Little River’s system. Little River tax dollars, as well as the South Carolina Power Team, were a huge help in landing the company. Aerofoam is a subsidiary of family-owned international firm Hira Industries. The company will establish its first United States headquarters and operation in Abbeville County. They plan to bring $11.5 million in capital and 50 jobs to Abbeville. We look forward to a long and successful relationship with them.
Safety is #1
Above all else, safety is our number one priority. We want each of our employees to return home to their families every night. We track “no lost” time at Little River due to accidents. On Aug. 29, we set an all-time record of 972 consecutive days with “no lost time” and on Sept. 27 we reached the 1,000- day milestone. That is a testament to our safety department and the lineman performing the job with exceptional attention to detail. I would like to thank all our employees for their dedication and hard work each and every day. They are the lifeline of the cooperative.
Big news
Little River now has a Facebook page. Go Like the Little River Facebook page and follow to keep up with news and events.
Happy holidays
I want to wish all our membership and my family at Little River Happy Thanksgiving and a Merry Christmas. In observance of the holidays, our office will close at noon on Wednesday, Nov. 23, and will be closed Thursday and Friday, Nov. 24–25, as well as Friday, Dec. 23, and Monday, Dec. 26. Offices will also be closed Monday, Jan. 2. As always, crews will be on standby.
JEFF LEWIS
General Manager
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