The power of connections
As humans, we are wired to connect.
In fact, research finds that our need to connect is as fundamental as our need for food and water. Dozens of studies have shown that people who have social support from family, friends and their community are happier, have fewer health problems and live longer.
Just as social connections make humans healthier and more productive, the connections made by CEMC and Cumberland Connect provide similar benefits for the communities we serve.
Co-ops make connections every day. We connect substations and meters, but those might not be the most important connections that we make.
Our power grid connects communities with energy. We know that your family depends on reliable energy. We also know that factories, schools, hospitals and critical infrastructure cease to function when the power is out. I’m proud to report that our team at CEMC kept the lights on more than 99% of the time in 2022, and we invested millions this year to improve system reliability.
Broadband infrastructure connects local communities with global knowledge and markets. Increasingly, healthcare, education, commerce and even entertainment requires robust, always-on connectivity. Cumberland Connect is working to close the digital divide that exists in rural and suburban Tennessee by building more than 3,500 miles of fiber to bring high speed internet access to the communities we serve.
Youth programs connect young people with limitless opportunities. From Washington Youth Tour and 4-H Electric Camp to college scholarships and school grants, we believe in developing the future leaders of our communities. That’s why each year we invite young people from our communities to participate in leadership and educational development programs provided by the co-op.
Generosity connects compassion with service. Our team cares about the people and places we serve because they live here, too. Whether it is the annual Electric Co-op Day of Service, local food drives or working events in all of our districts, you will see members of our team giving back to our communities.
When we make connections, everything changes. That’s why co-ops connect.