2011 Annual Report
At Laurens Electric Cooperative, we are dedicated to providing you, our members, with reliable, safe and affordable energy. From using the latest technology to investing in programs that benefit you, everything we do is focused on making a difference
for our members
with great service… In 2011, we began deploying Automated Meter Infrastructure, or AMI, to three of our substations. We are continuing work to distribute this technology throughout our system. AMI is the gateway through which we’ll one day be able to offer members real-time power usage information, helping you better manage your power use
with your feedback… Our goal is to provide our members with exceptional service. One of the ways we measure how well we’re meeting that goal is the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), which gauges customer loyalty, experience, and expectations on local and national levels. For the ninth year since we began participating in the study, Laurens Electric Cooperative’s results remained high, with a score of 83 in 2011, versus the industry average of 75.
with reliability… We invest in the very best technology, training and planning all year long. With our Geographic Information mapping system, aggressive Right-of-Way maintenance, and constant training of our employees, we are planning how to prevent outages and quickly restore power when outages occur.
with ProTec Services… A division of Laurens Electric Cooperative and a BBB award-winning company, ProTec serves nearly 10,000 customers throughout the Carolinas. ProTec offers security systems, fire alarms, closed-circuit TV, access control, LifeGard medical response systems, appliance/HVAC protection, surge suppression, and more.
with Touchstone Energy®… Touchstone Energy co-ops collectively deliver power and energy solutions to more than 40 million members every day, and offer the advantage of a strong, local presence, plus the expertise and resources of a nationwide network of electric utility services.
with Co-op Connections®… In 2009, we began the Co-op Connections benefit program, designed to help members save money. The number of participants offering discounts continues to grow, along with the number of co-op members taking advantage of the discounts. Last year, Laurens Electric Cooperative members saved over $172,000 on prescriptions – an average of 39% per prescription. To find out more about savings opportunities near you, visit www.connections.coop.
with a focus on efficiency… In 2011, we continued helping members manage energy use and control costs with our energy-efficiency programs. From brochures and booklets to a wide range of resources on our website, LaurensElectric.com, our members have access to a wealth of information to help them reduce energy use. And because efficiency and helping the environment go hand in hand, we also offer a Residential Service ENERGY STAR rate to encourage members to build new homes to Energy Star efficiency standards. We also offer Green Power, electricity generated from renewable resources such as landfills that convert methane gas into electric power. Since 2000, residential members of Laurens Electric Cooperative have purchased more Green Power than any other electric co-op in the state.
All of us at Laurens Electric Cooperative are your neighbors. We live and work here, and we believe in the benefits of a community working together. We know we’re stronger and can accomplish more when we’re united. When we cooperate with each other—pool our resources and focus on a goal—we can make a difference
in our community
with the Million Dollar Hole in One Shootout … Held in April, 2011’s Million Dollar Hole in One Shootout marked the 10th anniversary of the event. With approximately 500 golfers who participate each year, over the past decade the event has raised $125,000 for local charities such as For Our Children and the Beach Ball Foundation.
with the Laurens Electric Annual Poker Run… The 2011 Annual Poker Run included more than 500 players and raised $12,000 to benefit Cooperative Caring, an emergency relief fund designed to help cooperative members who are unable to pay their electric bills. Local charitable organizations determine emergency relief criteria and distribution of funds.
with Washington Youth Tour… Each year, Laurens Electric Cooperative selects two local students to represent the co-op on an expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. The two winners travel with other South Carolina students to the nation’s capital where they join more than 1,400 students from across the country. The nation’s electric cooperatives sponsor the week-long June event.
with WIRE… Women Involved in Rural Electrification, or WIRE, is a community-service organization affiliated with electric cooperatives in South Carolina. Laurens Electric’s chapter of WIRE consists of co-op employees and members who champion various local charities and fund-raisers. The WIRE Opportunity Scholarship, a $2,500 one-time scholarship, is awarded to a woman who may not have been able to attend college when she graduated from high school, but wants to further her education. It is presented annually to an electric cooperative member in South Carolina based on financial need and personal goals.
