The first quarter of 2024 has certainly moved along quickly and optimistically. GVEC’s vision statement is “Moving swiftly to deliver the unexpected. People. Technology. Solutions.” Not only do these words hang on the walls but they are also used as a measurement at every touchpoint we have with our members, keeping your needs and aspirations in mind.

People
Some big things have been worth celebrating around the Cooperative. GVEC was named a winner of the Glassdoor Employees’ Choice Award – Best Places to Work 2024—ranking #10 out of 50 chosen for this award in the Small to Medium U.S. Business category! Based on employee ratings, I am pleased to hear that overall satisfaction is high and our team is largely happy to be working at GVEC. I believe this to be true as I see it reflected in their good attitudes, passion for quality and strong dedication to serving our members, communities and the Cooperative.

Another recognition recently bestowed was the 2024 National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) J.C. Brown CEO Communication Leadership Award. This award recognizes a co-op CEO or general manager who is committed to advancing communication at the cooperative and in the overall electric industry. I was honored
to accept the award on behalf of the team of professionals at GVEC who stay true to exceeding expectations and hold each other accountable to delivering more for our customers and each other as fellow team members.

Technology
The advancements in technology are no doubt moving swiftly. That’s why pioneering ideas are worth investigating with our members who aspire to both benefit from and affect new solutions. GVEC’s Peak-Time Payback program has been extended to include rebates for members who enroll their Enphase IQ Battery system. Solar and battery storage system combinations are your best bet for going offline when energy demands are at their highest across the statewide grid. They’re also a smart investment to ensure you have backup power at the ready during the times when you’re likely to need it most.

In the event of a large rise in demand for electricity caused by extreme weather, GVEC will schedule a Peak-Time event. During the event, energy usage is automatically adjusted via smart thermostats or transferred to be powered by the battery backup system. Both of these effortless conservation practices help reduce energy consumption during extreme demand periods on the grid. To acknowledge your willingness and generosity, a one-time bill credit, annual bill credits and on-bill financing options are all part of the deal. I encourage all, from existing battery owners to information seekers, to learn more at gvec.org/ptp.

Solutions
The Cooperative’s ambition to move swiftly and collaborate across all sectors ensures a more complete member and employee experience. GVEC considers the impact our work and communication have on you, and we value working toward solutions to deliver the unexpected. Be sure to stay in touch with us so you can see all that we have to offer—a Cooperative that offers electric, internet and beyond-the-meter services. Follow us on social media, check out our website and read on in our monthly magazine.

I am always interested in your comments and feedback. Contact me by phone at 830.857.1152, by email at dschauer@gvec.org or by mail at P.O. Box 118, Gonzales, Texas 78629.

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