Welcome to the June 2026 edition of Bright Spots. This month, electric cooperatives are helping members trim energy costs with air conditioner exchanges and home energy workshops. Others are finding truth in the adage that the fastest way to someone’s heart is through the stomach with community meal events. Elsewhere, an Oklahoma co-op is helping emergency responders fight wildfires.

Have a Bright Spot you’d like to share? Please send your news and photos to Victoria Rocha and Katie Allen.   

Celebrating Communities, One Mural at a Time

Over the past several years, Flint Energies’ Rural Mural grant program has worked with communities in its Georgia service area to install large-scale outdoor art projects. This year, the Reynolds-based co-op has awarded grants to three more towns, bringing the total to 15 murals across 10 of the 17 counties Flint serves. Each recipient also contributes $2,500 toward their projects and hires local artists.

The installations celebrate local heritage, inspire community pride and create opportunities for economic growth throughout rural Georgia, said Marian McLemore, the co-op’s vice president of cooperative communications. “These murals do far more than beautify buildings—they tell the stories of the people who call these communities home,” she said.

Keeping Cool in Columbia

Just as the summer swelter is taking hold, Missouri’s Boone Electric Cooperative is once again partnering with Columbia Utilities and the Voluntary Action Center to help low-income residents keep cool. Early next month, those who qualify will be able to exchange their old air conditioners for energy-efficient window units at the co-op’s community building in Columbia. Since 2012, the program has accepted about 750 units—some at least 30 years old—for recycling through the city.

“We aren’t only helping them beat the summer heat, we’re also helping them save money on their bill throughout the year with a newer, more efficient model,” said Laura Baker, the co-op’s manager of member services.

More Help on Reducing Energy Bills

In Tennessee, Duck River EMC’s home energy workshops have found new, enthusiastic audiences. After Winter Storm Fern earlier this year, the Shelbyville-based co-op began offering free energy workshops, in partnership with TVA EnergyRight, and noticed a promising trend: Younger couples are signing up. What’s more, they’re providing rave reviews and asking for more workshops. The co-op also ran workshops for students and educators at a local school, as part of the school’s STEM career program.

The events are helping the co-op accomplish a top priority of “being a positive presence in our communities” and connecting with more members, said Nathan Taylor, the co-op’s member and community engagement liaison. “With rising costs and inflation impacting our lives, that support matters more than ever.”

Top Tree Honors for Virginia Co-op

For the 26th consecutive year, Virginia’s Rappahannock Electric Cooperative has earned Tree Line USA recognition for its commitment to reliable service, effective vegetation management and environmental responsibility. The Arbor Day Foundation award goes to public and private utilities that follow best industry best practices in tree care, employee training, public education and vegetation management.

The award reflects the Fredericksburg-based co-op’s “commitment to excellence in vegetation management,” said Cindy Devlin Musick, senior director of vegetation management. “Trees provide tremendous benefits to our communities and managing them responsibly helps us maintain reliable service while preserving the many benefits they provide.”

Helping Fight Wildfires

Tri-County Electric Cooperative has donated $36,000 to its service area’s three dozen fire departments and emergency response agencies to help fight persistent wildfires. Over the past few years, several fires have swept through the Panhandle, notably one in February that scorched more than 283,000 acres. The funds will go toward equipment, resources and support for first responders.

“Investing in those who protect and serve is one of the best investments we can make,” said Zac Perkins, CEO of the Hooker-based co-op. “Honoring first responders for the invaluable service they provide is a small but meaningful way to give back.”

Behind the Scenes at Minnkota Power

Minnkota Power Cooperative will be a popular destination this summer for members wanting a behind-the-scenes peek at the generation and transmission cooperative. The G&T is expecting four bus tours, each carrying 30-50 members, to its Grand Forks headquarters as well as its power plant in Center, North Dakota, and a neighboring coal mine. Also on the tour schedule are summer interns and preschoolers. The G&T’s primary tour guide, Emily Windjue, tailors a baseline presentation for all ages.

“Speaking to these tour groups just gives us a chance to start planting some seeds about the important work we do at Minnkota and within the industry,” said Windjue, a communications specialist.

Million-Dollar Milestone in Texas

The charitable arm of Wood County Electric Cooperative has hit the $1 million mark in donations from its Operation Roundup program. Established in 2017, the Wood County Electric Charitable Foundation has distributed thousands to local charities across the co-op’s nine-county service area, such as food banks, emergency services and arts and education. Grants are awarded twice yearly and range from $3,500 to $15,000.

The milestone “belongs to the co-op members,” said Robin Johnson, the foundation’s board chair. “Their spare pennies feed the hungry, uplift children, veterans and individuals with disabilities, support enriching arts programs and help make our communities safer by supporting the needs of volunteer fire departments.”

Safety on the Menu

It sounds like something out of a whodunit, but the second annual Dinner & Electrical Dangers is a popular event that Oklahoma’s Canadian Valley Electric Cooperative holds for local first responders during National Electrical Safety Month. First responders learn about possible dangers while working emergency situations involving power lines, utility equipment and electrical hazards. At the same time, they network with other departments and agencies.

“We are proud to host events that help improve the safety of our members, first responders and the public,” said Jesse Murray, safety director at the Seminole-based co-op.

Co-op Community Cookout

Free food with a side of fellowship is a great way to express appreciation. In Citrus County, Florida, Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative hosted a cookout to celebrate first responders and public service employees. WREC employees fired up the grills, rolled up their sleeves and served up pulled pork, chicken, ribs and sides to more than 500 county workers. WREC Crystal River District Jamen Monbarren cooked up the idea.

“These individuals make a difference every day—and we were honored to serve them for a change,” said Stephanie Wilson, lead government affairs specialist at the Dade City-based co-op.

Honoring Veterans for America’s 250th

Utah’s Moon Lake Electric Association has been celebrating America’s 250th birthday this year and recently took time during an annual meeting to honor more than two dozen veterans and active-duty personnel. At its headquarters in Roosevelt, the co-op recognized them with gift bags and bill credits.

“These men and women are pillars of our community, and we couldn't be more grateful for their service to us and our country,” said Collin Peterson, MLEA communications specialist.

Members Helping Members in Mississippi

Southern Pine Electric recently awarded nearly $141,000 through its Members Helping Members program to organizations serving communities across its 11-county service area in Mississippi. Launched two years ago and administered by the Pinebelt Foundation, the program automatically rounds up members’ bills to the nearest dollar, unless they opt out. The funds support public safety, education, food assistance, recreation and community improvement projects.

“This program reflects the generosity of our members and demonstrates how small contributions can come together to make a meaningful difference,” said Drummonds McAlpin, president and CEO of the Taylorsville-based co-op.