What really happens behind the scenes of your electric bill?

In this episode of SMECO Connects, hosts Sonja Cox and Tom Dennison sit down with CFO Beth Kennedy and Controller Angela Verras to unpack the audit process, financial transparency, and the systems that keep SMECO strong. From independent auditors reviewing customer bills to long-term planning that protects reliability, this conversation reveals the rigor and accountability behind every number.

As a customer-owned cooperative serving Southern Maryland, SMECO is committed to stewardship, transparency, and returning value to members — and this episode shows exactly how that commitment plays out year after year.

In this episode, we cover:

• What an independent audit really looks like (and why it matters to members)
• How capital credits return value directly to you
• Why balancing debt and equity protects long-term reliability
• How SMECO plans ahead to manage rising costs while keeping rates responsible

At the end of the day, it's about trust — and making sure every dollar serves the members who own the Cooperative. If you've ever wondered how SMECO protects your investment while powering Southern Maryland, this episode is for you.

Follow & Connect: Host: Sonja Cox Co-Host: Tom Dennison

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