SMECO Connects

SMECO's Annual Charity Golf Tournament raises money for a different local charity each year, with support from our vendors and other sponsors. In this podcast, Sonja Cox and Tom Dennison talk about this year's beneficiary: the Southern Maryland Tri-County Community Action Committee (SMTCCAC).

SMTCCAC helps income-qualified residents in SMECO's service territory access utility assistance through the Maryland Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP).

SMECO also works with SMTCCAC to administer our Members Helping Members program, which allows SMECO members to add a monthly donation to their electric bills to help neighbors who need assistance. Choosing SMTCCAC as this year's corporate charity builds on that support and puts tournament proceeds to work in Southern Maryland.

smtccac.org

smeco.coop/mhm

Follow & Connect: Host: Sonja Cox Co-Host: Tom Dennison SMECO on Instagram: somdelectric SMECO on X: somdelectric

Construction is underway to rebuild SMECO's 69-kV transmission lines. Concrete foundations have been poured, and installation of the poles is scheduled to begin in November 2026. Designed by Booth and Associates, the project will replace approximately 400 wood H-frame poles built in the late 1950s with about 90 metal poles along the seven-mile right-of-way. Some foundations extend as deep as 40 feet, providing strong support for the new structures. The existing poles have deteriorated over time, increasing reliability concerns along one of SMECO's major power corridors. This upgrade will help provide reliable electric service for decades to come.

Follow & Connect: Host: Sonja Cox Co-Host: Tom Dennison SMECO on Instagram: somdelectric SMECO on X: somdelectric

In this podcast, Tom Dennison meets with Josh Kurtz, founder of Maryland Matters, about what the Maryland Now poll reveals about Maryland residents' priorities. From data center concerns to rising utility bills, Josh and Tom discuss challenges ahead for the state.

marylandmatters.org

2026 poll press releases can be found here:

blendedpublicaffairs.com/maryland-now

Follow & Connect: Host: Sonja Cox Co-Host: Tom Dennison SMECO on Instagram: somdelectric SMECO on X: somdelectric

An energy audit through the EmPOWER Maryland program can help you find ways to save energy and save money. During the audit, a vetted, SMECO-approved contractor will evaluate your home or business and recommend ways to improve its energy efficiency. The audit can detect window leaks, ventilation leaks, door leaks, inefficient HVAC systems, and much more. Some items on the list may be things you can do easily at no or low cost and some improvements may require a qualified professional. The list of suggestions serve as a guide, you are not required to take further action or incur additional expense.

The audit is available at no additional cost because members help fund the EmPOWER Maryland program through a charge on their monthly utility bills.

Schedule your energy audit today and learn how you can make your home more efficient!

smeco.coop/energy-efficiency/residential-programs/home-energy-improvement-program

#SMECOConnects #SouthernMaryland #EnergyEducation

Follow & Connect:

Host: Sonja Cox

Co-Host: Tom Dennison

SMECO on Instagram: somdelectric SMECO on X: somdelectric

SMECO's President and CEO Sonja Cox explains why the cooperative's Annual Meeting matters and why members' votes are important. She also shares highlights from the past year, including system upgrades, cost-saving measures, streamlined processes, and succession planning, all done with our members' needs as a top priority.

Read the news release about the Annual Meeting: smeco.coop/news-releases/smeco-holds-88th-annual-meeting View our 2025 Annual Report: smeco.coop/about/annual-reports View our 2025 Annual Report video here: https://youtu.be/eUiWTVHxcVI Meet our Board of Directors: smeco.coop/about/board-members-key-staff Read about the Chalk Point to Hughesville transmission line upgrade: smeco.coop/transmission-upgrade

Follow & Connect: Host: Sonja Cox Co-Host: Tom Dennison SMECO on Instagram: somdelectric SMECO on X: somdelectric

When the power goes out, your cooperative has a plan. Transmission lines must be repaired first to ensure the rest of the power can flow. SMECO prioritizes hospitals, police stations, fire departments, and other emergency response teams first. After that, the cooperative looks for repair areas that will bring the largest quantity of members back online the fastest.

smeco.coop/safety/outages/power-restoration-policy

Follow & Connect: Host: Sonja Cox Co-Host: Tom Dennison SMECO on Instagram: somdelectric SMECO on X: somdelectric

Tammy Carroll and Zach Merchant meet with Tom Dennison to discuss ways SMECO is involved with our community. From community Touch a Truck events to the Clements Cuties, a charity to help children fighting cancer, employees of your cooperative actively work hard in their off time to connect with members of our community in meaningful ways.

To make a donation or learn more about the Clements Cuties visit their website.

ClementsCuties.org

If you would like to have a SMECO team come to your event with a truck, visit our website.

smeco.coop/community/speakers-bureau

Follow & Connect: Host: Sonja Cox Co-Host: Tom Dennison SMECO on Instagram: somdelectric SMECO on X: somdelectric

In this podcast, Lynette Starke and Shannon Roecker join Tom Dennison to discuss capital credits, the importance of adding a beneficiary, and how to ensure you receive your capital credit refund even if you move out of the SMECO service territory.

If you'd like to designate a beneficiary for your capital credits, visit this link.

https://www.smeco.coop/my-account/general-information/capital-credits/capital-credits-beneficiary-designation/

[email protected]

Learn more about capital credits. https://www.smeco.coop/my-account/general-information/capital-credits/

Follow & Connect: Host: Sonja Cox Co-Host: Tom Dennison SMECO on Instagram: somdelectric SMECO on X: somdelectric

In this podcast, Robbie Gill, CEO for YMCA of the Chesapeake, joins Tom Dennison to discuss the new YMCA opening on Great Mills Road in Lexington Park. This organization will offer many opportunities for our community to come together, serve, and engage in activities. The YMCA provides a wide range of opportunities, including health and wellness programs, community activities, camps, swimming, family programs, childcare, and more.

https://ymcachesapeake.org/locations/st-marys-county-family-ymca

Follow & Connect: Host: Sonja Cox Co-Host: Tom Dennison SMECO on Instagram: somdelectric SMECO on X: somdelectric

In this podcast, Dr. Meenakshi (Menna) Brewster, health officer for St. Mary's County Health Department, joins Tom Dennison to discuss how the Health Department partners with local government agencies to build strong community connections and strengthen regional preparedness during emergencies. Dr. Brewster also highlights the Department's collaboration with local schools and law enforcement to establish two school-based health centers in Southern Maryland, giving parents quick access to healthcare professionals and reducing the need to leave work when a child needs medical attention. Most students can be treated and return to class the same day.

Follow & Connect: Host: Sonja Cox Co-Host: Tom Dennison SMECO on Instagram: somdelectric SMECO on X: somdelectric