A MESSAGE FROM YOUR GENERAL MANAGER/CEO

Gary Raybon

By the Community, for the Community

If you’re a frequent reader of these columns, you’ve read a lot over the years about why and how Wharton County Electric Cooperative is different—because those differences are at the root of all that we do.

Our business model sets us apart from other utilities because we adhere to guiding co-op principles that reflect core values of integrity, transparency, and service to the greater good.

WCEC was built by local people who worked together to bring electricity to our area. We exist to provide safe, reliable, and affordable energy to you, the members of the co-op. But equally important is our mission to enrich the lives of the members we serve.

As a co-op, we’re well-suited to meet the needs of the community because we’re locally governed. Our leadership team and employees live right here in the community. Our board of directors, which helps set long-term priorities for the co-op, is made up of members just like you. These directors are elected to represent your voice in the boardroom.

Our close connection to the community ensures we get a firsthand perspective on local priorities, enabling us to make more informed decisions on the future of the cooperative.

Because we’re a co-op, the money you spend on electricity stays in the community. We don’t have far-off shareholders hoping to turn a profit. We’re owned by members, and any money we collect beyond what’s needed to maintain and operate our system is returned to you as capital credits.

Another feature that sets our co-op apart from other utilities is one of our core principles: Concern for Community. We give back by partnering with other local organizations, providing grants to nonprofits through Operation Round Up, and sponsoring students on Youth Tour each year.

This month is National Co-op Month, when we celebrate the uniqueness of the cooperative business model. Here at WCEC, we strive year-round to learn from our members about their priorities so we can better serve everyone—because our co-op was built by the community, for the community.

I hope you’ll think of WCEC not just as your energy provider, but also as a local business that supports the community and powers economic development and prosperity for its people