Powered by purpose

October 1, 2025

This month, electric cooperatives across the country take time to celebrate National Co-op Month and reflect on the unique advantages of being part of a cooperative. For us, it’s a chance to reaffirm the values that guide everything we do.

As President and CEO of Palmetto Electric, I see our mission in action every day. Unlike investor-owned utilities, our co-op doesn’t exist to make profits. We exist to serve you, our members. Our purpose is to provide safe, reliable and affordable power to you and lend support to the communities we serve. That purpose is what sets us apart. It’s why we were founded, and it’s what continues to drive every decision we make.

At its core, being a cooperative means we are member-owned and locally controlled. It is at the heart of our business model. Members have a voice in how our co-op operates. You elect board members who live in our service area and understand the unique challenges and opportunities our communities face. Decisions aren’t made in corporate boardrooms hundreds of miles away; they’re made here at home, by people who care about the same things you do.

This local accountability means we can stay focused on what matters most—delivering reliable, affordable electricity and additional programs and services that provide real value to the people we serve.

We work hard to manage costs and keep rates as low as possible—because we know how much rising prices affect families and small businesses in our area. And when storms hit or outages occur, Palmetto Electric crews are ready to respond quickly, because we live here, too. But our commitment doesn’t end at the power lines.

Co-ops were built to meet community needs, and that purpose extends well beyond delivering electricity. Whether we’re supporting local schools, sponsoring youth programs, giving back through Operation Round Up grants, or helping bring broadband to rural areas with PalmettoLink, we are always looking for ways to improve the quality of life of our members.

We’re also planning for the future. As electricity demand grows due to new technologies and economic development, South Carolina electric co-ops are working to ensure we continue to meet those needs with a balanced, reliable energy mix. We know our members care about affordability and dependability, and we’re dedicated to delivering both. That’s the power of the cooperative difference. That’s what it means to be powered by purpose.

This National Co-op Month, I encourage you to take pride in your cooperative membership. You’re not just a customer—you’re an owner, a member and an essential part of our effort to keep our community strong, connected and energized. Thank you for the trust you place in us. We’re proud to be your local electric cooperative.
 

A. Berl Davis Jr.

President and CEO