It’s a question that people might answer with things like family, health, community, faith, world peace, financial security or productive jobs.
How would you answer this question?
I am often asked what keeps me up at night as CEO. It’s safety – for our employees, our members, and the public in general. We should all strive to have productive and rewarding days that end with our health and safety the same, or better, than when the day began. The core tenets of what is important to Eastern Illini Electric Cooperative include: safety, reliable service, financial responsibility and member satisfaction.
We have developed various measures to track our progress in these key areas. In October, you will have the opportunity to provide your feedback via a survey as to how well we are performing our core duties as a cooperative utility.
Half-Year Results
This has been a bit of an unusual weather year, resulting in our electricity sales for each of the first seven months higher than our budget. Through July, kWh sales are a cumulative 7.3% better than budgeted. It appears that August sales may trend below budget, thus breaking the streak. Financially, through June, our net operating margins were $257,000, or 40% above budget (our budget reflects our banker’s benchmark requirements).
Expenses have been tracking below budget as well. If our electricity sales stay close to budget for the remainder
of the year, your Board of Directors will consider options to use any excess margins for the benefit of the membership.
Request for Help
One area in which we need assistance is in attracting journeyman linemen to work in a cooperative setting. Presently, the electric industry in general is struggling to fill these positions. If you are a journeyman
lineman, or may know someone who is, and would be interested in considering a cooperative career,
please contact me.
As employees, we strive to do the extra things to exceed your expectations. We hope you enjoy the
cooler September weather.
Stay safe,
Bob Hunzinger