Power You Can Count On
When you flip a switch or charge your phone, you expect the power to be there. And it is — day or night, in every season, no matter the weather. That’s what reliability means to us at Community Electric Cooperative.
We are committed to delivering the safe, reliable electricity that powers your home, your business, our community, and our everyday way of life. The average home today has 21 connected devices — phones, computers, smart TVs, game systems, and so much more. All of them need dependable electricity.
You count on us to keep the power flowing. But where does that electricity come from?
Together with 10 other electric cooperatives in our region, Community Electric owns ODEC. ODEC, which stands for Old Dominion Electric Cooperative, is a not-for-profit company that generates and delivers electricity to our cooperative and others like us.
ODEC produces power using a variety of energy sources. This balanced mix means you get reliable, affordable, and responsible electricity every single day.
“Working with ODEC means we have a strong voice in making sure our member-owners always have the power they need,” says Steven A. Harmon, President and CEO of Community Electric. “We plan for today’s needs and tomorrow’s growth, so you can trust that when you press a button or flip a switch, the electricity is ready.”
Why Balance Matters
Keeping your electricity reliable takes careful planning and balance.
More people and businesses are using electricity than ever before. Electric cars, new appliances, extreme weather, and data centers all add to this growing demand.
At the same time, many older power plants across the country have closed or will close soon. New power sources are not being built fast enough to keep up.
That is why ODEC carefully balances the energy we use today with smart planning for the future.
Baseload and Renewable Power: A Winning Team
Reliable power comes from mixing two important types of energy sources:
- Baseload Power:
This is power that is always ready when you need it. It comes from sources like natural gas, nuclear, and coal. These plants run 24/7 and provide a steady, strong flow of electricity. - Renewable Power:
Wind and solar energy are clean and good for our planet, but they depend on the weather. If the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing, these sources can’t produce power.
That’s why renewables work best when they are part of a balanced mix. They help reduce pollution and costs, while baseload power keeps your lights on at all times.
Our Promise to You
Not all electricity is the same when it comes to reliability. One megawatt of baseload power is not equal to one megawatt of wind or solar. Baseload power is always available. Renewable power works when conditions are right.
ODEC’s mix of energy sources means we can always meet your needs. We use the best technology and plan carefully, so you have power that is reliable, affordable, and environmentally responsible.
“Our energy mix gives us stability, strength, and balance,” says Harmon. “That means a reliable future for your family and for our entire community — today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.”
Thank You for Trusting Us
Your trust means everything to us. At Community Electric, we work hard every day to make sure you have power you can count on — because you deserve nothing less.
1 https://www.consumeraffairs.com/homeowners/average-number-of-smart-devices-in-a-home.html#:~:text=Smart%20home%20devices%20by%20household,of%20the%20COVID%2D19%20pandemic.