Right now, many of us are thankful 2020 is coming to an end. For most, it’s been a year of unprecedented unpredictability. But it’s also been a year that has helped highlight what is truly important to us and given us pause to count our blessings.
Faith, family, friends, health, wellness—these are some examples of what many of us are concentrating our gratitude on. Some of us might also be thankful for our jobs, communities and ability to lend a helping hand when needed. And when it comes down to it, you might even be thankful for this Cooperative—for your GVEC.
GVEC Belongs to You
As a GVEC member, you’re part owner of the Cooperative. This means you have a voice and an opportunity to be involved in decisions that impact GVEC now and in the future. District and Annual meetings provide time for sharing information concerning cooperative-related matters, so you stay informed. They also allow you to nominate and elect people from your community to represent you as members of our Board of Directors. These are people have the same kind of interest in reliable and affordable electricity and services to meet your needs.
People Before Profits
Unlike public or investor-owned utilities, a cooperative is locally managed to serve the needs of its members. With a mission of providing high-quality service as affordably as possible, GVEC has always put people before profits. This means funds collected that exceed the Co-op’s margins are invested back into GVEC or returned to members as capital credits. In fact, in July, we were able to distribute our largest-ever payout of capital credits to our member-owners—$6.6 million!
Putting people before profits is also acting in the best interest of our members at all times—exceedingly so when it matters most. For instance, having an emergency plan ready to put into action and working ‘round the clock to restore record outages as quickly as possible during Hurricane Harvey demonstrated careful and deliberate preparation for the benefit of our members. A more recent example has been facing the uncertainties of COVID-19 in the Guadalupe Valley together. The Cooperative immediately suspended late penalties and non-payment disconnections on our electric and internet services. We also adjusted our payment arrangement policy according to individual needs and specific circumstances.
Strengthening Our Communities Together
GVEC has always supported the communities we serve in the Guadalupe Valley through ways such as sponsorships, volunteering, and youth and educational programs. In 2012, with you, our members, we were able to take this a step further. Organizing the Power Up™ grant program through member contributions has helped to fund 174 service projects to date for nonprofit organizations that benefit the areas in which we live.
Identifying and Providing Services You Need
GVEC has always remained focused on delivering the products and services most needed by its members.
We brought internet to rural areas when other providers wouldn’t and were among the first to offer Fiber to the Home to many parts of the Guadalupe Valley. We bring more than 60 years of practice in AC/heating to meet all your home comfort needs. We specialize in renewable energy solutions to bring solar and battery storage options to you. We’ve honed over 80 years of experience in the electric industry to offer licensed, professional electrician services.
You might consider us a one-stop shop to meet many of the needs you rely on in your home. And you can count on us to deliver the same integrity and level of service as we do providing electricity. Allowing us to eliminate the legwork and uncertainty of searching for companies you’re not familiar with is invaluable for many customers we serve.
We Appreciate You
We appreciate our members and customers and are thankful for the opportunity to serve you each day. We have offices in Cuero, Gonzales, La Vernia, Schertz and Seguin. To learn more about all the services and program GVEC provides, visit gvec.org, or call us at 800.223.4832.
