About a year ago, Trey Hedgepeth moved into his home on a rural country road in the Tappahannock area. Not long after, REC’s vegetation management crews contacted him about hazard trees on his property, which needed to be removed to ensure reliable electric service for him and his neighbors.
“I was happy to have the trees removed so I don’t have to worry,” said Trey.
“A previous tree company had been to the property to remove other trees and left a mess. REC was fantastic! They were so respectful of the property, didn’t tear up the hydrangea and didn’t leave a mess.”
Learn more about REC’s Vegetation Management Team.
Families struggling with food insecurity in the Winchester area know they can count on
The Highland Food Pantry.
Every Tuesday, from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., they know they can count on a nutritious meal with no questions asked.
“Highland is able to do what we do because of companies like Rappahannock Electric Cooperative,” Jenny Callis, Executive Director of the food pantry. “The Power of Change helped us be able to have eggs for our clients.”
Each month REC members round up their electric bill or contribute in other ways to support nonprofits like the food pantry.
Thanks to their generosity, Highland received funds to provide each family in need with a dozen eggs.
Of REC’s The Power of Change, she said: "It's a huge gift to the community to know that there are companies like Rappahannock who care enough about what's really going on in our community.”
Enroll in The Power of Change
John and Debbie Lauck have lived in the Radiant community of Madison County for more than 45 years. In that time, they said, service from REC has steadily improved in terms of reliability and the services offered.
Most recently, Debbie said, they have taken advantage of the Summer Savings Plan, in which members receive a rebate on their bill in exchange for reducing their energy use during peak hours on specific days during the summer.
When they receive the email notices, they turn off their pool pump, bump their thermostat up to 78 degrees and unplug some devices in their home.
"It was a nice perk that [REC] offered money, and I am certainly not going to turn it down," Debbie said. After each Summer Savings event, she noted, "They tell you how much you saved. And every little bit adds up."
Learn more about the Summer Savings Plan
Jack Manzari contacted a local electrician. Then waited. And waited. Days, weeks and even months passed by.
Then he reached out to REC. His experience could not have been more different—or positive, he said.
Over the past couple of years, Manzari has needed help repairing a blinking light, replacing a fuse on a solar array, replacing two ceiling fans, switching out a GFI outlet and repairing a surge protector, amomg other projects.
Fortunately for him, Stuart Schools—an REC electrician—was responsive, recommended solutions and was able to assist with the project.
Through REC's Electrician Services solution, employees like Schools assist members like Manzari with simple—and sometimes complex—electrical needs.
"Knowing I can count on REC and the fact that they [provide] this service just added to Rappahannock's reputation," Manzari said.
Of his personal experience with Stuart, he said: "If I was to develop a plan for an employee, and a work plan, I would put in a whole set of factors, which include knowledge, skills, personality and attitude, and I would give him 5 stars out of 5 stars in each of those categories."
Learn more about REC’s Electrician Services
Madison Day kicked off in 2019 as a time for volunteers to help their neighbors with projects around their homes. While some volunteers have come and gone, REC and its employees have been there since Day One.
"Without the support of local businesses, we could not do half of what we do,” said Karen Coppage, Madison Day Coordinator. “REC’s financial support of the volunteer day and the involvement of employees with our planning meetings means so much to me. Their support of Madison Day on the actual day is valuable, too.”
An REC crew has taken on its own project for the day each year, she said, and employees also supply bags and items for goodie bags that are delivered to homeowners.
“This year, REC’s team helped to take down an old wooden porch and rebuild a new one,” Coppage said. “The homeowner texted me the day after and was exceptionally happy with the work they did at her home!
Learn more about REC in the Community
REC recently partnered with the Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Department on a variety of safety campaigns, including the Buckle Up initiative. It encourages residents to buckle their seatbelts. REC and the Sheriff’s Department have worked together on several other safety videos and public service announcements.
"Just like REC, safety is always the No. 1 priority for the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Department and our community, commuters and businesses," said Maj. Troy Skebo. "We strongly believe in educating and communicating with our community to make Spotsylvania a safe and enjoyable community. And REC has always been there to support us in our mission.
"We are always trying to work together to make sure that the community benefits, just like REC strives to do with its membership."
Learn more about Safety