SMECO Connects
SMECO Connects
Podcast Description
Welcome to SMECO Connects! I’m your host, Sonja Cox, CEO of Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative. This podcast is more than just a conversation about utilities—it’s a space for community connection. My goal is to keep you informed about important topics that impact our region, from energy updates to local initiatives that shape our daily lives.
Each week, I’ll bring you the latest community news, practical tips, and insightful conversations with local thought leaders. Together, we’ll explore ways to enhance our shared experiences in Southern Maryland. Join me as we spark discussions, share knowledge, and strengthen the bonds that make our community thrive!
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast covers various themes including community engagement, energy updates, and local initiatives, with episodes such as Grid Safety and Security focusing on the importance of protecting the power grid and Behind the Scenes of SMECO which delves into the cooperative model and community impact. Specific attention is given to practical tips and insights that can benefit the Southern Maryland community.
Welcome to SMECO Connects! I’m your host, Sonja Cox, CEO of Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative. This podcast is more than just a conversation about utilities—it’s a space for community connection. My goal is to keep you informed about important topics that impact our region, from energy updates to local initiatives that shape our daily lives.
Each week, I’ll bring you the latest community news, practical tips, and insightful conversations with local thought leaders. Together, we’ll explore ways to enhance our shared experiences in Southern Maryland. Join me as we spark discussions, share knowledge, and strengthen the bonds that make our community thrive!
When a winter storm hits, the snow melts, but the costs can linger for months.
On this episode of SMECO Connects, hosts Sonja Cox and Tom Dennison break down the real impact of Winter Storm Fern and the prolonged cold that followed. While SMECO’s electric system held strong thanks to years of reliability upgrades, record cold drove power market prices to levels not seen since the 2014 polar vortex, resulting in a $92 million PJM invoice in January alone.
Sonja explains how natural gas prices, regional grid requirements from PJM Interconnection, and uplift charges all contributed to higher costs, and how SMECO’s power supply strategy helped soften the blow for members. Tom shares how the extended freeze affected homes across Southern Maryland and what members can expect to see on upcoming bills.
In this episode, you will learn
- Why prolonged cold impacts both usage and power prices
- How SMECO manages its power supply portfolio to reduce risk
- What the Power Cost Adjustment means for your bill
- Tools like Account Manager and budget billing plans that can help
As a customer owned cooperative, SMECO remains committed to transparency, reliability, and supporting the communities of Southern Maryland. If you are concerned about your bill, reach out. The team is here to help.
Warmer days are ahead, but staying informed today helps you prepare for tomorrow.
Follow & Connect: Host: Sonja Cox Co-Host: Tom Dennison
SMECO on Instagram: somdelectricSMECO on X: somdelectric
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
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