AIKEN

www.aikenco-op.orgAIKEN OFFICE2790 Wagener Road • P.O. Box 417Aiken, SC 29802(803) 649-6245 (800) 922-1262

EDGEFIELD OFFICE1195 Bauskett Street • P.O. Box 583Edgefield, SC 29824(803) 637-3189

NORTH OFFICE8381 North Road • P.O. Box 520North, SC 29112(803) 247-2121 (800) 453-1934

NEW ELLENTON OFFICE315 Main StreetNew Ellenton, SC 29809(803) 652-2226

LIGHTS ON(877) 264-5368

BOARD OF TRUSTEESPresident O. Dewitt LivingstonVice President Robert CurrySecretary/Treasurer Linda S. BramlettAssistant Secretary/Treasurer Charles R. SandersO. Frank DornVincent W. Furtick, Jr.Dana H. MoseleyScott B. RiddleJames E. Stewart, Jr.J. Strom Thurmond, Jr.

The mission of Aiken ElectricCooperative, Inc. is to empowercommunities by providingreliable, competitively pricedenergy and other servicesdesired by our membership.

CO-OP NEWS EDITORDaniele Ligonsdligons@aikenco-op.org

Let’s connect

AT AIKEN ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, we greatly value our connection to you, the members we serve. It has always been our priority to make sure you are well informed about your cooperative and to help you maximize the value you get by continuing to offer a variety of programs, products and services that benefit you. In this issue of South Carolina Living, you’ll learn more about programs such as our H2O Select PLUS 2, our new con-venient payment option, Check Out and the many youth opportunities available to our younger members.

One way we can stay connected is through social media. When you follow us on Twitter or Facebook, you can stay up to date on power res-toration efforts, receive tips on energy efficiency, learn about events and more. You’ll also see photos of employees in action and our employees helping with community service projects.

Another way is our mobile app. Once you’ve downloaded it, you can report an outage, access billing information and even take a look at your energy usage.

By connecting with us, you can get real-time updates from your co-op. That’s why we want to make sure we have your most current contact information. If we can’t connect with you on these platforms or in person, you could miss out on potential savings or important information.

Aiken Electric Cooperative relies on data for nearly every aspect of our operations, and up-to-date contact information from our members helps ensure that we can provide the highest level of service that you expect and deserve.

Updated contact information can even speed up the power restora-tion process during an outage. That’s because when you call to report an outage, our automated system recognizes your phone number and matches it with your account location. Accurate information helps our outage-management system predict the location and the possible cause of an outage, making it easier for our crews to correct the problem.

We hope you will connect with us whenever and wherever you can—whether that means attending our annual meeting, providing feedback in October through our annual surveys, or by simply downloading our app.

Aiken Electric Cooperative exists to serve our members, and when we’re better connected to you and our local community, we’re better pre-pared to answer the call.

To update your contact information or to learn more about co-op prod-ucts and services that can help you save, visit aikenco-op.org or call (803) 649-6245.

We look forward to connecting with you!

GARY L. STOOKSBURY

Chief Executive Officer

“It has always been our priority to make sure you are well informed about your cooperative and to help you maximize the value you get.”

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Thank youfor ranking us

among the

cooperatives in the country

topin customer satisfaction.

c ongratul ation s survey b il l cr edit winners: mat thew bean, samantha mc cray and mari e napoli tano

94

The American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) is one of the most recognized measures of

customer satisfaction in the country and gauges satisfaction for more than 400 companies and 46

different industries nationwide. For the ninth consecutive year, we’ve scored 90 or above, and for the very first year, we’ve scored 94. Our ACSI

score of 94 ranks us higher than the 2020 Touchstone Energy Cooperatives national score

of 74 and the energy utility score of 72.

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Stay connectedEXPERIENCE CONVENIENCE at your fingertips by downloading our mobile app. Simply look for Aiken Electric in the App Store or in the Android Market. In just a click you can report an outage, view your account details and more from your mobile device.

Did you know that you can also alert us of an outage by text? Texting “out” to (877) 264-5368 lets members immediately report power outages. When

you message us, your phone number on record will be matched to your name and address to ensure prompt response and service. Message and data rates may apply. Please make sure we have your most current information on file before using this feature.

Don’t forget to follow us on social media for the most current updates.

Convenient bill payingWE KNOW THAT SAFETY and convenience have never been more important. That is why we offer several ways to make payments to your account, many of which don’t require you to step foot outside your home.

Bank Draft - Your checking or savings account will be automatically drafted each month for the amount of your electric bill. PayByNet - Pay your bill online, any time, using your credit card, draft options or auto pay; set up account alerts and reminders; review your billing, payment and usage history. IVR (Interactive Voice Response) - Pay by phone by calling (803) 649-6245.Text “PAY” to 352-667 - Message and data rates may apply. Review AEC Interactive Texting Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions at aikenco-op.org.Go Green, Save Green - Receive a $1 bill credit for 12 months when you use both E-billing and Bank Draft to pay your electric bill. You’ll receive a link to access your bill in an e-mail each month.Auto Pay - One time set up that allows you to automatically charge payment to a credit card account or subtract from your checking or savings account on the same day every month or on your due date.Credit Card Draft - Automatically charge your bill to your credit card.

Levelized Billing - Available to quali-fied residential members who wish to be able to budget in advance for their utility bills. Levelized billing uses a rolling average of your electric bill for the most recent 12 months.Advance Pay - A pay-as-you-go plan that allows you to keep a positive balance by making payments as needed. No deposit required. Instead of receiving a paper bill each month, usage is calculated daily.Senior U Select® - A program that allows qualifying cooperative members on Social Security and/or disability to pay their bill on the 8th or the 22nd of each month.Third-Party Notification - A free service that allows a designated third party to be notified should a loved one’s electric bill become past due or be subject to disconnection.Remote Pay Stations and Kiosks - Pay your bill at any AEC remote pay station or 24-hour machine located at our Aiken, Edgefield and North offices.Mobile App - Access your account information, make payments and report outages on your phone.

Swartz honored for 38 years of service“SERVING THE members in District 8 was one of the best experiences of my life,” said Edward Swartz during a recent visit from CEO Gary Stooksbury.

Swartz served on the Aiken Electric board of trustees from 1980 to 2018. He studied agriculture and biology at Berry College in Rome, Georgia and received a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master’s degree from USC Aiken. Swartz also served in the U.S. Army for six years and was a deacon and Sunday school teacher for his church for 40 years. A former Aiken County school teacher, farmer and livestock producer, Swartz has enjoyed being a part of the Aiken and Wagener communities.

CEO Gary Stooksbury presents Edward Swartz a plaque for his longstanding service to Aiken Electric Cooperative. It states, “We are grateful for your leadership, dedication and commitment.”

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Willis wins scholarship with heartfelt projectSELECTED STUDENTS from electric cooperatives across the state were slated to go on trips to Washington D.C. and Columbia last summer before the global pandemic put travel to a stop. Fortunately, The Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina designed and held the first-ever Virtual Youth Experience in June.

As part of this leadership summit, participating students were given the opportunity to apply for the 2020 R.D. Bennett Community Service Scholarship. The $5,000 college scholarship is pre-sented to a student who completes a community service project that best exemplifies the cooperative principle of “concern for community.”

Laney Willis, senior at Strom Thurmond High School and member of AEC, jumped at the chance to earn money for college and started the plan-ning for her project, “COVID Care Bags.” Willis organized a BBQ fundraiser in her community and used the proceeds to assemble care packages for the resi-dents at The Ridge Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center of Edgefield during the COVID-19 pandemic. She was one of four

students who completed projects for the 2020 R.D. Bennett Community Service Scholarship. The Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina presented Willis with the scholarship virtually Sept. 23.

“The most rewarding thing was seeing the sense of joy on the residents’ faces when I dropped off the bags,” says Willis. “Everyone worked so hard to make this happen.”

“Laney implemented a grass roots campaign that aligns with the spirit of electric cooperatives,” says Muriel Gouffray, previous marketing and stra-tegic services manager at Aiken Electric Cooperative. “The project reached out to a community that has been isolated from the comfort of human touch and the joys of spending time with family due to the pandemic.”

Aiken Electric Cooperative is currently taking applications for the Virtual Youth Summit, June 21-25, and various scholar-ships. Apply at aikenco-op.org.

Local outstanding students awarded with shopping tripDUE TO COVID-19, the annual Touchstone Energy Bowl was cancelled. In lieu of the players’ annual shopping trip with students in Myrtle Beach, Aiken Electric Cooperative received funds from The Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina to award two local outstanding students an opportunity to shop with the co-op. Congratulations to Horace and Tamara Glover!

Strom Thurmond senior Laney Willis shown with care packages she created for senior care residents.

Also pictured are grandmother, Nora Ellis (right), and Aiken Electric Cooperative’s Marketing Manager, Daniele Ligons (left).

Calling all high school sophomores and juniors.Go virtual with us June 21–25!Apply now for the Virtual Youth Experience to:• Meet with state and federal leaders• Compete for $5,000 scholarships• Connect with young people from across South Carolina• Hone your leadership skills• Add to your resume• Have fun and win prizes!

Applications available: aikenco-op.org/youth-programs

Application Deadline: February 28, 2021

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Willis wins scholarship with heartfelt projectSELECTED STUDENTS from electric cooperatives across the state were slated to go on trips to Washington D.C. and Columbia last summer before the global pandemic put travel to a stop. Fortunately, The Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina designed and held the first-ever Virtual Youth Experience in June.

As part of this leadership summit, participating students were given the opportunity to apply for the 2020 R.D. Bennett Community Service Scholarship. The $5,000 college scholarship is pre-sented to a student who completes a community service project that best exemplifies the cooperative principle of “concern for community.”

Laney Willis, senior at Strom Thurmond High School and member of AEC, jumped at the chance to earn money for college and started the plan-ning for her project, “COVID Care Bags.” Willis organized a BBQ fundraiser in her community and used the proceeds to assemble care packages for the resi-dents at The Ridge Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center of Edgefield during the COVID-19 pandemic. She was one of four students who completed projects for the 2020 R.D. Bennett Community

Service Scholarship. The Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina presented Willis with the scholarship virtually Sept. 23.

“The most rewarding thing was seeing the sense of joy on the residents’ faces when I dropped off the bags,” says Willis. “Everyone worked so hard to make this happen.”

“Laney implemented a grass roots campaign that aligns with the spirit of electric cooperatives,” says Muriel Gouffray, previous marketing and stra-tegic services manager at Aiken Electric Cooperative. “The project reached out to a community that has been isolated from the comfort of human touch and the joys of spending time with family due to the pandemic.”

Aiken Electric Cooperative is currently taking applications for the Virtual Youth Summit, June 21-25, and various scholar-ships. Apply at aikenco-op.org.

Local outstanding students awarded with shopping tripDUE TO COVID-19, the annual Touchstone Energy Bowl was cancelled. In lieu of the players’ annual shopping with students in Myrtle Beach, Aiken Electric Cooperative received funds from The Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina to award two local outstanding students an opportunity to shop with the co-op. Congratulations to Horace and Tamara Glover!

Strom Thurmond senior Laney Willis shown with care packages she created for senior care residents.

Also pictured are grandmother, Nora Ellis and Aiken Electric Cooperative’s Marketing Manager, Daniele Ligons

Calling all high school sophomores and juniors.Go virtual with us June 21–25!Apply now for the Virtual Youth Experience to:• Meet with state and federal leaders• Compete for $5,000 scholarships• Connect with young people from across South Carolina• Hone your leadership skills• Add to your resume• Have fun and win prizes!

Applications available: aikenco-op.org/youth-programs

Application Deadline: February 28, 2021

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Plan forthe future!

deadline: february 28, 2021apply today at aiken co-op.org

touchstone energy 4-year scholarship

touchstone energy 2-year scholarship

trustee scholarship$1,000

$1,000

$1,0001

2

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Calling all high school sophomores and juniors.Go virtual with us June 21–25!Apply now for the Virtual Youth Experience to:• Meet with state and federal leaders• Compete for $5,000 scholarships• Connect with young people from across South Carolina• Hone your leadership skills• Add to your resume• Have fun and win prizes!

Applications available: aikenco-op.org/youth-programs

Application Deadline: February 28, 2021

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Discover the value of your co-op membershipAIKEN ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE offers a wide variety of programs and services designed to enhance the quality of life our mem-ber-owners enjoy. We’re constantly refining these programs—and developing new ones—just another way we’re always looking out for you. To learn more, visit aikenco-op.org.

CheckOutCheckOut is a fast and convenient way to pay your AEC bill while checking out at participating retail-ers near you. Qualifying locations include Dollar General, Family Dollar and CVS Pharmacy. This service only accepts cash payments, and a $1.50 convenience fee will be charged at the time of the payment.

H2O Select PLUS2H2O Select PLUS2 is a residential water heater and timer incentive program. You can choose a free, new high-efficiency electric water heater and cash incentives! A 10-year worry-free maintenance warranty is also available.

Help My House!Improve your home’s energy effi-ciency with this energy efficiency audit and zero-down, low-interest loan program. If your home quali-fies, we’ll perform an audit on your home and identify energy improve-ment measures that can save energy. You can finance your improvements by including the monthly loan payments on your power bill.

Beat The PeakBecome informed of how electricity usage varies during the day and across the seasons of the year. By signing up, you will receive a notification (via text, email and/or voice messages) at times when you can help reduce electricity use, that is, when you can beat the peak need for electricity.

Community Solar Community Solar allows members to receive energy credits from AEC’s 250-kilowatt solar farm. The energy generated by these panels will feed directly into the cooperative’s distribution system. There is no installation or huge upfront cost, as with rooftop solar. Members can participate through a monthly “subscription” and receive a bill credit that is based on how much energy is produced by the units subscribed to. Contact Bryce Brazel at (803) 502-2676 to sign up today!

Co-op ConnectionsThe Co-op Connections card and mobile app is a free money-saving tool that connects you with dis-counts at home and anywhere you go on items like hotel stays, prescription drugs and more. Start getting the best deals today at connections.coop.

Important news from your cooperativeAIKEN ELECTRIC’S ANNUAL MEETING will be held Saturday, May 15, 2021 at the co-op’s headquarters in Aiken (2790 Wagener Road).

Trustees will be elected from the following districts:

X Trustee District No. 6 - New Ellenton Area

X Trustree District No. 8 - Wagener Area

X Trustee District No. 9 - North Area

X At-Large - System Wide

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Haley Bucao, administrative assistant for Strategic Services, helps a member register during the 2020 Annual Meeting.

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