News Maker Casey Hollins of REC on saving money
Warmer weather often means higher electric bills and Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) is offering tips on keeping bills down.
We spoke with the REC Managing Director of Communications and Public Relations Casey Hollins about it in our latest news maker.
News makers are sponsored by Warren County Together We are Community.
Casey gives us some of those tips on how to save.
She also has details on help should you need it when it comes to paying your bill.
Casey also has details on ways to keep your bill at a steady more consistent average through the entire year if you would like.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
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REC and local elementary students plant pollinator garden
Rappahannock Electric Cooperative installed a pollinator garden at Chet Hobert Park with the help of students from Clarke County Public School’s DG Cooley Elementary.
The garden was planted next to the park’s substation and provides an improved view from the soccer fields and walking trail while also giving pollinators a safe space to do their important work.
Special signage shares facts about pollinators that are geared toward helping 4th grade students with their SOLs.
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held by Clarke County officials on Tuesday to celebrate the opening of the garden.
As part of the celebration, a representative from the Department of Forestry designated REC as a Tree Line USA utility for the 22nd straight year.
The award presented by the Arbor Day Foundation recognizes REC’s commitment to protecting and enhancing forestry.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
REC announces new cybersecurity and IT leadership
Rappahannock Electric Cooperative announced the promotion of Brett Elliot to Managing Director of Information Technology and Cybersecurity.
In this new role, he will provide leadership, oversight and coordination on all IT infrastructure, data, analytics, and cybersecurity.
He will also select and implement technology to improve member-owners’ experiences and oversees services provided by BrilliT.
Elliot has an extensive background in the IT field including his former role as REC’s IT Infrastructure and Networking Director.
He also received his bachelor’s degree in Industrial Management from Clemson University as well as his MBA from Winthrop University.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
REC promotes Michael Curley to new role
Rappahannock Electric Cooperative promoted Michael Curley to Director of Financial Planning and Treasury Services.
This role will coordinate and manage annual budgets and provide high-level financial analysis and forecasts to ensure REC’s financial health and security.
Curley previously served as the Supervisor of Budgets and Forecasting.
He also has experience in corporate finances for a variety of organizations including Hanover County government and the Department of Defense.
Curley currently resides in Hanover County with his wife and two children where he also is the deacon at Cool Spring Church.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
REC names Director of Operations and Construction Services
Rappahannock Electric Cooperative announced the promotion of Arthur Wholely to the Director of Operations and Construction Services.
This role oversees System Operations which includes managing field crews, coordinating mutual aid during major outages, transmission outage planning, and communications between all substations and REC’s various groups.
Wholely began his career at REC as a meter tester and has worked his way up to his previous role of System Operations Supervisor.
He is a graduate of Liberty University and the current Fire Chief of Bowling Green Volunteer Fire Department, where he resides.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
REC announces a rate increase likely due to supply increases
Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) announced in an email to its member owners that a rate increase may be necessary.
Due to a significant increase in the cost of electricity the cooperative receives to deliver to its member owners the cost is likely to increase.
These increases have been caused by the ongoing supply chain issues and spike in the cost of fuel used to generate your electricity.
As a result as of August 1 you may see an additional 10 to 16 percent increase based on your usage and rate.
The change will be reflected in the power cost adjustment line item on your bill and is directly related to the increase in supply cost.
Any questions or concerns can be directed to REC at 1-800-552-3904.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
REC Announces Applications for The Power of Change
The Power of Change from Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) is now accepting applications from local nonprofits seeking funding to support their communities. Across REC’s service territory, numerous nonprofits could benefit from funding, and The Power of Change is the perfect opportunity to help meet their needs.
“Over 30,000 REC member-owners round up their monthly electric bill or make other monetary donations to The Power of Change,” said Casey Hollins, Managing Director – Communications and Public Relations. “Twice each year, those donations are awarded to local nonprofits so that they can accomplish their mission and support their community.”
The Power of Change has awarded funds to a variety of nonprofits, including crisis support services, community reading programs, volunteer fire departments, environmental programs, performing arts centers and organizations that help feed families. “The funds donated by REC’s member-owners go right back into their community, allowing them to make a difference where they live and work,” added Hollins. “We encourage nonprofits to apply today so the funds raised by REC members can make a difference for your organization.”
If your nonprofit needs funding to complete or start a project, apply to The Power of Change. Visit thepowerofchange.org, fill out the application and return it to REC by 5 p.m. on Aug. 10.
REC provides electric service to over 170,000 connections in parts of 22 Virginia counties. With its general office in Fredericksburg, Va., the Cooperative operates and maintains more than 17,000 miles of power lines through its service area, which ranges from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the tidal waters of the Chesapeake Bay. For more information about REC, please visit www.myrec.coop. Follow REC on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Click here for Power of Change Applications.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
REC restores power following storms
Rappahannock Electric Cooperative restored power to most of their members who experienced outages during Wednesday’s storms.
Most outages were due to uprooted or broken trees near power lines and poles.
As of 2 pm, under 360 members remained without power.
Those homes were in the hardest hit areas of northern Culpeper and Fauquier counties.
REC wants members to keep in mind that repairs must be done in a sequential manner with main lines coming first then individual tap lines.
For the latest information, head to www.myrec.coop.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
REC responds to power loss from the storms
Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) reports that they and mutual aid crews are responding as quickly and safely as possible after the June 22 storms.
As of last night more than 13,000 member owners remained without power after what has been described as tornado like damage in an email from REC.
Nearly 180 separate outage events have been reported.
Crews continue to discover broken poles and downed wires and trees.
In the Warrenton area at least seven poles in a row were found to be broken along Route 211.
Severe weather throughout the evening complicated restoration efforts as crews continue to work to restore power.
Rappahannock Electric Cooperative reminds citizens to remain safe if you find a downed wire stay away from.
Always assume the wire is energized stay at least 10 feet away from it and anything in contact with it.
Call 911 as well as the Cooperative to report any downed wires.
Always unplug any appliances that may have been on when power went out as it will be in the same mode when power returns.
Always report power outages even if you believe neighbors have done so.
Report an outage and find progress of restoration efforts using your smart phone at myrec.coop or right here.
A direct link to all things REC is found here.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
REC is prepared for potential outages
In an email from Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) they confirmed they are ready for outages.
The potential of a strong winter storm is expected today Jan. 28 bringing wet snow, strong winds and cold temperatures to the region.
Some areas will be hit harder then others in both Virginia it is likely that the northeast will be hardest hit.
REC already have crews on standby for any potential outages in the areas they serve.
The cooperative has materials like poles, transformers and fuses at the ready for immediate dispatch when needed.
REC is urging members to prepare before the storm hits as well.
You will find a great deal of information to prepare at myrec.coop.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.