Newsroom
NEWS FROM RAPPAHANNOCK ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
REC: Most Outages
to be Restored by Late Tonight
REC and mutual aid crews made significant progress overnight, restoring power to an additional 2,000 members who lost service as the remnants of Hurricane Michael roared through Virginia.
Crews Continue Restoration Efforts
Crews restored power to about 3,000 REC members on Friday and will continue their efforts overnight and into Saturday after the remnants of Hurricane Michael stormed through REC's service territory.
REC Crews Respond
to Outages after Storm
About 5,600 members of Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) remain without power this morning after the remnants of Hurricane Michael moved through REC’s service territory late Thursday and early today. Crews will work around the clock in 16-hour shifts until power is restored to all. Restoration efforts will continue into the weekend.
REC Hosts Telephone Town HallOn Thursday, August 23 REC hosted the 2018 Telephone Town Hall event. REC invited a random sample of over 40,000 members to participate in the call. Nearly 5,000 members accepted the call to participate. Kent Farmer, President & CEO was able to answer 18 questions live during the event that lasted just over an hour. At any given moment, there were over 100 members in line ready to ask questions.
The Time to Prepare is NowConfidence is growing that Hurricane Florence could significantly impact all of REC's service territory. REC’s crews are mobilized and stand ready to respond as quickly and safely as they can, and we urge members to prepare now as well.
Residential and business members of Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) have received phone calls from scammers claiming to be from REC stating the members’ accounts are overdue.
REC Members Elect Peers to Lead Co-op
Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) members selected three of their peers to serve on REC’s Board of Directors. More than 6,400 members participated in the election by returning their Proxy Designation Card or attending the meeting Aug. 15 at the Fredericksburg Conference Center.
Statement on Petition Filed with the Virginia State Corporation Commission
Rappahannock Electric Cooperative’s Board of Directors fully respects our members and the democratic process of governing their Cooperative. It is unfortunate these three individuals have escalated this matter to the State Corporation Commission.
REC Warns of Potential Scammers
REC urges members to beware of anyone calling to demand immediate payment for services from the co-op. Callers may claim the electric service will be disconnected unless the bill is immediately paid.
Community Connects with RECREC's annual community event, Get Connected, attracted more than 500 members to Lydia’s Barn in Stanardsville. REC employees connected with residents of Greene County and surrounding areas as they gathered for an evening of food, entertainment, learning about their Cooperative and - mostly - community.
REC Restoration Effort
Nears Completion
Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) and mutual aid crews worked through the night to restore service to members who lost power during what the National Weather Service described as a “mini derecho” Monday night. As of 9 this morning, approximately 1,600 members remain without power.
REC Continues Restoration
Efforts after 'Mini Derecho'
Power restoration efforts will continue overnight after storms packing winds of up to 75 mph barreled through REC's service territory Monday evening, knocking out power to more than 38,000 members at the storm's peak.
REC Crews Respond
to Outages after Storms
Strong thunderstorms with gusty winds crashed through Rappahannock Electric Cooperative's (REC) service territory Monday evening, snapping trees, downing wires and knocking out power to more than 38,000 members. About 12,000 remained without power as of 7:30 this morning.
REC's Community Grant
Application Now Available
REC has made its grant application available to emergency service agencies, community non-profits, and educators for 2018. The grants are made possible through REC's community grant program, which provides supplemental funding for projects that will positively impact members of the cooperative. Completed applications must be returned to one of REC's offices, or postmarked, by April 13, 2018.
Power Restoration Complete
After Wind Storm Riley
REC crews completed the weeklong, tedious task of restoring outages caused by the 36-hour windstorm that thrashed REC's 22-county service territory. The final outages persisted in REC's western region, which saw wind gusts up to 78 mph. Restoration was completed yesterday evening.
Wind Storm Riley
Restoration Nearly Complete
REC and mutual aid crews entered the homestretch today as they race to restore service to the final few hundred members who remain without power after last week's 36-hour windstorm. All storm-related outages should be restored by later today.
REC Continues Restoration Efforts
Crews continued to tackle devastating damage in REC's western territory today, replacing poles, setting transformers and rebuilding electric lines battered by last week's 36-hour wind storm.
REC Restores Service to
92% of Members Without Power
REC and an additional 200 mutual aid workers from Virginia and out-of-state electric co-ops have restored more than 92 percent of the outages caused by the catastrophic wind storm that hammered the state last week.
REC Continues to Discover
Extensive Damage to Infrastructure
REC continues to discover more broken poles and extensive damage as crews make their way into previously inaccessible areas, especially west of State Route 29, as well as Route 17 corridor in Southern Fauquier.
REC Continues to Repair
Extensive Damage to System
While members in REC's Eastern territory of Caroline, Essex, Hanover, King and Queen, King William, Louisa and Spotsylvania will see service restored today, some members west of State Route 29 may not see service restored until Wednesday.
REC Aggressively Working
to Restore Power
REC and mutual aid crews again worked through the night to restore service to about 5,000 members who lost power during the powerful wind storm. As of 8 a.m., more than 16,000 members remained without power, and restoration efforts will continue beyond this weekend.
REC Makes Restoration Progress,
Much Work Remains
Over 250 workers and REC employees continue around-the-clock efforts to restore power to more than 23,000 members who remain without service. That workforce, about double REC's normal force of line personnel, includes REC crews and more than 50 crews from other cooperatives.
REC's Restoration Efforts Continue
after Devastating Wind Storm
REC crews worked nonstop overnight to restore power to several thousand members who lost service during the extended and dangerous wind storm that roared through REC's 22-county service territory. REC cautions that many of the outages may extend beyond this weekend into next week.
REC Cautions Members
to Prepare for Extended Outages
More than 40,000 REC members remain without power Friday evening as the dangerous wind storm continues to pummel the Cooperative’s 22-county service territory.REC cautions that many of the outages may extend beyond this weekend and into next week.
REC Responds to Widespread
Outages as Wind Storm Continues
REC's crews will continue to work as long as they can do so safely. Right-of-way and power line contractors are assisting REC, and additional assistance has been requested from other cooperatives. Sustained winds of 30 mph with gusts over 50 mph are expected to continue through tonight.
REC Prepares for Outages in Advance
of Expected Wind Storm
Rappahannock Electric Cooperative crews are preparing for possible power outages due to the major wind storm expected to impact REC's entire 22-county service territory.
Hollins Promoted to Director of
Communications and Public Relations
Casey Marie Hollins has recently been promoted to director of communications and public relations for REC. In her new role, Hollins leads REC's communications and public relations department, which facilitates the Cooperative's internal and external communications, digital and social media, public and media relations, and school and community involvement programs.
REC Sponsors Richmond
Youth Legislative Day
To show the importance of being involved in the legislative process, REC recently hosted its annual Richmond Youth Legislative Day. Sudents from REC's 2017 Washington Youth Tour program traveled to Richmond to view state government in action.
REC Names New Eastern Region
Director of Member Services
and Community Relations
Ann M. Lewis was recently promoted to director of member services and community relations for REC. In her new role, Lewis oversees the member services department in the Cooperative's Eastern Region, based out of the Bowling Green office in Caroline County.
REC Seeks Approval
of Community Solar Pilot Program
On Tuesday, January 30, REC, along with three fellow Virginia electric cooperatives, began seeking formal approval of a pilot program to provide additional solar energy to interested members. If approved, the Community Solar Pilot Project will allow members of the cooperative to subscribe to solar energy generated from two facilities in Virginia.
REC Names New Manager
of Eastern Region
David M. "Maxie" Rozell Jr. was recently selected to be manager of REC's Eastern Region, based in Bowling Green. Rozell is responsible for the eastern region distribution operations and construction. He will oversee vegetation management services, fleet management and contracts and permitting throughout REC.
Cooperative's Region IX
Board Member Vacancy Filled
In the fall, the Board of Directors of REC announced the Region IX director vacancy in Cooperative Living magazine and in several newspapers. Region IX covers the counties of Essex, King and Queen, and King William. After interviewing all candidates, the Board took action to appoint Eugene L. Campbell Jr. to the position. In accordance with the Bylaws, Campbell began serving the Region IX term effective January 17, 2018.
Youth Tour Applications
Available From REC
Picture this: an opportunity to travel to Washington D.C., meeting nearly 2,000 other students, a tour of Capitol Hill, meeting congressional representatives, a Potomac River cruise, touring museums like the National Museum of African American History, and so much more!
Did I Really Use
That Much Electricity?
During December and January, REC service area experienced record-breaking cold temperatures that put heating systems into overdrive and increased electricity use.
The Power of Change Can Boost Your Non-Profit - Applications Available
REC is excited to announce The Power of Change application is now available. Non-profit organizations are encouraged to apply.
REC Community Scholarship Application Now Available
REC is now accepting applications for its 2018 Community Scholarship program. For the first time ever, REC is now offering one-time $1,000 scholarships to current college students, along with current high school seniors.
REC Names New Director
of Human Resources
In her new role, Patricia James Hatcher is responsible for assisting the manager of human resources and employee development in overseeing the day-to-day human resource operations. She has the primary responsibility for directing the staff and in executing personnel policies and practices.
REC Aggressively Working
To Restore Power
REC's restoration efforts are under way as crews work to repair damaged lines and equipment from this weekend’s winter storm.
REC Names New Director of Member
Services and Community Relations
Jeff Hinson has recently been promoted to director of member services and community relations for REC.
Local Organizations Benefit from Generosity of REC Members
Over 16,000 members of REC voluntarily participate in The Power of Change, a program through which the Cooperative rounds up electric bills to the nearest whole dollar, with the extra change used to support community efforts.
REC Recognized as Agribusiness of the Year
The Cooperative was honored for its long commitment to the Virginia agricultural community.
Smart, Efficient, and Progressing with You REC's Annual Meeting took place Aug. 10 at the Fredericksburg Conference Center. More than 6,100 REC members participated either in person or by proxy.
REC Announces New Member
of Executive Leadership Team
John D. Hewa has joined REC's executive management team, where he will oversee several functional areas including Finance and Accounting, Human Resources, Safety and Security, and Technical Services.
REC Receives Awards for Excellence in
Communications
REC recently received national recognition for excellence in its communications efforts. Recognition was awarded by two organizations that promote effective communications: the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association's (NRECA) Council of Rural Electric Communicators, and the Cooperative Communicators Association (CCA).
REC's LEARN Grant Program Provides
Funds for Local Schools, Non-profits
REC recently awarded $16,000 in grants to non-profits, emergency service agencies, and local schools. The grants are made possible through REC's LEARN (Literacy, Education, and Rural Networking) program.
Local Students Discover
D.C. and Cooperatives
This year seven students from REC's service territory had the opportunity to participate in the National Rural Electric Cooperative Youth Tour.
REC Recognized
by Tree Line USA
For the fifteenth consecutive year, REC has been named a Tree Line USA utility by The National Arbor Day Foundation.
REC Files for Rate
AdjustmentREC has filed a rate application with the State Corporation Commission (SCC) to adjust its rate structure and rates effective in 2018.
REC Linemen Excel
at Gaff-n-Go Lineman Rodeo
Safety, precision and teamwork were on display over the weekend at the 15th Annual Terex Gaff-n-Go Lineman & Equipment Operator's Rodeo held at Meadow Event Park in Doswell, Va. Competing with other utilities from across the mid-Atlantic states, several REC linemen participated.
Straight from REC Members:
My Co-op Cares
What did REC employees and the Board of Directors do Wednesday night? They hosted the "Get Connected" event for hundreds of their members. This year's event was held in Tappahannock.
REC Rewards Outstanding
Student Achievement
Volunteerism, resourcefulness, and determination are characteristics exhibited by those seeking to reach their lifelong dreams of a being a nurse, engineer, teacher or one of many other career paths. REC recently awarded $16,000 in LEARN scholarships to students exhibiting these qualities.
Area Students Receive Electric Co-op College Scholarships
You wake up each day, flip the switch on and power through your day. It may have never occurred to you that the very company delivering the electricity to power your every day would also help send your child to college. That’s exactly what happened to twelve high school seniors whose families receive electricity from REC.
REC Names New
Key Accounts
Executive/Energy
Services Coordinator
David Johnson is now the primary contact for designated key accounts and large power activities for members in the southern portion of REC’s service area. He will work primarily from REC’s Bowling Green office.
Suspect in Wire Thefts Apprehended in Louisa County
The Louisa County Sheriff’s Office arrested Teddy Eugene Speights Jr (47) and charged him with multiple violations stemming from an intensive investigation into multiple incidents where electrical substations in Louisa County were broken into and vandalized.
William E. Lane: REC
Director 1982 to 2017
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of REC Board member William E. Lane. William passed away Friday, March 31.
Outage Restoration Nears Completion
REC is reporting that under 450 outages remain in the wake of yesterday's severe weather event. Line crews worked around the clock to restore power to over 20,000 REC members after storms passed through the service area on Thursday, April 6.
Damage Assessment and
Restoration Efforts Under way
Restoration efforts are under way, but with the significant damage that we are uncovering full restoration may take multiple days. REC urges its members and the public to stay safe in these hazardous conditions.
Man Charged After Report of Vandalism at REC Substation
Sheriff Roger L. Harris announced the arrest of Teddy Eugene Speights Jr. (47) of Louisa County, VA - charging him with Destruction of Property, Larceny and Trespassing. Teddy was detained by Louisa County Sheriff’s deputies and transported to a medical facility to be evaluated. Further charges are pending in Louisa County.
REC Members Provide
The Power of Change
Over 14,000 members of REC voluntarily participate in The Power of Change, a program where the Cooperative rounds up electric bills to the nearest whole dollar, with the extra change used to support community efforts.
Farmer Selected as
Secretary-Treasurer for National
Rural Utilities Cooperative
Finance Corporation
During its Annual Meeting in San Diego on Feb. 27, National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation (CFC) selected REC CEO and president Kent Farmer as its secretary-treasurer of the CFC Board of Directors.
REC member receives
Unsung Virginian Award
A local retiree's volunteer community-improvement efforts, including work to improve trails within our nation's historic battlefields, has earned him a statewide honor bestowed by Virginia's electric cooperatives. REC member and Lake Wilderness resident Dorse Counts received the Unsung Virginian Award in a ceremony in Spotsylvania.
REC Nears Completion
of Restoration Effort
REC crews are nearing completion of their restoration effort from the effects of winter storm Stella. Over 5,500 members were without service at the height of the storm, and as of 4:30 p.m. 125 members remain without electricity.
LEARN Grant Applications
Are Now Available
REC will award $16,000 in grants to emergency service agencies, community non-profits, and educators in 2017.
William ''Bill" Alphin:
REC Director 1976 to 2017
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of REC Board member William "Bill" Alphin. Bill passed away Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017.
REC Opens
Youth Tour Applications
Picture this: a free trip to Washington D.C., meeting over 1,000 other students, a tour of Capitol Hill, meeting a congressional representative, and so much more! All of this is available through REC's Youth Tour Program and open to high school students in REC's service territory.
Let REC Help You
Pay for College
REC is now accepting applications for its 2016 LEARN (Literacy, Education, and Rural Networking) Scholarship program. To be eligible, a student must be a current high school senior and be enrolled or plan to enroll in an accredited educational or training institution.
As a result of a combination of efforts by Cooperatives members to reduce demand for electricity and changes in the wholesale power market, members will soon see an average bill credit of more than $5 on their monthly electric bills.
Apply for Funds
from REC's ORU
REC is excited to announce Operation Round Up funds are now available. Non-profit organizations and charities are encouraged to apply.
REC's Kent Farmer Honored
by Caroline County Chamber
Kent Farmer was recently named the 2016 Business Person of the Year by the Caroline County Chamber of Commerce. Farmer accepted the honor at the Chamber’s annual holiday gala held in Ladysmith.
Give the Gift of
Electricity with REC
This holiday season, give your friends and loved ones the gift of electricity. REC offers gift certificates to help members during one of the most expensive times of the year.
REC Returns Over
$3 Million to Members
REC returned over $3 million in capital credits to members noted as a credit on their November electric bills.
REC Members Provide
The Power of Change
Each month, over 11,000 members of REC voluntarily allow the Cooperative to round up their electric payment to the nearest dollar with the extra change donated to Operation Round Up.
REC Supports Local ClinicWith help from a LEARN (Literacy, Education and Rural Networking) grant provided by REC, the Free Medical Clinic of Northern Shenandoah Valley will be able to expand their Project FIRST program. The program provides free screenings for risk factors of certain chronic conditions.
REC Monitors Weather
in Advance of Matthew
REC crews are preparing for the possibility of power outages due to Hurricane Matthew. Although the projected course has shifted direction, wind and rain are still in the forecast for Saturday.
REC Donates to Caroline Emergency Services
With a grant from the LEARN (Literacy, Education and Rural Networking) program at REC, the Caroline County Department of Emergency Services has been able to purchase quick-clot bandages and chest seals.
Hunting season is underway, and REC has important tips for hunters to ensure their safety and the safety of others. "We want all of our members, as well as employees, to have a safe and enjoyable hunting season," said Maxie Rozell, manager of safety, security and risk management at REC.
Farmer Returns for Second
Term on National Board
At the Sept. 8 National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation (CFC) District 1 Meeting in Grand Rapids, Michigan, delegates re-elected Kent Farmer to a second, three-year term on the CFC Board of Directors. Farmer is president and CEO of REC.
REC Names New Director of Procurement, Facilities Management
Bruce "Tosh" Bowe Jr. has recently been promoted to director of procurement and facilities management for REC.
Sustaining the Success of Your
Cooperative: 2016 Annual Meeting
REC's Annual Meeting took place Aug. 11 at the Fredericksburg Conference Center. Over 6,300 Cooperative members participated either in person or by proxy. Those present received, from REC's leadership, a review of the past year, updates about the Cooperative's financial strength, and a preview of plans for the future.
Cooperative Offers Tips
for Understanding Your Bill
July 27, 2016
With heat indexes topping 105 this week, REC wants to ensure that members understand their energy usage and how it translates to their electricity bill.
REC's LEARN Grant Program
Awards Funds to Local Groups
July 26, 2016
REC recently awarded $16,000 in grants to emergency service agencies, non-profits and local schools. The grants are made possible through REC's LEARN (Literacy, Education, and Rural Networking) program.
REC Recognized
for Keeping Members Informed
July 7, 2016
REC was recently recognized with national awards for communication excellence. REC has always recognized the importance of connecting with member-owners in ways to keep them educated, engaged and informed.
Local Students Discover
D.C. and Cooperatives
June 30, 2016
What do you get when you add seven students to a mix of 1,700 of their peers from across the United States? You get the National Rural Electric Cooperative Youth Tour! This year seven students from REC service territory were awarded this opportunity.
Communications Specialist
Receives National Recognition
June 21, 2016
Casey Hollins, REC's (REC) communications specialist, recently received national recognition from her peers at the Cooperative Communicators Association (CCA) at the CCA Institute in Omaha, Neb.
REC Crews Complete
Power Restoration
June 20, 2016
REC crews worked nonstop through Saturday night to restore power to more than 18,000 members who lost electric service in Thursday night's storm. By Saturday morning, that number was down to under 500. All outages were restored by about 9 p.m. Saturday evening.
REC Continues Power
Restoration Efforts
June 17, 2016
As of 4:30 p.m.,REC crews have restored power to approximately 85 percent of the members who lost electricity during last night's powerful storms. About 1,700 members remain without electricity. More than 145 separate outage locations are yet to be repaired. Crews will continue to work around the clock in 16 hour shifts until all power is restored.
REC Aggressively Working
to Restore Power for Members
June 17, 2016
Damage is extensive and widespread with several broken poles and trees on the lines, throughout REC's 22-county service territory. REC's restoration efforts are well under way as crews worked through the night to repair damaged lines and equipment from the storms.
REC Rewards Outstanding
Student Achievement
June 13, 2016
REC recently awarded $16,000 in LEARN scholarships to recognize outstanding student achievement. "LEARN" is an acronym for Learning, Education, And Rural Networking. The scholarships are awarded to select graduating high school seniors from the communities served by REC.
REC Linemen Showcase Skills
at Gaff-n-Go Lineman's Rodeo
June 6, 2016
Linemen from REC participated in the 14th Annual Gaff-n-Go Lineman's Rodeo, held June 3-4 at Meadow Event Park in Doswell, Va. This event gets its name from the gaff - or metal spike - that linemen attach to their boots to assist in climbing wooden utility poles.
REC Names New Manager
of Administrative Services/Controller
June 1, 2016
Lawrence G. "Larry" Andrews has recently been promoted to Manager of Administrative Services/Controller for REC. Prior to assuming his new position, Andrews was director of finance and accounting. In that role, he oversaw and monitored controls, policies, and procedures to maintain the financial integrity of REC.
Electric Linemen to Show
Skills at Gaff-n-Go Rodeo
May 31, 2016
The public can get a closer look at the skills and equipment used by electric utility linemen on June 3-4 when teams from Virginia and surrounding states compete in the 14th annual Gaff-n-Go Lineman's Rodeo and the Terex® Equipment Operator's Rodeo at the Meadow Event Park in Doswell, Virginia.
REC Earns Distinguished
Tree Line USA Recognition
May 20, 2016
For the fourteenth consecutive year, REC has been named a Tree Line USA utility by The National Arbor Day Foundation. This national recognition of excellence has only been earned by approximately 4% of electric utilities, and only 3 in Virginia.
National Electric Safety Month
May 19, 2016
May is National Electrical Safety Month and REC is teaming up with the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) to raise awareness of potential home electrical hazards and the importance of electrical safety.
REC Hosts Member Appreciation Event
to Connect with Clarke and Frederick
April 20, 2016
Over 500 people attended REC's "Get Connected" night at the Clarke County Fairgrounds on Tuesday, April 19. REC hosted the event to provide its members an opportunity to interact with their Cooperative. The member-focused night featured free entertainment, family activities and food.
Thank a Lineman on April 11April 11, 2016
America's electric cooperatives have designated the second Monday of April as National Lineman Appreciation Day.
REC Members Improve Their Communities Through ORU
March 25, 2016
Several local charities were awarded funding this month from Operation Round Up dollars, including The disAbility Resource Center of the Rappahannock Area to purchase medical equipment and Friends of the Rappahannock to support educational programs.
REC's LEARN Grant
application is available
March 7, 2016
REC will award $16,000 in grants to emergency service agencies, non-profits and local educators in 2016. The grants are made possible through REC's LEARN (Literacy, Education and Rural Networking) program. Completed applications must be returned to one of REC's offices or be postmarked by April 15, 2016.
Restoration Efforts Continue
After Devastating Storm
Feb. 25, 2016
REC crews worked through the night to restore power to more than 8,000 members who lost electricity during last night’s powerful storms. With the exception of about 300 outages in Essex - where the storms caused devastating damage - all other outages have been restored.
REC Crews Restoring ServiceFeb. 24, 2016
Restoration efforts are underway, but with the significant damage that we are uncovering, we are expecting power will not be restored until Thursday afternoon. REC urges its members and the public to stay safe in these hazardous conditions.
Members Save $2 Million
on Prescriptions with Co-op Connections
Feb. 17, 2016
With Co-op Connections, REC members save 10 to 85 percent on prescriptions at over 60,000 participating pharmacies including CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Target and many more.
REC Wins Community Impact Award
Feb. 3, 2016
At the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet and Gala, REC received the Chamber's Community Impact Award, given to a business or organization that expands opportunities to improve lives in the local community.
Have You Checked On Your Heat Pump?
Jan. 25, 2016
Don't let a heat pump covered in ice or snow become the cause of your higher than normal electric bill. Do something about it now, so you don't end up paying for it later.
Youth Tour Applications Now Available
Jan. 18, 2016
To participate, students must be a high school junior with a parent or guardian who is a member-owner of REC. Completed applications must contain a sample letter to an elected official.
VIDEO: Scam Alert
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