March is an exciting month for Clay Electric Co-operative as we continue our commitment to the seventh cooperative principle, Concern for Community. This month, we will be taking a group of area high school juniors to the State Capitol in Springfield for Youth Day. This event gives students a unique opportunity to meet their state representatives and senators, gaining firsthand experience of how our government operates. In addition, they will visit historical sites and connect with peers from across Illinois.

From this group, we will select a few outstanding students to represent our cooperative in Washington, D.C. They will attend the weeklong Youth to Washington Tour in June. This program offers an invaluable experience where students will visit national landmarks, meet elected officials, and develop leadership skills that will serve them for years to come. We are proud to support the next generation of leaders through these opportunities.

As spring approaches, many members are beginning to plan home improvement projects and other projects that may require new electrical services or upgrades. If you are planning a project that involves electrical work, please reach out to us as early as possible. Some electrical installations and upgrades have lead times, and early planning allows us to ensure that we can meet your needs in a timely manner. 

The cooperative is currently running a member satisfaction survey. We encourage our members to go to our website, www.ceci.coop, and tell us how we are doing. Keeping our members happy and in power is our ultimate goal, and we’d like to hear from you.

Lastly, be sure to keep an eye out for your member number in the center section of this magazine. There are three member numbers hidden within the pages of Clay Electric News. If you spot your number and give us a call, you will win a $5 discount on your next bill!