Small Change Can Change Lives

The holiday season is fast approaching. Some call it the most wonderful season of all. That’s because we associate it with family traditions and gathering with friends and loved ones. It’s a time of giving and spreading joy.

Giving back reminds me of the many good things we have right here in our community and why it’s so important to spread the good as far as we can, especially to the most vulnerable in our local area. I’m also reminded of how wonderful our community is and what a big impact we can have when we work together.

When you are a member of B-Y Electric you now can help us spread the good throughout the year. Through our Operation Round Up® program that we recently launched; your donations will help local organizations in our service territory. This voluntary program will begin with rounding up your electric to the next dollar starting with the December 1, 2022 electric bill. This is an opt-out program which means that we will automatically enroll you, but you can contact us and opt-out at any time.

When you “round up” your monthly bill from B-Y Electric and donate to this fund, you’re making a big difference in the lives in our community. You are helping to meet an immediate, critical need, but just as importantly, you are showing that B-Y Electric members care about the community around them.

Over the years, our community-focused programs, have supported local schools and young people, EMS systems, and town events, but on a small scale. A program like Operation Round Up® with our members’ pooled money of less than $12.00 a year can make a bigger difference. The program is also run by a committee of members who evaluate the applications and determine the appropriate support.
The cooperative principle “concern for community” is part of B-Y Electric’s mission. It defines who we are as an organization. When we first brought electricity to this community in 1945, the quality of life improved. But other things also need to be addressed and through the years, this co-op has been at the forefront of bringing improvements to the quality of life in this community. It’s why we joined Operation Round Up®.

Across the country, more than 350 electric co-ops have an Operation Round Up® program, and together, raised millions for local communities. This shows that small donations from electric co-op’s members like ours, over time, can collectively make a big impact.
As a local cooperative, we have a stake in this community. It’s why we support local organizations. We hope you will think of as more than your energy provider, but also as a catalyst for good in our community.

I hope all our members have a joyous holiday season.

To learn more about Operation Round Up®, visit https://byelectric.coop/operation-round-up.