We celebrated many accomplishments in 2024 and look forward to serving you in 2025. To learn more about the programs listed below, visit our website or call 513-867-4400.

2024 accomplishments
> We’re doing everything we can to keep the lights on and want to help if rolling outages are imminent. We have developed a communication plan to help us be transparent and keep you updated when rolling outages occur. We will clearly and quickly communicate with members using all available communication channels to keep you updated.

> In November, we introduced a generator program to give members the opportunity to prepare for outages the co-op has little control over. Members can receive a loan to purchase and install a KOHLER standby generator or purchase a Trifecta device to safely use portable generators.

> The board of trustees’ governance committee met to review the co-op’s governance and transparency. This committee meets every three years. The committee requested a code of regulations change to clarify the process to remove board members with just cause. Members will vote on the code change during our annual meeting this spring.

> We completed the first ten cyber security goals from NRECA’s Co-op Cyber Goals Program. This program provides guidelines for security integration and steps to advance our cybersecurity posture.

> We developed a Cyber Security Incident Response Plan and completed our first cyber attack tabletop exercise. We also introduced an AI policy to employees. These exercises and practices help ensure your information and the electric grid are safe from cyber criminals and attacks.

> In October, our board of trustees held their first departmental review. During this time, board members heard from different employees throughout the co-op to learn more about the day-to-day operations of Butler Rural Electric Cooperative.

> We acquired 320 additional Butler Rural Community Solar panels to subscribe to members, bringing our total to 924 panels located in various locations throughout Ohio. Click here to learn more about Community Solar.

> We introduced two new rate plans to members in September. The rate structures encourage energy use during off peak hours, when electricity is less expensive, to help members and the co-op save money.

> In September, we released a new $1,000 level 2 electric vehicle charger rebate.

> In May, we hosted our first Energy Day with 7th grade students from Talawanda Middle School. Energy Day is for 6th and 7th grade students and consists of stations that teach students about solar, wind, energy efficiency, and electric safety.

> Employees in our operations department completed section one of Trailhead Subdivision in Harrison, installing 197 new services.

> Our engineering department upgraded our Milford Substation, which serves members in Oxford, Milford, and Somers townships.

> Through September 30, 2024, our outage time for internal outages was 55% lower than 2023 outage times. During September, however, many members experienced consecutive days of power supply outages. These outages should decrease thanks to Duke Energy’s new Ross Substation on US 27 south of Millville. We believe the project will have a positive impact on the reliability of the cooperative’s substations along US 27.

> Butler Rural Electric Cooperative lineworkers Ray Brunner, Steve Abrams, Mick Johnson, Noah Krall, and Andrew Straight assisted Broad River Electric Cooperative in Cowpens, South Carolina following extensive damage caused by Hurricane Helene.

 

What we’re working on in 2025
> We’re welcoming new leadership at Buckeye Power, the generation and transmission cooperative that is owned by and serves the electric co-ops in Ohio. Pat O’Loughlin retired this month after serving at Buckeye Power for 22 years. We welcomed Craig Grooms as the new CEO. Craig recently served as the organization’s chief operating officer.

> This summer, we will develop a new four-year construction work plan, which will establish improvements we will make to our electric distribution system. We use this document to secure low-interest loans to fund large projects.

> We will complete a cost of service study to evaluate our costs to serve each rate class and the cost components within rate classes. The cost of service study may indicate needs to modify rates between and within rate classes.

> Litigation continues against recent EPA rules, which aim to regulate the release of mercury and other air pollutants from coal-fired power plants. These rules could further impact supply of reliable electric generation and could cause electric shortfalls during times of extremely hot and cold weather.

> We will complete the Rural Electric Safety Achievement Program, or RESAP, in 2025. RESAP provides the co-op with a framework to help optimize cross-organizational safety practices, fostering improved safety behavior for our employees.

> We will continue to work on joint use developments, which allow other utility companies, like telecommunications providers, to attach their lines and equipment to our poles. Sharing the infrastructure reduces costs and streamlines installation in a our area.

> We are excited to sponsor different events in 2025 in an effort to support more events throughout our service territory.

> Butler Rural Electric Cooperative’s annual meeting will be held virtually in 2025. We will reevaluate the annual meeting options and potential cost savings of virtual events when planning future annual meetings.

> Members of America’s Electric Cooperatives Political Action Committee will be invited to an exclusive breakfast this spring at our office. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet and interact with elected officials.