Doors opened at 10 a.m. for the South Alabama Electric Cooperative Annual Membership Meeting on Oct. 25. Members enjoyed beautiful weather, gospel entertainment and a hot dog lunch before the business session got underway.

A total of 590 members registered this year, with an estimated 1,000 in attendance at the Pike County Cattlemen’s Complex.

Members had the opportunity to learn about the cooperatives rebate program as well as pick up information on making their homes more energy efficient. A new program, E-billing was also introduced.

E-billing allows our member to sign up for statements that are delivered to their email accounts instead of receiving a paper statement in the mail.

“Several of our members have requested this service and we’re glad to be able to offer it now,” Kadra Jordan, billing administrator, said. “It’s a great, easy to use alternative. To sign up members need their account number and a current email address. Once it is set up, members will receive a link to their statement so that they can log in and view their bill. Then you can make payments through any of the ways we offer. Members can sign up for E-billing on our website (www.southaec.com) or by visiting our office.”

The business session began with a recognition of former General Manager Max Davis.

“In May 2016, Max Davis retired after 35 years of service to the cooperative,” Bailey said. “The cooperative cannot replace that experience and leadership. His legacy will be tough to follow. But for the members of the cooperative, we will continue to improve every day, just the way Mr. Davis would like it.”

Members were reminded of the co-op business model and how important it was for them to understand how a co-op operates.

“It’s important for each of our members to truly understand how the cooperative is structured,” Bailey said. “The foundation of every cooperative revolves around the members and their ability to take an active role in the cooperative.”

South Alabama Electric has been retiring capital credits every year since 1985.

“Your board of trustees is committed to continuing the retirement process provided the cooperatives financial condition warrants,” Bailey said. “Our promise to you is that your board and management will continue to fight for your cooperative.

Following a video presentation on what capital credits are and how they are recorded, Bailey announced the 2016 retirement.

“I’m pleased to announce your board of trustees has voted to retire capital credits totaling $1,265,337 to our members.”

Before closing the meeting, member exercised another of the cooperative principles – democratic member control. Following a vote of the membership, Jimmy Shaver (District2) and Bill Hixon (District 1) were re-elected to a three year term as trustees.