South Central Power: A valuable energy resource for businesses

Founded in 1936, South Central Power Company serves more than 117,000 residential, agricultural, commercial and industrial members in 24 Ohio counties. The corporate office is located in Lancaster, while district offices are located in Canal Winchester, Circleville, Hillsboro and Barnesville. It employs 235 employees.  Richard "Rick" Lemonds is president and CEO. He is only the fourth person to serve in that role in South Central Power's 80 year history. 

The cooperative's mission is to deliver safe, reliable electric service that adds value to the lives of its members.

As a cooperative, South Central Power differs from investor-owned utilities in that it is owned by all of the members it serves, not shareholders. Cooperatives are not-for-profit utilities. South Central Power understands it is the steward of its members' financial resources. A philosophy of prudent financial management has allowed the co-op to maintain its solid financial position through the decades. As a locally owned business, revenues and investments stay in the communities we serve. Co-ops also abide by seven principles that differentiate them.

 

Community commitment

Members voluntarily round up their monthly electric bill to the next dollar through Operation Round Up. Since its introduction in 2014, this program has returned more than $1.2 million in college scholarships and grants to education, charitable and health/human services organizations across the service territory. 

From its founding, South Central Power has been a vital community member, which is demonstrated regularly through its participation in civic and charitable causes across its service territory. Lending a helping hand is what its employees do each and every day.

 

Economic development

The cooperative is committed to efforts that attract jobs for residents and generate tax revenue for local municipalities.

Director of Key Accounts Jeff Campbell and Key Accounts Representative Rod Evans regularly assist Canal Winchester area companies with their changing energy needs. Their expert advice and timely response benefit both new businesses and established companies.

The co-op also is a leading provider of energy information for firms large and small. It works closely with companies from initial site inquiry through the design and construction phases. Once operational, the cooperative communicates regularly with members to ensure their day-to-day electric needs are met. The co-op regularly collaborates with economic development organizations and professionals, including the Canal Winchester Chamber of Commerce.

 

Services designed for businesses

South Central Power's Commercial & Industrial Lighting Rebate Program helps offset the cost of replacing inefficient internal and external lighting at member business facilities. The program provides a rebate of up to $15,000 based upon the number of lamp watts reduced when replacing old lighting with LED lighting. Members are eligible for the rebate when specifications are met.

Questline is a free service that provides quick and easy access to technical, research and information assistance. It features an extensive library of articles on energy-related topics and an "Ask an Expert" service. The online portal also offers a commercial and industrial online database of technical business and engineering documents, targeted research tools and benchmark industry data. Questline is free to all business members of South Central Power. Registering online is simple.

South Central Power is a valued resource for energy and money saving information regarding electric efficiency and conservation tips. For more information about how South Central Power can assist your business, contact Key Accounts Director Jeff Campbell (740) 689-6227 or by email at [email protected].