What really happens behind the scenes of your electric bill?

In this episode of SMECO Connects, hosts Sonja Cox and Tom Dennison sit down with CFO Beth Kennedy and Controller Angela Verras to unpack the audit process, financial transparency, and the systems that keep SMECO strong. From independent auditors reviewing customer bills to long-term planning that protects reliability, this conversation reveals the rigor and accountability behind every number.

As a customer-owned cooperative serving Southern Maryland, SMECO is committed to stewardship, transparency, and returning value to members — and this episode shows exactly how that commitment plays out year after year.

In this episode, we cover:

• What an independent audit really looks like (and why it matters to members)
• How capital credits return value directly to you
• Why balancing debt and equity protects long-term reliability
• How SMECO plans ahead to manage rising costs while keeping rates responsible

At the end of the day, it's about trust — and making sure every dollar serves the members who own the Cooperative. If you've ever wondered how SMECO protects your investment while powering Southern Maryland, this episode is for you.

Follow & Connect:
Host: Sonja Cox
Co-Host: Tom Dennison

SMECO on Instagram: somdelectric
SMECO on X: somdelectric

When the lights go out, the clock starts ticking—and Dale is one of the first people in the hot seat. From restoring thousands of homes in minutes to making split-second safety calls, his job in SMECO's operations center blends adrenaline, strategy, and teamwork under extreme pressure.

In this episode, Dale shares his journey from lineman to distribution system supervisor, what really happens behind the scenes during major outages, and why safety always comes before speed. You'll hear real outage stories, surprising tech tools that keep the grid running, and the unseen decisions that shape how fast your lights come back on.

Key Takeaways:

• How outage restoration is prioritized in life-or-death scenarios
• The technology and teamwork powering SMECO's operations center
• Why "calm under chaos" is the most important skill in the room
  
  

Whether you're curious about how the grid works or inspired by people who thrive in high-stakes environments, this conversation pulls back the curtain on an essential, often invisible job that keeps communities running.

Follow SMECO:
Instagram: @somdelectric
X/Twitter: @somdelectric

What really drives your electric bill—and what's happening in Annapolis right now that could shape it for years to come?

In this episode of SMECO Connects, hosts Sonja Cox and Tom Dennison break down the Maryland General Assembly's 90-day session, rising power costs, and why being at the table matters for SMECO's member-owners. Drawing on decades of experience, they share how smart advocacy, long-term planning, and cooperative values help protect reliability and affordability in a rapidly changing energy landscape.

Key takeaways include:

• How legislation and state mandates impact electricity prices
• Why SMECO's cooperative model sets it apart from investor-owned utilities
• What's ahead for power generation, renewables, and grid reliability in Maryland
  
  

As energy policy debates heat up, this conversation offers a clear look at how SMECO continues to advocate for its members—keeping costs down while planning responsibly for the future. Tune in and stay connected to the issues that power our communities.

Follow & Connect:
Host: Sonja Cox
Co-Host: Tom Dennison

SMECO on Instagram: somdelectric
SMECO on X: somdelectric