From the Manager:
Trustee election ballots have been sent out, which means the 4 Rivers Electric Cooperative, Inc.’s annual meeting of
members is right around the corner. Please make sure to join us and other 4 Rivers members at the annual meeting
on March 24 at 7 p.m. at Burlington High School. Before the meeting, we will serve a delicious meal and have
educational booths set up for safety, billing and more. The official meeting notice and additional details will be
found in next month’s magazine.
One key principle of being a cooperative is democratic member control, which ensures every member has a voice in how our cooperative is ran. By now, you should have received your election ballot. Please take a moment to fill out your ballot and return it by Feb. 20. This year, your ballot includes three proposed Bylaw amendments for consideration. I encourage you to review the proposals and vote in favor of the changes, which are designed to help us better serve you, our members. Every vote counts, so don’t miss this opportunity for your voice to be heard!
A CAUTIONARY NOTE ON SOLAR SALES
Switching gears, I want to address a concerning trend that has affected some of our members. Recently, we have received reports from our members of unscrupulous solar photovoltaic (PV) salespeople targeting our members, especially exploiting unsuspecting elderly adults and individuals with limited English proficiency. These salespeople often use high-pressure tactics and evasive strategies to push contracts for solar panels. Before signing any contract related to solar or self-generation, please contact us. We can help you understand your rights, options and any limitations, such as the available capacity in your area (some areas have zero availability due to technical constraints).
Remember, a pushy sales pitch with promises that sound too good to be true is a red flag. While solar can be a good option for some, it’s not typically cost-effective for most of our members when the full financial picture is considered. In this case, the old adage applies: Caveat Emptor — Let the buyer beware.
If you have questions about voting, solar or any other topic, don’t hesitate to reach out. And don’t forget to mark your calendar for March 24 — we look forward to seeing you at the annual meeting in Burlington!
(Originally printed in February's KCL Centerspread)