Pandemic Meets Preparedness
Leaders put pandemic plan in action
April 1, 2020
Over the last several weeks, Barry Electric Cooperative (BEC) has been executing its pandemic plan for the benefit of its members, its community and its employees. While there are challenges here and there, our overall operations remain consistent. For instance, our phone reception and service order work are being managed well by customer service representatives working from home. Also, numerous members have made use of our self-install option for goBEC internet with great results. We prepare for the worst and pray for the best.
BEC provides the last mile electric, internet and phone services to 7,250 electric member-owners (3,400 internet customers). We work with cooperative partners to ensure reliable power supply and meet often online to conduct business, share information and ensure employee safety.
To do our part to help reduce community spread of COVID19, we have closed our lobby and encouraged alternate payment options, staggered our work force and prepared for the spring storm season with plans to restore power. If there was a major storm, we would first use our own crews and local contract crews. If the storm was significant enough during this pandemic crisis to require assistance from other cooperatives, safety measures are in place to keep the assisting crews separated from our crews and this may slow down the restoration of power.
Communication is important in a situation like this. All staff information, resources and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is being regularly prioritized to meet the needs of our members. Leadership remains in regular communication with its partner cooperatives, board of directors, members, employees, statewide organizations as well as local and state agencies.
BEC is a not-for-profit electric co-op which has no shareholders and have annually returned excess margins to our members. Because of this structure and the desire to keep energy costs as low as possible, BEC has limited reserve margins to sustain high rates of nonpayment.
With that in mind, we are working hard to get through this crisis together and have implemented some temporary benefits for our members-subscribers.
TEMPORARY Additional Member-Subscriber Benefits:
Waived late payment fees on electric, internet and phone accounts
Payment arrangements available for those with a documented COVID-19 related employment hardship (these arrangements are not bill waivers)
To provide a safety net, additional follow-up calls are being made to prepay accounts so that each member’s needs are met
On a first request basis, goBEC is providing FREE Wi-Fi at school parking lots
There is a new option for a goBEC home self-installation which allows us to continue installs without BEC employees going into member homes currently
These are the current steps that BEC has taken to reduce stress and provide our member’s families and businesses with certainty during an uncertain time.
“Rest assured, we are doing everything we can,” said Mark Aeilts, CEO. “The Board of Directors, leadership and I carry the burden of concern for our local 48 BEC employees, 63 contract employees and our 7,250 member-consumers; therefore, we are taking a safe, practical and conservative approach.” You will continue to receive reliable electric and internet services each hour of every day.
“I'm glad to answer any questions you may have and work with you to find solutions that benefit our membership and community.” Those members who have questions about paying their bill or implementing energy saving tips should contact Barry Electric Cooperative at 417-847-2131 or by visiting our website at www.barryelectric.com or like us on Facebook for more information.
Best regards and stay safe,
Mark Aeilts, CEO/General Manager
Barry Electric Cooperative
