May is always a cheerful month full of celebrations - Mother's Day, graduations, Memorial Day, and more - each with their own special purpose. The landscape has greened up, spring sports are in full swing, kids are looking forward to the first day of summer, and many are planning summer getaways.

Over the past 26 months, we have been working through the aftereffects of Winter Storm Uri, which included the bankruptcy of our wholesale power supplier, Brazos Electric Power Cooperative. We are on our third month of procuring electricity from the ERCOT grid outside of Brazos, and members are starting to experience bill relief for the first time since Winter Storm Uri. Natural gas prices soared, causing electric prices to rise. I have been saying "We are in this together" the entire time, and I truly mean that. You, me, the board of directors, the employees - we are all in this together. We are fighting the same fight and feeling the same effects of Uri and the Brazos bankruptcy. As your President/CEO, I have put your best interest at the forefront and continue to work toward the best solution with the least impact.

As a not-for-profit, member-owned electric provider, we truly care about you. We strive to take care of you every day by providing safe, reliable, and competitive electric and customer service. This is more than our mission, and every employee here at the co-op has you in mind as the priority. Your co-op is constantly looking for ways to improve and find new ways to be involved. This year, we are planning to attend community events throughout our service territory to speak with members. We hope to see you and your family at upcoming events, including Keller Summer Nights, Granbury's Hometown Fourth of July, and Parker County Peach Festival. Be sure to "like" our Facebook page to stay updated on further information regarding these events.

Legislative Session

The 88th Texas Legislative Session convened on January 10 and runs through May 29. So far, hundreds of bills have been drafted, filed, and read. Here at Tri-County Electric Co-op, we have been advocating hard for Senate Bill 1983 (Sen. Robert Nichols, Jacksonville) and House Bill 4590 (Rep. Angelia Orr, Itasca). This legislation relates to costs incurred due to Winter Storm Uri and provides bill relief to electric cooperative consumers. If the bills pass, funds will go directly to you as the end consumer. No utility, including Tri-County Electric Co-op, will use these appropriated funds for anything aside from providing rate relief to consumers.

Brazos Hardship Fund

A ratepayer hardship fund was established as a result of the Brazos bankruptcy to help low-income residential members offset the costs incurred during Winter Storm Uri.

Tri-County Electric Co-op members may be eligible for the program if your household income is below 150% of the federal poverty level based on 2023 poverty guidelines; you qualify for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP); you qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Documentation needed for your application:

• A full version of a recent billing statement that includes your service address, account number, and account holder's name
• Documentation that you or someone in your home participates in a qualifying program, or proof of household income. Examples of accepted documentation are available at brazoshardshipfund.com.

Program eligibility lasts for one year and members can renew yearly as long as eligibility requirements are met. For more information and to apply, please visit brazoshardshipfund.com or call 844-770-8549 (operational hours are 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday - Friday).