COLBY WELLS CEO
American Heart Month Be prepared to act when every second
February is American Heart Month, a time to focus on heart health and the critical importance of being ready to act when seconds matter.
Cardiac emergencies don’t wait for ideal conditions, and winter weather can make response times longer and situations more dangerous.
At South Central Arkansas Electric Cooperative, preparedness is part of our responsibility to our employees, members and communities. Our lineworkers are trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), automated external defibrillator (AED) use and first aid, along with poletop and bucket-truck rescue training. In the event a coworker becomes unresponsive while working, crews must act quickly and skillfully to safely bring them down so lifesaving care can begin.
These skills are essential during storms, when our crews may be first on the scene in remote or hazardous conditions. But the value of this training extends far beyond the job — it’s about being ready to help anyone in need, anytime, anywhere.
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Cardiac arrest claims more than 436,000 lives each year in the U.S., and brain damage can begin within four minutes. Immediate CPR can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival, and AEDs provide a safe, effective way for anyone to help in an emergency.
PRACTICE MAKES PREPARED. Lineworkers undergo regular pole-top rescue training because safety is a top priority.
Preparedness saves lives. This American Heart Month, we encourage everyone to get trained, know where AEDs are located and be ready to act. At South Central, readiness is part of our promise — Our Responsibility, Your Power .
POWERful Youth Building leaders for tomorrow
South Central Arkansas Electric Cooperative’s POWERful Youth program has been busy shaping future leaders through hands-on learning, service and career exploration. Over three sessions, students have gained valuable insight into cooperatives, community involvement and their own potential.
The program began with an introduction to the cooperative difference. Students learned how South Central serves its members, why safety matters and how teamwork plays a role in delivering reliable power. Interactive activities and a behind-the-scenes look at cooperative operations helped connect leadership concepts to real-world responsibility.
Session two shifted the focus to community service. Students discussed the importance of being involved and giving back, then put those lessons into action by helping with a local food drive. This hands-on experience reinforced the idea that strong communities are built through service and commitment.
South Central Arkansas Electric’s POWERful Youth program helps to shape future leaders.
Career Day rounded out the learning experience by encouraging students to explore their personal values and future paths. Through panel discussions and speed-style career networking, students practiced asking questions, learned about a variety of careers and began building confidence in professional settings. Scholarship opportunities and Youth Tour were also introduced.
This month, POWERful Youth participants will take part in their final statewide session, traveling to the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas’ headquarters and the Arkansas State Capitol. There, they’ll meet local and state officials and see firsthand how leadership and decision-making shape our state, making this a powerful and memorable opportunity for these future leaders.
Energy Checkmate
CHESS helps South Central members save
As a member of South Central Arkansas Electric Cooperative, you’re more than a customer — you’re an owner. If high energy bills or comfort issues are affecting your home, our Comprehensive Home Energy Saving Solution (CHESS) program can help.
CHESS offers qualifying residential members a free, whole-home energy audit to identify issues that drive up energy use, such as air leaks, insulation gaps, duct problems and inefficient equipment. The audit typically takes one to four hours and is based on guidelines including home size, age and 12 months of energy usage.
Following the audit, a certified contracted technician may complete approved energy-efficiency improvements, which can include air sealing, duct sealing, water heater inspection, A/C coil cleaning, caulking and weatherstripping, low-flow fixtures and insulation improvements up to $1,000. Members receive a written report detailing findings, upgrades completed and additional recommendations.
Central Arkansas Electric member Jody Nelson received a free home energy audit and energy-effiency upgrades through the Comprehensive Home Energy Saving Solution (CHESS) program.
Members who do not qualify for CHESS may be eligible for a home-efficiency kit, available for pickup at the South Central office.
If you’re ready to take control of your energy use, call (870) 246-6701 or learn more and apply online at scaec.com/home-energy-solutions-chess .
South Central employees recognized for years of service
(From left) Serviceman Albert Cummings was recognized for 15 years of service by CEO Colby Wells along with Crew Leader Nick Hughes, who was recognized for 15 years of service.
(From left) CEO Colby Wells recognizes Member Service Representative Maritta Wright for over 10 years of service.
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