Changes to FEMA reimbursement rules or disaster recovery legislation can affect how quickly SVEC receives funds after major storms. Delays or reductions in reimbursements increase the financial burden on the cooperative – money that could otherwise be invested to better serve members and their access to safe, affordable, and reliable power.
How you can help:
Support H.R. 4669 - the bipartisan Fixing Emergency Management for Americans Act of 2025 aims to cut red tape, speed up disaster relief, and make FEMA an independent agency that reports directly to the president. Currently, co-ops often wait years for FEMA reimbursements after hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires and other disasters which drives up the cost for rural communities. This bill would change that by:
Faster payments: FEMA must reimburse emergency work within 120 days once 90% of costs are approved.
Quick reviews: FEMA must review long-term project estimates in 90 days and release funds within 30 days of approval.
Smarter rebuilding: Co-ops could strengthen damaged systems instead of rebuilding them exactly as before.
For those looking for ways to manage their payments, we provide flexible billing options like MyChoice and budget billing. Our SmartHub tool can also help track energy usage, allowing you to make adjustments before larger costs add up. Additionally, exploring energy-efficiency tips on our website can help you maximize efficiency and reduce expenses where possible.
As a cooperative, we operate differently from investor-owned utilities. We do not have outside investors or large profit reserves. Instead, we collect only what is necessary to maintain and expand our grid for the communities we serve. Most of our employees, and all our board members, are SVEC members themselves. We share your commitment to keeping costs fair and transparent - only increasing rates when necessary.
Before any rate change is considered, an independent financial team conducts a Cost-of-Service Study (COSS) to analyze the cost of providing electricity. Based on these findings, proposed rate structures are developed and presented to the board for review and approval. This process ensures that any changes align with the cooperative principles of reliability, fairness, and financial stability.
