Santa, I have some special requests

What’s on your Christmas wish list? Mine is quite lengthy this year, but I don’t think Santa will mind. After all, more than 1.6 million Mississippians stand to benefit.

If Santa grants all my wishes:

• Every adult and child in the world will learn and heed basic rules of electrical safety. We do everything in our power to build and maintain a safe electrical system, but people must learn how to protect themselves from accidental contact with electricity. Just this one wish, which tops my list, could save countless lives and prevent serious injury.

• Members served by an electric power association will take time to get to know their cooperative and the valuable services it offers. They will come to understand the advantages of membership in the cooperative form of electric utility. Cooperatives work best when their members are informed and active participants.

• More employers will discover the benefits of membership in an electric power association and choose to locate their operations within our service areas. This wish would not only bring more jobs to the areas we serve but would strengthen rural Mississippi’s competitive edge, making it more attractive to other employers.

• There will be no hurricanes, ice storms, tornadoes or other natural disasters to threaten property and disrupt electric service to our members. (Santa, if this wish exceeds your powers, I’ll be satisfied with the safety of all storm victims and the utility crews called to restore electric service in the wake of these disasters.)

• Caring, qualified and dedicated people will continue to choose careers at electric power associations. Our members have come to expect top-notch service from their electric power association, thanks to the quality of co-op employees. Electric power associations offer good jobs that attract and retain employees who care about making life better in their corner of the Magnolia State.

• Mississippi’s congressional delegation and state legislators, in considering new state and federal legislation, will remain mindful of electric power associations’ mission to provide affordable, reliable and equitable electric service to all our members.

While Santa ponders my list, let me extend to you and your family my wish for a happy, healthy and safe holiday. I hope whether your Christmas celebration is simple or elaborate, you will discover and rejoice in the true spirit of the season.

Merry Christmas!

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