SMECO’s 87th ANNUAL MEETING AND ELECTION OF DIRECTORS will be conducted soon. Ballots will be mailed out Monday, July 14 and must be returned by Wednesday, August 13.
Look for a White Envelope with a Wide Green stripe that states; YOUR ANNUAL MEETING BALLOT IS ENCLOSED. Please cast your ballot and mail back before August 13. You may also follow the instructions in the ballot package to cast your vote electronically.
George Heinze
Richard Winkler
David Cross
Scott White
Mike Phipps
Be sure to vote!
This has been a time of significant accomplishments that have directly benefited you, our members.
While we have seen unprecedented increases in the cost of energy supply, as members of your Board of Directors, we have kept our energy supply costs as low as possible by seeking competitive offers for our supply needs from a number of different suppliers. We do not make a margin or profit on the energy supply as these costs are strictly a pass through.
We continue to manage our maintenance, operating, and administrative costs, as best we can, given the increases in costs of materials, interest rate increases, and contractor costs, keeping our delivery rates as low as they can be while providing highly reliable service to our members. We exceeded all of our reliability standards set by the Maryland Public Service Commission for 2024.
We continue to upgrade and strengthen our electric utility infrastructure in our service territory, including a grant in the amount of $33 million from the Department of Energy. This grant will help offset costs of various reliability construction projects.
Board Accomplishments
- Applied for and received a $33 Million Grant from the Dept of Energy for grid improvements resulting in the construction of: a new substation in Waldorf, rebuild of an existing substation in the western part of the county’s transmission line and enhancements system wide to include upgrades to communication/fiber infrastructure.
- Our commitment to the environment and sustainability is evidenced by our two solar farms, four wind production facilities and LED energy efficient street and area lighting.
- In partnership with the US Navy SMECO owns and operates the electric grid at Patuxent River Naval Base and its Ancillary facilities.
- Though a very competitive process SMECO was recently awarded a contract to take over the assets of NSF, Indian Head.
- We continue to receive high marks for customer service as certified by JD Power & Associates, a national consulting firm.
RE-ELECT George Heinze
As a member of the SMECO Board of Directors, I serve on both the Budget committee and the Public Relations Committee. I am committed to ensuring that SMECO continues to thrive while negotiating the high price of energy while providing exceptional service to our community. SMECO has provided a high level of service to its members, that has given our COOP national attention. Our commitment to excellence is recognized annually, as we receive top honors for customer service and reliability. This dedication reflects our promise to deliver a quality “ energy providing” product that meets the needs of our members.
With over 40 years of experience as a self employed business owner, I have understanding of what it takes to deliver a quality product at a fair price. This experience has shaped my approach to guide my decision making on the Board of Directors. Our community deserves not just reliable energy but also a partner that understands the local economy and the challenges our families face.
I am committed to:
1. Maintaining competitive rates.
2. Maintaining the importance for high service standards.
3. Exploring renewable energy options.
I ask for your support in my campaign for re-election. Together, we can work to provide reliable and affordable energy service to our home.
RE-ELECT Richard Winkler
- SMECO Board member since 2006; Chairman of the board -2013 – 2018. Current Chair Board Rick Oversight Committee; Member, Committee on Strategy and Innovation and Personnel and Benefits; Board of Directors Member – ACES Power Marketing (7 Years)
- Retired Director of Fiscal and Administrative Services, Charles County Government (27 years)
- University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center Board of Directors (9 years)
- Vice Chair of the Board and Chair of the Finance Committee
- Past Chairman, Board of Fire and Rescue Commissioners (2 Years), member (6 years); Earned Distinguished Service Award
- Member, Charles County Rotary Club (16 years); president (2 years), Paul Harris Fellow recipient
- Member (8 years) and League president (2 years), Charles/St Mary’s Baseball League.
- Bachelors of Arts- Business Administration, University of Maryland Global Campus; Associate of Arts, Business, Charles County Community College (College of Southern Maryland); High School Diploma, Archbishop Neale High School
Given my tenure on the SMECO Board, I have gained invaluable knowledge and experience of the Electric industry, an industry that experiences change almost on a daily basis. From generation, transmission, distribution, regulatory mandates, technology demands, and consumer expectations have all contributed to changes in the way of doing business. The challenges are numerous and I believe my background and experience bode well in planning the future of SMECO.
RE-ELECT David Cross
Serving on the SMECO Board has been an honor and a valuable opportunity to gain the training and experience needed to make informed decisions that prioritize both our customers. As energy prices rise, it’s critical to have board members that are knowledgeable and experienced guiding our cooperative. If re-elected, I will continue to draw on my background in our local family business and my strong community ties in Southern Maryland to represent the diverse needs of our members. I remain committed to ensuring SMECO delivers affordable, reliable, and safe energy. With your vote, I will continue working to keep SMECO a trusted, responsive, and community-focused utility.
RE-ELECT Mike Phipps
As Chairman of the Budget Committee, I’m keenly aware of the inner workings of the Co-op and the ongoing challenges we directors have in maintaining the highest level of reliability at the lowest possible price for our members. In times of rising energy pricing, increased state legislative and regulatory burdens and continued cyber risks to our grid, it is vital that SMECO have experienced, knowledgeable directors on the Board who, along with our extremely competent staff, can meet these challenges while offering our members options for Green energy and energy efficiency. I hope to continue to look out for the best interests of our members and ask for your vote.
RE-ELECT Scott White
The energy industry is complex and constantly changing. My education as an engineer and manager of multimillion-dollar projects, coupled with my current role as President/CEO of a defense contracting company, have provided me with unique experiences and skills that form the foundation for making sound, long-term business decisions for SMECO’s members. There
are many challenges and opportunities ahead for SMECO. If reelected, I plan to continue to focus on customer demands and expectations for the electric system by keeping costs as low as possible, while increasing reliability and availability of energy, from all sources. I will also be mindful of the dramatically changing geo-political and regulatory landscapes, the diverse needs and demographics of the members in our service territory, and our impact on the environment. My goal is to continue to represent the members’ interests while supporting the employees at SMECO as they continue to provide safe, reliable power at the lowest possible cost.