When The Lights Go Out

In this episode of Behind the Wire, we sit down with Adam Dixon to explore the growing role cybersecurity plays in keeping the electric grid safe, secure, and reliable. From the systems behind the scenes to the everyday actions members can take to protect themselves, Adam breaks down what cybersecurity means for Pee Dee Electric and the communities we serve.

The 86th Annual Meeting of Pee Dee Electric is just around the corner, and there’s plenty to look forward to! In this episode of Behind the Wire, Taylor Demby, Manager of Marketing and Communications, gives members a preview of this year’s Annual Meeting and shares what makes it a special event for the Pee Dee Electric membership. From exciting activities and giveaways to important updates about your cooperative, the Annual Meeting is a great opportunity to connect with fellow members, learn more about what’s happening at Pee Dee Electric, and see how your cooperative is Powering a Brighter Future: One Member at a Time.

In this episode of Behind the Wire, we’re breaking down capital credits, one of the benefits of being a member of an electric cooperative. Pee Dee Electric Accounting Representative Dale Ford joins us to explain what capital credits are, how they’re allocated, and how they’re returned to members. Tune in to learn how your membership makes you more than a customer, you’re an owner of your cooperative.

Summer storms can bring power outages with little warning. In this episode of Behind the Wire, David Spencer shares simple steps to help you prepare before severe weather, stay safe during an outage, and understand how Pee Dee Electric restores power after a storm. Learn practical tips on outage preparedness, generator safety, and avoiding downed power lines to keep your family safe this storm season.

When the lights go out, one of the first people working to restore power is the Operations Dispatcher. In this episode, we go behind the scenes to learn how dispatch coordinates outage response, communicates with crews, and helps keep the electric system running smoothly. Meet the voice behind the call and discover the vital role dispatch plays in serving our members every day.

What is Poletop Rescue training, and why does it matter? In this episode, we sit down with Pee Dee Electric Safety Coordinator Dustin Marsh to discuss the purpose behind Poletop training and how it helps create a strong culture of safety across the cooperative. From preparing crews to respond in emergency situations to building trust, teamwork, and accountability in the field, Dustin explains how this hands-on training goes far beyond checking a box. Members gain a behind-the-scenes look at the commitment, preparation, and care that go into keeping employees safe while delivering reliable service to the communities we serve.

In this episode of Behind the Wire, we highlight the power of community through the Bright Ideas Grant program. Meredith Howell joins us to share how her classroom idea came to life, the excitement it sparked in her students, and the lasting impact of community support in local schools. Tune in to hear how Pee Dee Electric is investing in education and making a difference one classroom at a time.

In recognition of Women’s History Month, this episode of Behind the Wire features Teresa Watts, Member Service Supervisor at Pee Dee Electric, who is celebrating an incredible 45 years with the cooperative. Teresa shares reflections from her long career, offering a unique perspective on how the utility industry and member service have evolved over the decades. From memorable member interactions to lessons learned along the way, Teresa talks about the cooperative difference and what has kept her passionate about serving Pee Dee Electric’s members for nearly half a century. Join us as we celebrate her legacy and the impact of dedicated employees who work behind the scenes to power our communities.

When winter storms roll through our service area, Pee Dee Electric crews are already in motion. In this episode, we sit down with two crew foremen to talk about what happens before, during, and after a major storm. From pre-storm preparation to safety protocols, they walk us through how restoration priorities are set, why some outages take longer than others, and what members can do to stay safe and informed.

In this episode, we invite Pee Dee Electric members to get to know Jordan Hildreth, the cooperative’s new Chief Executive Officer. Hildreth shares his personal journey, professional background, and what drew him to a career in the electric cooperative industry. He reflects the lessons he has learned along the way and what it means to honor the past while navigating the future. Listeners will hear Jordan’s perspective on leadership, his commitment to Pee Dee Electric’s members and employees, and his vision for guiding the cooperative through a changing energy landscape.