NEWBERRY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC.
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BOARD MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
JUNE 29, 2026
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees of Newberry Electric Cooperative, Inc. was held at Newberry Electric Cooperative, Inc., located in Newberry County, South Carolina, on Monday, June 29, 2026.
The meeting was called to order at 6:23 p.m. by Chairman Johnnie Dickert, followed by Trustee Douglas Hipp’s invocation, with the determination of a quorum present.
The secretary reported that the following Board Members were present:
Barbara C. Bishop
Leon Fulmer, Jr.
J. Craig Kesler
Melanie B. Hawkins
William Lominick, Sr.
Johnnie L. Dickert
Douglas E. Hipp
John W. Nichols
Also present were President and CEO G. Keith Avery and Executive Assistant Tara Chapman.
The meeting continued with the reading and approval of the May 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes. Trustee Nichols made a motion to accept the meeting minutes as emailed. The motion was seconded and passed with no objection.
Committee Chairman John W. Nichols reported that the Finance Committee convened for its regular meeting held on Monday, June 22, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. The members of the committee are Trustee Johnnie L. Dickert, J. Craig Kesler, William Lominick, and John W. Nichols. All committee members were present, along with President and CEO Avery.
Chairman Nichols reported that the Finance Committee reviewed the cash disbursements for May. All expenditures were found to be in order, and the committee presents this report for information. The board’s consensus was to accept the report.
Attorney Thomas H. Pope III stated that there was nothing to report at this time and no need for an executive session.
President and CEO Avery reviewed the meetings and events he participated in during the month, including meetings with Rob Hotchsetler, the CEO of Central Electric Power Cooperative, Inc., and a meeting with Congresswoman Sherry Biggs.
President and CEO Avery reviewed the May 2026 operational data in detail. The amount of write-offs for May 2026 is $3,379.69. Trustee Hipp made a motion to accept this amount. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
President and CEO Avery reviewed the Engineering & Operations and Operational Support departmental reports for May 2026. SCADA integration of downline reclosers is still ongoing. Vegetation management spraying was completed in all substations.
President and CEO Avery reviewed the details of the upcoming Trustee Association Meeting that will be held in August 2026. Seven Trustees confirmed that they will be attending the event. Avery notified the board that Newberry Electric Cooperative Inc will need to provide a door prize for the event
President and CEO Avery reviewed a thank you letter that was received.
President and CEO Avery informed the board of the dates for the ECSC 2026 Winter Conference.
President and CEO Avery went over the details for the NRECA Regions 2 & 3 Meeting. Sevent Trustees confirmed that they will be attending.
President and CEO Avery reviewed the Central Electric Power Cooperative, Inc. meeting overview for the June 3, 2026, Executive Committee Meeting.
President and CEO Avery informed the Trustees of the Cooperative Electric Energy Utility Supply (CEEUS) Patronage Capital Certificate and dividend check for the year ending September 30, 2025. This was accepted as information.
The next scheduled Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees will be held on Monday, July 27, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
President and CEO Avery requested the meeting go into Executive Session. Chairman Dickert made a motion to go into Executive Session. The motion was seconded and passed without objection. Mrs. Chapman left the meeting at this time.
After some discussion, A motion was made to come out of Executive Session. The motion was seconded and passed without any opposition. No voting or actions were taken during the Executive Session.
There being no further business and without objections, Chairman Johnnie L. Dickert adjourned the June 2026 Regular Board Meeting at 8:15 p.m.