January 20, 2026

 

A Special 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 Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

The meeting was called to order at 3:00 p.m. by Chairman Johnnie Dickert, followed by President and CEO G. Keith Avery’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

M. Blake Brigman Melanie B. Hawkins William Lominick, Sr.

Johnnie L. Dickert Douglas E. Hipp John W. Nichols

 

Also, present were President and CEO G. Keith Avery, Attorney Thomas Pope, III, Chief Financial Officer Arthur Guy, Vice President of Human Resources Leann Hutto, Accounting Supervisor Lisa Wicker, Vice President of Member and Public Relations Robert N. Shealy, Vice President of Operations and Engineering Kevin Shull, Vice President of Operational Support Stephanie Sullivan, Communications & Government Relations Representative Jocelyn Dussualt, and Executive Secretary Tara Chapman.

Staff reviewed their 2025 year-end reports. Mr. Guy, Mrs. Hutto, Ms. Dussault, Mr. Shealy, Mr. Shull, and Mrs. Sullivan presented updates and highlighted key accomplishments within their respective departments.

The meeting continued with a presentation on the proposed Service Rules and Regulations updates by Mrs. Wicker and Mr. Shull. Attorney Pope stated that he has been working with Mrs. Wicker and Mr. Shull to review the proposed revisions, which were made to ensure regulatory compliance and improve overall clarity. Attorney Pope

summarized key updates to the Service Rules and Regulations, including revisions to the table of contents, procedures for disconnection of service, consolidation of the summary of service charges, Right-of-Way maintenance policies, Line and Facilities Conversion and Relocation, and meter reading responsibilities. Trustee Kesler made a motion to accept the revised and updated Service Rules and Regulations as presented.

Mrs. Wicker and Mr. Shull presented the proposed revisions to the Line Extension Policy and reviewed the recommended changes in detail.

Trustee Hipp made a motion to accept the staff recommendation of implementing the updated Line Extension Policy in the Service Rules and Regulations. The motion was seconded, and the revised Service Rules and Regulations and Line Extension Policy were unanimously approved, subject to final legal review and incorporation of any recommended revisions. The finalized documents will be presented for formal adoption at the January 2026 Regular Board Meeting, at which time a Resolution will be considered.

Mrs. Wicker and Mr. Shull presented the Rate Study, which included a detailed review of proposed rate options and corresponding rate code schedules. Following the discussion, Trustee Kesler made a motion to proceed with the option to restructure the rate code schedule, with implementation effective March 1, 2026. The motion was seconded and approved by unanimous vote. The Board approved the revised rate schedules, contingent upon incorporation into the Service Rules and Regulations and completion of legal review. The revised version will be presented to the Board for final approval at the January 26, 2026, Regular Meeting.

President and CEO Avery discussed the potential upcoming winter storm and informed the Board of the preparations they are making.

Chairman Dickert expressed appreciation to the staff for their dedicated efforts throughout 2025 and commended the thorough preparation and delivery of the year-end reports and presentations.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned without objection at 6:35 p.m.

 

 

 

 

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SECRETARY APPROVED

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CHAIRMAN