Lamar Electric Weathered the Storm

February’s unpredictable weather challenged Texas’ electrical grids, but Lamar Electric Cooperative was prepared.

Jerry Williams, General Manger and CEO of Lamar Electric Cooperative, said: “The rolling blackouts were necessary to keep the entire Texas grid from collapsing. We were all frustrated by the grid-mandated rolling blackouts. We knew what you were going through because Lamar Electric employees and their families went through this with you”.

Williams stated, “The bottom line was for various reasons there was not enough electric generation to supply the load during four days.” Williams continued, “All utilities in Texas are required to purchase electricity from the grid. In 2019, Lamar Electric had arranged to lock in and purchase all our power needs through a third-party broker at a wholesale price for energy through 2022. The grid operator (ERCOT) has the responsibility for making sure there is enough electricity on the grid for everyone”.

Lamar Electric is a Non-Profit Cooperative, owned by their members and Lamar Electric is continuously looking out for their member owners. In fact, revenues earned beyond the cost of operating the cooperative are returned to their members in the form of capital credits. Regardless of what company a person uses electric bills are tied directly to the amount of electricity each person uses. Consistent and stable rates are an important part of Lamar Electric’s commitment to their members, according to Williams.

Lamar Electric Cooperatives has a long history of working with Texas’ leaders to ensure their members electricity supply is reliable. Lamar Electric will monitor developments at the Legislature to protect their members. “We will encourage changes that will ensure rolling blackouts are never called for in the future and at the same time, making sure this storm is not used as an excuse to increase electric cost in the future,” stated Williams.

Lamar Electric Cooperative’s members are friends, neighbors and family members. They aren’t just keeping electricity flowing to homes and businesses there powering our communities in Lamar, Delta and Red River counties. That’s why they are deeply committed to providing safe and reliable electricity to their members at a fair price.