About this podcast
Welcome to SMECO Connects! I'm your host, Sonja Cox, CEO of Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative. This podcast is more than just a conversation about utilities—it's a space for community connection. My goal is to keep you informed about important topics that impact our region, from energy updates to local initiatives that shape our daily lives.
Each week, I'll bring you the latest community news, practical tips, and insightful conversations with local thought leaders. Together, we'll explore ways to enhance our shared experiences in Southern Maryland. Join me as we spark discussions, share knowledge, and strengthen the bonds that make our community thrive!
Episodes
The newest 20 of 65 episodes
- Your Cooperative Supporting Our Community | #64 · 22 minSMECO's Annual Charity Golf Tournament raises money for a different local charity each year, with support from our vendors and other sponsors. In this podcast, Sonja Cox and Tom…
- 69-kV Transmission Line Rebuild | #63 · 17 minConstruction is underway to rebuild SMECO's 69-kV transmission lines. Concrete foundations have been poured, and installation of the poles is scheduled to begin in November 2026…
- Polling Results from Maryland Now | #62 · 29 minIn this podcast, Tom Dennison meets with Josh Kurtz, founder of Maryland Matters, about what the Maryland Now poll reveals about Maryland residents' priorities. From data center…
- Energy Upgrades Through EmPOWER Maryland | #61 · 23 minAn energy audit through the EmPOWER Maryland program can help you find ways to save energy and save money. During the audit, a vetted, SMECO-approved contractor will evaluate…
- A Look Into SMECO's Annual Meeting | #60 · 29 minSMECO's President and CEO Sonja Cox explains why the cooperative's Annual Meeting matters and why members' votes are important. She also shares highlights from the past year…
- How SMECO Responds to Storms | #59 · 26 minWhen the power goes out, your cooperative has a plan. Transmission lines must be repaired first to ensure the rest of the power can flow. SMECO prioritizes hospitals, police…
- Your Cooperative in the Community | #58 · 18 minTammy Carroll and Zach Merchant meet with Tom Dennison to discuss ways SMECO is involved with our community. From community Touch a Truck events to the Clements Cuties, a charity…
- Understanding Capital Credits | #57 · 18 minIn this podcast, Lynette Starke and Shannon Roecker join Tom Dennison to discuss capital credits, the importance of adding a beneficiary, and how to ensure you receive your…
- Our Community Welcomes the YMCA | #56 · 25 minIn this podcast, Robbie Gill, CEO for YMCA of the Chesapeake, joins Tom Dennison to discuss the new YMCA opening on Great Mills Road in Lexington Park. This organization will…
- Prioritizing a Healthy Community | #55 · 31 minIn this podcast, Dr. Meenakshi (Menna) Brewster, health officer for St. Mary's County Health Department, joins Tom Dennison to discuss how the Health Department partners with…
- Clearing the Way to Reliability | #54 · 21 minIn this episode, Kolby Corrigan and Scott Bacon meet with Tom Dennison to explain how they coordinate with vegetation management crews to keep the right-of-way clear around SMECO…
- Saving Energy in Your New Home | #53 · 23 minIn this episode, Jennifer Raley and Brian Holmes meet with Tom Dennison and Sonja Cox to explain methods for new home buyers to save energy. SMECO offers resources, EmPOWER…
- A Look Into Maryland's General Assembly Sessions | #52 · 29 minIn this episode, Tom Dennison meets with Sonja Cox to break down what happened during the 2025 Maryland General Assembly session and what it meant for energy policy. They discuss…
- Breaking Down Your SMECO Bill | #51 · 24 minIn this episode, Eugene Bradford and Tami Fellner break down several key elements of the bill. Bradford and Fellner also discuss the process for rate setting and the efforts your…
- Assistance Programs for Our Members | #50 · 23 minThe extended stretch of brutally cold weather this past winter contributed to higher-than-usual electric bills for many SMECO members. We understand how challenging that can be…
- Why Your Electric Bill Spiked | #49 · 26 min · Episode 49Ever opened your electric bill and wondered, "How did it get this high?" ⚡ In this episode of SMECO Connects, host Tom Dennison sits down with two of SMECO's frontline customer…
- When Winter Sends a $92 Million Bill | #48 · 24 min · Episode 48When a winter storm hits, the snow melts, but the costs can linger for months. On this episode of SMECO Connects, hosts Sonja Cox and Tom Dennison break down the real impact of…
- Inside SMECO's Financial Playbook | #47 · 25 min · Episode 47What really happens behind the scenes of your electric bill? In this episode of SMECO Connects, hosts Sonja Cox and Tom Dennison sit down with CFO Beth Kennedy and Controller…
- From The Archives - Inside the Control Room: Power, Pressure & Precision · 44 min · Episode 23When the lights go out, the clock starts ticking—and Dale is one of the first people in the hot seat. From restoring thousands of homes in minutes to making split-second safety…
- Power, Policy, and the Price You Pay | #46 · 19 min · Episode 46What really drives your electric bill—and what's happening in Annapolis right now that could shape it for years to come? In this episode of SMECO Connects, hosts Sonja Cox and…
