SMECO Connects

Sonja Cox CEO of Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative
  • 5.0 (3)
  • BUSINESS NEWS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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!

  1. 4D AGO

    When Winter Sends a $92 Million Bill | #48

    When 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 Winter Storm Fern and the prolonged cold that followed. While SMECO's electric system held strong thanks to years of reliability upgrades, record cold drove power market prices to levels not seen since the 2014 polar vortex, resulting in a $92 million PJM invoice in January alone. Sonja explains how natural gas prices, regional grid requirements from PJM Interconnection, and uplift charges all contributed to higher costs, and how SMECO's power supply strategy helped soften the blow for members. Tom shares how the extended freeze affected homes across Southern Maryland and what members can expect to see on upcoming bills. In this episode, you will learn Why prolonged cold impacts both usage and power prices How SMECO manages its power supply portfolio to reduce risk What the Power Cost Adjustment means for your bill  Tools like Account Manager and budget billing plans that can help As a customer owned cooperative, SMECO remains committed to transparency, reliability, and supporting the communities of Southern Maryland. If you are concerned about your bill, reach out. The team is here to help. Warmer days are ahead, but staying informed today helps you prepare for tomorrow. Follow & Connect: Host: Sonja Cox Co-Host: Tom Dennison SMECO on Instagram: somdelectric SMECO on X: somdelectric

    24 min

  2. MAR 2

    Inside SMECO's Financial Playbook | #47

    What 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 Angela Verras to unpack the audit process, financial transparency, and the systems that keep SMECO strong. From independent auditors reviewing customer bills to long-term planning that protects reliability, this conversation reveals the rigor and accountability behind every number. As a customer-owned cooperative serving Southern Maryland, SMECO is committed to stewardship, transparency, and returning value to members — and this episode shows exactly how that commitment plays out year after year. In this episode, we cover: What an independent audit really looks like (and why it matters to members) How capital credits return value directly to you Why balancing debt and equity protects long-term reliability How SMECO plans ahead to manage rising costs while keeping rates responsible At the end of the day, it's about trust — and making sure every dollar serves the members who own the Cooperative. If you've ever wondered how SMECO protects your investment while powering Southern Maryland, this episode is for you.   Follow & Connect: Host: Sonja Cox Co-Host: Tom Dennison SMECO on Instagram: somdelectric SMECO on X: somdelectric

    25 min

  3. FEB 23

    From The Archives - Inside the Control Room: Power, Pressure & Precision

    When 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 calls, his job in SMECO's operations center blends adrenaline, strategy, and teamwork under extreme pressure. In this episode, Dale shares his journey from lineman to distribution system supervisor, what really happens behind the scenes during major outages, and why safety always comes before speed. You'll hear real outage stories, surprising tech tools that keep the grid running, and the unseen decisions that shape how fast your lights come back on. Key Takeaways: How outage restoration is prioritized in life-or-death scenarios The technology and teamwork powering SMECO's operations center Why "calm under chaos" is the most important skill in the room Whether you're curious about how the grid works or inspired by people who thrive in high-stakes environments, this conversation pulls back the curtain on an essential, often invisible job that keeps communities running. Follow SMECO: Instagram: @somdelectric X/Twitter: @somdelectric

    44 min

  4. FEB 16

    Power, Policy, and the Price You Pay | #46

    What 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 Tom Dennison break down the Maryland General Assembly's 90-day session, rising power costs, and why being at the table matters for SMECO's member-owners. Drawing on decades of experience, they share how smart advocacy, long-term planning, and cooperative values help protect reliability and affordability in a rapidly changing energy landscape. Key takeaways include: How legislation and state mandates impact electricity prices Why SMECO's cooperative model sets it apart from investor-owned utilities What's ahead for power generation, renewables, and grid reliability in Maryland As energy policy debates heat up, this conversation offers a clear look at how SMECO continues to advocate for its members—keeping costs down while planning responsibly for the future. Tune in and stay connected to the issues that power our communities.   Follow & Connect: Host: Sonja Cox Co-Host: Tom Dennison SMECO on Instagram: somdelectric SMECO on X: somdelectric

    19 min

  5. FEB 9

    Why Electricity Costs Are Rising | #45

    What happens when electricity demand surges faster than the grid can keep up? In this episode of SMECO Connects, hosts Sonja Cox and Tom Dennison sit down with Brian Lee and Kevin Ellenberger from ACES Power Marketing to unpack what's really happening in today's power markets—from rising capacity costs to the growing impact of data centers and AI-driven demand. They break down complex topics like capacity pricing, generation shortages, renewables, nuclear power, and why reliability is becoming one of the most critical challenges facing utilities today. Together, they also explore how SMECO's long-standing partnership with ACES helps protect members through thoughtful planning, smart risk management, and a balanced, forward-looking power portfolio—all while keeping reliability front and center for Southern Maryland. Key takeaways include: Why electricity demand is accelerating faster than expected How data centers and AI are reshaping the power grid What "capacity" really means—and why it matters to your bill How SMECO plans ahead to maintain reliability and stability Reliable power doesn't happen by accident—it happens through collaboration, expertise, and long-term vision. Tune in to learn how SMECO and its partners are working together to power our communities today and into the future.   Follow & Connect: Host: Sonja Cox Co-Host: Tom Dennison SMECO on Instagram: somdelectric SMECO on X: somdelectric

    30 min

  6. FEB 2

    Keeping the Grid Running | #44

    When your lights stay on during a storm or a deep winter freeze, there's a lot happening behind the scenes. In this episode of SMECO Connects, hosts Sonja Cox and Tom Dennison sit down with Jeff Drumm, a Transmission System Operator, to explore how SMECO monitors and protects the bulk electric system that powers Southern Maryland. Jeff shares his journey from lineman to control room operator, what it takes to manage high-stress outages, and how advanced automation and teamwork help restore power quickly and safely. In this episode, you'll learn: How transmission and distribution systems work together to keep power flowing What happens in the operations center during major outages and extreme weather Why training, certification, and continuous learning are critical to grid reliability It's a fascinating look at the people, technology, and dedication that keep communities connected—no matter what's happening outside.   Follow & Connect: Host: Sonja Cox Co-Host: Tom Dennison SMECO on Instagram: somdelectric SMECO on X: somdelectric

    19 min

  7. JAN 26

    Inside Maryland's Power Shortage | #43

    Your electric bill didn't go up by accident — and the reasons are bigger than most people realize. In this episode of SMECO connects, host sonja cox and co-host tom dennison break down the growing generation and capacity crisis impacting maryland and the entire PJM grid. They explain how plant retirements, rising demand from data centers, transmission congestion, and delayed renewable projects are colliding to drive higher prices — and why utilities often get blamed for forces they don't control. You'll also hear how SMECO manages power procurement to protect members from price spikes, what deregulation really changed back in 1999, and why policymakers are now scrambling to fix a problem decades in the making. Key takeaways: Why electricity prices are rising — and what's actually behind them How capacity shortages and grid congestion affect your bill What new generation (including nuclear and gas) could mean for reliability How SMECO works to stabilize costs in an unstable market This is a straight-talk conversation about power, policy, and planning — and why understanding the system is the first step toward realistic solutions. tune in to get clarity on one of the most important issues facing our energy future. Follow & Connect: Host: Sonja Cox Co-Host: Tom Dennison SMECO on Instagram: somdelectric SMECO on X: somdelectric

    27 min

  8. JAN 19

    How SMECO Keeps the Lights On | #42

    Keeping the lights on doesn't happen by accident—it takes years of planning, precision engineering, and a relentless focus on reliability. In this episode of SMECO Connects, host Tom Dennison sits down with Ryan Schlotterbeck, Distribution Contractor Operations Director, and Hugh Voehl, Transmission Engineering & Construction Director, to break down how SMECO designs, builds, and maintains the infrastructure that powers Southern Maryland. From underground distribution projects and storm resiliency to massive transmission lines, substations, and long-range growth planning, this conversation reveals what it really takes to deliver safe, reliable power every day. In this episode, you'll hear about: How SMECO plans years ahead to support growth and reliability The difference between distribution and transmission—and why both matter Major infrastructure projects, including underground conversions and new substations What it took to bring the Indian Head Naval Surface Warfare Center onto the SMECO system This is a behind-the-scenes look at the people, planning, and purpose that power our communities—today and for generations to come. Follow & Connect: Host: Sonja Cox Co-Host: Tom Dennison SMECO on Instagram: somdelectric SMECO on X: somdelectric

    27 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

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!

Information

  • Creator
    Sonja Cox CEO of Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    49
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    SMECO Connects