Celebrating Resilient Communities, Member Investment this National Co-op Month
Storms are not new to Texas. Every spring, and sometimes summer and fall, comes a new batch of storms that bring in high winds, heavy rainfall, and, like small town Valley View experienced last year, even tornadoes.
Most recently, a late spring storm impacted Argyle business owner and CoServ Member Bryan McLarty. Bryan owns 407 BBQ, a business known for meat of all kinds and other products that require three walk-in coolers for refrigeration.
Bryan thought they would lose all the refrigerated food, have to close their business for a day, and turn away hungry customers. Right as he was about to call it, and share that they were closing for the day, he got a “Hail Mary” from CoServ.
A Facebook post on the 407 BBQ page said: “Like a hero the power was restored, thus saving us thousands of dollars in wasted food cost, and a day of operation.”
In that same post, Bryan extended his sincere appreciation for the cooperative’s dedication to
restoring power.
Moments like this happen, whether shared on social media or not. As the co-op celebrates National Co-op Month this October, it’s important to highlight why being a Member of a co-op means more.
CoServ’s mission is to provide safe and reliable power. But more than that, the co-op is driven by serving Members. Whether it’s chatting with them at a Member Appreciation event like Sanger Sellabration, or restoring power at 7 a.m. after a big storm, CoServ always prioritizes its Members.
This drive has led to the co-op seeing it’s best System Average Interruption Index (SAIDI) score in history – 22.6. It’s almost nine points better than 2023 and means the average Member was without power for just under 23 minutes in 2024. Throughout the year, CoServ stays proactive in vegetation management, system upgrades, and purchasing power ahead of time.
“It takes a purposeful approach and anticipating what might be needed in the future,” said Trisha Sheffield, CoServ’s Board Chairwoman and District 5 Director.
Another way the co-op prioritizes Members is through Capital Credits. “We love that we shifted our Capital Credits retirement so they fall in August,” Trisha Said. It’s when people are getting hit with their highest bills, and we hope that makes an impact.”
CoServ is committed to making a meaningful difference, not only by serving its Members, but also by directly investing in local communities through the CoServ Charitable Foundation (CCF). Thanks to the generous donations of Members, Customers, and Employees, CCF has distributed over $20 million in grants to various North Texas nonprofits since its founding 21 years ago to support those in need.
Not only does the co-op donate monetarily, CoServ Employees are always eager to volunteer at many local nonprofits, including an ongoing partnership with the Texas Ramp Build Project.
“We’re in the community and you’re going to see us out and about,” said Donnie Clary, CoServ’s President and CEO. “I don’t believe anybody is as committed to service as CoServ and our fellow co-ops are at making sure that we provide high-quality service to our Members.”
Cooperatives are built on small-town roots, concern for community, and being stronger together. The CoServ Advantage emphasizes these values, and National Co-op Month is the perfect time to recognize the vital role cooperatives play in building resilient communities.
Did you know that the CoServ Advantage is digital, too?
Watch the video below, to hear from Donnie Clary, CoServ President and CEO, as he talks about the perks of being a Member and how we’re different from other utilities.
