CEO Corner

Summer is just around the corner. Whether it’s prepping the boat for lake days or gathering your baseball gloves out of the garage and getting them oiled for a backyard catch with your kids, the excitement of summer is on the horizon. I hope the summer of 2025 is one for your memory books.

While you’re preparing for your summer adventures, now’s the time to get your home ready for the hot Ozarks’ summer heat. Start by changing the air filters in your your cooling system so it doesn’t have to work harder than necessary. Strategic landscaping can also help reduce heat around your home. When you plant trees, shrubs, or vines on the sunniest sides of your house, you can provide additional shade and block heat.

To lower your energy use during the summer, try raising the thermostat to the highest setting that’s still comfortable. A programmable thermostat is a great way to ensure your cooling system runs only when needed. Set it to raise the temperature when you’re not home and cool things down just before you return. This helps prevent unnecessary energy consumption and saves you on cooling costs. Additionally, ceiling fans can make you feel cooler but be sure to turn them off when you leave the room. On warm summer nights, firing up the grill will create a memorable family dinner and help keep additional heat out of the kitchen.

If making upgrades to your home is on your summer to-do list, don’t forget White River Valley Electric Cooperative offers rebates on various appliances, heating and cooling equipment, and more. Visit our website to learn more about our rebate program and how you can receive money back for making smart energy choices. In July, we’ll be updating our rebate programs, so be sure to check our site often for new opportunities to put cash back in your pocket.

No matter what your summer plans entail, White River Valley Electric Cooperative is here to help you beat the heat without breaking the bank.