SMECO’s Team Behind Outage Restorations
How does the Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative restore power safely after a major storm? In a recent episode of SMECO Connects, Sonja Cox, president and CEO, and Tom Dennison, government and public affairs director, interviewed Brian Lazarchick, the company’s vice president of electric operations and construction.
Mr. Lazarchick, a 14-year US Air Force veteran, leads storm operations for the electric co-op. He shared details about the intense coordination, safety-first mindset, and evolving technology behind large-scale outage restoration.
In the podcast, Mr. Lazarchick talked about how tree-trimming cycles, outage maps, and a committed team help reduce downtime — and why preparation starts long before the first raindrop falls. The conversation might just change how you see every utility pole on your street.
Check out the new podcast and others hosted by Ms. Cox. Listen on SMECO’s YouTube channel or wherever you get your podcasts.
SMECO – The Cooperative Difference
SMECO was incorporated in 1937 and is one of the 15 largest electric cooperatives in the United States with more than 170,000 member accounts in Charles County, St. Mary’s County, southern Prince George’s County, and most of Calvert County.
Electric cooperatives are shaped by the communities they serve, because co-ops are owned by their customers. Co-op members elect the men and women who serve on the Board of Directors. Members share the responsibility of ownership by financing the cooperative’s operations, but they also share its rewards.
At the end of each year, SMECO’s margins (profits) are allocated to members’ capital credit accounts. SMECO uses its profits to invest in new construction, system improvements, and facility upgrades. The Board of Directors regularly evaluates the financial condition of the co-op and determines when members will receive a refund. Since 1937, SMECO has refunded more than $128 million.
As a cooperative, SMECO will always put its members first and be responsive, reliable, and resourceful — the power you can count on.
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The SMECO 24/7 mobile app is available at www.smeco.coop/247. To learn more about SMECO, please visit its Leader member page.
