Discover Co-op Conversations with DEMCO as we explore the power of a local member-owned not-for-profit electric cooperative. Since 1938, DEMCO has woven cooperative principles into every wire, and our business isn’t just about electricity.
At DEMCO, we’re more than just an electric company, and our work, is more than just a job. As a local member-owned cooperative, we are your neighbors, your family and your friends. We exist to serve you, and we take a lot of pride in all that we do.
Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for our members, employees, and communities by safely providing reliable and competitively priced energy services. You’ve probably seen us out in the community—at events on and off duty—doing what we can to make a difference.
And now, you can hear us on your favorite podcast platform as we discuss what makes cooperatives special and inform the community about how we are striving to serve you in everything we do.
DEMCO, Powering life and community, that’s the cooperative difference!
When your electric bill changes, it helps to understand what you are actually paying for. In this episode, DEMCO Finance Director Nick Smith explains how electric rates are determined and approved, what the Grid Access, Delivery and Wholesale Power charges pay for, and why some charges are fixed while others are tied to electricity use. He also explains the two-month timing of wholesale power costs and how a bill can increase even when DEMCO’s approved rates have not changed.
29 Sept 2026
Careers at DEMCO Electric Cooperative
In this episode of Co-op Conversations with DEMCO, host David Latona sits down with Chief Corporate Services Officer Russchelle Overhultz to explore the many careers at DEMCO, from engineering and operations to finance, technology, member services and more. Russchelle also shares her own career journey and talks about the different paths that can lead to DEMCO, opportunities to learn and grow, and what makes someone a good fit for a cooperative career.
28 Aug 2026
Storm Response Starts Before the Storm
In this episode of Co-op Conversations with DEMCO, David Latona sits down with Eric Ouber, Manager of System Operations, for a behind-the-scenes look at how DEMCO prepares for severe weather long before the first raindrop falls.
Learn how the cooperative monitors storms, activates its Emergency Response Plan, coordinates crews and contractors, and uses advanced technology to track outages and restore power as safely and efficiently as possible. Eric also answers some of the questions members ask most during major weather events, including why crews may appear to drive past outages, how restoration priorities are determined, and what happens inside DEMCO's Control Center during a storm.
Whether you're preparing for hurricane season or simply curious about how power is restored, this episode offers an inside look at the planning, teamwork, and technology that help keep the lights on for more than 120,000 DEMCO members.
16 Jul 2026
Innovative Financing to Stretch Co-op Dollars Further
In this episode of Co-op Conversations with DEMCO, host David Latona sits down with Chief Financial Officer Peggy Maranan to discuss how DEMCO manages costs, pursues competitive grant funding, and invests in the long-term reliability of the electric system.
Learn how a recently awarded $3.3 million vegetation management project—supported by more than $2.2 million in federal and state funding—will help strengthen the electric system while reducing costs that would otherwise be shared by DEMCO's member-owners.
Peggy also explains how DEMCO's not-for-profit cooperative business model guides financial decisions, why vegetation management is one of the most important investments in system reliability, and how securing outside funding helps preserve resources for additional reliability improvements across the communities we serve.
22 Jun 2026
The People and Technology Behind DEMCO's Digital Map
In this episode of Co-op Conversations with DEMCO, David Latona sits down with Carl Westbrook, GIS Manager, and Dusty Guarino, GIS Specialist, to discuss how DEMCO manages and maintains the digital map of its entire electrical system. From power lines and poles to transformers and meters, the GIS team works behind the scenes to ensure the system accurately reflects what’s happening in the field. Learn how accurate mapping improves operational efficiency, supports faster outage response, strengthens storm restoration efforts, and helps DEMCO deliver reliable service to members every day.
27 May 2026
The Work Behind the Lines: Keeping Your Power Safe and Steady
Ever wonder why your lights flicker—or what happens when your power blinks off and back on?
In this episode of Co-op Conversations with DEMCO, we’re joined by linemen Michael Welborn and serviceman Ashton Stokes from our Central District to explain how capacitor banks help keep your power steady and reliable, what our crews look for during systemwide inspections, and how devices like reclosers work to protect the grid.
You’ll also learn how to tell the difference between an issue inside your home and something on our system—and we break down what’s normal, what’s not, and when to give us a call.
30 Apr 2026
Day In the Life of a DEMCO Lineman
In this episode of Co-op Conversations with DEMCO, host David Latona sits down with District Manager Cody Glascock to take you behind the scenes of a “day in the life” of the crews who keep your power on.
You’ll also hear about the work members don’t see, the mindset it takes to do the job safely, and the dedication of local crews who are ready to respond at a moment’s notice.
Cody shares what it really takes to keep the system running—long before an outage ever occurs.
9 Mar 2026
After Winter Storm Fern
When Winter Storm Fern moved through Louisiana, DEMCO crews answered the call to help restore power beyond our service area.
In this episode of Co-op Conversations with DEMCO, host David Latona sits down with District Manager Andy Graham and Lineman Justin Andrews, who recently returned from assisting Northeast Louisiana Power Cooperative through the electric cooperative mutual aid network.
They share what it’s like to get the call, prepare to deploy, and work long days in freezing conditions on a system that isn’t their own. From safety briefings and equipment staging to meeting host crews and navigating unfamiliar lines, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at storm restoration from the men in the field.
You’ll hear how different types of storms create different challenges, why safety is part of every decision, and what cooperative mutual aid truly means for electric cooperatives.
It’s a candid conversation about the preparation, coordination, and teamwork required to restore power — and what it means to serve as part of an electric cooperative.
27 Jan 2026
Helping Members in Times of Need — The DEMCO Foundation
In this episode of Co-op Conversations with DEMCO, host David Latona is joined by Rhowanda “Rho” Vessel, DEMCO’s Community Relations Coordinator, to talk about the DEMCO Foundation and the vital role it plays in supporting co-op members during times of need.
Rho explains how the Foundation works, the types of assistance it provides, and how small contributions from members add up to meaningful help for neighbors across our service area. You’ll also hear about the careful review process behind each request, emergency assistance, school uniform and scholarship programs, and the lasting impact of members helping members.
This episode highlights the cooperative spirit at the heart of DEMCO—where local people come together to support one another when it matters most.
19 Nov 2025
Enhancing the Member Experience — DEMCO’s New Call System
In this episode of Co-op Conversations with DEMCO, host David Latona sits down with Galen Dunbar, DEMCO’s Chief Member Services Officer, to talk about how DEMCO is making it easier than ever to connect with your cooperative.
You’ll hear how DEMCO’s new cloud-based phone system improves every call — with features like call-back options, a Spanish-language menu, and an integrated platform that unites phone, chat, and email history in one place. The result? Faster, smoother, and more personal service for every member.
Discover how DEMCO’s Member Services and IT teams worked together to launch technology that keeps local service at the heart of every interaction — ensuring members always reach a friendly, informed voice ready to help.
To learn more or contact Member Services, visit DEMCO.org/Contact or call 844-MyDEMCO.
29 Sept 2025
Keeping Power Reliable Through Right-of-Way Maintenance
When storms hit, members want one thing most: power restored quickly and safely. Right-of-way (ROW) maintenance is one of the most important — and often unseen — ways DEMCO makes that possible.
In this episode of Co-op Conversations with DEMCO, host David Latona talks with Sam Rosso, DEMCO’s Manager of Lands & Right of Way, about how clearing vegetation around poles and lines gives crews the access they need to respond faster after storms. You’ll hear why DEMCO follows a six-year maintenance cycle, how helicopter trimming helps, and what role members play when debris is left behind.
Even though Louisiana weather will always bring down trees and limbs, ROW maintenance reduces risks, improves reliability, and helps restoration efforts move faster and safer when outages do occur.
If you’ve ever wondered why DEMCO trims trees, uses helicopters, or clears paths around lines, this episode explains how those efforts protect your power and keep our crews — and you — safe.
27 Aug 2025
DEMCO Youth Programs
From birth through high school, DEMCO is helping shape the future by investing in young people across the communities we serve. In this episode of Co-op Conversations with DEMCO, host David Latona sits down with Chanon Martin, DEMCO’s Member and Community Engagement Manager, to talk about the many youth programs that connect families to their co-op.
You’ll hear how DEMCO supports early literacy through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, brings hands-on electrical safety education to classrooms, and provides high school students with leadership opportunities like the Youth Cooperative Ambassador Program and the annual Essay Contest. Plus, learn about scholarships, class talks, and other ways DEMCO partners with schools to make a lasting impact.
These programs are more than outreach — they reflect DEMCO’s mission to power life and community, today and for generations to come.
To learn more about DEMCO Youth Programs, visit DEMCO.org/Youth-Programs.
28 Jul 2025
Get PowerSmart This Summer
In this episode of Co-op Conversations with DEMCO, host David Latona sits down with Ashley Carradine, DEMCO’s Energy Services Coordinator, to talk about easy ways members can reduce their electric use—especially during the hot summer months—without giving up comfort or control.
Ashley explains how much energy typical household appliances use and where you can make the biggest impact. From laundry habits and ceiling fan tricks to tips for managing pool pumps and smart thermostats, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you take control of your energy bill.
You’ll also learn about DEMCO’s Levelized Billing program, which can help you avoid seasonal bill spikes by spreading your usage costs more evenly across the year.
Looking to save even more? Visit DEMCO.org (https://www.demco.org) to download your free DIY Home Energy Audit Checklist and explore additional energy-saving resources.
13 Jun 2025
DEMCO Storm Response
Mark Phillips explains to host David Latona DEMCO's strategic approach to restoring power after storms, prioritizing safety and efficiency to serve the most members.
30 May 2025
DEMCO Storm Prep & Readiness
Chief Engineering and Operations Officer Mark Phillips describes DEMCO's year-round storm preparation, including inspections and crew training, in an interview with host David Latona, ensuring a fast and safe response.
30 Apr 2025
Powering the Future: What is DERMS and Why Does It Matter? Part 2
In this episode of Co-op Conversations with DEMCO, we continue our discussion on DERMS—Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems—and explore how this smart, innovative technology could benefit our co-op and its members.
Our guest, Jeff Andry, Chief Strategy & Regulatory Officer, joins host David Latona to explain how DERMS works in partnership with co-op members by leveraging smart devices—like thermostats, solar panels, and home generators—to help reduce demand during peak times. You’ll learn how extreme weather events, such as high summer usage or winter peak demand, can increase the cost of power supply for all members—and how each member can make a difference by working together through a systemwide approach to help our co-op manage those costs.
This episode also highlights how DERMS can enhance grid stability during critical periods—and how member feedback plays a key role in shaping the future of energy management at DEMCO.
DEMCO members, click here to fill out the survey (https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=hxklI4F8JUOiCrPjgTKBP2-eqTYyDsVOv_cdVQs7kTZUNFMyV1U1MFpEWjZXUEtXQk8wSTVZWERHRS4u). The survey will close on June 10, 2025.
30 Apr 2025
Powering the Future: What is DERMS and How Can It Benefit You? Part 1
Welcome to the first episode of Co-op Conversations with DEMCO! In this episode, we’re breaking down the basics of DERMS—what it stands for, how it works, and why DEMCO is exploring this smart technology to benefit our members.
Our host, David Latona, DEMCO’s Director of Communications and Governmental Affairs, sits down with Jeff Andry, Chief Strategy & Regulatory Officer, to talk about how energy is evolving—from a one-way power flow to a more dynamic, two-way system. This evolving model is supplemented by member-owned resources like smart thermostats, solar panels, and home generators, which have the potential to reduce demand on the grid—especially during peak times.
You’ll learn how programs like DERMS can help keep your energy more reliable, your bill more affordable, and our community stronger—especially during times of high demand. Let’s dive in!
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
7 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 36 / 100
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Quality
60
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YouTube
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Engagement
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Questions about Co-op Conversations with DEMCO
Who hosts Co-op Conversations with DEMCO?
David Latona host the show. Published by DEMCO.
How often do new episodes come out?
The show publishes monthly, based on its RSS feed.
Does Co-op Conversations with DEMCO take guests?
Yes. Guests have been identified in episode analyses.
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