Welcome to Plugged In, from Cuivre River Electric Cooperative. In this episode we have President and CEO Doug Tracy's annual meeting update. In his remarks, Doug discusses pricing challenges facing the energy industry, upgrades being made to strengthen our electric system, and the outstanding employees who make it all possible.
18 Aug 2026
Vacation Energy Use with Neal Harrell
On this month's episode of Plugged In host Rod Smerkar is again joined by Supervisor of Member Services Neal Harrell to discuss vacation energy use and how to save money when you are out of your home. Have a topic you would like us to cover? Share your ideas to communications@cuivre.com
16 Jul 2026
HVAC Efficiency and Summer Bills with Neal Harrell
In this episode Rod Smerkar sits down with Member Engagement Supervisor Neal Harrell to discuss summer bills and how to increase your HVAC’s efficiency to help save energy and money.
20 Feb 2026
Restoring Power in Jamaica with Rodney Braddy and Jacob Tiefenthaler
In mid-January, while Missouri was settling into winter, CREC linemen Rodney Braddy and Jacob Tiefenthaler were boarding a plane for a mission unlike any other. They traded the Midwest cold for the sweltering heat of Jamaica. Not for a vacation, but to answer a call for help after Hurricane Melissa devastated seventy-five percent of the island's power grid this past October. The Jamaica Public Service Company contacted NRECA, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, requesting assistance. NRECA's international program usually focuses on first-time electrification in developing countries, but this was different. This was about getting the power back on. For nearly a month, Rodney and Jake worked alongside other Missouri linemen and local crews to rebuild what the storm had destroyed. Today we're talking with them about the sweat, the challenging Caribbean terrain and the incredible people they met along the way.
Thank you for tuning in to Plugged In from Cuivre River Electric Cooperative. This episode was hosted by Mary Wilson and Rod Smerkar. Have a topic you'd like us to cover? Share your ideas at communications@cuivre.com. And don't forget to subscribe and leave a rating on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode.
22 Jan 2026
Youth Tour with Tim Schmidt
In today’s episode we talk to Communications Media Specialist Tim Schmidt about CREC’s annual Youth Tour Competition. For more than 60 years, CREC has sponsored and sent over 200 students to the nation’s capital as part of this statewide initiative. Students learn about leadership, governance, and co-ops and get an all expenses paid, once-in-a-lifetime trip. We’ll also hear from former Youth Tour delegate Bailey Schneider about her experience in the program.
Learn more and apply at cuivre.com/youthtour
11 Sept 2025
Annual Update with President/CEO Doug Tracy
Welcome to Plugged In. Our first episode features President and CEO Doug Tracy's address from our recent Annual Meeting. In his remarks, Doug discusses pricing challenges facing the energy industry, upgrades being made to strengthen our electric system, and the outstanding employees who make it all possible.
You can watch a full recording of this year's Annual Meeting at cuivre.com/annualmeeting.
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