Central Connection Podcast

While it's true we appreciate our linemen every day, April 18th officially marked National Lineman Appreciation Day. To keep the celebration going, the Central Connection Podcast sat down with two of our very own linemen to find out what drew them to this field and why they do what they do. So join us and as always, #ThankALineman! 

Blurb: Let's face it, weather in Alabama is unpredictable and severe weather can strike at any time. We chat with Mark Wakefield of the Alabama Baptist Disaster Relief Center about what he's seen after a storm hits and what you can do to prepare if that day ever comes. Joined by Michael Kelley (CAEC Manager of Training & Safety) we'll also discuss vital steps after a storm, generator safety and more. 

It may be a new year, but it's the same old scams. Whether it's someone pretending to be a CAEC employee and demanding payment or trying to steal your personal info, beat scammers at their own game by being aware of some common red flags. 

 On Nov. 28, 1938, rural Alabama residents filed the incorporation papers for Central Alabama Electric Corporation and the rest, as they say, is history. Join us as we take a quick decade by decade look at some important moments of CAEC's history. From politics, Y2K, epic storms, home economics and more, we've seen a lot and we're ready for the future!

Did you know that along with being the spooooookiest of all the months, October is also National Co-op Month? To really get into the co-op spirit, we sat down with CAEC's very own Connie Bainbridge and Lori Williams to learn more about the role the co-op plays in Economic Development, as well as how it helps demonstrate our core principle of "concern for community." 

One of the banner programs cooperatives offer is Youth Tour! But have you ever wondered what the students who participate in the program get out of it? We sit down with two of the 2023 Youth Tour delegates to get the dirt on what this program means to them, what they gained from it and how it's impacting their lives. Oh, and by the way, applications for the 2024 Youth Tour are open now through January 2024! 

We love our community. We love our teachers. We love to help teachers engage the young minds in our communities through the Bright Ideas Grant Program. We spoke with guests and local educators, Emily Gregory of Pine Level Elementary School and Gylendora Davis of Billingsley School, about the Bright Ideas Grant program and how it's impacted their classrooms. So teachers, this is for you! Y'all rock!

We held CAEC's Annual Meeting on August 11 and took the CCP on the road to talk to you-- the members! Join Beth as she talks to people about the importance of Annual Meeting, Central Access, cooperative membership and so much more during our episode about you, by you and all about you!

Storms happen, and when they do we often think of the brave line workers who go out and restore power. But there's another group of folks who take your phone calls, answer your questions and embody the co-op heart. Join us as we learn what it's like to help our members on the other end of a phone line. 

Safety - it's something we all want, but sometimes we take it for granted. Whether you're a lineman working in the field or just trying to drive to work, taking a little time can go a long way. Join us and CAEC Manager of Training & Safety, Michael Kelley, as we discuss the importance of safety as well as our ability (or lack thereof) to do the SAFETY Dance. 

Lineman Appreciation Day is April 18, and we had the chance to speak with two of our own about the hard job they do, why they do it and even an encounter with a hairless squirrel. So take a listen and always, thank a lineman! 

Warm weather is here and wouldn't you rather spend your money on all the fun things it brings and not your power bill? We speak with one of our Energy and Technology Consultants about some of the low to no cost things you can do to help save your energy dollars. 

Getting a cold shoulder? Spending a ton of money and getting nothing in return?  These signs and more could mean it's time to ditch that old heat pump or water heater and find someone new. Our special guest, Energy & Technology Consultant Cindy Browder, tells us the warning signs to look out for and how CAEC can help. 

Welcome to the Central Connection Pod (CCP)! For our first episode we're talking about what everyone is talking about - Central Access fiber internet. What is it? Why are cooperatives leading the way for rural broadband? What's next? We look at this and more with our special guest, Chris Montgomery, Vice President of Central Access.