In this episode of SMECO Connects, Tom Dennison and Natalie Cotton sit down with Evelyn McCauley, a rising senior who just returned from the NRECA Youth Tour. Evelyn shares her surprising nomination story, the friendships she formed, and the unforgettable moment of asking tough questions to elected officials in Washington, D.C.

Along the way, you’ll hear:

• How a guidance office summons turned into a life-changing opportunity
• The hilarious chaos of a river cruise dance gone wrong
• Why civic engagement—and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone—matters more than ever
  
  

Evelyn’s journey is a reminder that leadership begins with saying “yes” to unexpected opportunities.

🔗 Connect with SMECO:
Instagram: @somdelectric
X (Twitter): @somdelectric

When the lights go out, the clock starts ticking—and Dale is one of the first people in the hot seat. From restoring thousands of homes in minutes to making split-second safety calls, his job in SMECO’s operations center blends adrenaline, strategy, and teamwork under extreme pressure.

In this episode, Dale shares his journey from lineman to distribution system supervisor, what really happens behind the scenes during major outages, and why safety always comes before speed. You’ll hear real outage stories, surprising tech tools that keep the grid running, and the unseen decisions that shape how fast your lights come back on.

Key Takeaways:

• How outage restoration is prioritized in life-or-death scenarios
• The technology and teamwork powering SMECO’s operations center
• Why “calm under chaos” is the most important skill in the room
  
  

Whether you’re curious about how the grid works or inspired by people who thrive in high-stakes environments, this conversation pulls back the curtain on an essential, often invisible job that keeps communities running.

Follow SMECO:
Instagram: @somdelectric
X/Twitter: @somdelectric

What happens when a young engineer takes on the future of the electric grid? Alex Santiago, SMECO distribution and commercial design engineer, joins hosts Sonja Cox and Tom Dennison to share how he’s shaping the way power reaches homes, businesses, and entire communities—while tackling the biggest energy challenges of our time.

From the pride of powering your local Chick-fil-A to navigating the state of Maryland’s electrification push, Alex takes us inside the grid, explaining how electricity travels from generation to your outlet, and what the next decade will bring. Along the way, he offers insider insights on why your neighbor might have power when you don’t, why nuclear still matters, and how innovation in battery storage could change everything.

Key themes:

• How power really gets from plants to people
• The electrification boom and grid reliability
• Why nuclear and renewables must work together
• Pride, problem-solving, and serving the community
  
  

Get ready for an energizing conversation that will leave you looking at every light switch, outlet, and power pole in a whole new way.

Connect with SMECO:
Instagram: @somdelectric
X (Twitter): @somdelectric

One wrong move around electricity can change — or end — your life. In this episode of SMECO Connects, Sonja Cox and Tom Dennison sit down with Blaise Higgs and Joe Patterson, two seasoned members of SMECO’s safety department with over 35 years of experience each. From gripping real-life accident responses to the hidden dangers most people never think about, they reveal what it truly takes to keep our crews — and the public — safe.

Hear the stories behind downed power line rescues, why a simple phone call can prevent catastrophe, and what it’s really like to work as a lineman in all weather, day or night.

You’ll learn:

• The life-saving rule everyone should know if a line falls on your car
• How SMECO works proactively to stop accidents before they happen
• The demanding — and rewarding — reality of line work and safety training
  
  

Whether you’re curious about the life of a lineman, looking for essential safety tips, or just love hearing from people who’ve dedicated their lives to protecting others, this episode will leave you with a deeper respect for the people who keep the lights on.

Follow SMECO:
Instagram: @somdelectric
X (Twitter): @somdelectric

The workforce is shifting fast—can your organization keep up?
In this episode of SMECO Connects, Sonja Cox and Tom Dennison are joined by Rhosheeda Proctor, Director of Diversity and Inclusion at SMECO, and Yvette Turner, Lead Business Engagement Specialist at the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland. Together, they explore how today’s workforce is being reshaped by generational shifts, hybrid work models, and the unique challenges of attracting talent to Southern Maryland.

Key themes:

• Why Gen Z is driving change in hiring and retention
• The future of telework and how to make it work
• Building local talent pipelines through education and mentorship
• The overlooked value of work-life balance in recruitment
  
  

This episode is packed with real stories, powerful insights, and practical advice for building a stronger, more connected workforce.

🎧 Tune in and get inspired to shape the future of work—right here in Southern Maryland.

Follow SMECO:
📸 Instagram: @somdelectric
🐦 X (formerly Twitter): @somdelectric

Beth Kennedy and Tammy Gardner didn’t just build long careers at SMECO—they helped shape it. Starting in entry-level roles, they climbed to become senior leaders overseeing finance and customer care. In this episode, they share the behind-the-scenes stories of their journey, how the utility industry has transformed, and what it really takes to lead through change.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• What it’s like managing a 15-week training program and a contact center during major outages
• How SMECO has embraced automation, self-serve tools, and remote work
• Why leadership, inclusion, and mentorship are key to the company’s future
  
  

Whether you’re curious about growing your career or fascinated by how electric co-ops evolve, this conversation is full of insights, laughter, and lessons from two seasoned pros.

Connect with SMECO:
📸 Instagram
🐦 X (Twitter)

🎙️ Hosted by: Sonja Cox & Tom Dennison

What happens when nearly seven decades of experience step into the room?

In this special episode, SMECO legends Ronnie Wise and Roger Schneider share their remarkable journeys from entry-level roles to senior leadership—charting a course through decades of industry change, innovation, and growth. From handwritten outage tickets to SCADA automation and managing 300+ employees, they’ve seen it all.

Key themes explored:

• The evolution of electric utility technology
• Storm response and 24/7 operations
• Building teams and preparing the next generation
  
  

Whether you’re curious about SMECO’s history, inspired by career growth, or interested in what it takes to keep the power on—this one’s for you. Tap in to hear how Ronnie and Roger helped shape the future of energy in Southern Maryland.

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🎙️ Follow SMECO:
Instagram: @somdelectric
X (Twitter): @somdelectric

👋 Hosted by: Sonja Cox & Tom Dennison

Ever wondered why your electric bill spikes in summer and winter?

In this episode, Smeco’s VP of Rates and Energy Procurement Eugene Bradford pulls back the curtain on how your monthly bill is built—from competitive power market purchases to the poles and wires that deliver electricity to your door. He walks us through load forecasting, rate classes, and the rising costs driven by renewables mandates and the push for future battery storage.

Key Takeaways:

• How Smeco’s power procurement strategy keeps your supply costs as low as possible
• Why distribution infrastructure rates cover poles, transformers, and grid maintenance
• The impact of renewable portfolio standards and what long-duration storage means for 24/7 green power

Join us to demystify your electric bill and spark your energy awareness.

Guest:
Eugene Bradford
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eugene-bradford-87992666

Hosts:
Sonja Cox & Tom Dennison
Smeco Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/somdelectric
X (Twitter): https://x.com/somdelectric