SMECO’s Commitment

As a customer-owned cooperative, SMECO embraces the principle of commitment to the community. Over the years, the Co-op has participated in charitable and civic events and has contributed funds to various programs that have helped improve the quality of life for our Southern Maryland neighbors. Our employees donated time, thousands of dollars, and even blood to several organizations, and collectively SMECO employees pitch in together for the greater good.

Education

Throughout the year, SMECO sponsors events to encourage students to excel in math, science, and technology. These events include the MATHCOUNTS competition, the Southern Maryland Regional Computer Bowl, and the Mathematics Challenge Competition. SMECO also sponsors the annual Outstanding Mathematics and Science Teachers awards, recognizing educators for their outstanding performance in the areas of creativity, rapport with students, enthusiasm for teaching, professionalism, and innovative teaching methods. Each year the Co-op awards four $2,500 college scholarships to high school seniors who live with parents or guardians who are SMECO customers, selecting recipients based on scholastic achievement, financial need, and school and community involvement.

Neighbors in Need

Members Helping Members is a program where customer-members can help their Southern Maryland neighbors who are struggling to pay their electric bills throughout the year. Customer-members may enroll in the program to have $1, $5, or $10 automatically added to their electric bill each month. Their contribution will help less fortunate Co-op members pay their electric bills. For information about signing up, visit our Members Helping Members page.

Individually and collectively, SMECO’s employees lend their support to organizations that help provide affordable housing in the region. Teams of employees participate in the annual Christmas in April home renovations in the region, and in 2018 the Co-op donated the proceeds from its annual SMECO 75 Bike Ride and Charity Golf Outing to the Hospice organizations in Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties..

SMECO supports a roster of other local charities that help Southern Marylanders in need:

  • Southern Maryland Food Bank
  • Catholic Charities Angels Watch Shelter
  • Project Echo
  • Three Oaks Shelter
  • Community Support Systems
  • Prince George’s County Public Safety Assistance Program
  • American Red Cross
  • HOPE of Southern Maryland
  • A Community That Shares
  • Salvation Army
  • LifeStyles of Maryland
  • Melwood’s Operation: Tohidu

Throughout the Community

Other community organizations and events that receive assistance from SMECO include:

  • Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s County Fairs
  • American Cancer Society Relay for Life
  • Volunteer fire departments and rescue squads
  • Southern Maryland hospitals and nursing homes
  • March of Dimes Walk for Babies
  • Local police departments
  • County libraries
  • County literacy councils
  • Health clinics
  • United Way
  • Cultural and historic sites and events

Safety & Energy Conservation

The Cooperative’s Safety Division stages its Hot Line Demonstration at schools and public events to explain the dangers involved in working with electricity. Senior centers and community groups also host speakers from SMECO who can answer questions about saving energy. To arrange for a demonstration or a speaker, contact the Co-op at (888) 440-3311.