New name becomes effective immediately
HATTIESBURG, Miss. (November 9, 2016) – South Mississippi Electric today announced that, effective immediately, the company has changed its name to Cooperative Energy. Company leaders say the new name better reflects the Hattiesburg-based cooperative’s mission and broader business model in the energy sector.
The name and new logo were revealed to more than 400 employees in attendance at the company’s All Employee meeting held at Hattiesburg’s Lake Terrace Convention Center. Cooperative Energy is a not-for-profit, member-owned, community-driven generation and transmission cooperative that provides electricity to 11 distribution cooperatives.
“Changing a company name is always a major step, but we are confident this was the right thing for our company, our mission and those we serve,” said Cooperative Energy President/CEO Jim Compton. “We have grown our energy resources, we have grown our geographic service area and honestly we outgrew our name. Cooperative Energy is a name that better defines who we are as a company.”
The company now operates in 55 of the state’s 82 counties, and also owns a generation facility in Batesville in north central Mississippi. The company, started in 1941, has expanded its renewable energy and solar generation focus in recent years adding to an already diverse energy portfolio.
The new logo tells the company’s story in a simple, graphic way. Falling inside a state map, a blue field represents the service area of the company’s 11 Member cooperatives. It stretches from the Delta to the Coast. A white “swoosh” represents a power line sending energy across the Mississippi landscape. An energy burst salutes the generation and transmission headquarters in Hattiesburg and symbolizes the flow of energy to the 11 distribution cooperatives that serve our members.
The company’s website address is www.CooperativeEnergy.com, replacing the previous www.smepa.coop.
“What will remain the same is our focus to deliver affordable, dependable and safe energy,” said Compton. “This name change will in no way affect our service to our members. Our company is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, and we have been successful by putting our members first. This will remain our focus with our new name for the next 75 years. We are celebrating the past and embracing the future.”
Cooperative Energy will continue its mission of working with the Power of 12 (Cooperative Energy and 11 Member electric cooperatives), providing electricity from the Mississippi Delta to the Coast. The 11 distribution cooperatives own and maintain approximately 56,900 miles of distribution lines and provide service to approximately 423,000 homes and businesses throughout 55 counties in Mississippi.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why did South Mississippi Electric change its name?
Simply put, we outgrew our name. Over the past 75 years, South Mississippi Electric grew both in its mission and geographic areas served. We are no longer just a South Mississippi company. Today, our service area extends from the Mississippi Delta to the Gulf Coast. Cooperative Energy is a name that better defines who we are today as a company.
When will the new name take effect?
Immediately. Although the change in some signage will occur over the coming months.
Will Cooperative Energy continue to be an electric cooperative?
Yes. We will continue to operate as a not-for-profit Mississippi Electric Cooperative.
What was the process for deciding on a new name?
The decision for a name change followed a lengthy consideration process, as well as research conducted among target audiences regarding the need for a better identity in support of our organization’s business objectives. This study helped validate our decision for a name change, and we are confident the new name, Cooperative Energy, better reflects the scope and purpose of our organization.
Did the company gather input from outside sources for the new name?
Yes. We conducted surveys, gathering input from employees, members, business partners and stakeholders.
What other changes does this mean for members?
The homeowners and business owners won’t see a change other than our new name and look. We began as a company 75 years ago serving residents in rural areas, and have survived World Wars, Mother Nature and other obstacles. We have met those challenges, expanded our service territory and energy portfolio and continued to improve the quality of lives while protecting our environment. That commitment remains.
Cooperative Energy provides electricity to 11 Member cooperatives, who distribute it to commercial and residential end-users. These end-users—members– will still receive their bills from their local cooperatives.
Will there be a new logo that we will see on signage and in other places?
Yes. Beginning immediately, our new logo will replace our old logo on signage, company vehicles, documents and other applications.
Does the new name carry any special meaning?
The “Cooperative” word in our new name refers to our emphasis on a cooperative culture of working together with our Member systems and partners to serve our end users. The new simple, benefit-oriented name focuses on the member-owned structure of a cooperative with a portfolio of energy generation and transmission capabilities.
What does the new logo symbolize?
Like our name, Cooperative Energy, our logo stands for who we are. It helps us tell our story in a simple, graphic way. The blue field represents the service area of our 11 Member cooperatives. It stretches from the Delta to the Coast. The white “swoosh” represents a power line sending energy across the Mississippi landscape. The energy burst salutes the generation and transmission headquarters in Hattiesburg and symbolizes the flow of energy to the 11 distribution cooperatives that serve our members.
Will the company have a new website?
Yes. Our new site CooperativeEnergy.com launched in conjunction with the new name. Also, the company can be found on twitter @CoopEnergyMS.
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