Keeping the Grid Running | #44
SMECO Connects
When your lights stay on during a storm or a deep winter freeze, there’s a lot happening behind the scenes. In this episode of SMECO Connects, hosts Sonja Cox and Tom Dennison sit down with Jeff Drumm, a Transmission System Operator, to explore how SMECO monitors and protects the bulk electric system that powers Southern Maryland. Jeff shares his journey from lineman to control room operator, what it takes to manage high-stress outages, and how advanced automation and teamwork help restore power quickly and safely. In this episode, you’ll learn: How transmission and distribution systems...
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Inside Maryland’s Power Shortage | #43
SMECO Connects
Your electric bill didn’t go up by accident — and the reasons are bigger than most people realize. In this episode of SMECO connects, host sonja cox and co-host tom dennison break down the growing generation and capacity crisis impacting maryland and the entire PJM grid. They explain how plant retirements, rising demand from data centers, transmission congestion, and delayed renewable projects are colliding to drive higher prices — and why utilities often get blamed for forces they don’t control. You'll also hear how SMECO manages power procurement to protect members from price spikes,...
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How SMECO Keeps the Lights On | #42
SMECO Connects
Keeping the lights on doesn’t happen by accident—it takes years of planning, precision engineering, and a relentless focus on reliability. In this episode of SMECO Connects, host Tom Dennison sits down with Ryan Schlotterbeck, Distribution Contractor Operations Director, and Hugh Voehl, Transmission Engineering & Construction Director, to break down how SMECO designs, builds, and maintains the infrastructure that powers Southern Maryland. From underground distribution projects and storm resiliency to massive transmission lines, substations, and long-range growth planning, this...
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Powering the Future with EVs | #41
SMECO Connects
Electric vehicles are everywhere — but are they actually practical for everyday drivers and utility fleets? In this episode of SMECO Connects, Tom Dennison sits down with SMECO experts Natasha Law and John Cockrum to break down what it’s really like to own, charge, and operate electric vehicles in Southern Maryland. From home charging costs and range anxiety to electrifying utility fleets and quieter bucket trucks, they share real-world experience, hard numbers, and honest insights. Whether you’re EV-curious or already plugged in, this conversation helps answer the big question: Is an...
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Energy, Affordability, and the Road Ahead: 2025 Recap | #40
SMECO Connects
What does it really take to keep the lights on as energy demand surges and costs rise? In this year-in-review episode of SMECO Connects, host Sonja Cox and co-host Tom Dennison reflect on the biggest challenges and wins of 2025—from resource adequacy and affordability pressures to data centers, infrastructure upgrades, and community impact. They pull back the curtain on how an electric cooperative navigates reliability, rising demand, and member-focused decision-making during a time of rapid change. In this episode, you’ll hear about: The growing challenge of resource adequacy and why...
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How Member Feedback Actually Drives Real Change | #39
SMECO Connects
Your voice doesn’t just matter — it shapes everything we do. In this episode, Sonja Cox and Tom Dennison dive into how member feedback directly influences decisions across the co-op, from streetlight repairs and power reliability to new programs, technologies, and major strategic initiatives. They share real stories from the field, explain what goes on behind the scenes, and reveal how even one phone call or comment can spark meaningful improvements for thousands. Key Takeaways: How small complaints often uncover major system issues Why new tech like LED UV cells is changing...
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Protecting Our Power & Environment | #38
SMECO Connects
Your power stays on because two people quietly protect the environment behind every pole, line, and substation. In this episode, Sonja and Tom sit down with Environmental Affairs Coordinators Grayson Jenkins and Carl Freeman to uncover the little-known work that keeps SMECO reliable and environmentally responsible. From wetlands and permitting to oil-spill response and wildlife protection, they break down the real challenges of balancing infrastructure with nature. Grayson and Carl share how they manage complex environmental regulations, respond to emergency transformer spills in the middle of...
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Benefits of Net Metering | #37
SMECO Connects
Solar is booming — but understanding net metering can still feel confusing for many customers. In this episode of SMECO Connects, host Tom Dennison sits down with Tiffany Alexander and Natasha Law from SMECO’s Energy & Technology Division to break down what net metering is, how solar interconnections work, and what customers should consider before installing panels. With decades of combined experience, they offer clear guidance on the process, timelines, and the fast-growing role of battery storage. Key themes & takeaways: How net metering actually works (plain-language...
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Inside the Lives of Hometown Heroes | #36
SMECO Connects
Every day, local law enforcement shoulders the unseen challenges that keep Southern Maryland safe — and today, we get an inside look at what that really means. In this episode, host Tom Dennison sits down with Jason Scott, SMECO’s Security Director and former Maryland State Police officer, and Captain Steve Simonds of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office. They share what called them to service, how policing has evolved over the past 25 years, and why strong community partnerships — including their relationship with SMECO — make all the difference during emergencies. From mental...
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Making AI Work for Your Business | #35
SMECO Connects
Artificial intelligence is transforming every industry—but most organizations still don’t know where to start. In this episode of SMECO Connects, hosts Sonja Cox and Tom Dennison sit down with Johnny Ramondino, Co-founder & President of INVOKE INC, to explore how businesses can adopt AI effectively, responsibly, and without disrupting operations. Johnny breaks down what AI can (and can’t) do today, why most companies are approaching it backwards, and how digital employees are reshaping day-to-day workflows. Key themes and takeaways: Why small, targeted AI wins beat big flashy...
info_outlineYour electric bill didn’t go up by accident — and the reasons are bigger than most people realize.
In this episode of SMECO connects, host sonja cox and co-host tom dennison break down the growing generation and capacity crisis impacting maryland and the entire PJM grid. They explain how plant retirements, rising demand from data centers, transmission congestion, and delayed renewable projects are colliding to drive higher prices — and why utilities often get blamed for forces they don’t control.
You'll also hear how SMECO manages power procurement to protect members from price spikes, what deregulation really changed back in 1999, and why policymakers are now scrambling to fix a problem decades in the making.
Key takeaways:
- Why electricity prices are rising — and what’s actually behind them
- How capacity shortages and grid congestion affect your bill
- What new generation (including nuclear and gas) could mean for reliability
- How SMECO works to stabilize costs in an unstable market
This is a straight-talk conversation about power, policy, and planning — and why understanding the system is the first step toward realistic solutions. tune in to get clarity on one of the most important issues facing our energy future.
Follow & Connect:
Host: Sonja Cox
Co-Host: Tom Dennison
SMECO on Instagram: somdelectric
SMECO on X: somdelectric