Fiber Project Announced at Annual Meeting

4:52PM May 17, 2017

The Miner Convention Center served as the host site for SEMO Electric Cooperative’s annual meeting on May 15. To the excitement of those in attendance, SEMO Electric’s President Rick Faulkner announced that the board approved a plan to install fiber-optic cable to connect substations and offices to increase the reliability of electric service to members. Plus, if all goes well, he said the plan is to provide fiber-to-the-home (high-speed internet) for the cooperative’s members.

“It may take several years, but we will take it one step at a time,” Faulkner said. “Much like we did with electricity in 1938, we’re going to provide real, affordable broadband for rural residents in southeast Missouri.”

During the business meeting, four directors – Myron Hawes, Dicky Hanor, Dennis Fowler and James Deneke – were elected to the cooperative’s board to serve three year terms to help guide SEMO Electric’s strategic direction. Prior to the business meeting, entertainer Maggie Thorn sang original songs and some old favorites to the large crowd as they snacked on popcorn.