Choptank Electric's broadband plan requires an economy-of-scale that is only possible for us as a “member-regulated” cooperative. Which means decisions about future electric rates, infrastructure buildout, smart grid, and broadband business strategy would be debated by the elected Board members and decided with input from our member/owners. Our cooperative could operate more efficiently, like 83% of the 850 electric cooperatives across the country.
Our Board members live and work in your communities. Many are involved in family businesses that have been on the Eastern Shore for generations. They have your same concern for responsible spending. And, they share your desire to finally connect to the world through broadband.
As we move forward, we pledge to maintain the reputation that Choptank Electric has earned us a trusted community partner for over 80 years. Specifically, we pledge to work with you - our member/owners – on rate plans and infrastructure needs on both the electric and broadband sides of our business. We pledge to protect electric customers from subsidizing the new broadband business. We pledge to not raise electric rates to pay for broadband service. We pledge to seek state and federal grants to bring down the cost of broadband to all members.
Legislation passed by the Maryland General Assembly allows us to move forward after a vote by members to become Member Regulated. Please cast your vote on the question of Member Regulation as soon as your ballot arrives in the mail so we can move forward as soon as possible.