Dear Members:
As the holiday season approaches and the air turns crisp, we’re reminded that this truly is the season of giving. It’s a time for gratitude, generosity, and looking out for one another—and at Plumas-Sierra Rural Electric Cooperative (PSREC), that’s something we take to heart year-round.
You’ve probably heard us talk about our concern for community. It’s not just a nice phrase—it’s 1 of the core principles that make electric cooperatives such as ours different from other utilities. We’re not just here to keep the lights on, though, of course, we’re always working hard to do that. We’re here to make life better for the people we serve—our members, our neighbors, and our friends.
Over the years, we’ve faced challenges together, and every time, our co-op family has stepped up. We’ve come together to support those in need, to keep our community strong, and to build something better for the future. That spirit of generosity is never more evident than during the holiday season.
We occasionally get questions such as, why should I care about being a member of the cooperative or being a customer of its broadband subsidiary, Plumas-Sierra Telecommunications? When deciding on your internet provider, there are many choices, though the competition usually has significant flaws. Satellite service degrades quickly as users are added, cellular packages are convenient but very subject to slow speed at peak hours, and then there are times of inclement weather that can interrupt both types of technology.
At PSREC and PST, you can always reach a real person who is ready to assist you—during regular business hours and after-hours. Even our website’s chat feature is staffed by local team members who understand your needs.
Our system delivers exactly as promised. We continually invest in upgrades and the latest technologies to ensure faster performance and greater reliability. We guarantee our fiber-optic network consistently operates at a minimum of 80% of the advertised speeds, so you can count on the service you expect.
PST is owned by the cooperative, and the cooperative is owned by you—our member-owners. That means it’s truly your company. The dollars you spend stay right here in our community, reinvested to strengthen local infrastructure and improve the quality of life across our region. Unlike outside providers, we don’t extract resources from the community. Instead, we reinvest them to build a stronger future together.
1 way we do so is through a fund where 10% of our profits from our broadband subsidiary go into a foundation and are given back to our local communities. As we come into the holiday season, PST’s foundation will donate thousands of dollars to the local food banks in our region. We donate to local 4-H and FFA groups, Little Leagues, booster clubs, and other charities and fundraisers. We also match donations to local fire departments in our region up to $1,000 per year.
Additionally, we’re proud to support local students through the Youth Tour program, where we send some of our community’s brightest young people to Washington, D.C., to see democracy in action and dream big about their futures. That’s giving in the most meaningful way—by investing in tomorrow’s leaders.
You’ll also find our team out in the community beyond work—coaching youth sports, volunteering at local events, serving on nonprofit boards, and partnering with our Chamber of Commerce to keep our local economy strong. Because when you’re part of a co-op, giving back isn’t a requirement—it’s just what you do.
While the holiday season is a festive time, we understand these can be tough times for many. If you need advice on saving energy to reduce your energy bills, want to explore payment plan options, or simply have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help, not just during the holiday season, but all year long.
From all of us at PSREC and PST, we wish you and your loved ones a joyful, safe, and bright holiday season.
Capital Credits
1 of the ways electric cooperatives differ from investor-owned utilities is that cooperatives depend on their members to provide the necessary funding—or equity—for operation. Inspired by the idea that people can pool their resources to get things done, a fact that hasn’t changed since Plumas-Sierra REC was formed in 1937 by a group of people who banded together to bring electricity to the countryside, your membership ensures access to reliable resources and services, a cornerstone of economic opportunity.
The mechanism by which members contribute equity is known as capital credits. Capital credits are determined at the end of each business year by allocating the net profits of PSREC to each member based on the amount of electricity they bought.
Capital credit returns are evaluated annually by PSREC’s Board of Directors. The board has determined PSREC will distribute a return to members in 2025.
Members in good standing received capital credit returns on their October bills, received in early November. If the return was less than $100, it appears as a credit on your bill. If your return is $100 or more, you would have been mailed a check in November.
Telecommunications
Have you visited the Plumas-Sierra Telecommunications (PST) Facebook page lately? If you are curious and want the most up-to-date information about PST, you can find us on Facebook. If you can, take a moment to review us on Google, Yelp, and Facebook.
We post systemwide power outage notifications and other information, such as updates and tips. If you are not on Facebook, do not worry. Visit the PST website to stay informed. You can also receive outage information via text message and email. PST crews and contractors continue to be busy building out PST’s fiber network throughout its communities. Sierra Brooks, Loyalton, Delleker, Quincy, Calpine, and South Portola, along with the areas of Janesville, Milford, and Herlong, are all in progress.
Check availability for your location on the PST website or by calling (530) 832-4261. PST’s internet services are unlimited; you don’t have to worry about data caps. PST offers speeds up to 1 gigabit per second on fiber-optic service. To learn more about services or get on the interest list, visit the PST website or call (530) 832-4261.
Don’t forget: To sign up for system-wide electric outage notifications via text and email, log in to the SmartHub app from your mobile device or from the PST website and set your notification preferences. Call us at (530) 832-4261 for assistance. With the SmartHub app, available for Apple and Android devices, you can pay your bills, view outage information, and contact us from the convenience of your smartphone, tablet, or other devices.
As we look ahead to the new year, I see challenges and opportunities on the horizon. The energy industry is undergoing significant change driven by the rising need for more electricity, new tools and technologies, and federal energy policies.
The path forward requires innovative thinking and member-focused solutions. I’m confident that with the dedication of PSREC employees and the continued support of our members, we are well-positioned to adapt and meet challenges head-on. Through it all, our promise to you remains steadfast: reliable power for today and tomorrow.
If you have questions, contact me by phone at (530) 832-6076 or by emailing Bob Marshall.
Merry Christmas and happy holidays!
Sincerely,
Bob Marshall
General Manager