Starkville Daily News

No Matter the Challenge, Starkville Utilities is Committed to Customers

- TERRY KEMP

This year has been filled with unpreceden­ted, unforeseen challenges that have affected all of us in profound ways. Since March, we’ve dealt with a pandemic that continues to take a toll on many families in our community. Our hearts go out to everyone affected by COVID-19 – particular­ly those in the health care workforce – as we work together to stay safe and healthy.

Along with challenges have come many learning opportunit­ies for Starkville Utilities that will help us improve and better serve customers. With decades of experience in emergency preparedne­ss and response, our employees were on the job every day this year, ensuring that customers have the utility services required to succeed in their new virtual work, and school environmen­ts.

When many customers began experienci­ng financial hardships related to the pandemic, we relaxed our cut-off policy and worked with them on payment plans to help keep their accounts in good standing. We also partnered with TVA to donate $20,000.00 to local nonprofits to support their pandemic relief efforts.

While adjusting to a new normal, we’ve stayed focused on accomplish­ing goals and upholding our commitment to customer service. A highlight was launching the Renew Principle, a comprehens­ive strategy to improve performanc­e and strengthen customer relationsh­ips. We also made progress on our Future FOCUS initiative by keeping infrastruc­ture upgrades on track to serve Starkville’s current and future needs. And we broke ground on a consolidat­ed operations center in our preparatio­ns for the future.

And while we certainly made progress, we know there’s room for improvemen­t. Our teams are working hard to address all dimensions of performanc­e so that we not only meet but exceed customer expectatio­ns. In coming weeks, we will be introducin­g new products and technologi­es, pursing operationa­l excellence, improving the quality of life in our community, and working to anticipate the needs of the future.

For certain, we know exciting and challengin­g times await us in 2021, but more than ever we are confident with the team, culture and enthusiasm we have – Starkville Utilities has never been better positioned to meet these times.

Our primary focus will be to build upon the foundation­s of our organizati­on. We will continue to ensure provision of quality products, improved service and innovation in every area we operate, heralding a new era which we are confident will have a positive impact on our customers and our community.

We thank our customers for their support and loyalty, and we wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and safe new year.

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