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 work together to keep power flowing
• What happens in the operations center during major outages and extreme weather
• Why training, certification, and continuous learning are critical to grid reliability
  
  

It's a fascinating look at the people, technology, and dedication that keep communities connected—no matter what's happening outside.

Follow & Connect:
Host: Sonja Cox
Co-Host: Tom Dennison

SMECO on Instagram: somdelectric
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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, 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

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 conversation reveals what it really takes to deliver safe, reliable power every day.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

• How SMECO plans years ahead to support growth and reliability
• The difference between distribution and transmission—and why both matter
• Major infrastructure projects, including underground conversions and new substations
• What it took to bring the Indian Head Naval Surface Warfare Center onto the SMECO system
  
  

This is a behind-the-scenes look at the people, planning, and purpose that power our communities—today and for generations to come.

Follow & Connect:
Host: Sonja Cox
Co-Host: Tom Dennison

SMECO on Instagram: somdelectric
SMECO on X: somdelectric