Central Connection Podcast

In this episode, we head straight to the front lines with the guys who keep the lights on: linemen! Whether you’re familiar with the world of co-op linemen or hearing their stories for the first time, this episode sheds some light on the people behind the power and the real-life experiences that shape their work in the field. 

When winter weather strikes, restoring service takes teamwork, grit, and a willingness to go wherever help is needed. From icy lines to miles of damaged fiber, we sat down with CAEC linemen and Central Access fiber technicians who recently traveled to Mississippi to provide mutual aid following Winter Storm Fern. The group chats about the unique partnership between electric and broadband crews, how their skills complement one another during large restoration efforts, and why mutual aid is such an important aspect of the co-op world. 

Every great relationship has an origin story, and ours started with a simple mission: to serve the community. Electric co-ops were founded to bring power to rural areas when no one else would. Years later, that same cooperative spirit asked a new question: What about fiber internet access? And just like that, broadband became the perfect match: built on the same values of service, innovation, and commitment to those they serve. Tune in to find out exactly how CAEC and Central Access work together seamlessly to become the ultimate power couple! 

Grassroots advocacy may sound like a big, complicated term — but at its heart, it’s simply members using their voices. In this episode, we sit down with former Alabama Congresswoman Martha Roby to break down what grassroots advocacy really means, why it matters, and how member involvement helps shape decisions. From legislative priorities to real-world examples, you’ll hear how everyday voices create powerful change — and how you can get involved to make a difference for your co-op and your neighbors! 

In this special Christmas episode, we take inspiration from the classic tale A Christmas Carol to explore energy efficiency and safety lessons from the past, present, and future. From outdated habits that can create safety risks to simple, smart choices that make a real difference today, this episode offers practical guidance to help keep your home merry, bright, and powered safely! 

This November, we're celebrating Career Development Month by exploring how strong careers and strong communities go hand in hand. We sat down with two of CAEC's own to talk about how rural areas can create opportunity, support local talent, and build a brighter future for the next generation. Whether you're a co-op employee, a community member, or someone curious about the future of rural work, this episode offers practical insights, inspiring perspectives, and a fresh look at how careers are built—right here at home.

They’re the first voices you hear, the helping hands behind every question, and the heartbeat of our mission — our Customer Service Representatives! In this special episode, released in honor of Customer Service Appreciation Week, we’re shining a spotlight on the dedicated team members who embody the cooperative difference every single day. 

Politics in action, state pin trading, historic monuments, and friendships that last a lifetime? Now that's what I call Youth Tour! Join us as we chat with two former delegates about their experiences in Montgomery & D.C. and what being part of Youth Tour meant to them. 

From building hydroponic gardens to creating immersive learning environments in the form of a coffee shop, join us as we chat with two local educators on how CAEC's Bright Ideas Grant program empowered them to bring these impactful learning experiences to life! 

Annual Meeting, the role of the Board of Trustees, co-op principles -- this episode covers it all! You hear us say it all the time- without you, there is no us, and nothing exemplifies this concept more than Annual Meeting and our annual trustee election. We're joined by Board Chairman, Mark Presnell, and Board Vice Chairman, Mark Gray, to chat about what it means to them to serve on CAEC's Board, as well as dive into a few updates about this year's Annual Meeting on Friday, Aug. 8. 

In this special episode, legendary meteorologist James Spann joins us to break down everything you need to know about staying safe when storms threaten. From the myths that put people at risk to the simple steps that could save your life, James shares his decades of experience, no-nonsense advice, and trademark calm in the chaos. Whether you’re a seasoned Southerner or new to storm country, this episode will leave you smarter, safer, and Spann-ready. 

On this special episode of the CCP, we're highlighting Effective Communications Month by talking with the voices behind the co-op's messages — communicators! They're the storytellers, crisis managers, and trusted bridges between co-ops and the communities they serve. Join us as we talk with veteran communicators about what it takes to keep members informed, engaged, and empowered every day.

As we mark 2025 — the International Year of the Co-op — we take a deep dive into the essential role rural electric cooperatives play in bringing power to remote communities. On this episode, we sit down with Josh McGhee, Director of Member Marketing & Engagement with Touchstone Energy Cooperatives, to chat all things people, power and purpose! 

Powering through storms, swamps and snakes to keep the lights on! Step into the boots of these linemen as they share wild tales from the field—rescuing storm-ravaged communities, wrangling iguanas and trudging through alligator-filled swamps. Join us as we talk with two of CAEC's own linemen as well as two from our sister co-op Pioneer Electric! This episode of the CCP captures the grit and heart of linemen and the reasons that keep them climbing. 

Whether it's exploring the vital role politics plays in shaping the energy landscape for rural communities or learning the proper parameters of a filibuster, we've got plenty to talk about! Join our guests Sean Strickler and Todd Stacy as they discuss these topics and many more on this episode of the CCP. 

Valentine’s Day may be over, but love is still in the air—just in a different way. We’ve talked about knowing when to break up with your hot water heater, but now we’re looking at other parts of your home that might need some TLC. Efficiency and comfort go hand in hand—let’s make sure your home isn’t giving you the cold shoulder! 

Ever wonder how your lights stay on even when demand surges? Or why energy prices fluctuate? On this episode of the CCP, we’re diving into the high-stakes balancing act of energy supply and demand with special guest Damon Morgan from our G&T PowerSouth! 

Central Access...it's what everyone is talking about! What is it? How did it begin? What's next? We look at this and more with our special guests Chris Montgomery, Vice President of Central Access, and Jimmy Gray, Vice President of Engineering & Operations. 

We all love the high-speed connectivity and reliability of Central Access, but do you know what all goes into making sure internet runs from the lines to your home? Join us as we talk with three members of our Central Access crew to get the nitty gritty details of how fiber works, as well as an update on upcoming construction and installation timelines! 

Did you know that October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month? The CCP recently sat down with two of our very own tech gurus to learn the ins and outs of staying secure in today's cyber world, as well as how to recognize and avoid common cyber scams. 

Concern for Community is one of the seven core cooperative principles rural electric co-ops live by. With October being Co-op Month, we sat down with CAEC's own Jeremy Hicks and Michael Kelley to discuss how they and other co-op employees took this principle to heart during their recent trip to Guatemala as part of the NRECA's International program. 

The CCP had the amazing opportunity to sit down with WSFA Chief Meteorologist Josh Johnson for a local look at weather preparedness. From the 2024 hurricane outlook and bolt from the blue lightning to the history of weather sirens, we talk about a plethora of weather information for our neck of the woods and how you can help keep you and your family safe. 

While it's true we appreciate our linemen every day, April 18th officially marked National Lineman Appreciation Day. To keep the celebration going, the Central Connection Podcast sat down with two of our very own linemen to find out what drew them to this field and why they do what they do. So join us and as always, #ThankALineman! 

How do crypto mining and pharmacy costs impact our members? Join us as we discuss these Alabama legislative session topics and more with political experts Todd Stacy (host of Capitol Journal and author of the Alabama Daily News) and Sean Strickler (Vice President of Public Affairs at Alabama Rural Electric Association). From the importance of knowing your legislators and how to be involved to the inner workings of  "Goat Hill" in Montgomery, don't miss this episode!

Blurb: Let's face it, weather in Alabama is unpredictable and severe weather can strike at any time. We chat with Mark Wakefield of the Alabama Baptist Disaster Relief Center about what he's seen after a storm hits and what you can do to prepare if that day ever comes. Joined by Michael Kelley (CAEC Manager of Training & Safety) we'll also discuss vital steps after a storm, generator safety and more. 

It may be a new year, but it's the same old scams. Whether it's someone pretending to be a CAEC employee and demanding payment or trying to steal your personal info, beat scammers at their own game by being aware of some common red flags. 

 On Nov. 28, 1938, rural Alabama residents filed the incorporation papers for Central Alabama Electric Corporation and the rest, as they say, is history. Join us as we take a quick decade by decade look at some important moments of CAEC's history. From politics, Y2K, epic storms, home economics and more, we've seen a lot and we're ready for the future!

Did you know that along with being the spooooookiest of all the months, October is also National Co-op Month? To really get into the co-op spirit, we sat down with CAEC's very own Connie Bainbridge and Lori Williams to learn more about the role the co-op plays in Economic Development, as well as how it helps demonstrate our core principle of "concern for community." 

One of the banner programs cooperatives offer is Youth Tour! But have you ever wondered what the students who participate in the program get out of it? We sit down with two of the 2023 Youth Tour delegates to get the dirt on what this program means to them, what they gained from it and how it's impacting their lives. Oh, and by the way, applications for the 2024 Youth Tour are open now through January 2024! 

We love our community. We love our teachers. We love to help teachers engage the young minds in our communities through the Bright Ideas Grant Program. We spoke with guests and local educators, Emily Gregory of Pine Level Elementary School and Gylendora Davis of Billingsley School, about the Bright Ideas Grant program and how it's impacted their classrooms. So teachers, this is for you! Y'all rock!

We held CAEC's Annual Meeting on August 11 and took the CCP on the road to talk to you-- the members! Join Beth as she talks to people about the importance of Annual Meeting, Central Access, cooperative membership and so much more during our episode about you, by you and all about you!

Annual Meeting, voting, co-op principles, a Central Access update - we have it all and more in episode 7! You hear us say it all the time- without you, there is no us, and nothing exemplifies this concept more than Annual Meeting and our annual trustee election. We're joined by Board Member Terry Mitchell and our President & CEO Tom Stackhouse to discuss why we have these events, what makes co-ops different, the importance of Co-op Principle #2 and some details of this year's election as well as our in-person and virtual Annual Meeting on Aug. 11. 

Storms happen, and when they do we often think of the brave line workers who go out and restore power. But there's another group of folks who take your phone calls, answer your questions and embody the co-op heart. Join us as we learn what it's like to help our members on the other end of a phone line. 

Safety - it's something we all want, but sometimes we take it for granted. Whether you're a lineman working in the field or just trying to drive to work, taking a little time can go a long way. Join us and CAEC Manager of Training & Safety, Michael Kelley, as we discuss the importance of safety as well as our ability (or lack thereof) to do the SAFETY Dance. 

Lineman Appreciation Day is April 18, and we had the chance to speak with two of our own about the hard job they do, why they do it and even an encounter with a hairless squirrel. So take a listen and always, thank a lineman! 

Warm weather is here and wouldn't you rather spend your money on all the fun things it brings and not your power bill? We speak with one of our Energy and Technology Consultants about some of the low to no cost things you can do to help save your energy dollars. 

Getting a cold shoulder? Spending a ton of money and getting nothing in return?  These signs and more could mean it's time to ditch that old heat pump or water heater and find someone new. Our special guest, Energy & Technology Consultant Cindy Browder, tells us the warning signs to look out for and how CAEC can help. 

Welcome to the Central Connection Pod (CCP)! For our first episode we're talking about what everyone is talking about - Central Access fiber internet. What is it? Why are cooperatives leading the way for rural broadband? What's next? We look at this and more with our special guest, Chris Montgomery, Vice President of Central Access.