To help you better understand the program we’ve assembled frequently asked questions about Operation Round Up®
Q: What is Operation Round Up®?
A: It is an ongoing charitable fund-raising program to benefit worthwhile community projects. REMC customers who round up their electric bills to an even dollar amount donate those funds. Many rural electric cooperatives across the country have implemented the program, which was originated by Palmetto Electric Cooperative in South Carolina.
Q: How does the program work?
A: Each month, members who wish to participate will allow Noble REMC to automatically round up electric bills (and metered propane bills) to the next highest dollar amount. For example, if your bill is $68.51, your bill will be rounded up to $69.00, meaning that months contribution is 49-cents.
The 49-cents will be put in the Noble REMC Operation Round Up® Trust. The cost to you will be $1 or less per month and will average about $6 a year per member. Individually it doesn’t sound like much, but collectively it adds up in a hurry. We estimate over $42,000 in annual giving.
Q: Where and how will the funds be distributed?
A: Any individual or organization in the REMC’s service territory area is eligible to apply for a grant from the trust. Funds will not be used to pay electric bills. Grant application times will be published.
Q: Who will administer the trust?
A: A seven-person volunteer board of directors from the REMC geographic area will review the applications and make grant recommendations.
Q: What are some possible uses for the fund?
A: Examples of grants would be to fire department equipment funds, EMS, youth groups, school groups, fund raisers for an individual’s medical needs, camps, foundations, senior citizen groups and various community programs and projects.
Q: What is the role of the Operation Round UP® trust board of directors?
A: Separate from the REMC board of directors, this non-paid board will evaluate applications made to the program and make recommendations for issuing of grants. They will have a set of bylaws by which to operate.
Q: How will we know where the funds go?
A: A list of the funds given out will be featured periodically in the Electric Consumer and there will be an annual report for the trust fund. Until the funds are distributed they will be placed in a trust fund with the Noble County Community Foundation.
Q: If I have several accounts, will each one be rounded up?
A: Any participation from our members is appreciated. However, if you’d like only one of your accounts rounded up, just let us know.
Q: What if I can’t or don’t want to participate in this program?
A: We realize that not everyone is willing or able to participate in the program at this time. You may opt-out of the voluntary program. If you do not notify us of your decision to opt-out, then you will automatically be in the program. You may opt-out at anytime in the future if your situation changes or you may opt-back-in, too. You may email us at remc@nobleremc.com with your account number and name telling us of your desire to opt-out. We hope everyone will participate and help make this a tremendous community support organization.
