If you're like me, you've come to rely on instant communication, 24/7.

If you need something in a hurry, I'm likely to shop online and have it shipped. If I need directions, I turn to my computer. When I need information, I search the Internet. If the weather looks bad, I'll check my tablet. Away from the office, I check my emails, retrieve text messages and make business calls on my smartphone. I even find myself using my smartphone while I'm at the office.

Never before have there been so many ways to connect. The methods in which our world communicates continue to multiply dramatically every year.

I'm sure you're no different than me - always on the go, juggling meetings, appointments or kids' ball games. It's because we are bust and life's pace is hectic that we've come to expect immediate information, immediate service.

In this fast-paced world, with so much information available to us, one thing is still true: Good communication is essential to customer satisfaction. 

I'm proud that Jackson EMC has kept pace with technological advances in communications and offers you a variety of ways to access information when and how you need it - because we know everyone's lives are busy and everyone's communications requirements vary. For instance, you can read this newsletter on paper or online.

When you have time to sit down and want more information, our interactive website is packed with services, programs, products, and even how-to videos. The site offers 24/7 self-service where you can apply for or disconnect electric service, report a power outage, check your account history, view and pay your power bill, request services and even discover where your home may be using too much power.

Most exciting to me is our new mobile website, which provides immediate access to your account, outage reporting and other information for you Jackson EMC members who rely on smartphones and tablets for info on-the-go. The convenient app takes self-service to a higher level. It allows you to access your account, check the balance, make payments, report outages and even learn of breaking severe weather reports - all at the single tap of a mobile app. Download it on your smartphone or tablet, and you're rarely more than an arm's length away from information and services you need from your cooperative.

The ays we connect have certainly changed, and they all have their place. Jackson EMC works to provide you with all the co-op services and energy information you need, through a variety of resources - whether it's on our website, in our member newsletter, through bill inserts and even social media - because we know everyone's needs are different.

We appreciate the evolving needs of those we serve and will continue to find new ways to meet those needs. Like today's ever-present modes of communication, we're here for you, 24/7.