Carroll County Electric to Change Business Hours in 2026

HUNTINGDON (November 20) — Beginning January 2, 2026, business hours for the Carroll County Electric Department will shift from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. to 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m., a change approved by the board during Thursday's regular monthly meeting.

The proposal was presented by General Manager Ryan Drewry, prompted by the observation that many customers routinely come in the morning and must wait for the office to open at 8 a.m., while few customers come during the 4-5 p.m. hour.

Another change to hours will affect linemen specifically during the summer. From June through August, linemen will work from 6 a.m.-2:30 p.m. to avoid the hottest part of the day. Managers will have discretion to adjust those hours in May and September as well when temperatures merit it.

Drewry surveyed all employees anonymously to gauge each of the changes, and the overwhelming majority (90-plus percent for each) were in favor of the new hours.

Drewry and Operations Manager Danny Toombs proposed a change in the department's right-of-way contractor from Davey Tree to Xylem I, LLC. Xylem offers lower costs, newer equipment and better regional support. Estimated annual savings from the shift are around $53,000. Toombs recommended that Xylem retain the current local crew members working under Davey Tree.

The board unanimously approved the change.

Also approved was renewal of employee group health insurance through Blue Cross Blue Shield. S&S Insurance agent Jacob Smothers was present to offer insights into changes and options and to answer any questions from the board. He explained that the rate increase of 16.17 percent was in line with other businesses of a similar size in the area.

Board members lamented the increase, but Drewry noted that the better-than-expected savings from the new solar farm would prevent the insurance hike from impacting electric rates.

Drewry also reported some potentially negative news on the Leach substation project. Preliminary results of the environmental survey indicate that the department could potentially be forced to purchase up to $50,000 in mitigation credits due to non-isolated wetland on the project site. The matter is now in the hands of the State, who will determine the department's requirements.

This development has delayed the start of dirt work at the site, now tentatively to begin in February. Drewry told The Banner that the overall projection of completion by late 2026 shouldn't be affected.

The meeting adjourned after 30 minutes. Board member Paul Moore was absent.

The board next meets on Thursday, December 18 at 2:30 p.m.