[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 67 (Friday, April 29, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E634-E635]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING NOVEC FOR ITS COMMITMENT TO THE RESIDENTS OF NORTHERN 
                                VIRGINIA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 29, 2016

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Northern Virginia 
Electric Cooperative (NOVEC), which was recognized during the 6th 
Annual Hylton Center for Performing Arts Awards Gala for its commitment 
to supporting communities in Northern Virginia.
  Founded on January 1, 1983, the not-for-profit distribution 
cooperative provides electrical services to more than 160,000 homes and 
businesses located in Clarke, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, Stafford, and 
Prince William counties, the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park, and 
the Town of Clifton. As one of the largest electric cooperatives of its 
kind in the United States, NOVEC's service territory spans 651 square 
miles. Over the past 33 years, NOVEC has achieved and maintained 
excellence in the areas of safety, customer satisfaction, and 
technology management, showcasing an extensive record of efficiency and 
productivity. Their service is consistently ranked the best in the 
region, averaging a 99.99 percent average system reliability over the 
past 5 years. As a cooperative, NOVEC's customers have an ownership 
interest, and therefore, share in any profits generated by the company. 
These profits are allocated annually to improve the health and well-
being of customer-owners and community residents.
  NOVEC is invested in the community with emphasis placed in the areas 
of corporate sponsorship, community volunteerism, and

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customer outreach. Displaying its commitment to active community 
engagement, NOVEC reaches beyond the power lines and invests in the 
community. Customers and members of the general public are invited to 
take advantage of the services and resources offered by NOVEC, 
including financial scholarships, legislative tours to expose youth to 
the federal and state legislative processes, and hands-on engagement 
through volunteerism.
  NOVEC works to inspire and empower the people it serves to take an 
active role in their community. A time-tested initiative is Operation 
Round-Up. Program participants voluntarily have their bill rounded up 
to the next dollar to assist local families who have fallen on hard 
times to pay for their winter heating bills through donations to 
heating-assistance programs at six local social service agencies. Since 
the establishment of Operation Round-Up in 1997, the program has 
generated close to $750,000 in heating assistance. Another initiative 
unique to NOVEC is its relationship with the Hylton Performing Arts 
Center. NOVEC continues to serve as an instrumental partner through its 
constant support of the Hylton Center's artists and initiatives.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing NOVEC as 
the 6th Annual Hylton Performing Arts Awards Gala honoree for its 
involvement and investment in the residents of Northern Virginia.

                          ____________________