San Miguel Electric Cooperative, Inc. Invested in South Texas Communities and Conservation Efforts in 2025
CHRISTINE, Texas [February 12, 2026] – San Miguel Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SMECI) continued its long-standing commitment to South Texas communities through more than $30,000 in contributions and hands-on employee support in 2025 benefiting charitable organizations across Atascosa and McMullen Counties.
Funding supported a wide range of local needs, including child advocacy, food security, veterans services, youth programs and emergency response. In addition to financial contributions, San Miguel employees volunteered their time and expertise to support charitable organizations throughout the year.
The Cooperative also invested in regional conservation efforts, contributing $5,000 to the Center for Conservation and Research at the San Antonio Zoo (CCR) to support the reintroduction of the Texas horned lizard – a species listed as threatened in the state since 1967. Through CCR’s innovative breeding and release program, horned lizards are raised in a climate-controlled, bio-secure facility before being released onto suitable ranchland in Central Texas. Once released, the animals are carefully monitored to support long-term population recovery.
“Our mission extends beyond providing reliable electricity – it includes being a responsible partner in the communities we serve,” said Jason Cowan, General Manager and CEO of SMECI. “Whether it’s supporting first responders, strengthening families or contributing to conservation efforts that preserve Texas’ natural heritage, we are proud to invest where our employees and members live and work.”
San Miguel provided $750 donations to the following organizations and $1,000 to each participating volunteer fire department:
| Atascosa Animal Allies | Cambellton Volunteer Fire Department |
| Atascosa County Child Care Board | Charlotte Volunteer Fire Department |
| Bountiful Blessings Food Pantry | Christine Volunteer Fire Department |
| CASA of South Texas | Jourdanton Volunteer Fire Department |
| Children's Alliance of South Texas | Leming Volunteer Fire Department |
| Children Matter | Poteet Volunteer Fire Department |
| Cowboys Ranch | Blackhill Volunteer Fire Department |
| Jamie's Ranch | |
| Oasis Acres Equine Assisted Therapy Center | |
| Quilted Hearts | |
| American GI Forum National Veterans Outreach Program Inc. | |
| Texas Ramp Project | |
| BFF Youth Network | |
San Miguel also participated in CoBank’s “Sharing Success Program” to provide matching funds that resulted in $30,000 in grants, including:
- $5,000 – BFF Youth Network for a total of $10,000
- $5,000 – American GI Forum National Veterans Outreach Program Inc. for a total of $10,000
- $5,000 – Jamie’s Ranch for a total of $10,000
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Details on the Cooperative’s Charitable Giving Program, including application information, can be found here.
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About San Miguel Electric Cooperative, Inc.
San Miguel Electric Cooperative, Inc. is a member-owned mining and power generation company that serves the people of Texas' rural communities, working and living in partnership with its members. Through integrity, hard work and a commitment to safety, San Miguel maintains a dependable power supply at the lowest possible and competitive cost. Visit San Miguel Electric Cooperative, Inc. for more information.