Wed October 08, 2025

By Shelly B Short

Hope Water & Light Hosts Community Coffee for Public Power Week
Hope Water & Light (HWL) staff, administration, and commissioners extended a warm welcome to local citizens this morning as they hosted this week’s Community Coffee. Guests enjoyed an elegant brunch spread catered by Sheba’s Family Restaurant, featuring an array of sweet and savory options; from biscuits, ham, and pecan pie to boiled shrimp, dips with crackers, and more.

HWL General Manager of Operations, Russell Cornelius, said the HWL team was especially excited to host the event during such a meaningful week and to share updates on recent developments within the department. “We always celebrate Public Power Week in October. It’s a way to show our community that, as a small utility, we truly care, we’re here to keep the lights on. This week is also about honoring our linemen, who work hard every day to keep the power running. We really appreciate everyone coming out to celebrate with us. We enjoy doing this because it gives us a chance to visit with our local customers and business owners, and we’re so thankful for their continued support.” 

In addition to providing reliable water and electric services, HWL continues to expand its reach through new technology and improved connectivity. The utility now offers broadband Wi-Fi and telephone service to customers, reflecting its commitment to keeping the community connected and moving forward. HWL’s refined and professional updated logo, featured on their new trucks, on the website homepage and shirts of team members highlights this new chapter of growth and innovation

Cornelius went on to talk about their new logo and what that logo means: “The logo represents that we now provide broadband, water, and electric services. One thing many people may not realize is that we also offer phone service as part of our broadband package. We’re very excited about that. We currently have close to 1,400 broadband customers, and we’re looking forward to adding many more.”

Executive Director of the Hope-Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce, Christy Burns, said she always looks forward to the HWL community coffees and appreciates the essential role the organization plays in the community.

“Hope Water & Light always does such a wonderful job hosting our Community Coffee events,” Burns said. 

“These mornings are a great way to bring people together, and it’s inspiring to see how HWL continues to grow and serve our community not just by providing power and water, but by offering even more resources and services that make Hope a better place to live and work.”

Numerous representatives from local businesses, organizations, schools, and civic groups turned out to show their support for the HWL team. Guests enjoyed the inviting atmosphere, delicious meal, and engaging conversation as the community came together to celebrate Public Power Week.

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