Why a new facility?
Safety is our top concern. Highway 371 traffic has grown and moves faster than it used to. Our lineworkers and employees frequently pull in and out of the highway in trucks and trailers that can be 30 feet long. Certain traffic patterns, like J-turns, do not work safely with our trucks and increase risk for both our drivers and the people traveling the highway.
When will you start building and move in?
At this time, no decision has been made to build or move into a new facility.
The Board has approved exploring options, which is an early planning step. This phase is focused on understanding needs, possibilities, and potential timelines not setting construction or move-in dates.
If the Board ultimately determines that building a new facility is in the best interest of the membership, that decision will be clearly communicated. Members would receive information about plans, timelines, and next steps well in advance.
For now, this remains a thoughtful and deliberate process, and we are committed to keeping members informed as decisions are made.
This isn’t just about a building- it’s about ensuring Crow Wing Power can continue to safely and reliably serve our members for generations to come.
How much is this going to cost?
At this point, we do not have a cost estimate. We are still exploring options, and we need to understand the size, layout, and functionality of a potential facility before any numbers can be shared.
Will this raise my electric bill?
Keeping rates competitive is always a top priority. Any investment the Cooperative makes is evaluated with long-term financial impacts in mind.
This project is being planned in a way that balances operational needs with fiscal responsibility. While infrastructure investments are a normal part of running a reliable electric system, the goal is to do this without unnecessary financial burden on members. More detailed financial information will be shared as plans are finalized.
Is this project necessary right now?
We understand that many members are cautious, especially when it comes to large investments. That’s fair. This project has not come together quickly or lightly. It is the result of years of discussion, evaluation, and planning by both the board and employees.
The decision to move forward is about timing and responsibility. Addressing facility needs now allows us to plan carefully, control costs, and avoid more expensive, reactive decisions later.
Why not just remodel or stay where we are?
That option was considered. In fact, many options were reviewed before any decision was made to consider a new facility. Our current facilities have limitations that make long-term expansion, modernization, and safety improvements difficult and costly.
At some point, investing heavily in aging infrastructure can cost more than planning a facility designed for today’s needs and tomorrow’s growth. This project reflects a careful look at what makes the most sense for members over time.
Who is making these decisions?
Crow Wing Power is governed by a member-elected board of directors. These directors live in the communities we serve and are accountable to the membership.
Employees also play a key role by providing insight into operational needs, safety considerations, and future growth. Ultimately, decisions are made with one guiding principle: what is in the best interest of the membership as a whole.
When will you start building and move in?
At this time, no final decision has been made to build or move into a new facility.
The Board has approved exploring options, which is an early planning step. This phase is focused on understanding needs, possibilities, and potential timelines not setting construction or move-in dates.
If the Board ultimately determines that building a new facility is in the best interest of the membership, that decision will be clearly communicated. Members would receive information about plans, timelines, and next steps well in advance.
For now, this remains a thoughtful and deliberate process, and we are committed to keeping members informed as decisions are made.
How does this benefit me as a member?
A modern, well-designed headquarters and operations facility supports:
- Faster outage response
- Improved safety for lineworkers and staff
- Better coordination during storms and emergencies
- Long-term cost control through efficiency
- A Cooperative that is prepared for future energy needs
Even if you never step inside the building, the work that happens there directly impacts the reliability of your power.
Will members have opportunities to learn more or provide input?
Yes. Transparency matters. As plans move forward, we will continue sharing information through newsletters, meetings, our website, and other communication channels.
This is your Cooperative, and we want members to understand not just what we’re doing, but why.
What happens next in this process?
We are gathering facts and exploring options. That includes looking at site plans, operational needs, safety concerns, and costs.
As soon as we have more information, we will share updates with members. The goal is to be open, honest, and clear about any decisions that could affect members or the Cooperative
Safety is our highest priority—for our employees, our members, and the traveling public. Located along the busy corridor of Highway 371, our current facility faces increasing traffic volumes and higher travel speeds, especially during peak morning and afternoon hours when large utility trucks are entering and exiting. With proposed changes from the Minnesota Department of Transportation to close the median, eliminating southbound turns when exiting the main campus, safe access becomes even more challenging. Additionally, limited space for staging trucks and equipment creates inefficiencies during outage response, where time and safety are critical. These factors are driving us to carefully evaluate how we can improve safety for everyone who depends on and travels past our facility.