A Message from Your Board Chair
As your Board of Directors, we understand that every penny on your electric bill matters. We’re members, too—and like you, we keep a close eye on our costs. Yet when the lights go out, our first concern is always safety. Once we know everyone is safe, the next question we all ask is, “When will the power be restored?” That simple question underscores what’s most important to your cooperative—safety and reliability.
This balance—between affordability, safety, and reliability—is what I like to call a three-legged stool. Each leg must remain strong to keep our Cooperative stable. If one is weakened, the whole structure becomes unsteady. That’s why your board takes its fiduciary responsibility seriously. We plan not only for today but for tomorrow, making sure we maintain reliable, safe power while being good stewards of your dollars.
Since hiring our new CEO, we’ve taken a deep dive into understanding the ins and outs of the cooperative—where we can trim costs, where we must reinvest, and how to prepare for the long term. We’ve asked tough questions, reviewed budgets line by line, and focused on what truly matters to you, our members.
Recently, we were notified that Basin Electric Power Cooperative, our wholesale power provider, is increasing its costs. We understand their decision is driven by the need to invest in future reliability, expanding generation resources and transmission infrastructure to keep the lights on for decades to come.
At the same time, we recognize that any increase to your monthly bill can put a squeeze on a household. That’s why we have full confidence in our staff to help members navigate these changes with energy-saving tools, rebates, and programs designed to make electricity use more efficient and affordable.
As your board, our commitment remains the same: to ensure the safety, reliability, and financial strength of your cooperative. These are not easy decisions, but they are made with great care, transparency, and a shared understanding of our responsibility to every member we serve.