By Mike Thorson, Todd-Wadena Electric Cooperative Director
It has been my honor to serve you, our member-owners, on the Todd-Wadena Electric Cooperative Board since 1974. In 1976, I was given the additional privilege of representing Todd-Wadena members on the Great River Energy Board of Directors, which at that time was known as Cooperative Power.
Our wholesale power supplier, Great River Energy, is a generation and transmission cooperative owned by its member distribution cooperatives, including Todd-Wadena Electric. That means we are not simply purchasing electricity from another company; we are also owners. Because we are owners, Todd-Wadena Electric Cooperative has a voice in the decisions that shape the future of our power supply.
Serving on the Great River Energy Board involves much more than attending a monthly meeting. Before each meeting, I spend hours reviewing detailed board materials that include financial reports, power supply information, energy market updates, proposed projects, regulatory developments, risk assessments, and long-term planning documents.
During meetings, directors receive reports from Great River Energy’s leadership team, ask questions, review performance, and participate in discussions about the issues affecting our member cooperatives. We also take part in committee meetings, strategic planning sessions, educational opportunities, and conversations focused on reliability, emerging technology, cybersecurity, public policy, environmental requirements, and the changing energy industry.
One of the things that has impressed me most about serving on the Great River Energy Board is how far ahead we must think. Many of the decisions we make today will not just affect next year’s electric bills, they help shape our cooperative system for the next 20 to 30 years.
Each year, the Board approves budgets, reviews wholesale rate strategies, oversees financial performance, and helps guide major investments in generation, transmission, substations, technology, and other infrastructure. We also evaluate where new transmission facilities may be needed to meet future electric demand and strengthen the reliability of the regional grid.
The Great River Energy Board also makes long-term power supply decisions. Those decisions can include power purchase agreements lasting 20 or 30 years. Entering into a long-term agreement requires careful consideration of projected energy needs, market conditions, reliability, risk, and financial obligations. The goal is to secure the power our member cooperatives will need while obtaining the best possible long-term value and protecting members from unnecessary price volatility.
One of the most important parts of my role is to ensure the perspective of Todd-Wadena Electric’s members is heard. Rural electric cooperatives face unique opportunities and challenges, and I take seriously the responsibility of representing our members during discussions and decisions at Great River Energy.
Just as importantly, I bring information back home. Serving on the Great River Energy Board gives me firsthand knowledge of regional energy issues, industry trends, financial challenges, and future opportunities. I can share that information with the Todd-Wadena Electric Board so we can make better-informed decisions for our cooperative.
This connection between the two boards helps ensure that Todd-Wadena Electric is not simply reacting to decisions after they are made. We have a seat at the table and a voice in shaping those decisions.
