As we gather with family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving, I find myself reflecting on the deep sense of gratitude that defines our cooperative community. At its core, a cooperative is about people coming together, united by a common purpose. We work not just for ourselves, but for each other, and in doing so, we […]
Category: CEO Column
Financial Outlook // October 2024 CEO Column
As we progress through this year, I want to take a moment to update you on Todd-Wadena Electric Cooperative’s financial scorecard. Although the cooperative’s commitment to providing safe, reliable, and affordable electric service remains unwavering, a myriad of financial headwinds will require careful attention to ensure continued stability. In August, TWEC’s sales were 2.1 […]
Join Us for “Meet the Candidates” Night! // August 2024 CEO Column
I am excited to invite you to an important and engaging event that embodies the very principles upon which our cooperative is built. Our upcoming Meet the Candidates night is designed to bring together all eligible voters in our community for an evening of connection, information, and democratic engagement. About the Event Meet the Candidates […]
AI & Democratic Elections // July 2024 CEO Column
In an era of rapid technological advancement, we are witnessing significant transformations in how we access information and engage with civic processes. One such innovation is the widespread use of chatbots and AI-driven assistants. While these tools offer convenience and efficiency, they also pose significant risks, particularly when it comes to civic processes and elections. […]
Summer Reliability // CEO Column June 2024
As temperatures begin to increase across Minnesota, leading to an uptick in demand for electricity to cool homes and businesses, Todd-Wadena Electric Cooperative is working hard to ensure our members have the reliable power you’ve come to expect. To ensure power is available when our members need it, we work closely with our wholesale power […]
Electric Safety Month // CEO Column May 2024
Electricity powers our modern world, fueling everything from our homes and businesses to our essential infrastructure. While it brings countless benefits, electricity also poses inherent risks if not handled safely. Electric cooperatives are proactive regarding electrical safety— prioritizing education, prevention, and responsive action to protect lives and livelihoods, not just during safety month but all […]
Legislative Priorities // CEO Column April 2024
The energy industry is going through a period of transition where we are facing new challenges and opportunities each year. Recognizing this significant time in cooperative history, our statewide organization, Minnesota Rural Electric Association (MREA) selected “Powering Tomorrow Together” as the theme for this year’s annual meeting. Wes Waller, MREA District 2 Board Chair opened […]
Effective Governance in Electric Cooperatives // CEO Column March 2024
Electric cooperatives, rooted in the principles of member ownership and democratic control, play a crucial role in providing reliable and affordable electricity to millions of rural Americans. At the heart of these cooperatives’ operations lies governance—the framework through which decisions are made, policies are set, and accountability is ensured. Effective governance is essential for electric […]
2024 Legislative Expectations // CEO Column February 2024
Todd-Wadena Electric Cooperative (TWEC) is dedicated to supporting our membership and representing your best interests when it comes to the politics affecting our local communities and industries. This is why we actively participate in, and pay attention to, legislative activities. The 2024 legislative session starts on February 12th. With a two-year budget enacted last session, […]
State of the Electric Industry // CEO Column January 2024
I recently had the pleasure of spending time with future Todd-Wadena Electric Cooperative (TWEC) members at a few local high schools. The State of the Electric Industry presentation I shared covered the industry’s history, where we’re at in the present, and what the future holds. I started out the presentation by highlighting my history in […]