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 […]
Category: CEO Column
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 […]
Looking Back on 2023 // December 2023 CEO Column
As 2023 comes to an end, I would like to take some time and look back. We have been busy at the cooperative this past year – serving our members, maintaining infrastructure, serving our community, developing and maintaining programs, and so much more. Here are a few of the 2023 accomplishments brought about as a […]
Something to be Thankful For // November 2023 CEO Column
A quote I once read said something like “feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” This is why at my family’s Thanksgiving dinner each year, we all take turns saying something we are grateful for. Of course, my list always includes great family and friends and good […]
National Co-op Month // October 2023 CEO Column
One of my favorite quotes has always been: “Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Yet, sometimes, remembering our history with the goal of repeating it can actually be a good thing. As the nation’s 40,000 cooperatives celebrate National Co-op Month this October, it is a great time to take […]
Responding to the Needs of the Grid // CEO Column September 2023
Our homes are outfitted with more devices that require electricity than ever before as life has become increasingly dependent on them to function. As this demand for electricity rises, Todd-Wadena Electric Cooperative must continue providing the same affordable, round-the-clock service to its members—regardless of market conditions, or in Minnesota’s case: weather conditions. Demand for electricity […]
Transmission Buildout // August 2023 CEO Column
Great River Energy, wholesale power supplier to Todd-Wadena Electric Cooperative (TWEC), is transitioning from a historically coal-dependent cooperative to one with low carbon intensity. The cooperative is on track to meet Minnesota’s 80% greenhouse gas reduction goal decades ahead of schedule. This type of news makes headlines every day, but there’s a critical piece of […]
Facility Charge // July 2023 CEO Column
As a member of Todd-Wadena Electric Cooperative (TWEC), you make an investment in the co-op every time you pay your bill. In addition to the amount you pay per kilowatt hour (kWh) based on your individual usage, your payment covers the monthly facility charge that helps us cover the expenses of maintaining our overall electric […]