The May storms that hit not only Todd-Wadena’s service territory, but many of our neighbors as well, brought unprecedented outages. As our team of employees worked hard to restore power as quickly and safely as possible, we were encouraged by the support we received from cooperative members. I want to take this opportunity to thank […]
Category: CEO Column
Economic Development // CEO Column May 2022
Todd-Wadena Electric Cooperative (TWEC) is helping to grow local communities that provide jobs, tax revenues, and healthy businesses – all vital to a thriving community. To support this objective, we offer two economic development loan programs. The loans are intended to create employment opportunities, improve infrastructure, and/or improve the quality of life in rural areas. […]
2021 in Review // CEO Column April 2022
With our Annual Meeting coming up soon, it is a great time to reflect on what Todd-Wadena Electric Cooperative (TWEC) accomplished over the past year. I am pleased to report that the Cooperative had another strong year in 2021. OperationsLast year was one of TWEC’s biggest construction years ever, with 152 new services installed. We […]
Democratic Member Control // CEO Column March 2022
When you purchase electricity from Todd-Wadena Electric Cooperative, you are receiving more than just energy to power your home or business. Because we are a cooperative, you’re not just a customer, you are a member. As a member, you have a voice and a vote to help guide the direction of the cooperative. Democratic Member […]
Key Approvals Advance Great River Energy Portfolio Transition // CEO Column February 2022
Last year, Great River Energy (GRE) announced its plans, along with member-owners and stakeholders, to close Coal Creek Station. As many of you know, plans have evolved in many ways since that first decision was made. Todd-Wadena Electric Cooperative’s Board of Directors and staff are committed to working with GRE to achieve the best outcome […]
Affordable Electricity Powers Quality of Life // CEO Column January 2022
Most of us use electricity, either directly or indirectly, at almost all times. Because electricity is so abundant and available with the simple flip of a switch, it’s easy to take it for granted. According to the Energy Information Agency (EIA), the typical U.S. household now uses more air conditioning, appliances, and consumer electronics than […]
Energy Transition Accelerating // CEO Column November 2021
In 2007, Minnesota set a goal to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the state by 80 percent by the year 2050. Todd-Wadena Electric Cooperative is proud to be part of a group of cooperatives that is on track to achieve that goal while keeping energy reliable and affordable. Our wholesale power provider, Great River Energy […]
Cooperatives Build Community // CEO Column October 2021
The cooperative business model has a history of building community from the ground up. Nearly a century ago when utilities chose not to serve rural areas of America, it was farmers and ranchers who banded together to create the electric cooperatives that would power not only their homes and businesses, but also create opportunities for […]
Coal Creek Station Sale // CEO Column September 2021
Great River Energy (GRE), Todd-Wadena Electric Cooperative’s wholesale power provider, reached an agreement this summer to sell the Coal Creek Station power plant to Rainbow Energy Center, LLC. The new ownership group plans to develop carbon capture and storage at the plant. The sale of Coal Creek Station averts the plant’s closure, which was scheduled […]
ECO Act Signed into Law // CEO Column August 2021
A bill led by electric cooperatives to modernize and expand the state’s energy conservation program for utilities was signed into law by Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz last month. Receiving strong bipartisan support from both the House and Senate, the Energy Conservation and Optimization (ECO) Act updates and expands the Conservation Improvement Program (CIP). The CIP […]