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 […]
Category: CEO Column
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 […]
Mission, Vision, Values // CEO Column July 2021
To discuss big picture decisions affecting the Cooperative and plan for what the future may hold, Todd-Wadena Electric Cooperative’s Board of Directors holds periodic strategic planning sessions. The directors are joined by Cooperative staff who work together to best prepare the Cooperative for the future. This past May, TWEC held a strategic planning session in […]
2021-2024 Work Plan // CEO Column June 2021
To provide our members with safe, reliable, and affordable electricity, Todd-Wadena Electric Cooperative (TWEC) follows a comprehensive work plan. These work plans are typically four years long and encompass upgrades and maintenance to keep the system running top notch. The Cooperative is currently on the first year of a Four-Year Work Plan that runs from […]
Storm Safety // CEO Column May 2021
Each May, Todd-Wadena Electric Cooperative joins other electric cooperatives across the country in recognizing National Electrical Safety Month. It is also a convenient time to review ways to keep yourself and your family safe during the upcoming spring and summer storm season. Severe storms often strike with little warning and have the potential to cause […]
Cooperatives Step Up in the Cold // CEO Column April 2021
While spring can still be a bit chilly in Minnesota, we are thankful to have left behind the coldest days of winter. This February, in particular, brought a long stretch of sub-zero weather that challenged our nation’s electric system. As parts of the United States struggled to maintain electric service during the historic cold snap, […]
Thank a Lineworker // March 2021 CEO Column
When asked to associate an image or a person with Todd-Wadena Electric Cooperative, many people would picture a lineworker. Some of the most visible employees of the co-op, lineworkers work tirelessly to ensure our community receives uninterrupted power 24/7. “Lineworker” is listed as one of the top 10 most dangerous jobs in the U.S. This […]
Election Integrity // CEO Column February 2021
As a member of Todd-Wadena Electric Cooperative, each of you has a significant role to play in helping direct the future of the cooperative. One of the many ways our members can get involved in the cooperative is by participating in the democratic process of electing our board of directors. TWEC’s board is made up […]
Is Arbitration Appropriate for TWEC? // CEO Column January 2021
Arbitration is a form of alternative dispute resolution. It is “alternative” in the sense that an arbitrator, rather than the court system, will hear the evidence and decide the outcome of a case. Many modern contracts require the parties to the contract to agree to resolve any disputes by using the arbitration process. In Minnesota, […]
Looking Back on 2020 // CEO Column December 2020
While the past year has necessitated many changes to ensure the health and safety of our members and employees, Todd-Wadena’s primary mission has remained the same. Throughout all the unknowns caused by the pandemic, we remain committed to providing our members with safe, reliable, and affordable electricity. We have been busy at the Cooperative this […]