Energy Forum Promotes Member Engagement // July 2024 CEO Column

As a member-owned electric cooperative, Lake Region strives to have a high level of member engagement. We value the input our members have and work to provide ongoing opportunities for you to get involved with your cooperative.

The recent Energy Forum, held at Thumper Pond on May 30^th, was a great example of a chance for member engagement. Lake Region Electric Cooperative brought together industry experts to hold a conversation with members about the rapidly changing electric industry. We discussed the future of electricity supply and demand and looked at the steps currently underway to meet Minnesota’s Carbon Free Standard by 2040.

Having panelists from different levels and segments of the energy industry helped provide a broad perspective on the issues discussed. Jim Matheson, CEO of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), oined the meeting to talk about federal level energy issues and the growing demand for electricity. We also had Darrick Moe, CEO of the Minnesota Rural Electric Association (MREA), speak about Minnesota energy issues, including the state’s 100 percent carbon-free legislation and the potential impact it will have on both the affordability and reliability of energy.

Representatives from our wholesale power provider, Great River Energy (GRE), spoke about power supply and the large transmission build out that is coming. Zac Ruzycki, director of resource planning, covered GRE’s energy portfolio. Transmission future was then discussed by Priti Patel, vice president and chief transmission officer. Vice President & Chief Power Supply Officer Jon Brekke detailed how GRE is working to provide affordable and reliable energy.

Other Energy Forum topics included hydro power and the current and future impact of electric vehicles. Jim Horan, executive director of the Mid-West Electric Consumers Association, spoke specifically about hydro power. It is significant for Lake Region since a percentage of our power comes from WAPA (hydro).

Breakout sessions at the Energy Forum consisted of an electric vehicle (EV) panel of EV owners, battery storage and standby generators with Briggs and Stratton, and Lake Region’s local options – including generators, water heaters, and solar.

It was great to see so many of our members in attendance at this year’s event. It is always a pleasure to see a room full of members, board members, and employees engaging in meaningful conversations. Having these types of opportunities is one of the things that sets our rural electric cooperative apart from other forms of business.

By choosing to engage with your cooperative, you help us learn how to best serve you. We believe a high level of member engagement builds a stronger cooperative for our future.

To view a recording of the Energy Forum, please visit www.lrec.coop/energyforum