Lake Region Electric Cooperative
As we welcome the new year, the leadership team of Lake Region Electric Cooperative is mindful that we must always be looking forward. We serve as the stewards of the electric cooperative that you own. Therefore, our priority is to make sure you are getting value for your co-op membership, as well as your energy dollar. We enter 2017 from a position of financial strength and are carrying forward that positive outlook. Our goal is to be your local trusted energy provider and to go beyond the traditional utility role to not only meet your needs, but exceed your expectations.
Our 2017 construction plan will be the largest in Lake Region’s history. We will be reinvesting approximately $9 million to upgrade our electric distribution system, improving reliability.
Natural Gas Feasibility Study
We are in the process of looking at the feasibility of bringing natural gas and a distribution system pipeline to the communities of Deer Creek and Parkers Prairie. Much like the founders of the original electric co-op movement, we see this as an opportunity to partner with local communities and LREC members along the route to provide natural gas service where it was previously unavailable.
Survey Gauges Member Satisfaction & Interest in New Service Offerings
We recently sent a brief electronic survey to approximately half of the 5,000 accounts enrolled in our MyMeter energy usage platform. The results are in and we are pleased to report that overall satisfaction with service provided by Lake Region Electric is very high. The survey results also indicated great support for MyMeter and the information service it provides. If you have not yet registered to use MyMeter, I urge you to check it out. You’ll find information on our website (www.lrec.coop). MyMeter is a great tool to track your energy usage and take control of your monthly electric bill. After all, it’s your energy and your money. Make the most of it.
Other survey questions reflect Lake Region’s willingness to explore a variety of ways to partner with members to best provide renewable energy and other energy related services. Questions were asked to gauge interest in your co-op offering the sale and installation of the following energy related products and services:
- Small residential/commercial PV solar systems
- Permanently wired standby generators with automatic transfer switches
- Home security systems
Results showed good market interest, so look for future updates as we continue to assess interest in these potential new offerings. Thank you to all members who took part in this survey.
District Meetings Scheduled for February
Meetings for Districts 2, 5, and 8 are scheduled for February. District meetings are your opportunity to be involved at the grassroots level in decisions that will impact the future of LREC and I urge you to participate. One of these opportunities is electing a district director who will represent members at monthly board meetings. Candidates are nominated at district meetings and the election takes place at the annual meeting. I look forward to seeing you at the district meetings and talking about the various ways we can partner to meet your energy service needs.
