By Ken Schlimgen, General Manager
I would like to personally invite you to attend this year’s district meetings being held May 20 through June 18. These meetings provide an excellent opportunity to learn about the challenges and opportunities facing your cooperative. You will receive a postcard with the date, location, and time of your District Meeting. If you are unable to attend your district meeting, feel free to join a meeting in a neighboring county. Your participation is always welcome.
Director elections are planned in Jerauld, Miner and Sanborn Counties. These elections are a key part of our member-driven governance system, which sets electric cooperatives apart from other businesses. As a not-for-profit electric utility owned and governed by the members we serve, your voice plays a crucial role in shaping the direction of our cooperative. Unlike other utilities, we answer only to you, our members—a distinction that strengthens our commitment to your best interests.
As you may know, Central Electric implemented an electric rate adjustment this year in response to rising operating costs and increased wholesale power prices. I’ll be providing more detailed information on these factors at the District Meetings and will be happy to answer any questions you have about what lies ahead.
“Concern for Community” is a guiding principle for rural electric cooperatives. We have shared positive stories about our community-focused initiatives, such as Operation Round-Up and the USDA Rural Economic Development Loan (REDL) for the Mitchell area. I have had members contact me with concerns, thinking these funds come directly from their electric rates. I want to clarify that this is not the case.
Operation Round-Up is funded by voluntary contributions from members who choose to round up their electric bill to the next dollar. These contributions, which average about 50 cents per member each month, generate nearly $24,000 annually for grants that support local causes. Your board of directors has established guidelines for the program, and a volunteer board of trustees from the membership oversees the grant application and awarding process.
We are also excited about the approval of a USDA loan for the Mitchell Area Development Corporation. This loan will help install infrastructure for a new business park, which will be served by the cooperative. The USDA’s Rural Economic Development Loan program offers a zero-interest, 10-year loan for projects that lead to job creation. Central Electric plays a key role by facilitating the loan application process on behalf of the recipient and overseeing their payments.
These are just a couple examples of how your cooperative adds unique value to our communities. We live and work here, too, and we are deeply committed to supporting local initiatives. Whether it’s through development projects, scholarship programs for local students or electrical safety education, we’re always working to make a positive impact.
Looking ahead, our focus will remain on ensuring the long-term success and well-being of the members we serve. I look forward to seeing you at the district meetings. Thank you for your continued trust and involvement in our cooperative.
Honoring Our Administrative Professionals
April 23 is Administrative Professionals Day. This is a time to recognize the outstanding billing and administrative professionals who power the day-to-day functions at Central Electric. These dedicated individuals are the steady driving force behind the scenes, answering the call to serve our members on routine days and during emergencies. They juggle multiple responsibilities and always prioritize the needs of our members with professionalism and care.
I want to commend DeEtte B., Lindsey W., Heather W. and Heather G. for their hard work, dedication and commitment. Their efforts do not go unnoticed, and we are fortunate to have their unique skills, knowledge and talent.
Until next month, stay safe!