Todd-Wadena Electric Cooperative’s mission is to provide the best possible service at the lowest possible cost to its members.
So far, it has succeeded in that aim, according to the co-op’s management.
The company has an excellent record for reliable electric service to its approximately 8,200 customers in Wadena, Minn.
It also offers affordable plans for long-distance calling and high-speed Internet to members and nonmembers of the cooperative.
Todd-Wadena is doing this at a difficult time in the energy industry. Increasing wholesale power costs have greatly impacted its budget and retail rates in recent years. Climate change legislation, higher fuel costs and weather variations are a few of the reasons for the cost increases, according to Public Relations Manager Pat Johnson.
In Minnesota, electric utilities are mandated so that 25 percent of their retail sales in the state come from renewable energy sources by the year 2025. Todd-Wadena’s power supplier, Great River Energy out of Elk River, Minn., is on track to meet that requirement, Johnson says.
However, there are added costs associated with such mandates. In addition, Coal Creek Station, Great River Energy’s generating plant near Underwood, N.D., is “an exceptionally efficient plant, yet the costs to extract coal have become much greater today that in the recent past,” Johnson notes. Unpredictable temperatures also contribute to budget challenges, she adds.
Sustainable Focus
To offset cost increases and to meet climate change goals, Todd Wadena encourages its members to conserve energy and rewards members who participate in its load management programs. For example, members pay a lower rate for the electricity that heats their homes when they install a backup heating system, such as a fuel furnace, to take over when overall electric use – and costs – rise. Collectively, Todd-Wadena members reduce energy costs and the benefits are passed to the members through rates and rebates.
“We also help our members purchase energy-efficient water heaters and we give them bill credits for allowing the water heater to be controllable during peak periods,” Johnson says. As a result of these energy wise programs, the cooperative and its members have saved thousands of dollars annually.
Looking Out for Others
Along with electric reliability and affordability, safety is one of the cooperative’s highest priorities, Line Superintendent Mark Christianson stresses. Todd-Wadena has been accredited with the Rural Electric Safety Accreditation Program since 1967, the longest running accreditation record in the state.
“The emphasis on safety here is lived out daily,” Christianson says, citing regular employee safety drills, an active safety committee and its thorough maintenance of equipment and facilities. “We aim for a hazard-free workplace throughout our operations.”
Another commitment supported by the staff and board is community involvement. “Our board of directors understands the importance of stewardship and civic responsibility,” Johnson says. The cooperative is particularly supportive of economic development and youth enrichment programs.
In addition, about 65 percent of its members participate in a voluntary charitable giving program called Operation Round Up. Many electric cooperatives across the country offer it, Johnson says. Co-op members allow their electric bills to be rounded up to the nearest dollar, and donate the change to a trust fund for distribution to local organizations’ service projects. A separate board reviews applications for those monies, Johnson explains.
Since Todd-Wadena initiated the program in 2002, nearly $250,000 has been given away to local food shelters, hospice, libraries, schools, fire departments, and the like.
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