High Plains Power Annual Meeting Highlights

High Plains Power held its 11th Annual Meeting on March 21 in Thermopolis. Lunch was served to over 280 people and 141 members were present.

President, Randy Marton, called the meeting to order for the last time as he retired from the board on March 21st. Randy continued to preside over the rest of the annual meeting. During the meeting Marton gave a farewell speech and received a standing ovation.

Matt Brown gave the Treasurer’s report and also announced the 2008 scholarship recipients. General Manager Jeff Hohn addressed the membership and provided a report on 2008 operations including an increased percentage in line loss, a decrease in the average outage hours per member, increases in meters and sales, the Tri-State wholesale rate increase of 4.1%, a required revenue increase of 2.58%, and the 2008 capital credits received and paid. In addition, Mr. Hohn discussed the topics of identity theft protection, the cost of the climate change/global warming tax, and the cost and dependability of alternative energy generation.

Mac McLennan representing Tri-State provided an overview of the Tri-State Wholesale Cooperative operations in 2008, highlighting future alternative supply projects such as solar, wind and gas.

WREA Executive Director Shawn Taylor talked about the carbon tax and how it will increase the cost of energy. Shawn asked those present to complete the Our Energy Our Future cards that were provided at the meeting. All the cards were collected and the information will be used to send a message to Wyoming’s delegation on behalf of the member noted on the card. He said by alerting Wyoming’s congressional delegation, in large numbers, to the costs and accessibility impacts of higher electricity rates could we help them convince their fellow representatives and senators that this issue must be taken seriously.

Three incumbent directors were re-elected to serve on the High Plains Power board of directors. Those incumbents were Lee Shaffer from District 2, Hearley Dockham representing District 8, and Bob Cardwell from District 12. A new board member was elected for District 11. As was stated earlier, Randy Marton retired his seat for District 12 and Mark Park was elected to fill the position.

Many lucky members walked away with the many door prizes provided by our vendors and also provided by High Plains Power. Energy credit certificates worth $200 and $100 beef certificates were among the door prizes that were given away. In addition to that, all members that were present received a $10 energy credit that was credited to their accounts. Swim tickets to either the Star Plunge or Teepee were given to those who wanted to swim after the meeting.

Plan to attend the annual meeting next, year....it’s a great way to learn about your electric cooperative!

It’s our time to lead America in a national dialogue. About America’s climate change goals and energy challenge.  It’s time to raise awareness.  Have the hard conversations with our elected officials.  Empower people.  It’s not us versus them.  It’s me.  It’s you.  It’s all of us. Together.  It’s about the energy to effect positive change.  It’s about the power of conversation.  It’s about the power in all of us, to find the right answers.

It’s about our energy.  Our future.
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