Dear Members,
I am pleased to announce that our Annual Meeting will once again be held at MetraPark. This gathering provides an invaluable opportunity for our members to come together, engage with the board and management, and participate in the election of trustees for the upcoming year. This cooperative process is a hallmark of our organization and distinguishes us from others in the industry. Your active participation and feedback are crucial as we shape the future of our cooperative.
Each year presents us with a unique set of objectives and initiatives. This year has been particularly focused on addressing existing projects while preparing for new construction slated for 2025. We are nearing the completion of the renovation of our transmission facility in Lockwood to accommodate the new bypass route. Our teams are gearing up for a busy year, which includes several new subdivisions and 2 forthcoming substation projects: 1 in the Park City area and another north of Pompeys Pillar.
Additionally, we are making significant progress in enhancing our Service Center area for improved equipment and material storage. While some work remains to complete the pole yard, the increased organization will foster greater productivity across operations.
The establishment of our own underground boring crew has proven to be a wise investment, as they have maintained a busy schedule and ensured that construction timelines remain on track.
In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, the challenges within the electric industry are growing. Federal and state policies significantly impact the generation and regulation of electricity. Issues such as wildfire liability, dam breaching, and specialized permitting processes are slowing the advancement of new-generation projects, even as demand escalates at an accelerated pace. Emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, energy storage, and electric vehicles, are further increasing the demand for electricity, and we are committed to meeting this challenge head-on.
Our board and management continually participate in regional and national meetings to stay informed about new developments and trends that could affect our ability to provide the most cost-effective power and superior service to our members. We understand that sound decision-making is contingent upon up-to-date information.
Thank you for the privilege of serving on the Yellowstone Valley Electric Cooperative Board. I encourage you to join us for our Annual Membership Meeting at the MetraPark Pavilion on March 18, at 10 a.m. We hope to see many of you there, and we look forward to sharing lunch together following the meeting.
Larry Kaufman, President