East River Power Electric Cooperative/Basin Electric Cooperative
Basin Electric Power Cooperative members spoke loud and clear in late 2005 when they voted unanimously to adopt a resolution calling for at least 10 percent of the power it provides to be generated from renewable energy sources by 2010.
In April of 2008, Basin Electric was ranked in the "Top 10" list of leading utility green power programs by the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). Its future goals are more ambitious. It supports and is working toward the "25x'25" (voluntary) initiative that calls for` "25 percent of the nation's energy sources–electric power, transportation fuels, industrial and commercial–to come from renewable resources, including hydropower, by the year 2025." (read more at www.25x25.org)
East River Electric Power Cooperative distributes the power that Basin Electric generates to eastern South Dakota and western Minnesota. Mike Lynch, communications manager of East River Electric, explained how cooperatives differ from conventional suppliers: "Because the leaders of co-ops work for their customers and not shareholders, there is a vested interest in providing continuous reliable, affordable power. There is a dedicated purpose for doing what is best for the consumer."
Part of doing what is best for the consumer is ensuring that their voices are heard not only at the cooperative level, but also at the governmental level. Earlier this year, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (the umbrella organization for rural cooperatives) launched the "Our Energy, Our Future" campaign, which encourages member involvement in the climate change legislation conversation. East River Electric is a frontline supporter of this grassroots effort. Lynch believes that actively engaging electric consumers through such campaigns is important in shaping and preserving the country's energy future.
"No excuses, full disclosure," is a credo that Lynch hears often and sees in action in his work in the cooperative world. It helps ensure that cooperatives deliver for their members, and for Lynch personally, it is one of the things that continues to make working for East River Electric Power Cooperative fulfilling and meaningful.
Learn more about East River Electric Power Cooperative/Basin Electric Power Cooperative at www.eastriver.coop and www.basinelectric.com.