Agralite Electric Cooperative

The Agralite Board of Directors meeting included reports from various managers covering member services, finance, engineering, and operations. Discussions involved load control, the Annual Meeting, Youth Tour, Energy Tour, margins for May, donations to Operation Round Up, the 990 tax form, and a meeting with Stevens County Emergency Management. Updates were provided on line crew projects, outages, new substations, and the June 2nd storm north of Morris. The General Manager/CEO reviewed recent meetings and changes to Basin Electric and East River Electric's bylaws. The East River Certificate of Delegates was discussed, and the NRECA Delegate Certification was tabled. A roundtable discussion covered the new headquarters facility, safety, the Agralite auction, and a legislative update.

The Agralite Electric Cooperative Board of Directors convened to discuss various operational and strategic matters. Key topics included updates on winter storm power outages, financial performance, and departmental activities. The board approved a 457b Plan Amendment and Resolution, updates to sick leave and leave of absence policies, and a new paid family and medical leave policy. Presentations were given on the cost of service, rate updates, a long-range plan, and a construction work plan. The 2026 Budget and Work Plan were approved with a rate change scheduled for April 2026. The General Manager/CEO reviewed her report, covering the federal government shutdown, recent meetings, and a strategic planning session.

The Board discussed load control, the battery storage pilot project, and the hiring of a new custodian. Reports were given on department activities, including margins, patronage from RESCO, insurance renewals, and the new MN Paid Leave program. Line crew projects, outages, and the Governor-declared disaster assistance for summer storms were reviewed. Updates were provided on the Stevens Milk Plant and Basin's proposed rate increase. The WAPA Contract Amendment was approved. Discussions also covered East River load control and Distributed Generation. Director Hufford was appointed to the open East River board seat. Full Circle Farm's and DENCO's interest in applying for a REED and REDLG loan was mentioned.

The Board of Directors meeting covered various topics, including reports from the Manager of Member Services, Manager of Finance/CFO, and Manager of Engineering & Operations. Discussions included load control, the CoBank Sharing Success donation to the City of Sunburg Ambulance, the generator program, the new headquarters building project, and the Cold Weather Rule. The board also reviewed and approved board policies and discussed preliminary budgets for 2025. The General Manager/CEO reviewed September sales and recent meetings attended, including the East River Managers Meeting and the REED meeting. An executive session was held, and the next board meeting was scheduled.

The Board discussed load control, distributed energy projects, and the Lignite Energy Council Teacher Seminar. Updates were provided on the building project, margins for August, and patronage received from CFC. The Board approved resolutions regarding amendments to the Retirement Security Plan and the 125 Plan, including DCAP contribution limits and health FSA contribution limits. Reports were given on line crew projects, outages, and updates on the Darnen and Hodges substations. The General Manager reviewed her report, discussing the new headquarters facility, upcoming open house, recent meetings, and a resolution to engage in a research and feasibility study, which the Board approved. Recent visits from Representative Paul Anderson and Senator Amy Klobuchar were also discussed.