William Cook

The Board of Directors discussed various operational and financial reports, including the General Manager's update on staffing changes and the impact of winter weather conditions. The Finance Report provided insights into power costs, operating margins, equity standing, and FEMA reimbursement. The Operations Report covered storm-related repair efforts and performance metrics, while the Marketing and Member Services Reports highlighted the Youth Tour program and scholarship applications. The Engineering Report included updates on capital projects, transmission pole replacements, and SCADA system implementation. Additionally, the Board reviewed line of credit contracts and received updates regarding 1803 Electric Cooperative's billing, while also confirming the notice for the Annual Meeting of Members was distributed.

Key discussions included the General Manager's Report, noting a visit to a Sempra natural gas pumping station and the successful closing of the New Llano office sale. The Board reviewed the Consent for Procurement form, discussed the piloting of a leadership course, and received an update on response efforts following a recent storm, including sending crews to assist in Mississippi. The board was also invited to the Magnolia Power Generation Plant ribbon-cutting ceremony. Approval was sought to use digital signatures for updating outdated board policies. The Operations Report detailed storm assistance provided to Twin City, ongoing transmission pole replacement, vehicle auction preparations, and the development of an onsite lineman training classroom, alongside Right-of-Way statistics. The Marketing Report covered office payments, LIHEAP funding, confirmation of no contested elections for the 2026 Board Election, and a recommendation to transfer $15,448.56 from 99 accounts to uncollectibles. The Engineering Report addressed progress on capital budget projects, including meter change-outs and various system replacement projects, and ongoing coordination with energy companies regarding Unit Price Contracts. The Reliability Team reported significant improvements in system reliability metrics (SAIFI/SAIDI) following the installation of 23 reclosers and strategic right-of-way clearing. New Board Policy 414 (Residential Overhead Line Extension Policy) was accepted. The 1803 Report updated on the Magnolia facility coming online, rising gas prices, and the maintenance of a 90% price hedge. Finally, a resolution was passed to appoint Bobby Brown as the authorized signer for the New Llano property closing documents, followed by an executive session.

The Board discussed changes to the Board Nomination Packet to ensure consistency with Bylaws for the upcoming election cycle. The General Manager reported on the busy month, focusing on the ongoing rate case with updates on meetings with the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC) and onboarding new employees. The Business Development Report detailed efforts to secure better pricing from vendors, resulting in significant material cost savings. The Financial Report indicated kWh sales above budget and favorable year-to-date margins, pending the official LPSC order approving the tariff for February billing implementation. Operations provided updates on transmission pole changeouts, right-of-way trimming statistics, and system performance metrics. The Marketing Report addressed billing statement delays due to equipment failure, the elimination of the Levelized Billing program, and the open qualifying period for the 2026 Board election. The Board approved the 2026 Credentials and Elections (C&E) Committee roster. The Engineering Report noted progress on transmission pole changeouts, completion of the asbestos abatement project, and commissioning of new net-metering accounts. Additionally, the Board accepted recommended changes to Board Policy 507 and approved amendments to bylaw Sections 6.10 and 6.12 concerning officer titles. The 1803 report noted the Magnolia Plant entering commercial production, ongoing turbine issues, and a new policy to charge for cooperative assistance moving forward. The meeting concluded with an executive session to discuss sensitive cooperative matters.

The meeting included several key agenda items and reports. The General Manager reported on the status of the rate case with the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC) and improvements in communication regarding planned outages. The Operations Report detailed the receipt and review of bids for the 2026 Right of Way Cut and Trim, and updates on warehouse bidding. The Marketing Report included an increase in pay plus mileage for Credentials and Election (C&E) members, approval of recommended changes to Bylaws Section 3.03 regarding member meeting notices to include social media, and the decision to transfer $19,896.78 from 116 past-due accounts to uncollectibles. The Engineering Report provided an update on current projects and detailed the 2026 Capital Budget estimates of $18.5M. The Financial Report covered year-to-date margins, receipt of FEMA reimbursement for Hurricane Delta, details on the Formula Rate Plan (FRP), and the selection of Derouen and Associates for audit services. Additionally, the Board accepted the recommended changes to Board Policy 105. Updates were given on the ALEC Board Meeting, including the appointment of an Interim CEO, and on the 1803 report, noting operational status and plans for future transmission asset development. The session concluded with an executive session to discuss sensitive cooperative matters.

The Board meeting involved several key reports and resolutions. The General Manager's Report noted that the Franchise Agreement renewal with the City of DeRidder is being drafted and forwarded for review, and provided an update on the rate case with the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC), with final approval scheduled for December 17, 2025. The Financial Report indicated that kWh sales were 4% above budget for October and that cooperative equity stands at 26%. The Board unanimously approved the proposed 2026 Operating Budget. The Operations Report detailed ongoing work on the Reliability Program and provided metrics on dead tree removal and span trimming. The Marketing and Membership Report covered updates on the LIHEAP program, preparation of member accounts for the rate adjustment, and upcoming 2026 Board Elections in Districts 1, 3, and 9. The Engineering Report announced the recommendation to award the Pad Mount/Pole Mount bid to Gresco and noted that 24,810 AMI meters have been replaced as of December 1, 2025. The Board accepted recommended changes to Board Policy 509. Updates were provided on the ALEC Board Meeting, including consideration for hiring an additional staff member by July 2026. The 1803 Report indicated that turbine units were running, performance tests were underway, with commercial production anticipated by December 25th. The meeting concluded with a closed executive session to discuss sensitive cooperative matters.