Message From the CEO
Recapping 2024 and Looking Ahead to 2025
It can be said last year was indeed remarkable for your Cooperative, filled with historically low outages, as well as strategic investments in our infrastructure, maintenance, and employees. Let’s take a moment to reflect on the successes and milestones of 2024 and share our vision for 2025!
Low outages, high reliability
One of the key highlights of 2024 was a record low outage total of 21.5 average minutes per member-account. (For perspective, the previous record was set in 2023, and it was 28.2 minutes!) This number is based on the outages we could control. It does not include planned or scheduled outages or outages caused by the public or power supplier.
A big thank you to our dedicated team of lineworkers and support staff, which responds and restores power as quickly and safely as possible. Our continued investment in plant upgrades, proactive maintenance program, and good weather also played a big part.
Retirement of patronage
Unlike investor-owned utilities that maximize profits to pay dividends to shareholders, not-for-profit electric cooperatives provide members with “at cost” electric service. At the end of the year, after all operational expenses have been covered, a portion of any excess funds are allocated back to our members in the form of capital credits. With a positive outlook for 2024, your Board of Directors elected to retire over $600,000 in patronage dividends. Over 64% of the retirement was returned to current members via credit on their June 2024 energy bills.
Investing in our future
Looking ahead to 2025, we will continue implementing strategic investments to further strengthen your Cooperative. A significant portion of our budget will be allocated toward plant upgrades, ensuring our infrastructure remains resilient and capable of meeting the evolving energy needs of our membership. This includes rebuilding over 26.4 miles of overhead distribution lines, as well as investing over $4 million in Work Plan projects (see the 2025 Construction Work Plan budget below).
Additionally, your Cooperative continues to invest in upgrades and new technologies. Initiatives for 2025 include a field area network upgrade, as well as continued investments in cybersecurity and office network infrastructure.
Prioritizing maintenance for long-term sustainability
Regular inspections and our vegetation management program proactively address potential issues and extend the lifespan of the Cooperative’s distribution assets. In 2024, the Cooperative invested over $335,000 in maintenance programs, and $480,000 is earmarked for 2025. This commitment to maintenance is essential for preserving reliability and minimizing future service disruptions.
Investing in our greatest asset: our people
ECI REC’s strength lies in the dedicated individuals who work tirelessly to keep the lights on for you, our member-consumers. In 2024, we invested over 2,550 hours in employee development. Most of this investment went to our number-one priority: safety! In 2025, we will continue to invest in our workforce through training programs and professional development opportunities. By nurturing an innovative and dedicated team, we ensure your Cooperative remains a leader in providing reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity.
As we embrace our 2025 theme—Building on the Past to Grow the Future—we reflect on ECI REC’s rich history and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to serving you, our valued members.
Our journey began with the mission to bring reliable electricity to rural communities, and that foundational purpose continues to guide us today. Thank you for being part of our Cooperative family!