Rural Electrical Cooperatives (REC) differ from other electric utilities in that the customers of the cooperative are also member-owners. This presents coop member-owners with the opportunity to elect the board of directors that oversees the utility’s operation. Typically, voter engagement in REC elections is relatively low, with only a small percentage of member-owners casting a vote, attending the annual meeting, or otherwise weighing in on the REC’s decisions. This presents a big opportunity for residents in coop territory to grab power over their power!
While the majority of Wisconsinites are supportive of clean, renewable energy, Wisconsin utilities of all types are falling far behind our neighbors in clean energy investment. With a more direct engagement opportunity with RECs, member-owners can help make their priorities reality within their cooperative.
Sierra Club - Wisconsin has worked with REC member-owners previously, including holding off the Nemadji Trail Energy Center (NTEC) gas plant in Superior and pushing Dairyland Power Cooperative to apply for New ERA funding to build out clean energy. In both of these cases, we have seen success from member-owner engagement in their RECs.
We are excited to share that our work with Rural Electric Cooperative member-owners continues, and that we are making our first endorsement in a Coop board election!
We are proud to endorse Becki Clayborn for District 7 for Adams-Columbia Electric Cooperative board.
She is an affordability, clean energy and transparency champion running for this seat.
Who can Vote
All members of the coop can vote in this election, with one vote per household. We encourage you to cast your vote for Becki!
How to Vote
Online voting: April 1 through May 13 at noon
To vote online, log in to your SmartHub account and click the “Vote Now” button. You can download the SmartHub mobile app for your convenience.
In Person: Members can cast a ballot at the Annual Meeting event on May 14 from 4-5 p.m. We’ll have a voting booth available. No ballots will be collected during the business meeting beginning at 5 p.m.