HREC members learn about utility issues, efficiency at 2010 Annual Meeting

Girard, Kan.  --  More than 100 Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative members, employees and guests met at the Ellis Family Fine Arts Center at Fort Scott Community College on March 23 for the Cooperative’s Annual Meeting.

Those in attendance received updates from the cooperative’s board president and CEO, reviewed the utility’s accomplishments and financial reports, learned about developments in the electric industry, and were told about the many ways that homes could be made more efficient.

Heartland REC officials said conservation issues and developing technologies such as the “smart grid” will play an important role in how consumers use electricity. Heartland officials also talked about electric rates, cap and trade discussions, and plans to utilize $12 million Hazard Mitigation Grant from FEMA to upgrade a significant portion of the cooperative’s system.

One guest speaker was Kansas Electric Cooperative Executive Vice President Stuart Lowry, who talked about developing legislative policies that affect electric utilities and the future of renewable sources of electricity, such as wind turbines and how they are integrated into utility systems.

Those present also enjoyed a presentation by architect and energy expert Doug Rye who talked about efficiency. Rye strongly encouraged everyone to consider the advantages and significant cost savings provided by geothermal heat pumps. He also praised the many benefits of CFL bulbs, good windows and cellulose insulation, and said that properly built homes could be heated and cooled for just $1 per day.

It was announced that incumbent boardmembers Robert Stainbrook, Richard Reinhardt, Ronald Taylor and Donald Davied will all retain their seats for another 3-year term. Members present also voted to approve a measure proposed by the Board of Directors that will reduce the board from 12 members to eight through attrition.

A financial report was also given. 2010 was a good year for Heartland REC. Annual electric consumption was up more than 10 percent, to 175 million kWh. Revenue for 2009 was $21.2 million, while expenses were $18.8 million, giving Heartland REC a margin for the year of $2.4 million.

Additional details about the 2010 Annual Meeting will appear in the next issue of Heartbeat.

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