On February 3, we officially acquired the municipal electric distribution system of North Branch Water & Light. Approximately 2,000 homes and businesses within the city of North Branch were transferred to our cooperative; we previously served much of the surrounding area.
VP/COO Andy Olson mentions, “ECE is happy to help our neighbors, who are now our newest cooperative members. We will be reaching out to North Branch members via mail within the next few weeks to introduce ourselves and share the benefits of being part of a local co-op.”
The municipal acquisition was the result of a year and a half of discussions and research. When NBW&L brought the idea to us, we were receptive due to our positive relationship with the city. Several approvals were required along the way, from organizations including Great River Energy, the MN Public Utilities Commission, and Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency.
Andy explains, “We appreciate the work of everyone involved. ECE is excited to share many co-op benefits with North Branch members, including access to community programs. After this transfer, ECE will have around 66,300 members—each as important as the next. This is truly a case of neighbors serving neighbors.”