East Central Energy is a member-owned distribution electric cooperative proudly serving more than 63,000 homes, farms, and businesses in east central Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. ECE has over 8,000 miles of energized electric distribution lines divided by population into six director districts, each of which is represented by two qualified directors. Director terms are typically four years.
Director nominations are now open for members who live in districts 2, 4, 5, and 6. Directors whose four-year terms expire in April 2023 are David Deutschlander in District 2, Garry Bye in District 4, and Linda Laitala in District 5. Due to Wes Siemers’ departure from the board, a one-year term in District 6 currently occupied by Jim Jesok is also open. To learn if you live in one of these districts, please check your bill on the upper right under your account number.
When is the election held? At least two weeks before the annual meeting, ballots are mailed to each member in the voting districts. Returned ballots are tallied by a professional third-party balloting company, and election results will be announced before the close of the annual business meeting set for 6 p.m. Thursday, April 20, 2023 at the Braham Event Center.
Directors have many duties. A director attends a regular monthly meeting, typically held the fourth Thursday of each month. Meetings usually begin at 9 a.m. and can last until noon or later. Board members spend 16 hours a month preparing for the monthly meeting. Some of the board’s responsibilities include topics like strategic goals, annual audits, policies, bylaws, rates, budgets, work plans, and overseeing the President/CEO. Directors are also expected to stay updated on legislative, local, and industry issues.
ECE’s directors are tech-savvy. Monthly board reports are distributed electronically via mobile tablet. Directors attend some virtual meetings. They also communicate via email and are proficient using Microsoft Forms and Excel.
Networking is important. A director often has personal contact with, and receives telephone calls from, members in their community regarding the co-op. A director also attends meetings of related organizations. For the last several years, ECE directors have committed an average of 30 days per year to conduct cooperative business. Our directors are encouraged to participate in community engagement events that directly support our members.
To meet eligibility requirements, you must:
- Be a resident of the district for at least one (1) year.
- Reside in district during the entire term as director.
- No felony conviction within the last five (5) years.
- No conflict of interest.
For further details, review ECE’s Bylaws in Article IV, Section B.
Interested in becoming a director candidate? Election packets are due February 14, 2023 by 10 a.m. Check out our detailed Candidate Information page!
DISTRICT 2
Serving all or part of the following areas: Arlone, Barry, Brook Park, Chengwatana, Clover, Crosby, Dell Grove, Hinckley, Kroschel, Mission Creek, Munch, Ogema, Pine City, Pokegama, Pomroy, Rock Creek, Royalton, and Sandstone, including the cities of Rock Creek, Pine City, Henriette, Brook Park, Hinckley, and Sandstone.
DISTRICT 4
Serving all or part of the following areas: Athens, Bogus Brook, Cambridge, Dalbo, Isanti, Maple Ridge, Princeton, Springvale, Stanchfield, and Wyanett, including the cities of Braham, Cambridge, Isanti, and Princeton.
DISTRICT 5
Serving all or part of the following areas: Ann Lake, Arthur, Bradbury, Borgholm, Brunswick, Comfort, Dailey, East Side, Ford, Grass Lake, Haybrook, Hayland, Hillman, Idun, Isle Harbor, Jewette, Kanabec, Knife Lake, Lakin, Leigh, Lewis, Mount Morris, Mudgett, Page, Peace, Pliny, Seavey, South Fork, South Harbor, White Pine, Whited, and Williams, including the cities of Braham, Grasston, Quamba, Mora, Ogilvie, Bock, Milaca, Hilman, Wahkon, Isle, and McGrath.
DISTRICT 6
Serving all or part of the following areas: Alberta, Blue Hill, Buckman, Gilmanton, Glendorado, Graham, Granite Ledge, Greenbush, Haven, Langola, Mayhew Lake, Maywood, Milaca, Milo, Minden, Morrill, Palmer, Pease, Sauk Rapids, St. George, Santiago, and Watab, including the cities of Foley, Foreston, Gilman, Glendorado, Milaca, Pease, Rice, Ronneby, Santiago, Sauk Rapids, and St. Cloud.