Quality internet connection is becoming a necessity. Many of our members live in rural areas and are separated from major services by a long drive. Broadband would allow parents to telework, help the elderly access telemedicine, and give students access to online advanced placement courses.

Last October, after nearly a year of research and grant applications, ECE’s Board of Directors unanimously voted for the cooperative to invest in continued growth and economic development by officially entering the broadband business. 

“It’s clear that members are excited for broadband,” says VP/CIO Ty Houglum, “But we’re urging patience. As we learned in 1936 when the cooperative was formed, changing the landscape of rural America is not an overnight task.”

GLOSSARY: Broadband 101

BROADBAND
The Federal Communications Commission defines a broadband connection as one with a minimum download speed of 25 megabits per second (Mbps) and a minimum upload speed of 3 Mbps. Note: ECE plans to offer higher speeds than this—see “fiber” below.

UNSERVED
An area in which households or businesses lack access to wire-line broadband service at speeds that meet the FCC threshold of 25 Mbps download and 3 Mpbs upload. 

UNDERSERVED
An area in which households or businesses do receive service at or above the FCC threshold, but lack access to wire-line broadband service at speeds 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload.

FIBER
Fiber is considered the “gold standard” of broadband connections. It is incredibly fast because a glass filament transmits data through light pulses. Fiber can handle a near unlimited amount of data and users. ECE plans to offer a minimum of 100 Mbps.

FTTH
“Fiber to the home,” also called “fiber to the premises” (FTTP), is the installation and use of optical fiber from a central point directly to individual buildings such as residences and businesses to provide high-speed internet access.

Since the announcement, ECE has been receiving calls not only about possible services, but also regarding employment opportunities. Members are reminded to visit our careers page for the most current information and job opportunities. 

Five $1,500 Power Up scholarships will be awarded to non-traditional students, which include those already in college or those returning to college after a hiatus; high school seniors who attend homeschool, private educational institutions, or a high school located outside our service territory. More information and application.

Our friends at Princeton Fire & Rescue recently shared some great space heater information on their Facebook page. They mentioned that many people turn to space heaters during cold weather. Unfortunately, the Princeton department (and many others) frequently respond to house fires caused by space heaters plugged into power strips. 

Remember:

• Plug space heaters directly into the wall, never a power strip or extension cord.  
• Keep them at least three feet away from other items. 
• Do not cover the power cord.
• Make sure your space heater will shut off if knocked over. 

Thank you to all our first responders for everything they do to keep our communities safe!

Note: Space heaters may increase your monthly electric bill. Use this handy formula to calculate the cost to run your space heater and other appliances. 

Do you have a power concern?

Auto Pay, our worry-free bill-pay plan, gives you peace of mind each month knowing your bill is automatically being paid.

The benefits:

• Deducts payments automatically from a designated checking or savings account or credit card

• Payment is deducted on the due date of your bill

• Receive a paper bill with enough time to review it before payment or choose paperless to receive a copy of your bill electronically

• All members enrolled in Auto Pay are automatically entered into a monthly drawing for a $50 bill credit

Access your account online by visiting SmartHub to set up Auto Pay today!

Along with representing other members’ best interests, our twelve board members also manage ECE policies, review the budget, oversee the President/CEO, and monitor progress of the strategic plan. We spoke with our two newest directors, Shelly Nault and Ron Volker, to see how their first year is going. 

Shelly Nault represents our northernmost members in District 1. She describes her experience as “electrifying,” explaining that “Learning so much new information, meeting the current board, and attending conferences has been exciting. I didn’t realize that the energy industry has so many abbreviations and acronyms, which has been a learning experience!”

Ron Volker, representing District 6 in the western part of our service area, has found his first year to be incredibly educational. He shares, “ECE really is a family-oriented organization. I’m so grateful to the other board members for helping me, as I’m still getting my feet wet. I’ve learned a lot about the complicated chain of producing, purchasing, and distributing electricity.” 

As both Shelly and Ron approach their one-year board anniversaries, they want other members to get involved. Shelly suggests attending the annual meeting to learn more about the cooperative, while Ron encourages members of all ages to consider running for an open board seat.

Have you considered joining Shelly and Ron on ECE’s Board of Directors? If you live in District 2, 4, 5, or 6 and are interested in becoming a nominee, visit our director election page and contact us for a director nomination packet at 1-800-254-7944, ext. 8046. Don’t delay! The packet must be completed and returned by 10 a.m. February 14.

Before farmers created your electric cooperative, people in our area could only dream of the luxuries that big-city folk enjoyed. In 1936, ECE’s very first members learned how electricity provided light for evening chores and education, radio shows for entertainment, and many incredible opportunities to make life better. If things go according to plan at ECE, there will be a day when current members say the same thing about affordable access to high-speed internet.

There are two types of communities in our country: those who have access to broadband, and those who do not. A stark contrast is forming between the two. Your neighbors and friends at ECE would prefer to have our service area be part of the former type, along with all the benefits that broadband brings. 

Since the beginning, we’ve been committed to improving the quality of life for our members. Based on a promising feasibility study and a solid business plan, in October our board of directors made the decision to enter the broadband business, with construction to begin this year. Moving forward now ensures we can take advantage of grant opportunities that will truly usher in a new era in our rural communities. 

Your co-op was created on the premise of building infrastructure in some of the most challenging parts of the Midwest, in an effort to solve everyday problems. We are confident that ECE is the best organization to solve this problem as well. It’s going to take time for us to get the solution to everyone, but we are working diligently to improve the future for our membership.

At your service we remain,
Justin

When you join our team, you become part of the ECE family. We empower decision making at all levels, encourage new ideas, reward our employees for exceptional efforts, and have a lot of fun along the way.

Unsolicited resumes or applications are not accepted, so please watch our social media and careers page for job openings.