In October, we bid farewell to Carol Hagfors, who retired after an impressive 35 years with the cooperative. As our Energy Services Coordinator, she became affectionately known as “the rebate lady” but was so much more than the administrator for residential rebates.
Her journey with ECE began in 1980, when the workplace was completely different. Back then, twelve people in the office shared one computer and relied heavily on paper logbooks and card files. This was a time when technology was just beginning to reshape the way the co-op worked. She was also the only female in her department for many years, working closely with electricians and area contractors.
Carol shares, “I started out when things were much simpler, with just a pencil and a lot of paperwork. Over the years, I’ve seen incredible advancements, and it’s been amazing to be part of that evolution.”
From her recent work on redesigning our energy services webpages (go check them out on our website under Programs & Rebates!) to the pivotal role she played in the load management programs after the successful mergers of North Pine Electric and Head of the Lakes, her contributions have left a lasting impact on the co-op.
“The most rewarding part of my job has been the relationships I’ve built with our members and contractors,” Carol reflects. “I’ve enjoyed working closely with them and seeing the positive impact of our work on their lives.”
Despite a mid-career break to raise her children, Carol has been a constant presence for many of us, especially for those in the Braham area. The evolution of ECE’s tools and procedures mirrored her own growth, culminating in a journey marked by adaptability and a natural focus on serving others.
“What I will miss the most are the people,” Carol admits. “Everyone at ECE has been like family to me. The support from my colleagues and the trust of our members have meant so much.”
As Carol steps into retirement, she looks forward to spending time with her new granddaughter and pursuing plans to travel, shop, volunteer, scrapbook, and read. She is excited about this well-deserved chapter of relaxation and new experiences.
“Retirement is bittersweet,” she says. “I’m excited for what lies ahead, but I will always carry fond memories of my time at ECE with me.”
The capital credits payout for 2024 totals $1 million, which will be distributed among members. Unlike traditional businesses that distribute profits to shareholders, cooperatives like ours return excess margins to members in the form of capital credits. Watch for “CAPITAL CREDITS PAYOUT” as a credit on your bill due in December!
At East Central Energy, we believe the greatest asset we have isn’t the power lines that connect our communities or the innovative technology that helps deliver energy more efficiently—it’s the trust that our members place in us every day. This trust is not something we take lightly, and we know it’s earned through years of reliable service, honest communication, and a shared commitment to our local communities.
Whether it’s a calm day or during a storm, you trust us to keep the lights on, restore power safely, and communicate clearly during outages. We understand how critical electricity is to your lives and livelihoods, and we take our role seriously, especially when nature disrupts service. As our industry faces increasingly complex challenges, the decisions we make today will shape the future of how we deliver electricity tomorrow. We are constantly working to provide affordable, reliable energy, even as we navigate ever-rising costs.
One of our major challenges is the shift toward cleaner energy. As part of our obligation to provide a 100% carbon-free energy supply by 2040, we’re exploring new technologies alongside Great River Energy, including solar, wind, and potentially nuclear energy. While these transitions bring regulatory and financial hurdles, it’s vital to build a resilient and responsible energy portfolio for the future.
We understand the financial pressures this can place on our members and want to assure you that ECE always has your best interests in mind. Trust is built over time, and we intend to continue earning yours—whether it’s in our day-to-day operations or during times of crisis. As we navigate complex issues, we pledge to keep you informed, to be transparent about the decisions we make, and to ensure that your interests remain at the heart of everything we do. Because ultimately, this cooperative belongs to you—our members.
Thank you for trusting us to power your homes, businesses, and lives, especially when you need us most.
At your service we remain,
Justin
On Veterans Day, we recognize the struggles that many of us face, including silent battles with PTSD. If you are struggling, please reach out for support. Your bravery extends beyond the battlefield, and it’s important to know that you are not alone in your journey.
A free, confidential 24/7 crisis hotline is available to all by simply dialing or texting 988 on any phone. After asking about your safety, a counselor will be calm and comforting, listen to you, and provide support.
Your friends at ECE stand with you and ask you to accept the care and compassion you deserve.
ECE Fiber members can now keep their internet connection safe with the Fiber & Family Security add-on feature.
Through an easy-to-use mobile app, you can monitor and set rules for internet sites. You'll also have the flexibility to manage content and limit the hours of use for each connected device throughout your home.
Visit ecefiber.com for more information.
Available in any amount, an energy gift certificate from ECE is a perfect choice for anyone with an ECE bill who could use a happy surprise! Simply download the certificate order form from the Payment Options page, then mail to ECE with a check or money order. Have the certificate of any amount sent to you or directly to the recipient. You can even send it anonymously.
The gift of energy may be just what a friend or family member needs right now!
The deadline to submit your energy services rebates is approaching fast! We’ve had great participation and 2024 rebates are now due November 30. As a reminder, annual rebate deadlines are subject to change depending on fund availability without notice—but we want to make sure you (or your contractor) gather all documentation and submit your forms before the deadline.
Click on word search to download and print.
