Annual Meeting of The Members

Annual Meeting 2026 Overview

We were pleased to welcome members to the co‑op’s 87th Annual Meeting on April 21, 2026, at Raft River High School in Malta, where we shared key updates and highlights reflecting our cooperative’s performance, priorities and commitment to serving our members.

During the business meeting, Board President John Campbell and General Manager Chad Black shared updates on RREC’s operations and outlook. They reported another strong year, noting the cooperative remains financially sound, well managed and guided by its member‑driven mission since 1939. Member questions on rising rates, explaining they are primarily driven by higher wholesale power costs, efforts to secure affordable power, anticipated impacts from water curtailments, potential future rate structure changes, capital credit returns, and the purpose of the System Access Fee were addressed. Black highlighted ongoing cost pressures and growing infrastructure needs tied to population growth and new technology, explained the recent April 1 rate increase with a 7.5% overall impact based on five‑year average usage, and emphasized the Board’s focus on long‑term financial stability. He also noted more than $2 million in matching grants to improve system reliability and fire mitigation, and reaffirmed RREC’s commitment to reliable service, local control, and member trust.

Clark Mather, Executive Director of Northwest RiverPartners, discussed the critical importance of protecting the Pacific Northwest’s hydropower system as the foundation of the region’s reliable, affordable, and carbon‑free energy supply. He emphasized hydropower’s role in supporting jobs, economic stability, public health, and lower electricity costs, noted strong public support for the resource, and shared data showing improved fish returns since federal dams began operating. Mather concluded that maintaining and enhancing existing hydropower infrastructure is essential to meeting future energy needs while balancing environmental stewardship and affordability.

RREC’s 2026 Education Grant winners are (by name and high school):

  1. Addi Jones, Raft River High School
  2. Dirk Miller, Raft River High School
  3. Ainsly Erickson, Raft River High School
  4. Kianah Aguilar, Jackpot High School
  5. Faith Hansen, Raft River High School

President Campbell announced that pursuant to the bylaws, the incumbent directors were deemed elected to new three-year terms and the election results were declared as follows: Erik Spencer (District 3), Lindsey Manning (District 5) and Rob Cottle (At-Large).

Following the meeting, members enjoyed a prize drawing featuring items donated by RREC and its many valued vendors. Congratulations to Zollinger Cattle, John Zollinger, who took home the grand prize – an $800 energy credit!

Meeting Minutes