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Member Services Report - 2010

Standing tall in the face of adversity

By Jackie Miller, manager of member services

In January, the cover story headline in our center pages read, “Taking on Mother Nature.” In April, the headline read, “Storm disrupts Easter power supply.” These two headlines offer insight into what Mor-Gran-Sou Electric Cooperative and its members faced this year. Through it all, members and employees alike stood tall in the face of adversity, as a massive coordinated effort took place to bring power back to the members of Mor-Gran-Sou. Again, we wish to extend a heartfelt thanks to you, the member-owners, and to others who helped in this daunting task.

I believe the cooperative’s annual meeting is always a good way for us to visit one-on-one about the issues facing Mor-Gran-Sou. I welcome you to join us on July 16 for the 63rd annual meeting of the membership. The evening gives you a chance to learn more about your cooperative, meet the directors and employees, enjoy a delicious evening banquet and receive a giveaway. Most importantly, it gives you a chance to cast your ballot in person. However, if you cannot attend the meeting, please vote by using the mail-in-ballot enclosed.

I invite you to take time to read the various reports. You will find information on the many activities at the cooperative, including its financial health. Please know that the board, management and staff of Mor-Gran-Sou always considers the member at the end of the line when making decisions at the cooperative. With that said, great challenges, including the carbon tax legislation, the aftermath of the two storms in 2010, and rates will be points of discussion at the board table. Also, within these pages, please find those employees who have reached milestone anniversaries in their working career. These dedicated, hard-working employees continue to do what it takes to bring reliable, affordable electric service to you the member-owner.

Last year, we visited with you about Congress’s introduction of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (the stimulus bill). Many of the different economic sectors, including the energy sector, offered a detailed plan on how to best invest the stimulus funding provided by Congress. Now after much discussion and launched June 1, the N.D. Utility Rebate Program is available through Mor-Gran-Sou from the federal stimulus with funds under a grant from the N.D. Department of Commerce. This program offers more than $2 million in rebates for electric cooperative members in North Dakota for products and services such as energy-efficient central air conditioners, air-source and geothermal heating systems, energy audits, attic and wall insulation, and much more. The rebate amounts vary, and there are limitations to the program.

Also, for the second year, Mor-Gran-Sou, with the assistance of one of our power suppliers, Basin Electric Power Cooperative, continues to offer a matching rebate program to help our members improve the energy efficiency of their home or place of business. For more information on the matching rebate program or the new utility rebate program, read the June center pages in North Dakota LIVING or visit our Web site at www.morgransou.com.

Whether you call us on the phone, send us a letter or e-mail, or visit with us personally, we welcome your comments. As we continue to build for the future, standing tall amidst adversity or opportunity, we thank you for allowing us to serve you this past year. Please stay in touch.

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