Charging Forward 2018 Annual Report A County Lines Special Edition

Transcription

1 A Touchstone Energy Cooperative Charging Forward 2018 Annual Report A County Lines Special Edition

2 The cooperative business model keeps our focus local. Directors and Employees Proud to be part of an organization that serves the communities in which they live. 2

3 You're invited! Please join us at our 82 ND ANNUAL MEETING & BREAKFAST Saturday, March 30, 2019 Albert Lea High School 2000 Tiger Lane Albert Lea, MN Registration & Breakfast 8:00 a.m. Bingo 9:00 a.m. Business Meeting 10:00 a.m. Visit with Staff & Directors Cash Prizes & more See inside back cover for registration card & more details Annual Report 3

4 Charging Forward In many ways, has been Charging Forward ever since its humble beginnings 82 years ago. There are many people today who have no personal recollection of what life was like without electricity in the home or on the farm. In fact, a growing percentage have only known life with electricity and the Internet. For those people, interconnectedness between devices, technologies, people, appliances and homes, indicates that we are in a new era. You might think that this rapid change would be disruptive to a business that started more than eight decades ago, but that s simply not the case. The cooperative way of business is resilient, robust and deeply rooted in our core cooperative values. It allows us to keep Charging Forward. Something that you ll be hearing more about is making a greener electrical grid through coupling technologies and renewable energy sources. This is called Beneficial Electrification. It is the practice for electrifying energy end uses that are currently powered by fossil fuels (natural gas, propane, fuel oil, gasoline) in order to Roger Weness, Board Chairman and Jim Krueger, President & CEO. Always the Center of Our Focus VISION: Be the trusted leader providing energy, service and products. MISSION: Provide reliable, innovative energy in a responsible manner utilizing technology and our highly skilled workforce. 4

5 had several positive things happen throughout 2018, including: Continued financial strength. Retirement of $769,721 in Capital Credit patronage refunds. Achieved an outstanding score of Member Satisfaction in the American Customer Satisfaction Index survey. Freeborn-Mower scored 87 compared to the overall 2018 energy utility sector score of ASCI is the national cross-sector measure of customer satisfaction. Continued technology enhancements. reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve other benefits. This will be a dominant force shaping our industry s future. As more renewable sources are available in the production of electricity, we support Beneficial Electrification when feasible and cost effective. Examples are electric vehicles and air source heat pumps being provided electricity produced in our area by the new 1.5 MW Goose Lake Solar Project. This year s annual report theme of Charging Forward certainly reflects the exciting industry movement towards Beneficial Electrification. Our board of Directors is committed to the cooperative s mission and value statements. They believe in education on three levels for our members, employees and directors. To reach out to our members, Freeborn-Mower uses a monthly newsletter, Internet-based communications, the area media outlets and participate in local events and programs. For our employees and directors, we utilize a variety of on-going educational resources including our statewide trade association, Minnesota Rural Electric Association, and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. We strive to be prepared to handle changing technologies and evolving member expectations, always keeping our service to our members in the forefront. Your peer-elected board of directors works as a team with management and staff in visioning and developing strategic plans. It is their role, as representatives of our cooperative membership, to oversee our operations and finances, create policies and guide future actions. Implementation then falls to our staff and employees whose professional commitment to our cooperative members shines through their daily work. To us, Charging Forward means moving confidently and strategically, with attention to long-range outcomes that will benefit the cooperative membership. Thank you for the confidence you ve shown in. Respectfully submitted, Roger Weness, Chair, Board of Directors Jim Krueger, President and CEO 2018 Annual Report 5

6 DISTRIBUTION Electric Distribution by the Numbers In December 2018, crews retired two rotting poles and a three-phase overhead powerline in the vicinity of Interstate 90 and Hwy. 13. It was replaced with three-phase underground powerline. LOAD PROFILE The electrical load served by Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services is a balanced mix of residential, small and large commercial accounts. Large Commercial 31% Small Commercial 28% Residential 41% Our System Includes: Nearly 22,000 metered accounts. 26 substations providing power to our service territory. 2,960 miles of distribution power line, of these. 35% or 1,030 miles are underground lines. 65% or 1,930 miles are overhead lines. 6

7 The electric utility industry is constantly changing, which makes building solid relationships with area legislators and public officials critical. Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services recognizes the importance of engaging with government leaders on topics that are important to the energy industry and our member-owners. Guests to the August Directors meeting were State Representative Jeanne Poppe (27B), State Represen- WORKING WITH tative Peggy Bennett (27A), and State GOVERNMENT Senator Dan Sparks (27). Also participating were Jenny Glumack and Joyce Peppin from Minnesota Rural Electric Association (MREA) and Kenric Scheevel, Senior Government Relations Representative with Dairyland Power Cooperative. Through the years, Freeborn-Mower has also developed a rapport with Governor Tim Walz who previously represented Minnesota s 1 st Congressional District. (l to r): Front row: Frank Fryer, Rep. Jeanne Poppe, Rep. Peggy Bennett, Sen. Dan Sparks, Jenny Glumack Middle row: Joyce Peppin, Burt Magnuson, Dennis Anderson, Jack Korman, Steve Garbisch, Joe Pacovsky, Jim Krueger Back row :Bill Trygstad, Roger Weness, Kenric Scheevel Strength Through Unity NRECA America s electric cooperatives are energy providers and engines of economic development for more than 19 million American homes, businesses, farms and schools in 47 states. As an advocate for these electric cooperatives, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) provides collaborative leadership in many areas including Director and Employee Education, Employee Benefits, Electric System Reliability and Security, Cooperative Operations, Power Supply, Environmental Issues, Distributed Energy Resources and Cooperative Financing. MREA The Minnesota Rural Electric Association (MREA) is the Minnesota Statewide organization representing the electric cooperatives in the state of Minnesota. The association fosters unity and provides service to all of Minnesota s 50 electric cooperatives. It provides education, collaborative leadership and expertise. MREA works to positively influence national, state, and local energy policy. Included in its work is proactively developing and pursuing beneficial policies and reacting to external threats. It also focuses on strengthening the grassroots cooperative network, collaborating the member cooperatives on policy priorities and fostering unity in how they are addressed Annual Report 7

8 Manage Your Account with SmartHub MEETING MEMBERS NEEDS Now Accepting View billing & payment history Schedule & make payments Enroll in autopay & paperless billing Sign up and receive and text notifications Monitor and compare energy use Report power outages Download the FREE mobile app. Member Engagement Groups On May 31st, a bus load of Freeborn-Mower members took an educational tour of the Dairyland Power Cooperative headquarters in La Crosse, Wis. and the Genoa Station #3 (G-3) power plant located in Genoa, Wis. The power plant is a super-efficient, single unit coal-fired baseload station with a capacity of producing 379 megawatts (MW) of electricity. 8

9 Promoting Energy Efficiency MEETING MEMBERS NEEDS The efficient use of electricity is key to good stewardship of energy resources. Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services offers a variety of residential, commercial and agricultural rebates for energy efficiency improvements. Our cooperative coordinates the rebate program with Dairyland Power Cooperative. Information on available rebates and how to apply can be found on our website or is available from the office. Jeff Woodside of Albert Lea Select Foods, Albert Lea, accepts an $8,120 rebate for the installation of a new VFD Compressor. Making the presentation is Bryan Skogheim, FMCS Business Development Manager (r). Staff at Ventura Foods, Albert Lea, received a rebate check for upgrading to LED lighting. A $30,000 rebate check was presented to facilities and maintenance staff from Mayo Clinic Health System, Albert Lea, for replacement of an Air Conditioning Chiller system. The project s anticipated energy impact is a reduction by as much as 576 kw in the facility s peak electrical load and a reduction in annual electric consumption of about 715,000 kwh. (l-r) Tab Christensen, Mike Gresser, Bill Johnson, Nate Johnson and Paul Blom. A total of 46,255 energy efficiency incentives were paid in 2018 totaling $374, This equates to an estimated 6,850,412 kwh in energy savings Annual Report 9

10 Strengthening the Fabric of Community Operation Round Up awarded a total of $122, in 2018! OPERATION ROUND UP Governed by a local Board of Trustees, our Operation Round Up program exemplifies the cooperative principle of Concern for Community. Through this voluntary program, members of Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services make a small annual donation by having their monthly electric bill rounded up to the next whole dollar amount. These donations are pooled and applications for grant funds are made quarterly to a wide variety of organizations. Donations are tracked for each participating member and are tax-deductible. Funds for Operation Round Up are held separate from accounts and are administered by the program s Board of Trustees. A large local impact Since 2003, more than $646,461 has been awarded in Operation Round Up grants. ORU Board of Trustees We thank the volunteers of the Board of Trustees for their dedicated service to this outstanding, community-focused outreach program. Sandy Forstner, Chairperson Darrell Ingvaldson, Vice-Chair Brenda Wichmann, Secretary Joni Osmundson, Treasurer Rhonda Allison 10

11 Members Share in Financial Success $769,721 Retired in 2018 We operate as a not-for-profit utility through using our system of capital credits. In October 2018, a total of $769,721 in capital credits was retired to our members and former members. In the cooperative business model, we refer to any profits made as margins. At the end of each year, margins are allocated to a capital credit account for each member who purchased electricity. The amount of the individual allocation is in proportion to the amount of the member s patronage. Assets of the cooperative are owned collectively and held in common by all member-owners. From the year that margins are generated until they are retired (returned) to the members in the form of capital credit disbursements, the money is put to work within the cooperative to minimize debt financing and strengthen its financial position. The retirement of capital credits is determined annually by the Board of Directors. FMCS has been allocating capital credits since CAPITAL CREDITS Justin Akkerman of Akkerman, Inc., Brownsdale (r) accepted a capital credit check from Bryan Skogheim, FMCS Business Development Manager. A capital credit check was presented to Chad Vogt of Mrs. Gerry s Kitchen, Albert Lea. Scholarships believes in creating opportunities for our members and/or their dependents through providing scholarships. Scholarships to Riverland Community College are awarded twice a year. Two scholarships for electric utility lineworker training are offered annually. These scholarships are funded from unclaimed capital credits in accordance with state statute Annual Report 11

12 We re Part of the Touchstone Energy Brand is a Touchstone Energy cooperative, part of a nation-wide branding entity that celebrates and promotes the Cooperative Difference. We re dedicated to: Integrity Accountability Innovation Commitment to Community These four values are the foundation of every service Touchstone Energy Cooperatives provides its members. They represent the Cooperative Difference and how local Touchstone Energy cooperatives earn the trust of millions of people every day by delivering a high-standard service. A Touchstone Energy Cooperative COOPERATIVE DIFFERENCE WE VALUE: Integrity: Accountability to the highest ethical standards in our conduct. Safety: Safety for our employees and public. Quality: Innovation, efficiency and continuous improvement in everything we do. Engagement: Engaged employees, members and customers. Collaboration: Working together to share resources, knowledge and expertise. The Seven Cooperative Principles 1. Voluntary and Open Membership Cooperatives are voluntary organizations that are open to all persons able to use their service and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership. 2. Democratic Member Control Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their member-owners who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. 3. Member Economic Participation Members contribute equitably to, and also democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. 4. Autonomy and Independence Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their member-owners. 5. Education, Training and Information Cooperatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers and employees, so they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperative. 6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together. 7. Concern for Community While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of the communities in which they serve. 12

13 Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services prides itself on being active in our local communities. After all, your community is our community. COMMUNITY Gary Schaefer and Malyk represented Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services in the Adams parade. Russ Nemec, Lori Jimenez and Paul Raatz & his family prepare to hand out goodies during the Albert Lea Parade. Mary Thompson, Lori Jimenez and RaAnna Pestorious enjoyed visiting with member families during Wind Down Wednesday in Albert Lea. National Electric Cooperative Youth Tour Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services sponsored two students to attend an educational tour and leadership event in Washington, D.C. Representing the cooperative were Catrina Andree, Hayfield High School, and Sara Kabrud, Albert Lea High School. They joined more than 1,500 students from across America. Catrina and Sara met with U.S. Representatives and Senators and heard several dynamic speakers Annual Report 13

14 The Power to Protect HEARTLAND SECURITY Heartland Security serves and protects nearly 8,000 families and businesses in the Midwest with customized security systems that are backed with a commitment to deliver long-term value through exceptional service, superior and reliable equipment, and competitive pricing. Heartland Security is owned by 13 rural electric cooperatives in central, western, and southern Minnesota and northern Iowa. is a co-owner of this subsidiary organization. Heartland Security provides professional response and technical support services from an international UL-listed response center located in Rockford, MN. It is staffed by highly trained dispatchers around the clock, 365 days per year. HEARTLAND SECURITY PROVIDES: Home Security Systems Business/Commercial Security Systems Video Surveillance Systems Agricultural Building Monitoring Medical Alert Services Of the three electric cooperatives serving southeastern Minnesota (including Freeborn-Mower) 70% of Heartland Security s sales in 2018 were residential security installations. Another 17% were commercial/business security installations and the balance were video surveillance, fire alarm or card access systems. Freeborn-Mower led in system sales, accounting for 50%. Rely on Heartland Security to protect whatever matters to you most. photos A Subsidiary of: A Touchstone Energy Cooperative 14

15 SAFETY Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services Progressive Agriculture Safety Day Ethan Eggum, Journeyman Lineman (l) and Jacob Bialas, Apprentice Lineman (r) provided an electrical safety demonstration during the June 6 th Progressive Agriculture Safety Day held at Freeborn County Fairgrounds. was proud to be a co-sponsor of the event. It was a fun-filled day of learning for K 3 rd grade children. PLEASE! Hang up and Drive! Our LIVES are on the LINE! Looking at your cell phone for 5 SECONDS is like driving blindfolded the length of a football field. Distracted drivers are 23 TIMES more likely to be on the road you re driving than a drunk driver! Our lineworkers hold a morning tailgate talk before starting at the job site. Working safely requires everyone in the crew to have a complete understanding of the day s tasks Annual Report 15

16 FINANCIALS 2018 Financial Highlights The following graph depicts the percent of revenue for each major category of expense. Power Costs comprise 72% of revenues with Operating Expenses the next highest at 16%. Interest and Depreciation make up 9%, combined, while Operating Margins consist of the remaining 3%. Operating Margins 3% Depreciation 6% Interest 3% Operating Expenses 16% Electric Revenue $55.4 Million Power Costs 72% 16

17 Total $114.6 $112.0 $108.7 Assets Million Million Million Equity $34.9 $33.4 $30.0 Million Million Million Revenue $55.4 $53.3 $50.4 Million Million Million Operating & Fixed Expenses $53.7 $51.2 $49.7 Million Million Million Other $1.1 $1.7 $1.1 Income Million Million Million Margins $2.8 $3.8 $1.8 Million Million Million Total Assets are increasing steadily each year due to continuous investments and improvements to our infrastructure. Our Equity has also increased by $1,500,000 and our net margins were approximately $2.8 million for the year. As you can see from the above, our financial position has remained strong. As we look ahead into the future, we will continue to diligently manage our costs in order to mitigate rate impacts to our members. Audited Financial Statements Available Upon Request Annual Report 17

18 Aligning Business Decisions with Strategy is one of 24 member distribution cooperatives that comprise Dairyland Power, a cooperatively-owned wholesale power generation and transmission cooperative headquartered in La Crosse, Wis. Dairyland s four-state region provides the benefits of electricity to nearly 600,000 consumers through more than 225,000 metering points. The member cooperatives of the Dairyland system renewed their commitment to each other in 2018 through an extension of their Wholesale Power Contract (WPC) with Dairyland. The WPC is an agreement among Dairyland s distribution cooperative members that began with the formation of Dairyland in It solidifies the longterm commitment Dairyland s member cooperatives make to each other to secure power resources for their communities. As your Dairyland director, I assure you that Dairyland staff continue to implement initiatives to ensure safe, reliable and sustainable electricity that remains affordable for our members. Our industry is rapidly changing and Dairyland is positioned to be a dynamic cooperative leader well into the future. During 2019, several strategic business initiatives are slated to be implemented, many of which are being undertaken with flexibility in mind. There are three major initiatives underway: Wholesale Rate Study Task Force The board of directors and managers of Dairyland s member cooperatives are collaborating in an effort to assess Dairyland s current wholesale rate structure, along with potential new rate structures. The goal is to develop a rate design that is competitive, while providing long-term mutual success for Dairyland, its member cooperatives and their consumer-members. Strategic Decision Excellence This initiative includes evaluating processes and systems used to DAIRYLAND POWER COOPERATIVE make major capital, operational and strategic business decisions, and ensuring the alignment of key business decisions with Dairyland s long-term Strategic Plan. Sustainable Generation Plan This initiative provides a framework for strategic resource planning for the next 7-10 years. It will bring value to members through continued expansion of renewable energy, evaluating energy price volatility and determining the best project mix for Dairyland s members. In addition to these three 2019 initiatives, Dairyland continues implementing business plans in all areas of operations to fulfill the cooperative s Strategic Imperatives: Cooperative Purpose - Dairyland is committed to improving communities and the quality of life in its four-state region by living the seven Cooperative Principles and leveraging the Cooperative Advantage. Employee Development - Dairyland is focusing on attracting, developing and retaining talented leaders who are focused on serving co-op members. Resource Diversification - Dairyland staff have been diversifying resources intentionally and thoughtfully to create a sustainable resource mix. Through power purchase agreements, renewable wind energy resources were added in Iowa, southwest Wisconsin and Minnesota. This is an example of aligning business decisions with strategy. Many of these sites also include community solar projects. Burt Magnuson, Dairyland Director 18

19 Dairyland and ALLETE s Minnesota Power (Duluth, Minn.) announced the proposed Nemadji Trail Energy Center (Superior, Wis.) in June The plant is an up to 625 MW combined-cycle natural gas facility and scheduled to be in service by 2025, contingent on regulatory approvals. The Nemadji Trail Energy Center will help Dairyland diversify its resources, reduce carbon intensity and ensure reliability for our growing system as an agile and flexible energy source. The Goose Lake solar site in Albert Lea is rated to produce 1.5 MW of electricity. Additionally, it will serve as a certified pollinator garden to provide beneficial bee and butterfly habitat. The Goose Lake project along with two other new solar projects developed by Dairyland Power Cooperative brings a total of 18 solar generation sites in the Dairyland Power system. Competitive Service It is critical to the economic wellbeing of the region that Dairyland ensure competitive rates and services. Dairyland s Board approved a 1 percent increase on the average wholesale rate in Dairyland s 2019 budget, effective May 1. Efficiency improvements and wise management of controllable costs and risks are priorities. Financial Strength - Maintaining financial strength and competitive access to capital are critical to delivering Dairyland s strategic plans. Standard and Poor s elevated Dairyland s rating to A+ with a stable outlook in early Dairyland s board and management work to achieve financial strength that is balanced with competitive rates and sound operations. Growth - System growth provides opportunities to improve efficiencies and deliver competitive cost and service. Dairyland s system is projected to experience 10 percent growth in the next few years with the addition of service territory acquired by its member cooperatives, mostly in southern Minnesota. Safety Culture - The safety of employees, members and the public are foundational values at Dairyland. Operational Excellence - Dairyland strives for high availability and reliable performance of its power plants and transmission system. Modernization of business practices and procedures throughout the organization focus on enhancing organizational effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability and communications. Maintaining a robust transmission system is vital for the reliable delivery of energy. Dairyland s Transmission Construction crews work to safely rebuild, construct and upgrade approximately 50 miles of 69 kv transmission line each year. The safe, skilled work of Dairyland s power delivery professionals yields steady progress. Dairyland also partners with neighboring utilities to strengthen the transmission infrastructure in our region to absorb changing generation sources. Plant Decommissioning - Major milestones have been reached in the decommissioning of the La Crosse Boiling Water Reactor (LACBWR) and the Alma Station, both located in Wisconsin. Structures removed include LACBWR s reactor building and the Alma Station s 700- foot stack. It has been an honor to serve as your representative on the Dairyland Board of Directors. I am pleased that Dairyland is both financially and operationally sound. I assure you that Dairyland continues to plan to reliably and sustainably meet our cooperative s future energy needs. Respectfully submitted, Burt Magnuson 2018 Annual Report 19

20 District Map and Board of Directors Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services 2018 Service Territory and Director District Map District #1 Dennis Anderson, Hartland District #2 Burt Magnuson, Austin Secretary District #3 Steve Garbisch, Brownsdale Treasurer District #4 Roger Weness, Adams Chairman District #5 Frank Fryer, Lyle District #6 Joe Pacovsky, Hayward District #7 Jack Korman, Alden Vice Chairman District #8 William Trygstad, Albert Lea District #9 Larry Irvine, Albert Lea Jack William Larry Roger Frank Burt Dennis Steve Joe 20

21 FREEBORN-MOWER COOPERATIVE SERVICES Albert Lea, Minnesota ANNUAL MEETING MINUTES April 7, 2018 The 81 st Annual Meeting of the members of Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services was held at the Austin High School, Austin MN on Saturday morning, April 7, FMCS members gathered to enjoy a delicious breakfast and hear a recap of operations and milestones achieved during Registration began at 8:30 a.m. with a complimentary breakfast served until 10:00 a.m. There were approximately 369 in attendance, 229 who were registered as voting members. Members present circulated through the different booths where employees answered questions and explained programs that add value to their membership. Bingo was played in the auditorium prior to the business meeting. VFW Post 1216 Veterans of World War II and Vietnam Color Guard posted the colors. This meeting was called to order at 10:00 am by Board Chairman, Roger Weness. Guests present were acknowledged as were the Board of Directors currently serving and Steve Hovey, representing Hoversten Johnson Beckmann & Hovey. Member-owner, Pastor Matt Griggs of East and Central Freeborn Lutheran Churches offered the Invocation. Sandy Forstner with the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce gave a welcome to the City of Austin. Secretary of the Board, Burt Magnuson, reported that registrations had been checked and declared a quorum present. He further read the Proof of Mailing Notice of Annual Meeting which indicated the notices had been mailed from LaCrosse, WI to all members on January 29, A motion was made and carried that the reading of the minutes of the April 1, 2017 meeting be dispensed with in that the minutes were printed in our Annual Report. President & CEO Jim Krueger covered a variety of topics in his presentation entitled, Reaching High Expectations Together. Along with providing an overview of the 2017 statistics, activities and achievements, Krueger commended the employees for working without a lost time day since April of That s three years without a day lost due to injury. Freeborn-Mower also retired $285,937 in patronage capital credits to members and former members in 2017, marking the 51st consecutive year of returning capital credits to our members. A look at operative statistics show that kilowatt hour sales have increased by approximately 4.4 million. For much of the year, we were actually under budget and behind the numbers from However, in November we had a significant crop drying load and in December experienced some unseasonably cold weather. Those two events contributed to our slight increase from the previous year. His presentation concluded with an announcement that Dairyland Power Cooperative has selected our service territory for a future solar project. It will be a 1.5 MW project and construction will begin sometime later this year with commissioning of the system anticipated in Krueger also reviewed the progress of SMEC and provided a facilities update. In March 2018, FMCS purchased a tract of land on the north side of Albert Lea for future facilities construction. Chairman Weness called for any old business to be brought before this meeting. There being none, he called for any new business. There were no topics brought forth for discussion. Congratulations to re-elected Districts 1, 4 and 7 board members, Dennis Anderson, Roger Weness and Jack Korman. All were seated during the annual meeting. FMCS awarded 20 - $100 cash prizes as well as door prizes donated by Heartland Security. A motion was made, seconded and carried to adjourn the business meeting at 11:00 a.m. Burt Magnuson, Secretary 2018 Annual Report 21

22 RENEWABLES Electric Vehicle Program Coming Soon Do you own an electric vehicle? Are you considering purchasing one? is developing an Electric Vehicle Charging Rate. Look for this rate and program to be launched in early summer. When you choose renewable energy, you are making a positive choice for the future. Dairyland Power Cooperative developed Evergreen, a voluntary green power program. The program gives electric cooperative members the opportunity to contribute to the increased use of renewable energy sources without the financial burden of installing their own larger system. For as little as $1 a month, you can support renewable energy through Evergreen. Participating is easy. On your monthly electric bill, you add a small, additional charge to have some (or all) of your energy needs powered by renewable energy generation. Evergreen renewable energy comes from regional solar, wind, hydro and biogas resources. Subscriptions are available in monthly, 100 kwh blocks of electric energy that is produced by renewable sources. There is nothing to install. By participating in Evergreen, you are investing in the future of our environment. The subscriptions to Evergreen support renewable energy generation above and beyond state requirements. Dairyland s commitment to renewable resources grows each year, with new projects coming online regularly. Dairyland s energy portfolio is progressive and varied, utilizing domestic coal, natural gas, hydro, landfill gas-to-energy, wind and solar to create the electricity we all need. The generation and transmission cooperative (G&T) is committed to be a sustainable cooperative and diversifying its energy resources is held as a strategic imperative. 22

23 REGISTRATION CARD Please bring this card as admission for you and your family to the Annual Meeting of on Saturday, March 30, 2019 at Albert Lea High School. Registration and breakfast begin at 8:00 a.m. This card will also be your registration for the prize drawings, if you are a current FMCS member. Please complete information below. Acct. #: Mailing Address: City: State: Zip: Property Address: City: State: Zip: Cell Phone: Home Phone: 82 nd Annual Meeting Registration & Breakfast 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. Bingo in Auditorium 9:00 a.m. Cash Prize Drawings (Must be current member & be present to win.) Business Meeting 10:00 a.m. American Legion Honor Guard Call to Order Recognition of Board Members & Guests Invocation Welcome Notice of Mailing Establishment of Quorum Minutes of Last Meeting President s Report Old Business / New Business Seating of Directors for Districts #2, #5, #8 Closing Adjournment Cash Prize Drawings (Must be current member & be present to win.) 2018 Annual Report A County Lines Special Edition Charging Forward Saturday Morning, March 30, 2019 Albert Lea High School Albert Lea, MN Park and enter on north side of school. Golf cart rides available Annual Report 23

24 March 2019 VOLUME 80 NO. 3 USPS Periodicals Postage Paid at Albert Lea, MN and other locations. Postmaster: Send address corrections to: County Lines P.O. Box 611, Albert Lea, MN County Lines is published monthly, except for the Annual Report edition issued in March, by, 2501 East Main Street, Albert Lea, MN This monthly publication is designed to provide information about the cooperative to the memberowners of. Jim Krueger, President & CEO Telephone: (507) (day or night) Tear off here and bring the top portion to register at the annual meeting. 82 nd Annual Meeting Saturday, March 30, 2019 Albert Lea High School Albert Lea, MN 2501 East Main Street PO Box 611 Albert Lea MN Office Hours: Monday Friday 7:00 a.m 3:30 p.m. memberservices@fmcs.coop Serving our members for 82 years! is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.