Umatilla Electric Cooperative’s service area is divided into seven districts. Members of each district elect a director to represent them for a three-year term. This year, elections are being held for Districts 5, 6 and 7. Ballots will be mailed to those district members who are qualified to vote. Results will be announced at UEC’s Annual Meeting on April 18, 2026.
District 6 includes service areas east and southeast of Pendleton, the Umatilla River/Weston Mountain area and a small portion of northwest Union County. District 6 is currently represented by Steve Platt.
Steve Platt
Steve Platt is seeking to continue his service as District 6 representative on the Umatilla Electric Cooperative Board, a position he has held since 2017. His priorities include supporting UEC’s strong safety culture, keeping rates competitive, and meeting the challenges of maintaining and expanding the cooperative’s electric system. During his tenure, Platt has participated in conferences and training, including National Rural Electric Cooperative Association programs, and currently serves as the Board’s Secretary-Treasurer.
Platt is a lifelong resident of the Pilot Rock area and a third-generation rancher. He and his wife and son have owned and operated a commercial cattle operation for more than 39 years. He is active in his community and served as president of the Umatilla County Cattlemen’s Association from 2020–2021, giving him broad insight into agricultural and rural issues important to UEC members.
Platt earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Production Agriculture from Blue Mountain Community College (BMCC) and spent 30 years working at the college, including 23 years as Facilities Manager. His experience includes safety and security, facilities maintenance, construction project management, budgeting, public bond initiatives, and human resource management.
As a Board member, Platt has supported strategic infrastructure investments, including the successful rebuild of the Weston Mountain Substation in 2022. This project strengthened system reliability and will help ensure dependable electric service for nearly 900 members in the Weston Mountain area for years to come.
Platt asks for your vote to continue serving District 6 and working on behalf of UEC members.
Candidate biographies are provided by the candidates, and may not necessarily reflect the views of Umatilla Electric Cooperative.
Jeff Biggerstaff
I was born and raised in Umatilla County and am proud to call it home. My wife, Donna, and I live in Umatilla Electric Cooperative’s (UEC) District 6, where we raised our three children. Our three adult children continue to appreciate our home and our lifestyle in the county. We value the quality of life in District 6 and I am honored to seek a position on the UEC Board of Directors representing our district.
I attended Stanfield School District from kindergarten through graduation and earned my degree from Blue Mountain Community College. For the past 19 years, I have worked for the Oregon Department of Transportation, where I currently serve as a District Operations Coordinator. In this role, I have also had the opportunity to serve on several statewide ODOT committees.
As a Board member, my priorities would include supporting responsible, sustainable use of renewable resources while ensuring they remain viable for future generations. I am also committed to protecting and strengthening the valuable incentives and benefits of being a Umatilla Electric Cooperative member.
Candidate biographies are provided by the candidates, and may not necessarily reflect the views of Umatilla Electric Cooperative.