At a Glance
Umatilla Electric (UEC) takes an active and intentional role in serving our business members. Among other valuable assistance, our involvement includes guidance on initial site selection, coordinating with key government and industrial stakeholders, and providing specialized services through our Key Accounts program. In addition to serving reliable power, we want to ensure our members are connected in our communities and successful in their endeavors.
UEC’s Current Economic Development Activities
Relationships With Key Stakeholders
UEC maintains close working relationships with key leaders in the region to support economic development and sales growth. For the last 10 years, sales growth in our service territory has grown 20% year over year. We maintain relationships with:
State, county, tribal, and community leaders
Chambers of Commerce
Economic development professionals at the county, state, and community level
Active Participation & Support of Economic Development Events Across the Region
UEC is proud to invest financially and in employee involvement to events such as the Eastern Oregon Women’s Coalition’s Economic Summit, Power Eastern Oregon, and more.
Investing in Tomorrow’s Leaders
We recognize the importance of investing now for tomorrow’s business leaders. For over 30 years, we have supported youth programs and for the continued development of our youth, including:
Nearly 100 4th and 5th grade students participate in annual summer science camps focused on science, water, our environment, and energy.
Up to $50,000 is given away each year in scholarships focused on academics, engineering, and the lineman trade. We are proud to invest in the dreams of our members and their dependents!
Two high school juniors are selected each year to participate in the National Rural Electric Cooperative’s Youth Tour, a week-long trip to Washington D.C.
A group of students participate in the Idaho Consumer-Owned Utilities Association’s Youth Rally, a week-long leadership camp held at Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, Idaho.
School Presentations
Our team is invested in the promotion of electrical safety presentations and teaching students about the utility industry. We present to students in classrooms and camps including Science Fridays at the SAGE Center in Boardman, and SparkForce Camp through the Port of Morrow.
In addition to youth programs, we are also investing in continued education for professionals through a subsidiary business of UEC, Umatilla Basin Resources. In 2024, Proud River Leadership Academy launched, investing in the improved tangible leadership skills of our business community. The nine-month course opens for applicants each summer and runs September through June, meeting 1 day per month. Learn more about the program by visiting the Proud River Leadership Academy website.
Direct Business Support
UEC is invested in your success. That’s why we provide avenues for businesses to gain direct support, including financial opportunities specific for business use.
Revolving Loan Fund: UEC offers small business loans with favorable terms to support businesses that promote job creation and/or community services.
Energy Efficiency Programs: Our team supports businesses with tailored energy efficiency programs, incentives, and ongoing assessments.
Investing in Community Quality of Life
Since 1937, UEC has been investing in the people of northeast Oregon and programs, projects, and initiatives that make this area such a wonderful place to live. Cooperative principle number 7, Concern for Community, matters to our team. We are continually investing in projects that make a difference:
Major financial contributor to recreation and parks including replacing lighting at Riverside High School, Good Shepherd Pickleball Complex, and HEROS Sportsplex.
Annual community giving through designated donations funds supporting everything from purchasing animals at the local county fairs to supporting athletics programs and non-profit services across the region.
Investing in our ecological impact with the creation of a Pollinator Garden next to a substation in Hermiston.
Supported the creation of Little Sprouts Early Learning and Care LLC through our subsidiary business, Umatilla Basin Resources.
Annual investment in the SAGE Center Museum in Boardman, supporting education on our region, agriculture, energy, and improving general awareness of said topics to locals and those traveling through the area.
Specialized Account Services
Your dedicated representative ensures seamless communication and customized solutions for your business, but not limited to:
Manufacturing
Data centers
Light industrial
Hotels
Retail and restaurants
Schools and education facilities
Looking to locate your business in our region?
Contact us so we can help you succeed!
Do you have a project requiring more than 10 MW of power?
Review our Large-Scale Load Information or contact Josh Burns, Vice President of Operations.
Efficiency Programs
We offer a comprehensive rebate program, offering incentives, grants, and financial assistance available to support your investments in saving energy. Efficiency programs for our Commercial and Industrial members can be found on our Energy Efficiency page. Our professional energy savings team will work with you to maximize your savings.
Explore Energy Efficiency Programs
Capital Credits
As a cooperative member, your business will earn annual capital credits allocations, sharing in the success of our organization. When these credits are retired, your business receives a check from our cooperative.
Understanding Your Rate Schedule
We review your business needs in detail to determine the best fit for your business in our existing rate structure. By analyzing your energy usage patterns, we can identify opportunities to optimize costs and maximize your benefits. Our goal is to ensure you fully understand and leverage your rate class to its greatest advantage.
Value-Added Services
Energy Assessments
We help identify energy-saving opportunities and cost reduction strategies tailored to your business.
Customized Energy Reports
Gain detailed insights into energy use trends, peak demand, and tailored strategies to optimize your operations.
Ongoing Communication & Special Support
To better support business members, our team will connect with you a few times per year to ensure service is as expected and we keep you informed about the cooperative. You will also receive a designated contact for any potential outages or interruptions of service
Umatilla County regards Umatilla Electric as a prime partner in all developments, large and small, and our first contact. This relationship has been developed over long term respect and shared common goals.
– Dan Dorran
County Commissioner, Umatilla County
Contact Our Economic Development Team
Josh Burns
Vice President, Operations
Executive
Tami Sinor
Key Account Liaison
Public Relations