By: Robert Echenrode
As we celebrated 88 years of Umatilla Electric Cooperative (UEC) at the Annual Meeting last month, we acknowledge that UEC has once again demonstrated its commitment to growth, reliability, and community engagement.
The past year has been marked by record breaking achievements, critical infrastructure improvements, and unwavering support for our members. We are proud to share the highlights of these efforts as we continue our mission to provide safe, affordable, and sustainable energy.
- Powering Growth & Sustainability: UEC experienced another year of significant energy sales, delivering 8.4 billion kilowatt hours. This sustained growth underscores the cooperative’s role in supporting economic expansion across our service territory. Additionally, we achieved a 65% reduction in carbon emissions compared to 2018, reinforcing our commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability.
- Financial Strength & Member Focus: UEC remains financially strong, retiring $9 million in capital credits in 2024, bringing our total returns to members since 1960 to over $130 million. Our commitment to members
extends beyond providing electricity. This year, we engaged with our communities through educational programs, scholarships, and sponsorships. We proudly supported local organizations making a difference for our communities, provided scholarships totaling $50,000, and assisted over 300 members through our UCARE program. Events like our Annual Meeting and National Cooperative Month celebrations brought together more than 1,200 members to strengthen our cooperative spirit. - Strengthening Infrastructure & Reliability: Our teams worked tirelessly to enhance system reliability and expand capacity. Crews installed over 268,000 feet of new line, replaced aging infrastructure, and continued
our underground conductor replacement program. These improvements ensure that our members receive the most dependable service possible, even as demand rises. Furthermore, our right-of-way crews cleared
over 220 miles of vegetation to mitigate wildfire risks and maintain grid stability. - Commitment to Safety & Innovation: UEC staff celebrated more than 1,000 days without a lost-time accident—an incredible testament to the dedication of our employees. We also continued investing in advanced
technologies, securing new federal grants for cybersecurity improvements and delivering more than 270 hours of employee training to enhance our digital defenses. With the continued dedication of our
employees, the guidance of our Board of Directors, and the trust of our members, we are confident that the future of UEC is brighter than ever.
On behalf of the Board of Directors and the entire UEC team, we extend our gratitude to our members for their continued support and partnership. We look forward to another year of progress, collaboration, and success. Whether it’s within the industry, plugged into the community, or working hard to ensure your lights stay on – together, we are charging forward.