|
Poudre Valley REA Holds 70th Annual Meeting
 Poudre Valley REA held its 70th annual meeting on Saturday, March 28 at The Ranch near Loveland. Nearly 700 members of the association were present and total attendance was estimated at 1,500. Reports on the state of the association’s finances and operations were delivered and results of the election for board of directors were tabulated and announced. PVREA is among Colorado’s largest electric cooperatives and ranks fifth out of 22 in total power distributed. The Treasurer’s report, delivered by Thaine Michie, revealed that the association surpassed one billion kilowatt hours of electricity sales in 2008. This was due in part to the addition of the Vestas Blade plant to the PVREA system. However, the cooperative saw a decline in the net number of new residential services added, from 602 in 2007 to 258 in 2008, as home building slowed. The association invested more than $9,500,000 in infrastructure and paid $806,000 in property taxes last year. Click here to see the Treasurer's report in PDF form.
Every member in attendance received a Home Energy Conservation Kit that mirrored the general theme of the meeting. The association’s many conservation programs were highlighted in reports from board president, Keith Croonquist and CEO Brad Gaskill. These programs include Home Energy Audits, rebates for EnergyStar appliances and help for homeowners who make insulation upgrades through the Governor’s Energy Office Insulate Colorado initiative. There was also a report on the association’s AMI “smart grid” project which is the largest of its kind among Colorado’s electric cooperatives. A smart grid is more stable, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and is better able to help consumers identify ways to conserve energy. Click here to read President Croonquist's report. 
“We believe energy conservation should always be our “first fuel” resource. It is the fastest, cheapest and cleanest way to start addressing the nation’s energy and climate challenges,” said CEO Gaskill. “We also need a sound, energy and climate policy that strikes the right balance between meeting future energy demand, being environmentally responsible and keeping electric bills affordable.” Click here to read CEO Gaskill's report.
Poudre Valley REA has one of the state’s longest-running Green Power programs and has offered electricity from renewable sources to its consumers since 1999. The association also offers rebates for residential solar and wind generation systems and recently awarded a $50,000 grant to the Lyons School System for installation of a 21 kilowatt solar array.
A hot breakfast was served as the reports and balloting proceeded. Jeff Lebesch, co-founder of the New Belgium Brewery, made a presentation on his net-zero electric home in Fort Collins and there were many demonstrations on renewable energy and conservation from more than a dozen participating companies. The Touchstone Energy hot air balloon was also available most of the morning for those who wished to take a tethered ride. Click here to view Jeff Lebesch's presentation.
 Four positions on the 11-member board of directors were open for election as well as amendments to the association Articles of Incorporation. The proposed changes to the Articles was passed by a wide majority. Incumbents Ron Sutherland, Rick Johnson and Gail Spencer Hole were re-elected to the association board of directors. Roger Alexander won a seat on the board over incumbent Ed Hansen.
“Our association has benefited greatly from Ed Hansen’s dedication and leadership and we all owe him our thanks for his 26 years of service on the board,” said board president Keith Croonquist. “We also welcome Roger Alexander and the enthusiasm and experience he brings with him.”
Immediately after the meeting the board of directors held an organizational meeting to elect officers and director representation to several affiliated organizations.
Minutes of the 2009 Annual Meeting (pdf)
The Touchstone Energy Balloon team arrives
and begins setting up. |
More than 1,500 guests registered for the breakfast and attended the meeting at The Ranch.
|
  |
Nearly 200 members enjoyed a tethered ride in the balloon. |
CEO Brad Gaskill and Board President Keith Croonquist report on issues and challenges facing PVREA and other electric cooperatives in America. |
|
 |
Treasurer Thaine Michie delivers the financial report.
|
Members listen to the reports and are invited to speak at the Q&A session afterward. |
Jeff Lebesch entertains and informs the members with the story of how he built his net-zero electric home in Fort Collins. |
Washington Youth Tour representative, Deborah McGasson, talks about her 2008 visit to our nation's capitol. |
Tri-State GM, Ken Anderson delivers his report. |
A heartfelt "thank you" to the many Poudre Valley REA team members
who worked to make our 70th Annual Meeting a success.
See you all next year!
|
