A MESSAGE TO CENTRAL MEMBERS

One of Central Rural Electric Cooperative’s core values is dedicated to serve, meaning we are only as strong as our members and the communities in which they live. We make every decision and measure every outcome based on how well it serves our members. One of the questions our employees ask themselves related to this core value is, “Do you understand how your work productivity affects the membership?”

As a not-for-pro t organization, designed to provide a service rather than seek a pro t, we understand the impact every decision we make has on each member. While change is inevitable, one thing that will remain the same is our dedication to serving you, our members.

During 2022, our rural areas experienced tremendous growth increasing our peak system demand by eight megawatts. To put that in perspective, 1 MW of electric load equals that of three Walmarts. Traditionally, our system has consisted primarily of oil and gas load, however, as oil and gas have declined and residential has increased, our system has shifted. What was once more than half commercial load is now residential.

Despite this shift, Central continues to maintain some of the lowest rates in the state among municipalities, investor-owned utilities and other cooperatives. Our commitment to providing you with affordable, safe and reliable power will not waiver. Nor will our desire to be accessible and transparent with you about your cooperative. We continue to design member engagement events with you in mind, meeting you where you are and adapting to your busy lifestyle.

With record-breaking attendance at our second-annual Kilowatts and Brats events and more than doubling quorum at the 2022 Annual Meeting, Central employees had the opportunity to meet and visit with more than 2,500 members. We love hearing your stories, answering your questions and spending time with you. Plus, we hosted our rst Co-op Kids Day, sharing the cooperative difference and electrical safety with more than 60 Co-op Kids! Through events like this, we keep communication a twoway street and take your feedback seriously.

And of course, we are continuing to build ber to our entire system for smart grid. This ultimately bene ts you by way of ber to the home services from Centranet. While we are not nished building, our progress continues to gain steam and the expected time frame for completion shrinks.

As we roll through 2023, know your cooperative remains nancially strong and dedicated to serving you, making every decision with you on our minds. Thank you for allowing us to serve you.

Hunter Robinson, CEO

AND MEMBERSHIP