Board Highlights JAN U ARY
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Directors of Powder River Energy Corporation was called to order at 9:32 a.m. on Tuesday, January 22, 2013 in Sundance by President Walt Christensen. All board members were present except for Pam Kinchen. Financials System sales for November 2012 are down 5.4% compared to November 2011. Manager of Accounting Karri Blasi gave an update on Accounts Receivable. Safety The safety minutes for the December 2012 safety meetings were approved. CEO Report CEO Easley provided updates on cooperative outreach, Forward Sheridan, renewable energy credits, and upcoming meeting with Basin Electric and WREA. Dialogue will continue at the next customer meeting on the strategy to reshape customer meetings. Walt Christensen will attend as a board representative.
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Approved Items • Develop an agreement with the Wyoming Business Council regarding the use of renewable energy credits for economic development. • Develop a proposal for long-term power service for the Cam-Plex in Gillette. • Purchase a backup 100 MVA 230/69kV transformer for the Wright area. • Transfer the unclaimed Capital Credit balance for 2012 to the Powder River Energy Foundation. • Move September Board of Directors meeting to Monday, September 16, at 9:30 a.m. in Sheridan. • Move October Board of Directors meeting to Tuesday, October 22, at 9:30 a.m., in Sundance.
Board Highlights
Legal Report Attorney Mark Hughes reported on legal issues relevant to PRECorp. Executive Staff Reports VP Mills presented the 2013 Random Drug Testing program. Sr. VP Engineering and Technical Services Matt Davis answered questions from the board regarding the ongoing Gillette Northern Drive line relocation. The project should be wrapping up within the next few months. Chief Information Officer Doug Wilson reviewed the 2012 Balanced Scorecard final results. The draft 2013 Balanced Scorecard was reviewed and will align with the Initiatives and Strategy Map. General Information Manager of System Operations Support Services Steve Eliason provided an update on the Mobile Radio Project, a Critical Priority initiative. The cutover was complete on December 17, 2012. Guests to the Meeting: PRECorp employees Libby Opstedahl, Karri Blasi, Curtis Mock, Tim Velder, John Tieman, Josh Gray, and Steve Eliason.
SUNDANCE – CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS 221 Main Street • P.O. Box 930 • Sundance, WY 82729 (800) 442-3630 Phone • (307) 283-3527 Fax
Tim Velder/PRECorp Marketing Communications
The inspection tags on this Newcastle area pole could soon be joined by a new marker as PRECorp performs pole and line inspections this year as part of its 2013 maintenance plan.
GILLETTE 200 Garner Lake Road • P.O. Box 937 • Gillette, WY 82718 (800) 442-3630 Phone • (307) 682-0733 Fax
www.precorp.coop
SHERIDAN 1095 Brundage Lane • P.O. Box 5087 • Sheridan, WY 82801 (800) 442-3630 Phone • (307) 674-9018 Fax
Board Highlights F E BR U ARY
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Directors of Powder River Energy Corporation was called to order at 9:25 a.m. on Tuesday, February 19, 2013, in Gillette by President Walt Christensen. Board members Reuben Ritthaler, Leo Ankney, Mike Lohse, and Dave Hoyt were not present as they were attending the National Rural Electric Cooperatives Annual Meeting. Financials System sales for December 2012 are down 3.8% compared to December 2011. Purchasing and Contract Administrator Ray Miner gave an update on fleet and maintenance inspections. Safety The safety minutes for the January 2013 safety meetings were approved. CEO Report CEO Easley provided updates on cooperative outreach, strategic and operational discussions at customer meetings, and the annual All-Team Meeting. Walt Christensen, Philip Habeck, and Reuben Ritthaler will participate in a panel discussion for the All-Team Meeting.
Board Highlights
Legal Report Attorney Mark Hughes reported on legal issues relevant to PRECorp. Executive Staff Reports VP Mills discussed the status of part-time employees and health care coverage costs, which is not believed to be an impact on PRECorp. Sr. VP Engineering and Technical Services Matt Davis reviewed the status of a partnership project with a landowner. Chief Information Officer Doug Wilson reviewed the status of the radio system upgrade and punchlist items with the vendor. Sr. VP Schloredt reviewed the status of two member cases that are nearing resolution.
sion, Mark Christensen, Matt Avery, and Robert Palmer requested information to better understand PRECorp’s position in the dispute with the City of Gillette regarding power service to the Cam-Plex. CEO Easley detailed the history of service to Cam-Plex. WREA Executvie Director Shawn Taylor briefed the Board members via teleconference on the status of legislation in Cheyenne. Guests to the Meeting: PRECorp employees John Tieman, Tim Velder, Curtis Mock, Libby Opstedahl, Ray Miner, Kristin Kelly, Bruce Olson, and Chris Arneson; PRECorp member Verlin Dannar of Luca Technologies was present for Member Comments; and, Campbell County Commission representatives Mark Christensen, Matt Avery, and Robert Palmer, were present during the Unfinished Business portion of the meeting. Approved Items • Designate Clayton Svalina as recipient of the Basin Member Scholarship, and Karina Ike as alternate. Designate Alexis Engstrom as the Basin Employee Scholarship nominee, and Justin Jones as alternate; • Liebherr Mining and GAP Substation Switch Installations; • West Fiddler Redesign project; and • Merit Energy project.
General Information Chris Arneson presented the new mapping system to the Board. He provided information on the databases available and the uses for the system. Representatives of the Campbell County Commis-
SUNDANCE – CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS 221 Main Street • P.O. Box 930 • Sundance, WY 82729 (800) 442-3630 Phone • (307) 283-3527 Fax
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Special Meeting: A Special Meeting of the Board of Directors was called to order at 12:54 p.m. Tuesday, February 26, 2013, by President Walt Christensen. All directors were present. CEO Report CEO Easley and President Christensen met with officials of Luca Technologies regarding a proposed CBM recovery project. Approved Items • Resolution to rescind permission for the City of Gillette to sell electrical service to the Cam-Plex.
GILLETTE 200 Garner Lake Road • P.O. Box 937 • Gillette, WY 82718 (800) 442-3630 Phone • (307) 682-0733 Fax
www.precorp.coop
SHERIDAN 1095 Brundage Lane • P.O. Box 5087 • Sheridan, WY 82801 (800) 442-3630 Phone • (307) 674-9018 Fax
Board Highlights MAR C H
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Directors of Powder River Energy Corporation was called to order at 9:32 a.m. on Tuesday, March 19, 2013, in Sheridan by President Walt Christensen. Financials System sales for January 2013 are down 7.2% compared to January 2012. Manager of Financial Planning Curtis Mock gave an update on Contributions in Aid to Construction. Safety The safety minutes for the February 2013 safety meetings were accepted. CEO Report CEO Mike Easley provided updates on cooperative outreach, renewable energy credits, and upcoming meetings with officials in Washington, D.C. CEO Easley also reported on the status of electrical service to the Cam-Plex, and potential annexation of the property into the city of Gillette.
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Board members outlined the plans for the nominating committee process for the board election at the Annual Meeting. Guests to the Meeting: PRECorp employees Curtis Mock, Gary Kipp, Tim Velder, John Tieman, Josh Gray, Quentin Rogers, and Tracy Jones. Basin Electric staff members included CEO Andrew Serri, Dave Raatz, and Shanda Traiser. Approved Items • Kaycee to Clear Creek Rebuild – Part 1 • Hulett Tie • Hulett Circuit 4 XLP Replacement • Avian Protection Project work orders • Sundance substation 230/69kV
Board Highlights
Legal Report Attorney Mark Hughes reported on legal issues relevant to PRECorp. Executive Staff Reports COO-GM Les Penning reported on ideas for support of local volunteer fire departments within PRECorp’s service territory. Penning also discussed language that could be added to easements to address damages to landowners. VP of Operations Mike Pommarane presented project information and bids. HRO Brian Mills presented the outline for the Rural Electric Safety Achievement Program and activities related to that project. General Information Project Manager Distribution Quentin Rogers discussed additional work planned for the Hulett area to create continued outage safeguards. Rogers also presented work plans for proposed system upgrades for the Sundance to Osage distribution. Basin Electric CEO Andrew Serri and VP of Cooperative Planning Dave Raatz updated the board on the status of the RTO.
SUNDANCE – CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS 221 Main Street • P.O. Box 930 • Sundance, WY 82729 (800) 442-3630 Phone • (307) 283-3527 Fax
Tim Velder/PRECorp Marketing Communications
Members of the Gillette line crew for PRECorp assist the Gillette Chamber of Commerce with the hanging of an aerial banner across Highway 14-16 announcing the NEWCA Home Show. This is an annual assist PRECorp gives to the Chamber. Pictured are Randy Redetzke, Deaver Arrants, TJ Drake, Tyler Nash, Cory Erickson, and Randy Himle in the bucket.
GILLETTE 200 Garner Lake Road • P.O. Box 937 • Gillette, WY 82718 (800) 442-3630 Phone • (307) 682-0733 Fax
www.precorp.coop
SHERIDAN 1095 Brundage Lane • P.O. Box 5087 • Sheridan, WY 82801 (800) 442-3630 Phone • (307) 674-9018 Fax
Board Highlights AP R I L
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Directors of Powder River Energy Corporation was called to order at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 16, 2013, in Sundance by President Walt Christensen. Financials System sales for January 2013 are down 8.4% compared to February 2012. Manager of Financial Planning Curtis Mock gave an update on Board-related expenses and Accountant Danea Crowder provided data on liability insurance coverages. Safety The safety minutes for the March 2013 safety meetings were accepted. CEO Report CEO Mike Easley provided updates on cooperative outreach, renewable energy credits, meetings with Wyoming State officials, and discussions with officials in Washington, D.C. CEO Easley also reported on the status of electrical service to the Cam-Plex, and potential annexation of the property into the city of Gillette.
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General Information Several surplus PRECorp units will go on sale on eBay on May 4 through May 13, 2013. Board members and staff discussed the potential ramifications to PRECorp of a proposed Federal “threatened” listing of a species of woodpecker. Board members reviewed the nominating committee process for the board election at the Annual Meeting. The PRECorp Annual Meeting will be held Saturday, August 24, in Hulett. Guests to the Meeting: PRECorp employees Curtis Mock, Libby Opstedahl, Tim Velder, John Tieman, Betty Finn, and Danea Crowder. Approved Items • Pine Haven Underground Phase 4 • D-Road Galloping Project • PRECorp/PRECorp Foundation Joint Resolution 2013-03 in recognition of Jim Brown of HD Supply • Avian Protection Project work orders
Board Highlights
Legal Report Attorney Mark Hughes reported on legal issues relevant to PRECorp. Executive Staff Reports COO-GM Les Penning reported on a vandalism event that occurred at a PRECorp substation in southern Crook County. VP of Operations Mike Pommarane presented project information and bids. VP of Engineering Matt Davis provided information on proposed projects to upgrade Tim Velder/PRECorp Marketing Communications facilities in the PRECorp ser- PRECorp Manager of Service Operations Peter Rossi enters data during a subvice territory. station inspection near Sundance. System Operations staff have been conducting detailed inspections this spring of all PRECorp facilities.
SUNDANCE – CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS 221 Main Street • P.O. Box 930 • Sundance, WY 82729 (800) 442-3630 Phone • (307) 283-3527 Fax
GILLETTE 200 Garner Lake Road • P.O. Box 937 • Gillette, WY 82718 (800) 442-3630 Phone • (307) 682-0733 Fax
www.precorp.coop
SHERIDAN 1095 Brundage Lane • P.O. Box 5087 • Sheridan, WY 82801 (800) 442-3630 Phone • (307) 674-9018 Fax
Board Highlights MAY The Regular Meeting of the Board of Directors of Powder River Energy Corporation was called to order at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 21, 2013, in Gillette by President Walt Christensen. Financials System sales for March 2013 are up 5% compared to March 2012. Safety The minutes for the April safety meetings were approved. CEO Report CEO Easley provided updates to the Governor’s Energy Strategy announcement. Easley was a member of the panel that helped create the strategy.
bers to review the findings in detail for the membership. Local legislators reviewed the status of state issues including the Superintendent of Public Instruction, and eminent domain changes. Guests to the Meeting: PRECorp employees Gary Kipp, Peter Rossi, Kristin Kelly, Curtis Mock, Libby Opstedahl; WREA Executive Director Shawn Taylor; local legislators Rep. Mark Semlek, Rep. Eric Barlow, Rep. Thomas Lubnau, Rep. Michael Madden, Rep. Gregg Blikre, Sen. Ogden Driskill, Sen. John J. Hines, and Sen. Michael Von Flatern.
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Approved Items • PRECorp sponsorship of Basin Member Scholarship for Korina Ike; and PRECorp sponsorship of Alexis Engstrom and Justin Jones as the Basin Employee Scholarship recipients; • Approve Wyoming Business Council grant application for Sundance Substation project; • Approve grant package for the Solar Water Pump Program; • Approve restructuring of the Engineering and Technical Services department. The next regular meeting will be June 17-18 in Sheridan. The meeting begins at noon on June 17, and resumes at 9:30 a.m. June 18.
Board Highlights
Legal Report Attorney Mark Hughes reported on legal issues relevant to PRECorp. Executive Staff Reports Sr. VP Engineering and Technical Services Matt Davis reviewed changes to the organizational structure of the engineering department. Chief Information Officer Doug Wilson reviewed the status of the Balance Scorecard initiatives. Sr. VP Schloredt reviewed pending metering data investigations. General Information WREA Executive Director Shawn Taylor briefed the Board on the status of the “Our Energy, Our Future” grassroots member engagement campaign, and legislative happenings in Washington, DC. Representatives of CH Guernsey reviewed the findings of the recent Cost of Service Study for PRECorp. Meetings will be held in the summer with stakeholders and mem-
SUNDANCE – CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS 221 Main Street • P.O. Box 930 • Sundance, WY 82729 (800) 442-3630 Phone • (307) 283-3527 Fax
Photo by Tim Velder/PRECorp Marketing Communications
PRECorp Operations and Engineering teams test pole stress limits in Newcastle. Pictured from left are engineer James Carlin, Operations Supervisor Gary Kipp, engineer Quentin Rogers, and Newcastle District Foreman Duffy Buresh. The tests were designed to check the work of a pole study that removed selected poles from the system based on various criteria. Those removed poles were bent with a winch until they snapped. The guage the men are looking at posted the pounds of stress the pole withstood before it broke. This data will be compared to the field estimates from the testing company.
GILLETTE 200 Garner Lake Road • P.O. Box 937 • Gillette, WY 82718 (800) 442-3630 Phone • (307) 682-0733 Fax
www.precorp.coop
SHERIDAN 1095 Brundage Lane • P.O. Box 5087 • Sheridan, WY 82801 (800) 442-3630 Phone • (307) 674-9018 Fax
Board Highlights JU N E The Regular Meeting of the Board of Directors of Powder River Energy Corporation was called to order at 4:12 p.m. on Monday, June 17, 2013, in Sheridan by President Walt Christensen and adjourned at 1:13 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18, 2013. Financials System sales for April 2013 are down 5.7% from April 2012 but were 5.6% over budget.
fossil fuel industry. Manager of Finance Curtis Mock gave a COSS update. CEO Easley reviewed the long range organizational development plan and the Zero Incident Safety Program. Dan Bruning of NRECA provided a presentation to review the compensation plan management. The process for the 2013 Employee Survey and the 360 CEO survey process was reviewed by HR Officer Mills.
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Approved Items •
Retirement Fund HRA Resolution for PRECorp retirees;
•
Approve pole testing contract for 2013;
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Engineering construction projects approved for Buffalo Creek Phase I rebuild, North Bear Lodge CWP, and Sundance-Upton Skull Creek Tie Line project;
Safety The minutes for the May safety meetings were approved. CEO Report CEO Easley reported Town Hall Meetings will be held to discuss the COSS with stakeholders. CEO Easley was the featured speaker at the Fergus Annual Meeting in MT. An upcoming WIA cabinet meeting will address Energy Strategy.
Guests to the Meeting: PRECorp employees, Josh Gray, Kristin Kelly, Curtis Mock, John Tieman, and Tim Velder. New PRECorp Engineering staff Joe Roth, Brock May, and Adam Granger, formerly of Baccari and Associates. NRECA representative, Dan Bruning; Representatives of Fergus Electric and Mid-Yellowstone Electric of Montana were also in attendance.
•
PRECorp
scholarships
were
awarded to 15 student dependents of PRECorp members.
The next regular meeting will be July 16, 2013 in Sundance. The meeting begins at 9:30 a.m.
Board Highlights
Legal Report Attorney Mark Hughes reported on legal issues relevant to PRECorp. Executive Staff Reports HR Officer Mills reported that a Newcastle journeyman/apprentice journeyman position has been opened. Sr. VP Schloredt reported on the account status of member in bankruptcy. General Information Tom Dennis of Cassidy and Associates in DC attended telephonically to update the board on national legislative matters: sequestration, right of way processes, endangered species and the DOE’s policies impact on the
SUNDANCE – CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS 221 Main Street • P.O. Box 930 • Sundance, WY 82729 (800) 442-3630 Phone • (307) 283-3527 Fax
Photo by Tim Velder/PRECorp Marketing Communications
PRECorp’s Sheridan Linecrew members participate in a safety training and rescue exercise in the Sheridan office yard. Pictured: Bruce Burr, Sheridan Journeyman Lineman. The exercise is part of the PRECorp’s dedication to safety and preparedness.
GILLETTE 200 Garner Lake Road • P.O. Box 937 • Gillette, WY 82718 (800) 442-3630 Phone • (307) 682-0733 Fax
www.precorp.coop
SHERIDAN 1095 Brundage Lane • P.O. Box 5087 • Sheridan, WY 82801 (800) 442-3630 Phone • (307) 674-9018 Fax
Board Highlights J U LY The Regular Meeting of the Board of Directors of Powder River Energy Corporation was called to order at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, July 16, 2013, in Sundance by President Walt Christensen. All board members were in attendance except Don Hamm and Tom Davis. Reuben Ritthaler joined the meeting at 9:53 a.m. Financials System sales for May 2013 are down 4.9% from May 2012. Safety The minutes for the June safety meetings were approved. CEO Report CEO Easley reported on activities involving the WIA, cooperative outreach, launch of the WyoREC renewable energy credit certificates, and forthcoming testimony regarding the EPA governance of Wyoming’s regional haze regulations.
Pam Kinchen asked HRO Mills about the changes in the healthcare mandates deadlines and he reported there will be group panel discussions coming up this fall. General Information PRECorp employee Hazel Smith gave a presentation to the board on her trip to the CFC Forum in Indianapolis. CEO Easley reported on Economic Development opportunities and funding support history for Forward Sheridan, NEWEDC, and CCEDC. Financial Analyst Libby Opstedahl reviewed the completed 2012 IRS Form 990 with the board. Reuben Ritthaler reported on the Basin Electric financial forecast. The 4-H livestock sale purchases,
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dates, and assignments were discussed. The 2013 Annual Meeting election judges were appointed. Guests to the Meeting: Corporate Attorney Mark Hughes, Guernsey representative David Hedrick, PRECorp employees Libby Opstedahl, Curtis Mock, Karri Blasi, Tim Velder, John Tieman, Hazel Smith, Quentin Rogers, and Tracy Jones. Approved Items • Donkey Creek 69kV transmission line project; • Funding requests from Forward Sheridan and NEWEDC. The next regular meeting will be at 9:30 a.m., August 20, 2013 in Gillette.
Board Highlights
Legal Report Attorney Mark Hughes reported on legal issues relevant to PRECorp. Executive Staff Reports MCD Specialist Tim Velder, representing Sr. VP Member Service Dolly Schloredt, reported the northeast Wyoming mayors will host a Congressional Tour August 5-8. The tour will be in Sundance on August 7. PRECorp will co-sponsor lunch and COO Les Penning is scheduled as a guest speaker. Philip Habeck reported that he fielded questions from a member regarding the newspaper ads for Unclaimed Capital Credits.
SUNDANCE – CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS 221 Main Street • P.O. Box 930 • Sundance, WY 82729 (800) 442-3630 Phone • (307) 283-3527 Fax
Photo by Dale Crabb/PRECorp
PRECorp’s tower site near Sheridan is surrounded by blooming wildflowers.
GILLETTE 200 Garner Lake Road • P.O. Box 937 • Gillette, WY 82718 (800) 442-3630 Phone • (307) 682-0733 Fax
www.precorp.coop
SHERIDAN 1095 Brundage Lane • P.O. Box 5087 • Sheridan, WY 82801 (800) 442-3630 Phone • (307) 674-9018 Fax
Board Highlights AU GU ST The Regular Meeting of the Board of Directors of Powder River Energy Corporation was called to order at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 20, 2013, in Gillette by President Walt Christensen. All board members were in attendance. Financials System sales for June 2013 are down 4.3% from June 2012. Safety The minutes for the June safety meetings were approved.
Board Highlights
CEO Report CEO Easley reported on activities involving interaction with the Wyoming congressional delegation, cooperative outreach, and upcoming Board meetings. Executive Staff Reports Sr. VP of Operations Mike Pommarane discussed the process for cross training staff for projects of varying sizes. Sr. VP of Engineering Matt Davis discussed ferroresonance issues which can occur and cause catastrophic failures in underground systems which can blow a transformer. Sr. VP of Member Service Dolly Schloredt discussed pending bankruptcy filings, and zero-use service inventory. General Information A Gillette Cam-Plex annexation hearing is set for 7 p.m., September 16. There was also discussion on the number of PRECorp meters proposed to be taken over by the City of Gillette.
SUNDANCE – CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS 221 Main Street • P.O. Box 930 • Sundance, WY 82729 (800) 442-3630 Phone • (307) 283-3527 Fax
Manager of Financial Planning Curtis Mock reviewed the CBM retirment fund structure with the board. Mock also reviewed the 2014 Budget process. PRECorp Financial Analyst Libby Opstedahl provided a plan for the 2014 Financial Forecast. Ray Miner explained details of the physical inventory report. Legal Report Attorney Mark Hughes reported on legal issues relevant to PRECorp. Guests to the Meeting: Corporate Attorney Mark Hughes, Guernsey representative David Hedrick (via teleconference), PRECorp employees Ray Miner, Tim Velder, Libby Opstedahl, Curtis Mock, and John Tieman. Approved Items • Avian retrofitting project in Campbell County; • Tabled action on proposed rate case;
•
•
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Called a special meeting for 10 a.m. August 24, to consider member input on the rate case; D-Road dampening project.
Special Meeting/Annual Meeting: A special meeting of the Board of Directors of Powder River Energy Corporation was called to order at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 24, 2013, in Hulett by President Walt Christensen. All board members were in attendance. The board approved the filing of the 2013 Cost of Service Study Rate Case as presented by the Financial Planning staff. The 68th PRECorp Annual Meeting was called to order at 12:15 p.m. Saturday, August 24, in Hulett by President Walt Christensen. Members cast ballots for three director seats. Pam Kinchen, Reuben Ritthaler, and Gerry Geis were elected to three-year terms. The next regular meeting will be at 9:30 a.m., September 23 and 24, 2013
Photo by Tim Velder/PRECorp Marketing Communications
PRECorp Metering Foreman Cory Jensen, right, leads a class on “Metering for Linemen” at the Cody Hotlines School, August 13-15, in Cody, Wyoming.
GILLETTE 200 Garner Lake Road • P.O. Box 937 • Gillette, WY 82718 (800) 442-3630 Phone • (307) 682-0733 Fax
www.precorp.coop
SHERIDAN 1095 Brundage Lane • P.O. Box 5087 • Sheridan, WY 82801 (800) 442-3630 Phone • (307) 674-9018 Fax
Board Highlights
Board Highlights
SE P TE MBE R The Powder River Energy Corporation Board of Directors reorganizational meeting was held at Monday and Tuesday, September 23 and 24, in Sheridan. Walt Christensen was re-elected chairman and presided over the rest of the meeting. Paul Baker was elected vice-chairman and Philip Habeck was re-elected Secretary-Treasurer. New board member Gerry Geis, Campbell County, was officially seated. The current slate of committee members was reinstated to the Policy and Bylaw committees. Financials CFO Floyd Kanode reviewed the financial statements for the month of July 2013. System sales through July 2013 are down 4.1 percent over last year. Kanode reviewed the 5 mill surcharge on CBM kWh sales. Safety The minutes from the August safety meetings were approved. Legal Report Attorney Hughes was not present, and the board reviewed a written report on the progress of legal matters relevant to PRECorp. CEO Report CEO Easley reported on grass roots program ideas, involving lowtech ways for members to reach out to their elected officials. This will help members who do not have access to internet/email. The goal is to telephone at least 100 PRECorp members and inform them of key federal issues affecting PRECorp. The members would be encouraged to write and send letters to PRECorp. PRECorp would send the bundled letters to decision-makers to convey a unified message from PRECorp members.
SUNDANCE – CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS 221 Main Street • P.O. Box 930 • Sundance, WY 82729 (800) 442-3630 Phone • (307) 283-3527 Fax
CEO Easley has been elected to chair the WREA managers’ group. He will continue initiatives of his predecessor. Over the next year, the group will focus on political relevancy, leadership development, and sharing best practices. The managers group will meet in conjunction with the WREA meetings. Executive Staff Reports COO Penning reported on Touchstone Energy Board activity, on which Penning is a director. HRO Mills updated the board on the Continuous Improvement Team meetings for the ongoing safety improvement process. Sr. VP Schloredt updated the board on member accounts. General Information COO Penning reviewed the nominees for reappointment to the PRECorp Foundation Board. The Board approved the appointments and expressed appreciation to the directors for volunteering their time to serve. Board member Leo Ankney reported on the WREA annual meeting. Next year’s meeting will be held in the PRECorp service territory. Scholarship recipient Morghan West thanked the board for their financial support of her education. Approved Items • Reappointed Foundation Directors Billie Little and Kathleen Tavegie; appointed new At-large member Zeta Anderson; • Designated Moorcroft as the site of the 2014 Annual Meeting; • Approved a new Clear Creek Substation lease agreement; • Conditional approval of Butte Electric (S.D.) request to serve within PRECorp territory; • Approved bids for Knox Insu-
GILLETTE 200 Garner Lake Road • P.O. Box 937 • Gillette, WY 82718 (800) 442-3630 Phone • (307) 682-0733 Fax
www.precorp.coop
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lator Replacement; Lake Stop Phase III; PRECorp Retirement ISR 2013-44; PRECorp Retrofitting work orders. Guests to the Meeting: PRECorp employees John Tieman, Tracy Jones, Tim Velder, Kristin Kelly, Libby Opstedahl, and Curtis Mock; Scholarship recipient Morghan West; and representatives from Big Horn REA, Fergus REA, and Tongue River REA. The next regular meeting will be held at 9:30 a.m., Monday, October 21, 2013, in Sundance.
Photo by Tim Velder/PRECorp
PRECorp Journeyman Lineman Tyler Nash, Gillette, ascends a pole that was set to build a rookery for Great Blue Herons at Wyoming Game and Fish Reservoir #37 near New Haven. The September 5 project was a service activity to enhance wildlife habitate in the area.
SHERIDAN 1095 Brundage Lane • P.O. Box 5087 • Sheridan, WY 82801 (800) 442-3630 Phone • (307) 674-9018 Fax
Board Highlights OC TOBE R The Powder River Energy Corporation Board of Directors regular meeting was called to order by President Walt Christensen at 9:30 a.m. on Monday. October 21, in Sundance. All members were present except for Philip Habeck. Financials CFO Floyd Kanode reviewed the financial statements for the month of August 2013. System sales through August 2013 are down 3.8 percent over last year. Kanode reviewed growth rates and balance sheets. CEO Report CEO Easley reported on cooperative outreach activities; rate case at PSC; and WREA managers meetings.
Board Highlights
Legal Report Attorney Mark Hughes reviewed
the progress of legal matters relevant to PRECorp. Safety The minutes from the September safety meetings were approved. HRO Brian Mills updated the board on its safety accreditation. NRECA has awarded a safety achievement certificate to PRECorp, pertaining to its continuous improvement process. Executive Staff Reports COO Les Penning reported on PRECorp Foundation activities, Touchstone Energy, and NRECA structure. Sr. VP of System Operations Mike Pommarane outlined a report on the October 4-5 blizzard outage response. Sr. VP of Engineering Matt Davis updated the board on miscellaneous system upgrade requests.
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Approved Items • Retirement of $1,990,000 in capital credits. • Low bid for LR3 rebuild General Information Peter Barron Stark gave an overview of the annual employee opinion survey. CIO Doug Wilson gave a quarterly update of the 2013 Balanced Scorecard, and its alignment to the Strategy Map. Libby Opstedahl updated the board on the progress of the 2014 budget, and the 2014 financial forecasts. Guests to the Meeting: PRECorp employees John Tieman, Tim Velder, Betty Finn, Libby Opstedahl, Hoby Hughes, and Karri Blasi; and Peter Barron Stark. The next regular meeting will be held at 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, November 19, in Gillette.
Photo by Tim Velder/PRECorp
PRECorp Journeyman Lineman Rick Gill, Sundance, wades through deep snow to inspect a downed tree in a power line during a major blizzard event October 4-6 in northeast Wyoming.
SUNDANCE – CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS 221 Main Street • P.O. Box 930 • Sundance, WY 82729 (800) 442-3630 Phone • (307) 283-3527 Fax
GILLETTE 200 Garner Lake Road • P.O. Box 937 • Gillette, WY 82718 (800) 442-3630 Phone • (307) 682-0733 Fax
www.precorp.coop
SHERIDAN 1095 Brundage Lane • P.O. Box 5087 • Sheridan, WY 82801 (800) 442-3630 Phone • (307) 674-9018 Fax
Board Highlights
Board Highlights
N OVE MBE R The Powder River Energy Corporation Board of Directors regular meeting was called to order by President Walt Christensen at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 19, in Gillette. All members were present except for Reuben Ritthaler. Financials CFAO Curtis Mock reviewed the financial statements for the month of September 2013. System sales through September 2013 are down 3.6 percent over last year. Mock reviewed growth rates and balance sheets. CEO Report CEO Easley reported on cooperative outreach activities, and WREA managers meetings. Easley and COO Les Penning attended the Summit and Balanced Scorecard Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Boston October 28-November 1. The award from Palladium has garnered national press. Legal Report Attorney Mark Hughes reviewed the progress of legal matters relevant to PRECorp. Safety The minutes from the October safety meetings were approved. Executive Staff Reports COO Les Penning reported on PRECorp Foundation activities. The Foundation is planning a strategic planning retreat and invited PRECorp Board members to attend. Sr. VP of System Operations Mike Pommarane discussed incident reports. CIO Doug Wilson reported on the outage management system and its availability on the precorp.coop website. The OMS is still undergoing additional technical revisions.
SUNDANCE – CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS 221 Main Street • P.O. Box 930 • Sundance, WY 82729 (800) 442-3630 Phone • (307) 283-3527 Fax
General Information Auditor Larry Lane from Schmidt and Company reported on the audit of PRECorp financial statements from July 2012 to June 2013. The City of Gillette has completed paperwork for annexation of the Cam-Plex properties. “Bill Durfee Substation” is the official name of the new substation project planned on Mason Creek Road in Crook County. Libby Nisley reported on the 10year financial forecast, and budget updates. Sr. VP of System Operations Pommarane gave analysis of the Wright shop and equipment storage. Josh Gray and Mandy Marr demonstrated the SmartHub bill pay app launching in December. Danea Crowder reported on property and casualty insurance proposals.
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Sr. VP Schloredt requested replacement of Gillette drive-up with a drive-through payment kiosk to accomodate around-the-clock bill pay traffic. Approved Items • Operating and capital budget for 2014 • Northwest Energy Retirement • Property and casualty insurance • Auto-payment kiosk in Gillette Guests to the Meeting: PRECorp employees Tim Velder, Betty Finn, Libby Opstedahl, Kristin Kelly, Danea Crowder, Mandy Marr, Josh Gray, John Tieman, and Karri Blasi; attorney Kara Ellsbury of Hughes Law Office; and Larry Lane of Schmidt and Company. The next meeting will be held Monday and Tuesday, December 16-17, in Sheridan. The meeting begins at 1 p.m. on Monday.
Photo by Tim Velder/PRECorp
The hair-raising experience of static electricity is one of the highlights of the PRECorp/Basin Electric “Story Behind the Switch” demonstrations held in Newcastle, Upton, Hulett, Sundance, and Moorcroft in October. GILLETTE 200 S. Garner Lake Road • Gillette, WY 82718 (800) 442-3630 Phone • (307) 682-0733 Fax
www.precorp.coop
SHERIDAN 1095 Brundage Lane • P.O. Box 5087 • Sheridan, WY 82801 (800) 442-3630 Phone • (307) 674-9018 Fax
Board Highlights D E C E MBE R The Powder River Energy Corporation Board of Directors regular meeting was called to order by President Walt Christensen at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, December 16, in Sheridan. All members were present. The meeting recessed and resumed on Tuesday, December 17, at the Sheridan Holiday Inn. Financials CFAO Curtis Mock reviewed the financial statements for the month of October 2013. System sales through October 2013 are down 3.6 percent over last year. Mock reviewed growth rates and balance sheets.
Board Highlights
CEO Report CEO Mike Easley reported on meetings with officials from Basin Electric on matters relevant to PRECorp. Easley updated the board on statewide initiatives related to innovations in the energy industry.
ficials will meet with the USF&WS regarding the Avian Protection Plan in February. Sr. VP of System Operations Mike Pommarane discussed the 2013 maintenance plan. He reported the goal of inspecting one-fifth of the system will be completed at the end of the year. Eleven substations were also given detailed inspections. Pommarane praised the efforts of the crews and was optimistic that the number of outages would be reduced. Pommarane explained some of the points of emphasis, particularly efforts to upgrade the Osage to Sundance line. General Information Libby Nisley reported on the 10year financial forecast. Kristin Kelly and Tim Velder presented information on the
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PRECorp Local Action Network (PLAN) porgram to encourage grassroots participation by members. Approved Items • Pension Restoration Plan Resolution 2013-06 • Knox Insulator Replacement Project • CBM retirement Contract Awards Guests to the Meeting: PRECorp employees Tim Velder, Betty Finn, Libby Opstedahl, Kristin Kelly, John Tieman, Joe Roth; representatives from Big Horn and Tongue River electric cooperatives; Dave Hedrick, Guernsey. The next meeting will be held at 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, January 21, in Sundance.
Legal Report Attorney Mark Hughes reviewed the progress of legal matters relevant to PRECorp. Safety The minutes from the November safety meetings were approved. Executive Staff Reports COO Les Penning reported on PRECorp Foundation activities. The Foundation is planning a strategic retreat and invited PRECorp Board members to attend. VP Matt Davis said PRECorp of-
SUNDANCE – CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS 221 Main Street • P.O. Box 930 • Sundance, WY 82729 (800) 442-3630 Phone • (307) 283-3527 Fax
Photo by Tim Velder/PRECorp
Music on the Lines is the theme of the 2013 Sundance Parade of Lights float PRECorp volunteers created recently. GILLETTE 200 S. Garner Lake Road • Gillette, WY 82718 (800) 442-3630 Phone • (307) 682-0733 Fax
www.precorp.coop
SHERIDAN 1095 Brundage Lane • P.O. Box 5087 • Sheridan, WY 82801 (800) 442-3630 Phone • (307) 674-9018 Fax