Seasons Greetings From Your Co-Op Family
The holidays are about more than gifts and decorations; they’re about connection. As Canada’s largest member-owned utility, we’re proud to share how your co-operative family has been working together to make this season brighter for those in need.
Through our EQUS Community Connection Committee, we’ve:
1) Contributed $10,000 in Adopt-a-Family donations across all three Service Areas to help local families enjoy the holidays
2) Joined forces through staff fundraising efforts, including our holiday silent auction, to support even more community programs
3) Donated $10,000 to various food banks across our Service Areas
These initiatives reflect what makes EQUS special: members, staff, and communities coming together to make a difference. Thank you for being part of that story.
From all of us at EQUS, your Board and staff, we wish you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season filled with warmth, peace, and connection. Here’s to a bright and prosperous New Year! Happy Holidays from your EQUS family!
Light the Night Food Drive
It’s back! EQUS and members are invited to join us on Wednesday, December 17 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. to experience the magic of the holiday season and help raise donations for Innisfail Food Bank.
Load up the car, grab a round of hot chocolates and come drive through the incredible holiday light display at Discovery Wildlife Park! Did you know park staff hand craft every light display, making the experience completely unique to Alberta?
On December 17, bring a donation (a suggestion of $15 cash or equal value in nonperishable pantry items) for the food bank, and your admission is complementary for you and your carload of up to eight (8) guests! Simply say “I’m an EQUS member” when you arrive.
In 2024, we collected 270 lbs of donations - will you help us beat the record in 2025? We can’t wait to see you there!
Can you help us beat last year’s donation record?
Here’s a list of ideas to help gather the most useful donation items:
• Canned fruit, soups, tomatoes, and beans
• Staples like nut butters, rice, oil, pasta, and cereal
• Personal hygiene products
Co-operative Energy Rate Renewal
Take action by December 31, 2025
Are you on the Co-operative Energy Rate (CER) or the Rate of Last Resort? It’s time to renew. Our CER Contract is coming up for renewal on January 1, 2026.
To complete your renewal, complete your contract and send it back to EQUS via mail, electronic Docusign (email), or drop it off at your nearest Area Office. If you do not renew your contract by December 31, 2025, your account with automatically default to the Province’s Rate of Last Resort, which is significantly higher than EQUS’ CER.
Members are free to purchase electricity from a retailer of their choice. For a list of retailers, visit http://www.ucahelps.alberta.ca, or call 310.4822 (toll free in Alberta).
Make an impact. Join the EQUS Board of Directors.
Do you believe in the power of community? Are you passionate about shaping the future of your co-operative? Ready to make your voice heard? If so, this is your chance! EQUS is offering one Board of Directors seat in 2026 to a member who shares our vision for a strong, connected co-op.
As a Board member, you’ll:
• Represent fellow members
• Help guide EQUS’ strategic direction
• Influence decisions that impact rural power and community investment
Applications are due by December 15. For more details, contact Nicole Tymchak at ntymchak@equs.ca or call 403.227.7565.
Your co-op thrives when members step forward. Will you take the next step?
Operation Round Up(date)
Committee Update for Q4 of 2025
Thanks to the generosity of the 97% EQUS members who participate in Operation Round Up, we’ve been able to support 10 fantastic organizations across our Service Areas so far in 2025, helping to strengthen the communities where we live and work. Here are a few of this year’s highlights:
• Innisfail High School Visual Arts Program - $5,000 Pottery wheels for students
• Lacombe Public Schools Enhancement Society - $5,000 Inclusive playground project
• Darwell & District Recreations Association - $5,000 Centennial Hall upgrades
• Hoadley Community Association - $5,000 Community Hall furnace upgrade
Every penny rounded up on your EQUS bill adds up to real impact. Thank you for helping us make a difference! Do you have a community project that could use funding support? Check out EQUS.ca/oru for guidelines and application details.
Remember, we're here for you 24/7 during the holiday season. Call 310.EQUS or visit EQUS.ca/outages to report an outage and for the latest information.
