What is the electric cooperative difference?
An Oregon electric co-op general manager reminded me what makes us unique after sharing a heartbreaking letter the co-op received from 1 of its members following a rate increase.
“I use cold water to wash,” she wrote. “I am a 71-year-old widow, working for minimum wages when there is work at the job. I don’t know what to do. I have no electric heat or air conditioning. I have cut everything. I can’t afford this.”
Her name and address were redacted for privacy, so I do not know who she is or where she lives. But it’s been a hard letter to forget.
The Oregon Legislature has taken notice of rate increases across our industry. Our message to lawmakers is that while electric co-ops run lean, we are not immune to the cost increases on everything necessary to deliver this essential service. At this electric co-op, wildfire mitigation has become 1 of its biggest cost drivers. Keeping people safe from wildfire is expensive, but it is only 1 of the many agonizing choices electric co-op leaders make every day that affect the people they serve.
It is particularly difficult because those hit the hardest—often those on fixed incomes—are also our neighbors. Our co-op employees view these people not as random names or addresses on a spreadsheet, but as someone they may know from being involved in the community. And I know it pains them to see any co-op member struggling to pay their bill.
Electric co-ops have assistance programs, and I have no doubt this hardworking woman will ultimately get the help she deserves. But in the short term, how do you give peace of mind to someone who doesn’t feel like they can even afford a hot shower?
I asked the general manager what happened when he first received the letter. And that is when I was reminded of the co-op difference. Compelled to do something to help his member, the general manager walked down to the billing department to pay the bill out of his own pocket. He found out, however, that he was too late.
“Too late?” I asked, mortified. What did he mean?
The co-op’s employees in the billing department, he said, had already paid it.
Executive Director Ted Case
