2025 Annual Meeting Information
LYREC held it's 89th annual meeting at the Richland County Event Center (new addition) on June 4. Jerry and Judy Foss catered the meal for the evening before the business meeting.
President Thiessen provided an update on LYREC's financials, affirming LYREC is in strong financial standing. He noted that the retired capital credits will be returned in December 2025. He discussed the growth that has been experienced in our area and addressed a rate increase from LYREC's power suppliers, that was driven by the wholesale power costs. He also reported that Western Area Power Administration is considering additional rate increases in the future to fund dam improvements and infrastructure upgrades. Thiessen reported on LYREC's rate increase as of January 2025 due to the increased power costs incurred by the power suppliers.
Brothen reported the important role that the region's growth has played over the last 20 years in LYREC's service territory regarding the ability to update infrastructure without putting a large burden on the membership rates. Brothen reported on recent and upcoming projects, including the new Hunter Substation and the new switchyard. He also reported on the new construction that is underway on the McGinnis Substation. Brothen stressed the importance of exploring all types of generation resources to ensure a stable and reliable electric grid. Brothen introduced the employees, gave out service awards and recognized Preston Long for his career achievement on earning his Journeyman Lineworker status. Brothen also thanked the Operation Round Up board for their service and the success of the program.
Brothen interviewed Brett Battenfeld/MYEC and Ryan Hall/MECA about their volunteer work in Guatemala earlier this year through NRECA's International Program.
Attorney Jean Faure reported that Tim Franzen was re-elected for District 3 and Dennis Schmierer was re-elected for District 4. Faure also reported that all proposed bylaw amendments passed.
Propp announced the 13 scholarships winners. Each scholarship winner will receive $1,000. The winners were Aubree Johnson, Cade Tombre, Dalton Bouchard, Ella Norby, Hailey Holzworth, Hallie Schantz, Kinley Wieland, Lauren Kjos, Lauren Prevost, Reese Graves, Robert Knotts, Sloane Tuck and Wyatt McPherson.
Gartner announced the prize winners.
If you have questions, please email them to lyrecmeeting@lyrec.coop.
Annual Meeting Notice & Report click here:
Explanation of Proposed Bylaw Amendments click here:
2025 Annual Meeting Video click here: