It’s hard to believe Thanksgiving is just a few weeks away. I always enjoy this time of year. Things seem to slow down just enough to spend a little more time with family and appreciate some of the things we can easily take for granted. I’ve been thinking about that lately at Wabash Valley Power, too.

This year marked the 90th anniversary of the Rural Electrification Act, which helped make it possible for electric co-ops to bring power to rural communities across the country. Ninety years later, we have plenty of reasons to be thankful for what grew from that idea. The co-op model still gives us opportunities to do things differently, to be agile, think long term, and make decisions based on what creates the most value for the people we serve.

Here’s one example. This year, Wabash Valley lowered the wholesale rates we charge our 21 member co-ops for the third year in a row. That’s something I’m proud of. But it didn’t happen by accident. At a time when affordability is top of mind for all of us, three straight years of lower wholesale rates are meaningful. I hope it’s something you take pride in, too. 

It’s important that you see, and celebrate, your role in this. Co-ops are owned by the people they serve. Wabash Valley Power is a co-op, too, owned by the 21 local distribution co-ops we serve in Indiana and Illinois. We’re a cooperative of cooperatives, so ultimately, the work we do comes back to you.

That matters right now. Demand for electricity is growing, our industry is changing, and new infrastructure is needed. Navigating those challenges while keeping reliability and affordability front and center requires us to invest wisely, manage risk, and act when the right opportunities come along.

I’ve mentioned before that I have a degree in accounting, so I’ll always appreciate a good number. Three consecutive years of lower wholesale rates are certainly one of them. But the number isn’t really the story. The story is the decisions and people behind it.

I’m thankful for the leadership of our team at Wabash Valley Power, and for the local directors, employees, and co-op members who make this model work.

Ninety years later, it’s still working, and that’s something worth being thankful for.

Happy Thanksgiving!