LIGHT READING INLAND POWER AND LIGHT inlandpower.com
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Members Gather for 79th Annual Meeting Nearly 1,100 people gathered on Saturday, March 26, for Inland Power’s 79th Annual Meeting. What’s Happening At Inland Power Inland’s CEO, Chad Jensen, provided a “State of the Cooperative” address. He discussed the successes of 2015 as well as the two epic outage events that occurred at the end of the year. The main points of his speech included: • The two massive and historic storms had the net effect of lowering Inland’s 2015 margins by over $2 million dollars. The storm costs were carefully considered by your board of trustees and it was agreed to expense these costs in 2015 and to not seek recovery with any current or future rate increase. • BPA wholesale power rates to Inland Power have increased by 25.9% in the past four years. • BPA prepayment is paying off great dividends. To date, we have saved close to $6 million dollars and will save an additional $14.8 million in the years to come. • I-937 is a growing concern as Inland Power faces increased requirements and increasing renewable costs. • Growth is slow, but steady, in eastern Washington. • Inland Power members are served with some of the lowest cost power in the nation. The Washington state average is 9.37 cents per kWh and Inland members have the average retail rate of 7.8 cents per kWh. • Strong member satisfaction. • We partner in the communities we serve. Another successful year of Operation Round Up®. • Financially strong and well positioned for the future.
Members Approve Bylaw Changes In addition to voting on your board of trustees members also voted on a revised set of bylaws, which was approved by the membership. A summary of the majority of the bylaw changes include: • Updating Inland Power’s voting processes to allow for all members to vote either by mail, electronically or in person at the annual meeting with a goal to increase member participation. • Option to use or hire a third party, (i.e. elections/credentials committee, CPA or independent auditor) to handle the elections process. • In accordance with Washington state law, changes to clarify who qualifies to be members of Inland Power. • Gives the board of trustees the ability to change board districts per board policy instead of with a lengthy bylaw revision. One of the advantages of owning your utility is that you are more than just customers; you are member-owners of Inland Power. We thank you for the opportunity to serve your energy needs.
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ENERGY SAFETY Spring into Safety: May is National Electrical Safety Month When doing springtime chores, take precautions to be safe around electricity. Help kick off electrical safety month by keeping in mind these outdoor safety tips: • Avoid damp conditions when using electricity. Keep all electrical devices and cords away from water. • Place waterproof covers on all outdoor outlets. • Install ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) in outlets where water may be present. • Only use extension cords marked for outdoor use; match power needs of a tool or appliance to the cord’s label information. • Store power tools indoors. • Never alter a product or remove safety features. • Be aware of overhead power lines nearby before climbing a ladder or extending the handle of telescoping tools. Your safety is important to us at Inland Power! For more safety information visit our website at www.inlandpower.com.