More questions than answers for REC member

By Suzanna McDougal, Hamilton

I attended my first Ravalli Electric Co-op REC annual meeting in June. The Corvallis Gym held many members. I came with questions. At one point the members were asked if anyone had a question. Of the couple hundred folks that were there, no one responded. I believe that was because there was not a way for members to be heard. There was no microphone to voice across the big expanse of the gym. I was across the room and in the back, away from the podium where the presenters had their microphone. I could not imagine standing up and shouting across that big space to be heard, even though I had questions. I believe if REC really wanted questions or statements or suggestions a format would have been provided for members to be heard. Would REC please have at least two microphones available on each side of the gym for future meetings? The agenda clearly gives a place for questions and answers yet a medium for that to happen was not provided.
This event was similar to our Rural Montana Magazine’s format. This magazine is a perfect opportunity for members to present and discuss ideas or issues or ask questions. Our CEO has a place for his “viewpoint”. The magazine states that the co-op is to ”represent the interest of the cooperative members to the best of our ability.“ A place for ‘letters’ from members would only help in our representation.
The presentation of the solar project information, shown over and over before the meeting started, was a perfect way for REC to show that solar is not a viable alternative. There was no information concerning climate change and those reasons for focusing and switching to more alternatives such as solar. The bottom line could take into consideration quality of life as well as the dollar.
As a solar customer with REC, I pay much more for backing up to the grid than NorthWestern Energy customers. Why is there a policy for limiting REC customers to 10 kilowatts with their solar systems? NWE has a 50 kilowatt limit per solar site and is planning on spending 3 million dollars in Montana for solar. The Flathead Co-op is putting in a 100 kilowatt system. Has REC decided what we are going to do?
Yes, we get much of our power from hydro. There is no information shared about the environmental consequences of having those huge dams. The information presented is one sided. Where have all the salmon gone?
It is vital for our co-op to have as one of its goals, a focus on Climate Change. These 90-100 degree days in June are a perfect example of what our future holds, if we don’t work toward changing our ways. Of course, it’s great haying weather, but wait until August!