by David Leslie, Corvallis
This letter had been prompted by several things: first, the growing issues around water in the west. Secondly, as part of Leadership Bitterroot I learned that our Ravalli Electric Cooperative is doing strategic planning. And finally, my conclusions after thirty years as a strategic planner.
The recently distributed REC Annual Report coupled with their recent Rural Montana magazine make me think there is room for a bolder view.
Always a question in strategic planning is “How far into the future should we plan?” Now my answer is “one day after your current business operation will no longer viable” Meaning, a planning horizon (vision) could be one year, ten years or twenty.
So in the case of our Ravalli Electric Cooperative, what if their vision of their future was: REC Powers Ravalli: Renewable, Reliable, Responsible?
Notice I said “power”, not “electricity.” Power is broader, and encompasses more power modes. An old chestnut in planning circles is that if in the 1920s railroad companies had had the foresight to imagine themselves in the transportation business (versus the railroad business), we might all today be flying on the B&O Airlines.
Goals, Areas of Focus, Results Areas might be something like these. By 2033…
• 80% of new construction was powered by renewables
• 50% of existing housing stock was converted to renewables
• More than 50% of Ravalli powers needs come from renewables; less than 25% from hydroelectricity
• REC is a one-stop-shop” for solar and wind systems, whether for residential, businesses or subdivisions
• REC becomes our “battery backup” and charges us for that service
• REC serves the whole valley; Northwestern Energy goes away.
To embark on such a journey would be an act of courageous, wise leadership. Difficult, perhaps. Doable, certainly. Disruptive in the short run, of course; always true with change. It would require the re-education of most of us, who adamantly resist change. But it is the right thing to do…for future generations.
In closing, please: Look where I’m pointing; don’t bite my finger.
Bitterrooter says
Thank you David for your thoughtful letter.
It has almost gotten to the point where my wife hides the Rural Montana magazine from me when it comes out…such is my ranting and raving about the myopic positions it often pushes.
It is my observation that REC and the larger rural electric cooperative organization cares only about one thing: locking in the status quo. There is zero concern about any greater issue that does not serve the goal of maintaining the lowest REC marginal power rates in the short and medium term.
I once called the Cooperative association to talk about the move to substantially increase the fixed charge for a service. I was explicitly told that it was to discourage residences from moving to net metering by keeping the benefits of such a move low.
I very much admire and appreciate the service that REC provides, but I too would love to see some forward thinking strategic planning that extended beyond fighting dam removal and shoring up outdated coal plants.
Oh, and perhaps holding an annual meeting that was not in the middle of the work day might actually encourage more participation in OUR coop!