For over 59 years, Lincoln Electric Cooperative has known who comes first – its member owners. As a cooperative, LEC exists for one reason: to provide its members with reliable electric service at the lowest possible cost. Unlike large investor-owned utilities, which try to maximize profits for stockholders., Lincoln Electric provides essential goods and services at cost.
“We’re one of the lowest cost providers of electricity in the state,” said Tim Engleson, Director of Member Services at the co-op. “We’re here to work for our members.”
The cooperative is working hard to see that its members use electricity efficiently. In conjunction with BPA, Lincoln Electric offers a variety of programs and services to make homes, businesses and industry operate with less energy. Some of the more popular programs include rebates for ENERGY STAR appliances, energy efficient manufactured homes, efficient water heaters, electronic thermostats, a commercial lighting program for new and existing businesses, and giving out nearly 500 energy efficiency kits at the Co-op Day during the Lincoln County Fair. Since last year, LEC has added new staff, built 99 new services so far this year, compard to 86 last year.
Members are able to use a new online billing feature on the cooperative’s website allowing them to pay their bill online with a check or credit card, a feature that has been very well received.
In October 2011 LEC will have the opportunity to purchase a portion of its power supply from suppliers other than BPA, and this means that the cooperative is educating itself on new, exciting sources. The co-op board of trustees is very close to making a decision of a new power supply.
As a part of the community, Lincoln Electric Co-op is irreplaceable. It is a corporate sponsor of many events in the area, including the Eureka Montana Quilt Show, Tobacco Valley Rodeo, the Bull Thing, Co-op Day at the Fair, and others. LEC has been active in the community and economic development and, for the last 16 years, has sent students to the Washington, DC Youth Tour.
Lincoln Electric Cooperative continues to grow alongside the community, and it seeks to give the highest quality of service and support that its members have come to expect.