Good evening NIECI,

Hwy 38 is busy today!  It looks like a lot of people are out searching for treasures along the 38 garage sales.  I talked to my mom yesterday; she was a little bummed she was missing the sales this year.  I reminded her we should be holding a sale rather than going to one. 

It’s ok; I’m missing them also this year. I still enjoy looking for that treasure I can’t live without.  Visiting with everyone is a good time also.

I want to congratulate Mr. Chuck Peck.  After almost 30 years on the job, Chuck is hanging up his hooks and belt.  Chuck has been a great coworker and friend to all at North Itasca Electric.  He was always willing to do whatever was asked of him. 

We ask a lot of our linemen.  These gentlemen miss a lot of family events, trips and sleep on our behalf.  They respond at a moment’s notice to safely get our power back on.  This is a hard profession physically and mentally.  My hat is off to Chuck and our line crew, thank you. 

Also, thank you to the Peck family and all our lineman families.  You folks know the stress of seeing the taillights leave the yard in nasty conditions.  Thank you for your support for our crew.

We have begun working on the 2026 budget.  It is up to staff and I to put together an accurate budget for our Board of Directors.  The Directors’ job is to review the budget and eventually make rate decisions based off our best estimate. 

I’m excited to work together with my staff on this.  We put a lot of strategic thought intowhat we plan to do the following year.  We will look for opportunities tosave where we can, this helps offset what we do not have control over.  Great River Energy has suggested they could have a roughly 3% rate increase in 2026, this would be about a 1.5% rate increase on your bill from North Itasca Electric.  This increase would fall on the kWh side of your bill.  I will have more information for you next month concerning the budget.

Our office professionals have been busy this past month.  We took an opportunity to spend some time training on a few focal points.  Our partner at CFC provided a deep dive on capital credits and they were able to hold the course in Cohasset.  We made the decision to close the office that day.  This was too much of an opportunity to enhance our understanding about the process and importance of capital credits. 

Last week we hosted our software provider to further train on process improvement in the current and new accounting software.  There were efficiencies found in this process.  We conducted similar training a few months ago with the billing software.  This training will enhance our abilities to better serve our members.  This will also free up some time in our day-to-day processes. 

There is the snapshot of your cooperative for the month.  We are continuing our efforts to best serve you, our Member-Owners.  I hope you can get out and spend a little time in this beautiful weather.  Fall is here and the fish are biting; I’ve even heard of a few grouse being seen in the woods.  Whatever it is you enjoy, I think fall is one of the best times of the year. 

By your side! Miigwech

Brad