by Brad Dolinksi, CEO

Happy blustery Sunday NIECI,

Sounds like Ol’ Man Winter is looking to challenge our winter grit this week.  I was looking at the forecast, and I saw the dreaded 30 below zero next weekend.  That kind of weather is dangerously cold! 

It is also dangerously boring; I refuse to do much when it gets that cold out.  I’ll take this as a prime opportunity to catch up on some sort of home project.  I’m sure there’s something that can use attention inside. 

Our Board of Directors passed the 2026 budget.  The 2026 rates are below.

One of the highlights from the 2026 budget, we were awarded a $100,000 grant from the Minnesota Dept of Commerce.  This grant will support North Itasca Electric creating and adopting a Wildfire Mitigation Plan.  This plan will enhance our right-of-way maintenance program.  We are very thankful for this opportunity; safety is always our #1 priority at North Itasca Electric.

I’m still waiting to see the final numbers of 2025.  It will be several months before the year is officially closed.  Judging by the financial reports over the past several months, it appears we will close the year in a good financial position.  This is important; this is your electric cooperative.  We run a delicate balance between collecting the correct revenues for the year, maintaining the system and financial obligations to our lenders.  We are a very small cooperative; we have roughly three members per mile of line.  This simply means there are fewer of us to divide the costs among. 

I’m excited to jump into 2026.  We have an opportunity coming to work with our legislators on nuclear power legislation.  We will have opportunities to improve our Off-Peak system equipment; Andrew is talking about these changes in his article this month.  We will continue to work with our friends and neighbors at Great River Energy to establish a new rate system to ensure fair and long-term rate options, thus leading to opportunities for new programs at North Itasca Electric.  Most importantly, we will continue to improve our distribution system.  These improvements will affect safety, reliability, and satisfaction for you, our Member-Owners. 

May 2026 bring you and yours all the health and happiness.  I’m going to do my best to fish more, while spending time with family and friends.  I’m not a big New Year Resolution guy, but I think these are a couple I could get behind. 

By your side! Miigwech

Brad