October 2026

October 1, 2026

← Back to News

$4.5 Million Refunded to Members

Your board of directors recently approved refunding $4.5 million in patronage capital to members who had service with us in 2009 and part of 2010. Patronage capital is your ownership in the co-op. Excess margins are returned to members instead of going to stakeholders. This is what makes co-ops special.

If you had service with us in 2009 and 2010, keep an eye on your November bill statement for a bill credit. Refunds under $500 will be shown as a bill credit. If over $500, a check will be mailed.

Pictured l-r: Jon Ebert, Jim Bays, Gary Skolarz, Rusty Schieber, Derek Alexander, Adam Jones, Aaron Hoernke, and CEO/GM Jon Congdon

 

 

Co-ops 101

Have you shopped at Ace Hardware, purchased an Ocean Spray cranberry juice, or suited up in new hiking gear at REI? These popular brands have made their mark in Wisconsin and across the country, and they share a common foundation with us: they are also cooperatives. There are food co-ops, retail co-ops, agricultural co-ops, and we fall into the category of electric co-ops.

There are a few different electric utility models in Wisconsin. Municipalities, investor-owned utilities, and best of all, electric cooperatives. Every October, we celebrate how special the cooperative business model is because we believe it’s the best business model out there.

Cooperative Principles in Action:

  1. Electric service is available to all that are willing and able
  2. Led by our member-elected board of directors
  3. Excess margins are returned to members as patronage capital
  4. We maintain our autonomy and independence
  5. Education and training for members and staff
  6. Willing to lend a hand where help is needed
  7. Show our support for the communities we serve

 

 

Wishing You A Happy Co-op Month!

Powering Life’s Moments

Imagine sitting at home, waiting for a phone call about the health of the newest addition to your family. We’re there for you to keep your phone charged, ready to take the phone call to hear, “It’s a boy!”

As families gather around the table to share what they are thankful for this Thanksgiving, we’re there to keep your food warm and your house well lit.

When it’s simply too cold outside, we’re there to power your coffee maker and furnace, and keep you cozy as you watch your next binge-worthy series.

Through all of life’s moments, big or small, you can count on us to power what matters most. We’re proud to be your trusted source of safe, reliable energy.

Exceptional Member Service

With offices in Friendship, Pardeeville, and Wautoma, we serve nearly 40,000 members and maintain over 5,500 miles of power lines. Here are some additional bonuses you receive as a co-op member:

  • When you have an energy usage concern and want to talk to a local energy expert, our employees are there to explain what is using the most energy in your home.
  • When you experience a power outage, our linemen report for duty 24/7 to get your service restored as quickly and safely as possible.
  • When you want to understand the charges on your bill statement, our customer service team will walk you through each charge and explain our billing process.
  • When you want to upgrade to make your home or business more energy-efficient, we provide you with access to rebates and incentives through Focus on Energy.

We’re dedicated to the safe, reliable delivery of electricity to our members, with the highest level of customer service.

 

 

 

License to Live

If you’re inside your vehicle:

Stay inside and call 911. Wait for utility or emergency crews to tell you it’s safe to exit. Only leave the vehicle if there is immediate danger, like fire.

If you must exit the vehicle due to fire or other danger:

  1. Open a door that’s not touching the ground, if possible.
  2. Cross your arms over your chest. Jump clear without touching the vehicle and ground at the same time.
  3. Land with your feet together. Shuffle or bunny hop, keeping your feet together, and get as far away as you can.
  4. Avoid power lines that are on the ground or sagging overhead.
  5. Do not go back to the vehicle until it’s confirmed safe.

Watch the step-by-step video on how to do this safely

 

 

Energy Assistance

As we approach heating season and your furnace starts working harder than normal, you may be eligible to apply for energy assistance. All members contribute to the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program through the WI Non-Taxable line item on your bill. We encourage members seeking help with paying their bill to contact the energy assistance agency in their area. To learn more about energy assistance, housing programs, and community resources, visit energyandhousing.wi.gov.

Energy Assistance Agencies in our Service Area:

  • Adams County ……………. (608) 339-6767
  • Columbia County ……….. (608) 742-4088
  • Dane County ………………. (608) 267-8601
  • Dodge County ……………. (920) 887-7990
  • Green Lake County …….. (920) 294-4070
  • Jefferson County ………… (920) 568-0604
  • Marquette County ………. (608) 297-3124
  • Portage County …………… (715) 344-5999
  • Sauk County ……………….. (608) 356-8887
  • Waupaca County ………… (715) 258-6820
  • Waushara County ……….. (920) 787-1830
  • Wood County ……………… (715) 421-8659

 

 

October is Cybersecurity Month

Today’s cybersecurity experts recommend using longer passphrases instead of symbols and random capitalization in your passwords. A password made up of four or five unrelated words is easier to remember and much harder for criminals to crack than a short, complex password. Use a unique passphrase for every account and enable multi-factor authentication whenever available for added protection. Be cautious of suspicious emails and texts too.

Before clicking a link in an email or text, stop and look closely. Is the message unexpected? Does the website address look legitimate? Is someone pressuring you to act immediately? When in doubt, go directly to the company’s official website or contact them using a trusted phone number—not the information provided in the suspicious message.

 

 

Order Your FREE Pack Today!

Choose from three different energy-saving packs featuring easy-to-install items that make reducing your energy use and saving on energy costs a breeze.

How to Order:

 

 

Recipe

Breakfast Casserole
Recipe from Susan Good of Neshkoro, WI

INGREDIENTS:

  • 8 slices of white bread, buttered, with crusts removed
  • 1 lb pork sausage (Jimmy Dean brand recommended)
  • 2 c shredded cheddar cheese
  • 8 beaten eggs
  • 2c half and half (or milk)
  • 1 tsp salt

INSTRUCTIONS:

Place bread, butter side down, in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Cook sausage until brown and crumbly, then spoon the sausage over the bread. Sprinkle with cheese. Beat eggs, half and half, and salt together. Pour mixture over the cheese. Cover and chill overnight. Remove from the refrigerator 15 minutes before baking. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.