As we prepare to welcome 2025, it’s a momentous time for Meeker Cooperative. This year marks our 90th anniversary—a milestone that speaks to nearly a century of commitment to our members and communities. From our humble beginnings in 1935 to our current role as a leader in rural electric and broadband services, we have remained steadfast in our mission: to provide reliable, affordable, and innovative solutions. As we reflect on the journey so far, we also look forward with enthusiasm to the exciting projects and goals that lie ahead in the coming year.
Commitment to Affordability and Value
One of the key priorities of any cooperative is to deliver services that are both high quality and affordable. For 2025, we are pleased to announce that there will be no rate increase for electric services. This decision reflects our dedication to careful financial management and our cooperative’s strong position. We understand that affordability is essential, and we’re proud to maintain stability in our rates, even as we undertake significant infrastructure upgrades.
On the broadband side, Vibrant Broadband will see a modest $3 increase in monthly rates. This adjustment is necessary to support the continued expansion of our broadband network and to maintain the exceptional service you expect. The increase aligns with the robust growth and investment we are making to connect more homes and businesses with reliable, high-speed internet.
Investing in Electric Infrastructure for Reliability and Growth
On the electric side, we are undertaking several significant infrastructure projects to improve reliability, address capacity needs, and ensure our system is equipped for the future. Here’s a closer look at some of the highlights from our 2025 Electric Construction Workplan:
- Kingston Sub Feeder 3: A half mile of overhead three-phase lines will be replaced with underground three-phase lines, enhancing reliability in this area.
- Atwater Sub Feeder 2: Two miles of underground three-phase lines will be replaced with upgraded wire, improving capacity and performance.
- Cedar Mills Sub Feeder 4: Similarly, 1.8 miles of underground three-phase lines will be replaced with larger wire to meet growing demand.
- Paynesville Feeder 3: Nearly three miles of overhead three-phase lines will be replaced with upgraded overhead lines to enhance service.
- Systemwide Underground Wire Replacement: Approximately 6.5 miles of underground wire with repeated faults will be replaced across various locations to improve reliability.
These projects are vital for ensuring that our members have access to safe, dependable electricity, even as we face changing demands and aging infrastructure.
Expanding Connectivity with Vibrant Broadband
Broadband connectivity is essential for thriving communities, and Vibrant Broadband will play a pivotal role in 2025. We have several major projects planned that will bring critical access to even more subscribers:
- R4 ReConnect Project: This ambitious project will add 218 miles of fiber, passing 698 homes across Meeker, Kandiyohi, and Stearns counties.
- Border to Border Projects: Four separate initiatives will extend over 160 miles of fiber, providing connectivity to 797 homes.
- Line Extensions: We’re also expanding by nearly 24 miles of fiber, reaching 130 additional homes in Meeker and Wright counties.
These projects represent our commitment to ensuring rural communities have access to the broadband tools they need for education, work, healthcare, and more. Vibrant Broadband’s growth is about more than just technology—it’s about creating opportunities and bridging gaps for our communities.
Legislative Priorities and Reliability Challenges
In 2025, Meeker Cooperative will be advocating for policies that ensure a reliable energy future. Two key legislative priorities are net metering reform and lifting Minnesota’s nuclear moratorium. Reforming net metering will create a fairer system for all members while continuing to support renewable energy growth. Additionally, lifting the nuclear moratorium is vital to exploring modern, carbon-free nuclear technologies that provide reliable baseload power and bolster grid stability.
These legislative actions are especially urgent in light of the findings in NERC’s 2024 Long-Term Reliability Assessment, which highlights the risks facing our region. The Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), serving 15 states including Minnesota, has been identified as at high risk of power shortages during peak seasons beginning in 2025. With more generation being retired than added, these shortfalls could affect reliability even in milder seasons.
Meeker Cooperative is taking steps to address these challenges through strategic planning and conversations with our power suppliers, but broader action is needed. We want to urge policymakers to consider the long-term consequences of energy generation retirements and prioritize policies that support a balanced, resilient and reliable energy mix. Over the coming months, we’ll provide a deeper dive into these critical topics, exploring what they mean for our members and how we can collectively work toward a more stable energy future.
Celebrating 90 Years of Service
While we focus on the future, 2025 also offers an opportunity to celebrate the incredible journey of Meeker Cooperative over the past 90 years. From the first electric lines that brought light to rural homes to today’s cutting-edge fiber-optic broadband services, our Cooperative has always been about innovation and meeting the needs of our members. This anniversary is a tribute to our shared commitment to progress and community. As we move forward into this milestone year, we remain grounded in the Cooperative values that have guided us for nine decades. Thank you for your continued trust and support. Together, we’ll make 2025 a year to remember!