Even if you used less electricity last month than you did during the same month in 2009, you may have noticed an increase in your bill from Arrowhead Electric Cooperative.
The monthly flat rate for delivering power to your home or business has increased 16.7% for 2010.
In the past 12 years, the cost per kWh for electricity from AEC has increased about 28%. That’s certainly a very modest amount compared to rise in the cost of health care, gasoline or even the price of milk.
Unfortunately, the flat monthly fee to provide that power to your location from Arrowhead Electric has increased 110% in the same time period.
The AEC board of directors can usually come up with explanations for its nearly annual service rate jumps, but what they may find harder to justify is why the board has voted to increase their personal compensation by 333% during those years.
An AEC board member is currently paid a base rate of $325/month…that’s $3,900/year…essentially for attending a half-day monthly meeting. They also receive payment for mileage to/from meetings and are additionally well compensated for yearly training sessions and any committee meetings they may attend.
If it appears that the AEC board is working harder in their self-interest than they are for the benefit of the co-op members, you will have the opportunity to make a few changes this summer.
Three of the seven AEC board members are up for re-election. Any AEC customer is eligible to run in the district in which they reside.
Elections in districts 3-Gunflint, 6-Lutsen and 7-Tofte/Schroeder will be held in 2010.
You’ll get a shot at the four remaining director’s seats (pun intended) in 2011 and 2012.
Bob LaMettry
Pike Lake Road
Grand Marais
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