One of the strengths of an electric cooperative is that it is governed by the members
it serves. This year, Nodak Electric Cooperative has a unique opportunity for members
to engage in that process through our board of directors election.

Under normal circumstances, we have one director seat up for election in each of our
three districts, with each director serving a three-year term. This year, however, we also
have an additional opening in District 2 due to the retirement of a long-serving director.
That vacancy is for a one-year term and is currently being filled by appointed director
Luke Ressler. 

As a result, members will see two board positions on the ballot this year for District 2:
one for a standard three-year term and one for a one-year term. Members interested in
running for the Nodak board should contact a member of the nominating committee and
express their interest in being placed on the ballot. District 2 candidates should be sure
to indicate whether they wish to run for the one-year term or the three-year term when
contacting the committee.

Serving on the board is one of the most direct ways members can participate in their
cooperative’s governance. Directors help set policy, provide strategic direction, and
ensure Nodak remains financially sound while continuing to deliver safe, reliable, and
affordable electricity. I encourage members who have an interest in leadership and
service to consider this important role.

In addition to cooperative governance, many members have asked about electric rates
and what changes may be ahead. Our wholesale power provider, Minnkota Power
Cooperative has announced an increase that will affect Nodak beginning in 2026.

The increase will come in two parts. First, Minnkota will implement an average 4.1%
increase across its wholesale rate components. Second, Minnkota will apply a
per-kilowatt-hour surcharge for the months of April through December in 2026. While
the exact amount of that surcharge has not yet been finalized by Minnkota, Nodak will
pass it through on retail bills during the nine months we are charged on our wholesale
power bill.

At this point, it is too early to determine what the 4.1% wholesale increase may mean for
Nodak’s retail rates. As we close our books for 2025 and evaluate the early months of 2026,
we will have a clearer picture of what adjustments, if any, are necessary. Any potential retail
rate change would be brought forward thoughtfully and transparently. 

Minnkota’s rate increase is driven by rising costs across the electric industry, including
significant increases in the price of transmission infrastructure, materials and equipment. 
Supply chain pressures and inflation have made it more expensive to maintain the reliable
system our members depend on. Even so, Minnkota has worked to keep long-term increases
modest and continues to pursue opportunities — such as large-load growth — to help 
moderate future rate pressures.

At Nodak, our goal remains the same: to keep as much money in our members’ pockets
as possible while maintaining the reliability and service you expect. We are carefully 
evaluating options, managing costs, and advocating for our members every step of the way. 

Thank you for your engagement in your cooperative — both through participation in
governance and your understanding as we navigate a changing cost environment together.