Are you interested in becoming a Director at Kandiyohi Power Cooperative?

Who is Kandiyohi Power Cooperative (KPC)?

KPC is an electric distribution cooperative owned by the members we serve and governed by a nine-member board of directors. Headquartered in Spicer, MN, the cooperative provides reliable, safe, and affordable electric service to almost 9,000 meters throughout four counties in Minnesota: Kandiyohi, Chippewa, Stearns, and Swift.

Board of Directors

The main responsibility of a Kandiyohi Power Cooperative director is to provide oversight of the CEO who manages the staff and operations of the cooperative. Understanding the cooperative business model is essential. Every question deserves to be asked; it’s all part of the learning process.

To better understand the cooperative business model and to contribute effectively to the development of the cooperative, directors are offered training. All directors are encouraged to attend trainings and to participate beyond this to further support the cooperative. State, national, and affiliated organizations have meetings throughout the year that directors may attend as well as legislative forums, community celebrations, and award presentations.

The following is an overview of the role of the Board of Directors.

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS?

The Board of Directors are responsible for the safe and sound operation of KPC and ensuring the cooperative fulfills its mission. The board also:

• Develops and oversees the strategic direction and objectives of the cooperative.
• Oversees the organizational performance of KPC.
• Provides competent leadership and management of KPC.
• Ensures appropriate risk oversight including sound internal controls and compliance.
• Exercises independent judgment.
• Remains loyal to the interests of KPC.
• Works cooperatively with management and for the good of all members of the cooperative.
• Performs the duties of director diligently and impartially.
• Effectively communicate with member-owners regarding cooperative issues.

 WHO CAN BECOME A DIRECTOR?

Member-owners are eligible to serve as director if they:

• Live and are being served in KPC’s service territory.             
• Are able to enter legally into binding contracts.

Member-owners are ineligible if they:

• Have been convicted of a felony.
• Are employed by or financially interested in a competing enterprise or a business selling energy, supplies, or services to the cooperative.
• Have been an employee of KPC within the past three years.

WHAT IS THE TIME COMMITMENT?

• Directors are elected to a three-year term.
• Board meetings are held on the fourth Wednesday of the month, lasting 4-5 hours on average.
• Preparation for board meetings can take 2-3 hours to review the agenda, study the materials provided, and read articles regarding the electric industry.
• Each April, the cooperative hosts an Annual Meeting where members participate in director elections and attend to any other business pertaining to the cooperative.
• Once every few years, directors meet for strategic planning. These sessions are typically scheduled for a couple of days to set long-range goals for the cooperative.
• There will be additional time commitments for director trainings and conferences; times vary.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BEING A DIRECTOR?

• Serving your community and the membership.
• Directly represent the interests of the cooperative’s member-owners.
• Represent KPC by traveling to regional and national meetings.
• Being paid a per diem rate plus mileage reimbursement for meetings.
• Continuous Learning about the electric industry.

 Fast Facts about KPC

Members	7,579	Substations	10
Active Meters	9,019	Meters Per Mile	5.5
Miles of Line	1,634	Members per Mile	4.6
Year Energized	1939	Employees	25

How the Election Process Works

The director election process takes place in conjunction with the Annual Meeting. Director candidates must submit paperwork to be eligible to run in the director election. The Annual Meeting mailing is sent to the membership in early April and includes ballots for the director election. Members may mail ballots to the cooperative, vote online, or vote in person at the Annual Meeting. Results of the election are announced at the Annual Meeting, and any changes on the board take effect that day.

Board Makeup

KPC’s member-owners are represented by a Board of Directors consisting of nine members, three from each of the three districts that make up the cooperative's service territory. Each year the membership elects one director from each district to serve a three-year term.

For more information on becoming a Director at Kandiyohi Power Cooperative, please visit our website www.kpcoop.com/board-directors.