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What is required to set up a generator at my home?

The Co-op requires an Application for Operation of Customer-Owned Generation to be filled out and submitted. The information from the application will assist RGEC and the member with what equipment requirements are needed for the interconnection. We waive the application fees for back up generation application, so make sure you let us know the purpose for the generator being installed. We also have a manual titled “Consumer Requirements for Distributed Generation Installation and Interconnection”; both the application and the manual are available on our website at www.riogrande.coop on the Energy Services tab.

When are Rio Grande Electric Coop Grants available?

RGEC’s Sharing Success Grant applications are accepted annually March 1 – June 30. The Board of Directors made their selections at the July board meeting, and winners are announced at the annual meeting. Please watch for details next year in Texas Co-op Power Magazine, and on our social media pages. We always publicize well in advance.

Why do I need to sign an easement before RGEC can begin line construction on my property?

Signing an easement is a critical step before RGEC can begin constructing electric lines on your property. The easement grants RGEC the legal right to access a designated portion of your land to install, maintain, and operate electric distribution infrastructure—whether overhead or underground.

Without a signed easement, RGEC cannot proceed with construction, as it would lack the legal authority to place equipment on private property. This protects both the member and the Cooperative by clearly defining the scope of access, location, and responsibilities. Easements also ensure that service can be delivered reliably and safely, and they remain in effect even if the property changes ownership.

In short, the easement is not just a formality—it’s a foundational agreement that enables RGEC to serve your location while respecting property rights and ensuring long-term system integrity.

How are RGEC’s electric rates determined, and why do they sometimes change?

RGEC’s electric rates are designed to reflect the actual cost of providing reliable electric service to our members. These rates are approved by the Cooperative’s Board of Directors and follow guidelines established under Chapter 161 of the Texas Utilities Code.

Each rate classification is tailored to the type of service a member receives—whether residential, commercial, or other—and includes components such as:

• Availability Charge: A fixed monthly fee that helps cover the cost of maintaining infrastructure and ensuring service readiness.
• Energy Charge: A variable fee based on the kilowatt-hours (kWh) consumed.

Changes to rate classifications may occur when RGEC identifies that a member’s current classification no longer matches their actual usage pattern. In such cases, the classification is updated to ensure fairness and accuracy, and members are notified in advance.

Members have the right to request information about their rate classification and service rules at any RGEC office. Transparency is a core value of the Cooperative, and we encourage members to reach out with questions or concerns. RGEC also operates on a not-for-profit basis, meaning any excess revenue is returned to members through capital credits. These credits are retired periodically, depending on the Cooperative’s financial health and board approval.

The Email notification/ confirmation of ZOOM meeting had how to access from foreign countries. Does RGEC have foreign interests?

Thank you for your question. This is standard information provided for all Zoom meetings hosted on the Zoom platform.

What happened to the JOKE page in the monthly  co-op monthly mag? You don't even have the tumble weed cartoon on the back page. I miss them.

Thank you for your questions Mr. LaFever. The joke page and Tumble Weed cartoon were features in Ranch and Rural Living Magazine. In 2024, the Co-op transitioned to using Texas Co-op Power Magazine which is why you no longer see these pages.

President's Report

Board President Jamie Ballew

"Good morning, we are so glad you could join us for this 80th annual meeting of Rio Grande Electric Cooperative.  When I was elected as president of the board last October, it was an honor that comes with great responsibility.  Every decision we, as a board, make must consider the well-being of your co-op not only today, but for many years into the future.

As I look back at this year, I see a year in which the cooperative spirit was never more evident at Rio Grande Electric. We have celebrated milestones and successes together, grieved together and picked each other up in our lowest times, and always worked together to keep Rio Grande Electric Co-op strong and thriving.

When I attend conferences and meetings with directors from other electric co-ops, I constantly hear others marvel at the size and scope of Rio Grande Electric.  With a service territory of over 35,000 square miles and over 10,000 miles of distribution lines, we are definitely an anomaly in the co-op world.  While this vast territory comes with real challenges, it also allows us to engage in a diverse range of member services, including residential, agricultural, multiple types of industrial loads, and our military contracts.  Your board of directors, along with management, has kept a close eye on the margins provided by each of these, while also monitoring our budget and expenditures.  In 2024 we spent over $2.86 million on native system improvements. So far in 2025 we have spent over $6.86 million, and we have more planned.  We have also continued the pole inspections, by a third-party contractor, to identify poles in need of immediate or future replacement.

With several years of strong margins, last fall we accelerated the schedule for retiring capital credits and hope to continue doing so, as margins allow.  We are fortunate to be allowed to use a portion of unclaimed capital credits each year to help better the futures of our youth.  This past spring we awarded a total of $60,000 to twelve seniors and twelve current college students.  In our quest to use funds in ways that most benefit our members, and our co-op as a whole, we have also instituted policies to allow our employees to further their education.  This policy is a win-win for all.

We currently have 165 skilled and dedicated employees throughout our territory.  Management works diligently to fill every position needed, and as a board we constantly monitor salaries and benefits to ensure that we are competitive in the current labor market.  We also utilize the latest technology to improve system reliability, as well as employee safety and performance.

At this time, I would like to say thank you to one very special group of employees - our linemen. They are truly dedicated to keeping your lights on in some of the harshest terrain and weather conditions.  They spend long hours away from their families in order to perform their jobs with dedication and pride.  As a child, growing up on the West Nueces river banks, I remember Rio Grande linemen driving by our home at all hours of the day and night to reach remote areas where electrical power was out due to flooding.  I was in awe of them then, and my admiration and respect has grown many times over through the years.  As directors, we frequently hear your praise for our linemen when you have the opportunity to observe them in action.  Again, thank you to each and every one of them, and to their families.

One of the top strategic goals set by your board and management is to improve communication at every level.  With that being said, please do not hesitate to reach out to me or any of your directors at any time. We value your input, and we have constant communication with our CEO regarding this input.

Thank you again for joining us today, and may the remainder of 2025 continue to bring good rains to our most drought-stricken areas and good health and wellness to all."

Treasurer's Report

Board Treasurer Howard Wakefield, Jr & Chief Financial Officer Angel Narvaez

"Good morning, Thank you for join us today

In 2024, total revenue decreased by $1.7 million, falling from $87.2 million in 2023 to $85.6 million. This decline was primarily driven by a $4.3 million reduction in receipts from Commercial, Residential, and Irrigation member classifications, including a $3.1 million decrease from large commercial accounts. The impact was partially offset by higher returns from investment interest income, capital credits from other cooperatives, and non-operating margins.

Purchased power costs decreased by $5.2 million, or 10.3%, compared with 2023. The average cost per kilowatt hour (kWh) fell by 0.75 cents, resulting in $4.1 million in system-wide savings. Transmission Cost of Service (TCOS) declined by $621 thousand, and Transformation Charges decreased by $426 thousand.

Operating expenses increased by 11.5%, rising from $28.6 million in 2023 to $31.9 million in 2024. This increase reflects continued operations and maintenance work to enhance service reliability, as well as investments in recruitment and training to strengthen the Cooperative’s workforce.

The total cost of service was $76.7 million, or $1.9 million less than in 2023. Lower power costs from the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) and El Paso Electric contributed to the decline, partially offset by higher infrastructure-related operating expenses.

Margins grew by 2.2%, reaching $8.9 million in 2024. Based on June year-to-date results, margins are projected to rise further in 2025, supported by increased sales in the Residential, Seasonal, and Small Commercial classifications, as well as $1.2 million in capital credits and patronage dividends from cooperative memberships.

The Cooperative’s total utility plant—substations, poles, conductors, buildings, and other infrastructure—rose from $223.7 million at year-end 2023 to $244.4 million at year-end 2024, an increase of $20.7 million. This growth was driven by:

• A $7 million increase in Contributions in Aid of Construction.
• A $13.7 million increase in internally funded construction, improvements, and plant additions.

Year-to-date figures through June 2025 reflect a further $17.8 million increase, primarily from additional contributions and system investments.

Now let’s look at the Revenue and Expense Composition.

In 2024, revenue sources were as follows:

• Large Power: 43.6%
• Commercial: 11.0%
• Residential: 22.8%
• Irrigation: 8.3%
• Other Revenue: 10.1%
• Interest: 4.1%

Expenses were distributed as follows:

• Purchased Power: 52.4%
• Operations & Maintenance: 19.4%
• Depreciation: 7.5%
• Administrative: 7.4%
• Interest Expense: 1.3%
• Consumer-Related: 1.6%
• Other: 0.1%

This expense structure resulted in a total margin of approximately 10.4%.

The Cooperative gained 28 new memberships in 2024, an increase of 0.4%. Meter growth historically averages just over 1% annually, or about 150 meters per year. From year-end 2024 through mid-2025, 249 new meters were added.

At year-end 2024, Rio Grande maintained 10,093 miles of energized lines, an increase of 13 miles from the prior year. By June 2025, an additional 36 miles had been added.

Meters per mile, a key industry metric, rose slightly to 1.4732 at year-end 2024, before decreasing marginally to 1.4696 by mid-2025. While national cooperatives average 6–12 meters per mile, and investor-owned utilities average 35–60, Rio Grande continues to operate with fewer than 1.5 meters per mile due to the geographic nature of its service territory.

Long-term debt declined from $30.2 million in 2023 to $28.7 million in 2024, a reduction of $1.5 million. From year-end 2024 through mid-2025, debt decreased further by $682 thousand, or 2.4%.

In 2024, principal payments to CoBank and the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) totaled $1.1 million. Fixed interest rates on CoBank mortgage notes were secured at 6.59% and 6.53% for one-year terms. During the first half of 2025, the Cooperative obtained a one-year forward fixed rate of 5.51% on most CoBank mortgage notes, reducing interest costs.

Overall, 2024 was a successful financial year for Rio Grande Electric Cooperative, with solid margins, reduced purchased power costs, and continued investment in system reliability. Early 2025 results point to further growth, supported by prudent financial management and strategic investments.

Rio Grande remains in a strong financial position, guided by leadership that is fiscally conservative and forward-thinking. The Cooperative is committed to ensuring reliable service, sustainable growth, and long-term value for its members."

CEO Report

Chief Executive Officer Theresa Quiroz

"Good morning, members and guests. First, let me thank our emcee, Conrad Dalton, for that warm introduction and for guiding us through today’s program with such grace and energy. It is my honor to welcome you to the 80th Annual Meeting of the Rio Grande Electric Cooperative and this year’s emPower Summit. For eight decades, RGEC has stood strong—powered by purpose, guided by values, and sustained by the trust of our members. As we celebrate 80 years of service, our commitment to innovation and member-focused solutions remains unwavering. Every initiative this year—from infrastructure upgrades to member engagement—reflects our vision for a resilient, forward-thinking cooperative that puts members first.

This year, our engineering and operations teams led a comprehensive pole inspection program, covering 14,194 poles across RGEC’s service territory. With 1,100 poles rejected—a 7.75% rejection rate—this effort reflects our commitment to evolving infrastructure standards and member needs. It also supports new Texas legislation aimed at wildfire mitigation and vegetation management, following historic weather events on the Coast and historic fires in the Panhandle. Crews have been actively replacing poles system-wide, and the second phase of inspections begins in Q4 of this year, continuing our focus on safety and reliability. Additional system upgrades have reduced outage times and strengthened service, thanks to the dedication of our linemen and field teams.

RGEC remains financially strong. While our revenue saw a modest decline, we achieved significant savings in purchased power costs and improved our operating margins. Our utility plant grew by over $20 million, and we reduced long-term debt while securing better interest rates. These results reflect our commitment to fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability.

On the technology front, we’ve made significant strides. From upgrading our internal systems to enhancing member-facing platforms, our IT department has worked to make RGEC more accessible and efficient. Whether it’s through improved outage reporting tools or cybersecurity enhancements, we’re committed to staying ahead of the curve.

This year, our team experienced growth with the addition of several new positions to better serve our membership, as well as significant hardship due to the passing of our colleague, Michael Treviño. My deepest condolences go out to Michael’s family, friends, and all who worked alongside him.

Our linemen work tirelessly—often in remote and challenging conditions—to keep the lights on for our members. As one of our linemen recently reflected, outages are difficult for everyone, but our crews are always working as quickly and safely as possible, often while their own families are also without power. Their dedication is rooted in care for our community, and their safety remains our highest priority. RGEC consistently reviews every incident and accident to support ongoing improvement. This year, we further strengthened our commitment through enhanced training and updated safety protocols. As your CEO, I want to personally thank every member of our team for your resilience and courage.

To our members: your patience and appreciation mean more than you know. Please join me in thanking our linemen and field teams for their unwavering service as we continue building a safer, stronger RGEC together.

We were proud to sponsor participants in the 2025 Youth Tour, a program that continues to inspire the next generation of cooperative leaders. These young ambassadors represented RGEC with pride in Washington, D.C. and returned with fresh perspectives and a deeper appreciation for civic engagement. To hear directly from our Youth Tour participants, we invite you to watch a short video presentation during today’s program. Their voices reflect the future of our cooperative—and the values we hold dear. We are also now accepting applications online for the 2026 Youth Tour. The application is available on RGEC’s website through January 5, 2026.

As we celebrate our 80th year, we also recognize the dedicated service of our Board of Directors:
- Jamie Ballew from District 3 – Brackettville, completing her 3^rd 3-year term
- Tim Edwards from District 7 – Balmorhea, completing his 3^rd 3-year term
- Margarita Nelson from District 4A – Del Rio, completing her 2^nd 3-year term
- Howard Ivy from District 1 – Carrizo Springs, completing his first 3-year term

Looking ahead, we are officially launching the 2026 Director Election Cycle.

The following districts are open for election:
- District 2 – currently held by Susana Perez
- District 5 – currently held by William R. Foster
- District 6 – currently held by Damon Harrison
- District 8 – currently held by Bryon Garrison

In accordance with RGEC’s Bylaws, if only one qualified candidate is nominated for a Board position, that candidate may be elected by acclamation—meaning no formal election is held. This streamlined process saved approximately $21,000 in election costs this year and ensures efficient governance when races are uncontested. All nominees must meet the eligibility criteria in Article IV, including residency, energy usage, and conflict-of-interest standards. Members interested in running by petition must submit a completed affidavit of eligibility and at least 15 member signatures from their district by May 5, 2026. The Director Nominee Petition Packet is available on RGEC’s website. To make the election process easier, we’ve published a step-by-step timeline and checklist on our website. If you’re interested in running for the board, please review these resources and reach out with any questions. Transparency and member representation are at the heart of our governance.

RGEC continues to grow, with new memberships and energized lines added this year. We’ve also accelerated the retirement of capital credits and awarded scholarships to students using unclaimed capital credits—another way we reinvest in our community. This year, we were proud to expand our impact through the Sharing Success program, increasing our total award amount from $37,000 to $41,000. This allowed us to support even more local organizations and projects that make a difference for our members. To see the positive impact of this program firsthand, we invite you to watch a short video highlighting some of our recent Sharing Success recipients and the ways they’re strengthening our communities.

After 20 years of dedicated service, Larry Powell retired as Chief Specialized Project Development Officer. We thank Larry for his many contributions to RGEC and wish him all the best in his retirement. We also honor the retirements of three more outstanding team members whose decades of service have helped shape RGEC:

• Cindy Edwards, Communications Coordinator – 24 years
• Steve Wright, Sr. Operations Manager – 32 years
• Ronnie Mata, Construction Site Manager – 34 years

Their commitment and leadership have left a lasting legacy across the Cooperative.

I am pleased to welcome Abraham Vasquez as our new Chief Specialized Project Development Officer. Abraham’s experience and commitment will help lead our specialized project development efforts forward. Please join me in congratulating Larry, Cindy, Steve and Ronnie on their retirements—and  in welcoming Abraham to his new role.

As we reflect on 80 years of service and look toward the future, I am reminded that RGEC is more than just a utility—it is a community built on trust, resilience, and shared purpose. Every achievement, every challenge overcome, and every act of service is a testament to the strength and spirit of our members and employees. Your feedback and participation are vital to our continued success. I encourage you to share your ideas, join our committees, and help shape RGEC’s future. Together, we can continue to build a cooperative that truly reflects the needs and aspirations of the communities we serve. Thank you for being part of this journey.

Here’s to 80 years of service—and to many more ahead. God bless you and Rio Grande Electric Cooperative, Inc."

$80 Credit on Account (First 80 to Register and Attend)

• Elizabeth Valenzuela
• Connie Renee Shoffield
• Deborah McLarty
• Bobby Lullo
• Reginaldo Gonzalez
• Lester  Curry
• Carrie Seiler
• Marla Madrid
• Ruth Tait
• Atie Waxman
• Susan Pavon Tait
• Robert Mellor
• Ralph  Boubel
• Sylvia Richards
• Billy Riley
• Janina Flores
• Dave Mackey
• Elizabeth Reinhold
• Shannon Turkett
• Linda Sharlow
• Leland Davis
• Larry and Fern Herrington
• Lyle Landgren
• Sondra Meil
• Maximilian Martin
• Ray and Bertha Suarez
• Cherrine Davis
• James Stokes
• Robert Sammann
• Pedro   Gamez
• Patricia Barrientos
• Robert Rafferty
• Preston Meeks
• Metzli  Nevin
• Rogelio Ramos
• Jean Hart
• Clint Conrad
• John Schuster
• Brenda Garza
• Alma Gutierrez
• Silvestre Cavasos
• James McLeod
• David Habhab
• Clifford Spencer
• Romelia Garcia
• Sandra Vargas
• Tracy Sindelar
• Patsy Sammann
• Cynthia Medina
• Rafael Gomez
• Mary Boggess
• Jesse Larson
• Timothy LaFever
• Rosa Flores
• Mary Fritz
• Aaron  Britton
• Paul Adams
• Patti Nowell
• Robert Quinones
• Belinda Ibarra
• David Grote
• Jose Hernandez
• Debora Daniels
• Graciela Medina
• Bertha Maldonado
• Reynaldo Puente
• Ronald Head
• Hugo Gonzalez
• Becky  Pendergrass
• Adolfo Navarro
• Cassandra Sanchez
• Larry Reich
• Osvaldo Lechuga
• Brent Obrien
• Jesus Ruiz
• Randy Gray
• James Sprague
• Carmen Ponce
• Santos Perez
• Charles Jenigen

$100 Credit on Account

• Marcos Morales
• Brent O'Brien
• Gene Crawford
• Rogelio Ramos
• James Sprague
• David Grote
• Connie Renee Shoffield
• LuAnn Hutto
• Preston Meeks
• Graciela Medina
• Maximilian Martin
• Santos Perez
• Tracy Sindelar
• Clay Cupples
• Ruth Tait
• Nancy Sanchez
• Linda Morris
• Cherrine Davis
• Alejandro Alvarado
• Jan Fulps
• Elizabeth Reinhold
• Star Gallagher
• Timothy Nickolay
• Bruce Malloy
• Maria Gonzalez
• Sean Finnessey
• Ralph Boubel
• Janet Caliva
• Bobby Lullo
• Lourdes  Gonzalez
• Jalyn Morris

$250 Credit on Account

• Claudia Martinez
• Roberto Hernandez
• Paul Adams
• Richard Moore
• Dorothy Wert
• Robert Quinones
• Kathleen McKown

$500 Visa Gift Cards

• Patsy Sammann
• Sandra Vargas

Grand Prize - 2008 Ford F250

• Allison Watkinson

1. Applicant must be a US citizen and have completed (a minimum of) their freshman year of high school by June 2026. Homeschooled students in an accredited program are also eligible.
2. Applicant must be a legal dependent and living in the home of an active Rio Grande Electric Cooperative member.
3. Applicant must be able to participate in the Youth Tour from June 14-21, 2026.
4. Applicant must be able to fly in an airplane and ride in a car or bus for up to 12 hours per day (with breaks).
5. Winners will be responsible for transportation to and from Austin, Texas. They will also be responsible for additional spending money for snacks, souvenirs, etc.
6. Winners must have a government-issued ID card prior to the trip (Drivers License or Official ID).
7. Must submit a completed electronic application, essay, recent photo, and any additional information online at www.riogrande.coop/community/youth-tour/ by 5:00 PM (C) January 5, 2026.
8. The essay should be 300 - 500 words, as counted by Microsoft Word, explaining why volunteerism is important in rural communities. Do not identify yourself by name or family name in the body of the essay.

DEADLINE: 5:00 PM (CENTRAL) JANUARY 5, 2026

Winners will be selected by the RGEC Board of Directors at the regularly scheduled January board meeting and notified thereafter. Winners agree to provide a video statement to be recognized at the 2026 RGEC Annual Meeting held the 2nd Saturday in October.

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