emPOWER Summit 2022

The 77th Annual Meeting was held virtually, Saturday, October 8. This was Rio Grande Electric Cooperative (RGEC)’s 3rd virtual meeting, and there was substantial member participation, with 220 memberships in virtual attendance.

Registration for prize eligibility was open from September 26, at 8 a.m. (C) through October 7, at 1 p.m., which allowed plenty of time for everyone to register to attend. With a special prize box going out to the first 50 memberships which registered and attended, there was good participation from the minute registration opened.

Emcee for the day was once again RGEC’s Chief Technical Officer Conrad Dalton, who welcomed those present and introduced Board President Tim Edwards, who called the meeting to order. This was followed by a moving rendition of the National Anthem by RGEC Education and Training Coordinator Dana Johnson, and the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, by President Edwards. Board member Rowdy Holmsley followed with the Invocation. With there being no changes or corrections, the minutes of the 2021 Annual Meeting, available for viewing on the Cooperative’s website, were approved.

Board President's Report

After greeting those in virtual attendance, President Edwards gave the following informative report:

“I hope everyone is doing well. Thank you for attending the 77th annual meeting for Rio Grande Electric Cooperative. As you know this year’s meeting is being held virtually and we appreciate all of you participating. We look forward to a time when we will be able to meet again in person. For the last several years we have been hoping for some kind of normalcy. Why can’t we just go and do things the way we have always done for as back as we remember? We had Covid 19, we had winter storm Uri, more Covid just different strains, along with other things. All of these things made us change how we conduct our way of life.

I think about the people who became the original members of the Cooperative 77 years ago and the struggles they went through daily. They didn’t have any of the modern conveniences we have today but they made do. When our Cooperative came into existence for them, they hadn’t had what many in the United States already had, electricity, to them it was an exciting time. It changed their way of life forever. It simplified so many aspects of everyday life. This cooperative took on an area that really nobody else wanted, very sparse population, long distances between meters and territory that for the most part was inaccessible.

This year our cooperative hit a milestone when we reached 10,000 miles of line. We have been looking forward to this goal for years. We are now at 1.44 meters per mile, and are ready to grow and increase that density even more. We look at the difficulties we face today, high inflation, high fuel prices, supply chain disruptions to name a few. This isn’t the first time we’ve faced difficult issues and I doubt it will be the last. Being forced out of our comfort zones is tough to deal with but it seems we come out stronger. Sometimes I feel if it weren’t for the hard times, we wouldn’t appreciate the good times.

Our Cooperative continues to be strengthened by the hard work of our employees. The linemen who sacrifice for us 24/7 365 days a year. The CSR’s making sure communications are directed where needed. Office staff keeping the internal workings of the Coop going. The IT department who capitalizes on all the latest technology available that we’ve never had in the past, ,including electronic pay, line extension cost estimator and other features available on the website. If you haven’t visited the website, I encourage you do so.

I want to thank all the directors for their hard work and always doing what they feel is best for the Co-op and its members. Most importantly I want to thank you the membership of the Cooperative for your support.”

Treasurer's Report

Board Treasurer Jamie Ballew presented an overview of the Cooperative’s financial status, and encouraged members to follow along with the figures, which could be found on the inside back cover of RGEC’s September edition of Ranch & Rural Living Magazine.

She first discussed 2021 figures, the highlights of which were:

Revenue

Total Operating Revenue of $60.3 million, which was $550,000 over the previous year’s total.

• Total Cost of Service was $54.4 million, or about $3.4 million over the previous year’s total.
• Margins for the year just under $6 million, down from the previous year’s total of $8.8 million.
• Still a strong financial year in spite of Winter Storm Uri, which took place in February.
• RGEC had contracted for power early on, and was not purchasing power on the open market, when rates reached $9,000 per megawatt hour.
• This saved RGEC and you approximately $40 million.

Purchased Power

• Purchased Power Costs and transmission delivery costs increased 5.47% to 28.3 Million, which includes ERCOT service charges incurred during the winter storm of $2.7 million.
• Average cost of purchased power per kilowatt hour increased 16.4%, which can primarily be attributed to Winter Storm Uri.
• The board made the decision to under-recover $1 Million in power costs. “In other words”, stated Mrs. Ballew, “that’s $1 Million that was not billed to members.”

Energy Sales & Revenues

• Total energy sales decreased 9.2%
• The number of meters increased from 13,914 to 14,134
• Operating revenue (all sources) was $59.8 Million
• Margins (amount left over after expenses) amounted to nearly $6 Million.
• Margins were down from previous year, by almost $3 Million ($1 Million of which was under-recovered power costs.)
• The board determined that Margins of $5,952,409 from 2021 would be returned to members in the form of Capital Credits, which was reflected on allocation statements sent to members in August.

Capital Expenditures

• RGEC collected $3.3 Million in contributions in aid of construction, which is the portion of costs a member must pay for new construction.
• RGEC internally funded another $20.5 Million of utility plant construction, improvements, and general plant additions.
• Total Utility Plant Assets, the value of what we/ you own, increased to $198.1 Million, which is $7.9 Million over the previous year.

Growth

• RGEC’s meter growth rate is usually just over 1% annually, which amounts to about 150 meters per year.
• In 2021, 220 meters were added for a total of 14,134, or an increase of 1.58%

2022 Trends

• Through the first half of 2022, Revenue was #33.1 Million
• Expenses were $28.7 Million
• Margins were $4.4 Million
• Shaping up to be a good financial year for the Cooperative
• Due primarily to the sheer amount of energy used during the heat wave, RGEC is on track to reach energy sales of approximately 505 Million kilowatt hours this year.
• The all-time high was 512 Million kWh, in 2019

Mrs. Ballew then introduced Angel Narvaez, Accounting and Finance Manager to explain Revenue and Expenses.

Mr. Narvaez explained, “One of Rio Grande’s major strengths continues to be that we have a diversified revenue mix. This is good for the Co-op because we are not dependent on one revenue group or consumer. For example, when Oil field drilling was slowed for a while, RGEC was not overly impacted to the extent that some other cooperatives were, because we do not rely strictly on the oil field for the bulk of our revenue. There is a lot of risk associated with having all of ones eggs in one revenue basket, so-to-speak.”

He then gave a breakdown of RGEC’s revenue sources, as identified on the following graphic.

Narvaez said, “We have to temper this optimism, though, as Expenses have also been up, due to the increased cost of supplies, materials, and last, but certainly not least – fuel.

Through June, the price of poles was up about 25% over the same period last year, and from February ‘22 through June ‘22, we saw fuel price increases of about 30%.

Expenses through June ‘22 totaled $28.7 million, which is over $3.1 million more than the same time last year.

“Even considering the increased Expenses, we project Margins will come in at about $9M for 2022, or about $3M more than the previous year,” he concluded.

Mrs. Ballew thanked Mr. Narvaez for the overview of Revenue and Expenses, before providing a few more key points regarding RGEC’s financial status.

“As I mentioned previously, Rio Grande’s Number of Meters historically increases by just over 1% annually, which is about 150 meters per year. Last year’s total growth in this area was 220 Meters, or about 1.58%. For the first half of 2022, the Coop grew by 127 meters. If this trend continues through the second half of the year, we could potentially see an increase nearing the 2% mark.

The Cooperative can borrow money to pay for capital improvements or get it from the consumers. We can get very low rates when borrowing money. Our debt was at $38.9 million, as we closed out 2021, and by June 2022, RGEC had paid that debt down to $37.9 million.

We may be borrowing again before the end of the year, in order to finance some of the system improvements approved in the Construction Work Plan. We continue to work on improving the system, and capital improvements always add to the overall value of the Cooperative, as reflected in the Total Utility Plant item you see in the Balance Sheet Highlights.

At Year’s End 2021, the Total Utility Plant was valued at $198.1 million. In the first six months of 2022 alone, that value had already increased $6.6 million, for a grand total of $204.7 million. Total utility plant is everything. . . It’s the substations, poles, conductors, . . .everything. This is what you, the members, own!

Historically, growth in this area averages about $6.7 million per year, and as of the end of June, we were already ahead of the game, with nearly a year’s average growth in the first 6 months. We are constantly reinvesting into the system to keep it up and running, and to improve it for the membership.

What does all this mean? In a nutshell, Rio Grande is very financially sound. We have good leadership that is fiscally conservative and responsible, and we will continue watching the bottom line to make sure that Rio Grande keeps growing, improving, and prospering,” she concluded.

CEO's Report

CEO Theresa Quiroz welcomed everyone, and explained why a virtual meeting was necessary again this year, chiefly because of Covid variants and elevated fuel prices. She explained that a virtual meeting costs about 51% less than an in-person meeting.

A brief overview of the founding of Rio Grande Electric Cooperative in 1945, was provided. “Today, as you hear about the technology, the total value of the Cooperative, and the many advances made in just the past year, consider this – It was leadership, faith, hard work and determination that are responsible for the very existence of the Co-op. These are qualities you’ll still find in abundance at Rio Grande Electric today, and it’s these qualities that are responsible for taking the Co-op into the future, and sustaining it for generations to come”.

Ms. Quiroz then related that she became interim CEO in February, at the request of the board, and held that position until being named CEO in July, by a resolution of the board of directors. She vowed to do her best for the members, employees, and the Cooperative business itself every single day.

Discussion turned to the Texas Power Crisis of February, and Ms. Quiroz said that RGEC fared much better than many electric utilities, and learned some valuable lessons during this event, which will better prepare us for the future. One example was the installation of additional line sensors to report the location of recurring faults, and another was the use of aerial drone inspections. Both contribute to increased system reliability.

Another area where efforts are being concentrated is power quality. Ms. Quiroz explained that two new permanent substations were placed in service in Pecos County, in collaboration with RGEC’s main transmission provider Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA). They are connected in such a way that one substation can back up the other, should the need arise. Quiroz said there are other such power quality projects included in the Construction Work Plan, which will be phased in over the next few years.

The Co-op’s 11 solar arrays discussed at last year’s annual meeting have been delayed, primarily due to supply chain issues. They are now scheduled to begin providing power to the RGEC distribution system by June of 2023. These sites will generate enough power for approximately 1,200 homes and save RGEC and its members about $8 million over the projected 25-year life of the equipment, reduce RGEC’s carbon footprint, and diversify the power portfolio.

Ms. Quiroz stated that the Co-op is always looking for ways to make member interactions more “user friendly”. She said the responses to the Member Satisfaction Survey distributed to over 4,000 members electronically this spring had yielded very helpful results. While most were very satisfied with the Customer Service Representatives and Area Operations Managers, the survey revealed frustration with portions of the construction process. To make this easier to complete, a line estimator tool has been added to the Co-op’s website. One of the “additional comments” on a survey led to the creation of “Pick Your Payment Date” for members enrolled in SmartHub, whereby members can select a payment date up to 21 days in advance of the date they log in.

Ms. Quiroz then discussed the challenges of staffing RGEC with qualified employees at a time when the trend of changing jobs has affected businesses nationwide. Highlights of personnel matters included: The retirement of 5 employees with 131 years of experience between them. One of the employees had been with the Co-op for over 40 years, and 2 others had served for over 30 years.

Insurance for Co-op employees remained the same for 2022, with no change in premiums or coverage, however it will increase by 4.7% for the 2023 renewal period.

Additionally, though not a personnel item, Ms. Quiroz mentioned while on the subject of insurance, the risk insurance premium would be increasing for 2023, due to the increase in property values.

“The cost of everything has been going up and up,” Ms Quiroz stated. She explained that even though the Co-op purchases fuel at wholesale rates, the increases in fuel costs have been very noticeable. Operations personnel drove over 2 million miles in the performance of their jobs during 2021, and, as of the end of June 2022, had already driven over a million miles. Ms. Quiroz stated that fuel prices are one of the costs of doing business that we have no control over. “When there’s an outage, trucks roll. It’s that simple,” she said.

“It takes a lot of personnel hours, fleet vehicles, supplies and fuel to maintain over 10,000 miles of line. Yes, we hit the 10,000 miles of line milestone in February,” Ms Quiroz reported.

She continued,“In closing, let me just say that the past year was an unusual one to be sure! But even with all the obstacles, price increases, and assorted other challenges, it was a good year for the Cooperative, financially speaking.” We have been able to hold the line on prices, and don’t foresee a need for a rate increase any time in the near future. RGEC is on firm financial footing, and with the strong leadership of the board, dedication of Co-op employees, and continued support and engagement of members, Rio Grande Electric Cooperative will continue to prosper and serve its members for at least another 77 years!

I believe our founding fathers would be proud of today’s Rio Grande, because we continue to hold dear the tenets on which it was founded, all the while embracing new and emerging technologies for the benefit of the Co-op and its members.”

Director Recognition

• Margarita Nelson – Director District 4
  1 3-Year Term
• Jamie Ballew – Director District 3
  2 3-Year Terms
• Tim Edwards – Director District 7
  2 3-Year Terms

Director Election Results

Director Election Results were announced by Lea Ream, corporate attorney, of Davidson Trolio Ream and Garza. 14.11% of eligible members participated in this years election. This figure is up from a participation rate of only 10% in last year’s election.

Ms. Ream explained a bit about the selection of qualified candidates by the Member Advisory Committees, and then presented the election results. The results are not known by anyone other than the company conducting the election, Survey and Ballot, and by Ms. Ream herself, until announced live during the Annual Meeting.

Eligible to Vote: 7,043
Ballots Cast: 994
Paper Ballots: 585
Web Ballots: 409
Participation Rate: 14.11%

The election results are listed below.

Director District 1

Director District 3

Director District 4A

Director District 7

Questions & Answers With CEO Theresa Quiroz

When do members get paid for their capital credit?

Retirement of capital credits usually takes place in December. To date, we have retired (paid) capital credits through the year 1992. We anticipate retiring 1993 capital credits, this coming December, in the amount of roughly $850,000, if all financial goals are met in accordance with the Board’s capital management policy.

Is the Fort Stockton office moving?

Yes! We are very excited to have purchased 35 acres from an oilfield company which closed its Ft. Stockton location. The new facility has everything we need, including warehouse space, mechanic bays, and offices. We had become very cramped in the Ellyson Drive location, so when the opportunity to acquire the new property presented itself, we took advantage. The board approved the purchase, and we are making a few modifications to make it better fit our needs. We should be moving in around before the end of the year.

How does the future look for y’all with this new solar farm in Carrizo Springs area? – Priscilla Rodriguez

Thanks for your question, Priscilla. I’m not sure if you are referring to Rio Grande’s own solar sites, or the private company which is installing a solar farm, so first, I’ll address Rio Grande’s 2 solar arrays in Dimmit County, which I do know about – These sites will produce a total solar generation capacity of 2 Megawatts, which is enough to power over 200 average homes. In addition to the 2 arrays in Dimmit County, there are 3 RGEC arrays in Kinney County, 1 in Val Verde County, 2 in Pecos County, and 3 in Brewster County. In total, Rio Grande will have 11 solar sites, which will provide enough power for approximately 1,200 average homes. As you may have heard, many of the components necessary for the installation of this technology comes from overseas, and there were some supply chain issues, which delayed construction. So, they are still in the construction phase right now. We anticipate they will start producing power for members about the middle of next year. These solar sites are expected to save RGEC and Co-op members about $8 Million over the course of 25 years, which is the projected lifespan of the equipment.

Now, in case you were asking about the private solar farm we’ve heard about being constructed in the Carrizo Springs area – We do understand that there is a large privately-owned site being constructed in the Carrizo Springs area, which is, supposed to be online in latter 2022. The owner of the site has already become a member of RGEC, because it is in our territory, and will be receiving “parasitic load service” from us once the solar generation becomes operational. It really doesn’t affect the Co-op much, except that, in addition to using some RGEC power, it will be contributing power into the grid on sunny days. As Texas continues to grow, its power needs will continue to increase, so any new renewable generation that can provide additional power should have a positive impact, provided that the energy produced does not increase wholesale pricing.

Why is this electricity kind of expensive compared to some places?

It’s hard to say until we see a bill side by side. We know we have our challenges. We have a very, very low meter density in our service territory, and we have just over 10,000 miles of energized lines. So what does that mean for you as members? Revenue comes from members and to the extent that we have fewer meters per mile, to cover that, to operate and deliver the energy for you. So, if you compare us to let’s say AEP, which is a wires (transmission) company in the area, they have over 50 meters per mile. When you compare it to our 1.44, they can divvy up the cost of operating their system between 50 meters, where we have to divide ours by 1.44. So those are the main constraints that we face as a cooperative. But not only that, those other power companies that you mentioned, at one point way back when, they decided that it wasn’t cost effective to bring power to you all. And that’s why co-ops exist. Because it was people like you and I that came together and said, “We want electricity just like the urban areas.” But, we needed to do it ourselves. That’s why you are consumer-owners of the Cooperative – because nobody else would. There are still areas of our service territory that I can guarantee you no “Investor-Owned Utility”, would ever even look at in terms of wanting to serve those areas because of that meter density and the terrain that we face. So those are some of the differences between a cooperative and other energy companies. I don’t know if you’ve taken a close look lately, but while people who get their electricity from “those other companies” are being charged huge amounts during the heat wave, our rates never increased. Coop members paid the same amount per kilowatt hour as always. The only thing that makes your bill go higher is how much energy you choose to use. So if your bill was high this summer, it’s because you used more power – not because we charged you more.

Questions Not Answered During The Meeting

1. Why is there a shortage of water in the area? – Irma Avila, Carrizo Springs area

That’s an interesting question, Irma. Rio Grande Electric is not a water utility, so if you are on city water, I would suggest you ask the entity from which you receive water service. If you have a well, it’s possible that the prolonged drought dropped the water table in your area. I know this happened in quite a few regions of RGEC’s service territory during the especially hot summer months. Thankfully, most areas have received some rain recently, so maybe your water worries will ease a bit.

2. Why have the electric prices gone up?

While investor-owned companies are raising rates to all-time highs due to the price of natural gas, Rio Grande Electric’s rate schedule has not changed at all since June 21, 2018. There has been some slight fluctuation in the Power Cost Adjustment (PCA) portion of your bill over the past few months due to costs associated with wholesale power, but this amounts to only fractions of a cent per kWh. For example, the August billing statement reflected a Texas PCA of only $0.00700 per kWh. Up until the past few months, your PCA was actually a negative number (credit). Higher bills are likely due to the amount of power you’ve been using. The summer heat wave brought some scorching temperatures to Co-op Country! Remember that the Time Of Use Rate was in effect for 4 hours per weekday from May through September. Take a look at the kWH Usage History at the bottom of your bill, and you’ll be able to compare your usage for the current billing cycle to the same time period last year. To keep up with your energy usage, you can set alerts on SmartHub, to notify you when you go over a predetermined threshold that you have set.

3. In the business of ranching the livestock does not comprehend the peak and off peak time frame charges for electricity. I would like the board to consider doing away with the peak charges on members (owners) who have a current ag timber exemption on file. – Damon Harrison, Ft. Stockton area

Thanks for your question, Mr. Harrison. Please understand that since energy actually costs Rio Grande more during the peak hours, it’s only fair that all members pay their fair share. What if Rio Grande were to say that – and this is only an example – Members who have residences at Fort Clark Springs were not subject to the 4 hour per weekday (May through September) peak rate? If they were charged less, others would have to make up the difference in the actual cost. You would have to share in shouldering the extra cost of the electricity the folks at Ft. Clark used during that time. As member-owners of a cooperative, it is important for everyone to row their own boat. Also, as Ag Exempt members, they do not incur the tax that many others do, so they are already getting a bit of a break on that.

4. When are Rio Grande Electric Coop Grants available?

This year, we announced the availability of grants for qualifying non-profit organizations in the February magazine, and periodically through our social media pages. Applications were accepted from March 1 through June 30. The Board of Directors made their selections at the July board meeting. Please look for further details next year in the RGEC Update contained in Ranch & Rural Living Magazine, and on our social media pages. We always publicize well in advance.

5. I would love to have a closer pay station. Since l live here in Eagle Pass, if l wanted to go pay my bill there is no place. Why?

Thanks for your question. Actually, this has been discussed many times over the years. The main reason is that it would increase costs. Since there are so many easy alternative ways to pay now, we can’t really justify the expense of a physical location at this point. You can pay your bill by phone, using Secure Pay, through SmartHub with a credit card or directly from your bank account, automatic bank drafts, the Pay Now feature on our website, and then there is always the option of sending a check through the mail, if none of the other options appeal to you. If you need assistance with any of the payment options, please contact your local Customer Service Representatives during regular business hours.

6. Why is light so high?

That’s a good question, but a very complicated issue. The short answer is that the price of natural gas which is used to generate electricity has gone up astronomically. (From February through July, it had risen over 200%.) Prices go up any time a commodity is in short supply, but high demand, as natural gas is now. Right now, the U.S. isn’t the only nation dealing with high energy prices. Natural gas is used to generate about 40% of the electricity in the United States. The U.S. Energy Information Administration expects the elevated prices to last through the winter because the Russian invasion of Ukraine has reduced overall supplies, while the whole world is using more. Even though we buy power at wholesale rates, the cost we pay for it is increasing, as well. We do our best to shield members from high prices and wild fluctuations. As I said in my report, we don’t plan on any rate increases in the near future. The best way you can control your electric bill is to keep an eye on how much power you are using. SmartHub has an energy alert feature that is very helpful.

7. Why is Rio Grande higher than AEP?

Rates are cost-based. RGEC has the largest service territory in the contiguous United States. RGEC covers some the most rugged terrain found in Texas. It has over 10,000 miles of line to support financially with only 1.4 meter for every mile of line from which to collect costs. The typical electric cooperative has 5 meters for every mile of line and in more populated areas, some utilities may average 3 to 4 dozen meters per mile and can spread fixed costs out among more consumers. RGEC’s meter density is the lowest in the U.S. I think you’d be surprised to find out the truth about how RGEC’s rates compare with other current retail electric providers. To find out the rates investor-owned customers pay, look at the Power to Choose website. You’ll see that most of the rates start at about 13.6 cents per kWh for 500-999 kWh per month. Note the terms and conditions, delivery or wires charges, additional fees, conditions, and cancellation fees. I believe you’ll find that Rio Grande has highly competitive rates, lower than many, and you build equity in the Cooperative. You are an owner, have a voice, and receive capital credits. Yes, we have our challenges in meter density, as discussed, but there are distinct advantages to being a Co-op member, as well.

8. Would Rio Grande be interested in having a solar farm south of Ozona?

Possibly, at some point in the future. We are still trying to get our initial 11 sites up, as I explained in my report. Once we have a chance to see how they perform, we may consider expanding, but it’s too early to speculate on that right now. Thanks for your question.

9. Are there any current incentives for coop members to install residential solar?

There is the incentive of generating your own green energy, but there are not currently monetary incentives provided by RGEC for residential solar. There are, however, still Federal tax breaks for those who install residential solar. You should consult a tax professional on that issue, however.

10. When will there be street lights in Desert Haven?

Consumer-members receiving metered service from the Cooperative are eligible for area lighting on the premises at which they are receiving metered service. The same applies for city streetlights, the city/town/homeowner’s association or whatever entity or organization is in charge would have to become a member of the Cooperative first to be eligible for area lighting. Once this is accomplished, they can request to have streetlights installed and connected. I am not aware of any such pending request for Desert Haven.

Scholarships

Scholarships are possible through the use of “escheated funds”, which are unclaimed capital credits. The state restricts the use of these funds to certain things, like scholarships.

Sharing Success Grants

Rio Grande Electric Cooperative and its energy partners, CoBank, Texas Electric Cooperatives, Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) Transmission Services, and LCRA WSC Energy teamed up again this year to present grants to deserving non-profit organizations in RGEC’s service territory. In all, the Coop’s contributions totaled $19,500, CoBanks’ were $10,000, TEC contributed $5,000, and each of LCRA’s divisions contributed $3,000. We are truly grateful to these entities for their support of worthy causes in Co-op Country.

Sharing Success grants applications will be accepted March 1 through June 30, 2023.

Prize Winners!

Bonus Gift

(First 50 registered and virtually present)

• Reginaldo Gonzalez
• Lester Curry
• Alma Boubel
• David Reinhold
• Johnny Geist
• Michael Palmer
• Jacob Sandborg
• Mary Boggess
• Estanislao & Nancy Sanchez
• Russell Nowell
• Cherrine Davis
• Pedro T. Gamez
• Russell Sprague
• Michael Turkett
• Carol Boyd
• Robert J Butrico Jr
• Najib Gulamhussein
• Sylvia Richards
• Robert Mellor
• Maricela Perales
• Sondra Meil
• Ray Suarez
• Holt and Becky Tuck
• Boyd Booker
• Dennis Ham
• David Donovan
• Marla Madrid
• Tracy Sindelar
• Bonnie Carter
• Anita Johnson
• Reynaldo Puente
• Fern Dyer
• Mary Fritz
• Janet Volz
• John and Linda Sharlow
• Teresa Tellez
• Jean Hart
• Silvestre Cavasos
• Brenda Garza
• Donald Kolesar
• Hugo Gonzalez
• Maria Benavides
• Robert Sammann
• Elizabeth Valenzuela
• Rosa Flores
• Andrew Malinovsky
• Clyde Westbrook
• O.K. Wolfenbarger, III
• Ronald Head
• Mahalia Ruiz Venegas

$100 Credit on Account Winners (50)

• George and Janet Daniels
• Andrew Malinovsky
• Trent and Mary Brown
• Robbie Melendez
• Ann Moore
• Steve Garcia and Lourdes Gonzalez
• Elvira Hernandez
• Audrey Taylor
• Boyd Booker
• Patricia Barrientos and Pablo Martinez
• Jimmy and Ronna Coffman
• Richard Tollett
• Mary Boggess
• Henry Uhr
• Alfredo Sanchez
• Linda Morris
• Michael Thomas
• Marla Madrid
• Preston and Angelica Meeks
• Harrison Family LP, Damon Harrison designated rep.
• Susan Pavon Tait
• Naipo Robertson
• Bruce and Sherry Malloy
• Patti and Russell Nowell
• Hector Rodriguez
• Benxi Forwarding Transfer Services, Ana Rodriguez designated representative
• Reginaldo Gonzalez
• Michael Bandel
• Ruiz Farms LLC
• Ann Sparks

(20 Unclaimed Prizes)

$250 Credit on Account Winners (10)

• • Melissa Neuman
  • William and Debra Riley
  • Gene Nixon
  • Marty and Janet Caliva
  • Patrick Williams

• Lawrence English
• Faye Allen

(3 Unclaimed prizes)

$500 Gift Cards (2)

• Najib and Jennifer Gulamhussein
• Jason Mares

Grand Prize Winner!

Savanah and Guillermo Molinar - Brackettville, Texas

Other Community Engagement

• Apache Elementary Water Donation, Ft. Stockton
• Ft. Davis Grand Fireworks Display
• Kinney Co. Jr. Livestock Show, Brackettville
• Fort Clark Days, Ft. Clark Springs, Brackettville
• Dell Valley Hudspeth Co. Fair, Dell City
• Arbor Day Tree Seedling Give-away
• All Area Offices
• Big Bend Bluegrass Assoc., Alpine
• Dimmit Co. Jr. Rodeo Assn., Carrizo Springs
• Del Riuo Babe Ruth All-Star League, Del Rio
• Sul Ross NIRA College Rodeo, Alpine
• Kinney Co. Hunters’ Roundup, Brackettville
• Zavala Co. 4-H Club
• Uvalde Co. 4-H Shooting Sports
• Pecos Co. 4-H Clubs
• Dimmit Co. 4-H Club
• Uvalde Co. Jr. 4-H Club

Thank You to Our Generous Sponsors

• Texas Electric Cooperatives (TEC)
• Electric Consultants, Inc.
• Carrizo Auto Supply
• Schneider Engineering
• Ranch & Rural Living Magazine
• Forrest Tire
• Davidson Troilo Ream & Garza
• Bill Williams Tires
• Fuel Masters
• Jim Bass Ford
• Survey & Ballot Systems
• Cozen O’Connor

emPOWER Summit 2022

View the 77th Annual Meeting video online on our emPOWER page.

Transcripts of reports are also available for viewing in both English and Spanish.

If you virtually attended the live meeting, please fill out an evaluation form, also found on the emPOWER webpage. Let us know what you thought.