MEC Annual Meeting
2026 Highlights and Key Updates
On March 21st, Missoula Electric Cooperative (MEC) welcomed members, employees and community partners to its 2026 Annual Meeting in the UC Ballroom at the University of Montana. The gathering offered an opportunity to reflect on the cooperative’s 90-year history, celebrate accomplishments and provide reports on the opportunities and challenges facing MEC in the year ahead.
The meeting opened with a special welcome to the more than 350 people in attendance, and recognition for the employees and trustees whose ongoing efforts are critical to the success of our organization. Appreciation was also extended to the Energy Partners team for their continued support and the important contributions they make in helping MEC serve its members effectively.
Members were also introduced to Joe Kolman, director of government relations at the Montana Electric Cooperatives’ Association (MECA). Joe comes to MECA having worked a 19-year career with Montana Legislative Services, serving as a research analyst and eventually director of research and environmental policy, and more recently with the U.S. Forest Service. He shared insights on state and federal policy matters that influence the cooperative landscape. His presence reinforced the connection between MEC and broader energy and regulatory developments across Montana.
Attendees also heard a detailed review of the cooperative’s operations over the past year. While 2025 began with strong system reliability, extreme weather events demonstrated the importance of preparation and resilience. A December storm caused multi-day outages in Missoula and surrounding areas, yet employees worked diligently to restore power before the Christmas holiday. A follow-up winter storm in March reminded members of the ongoing challenges posed by increasingly frequent severe weather. These events reinforce both the cooperative’s commitment to reliability and the dedication of its employees, who consistently prioritize the safety and well-being of the community.
The meeting was also an opportunity to highlight strategic projects designed to strengthen the system for the future. Updates included the BRIC grant project along Rock Creek Road, which is replacing 2.5 miles of overhead line with underground powerline, as well as plans to bury additional lines in the Swan Valley. Attendees were reminded that these investments, though sometimes disruptive during construction, directly enhance reliability and reduce future outage duration. Wildfire mitigation efforts also remain a top priority, with the cooperative continuing to refine its mitigation plan and public education initiatives in alignment with state requirements.
Communication with members was another key topic. MEC reaffirmed its commitment to providing accurate, timely and accessible information through a variety of channels, including printed and digital editions of the Rural Montana magazine, SmartHub, text and email alerts, and social media. Members were encouraged to update their preferences to receive information in the ways that work best for them.
In district elections, Barrie Lewis ran unopposed in District 5 and was re-elected, while Collin Rose was elected to his first term in District 7. The cooperative congratulates both trustees and looks forward to Collin’s contributions to the board.
MEC remains committed to balancing operational reliability, financial stewardship and fair rates while navigating an evolving energy landscape. From system upgrades to strategic planning for large-load customers and renewable energy opportunities, the cooperative continues to honor the vision of its founders while preparing to meet the needs of its members for decades to come.
