If the power goes out, will you be ready? Manager’s Message Montana’s beauty comes with a measure of unpredictability. Wildfire, wind, heavy snow,...
MEC helps local students and schools take the next step Sometimes opportunity begins with a simple question: What could we accomplish with the...
Manager’s Article MOST Missoula Electric Cooperative (MEC) members don’t spend much time thinking about federal power policy. Yet one of the Northwest’s most...
Capital credit checks mailed in late May This year, Missoula Electric Cooperative will return just over $1 million in capital credits to members....
For more than 40 years, Energy Share of Montana has provided critical assistance to families and individuals facing unexpected energy emergencies across the...
Balancing data center demand and reliability DATA centers may feel like a big-city phenomenon, but more and more of them are showing up...
RIGHT OF WAY WORK To our valued members, In an effort to continue providing reliable energy, Missoula Electric Cooperative has scheduled right-of-way maintenance...
MANAGER’S MESSAGE Preparing today for tomorrow’s fire season May is recognized as National Wildfire Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the increasing...
Annual Meeting brings members together to reflect and look ahead Ninety years is a significant milestone for any organization, and for Missoula Electric...
2026 Highlights and Key Updates On March 21st, Missoula Electric Cooperative (MEC) welcomed members, employees and community partners to its 2026 Annual Meeting...
Pete Simonich Missoula Electric Cooperative extends its sincere appreciation to Pete Simonich for his service to the members of District 7, and to...
There’s never been a better time to invest in energy efficiency If you run a business, you know timing matters. The right investment...
Manager’s Message A recent federal court decision affecting Columbia River System operations could significantly impact hydropower generation across the Pacific Northwest, including for...
Understanding the impact of recent storms As a member of Missoula Electric Cooperative (MEC), you will often hear the terms capital credit allocation...
Lineworker Appreciation Day Is April 18 Electric service is something most people rely on without a second thought, yet it depends on the...
Manager’s Message Across the country, the energy industry is undergoing significant change as electricity demand grows at levels not experienced in many years....
What Members Should Know About Generators Power outages can happen for many reasons, including severe weather and unexpected equipment failures. While Missoula Electric...
Managing indoor humidity is a simple way to stay comfortable while using less energy year-round. During the winter, adding moisture to the air...
Missoula Electric Cooperative (MEC) is excited to announce expanded energy efficiency rebates offerings for members with electrically heated homes wanting to replace their...
Manager’s Message At MEC, clear and consistent communication with our members is not just an operational goal—it is part of our identity as...
We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the members and employees of Missoula Electric Cooperative for their extraordinary patience, perseverance, and...
Water heating is one of the largest energy users in most homes—often second only to space heating. If your electric or propane water...
As we wrap up 2025, I’m proud to look back on a year of meaningful progress, strong teamwork, and continued commitment to the...
MEC’s Scholarship Season Comes to a Close January 23rd MEC Scholarship Program MEC members and/or their dependents, grades 12 and up, are invited...
The holiday season is one of my favorite times of the year. It’s a time to slow down, express gratitude, and spend time...
The chill in the air means the holidays are right around the corner – a season of giving, gratitude, and community spirit. At...
Students Invited to Apply for General, Trade & Line Scholarships The 2026 – 2027 Scholarship application period begins Monday, November 17, 2025, and...
Apply for the 2026 Youth Tour in D.C. Missoula Electric Cooperative is thrilled to invite students to apply for the 2026 Youth Tour...
Manager’s Message October has arrived, and at Missoula Electric Cooperative (MEC), that means it’s time to celebrate! National Cooperative Month is the perfect...
October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month In today’s business environment, cybersecurity is no longer confined to the office. Remote or hybrid work has...
In last month’s issue of Rural Montana, I shared an update on MEC’s Wildfire Mitigation Plan. In that article, I briefly mentioned Montana...
MEC’s Education Program Offers A+ Opportunities As school bells ring and local classrooms start buzzing with students, MEC is gearing up for another...
If you recall, this time last year, our crews were in the beginning stages of a massive cleanup effort following one of the...
Aqua Creek Products Champions Accessibility from Missoula Story By Kelsey Lodge In a small Missoula dining room in the early-2000’s, a big idea...
Ask any established Montanan, and they’ll tell you – fire season isn’t a question of if, it’s a question of when. At Missoula...
At Missoula Electric Cooperative (MEC), our commitment to serving our members goes far beyond providing safe, affordable and reliable electricity. One of the...
Celebrating Right-of-Way Professionals Week This month, we celebrate Right-of-Way (ROW) Professionals Week during the week of June 9-15. This national celebration recognizes the...
As summer temperatures rise, so too do our electric bills. As your not-for-profit power provider, Missoula Electric Cooperative (MEC) is committed to helping...
MEC Returns More Than $1M to Cooperative Members Every spring, MEC’s board reviews the Cooperative’s finances and determines if capital credits from years...
The rising cost of power remains a hot topic nationwide, as it affects utility providers and the communities they serve. Electric cooperatives, like...
April 18 is National Lineworker Appreciation Day Before the sun rises and while most of us are still asleep, MEC’s lineworkers are often...
February ushers in some of the coldest temperatures, causing heating systems to work harder and longer, commonly resulting in higher energy bills. Although...
How Co-op Members Can Help Us Keep the Power Flowing When you join MEC, you grant important permissions to the Cooperative that allow...
Missoula Electric Cooperative’s Year in Review As we welcome a new year, it’s important that we pause to reflect on the achievements, challenges,...
Energy Partners, LLC – A Year in Review This past year has been one of significant progress and meaningful achievements for Energy Partners...
Are You Prepared for Seasonal Power Outages? As “Jack Frost” casts his frosty spell over western Montana, the likeliness of seasonal power outages...
MEC receives multiple federal grants As we close out the year, Missoula Electric Cooperative (MEC) is excited to announce that we’ve secured multiple...
Strength, Service and Community in 2024 November is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and appreciate the moments and people that have shaped...
Students Invited to Apply for General, Trade & Line Scholarships The 2025 – 2026 Scholarship application period begins Monday, November 4, 2024, and...
Now Accepting Essay Submissions for Youth Tour 2025 Get ready for the trip of a lifetime! MEC believes in investing in today’s youth...
As leaves begin to fall and seasons change, many of us find ourselves looking ahead to the holiday festivities that round out the...
Top Five Cyber Safety Musts for National Cybersecurity Awareness Month October marks National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a time to focus on the importance...
On July 23, the National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning from noon to 9 p.m. the following day, covering a significant...
As the school year kicks off and autumn leaves begin to fall, the Cooperative eagerly prepares to offer a host of educational opportunities....
As temperatures rise and summer activities heat up, a reliable flow of electricity is essential to ensure MEC members stay cool and connected....
Interview with member, educator and leader Betty Gouaux Thisted “I had a wonderful life, Kelsey. I tell everybody in my family, you must...
The new reality of living in the Northwest means that residents have grown accustomed to five seasons per year: fall, winter, spring, summer...
Water, gas and electric consumers have long been targets of utility scams. But in today’s digital world, every swipe and click increases the...
The Fourth Cooperative Principle Like other cooperatives, Missoula Electric Cooperative prioritizes ongoing education and training for its members, elected officials, leadership team and...
This year, Missoula Electric Cooperative will return just over $1M in capital credits to its members – $1,055,102.73 to be exact. This return...
The Third of Seven Cooperative Principles The Cooperative Principle, “Concern for Community,” is not just a phrase but a guiding principle that sets...
At Missoula Electric Cooperative, we prioritize the safety, reliability and integrity of our electrical infrastructure while preserving the environment. Our comprehensive Utility Vegetation...
The Second of Seven Cooperative Principles Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by the members who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions....
When outdoor temperatures fall drastically, the demand for electricity surges. During Montana’s harsh winter months, we tend to spend more time indoors, requiring...
The First of Seven Cooperative Principles Hello to the member-owners of Missoula Electric Cooperative! Yes, that’s YOU. Did you know that you joined...
The rise in electricity prices is a nationwide conversation amongst electric cooperatives and other utility suppliers as power supply costs continue to rise....
As we approach the end of the year, Energy Partners (EP) is thrilled to look back on a year filled with notable achievements...
December is a month steeped in both tradition and anticipation. As we prepare to celebrate the holidays and welcome 2024, I’d ask you...
As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, it presents us with an opportunity to reflect on life’s blessings as individuals and as a cooperative community....
Now Accepting Annual Scholarship Applications It’s the most wonderful time of the year for students! The 2024 – 2025 Scholarship application period is...
Now Accepting Essay Submissions for Youth Tour 2024 We believe in investing in today’s youth because they are our future! We know some...
As the seasons transition and we enter October, many of us will begin planning for holiday festivities. At MEC and cooperatives across the...
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month In today’s world, most of us don’t leave our vehicles or homes unlocked. We protect them and the...
As gas prices continue to soar, many drivers have decided to swap traditional gas-powered vehicles for electric vehicles (EVs). While EVs are considered...
MEC’s Education Program kicks off this fall Bright Future Fund MEC’s Bright Future Fund (BFF) provides funding to area schools who are seeking...
In recent months I have heard the following question more and more. What impact is the current economic environment having on electricity prices?...
A Snapshot from the Trip of a Lifetime to Washington D.C. Annual Youth Tour essay winners are invited to take part in a...
Smokey skies, scratchy throats and watery eyes are all too familiar to Western Montanans during fire season. Although irritating and unwelcome, these inconveniences...
Take advantage of EP’s lowest propane prices of the year! Energy Partners (EP) is a leading propane supplier in Western Montana. Serving homes,...
In early-May, the 2023 Montana Legislative Session in Helena came to a close. Montana’s 25 electric cooperatives, representing over 400,000 Montanans, sponsored and...
Capital Credit Checks Hit Mailboxes in Late May This year, the Co-op will be returning just over $1 Million in capital credits to...
National Electrical Safety Month Safety is a word that is often talked about but used loosely by many. A commitment to safety needs...
Request A Free Energy-Saving Kit Before They’re Gone For Good. In recent years, the Cooperative has mailed out free energy-saving LED light bulbs...
You’ve likely noticed MEC’s line crews and tree trimming crews working on power lines and clearing right of ways in and around our...
April is National Safe Digging Month When Should I Contact 811? Outdoor digging requires you to contact 811. Building a fence? Planting a...
Each year, the third Saturday in March is slated for the Cooperative’s Annual Meeting. This year is no different. On Saturday, March 18,...
Turn Your Garage Into Your Very Own Fueling Station! ReCHARGE, MEC’s residential managed electric vehicle (EV) charging program, allows members to charge their...
Manager’s Message It is with enthusiasm that I welcome 2023 and wish you, our valued members, a Happy New Year. As we enter...
Board of Trustee Election Packets Available January 5th For Districts 5 & 7 As a member-owned electric cooperative, MEC is governed by a...
With warm wishes of a Happy New Year in 2023 to all the communities we serve, I am excited for the opportunity to...
The holiday season is finally here. Some call it the most wonderful time of the year. That’s because we associate it with family...
MEC Members Can Take The Co-op’s 2022 Chevy Bolt For a Spin! Electric vehicles (EVs) are in high demand as gas prices continue...
Ovando School Students Venture Beyond the Playground. Ovando School students, ages six to thirteen years old, put down their pencils and picked up...
It is said that the things we can accomplish together, are far greater than what we can accomplish alone. I am proud to...
We believe in investing in today’s youth, because YOU are our future! We know some of the brightest students reside within our district...
In years past, we have presented 16 annual scholarships to local students that chose to pursue their educational goals in Montana. In 2022,...
Autumn is a busy time of year, and October is a particularly eventful month with school in session, fall sports in full swing...
Although unpredictable in nature, nearly nine of ten wildfires are human caused. This means that wildfire prevention is largely in our hands. An...
As a member-owned electric cooperative, we aim to set the bar high when it comes to serving our members. Traditionally, you would think...
I am pleased to announce that in partnership with Montana Electric Cooperatives’ Association (MECA), the Beneficial Electrification League (BEL) and the Department of...
As summer begins to heat up, MEC will unveil the first level 3 electric vehicle (EV) fast charger in our service territory. The...
The Western United States is one of the most fire-prone areas in the United States. No stranger to wildfires, Southwestern Montana is among...
MEC’s 86th Annual Meeting was held on Saturday, March 19 at the University of Montana. After two years of event cancellations and postponements,...
Did you know electricity delivered to your home has to be generated at the same time you’re using it? If you think about...
With all of the advancements in technology and connected devices in our world, the importance of a reliable and affordable electrical supply is...
With rising gas prices, many are taking another look at electric vehicles (EVs) as an option. Some of the top automotive manufacturers have...
February may be the shortest month, but it’s packed with special observances like Presidents’ Day, Black History Month and Valentine’s Day, in addition...
Today, more Americans are working from home than ever before. If you’re punching the clock from home, there are four easy ways you...
Join us for our 86th Annual Meeting of members. Date: 03.19.2022 Registration: 9:00am – 11:00am Meeting Begins: 11:00am Location: University of Montana UC...
There were a number of notable events and accomplishments at your Cooperative in 2021. The first event that I’d like to reflect on...
Know how to use your generator safely. Incorrect use of your generator can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, electrocution or fires. Use a...
I remember as a kid thinking that a year seemed so long, but the saying is definitely true, “As you get older, the...
As we prepare to deck the halls and welcome a new year, we encourage our members and employees to embrace the holiday “slow...
Very merry, indeed! Every December, MEC invites members to apply for one of seventeen $1,000 Scholarships. Our General Scholarship offers eligible students the...
They say that the magic of Christmas lives in the hearts of the young and old – a magic that’s cultivated over the...
When I sat down to write this article, I struggled to summarize the many things I am thankful for this year. Of course,...
Now Accepting Applications for Youth Tour 2022 We believe in investing in today’s youth, because YOU are our future! We know some of...
October is National Co-op Month! ACE Hardware, State Farm, REI, Land O’Lakes and Missoula Electric Cooperative all share something in common: each organization...
In honor of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, I wanted to stress the importance of creating strong passwords. Data security is tested constantly. At...
Event Details: Saturday, September 18th Registration begins at 9 am | Event begins at 11 am University of Montana | 3rd Floor UC...
The benefit and importance behind MEC’s annual member event As Missoula Electric Cooperative’s (MEC’s) 85th Annual Meeting draws near, I wanted to take...
Don’t Fall Victim To Utility Scams Every day, millions of Americans are targeted by scammers. Whether scammers strike online, via phone calls, emails,...
The Cooperative’s Approach To Wildfire Prevention The Western United States has experienced some of the most devastating wildfires in the nation’s history. In...
Summer Storm Preparedness Now that summer is in full swing, we welcome the opportunity to get out of the office and head outdoors!...
Nestled along Highway 12 in Lolo, Montana, sits local gem and MEC member, Lolo Creek Steakhouse. Known for their mouth-watering steaks, customers will...
Capital Credit Checks Hit Mailboxes in Late-May You’ve got mail… well, maybe. In 2021, Missoula Electric Cooperative (MEC) will be returning $1 Million...
The Co-Op’s Approach To Vegetation Management In our service territory, there is certainly no shortage of rugged terrain, abundant wildlife and thick vegetation....
A peek inside MEC’s Safety Program In honor of National Electrical Safety Month, we sat down with MEC’s Operations Specialist and Safety Program...
If our community members were asked to think of one thing that represented Missoula Electric Cooperative, a common response, would most likely be...
Who: All MEC members are invited to attend. Come mingle with the board, hear co-op updates & enter to win prizes! What: Mark...
The Operation Round Up® (ORU) program was developed by Palmetto Electric Cooperative, of South Carolina, in 1989. The goal of the program, was...
The anticipation of what the new year would bring, was at an all-time high, as we closed the door on 2020. Mere weeks...
Periodically, we host a critical internal meeting, which we refer to as MEC’s Strategic Planning Session. This two-day meeting is held at an...
MEC members received a letter in mid-January, notifying them that the Cooperative had officially decided to postpone the 2021 Annual Meeting, which was...
In Person Members can make a convenient payment, with cash or check, at our drive-thru window, weekdays from 8 am – 5 pm....
The past year was one of the most challenging years our community has faced, both personally and professionally. As we reflect on 2020,...
Every December, MEC invites members (and/or dependents) to apply for one of seventeen $1,000 Scholarships. Our General Scholarship offers eligible students the opportunity...
As a member-owned cooperative, Missoula Electric is governed by a democratically-elected Board of Trustees. In 2021, Trustees for Districts 1 and 3 will...
The holidays have arrived and many of us are ready to greet 2021 with arms wide open. I think most will agree that...
November is a month dedicated to expressing gratitude. When I look back on this year, grateful and thankful is exactly what I feel....
Montana’s electric cooperatives have elected to withdraw from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) 2021 Youth Tour in Washington, D.C. due to...
For more than half a century, cooperatives across the nation have joined together, in October, to celebrate National Co-Op Month. Since it became...
Proud to Power Your Life Who would have fathomed that this Spring, COVID-19 would test our community and our nation? The ever-changing circumstances...
As the old saying goes, “change is inevitable.” And while many of us at Missoula Electric Cooperative (MEC) were aware that a change...
As a member-owned utility, Missoula Electric Cooperative (MEC) strives to uphold a commitment of service excellence, while delivering safe, affordable, and reliable electricity...
The wind is howling, a blizzard is brewing and the lights begin to flicker. “Honey, will you grab the flashlight and I’ll light...
It’s no doubt that we live in a device-driven world. From smart phones and tablets, to laptops and smart home gadgets, like Alexa,...
Energy Partners, LLC (EP) is a leading propane supplier in Western Montana. Serving homes, farms and local businesses, Energy Partners has proudly provided...
As a member-owned utility, Missoula Electric Cooperative (MEC) strives to uphold a commitment to service excellence, while delivering safe, affordable, and reliable electricity...
The energy industry is undergoing rapid change and technology is paving the way for innovation in the way energy is used, produced, stored...
Heating and cooling costs account for around half of a user’s energy bill according to the U.S. Department of Energy. One of the...
Greetings MEC Members. I hope that this time finds you and your families safe and healthy. As I write this article in mid-April,...
4 Common Culprits of Electrical Fires Outdated wiring and overloaded circuits are the most common causes of electrical fires. Check the following areas...
Lineworkers serve on the frontlines of our nation’s energy needs, and on April 13, 2020, MEC, along with hundreds of electric cooperatives across...
Manager’s Message Earth Day is considered to be one of the world’s largest civic events, and on April 22, we can all be...
Celebrating 15 Years! Danny Baker, GIS Data Specialist Thank you for your dedicated service over the past 15 years! It is because of...
The candidate submissions, below, were unaltered and are showcased as they were received. Raymond G. Cebulski – District 5 Current Trustee for District...
You’ve heard the old adage, “The youth is the hope of our future,” and here at MEC, we place a strong emphasis on...
Blizzards, rainstorms and bears, oh my! The Linemen and Tree Trimming Crews at Missoula Electric Cooperative (MEC) have worked under a variety of...
To say it pays to be a member at MEC is not an understatement! In 2019, Missoula Electric Cooperative (MEC) returned nearly $1...
To kick-off 2020, we’re excited to announce some big news! To celebrate the new decade and new year, we are unveiling a new...
Happy New Year! I hope that you had a safe and enjoyable holiday season. With 2019 behind us, I want to take the...
We believe in investing in today’s youth, because YOU are our future! We know some of the brightest students reside within our district...
When you think about Missoula Electric Cooperative (MEC), you might associate us with the local community… and you would be right! Our leadership...
When we think of October, trick or treating, pumpkins and fall foliage come to mind. But at Missoula Electric Cooperative (MEC) and fellow...
Imagine the worst-case scenario. A major storm was predicted, and this time…the predictions were right. Power lines are down and electricity is predicted...
As we continue to explore ways to engage a younger demographic of members, we open our minds to ideas, concepts and programs that...
“Have paws, will travel,” is the slogan of Montana Black Dog Services, a locally-run business, owned and operated by Deb Tirmenstein, a Frenchtown...
Working with electricity can be a dangerous job, especially for lineworkers. In fact, USA Today lists line repairers and installers among the most...
Spring is always an exciting time of year for utilities. As the weather begins to warm and construction season ramps up, projects that...
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Step 1 – Notify: Whether you’re installing a mailbox, putting up a fence or planting a tree, it is a requirement to call...
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National studies consistently rank power line installers and repairers among the most dangerous jobs in the country – and for good reason....
Author Anthony J. D’Angelo observed that, “Without a sense of caring, there can be no sense of community.” To a large degree, this...
In honor of National Engineering Week, we’d like to introduce you to MEC’s Manager of Engineering, Erik Langaunet. Erik graduated from Montana State...
Most of us lead busy lives. We find ourselves multi-tasking and constantly checking phones and email to keep up with the demands of...
Looking back on the highlights of the past year, one has to start at the very beginning. While most people were ringing in...
Giving Back to Our Local Communities Missoula Electric Cooperative (MEC) has been powering communities and serving our members for over 80 years. Although...
As a member-owned cooperative, Missoula Electric is governed by a democratically elected Board of Trustees. In 2019, Trustees for Districts 2, 4 and...
Did you know that nearly half of all home fires occur during the winter? Follow the Holiday Safety Checklist to identify and correct...
Missoula Electric Cooperative would like to congratulate, thank and recognize the following individuals for their many years of dedicated service. It is because...
This December marks the beginning of the application period for MEC’s Scholarship Program. Our annual program offers eligible students the opportunity to compete...
The Value of Electricity Continues to Shine As a kid growing up on the farm, I distinctly remember my parents heading out to...
MEC partners with KettleHouse on K3 Solar Garden It is hard to imagine a way to make our Solarshare community solar program more...
Attention high school students. If you are currently enrolled as a sophomore or junior and your parent/guardian is an MEC member, you qualify...
Missoula Electric Cooperative would like to introduce the newest members of our MEC team. Our new Warehouse Material Handler, Mike Downey joins us...
Celebrating our Co-op Membership I generally use this space to provide updates on new projects, developments in the energy industry, and report out...
Missoula Electric Co-op would like to recognize the following employees for their years of dedicated service. Dana Cyr — 5 Years Sheryl Dimmitt...
Know who to call before winter comes Heating season is just around the corner, and energy assistance is available. Energy assistance programs are...
Getting the scoop on your co-op October is National Cooperative month — so we figured it would be good to talk about a...
