Wildrose Rural Electrification Association Ltd. (WRREA) held its Annual General Meeting at the Westlock Memorial Hall on April 18, with a full-capacity crowd of members and staff in attendance.
Following an evening meal, reports and financial statements were given, and two scholarships and 15 Rural Roots Awards were presented to various groups across the REA.
In his presentation to members, board president Dave Hall noted the good news.
“Despite significant inflation across the province and the country, the board is pleased to announce that the Wild Rose Co-operative energy rates have been highly competitive and we remain consistently lower than direct competitors in the province. In addition to this, the distribution tariffs remain consistently lower than the others in the province, and we have held the distribution tariff rate with a zero per cent increase during a time when inflation is at its highest," Hall said.
“In 2023, we have also maintained a balanced budget and have continued to improve the financial health of the association. You can be assured that the board has continued its commitment to deliver optimum diligence in policy setting. I’m proud to say that all decisions continue to be made for the benefit of the entire membership.”
CEO Stuart Fox-Robinson, in his presentation, noted Wild Rose has served members in the area with electric power for 77 years.
“As we reflect on 2023, I can confirm it has been an extremely busy and productive year for your REA," Fox-Robinson said during his presentation.
He mentioned that in 2023, the supply chain saw significant disruptions combined with notable inflation, but the association was able to safeguard members from significant impacts with its long-term strategy. The year was also filled with significant and extreme weather events, causing considerable damages to property, including power.
“During these events, all of the association staff worked around the clock to restore power as quickly as they possibly could, and we’re incredibly grateful to them,” he noted.
“Following our strategic plan, we continue with a re-investment of capital into our infrastructure; improving efficiency and reliability with the goal of providing our members with the best service possible while remaining cost-effective. Every decision we make is rooted in advancing the welfare of our membership and our community," Fox-Robinson said.
Fox-Robinson also noted that with their strategic plan, Wild Rose also continues to invest deeply into the community, evident in the scholarships and Rural Roots awards presented that evening at the AGM.
Brieanna Nyal and Erin Bruns received the 2024 Wild Rose Scholarships of $1,000 each this year. Nyal will be attending Red Deer Polytechnic this fall to obtain her Bachelor of Nursing, while Burns is currently attending the University of Alberta for her Bachelor of Science with a Major in Animal Health.
A record number of 15 groups across Wild Rose REA each received a $500 2024 Rural Roots Award, including Friends of Westlock Elementary School, Highway 44 North Bus’n’Swim, Westlock and District 4-H Beef Council, Clyde and District Agricultural Society, Cross Roads Community Center, Dapp Community Council, Gladwin Community Association, Barrhead and District 4-H (Horse), Parent & Child Playgroup, Westlock Preschool Society, Westlock Wecan Depot, Soul Sisters Memorial Foundation, Progressive and Co-ordinating Organization (P.A.C.O. - Fawcett), St. Aidens Community Church of Glenreagh and Bloomsbury, and Barrhead Rotary Music Festival.
Wild Rose Rural Electrification Association Ltd. delivers electric power to 2,700 members across five counties across the area, with their headquarters in Westlock. It is a not-for-profit, member-owned electrical utility.
