For many of us, electricity is something we rarely think about until it isn’t there. Flip a switch, and the lights come on. Plug in a device, and it charges.
Bruce and Bev Barrett admit they once thought much the same way. “We took it for granted that when you turn on the light switch it will work,” they said. “We have learned how much work goes into getting electricity to us for a reasonable cost.”
That new perspective is exactly what Meeker Energy’s Co-op 101 Member Group was created to provide.
Established in 2009, Co-op 101 gives members a deeper look at the Cooperative’s operations, programs, goals, values and mission. The two-year program meets four times each year and offers a behind-the-scenes view of what it takes to provide electricity and broadband service.
“Co-op 101 is an opportunity to better understand the Cooperative,” said Meeker Energy’s CEO Luke Johnson. “It gives members a deeper dive and behind-the-scenes look at what we do, what it takes to provide both electricity and internet service and how the Cooperative form of business is different from other business models.”
The program was also created to encourage greater member participation and appreciation for the Cooperative. “The generations that remember life without electricity are slowly disappearing,” Johnson said. “We wanted to create a new generation of appreciation and understanding of who and what Meeker Energy is.”
That understanding matters because Meeker Energy members are also owners of the Cooperative. “As member-owners, they are who we work for every day,” Johnson said.
Over eight sessions, participants are introduced to a broad range of topics, including Cooperative history, power supply, substations, vegetation management, energy management programs, outage restoration, line staking, metering, cybersecurity, Vibrant Broadband, Operation Round Up®, legislative issues, net metering and Cooperative finances.
Much of the learning, however, happens beyond the presentations.
Members tour facilities, see equipment up close and talk directly with employees who use it every day. They may watch lineworkers demonstrate the tools used to restore power or learn how broadband technicians connect fiber to bring high-speed internet into homes and businesses.
Those hands-on experiences stood out to Bruce and Bev. “It was interesting to see all the equipment and tools used up close and learn how they were used,” they said. “The fiber optic part of Vibrant is especially amazing, how they connect all the wires by color.”
The Barretts became Meeker Energy members in 2009. After participating in the 2024 Energy Tour, where they toured coal mines and the Garrison Dam and learned more about electric generation, they wanted to learn even more.
Co-op 101 gave them that opportunity. One of their biggest takeaways has been a better understanding of the costs and planning behind reliable service. They were surprised by how much the prices of poles, wires, equipment and other supplies have increased, as well as the long lead times sometimes required to obtain materials.
“We learned how difficult it is to keep electric prices reasonable as all the prices of equipment and supplies have gone up,” they said.
They also gained a greater appreciation for the people behind the service. “The eight sessions were very organized, often with lots of interesting topics, so the time passed quickly,” they said.
That interaction is one of the most valuable parts of the program. “I think the one-on-one time with employees builds trust as members build connections with staff,” Johnson said.
Over the years, some participants have taken that involvement even further. Johnson said many become stronger advocates for the Cooperative, and several former Co-op 101 participants have gone on to run for and serve on Meeker Energy’s Board of Directors.
For Bruce and Bev, the experience has also changed how they think about energy at home. They say they are more aware of their electricity use, have switched to energy-efficient lights and appliances and have a greater appreciation for the equipment and employees needed to keep power flowing. “Being a member of 101 has been a great opportunity,” they said.
Johnson hopes every participant leaves with that same sense of connection. “We hope they leave with a better understanding of the Cooperative, the importance of the Cooperative form of business and our sincere commitment of service to them, our member-owners,” he said.
Interested in Co-op 101? Learn more or let us know you are interested at www.meeker.coop/co-op101 or call Meeker Energy at 320-693-3231. The deadline to apply for our 2027-2028 group is October 15, 2026. Three participants per district will be appointed by the Board of Directors.