Every three years the Board of Directors and senior staff members meet for a strategic planning session. Since December marked the end of the previous strategic plan, the strategic planning session was held at Tri-State Generation and Transmission’s headquarters in Westminster, CO the last week of January. One of the financial institutions, Cooperative Finance Corporation (CFC), we are a member of offers strategic planning facilitation as a benefit of membership and we were able to take advantage of this service. As the Board and employees interacted, discussing District-wide issues and industry-wide issues the following focus areas surfaced: Leverage Financial Strength, Strengthen Governance, Strengthen Distribution System, Strengthen Customer Relationships and Strengthen Safety Culture. Over the next two and a half years, Wheat Belt will be focusing efforts on these initiatives.

Each of these initiatives has two or three key bodies of work to consider and work through over the next few years. Leverage Financial Growth: consider and analyze various power supply options, adopt a financial planning process, and develop long-term rate strategy. Strengthen Governance: identify educational opportunities for board members, consider options for board assessment and continuous improvement, and develop succession planning structures and practices. Strengthen Distribution System: implement a work plan to modernize infrastructure, keep up with the pace of technology and complete 2024 storm conductor damage work. Strengthen Customer Relationships: increase customer involvement and explore grant opportunities available. Strengthen Safety Culture: build a culture of safety awareness and continuous improvement and strengthen safety programs. Some of these bodies of work are already in place while others will begin over the coming months.

Each employee has a connection with the strategic plan which will help deliver on our mission and values: Wheat Belt Public Power District is committed to delivering electricity safely, reliably and efficiently by focusing on respecting individuals, producing quality work and valuing integrity for the greater good of our customers and employees. We look forward to seeing the outcomes of these initiatives over the next few years.

BY: Lacey Gulbranson, General Manager/CEO