By Scout Nelson
Bob Sahr, the CEO/General Manager of East River Electric Power Cooperative, recently took part in the soybean processing facility near Mitchell. For Sahr, it's more than just a project; it signifies the cooperative's commitment to boosting rural communities.
East River Electric, founded in 1949, has been at the heart of rural growth, standing tall as a member-owned cooperative. Today, it encompasses 24 electric cooperatives and the municipality of Elk Point. But the cooperative ecosystem doesn't end here; East River Electric is also a part of the Basin Electric cooperative.
"This intricate web, encompassing everything from power plants to wind and solar farms, is entirely member-owned," Sahr points out. This unique member-ownership structure places the consumers' needs first, ensuring affordable electricity rates. According to Sahr, it's the member-owners at the heart of every decision, not shareholders.
This cooperative spirit runs deep, with farmers like Kirk Schaunaman continuing their family's legacy in cooperative participation. Schaunaman emphasizes the power member-owners wield, controlling their electric supply and pricing, free from external interests.
Cooperatives have long supported family farmers, ranchers, and rural communities in South Dakota. The South Dakota Farmers Union, for over a century, has championed cooperative movements throughout the state.
Photo Credit: pexels-sharath-g
Categories: South Dakota, Business