As I prepare to step down from my role as president of the Medina Electric Cooperative Board of Directors, I look back on a journey that began in 2009 when I was first elected by our members. Serving first as vice president from 2011 to 2019, and then as president since 2019, my tenure has been filled with significant milestones and transformative changes. I was also proud to represent Medina EC as a director on the board of San Miguel Electric Cooperative for 12 years, serving as president since 2020.
Throughout my years of service, we’ve undertaken numerous initiatives and projects that have greatly benefited our cooperative and its members. Early in my tenure, we implemented the TEC Mutual Agreement in 2010 for warehouse stock and supplies, a pivotal decision that enhanced our operational efficiency. There has also been ongoing growth resulting in the construction of new buildings in Dilley and Rio Grande City, as well as the establishment of our Laredo Service Center. We also rolled out our 24/7 system operations dispatching center in 2023 and have begun work on the Hondo office expansion.
During the 2020 pandemic, our cooperative faced unprecedented challenges, but we adapted swiftly to ensure the safety of our employees and the continued reliability of our services. More recently, we welcomed Trey Grebe as our new CEO following the retirement of former CEO Mark Rollans. These efforts and changes have positioned Medina EC for continued growth and success, ensuring we remain a strong and reliable resource for our members.
The financial growth of Medina EC has been substantial over the years. In 2009, our total revenue was $59,878,824, which has grown to an impressive $147,681,289 in 2023. Our total active services increased from 28,301 meters in 2009 to 36,770 meters in 2023, and the total kilowatt-hours sold rose from 535 million to 1.5 billion during the same period. Our equity ratio in 2009 was 31.88% and rose to 42.74% in 2023. These numbers demonstrate our commitment to sustainable growth and efficient service delivery to our members.
Safety and engagement have always been top priorities. We’ve fostered a culture that prioritizes the well-being of our employees and the satisfaction of our members. Our workforce has grown and evolved, becoming more adept at meeting the needs of our community. Member engagement has also seen a boost, with initiatives aimed at increasing involvement and awareness about cooperative matters.
Our cooperative’s impact extends beyond the provision of electric services. We’ve been active participants in storm restoration efforts, including mutual aid after Hurricane Harvey in 2017 and Hurricane Beryl this summer. In 2023, we proudly participated in the NRECA International project, demonstrating our commitment to global community service. In 2015, we approved the volunteer fire department truck giveaway program to support local VFDs with retired cooperative fleet vehicles.
Furthermore, our ongoing involvement in state and national legislative conferences allows us to address key issues impacting utilities and cooperatives, such as power reliability and employee pension plans. Keeping up with policy issues that impact reliable and affordable energy will continue to be critical for Medina EC, and all power providers.
This journey has been an incredible experience and I’m a firm believer in the cooperative model. From growing up on the family farm to serving for over thirty-three years as a county extension agent, I’ve learned that success is not about the efforts of a single individual. It’s about a team—our board of directors, CEOs, and Medina EC employees—working together to achieve common goals. This spirit of cooperation was evident in 1938 when a group of determined individuals came together to form Medina Electric Cooperative, aiming to improve life for their fellow community members.
Looking ahead, I envision Medina EC continuing its strategic initiatives with a focus on our members. Our cooperative will maintain its commitment to engaging and safeguarding our employees while supporting our communities. The path forward is bright, and I am confident that the cooperative will thrive under new leadership.
I extend my deepest appreciation to the team at Medina EC—the board members and everyone I’ve had the pleasure of working with over the years. I will miss collaborating with such a dedicated group of individuals, but I know the cooperative remains in good hands. To our members, I encourage you to stay involved—vote in cooperative elections, attend meetings, read our magazine, and keep up with legislative initiatives that impact our power.
Thank you for allowing me to serve as your board president. It has been an honor and a privilege. Together, we have achieved great things, and I am excited to see what the future holds for Medina Electric Cooperative.
Sincerely,
Kenneth G. White
