The Big Picture

East Central Energy (ECE) is a member-owned electric cooperative. We provide electric, internet and long-distance services to homes, farms and businesses in east central Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. Formed in 1936, we currently serve more than 57,000 homes, farms and businesses in 14 counties, which makes us Minnesota's oldest and third largest member-owned electric cooperative.

Our mission:

"To enhance the quality of life and provide premier service to our customers."

Our values:

• Accountability
• Innovation
• Integrity
• Commitment to community

Quick Facts

• Electric revenue: Exceeded $84 million
• Number of accounts served: More than 57,000 homes, farms and businesses
• Number of members: Over 48,000
• Number of counties served: 14
• Miles of line energized: 8,125
• Members per mile: 7.04
• Total kilowatt-hours sold: 936 million
• Capital credits returned to members: $1 million in 2008, more than $52 million over ECE history
• Number of employees: 175
• Main Office and Operations Center: Braham, MN
  

Touchstone Energy Cooperative
As a Touchstone Energy Cooperative, we are a part of a national alliance of over 600 cooperatives in 44 states. We are one of 28 electric distribution cooperatives who own and depend on Great River Energy (GRE), based in Elk River, Minn., for power supply. GRE generates electricity and transmits it from power plants to ECE substations for distribution through our local lines to you. GRE's 2,500-megawatt generation capability consists of a diverse mix of power plants fueled by coal, natural gas, oil, refuse-derived fuel, biomass such as "cow power" and wind in Minnesota and North Dakota. The strong performance of these generators saves ECE members money on power costs.

Internet and cable services, oil and propane
ECE also is part owner of Milaca Local Link, which provides high speed internet, telecommunications and cable television service to more than 900 customers in the Milaca, Minn. area. In addition, we own Como Oil and Propane, which provides propane and heating oil to thousands of customers in northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin.

Our main location
East Central Energy's main office and Operations Center are located in Braham, Minn. with service and/or operations centers at Milaca, Minn., Finlayson, Minn., Superior, Wis., Wahkon, Minn. and North Branch, Minn.