Find articles, press releases, and other ECE news in this section.

News Archive:
Touchstone Energy Community Award

Hinckley American Legion Post 388 receives Touchstone Energy Community Award.  Learn more.



Members give ECE high scores for overall satisfaction

The mean score of 8.78 on a 10-point scale places ECE above the norms for electric cooperatives.  Learn more.


Electricity costs are rising

This past summer, your cooperative hired rate analyst experts to conduct a cost of service study.  Learn more.


Storage Water Heating helps a local family close the budget gap

ECE's Storage Water Heating program is helping a family from the Brook Park area make ends meet as they adjust to the new economy.  Learn more.


Electricity: an excellent value for the work it performs

Electricity is the engine that keeps our lives running.  Learn more.


Challenging times in our changing industry

The trends of today are challenging our ability to maintain the rate stability that has been part of our legacy.  Learn more.


Scam alert

ECE has been alerted to a telephone scam that could be affecting our members. Telephone calls attempting to defraud consumers should be reported to local law enforcement.  Learn more.


ECE members contribute over $30,500 to community projects through Operation Round Up

Grants for 15 local projects were awarded when the ORU Trust Board met to review applications. Funds will be used to assist food and clothing distribution programs, fire and rescue operations, community arts and education projects.  Learn more.


Spring Operation Round Up grants assist public safety agencies

From radio communications to rescue equipment, ECE Operation Round Up® helped several emergency response crews meet critical needs.  Learn more.


Dioxins attributed to backyard burning

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that backyard burning of garbage in fire pits, burn barrels and stoves is now the single largest source of uncontrolled airborne dioxin emissions in the United States.  Learn more.


Spring Operation Round Up grants assist public safety agencies

From radio communications to rescue equipment, ECE ORU Trust helped several emergency response crews meet critical needs. Learn more.


Pole testing in progress

Employees from Osmose Utilities Services will be testing poles on ECE's system for the next several months. Learn more.


ECE employees and members participate in Project GreenTouch

ECE employees and volunteers from local communities devoted two Saturdays to completing important projects at two state parks. Learn more.


75th Annual Meeting

Large crowd celebrates ECE's legacy at 75th annual meeting and anniversary event. Learn more.


Winter 2011 ORU grants

Nearly $14,000 was distributed from the ECE Operation Round Up Trust to help local organizations meet community needs. Learn more.


Fall 2010 ORU grants

Operation Round Up Trust puts thousands of dollars to work in local communities. Learn more.


Changing Gaits receives Operation Round Up grant

Changing Gaits receives Operation Round Up grant. Learn more


Portable Generators

A handy tool when temporary electric power is needed, generators can be hazardous if improperly installed or operated. Learn more


Summer ORU grants meet important community needs      Learn more

East Central Energy Operation Round Up (ORU) Trust in the recent summer grant cycle assisted nine local organizations with funds totaling $17,856.


ECE awards at-large scholarships      Learn more

ECE awarded a total of $2,000 to four members of the cooperative to assist them with their continued education.


ECE recognized by Arbor Day Foundation      Learn more

ECE has received the 2010 Tree Line USA Award from the Arbor Day Foundation


Steve Shurts selected as new President/CEO      Learn more

The East Central Energy (ECE) Board of Directors selected Steve Shurts as the President/CEO of the cooperative, replacing Garry Bye, who is retiring after nearly 25 years in this capacity.


Braham Area School staff donate to Caring Members      Learn more

Staff from Braham Area Schools dedicated a spring wellness walk/run to ECE Caring Members program.


ECE Annual Meeting showcases "The Cooperative Difference"      Learn more

ECE members saw "The Cooperative Difference" in action when they attended the 74th annual meeting on Saturday, April 10 at Cambridge-Isanti High School in Cambridge, MN.


Join ECE for Project GreenTouch and make spring cleaning fun.      Learn more

Food, fun and fellowship are all part of the day when ECE employees and volunteers pitch in to get two State Parks ready for the busy season.


Operation Round Up winter grants 2010     Learn more

Operation Round Up Trust Board kicks off 2010 with nearly $28,000 in grant awards.


State appliance rebates help homeowners save more     Learn more

ECE members may be eligible for federally-funded rebates when they trade in their old appliances for new energy-efficient models.


ECE President/CEO Garry Bye to retire     Learn more

President/CEO has announced his plans to retire in 2010.


Operation Round Up fall grants     Learn More

The Operation Round Up Trust Board awarded grants totaling $17,193 when it met October 27 for the fall cycle.


Federal Tax Credits    Learn More

To learn about federal tax credits that are available for 2009 please visit the ENERGY STAR^® Web site.


Extreme Makeover: Home Edition   Learn more

During a bustling week in early August, ECE was in the thick of the action when "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition chose a local family to receive a new home. 


Protect your identity     Learn More

Tips on protecting your identity.


EasyPay 2009 - EXTENDED     Learn More

Sign up for EasyPay and ECE will plant a tree in your honor.


Operation Round Up summer grants     Learn More

The Operation Round Up Trust Board awarded grants totaling $12,247 when it met July 28 for the summer cycle.


Annual Meeting accents the co-op's role as advocate for its members    Learn More

ECE highlighted the partnership it has with its members and its work as their advocate during the cooperative's 73rd annual meeting. 



Join ECE in giving two great parks a 'GreenTouch'     Learn more

ECE is coordinating a fun and invigorating volunteer opportunity in the great outdoors Saturday May 2.


ECE's tree care program earns national recognition for fifth year    Learn More

ECE has been named a Tree Line USA Utility for the fifth year in recognition of its leadership in caring for trees while meeting service objectives.


Co-op grassroots campaign      Learn More

ECE is keenly aware of the impact rising energy prices are having on our members. You can help us.


Fill Your Fridge sweepstakes winner      Learn More

ECE member wins the grand prize in sweepstakes sponsored by GRE.


ECE Capital Credits Refund     Learn More

ECE returns over $1 million in Capital Credits


GRE Explains PCA Increase     Learn More

Great River Energy explains PCA increase.


CFL Sweepstakes Winner Announced     Learn More

Gundersons win CFL sweepstakes

Cold Weather Rule     Learn More

Cold Weather Rule is designed to protect low-income families.


Tree Trust Planting at Cambridge     Learn More

East Central Energy supports Learning with Trees at Cambridge Middle School