East Central Energy invites customers to round up bills for worthy causes
 
Operation Round Up pools small donations to make a big difference

BRAHAM, Minn. — East Central Energy urges more member-owners to join the multitude of people who voluntarily have their electric bills rounded up to the next highest dollar. Through Operation Round Up®, the extra pennies donated each month by customers added up to nearly $78,000 in 2004 contributions to worthwhile community services.

"You see how much can be done by pooling thousands of small contributions," says Garry Bye, ECE president and CEO. "We could do much more, though, if more of our 54,000 members participated."

Community leaders from across the ECE service area serve on the Operation Round Up Trust Board that meets four times a year to screen requests and approve donations. Trustees allocate funds according to general guidelines for categories that include: community service, economic development, education and youth, environment, emergency energy assistance and disaster relief. All funds are used locally except in cases of unusual disasters.

"So many people benefit from Operation Round Up," says Donna Denis, program administrator. "Grants help support emergency medical services, fire departments, women's shelters and youth and senior programs to name just a few."v The average yearly contribution from each participant is about $6 and the maximum contribution from any one member is less than $12. Contributions are tax deductible.

Since ECE started Operation Round Up in 1998, more than a half-million dollars has been granted to support local community programs and services.

"How else could a person do so much good by donating less than a dollar a month?" asks Denis. She's encouraging ECE members who don't currently participate to join now by calling toll-free, 1-800-254-7944.

### About East Central Energy: East Central Energy www.eastcentralenergy.com is a member-owned electric cooperative serving more than 54,000 homes, farms and businesses in east central Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. ECE also provides Internet and long distance services.