From the trustees in our boardroom to the linemen in the field, every decision we make is driven by one simple question: How will it impact our members? It’s this member-centric approach that sets us apart and drives us to continually elevate our service standards.
Each member of our staff embodies our core values, working tirelessly to ensure that we deliver safe, reliable and affordable electricity to your homes and businesses. The board of trustees plays a big role in our ability to provide you with first-class service, too.
Members of FreeState have incredible representation in the board room. This group of member-elected trustees works hard to understand the evolving industry, and how it will impact the communities we serve. They are open to progressive ideas and innovation, and are willing to make positive changes that make a difference.
Late last year we did another member satisfaction survey. The feedback has been valuable in guiding our direction, and our scores have risen since the last survey in 2021. This is a testament to the team here and their commitment to meeting and exceeding your expectations.
Your expectation includes being served by a financially viable and stable cooperative. Business strategy is important at FreeState. Each year, we participate in strategic planning with our trustees to think about where we need to go next. In 2023, two of our biggest strategic initiatives involved upgrading technology and reviewing rates.
UPGRADING METER TECHNOLOGY
You may have noticed our crews installing large poles with antennas on the top, the first step in upgrading our metering system. This technology will improve reliability, reporting and accuracy, as well as detect potential issues faster and more precisely. In some cases, we may be able to fix a problem before members even recognizes an issue.
This improved technology will increase the speed of reporting outages and allow us to be more efficient in our restoration efforts. New technology in the field means members will have updated tools to understand energy consumption and how it impacts their electric bill.
Right now, members can access their account information, view usage, and pay bills online securely via SmartHub, but as we roll out improved technology there will be new usage comparison tools, and energy insights giving members even more power when it comes to controlling and analyzing their energy usage.
COMPREHENSIVE RATE REVIEW
Electric rates also need upgrades and modernization, which is why a cost-of-service study is currently underway at FreeState. For seven years we have maintained two separate rate structures, which need to be combined to decrease administrative cost burdens and provide our members with more rate choices to fit their lifestyles.
So, why undertake a review? Simply put, it’s about ensuring that our rates accurately reflect the costs associated with providing you with reliable electricity. By analyzing our expenses and reallocating costs where necessary, we can ensure that our rates remain sustainable, equitable and responsive to your needs.
When the cost-of-service study is complete, the findings will be presented to the board of trustees who will review the study and recommendations. That process does include opportunities for members to discuss and learn more about the recommendations prior to any board action. We will communicate with members continuously through the study process and
provide more information. It has been over a decade since the cost per kilowatt-hour was adjusted. The board of trustees and staff understand there is never a good time to potentially change rates, and that nobody likes the thought of something they rely on every day changing in price. It’s important to note that this is not something the cooperative would undertake unless it was necessary.
As we move forward with these initiatives, we are committed to communicating with our members. We will provide monthly updates in Kansas Country Living, online at www.freestate.coop, on our social media channels. We will also have in-person meetings and events where you can find out more information.