FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 23, 2021
(Ramsey, MN) — In a year unlike no other, Connexus Energy continues to do what it always does – deliver affordable, reliable, and increasingly green energy to its members.
At the cooperative’s virtual Annual Meeting held on April 22, 2021 in Ramsey, Connexus Energy CEO Greg Ridderbusch detailed how the cooperative dealt with the challenges of 2020 and is leading the way towards a new energy future. That future includes more localized solar energy and more tools for members to save energy and cost like the membership’s Peak Time Rebate program.
“We’re adding more solar generation because its cost is lower than our average Great River Energy wholesale power costs. However, the grid does need a mix of generation to operate reliably.” Ridderbusch also discussed how local cost efficiency has helped keep rates flat. “Any power supplier to Connexus must share our focus on reliable, sustainable, and cost competitive wholesale power.”
In his financial report, new Chief Financial Officer Yan Paul Martinez reiterated that Connexus Energy is financially solid. “For four years in a row, our rates have remained stable. “We are able to do this because we keep our operating costs as low as possible.”
Board Chair Fran Bator reflected on the challenges we all faced as we dealt with a pandemic. “Since utility workers are considered essential workers, Connexus quickly adapted to the new normal to make sure we could still meet all our member’s needs. Our employees kept the lights on for our members throughout the darkest times when members needed us the most.”
Election results
In the Board of Directors’ election, incumbents Fran Bator, Mark Ethen, and Gordon Westerlind were re-elected to the board. In addition, the five bylaw amendments were passed by the membership.
Connexus Energy is the largest member-owned utility in Minnesota providing electricity and related products and services to approximately 138,000 homes and businesses in portions of Anoka, Chisago, Hennepin, Isanti, Ramsey, Sherburne, and Washington counties. Additional information about Connexus Energy is available online at connexusenergy.com.
