A Umatilla Electric Cooperative member engages with the entertainment performed by Rock Dee House Dueling Pianos at UEC’s Annual Meeting on April 22, 2023, at the Eastern Oregon Trade and Event Center, Hermiston.

HERMISTON — Umatilla Electric Cooperative surpassed 6 billion kilowatt hours in 2022 — a first for the power provider and a 20.5% increase compared to the year before.

Robert Echenrode, CEO and general manager of the cooperative, said that was a milestone only few electric cooperatives ever experience.

That was among the highlights UEC officials shared April 22 at the cooperative’s 86th Annual Meeting at the Eastern Oregon Trade and Event Center, Hermiston. Echenrode, CEO and general manager of the cooperative, said the total kilowatts was a milestone only few electric cooperatives ever experience.

Board President Bryan Wolfe provided a report, and Echenrode gave an update. He highlighted some of UEC’s achievements of the past year, which included:

• Employing more than 100 people by the end of 2022.

• UEC’s employees overseeing more than 2,300 miles of power lines and nearly 50 substations.

• The co-op continuing to offer energy efficiency programs.

• UEC’s employees connecting nearly 300 new home and businesses.

• Responding to more than 25,000 phone calls.

• Installing more than 50 miles of new distribution lines to its members.

• Building three substations to increase capacity and system reliability.

Echenrode praised the dedication of UEC employees to safety.

“Electric utilities can be one of the most dangerous industries to work in,” he said. During 2022, UEC employees worked nearly 250,000 hours without a lost-time injury.

In January, UEC received Umatilla County Fair’s Business Partner of the Year award. UEC also connected with its members by hosting activities during National Cooperative Month in October with more than 900 members participating. That same month, UEC employees raised $8,200 for breast cancer awareness.

Other annual report highlights:

• Celebrating 40 years of UEC’s energy efficiency program.

• Retiring more than $10 million in capital credits to members.

During the business portion of the meeting, election results were announced for the board of directors.

In 2023, three districts were up for election, including District 5, Tom Pitzer; District 6, Steve Platt; and District 7, John Otis. All three are incumbents.

Following dinner, the business meeting and the distribution of door prizes, Echenrode answered additional questions. The evening concluded with a performance by Dueling Pianos from Rock Dee House Entertainment.

UEC was incorporated June 18, 1937, to meet the area’s growing need for rural electricity.

For more information, including a highlight video from the meeting, visit bit.ly/40FX8uF.