It’s Time to Give Thanks
We are thankful for electric cooperatives and their members who brought progress to rural communities that investor-owned utilities chose to not serve.
At Douglas Electric Cooperative, our dedicated staff is committed to delivering excellent service and ensuring safe and reliable electricity that powers essential needs, such as appliances, heating and cooling systems, lighting, cell phones, electric vehicles, and medical devices. I am honored to lead Douglas Electric as we continue our mission of serving our members and supporting the needs of our rural communities.
1 of the 7 Cooperative Principles is Democratic Member Control. Douglas Electric is controlled by our members, who actively participate in shaping policies and making key decisions. Members elect directors from each district within our service area to serve on the board, and the board members are accountable to the members they represent. We are thankful for our board members, who dedicate their time to attending important training sessions, participating in monthly meetings, and staying well-informed about electric cooperative issues to effectively serve our members.
Another cooperative principle is Concern for Community. Douglas Electric partners with charities, supports local teams and participates in community events, such as the Sutherlin Throwdown and Zoobilee at Wildlife Safari. We also take part in the Southern Oregon Trade Careers Expo, and our lineworkers and office staff provide students with valuable information about career opportunities at utility cooperatives across the nation.
We are thankful our board of directors supports the Washington, D.C., Youth Tour program. Each year, for 1 week in June, we send a teenager from our service area to learn more about our great country’s history and the unique role of electric cooperatives. We are honored to be a part of the 2025 Youth Tour. The application is available on our website.
We are deeply grateful to all our members and appreciate the acts of kindness shown to our lineworkers and employees when they are working in extreme weather conditions. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to restore power when these challenging times occur.
We are thankful for the opportunity to serve our friends and neighbors in Douglas County and want to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving.
General Manager Keith Brooks