Kootenai Electric Cooperative (KEC) is deeply committed to our members, and we’re glad you are part of the electric cooperative community. This month, more than 30,000 cooperatives across the U.S. are celebrating National Co-op Month. Electric cooperatives are not-for-profit, community-led utilities. Because we are a cooperative, we can adapt to our local members’ needs, providing the programs and services you care about most. 

All cooperatives, including KEC, are guided by seven cooperative principles that embody the values and spirit of the cooperative movement. These seven principles are a framework to help all co-ops navigate challenges and opportunities while remaining true to our purpose. One of these principles is Concern for Community—all cooperatives work for the greater good of the local communities they serve. 

KEC’s commitment to this principle is reflected in the administration of the Operation Round Up® program, which is supported by KEC members who voluntarily “round up” their monthly electric bills to the nearest dollar to help our neighbors in need. All Operation Round Up® donations are placed in a trust and administered by an independent board called the Kootenai Electric Trust. The Trust, composed of KEC members, receives and evaluates all requests for funds and determines their distribution. Through this program, more than $1.5 million have been invested in our community.

Recent Operation Round Up® Community Grants

In August 2024, the Trust Board awarded Operation Round Up® grants to the following organizations:

• $2,500 to Turkeys & More to help provide Thanksgiving meals for approximately 2,000 low-income local families. See photo above.
• $2,500 to the Hayden Senior Center to help fund their senior meals program.
• $2,500 to the Music Conservatory of Coeur d’Alene to help expand access to music education and establish scholarships.
• $2,500 to Northwest Sacred Music Chorale for concert instrumentalists.
• $2,000 to the First Judicial District CASA Program to purchase ergonomic chairs and stand-up desks.

Members may “opt-out” or “opt-in” to Operation Round Up® in one of the following ways: On your billing statement, by logging in to SmartHub or by contacting KEC by phone, letter or email.

KEC Golf Classic Raises Funds for Scholarships 
KEC’s Golf Classic had another successful year, raising more than $22,000 for the Kootenai Electric Trust’s scholarship program. The event took place on June 21, 2024, at Twin Lakes Village Golf Club. Thank you to long‐time Signature Sponsor, Idaho Forest Group, and other major sponsors, including All Wall Contracting, Amaril Uniform Company, Border States, CoBank, Creekside Inn, Designer Decal, General Pacific, Grizzly Glass, Jaco Power Services, Northwest Specialty Hospital, Thorco, Valley Transformer and Zwinger Excavating.