Changes to Articles Need Member Input
Later this fall, Wasco Electric Cooperative members will be asked to vote on an important governance update: a restatement of our articles of association. While this may sound technical, it is an important and responsible governance process that helps ensure your cooperative continues to operate effectively, transparently, and in alignment with current laws and best practices.
The articles of association are 1 of the foundational documents for Wasco Electric. Along with our bylaws, they establish how your cooperative is organized, how it conducts business and how it serves its members. Over time, laws change, industry standards evolve, and operational practices are refined. When those changes occur, it is important to review and update governing documents so they remain accurate, relevant and defensible.
The restatement of our articles does not change our core purpose or member ownership structure. Instead, it provides an opportunity to modernize language, remove outdated provisions and ensure consistency with Oregon statutes and national cooperative governance standards. As part of this effort, members will see updates that clarify governance provisions, align terminology with current law, streamline outdated references, and improve the overall readability of the document.
Just as importantly, the restatement reinforces your rights as a member-owner. Electric cooperatives are governed locally, and major changes to foundational documents require member approval. Your vote ensures these updates are made with your knowledge and consent, maintaining the democratic principles that define the cooperative business model.
Member participation is critical to this process. Unlike investor-owned utilities, Wasco Electric is owned by the members it serves, and your vote is how you exercise that ownership. Approval of the restated articles requires member support, and strong participation helps ensure the outcome reflects the collective voice of the membership. Your engagement not only fulfills this responsibility but also strengthens the cooperative’s accountability and long-term governance.
In early August, we encourage you to visit our website, wascoelectric.com, where you will find additional information about the proposed updates, including a summary of key changes and answers to frequently asked questions. These resources are intended to help you better understand what is being proposed and why it matters.
We encourage you to participate in the voting process in November. Your engagement is essential to maintaining a strong, responsive cooperative that continues to serve our communities for years to come.
Thank you for your continued support of Wasco Electric Cooperative.
General Manager
Lindsay Forepaugh