Dear Members,
I am writing to you as the newly appointed CEO/President of EnerStar Electric Cooperative. I am Dave Clinton, CPA, and have been your chief financial officer since 2018. The change occurred on Nov. 29, 2022 following the resignation of EnerStar’s CEO Brent Reyher. I assumed the CEO duties while also retaining my duties as CFO to prevent a lapse in leadership. To provide you with a level of comfort about the change, the reasons for Brent’s resignation are personal and have nothing to do with EnerStar’s financial strength or standing as a high-quality service provider.
Now, a little about myself. I have served in the rural electric cooperative industry since 1978 in the states of Washington, Virginia and now here in Illinois. Most of my roles have been in accounting, often with the title of CFO, but I have served in other leadership roles within the cooperative industry as well. I was the general manager of Washington Rural Electric Cooperative Association and worked closely with Washington state legislators representing 20 small rural utilities. These diverse roles across the span of time all had a common purpose: to help improve service to rural America.
However, my history means nothing unless you as members know my philosophy and approach for leading Enerstar Electric Cooperative. The remainder of this article will summarize some key beliefs I hold and plan to use going forward, as follows:
EnerStar has a long history in this community. For over 80 years, our co-op has been a vital part of what makes this part of Illinois work — and it will continue to be. I believe in respecting this rich heritage and avoiding changes that compromise this legacy simply for the purpose of making changes.
Promote rates that are competitive for our rural area. I follow the principle that if you “watch the pennies, the dollars will take care of themselves.” Even as I am writing this letter to you, EnerStar’s management team is reviewing all costs in the upcoming budget to make sure all are necessary and in the best interest of our members. I would never feel comfortable recommending a rate increase, if/when that day comes, without this level of scrutiny.
Service quality. I believe in the adage: “good enough is not good enough” when people are served by a member-owned electric cooperative. We must rise above other utility types. Fortunately, EnerStar is blessed with dedicated, highly trained personnel with that same like-mindedness.
Promote opportunities and incentives. Whether it is an energy conservation article in our monthly magazine or rebates from www.powermoves.com, we encourage our members to buy less of what we sell. As technology allows in the future, we anticipate incentive electric rates where members can save money by reducing or shifting their energy use. These rates also help the co-op as a whole by lowering system requirements during peak capacity times when wholesale power costs are at their highest. Whatever your energy needs, we are proud to be your trusted energy provider and can help guide your energy decisions.
Recognition that some members struggle to pay their bills. These members are to be given the same courtesy and respect as others. We have options for those in this situation. Our team already does a great job in this area. I am expressing my support for our team’s efforts going forward.
Adapt to a changing electric industry. The end-use electric consumer may not realize the drastic changes the utility industry is currently facing. The electric system was originally designed to flow power one way. Renewables are increasingly becoming a part of everyday life, whether that be by government regulations or consumer desires. That means excess power is now flowing back out onto the grid. Storage batteries must now be factored in. Electric cars will be charged and may someday flow excess power back onto the grid as well. And all the while, new technologies are emerging. Yet, with a flip of a switch, we must be able to provide reliable power when a member needs it. Creativity and change are the new “normal.” I believe in a proactive approach and look forward to the changes our industry will see in the next five years.
There is more I could write, but I hope the previous points give you flavor for who I am and what I believe. Now, just one more item; it is the glue that holds everything together, that makes everything work. It is my management style: “servant-leadership.” This style of leadership builds up others, makes for a stronger team, promotes high morale and promotes a singular focus on serving you, our member-owners.
Servant-Leaders also devote much of their effort to training the next group of leaders. Beyond day-to-day management, I will be training up the next generation of leaders with demonstrated skills and character quality in areas such as vision, integrity, building trust, planning for the future, appreciation for and encouragement of others. My greatest hope is that all members see these qualities in action!
Humbly submitted,
Dave Clinton, CEO President/CFO