EnerStar Board of Directors - General Information
EnerStar is proud to be a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative, where our members have a direct say in our operations. Each year, our cooperative membership elects a Board of Directors, comprised of nine co-op members—one from each district. The board establishes policies and guidelines, approves the co-op's financial budgets, and develops its strategic vision
Board elections are held annually by mail prior to our Annual Meeting of Members. If you're interested in running for a board position, we welcome your enthusiasm! Please note that, although the process is straightforward, a commitment to attend both regular monthly board meetings and committee gatherings is critical. Additionally, we provide exceptional educational opportunities to keep our directors informed about the rapidly evolving electric industry. Join us in shaping EnerStar’s future!

2026 Director Elections
The open seat positions this year are:
- Voting District A, Representative District 1 - currently served by Jeff Zimmerman, Oakland
- Voting District B, Representative District 6 - currently served by Thad Martin, Paris
- Voting District C, Representative District 8 - currently served by Dan Gard, West Union
Information regarding the open seats:
- EnerStar Board of Directors - Listing of current directors by district
- Director District Map (PDF)
- Director District Legal Description (PDF)
- Coop Bylaws - Article IV outlines membership-approved Director qualifications (PDF)
Dates to know for the upcoming election:
- 02/23/26 - Board Election Packets available
- 03/23/26 - First day to turn in the completed petition packet
- 04/07/26 - Last day to turn in the completed petition packet
- Mid-April, 2026 - Annual Meeting Official Notice and Board Voting Materials mailed to all active members
- June 6, 2026 - Annual Meeting of Members
Information regarding the annual meeting and the board petition process are included on our website, member publications, and social media channels. For more election information or to receive a petition, contact us at 1-800-635-4145.
General Information Regarding the Board of Directors
New directors are often amazed at the body of knowledge the electric industry encompasses. If a new director is unfamiliar with the utility business, it can take several years to gain the knowledge and experience necessary to be a genuinely proficient director. The director role is a significant commitment of time, energy, and education - more than most members may realize! If you are interested in becoming a director candidate, you may wish to ask yourself if you:
- Have the willingness to devote significant time and effort to board meetings and essential committee meetings
- Have the desire to keep abreast of cooperative and industry trends and help identify development opportunities
- Have the ability and time to study and understand detailed reports and background materials
- Have the ability to think, speak, and act independently but thoughtfully
- Are supportive of the cooperative's goals and objectives as set by the board and management
- Are personally committed to the community and have a rapport with outside organizations, members, and the public
- Are a leader and are experienced and respected by your peers
- Are a good communicator and an enthusiastic and effective spokesman
- Are sensitive to possible conflicts of interest and have an evident respect for confidentiality
Requirements and Responsibilities for Directors
- Must be an active cooperative member, receiving electric service from EnerStar Electric Cooperative at your primary residence. Directors pay the same rate for electric service and follow the same policies as all other members.
- Must not be an employee or close relative of an employee; must not be a spouse of a current director
- Must attend all regular board meetings, generally scheduled for the last Tuesday of each month; special board meetings as called; the EnerStar Annual Meeting; committee meetings, regional and national meetings
- Must obtain training in the industry at every opportunity and stay abreast of current developments
- Must exercise due care and diligence and devote the necessary time and effort to the duties of a director to oversee the cooperative’s business and affairs
- Must be loyal to the cooperative, acting at all times in good faith for its best interests, unaffected by any personal interest that conflicts with the best interest of the cooperative
- Must adhere to all applicable requirements of law, the cooperative’s articles and bylaws, board policies, contracts, and the cooperative’s duly made decisions
Rewards
- Public service—to neighbors and the community—is its own reward!
- A per diem, based on a formula that rewards and encourages meeting attendance, is paid to directors monthly for attendance at regular and special board meetings, committee meetings, and director education classes.