Citizens Electric Positions to Take Control of Future Power Supply Needs

By Jason Cates, Chief Executive Officer

At CEC, our mission has always been to provide reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity to our communities. Today, the energy landscape is changing faster than ever, driven by evolving regulations, market dynamics, and the growing demands. To ensure we remain in control of our future, we’ve taken bold steps to position ourselves for long-term success.

Becoming a MISO Market Participant

One of the most significant milestones in this journey is CEC’s recent entry as a Market Participant in the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO). MISO operates one of the largest regional transmission organizations in the country, managing the flow of electricity across multiple states. By joining MISO, we gain direct access to the wholesale energy market, allowing us to buy and sell power more strategically, respond to market signals, and better manage costs for our members. This move gives us flexibility and control, two critical components for navigating an uncertain energy future.

Building Our Power Supply Function from Scratch

Over the past year, we’ve been busy creating an internal power supply function, literally from the ground up. This has been no small task. We’ve assembled a dedicated team, partnered with industry experts, and implemented state-of-the-art software to support our planning and operations. These tools allow us to model future scenarios, evaluate risks, and make data-driven decisions about the resources we’ll need to serve you reliably and affordably.

Exploring Future Power Supply Options

Our team has conducted numerous planning studies to explore what our future power supply should look like. We’re considering a range of options, from traditional generation to renewable resources and emerging technologies. Every decision we make is guided by one principle: what’s best for our members in terms of reliability, cost, and sustainability.

Building Strong Partnerships

We know that success in today’s energy environment requires collaboration. That’s why we’ve established relationships with other utilities, power suppliers, and subject matter experts. These partnerships give us access to knowledge, resources, and opportunities that strengthen our position and benefit our membership.

Thank You for Your Patience

We recognize that this transition has involved many “firsts” for CEC, and we appreciate your patience as we navigate this new power supply world. Every step we take is with your best interests in mind. By investing in these capabilities now, we are ensuring that CEC remains strong, resilient, and ready to meet your energy needs for decades to come.

Thank you for your trust and support as we take control of our future together.