Northland Connection: February 2026

Serving Members First

How PCEC’s independence shapes our approach to data centers

You have likely seen recent local and national news stories about data centers and the enormous amount of electricity they require to operate. These projects are generating a lot of discussion, especially here in the Northland, and many PCEC members have reached out with thoughtful questions about how this growing demand for power could affect our cooperative.

Because of the attention this topic is receiving, I want to provide some clarity and reassurance about what data center development means for Platte-Clay and, most importantly, for you — our members. First and foremost, PCEC does not currently have any large data centers connected to our electric system. While projects are being discussed and built in other parts of the region, none are located on PCEC’s distribution lines today.

That said, we are paying close attention to what is happening across the electric industry. Rapid growth in data centers and artificial intelligence facilities is creating real challenges for electric utilities nationwide. These facilities can require as much electricity as a small city, and unmanaged growth can strain power systems if not planned carefully.

This is where our generation partner, Associated Electric Cooperative, Inc. (AECI), plays a critical role. Associated Electric recently implemented a new Large Load Program designed specifically to address requests for very large power users. As businesses desperately seek out electricity to power AI growth, Associated’s top priority remains serving the existing needs of cooperative members safely, reliably and affordably.

Their Large Load Program applies to any new load requiring more than 50 megawatts of capacity. Before any commitment is made, these projects must go through a detailed and structured review process. This process includes extensive transmission and capacity studies to ensure the system can reliably serve the load without negatively impacting existing members.

Just as importantly, the cost responsibility rests with the developer, not cooperative members. Any prospective large load must pay the full cost of system upgrades needed to serve them, provide up-front financial commitment and agree to rates that reflect their true cost to serve. They are being very careful with how they approach this. Their goal is to ensure no added risk and no added cost to our members.

Associated Electric is also taking proactive steps to strengthen system reliability for current members. They are in the process of construction of two natural gas peaking plants that will come online over the next few years, including Turney Energy Center in our service area near Turney, Mo., and are working on plans for additional generation beyond 2029. These new resources are being built specifically to meet existing member load growth and to enhance reliability during peak demand periods, especially during extreme winter weather.

Only after member needs are met will Associated evaluate whether any future large load projects make sense, and they will only move forward if those projects clearly benefit cooperative members.

It’s also important to understand what makes PCEC unique. We are a rural electric distribution cooperative and part of Missouri’s independent, three-tier cooperative system. PCEC delivers electricity at the end of the line to you, our members. Associated Electric generates that power on behalf of 51 distribution cooperatives across Missouri and small parts of Oklahoma and Iowa. Unlike most utilities in the country, Associated does not serve investor-owned utilities and is not part of a regional transmission organization, or RTO.

Because of this independent structure, our cooperative system operates its own grid. No outside utilities have access to our generation resources. At the same time, our central location allows us to interconnect with multiple regional grids when it makes sense, giving us the flexibility to buy or sell energy when it benefits our members. This independence provides stability, local control and long-term value for the cooperatives and communities we serve.

There has been concern in some news coverage that large data centers could drive up rates for local customers. Under the cooperative model and Associated Electric’s Large Load Program, that is not the case. In fact, if a large load were ever added under the right conditions, it could potentially benefit members by helping offset future rate increases by spreading fixed system costs over more usage.

The energy industry is changing rapidly, and new technologies will continue to shape how electricity is generated and used. At the end of the day, PCEC exists to serve our members. Any decisions about future growth or system investments will always be made with your best interests in mind. We will continue working closely with Associated Electric to ensure reliable service, fair rates and a strong energy future for our cooperative.

Thank you for taking the time to stay informed and engaged, and please know we are always here to answer your questions.

Learn more about PCEC’s Generation Partner Associated Electric Cooperative

Associated Electric Cooperative – a member-owned, member-led, notfor-profit electric cooperative headquartered in Springfield, Mo. – is responsible for generating this power supply. Formed in 1961 to create reliable, affordable wholesale power, Associated generates electricity for its six member-owned transmission cooperatives. In turn, these transmission cooperatives transmit electricity to 51 local distribution co-ops in a three-state region.

While industry trends and external pressures point toward a less reliable and more expensive future for electricity, Associated and its 700-plus employees are unwavering in our member-led mission to generate reliable, affordable power. We call it… Power with Purpose. Learn more at www.AECI.org

Q. What is your favorite part of serving on the PCEC Board?

A. Working with and learning from cooperative board members across the nation. Those relationships allow us to see what other cooperatives are doing to streamline their organizations and better their service delivery to their members. This gives us more tools in streamlining our own service. Knowing what works and what doesn’t helps take out a lot of guesswork in long-term planning.

Q. What is something you have learned about the cooperative or power industry since joining on the board that might surprise members?

A. I was surprised at the very limited ability that the distribution co-ops have to impact the cost of power that we purchase for distribution and the high cost of system upkeep to maintain our grid reliability. We are a passthrough organization. We purchase power and distribute it to our membership but have extremely limited impact on what we can do to lower the purchase price. The cost of upkeep and repairs on our current infrastructure is much higher than many members realize.

Q. How does your career experience help you in serving on the board?

A. Working in public service keeps one focused on the needs of the community. The drive to create and maintain the highest level of service delivery for the community in emergency service delivery has simply shifted to a different type of service. That background helps to maintain focus on the most important things — the members.

Q. What do you think the cooperative is doing well?

A. Platte-Clay currently maintains one of the highest customer service ratings in the state among electric cooperatives. Platte-Clay maintains the highest number of hours worked without a lost time workplace injury, and we also maintain one of the lowest outage rates in the state. The co-op staff is one of the most talented groups of people that I have had the pleasure to work with, and they maintain the ethos that got us to where we are. We are constantly striving to improve. If we’re not trying to better our delivery and relationships with our members then we are moving backwards, and we don’t do that here.

Q. What are you most proud of accomplishing during your time serving the co-op?

A. Obtaining my Director Certification within the first year of my first term gave me the tools I needed to better understand the tasks in front of me. As board members, we strive to continue improving our understanding and knowledge of our industry. Understanding that makes the strategic planning and financial decisions we make much more effective.

Q. What excites you most about the cooperative’s future?

A. The changes that will take place in the next few years within our industry could be monumental. Integration of alternative power sources and technology advances in power generation could, within a short time, make major impacts in the reliability of our grid nationwide.

Q. Is there a message you’d like to share directly with PCEC members?

A. Firstly, I would say thank you for both allowing and trusting me to represent your interest in our cooperative. Secondly, that I will continue to serve in the best interest of the membership, not in an alternative or special interest agenda. My goal is simple: continuing to deliver the absolute highest level of service delivery and reliability possible for our membership at the lowest cost.

Now Accepting Applications for Higher Education Scholarships

Scholarships available for students pursuing degrees in the electric power industry

Do you know a student interested in or currently pursuing a degree in the electric power industry? Each spring, PCEC awards three $1,000 scholarships to deserving local undergraduate students.

There will be one winner chosen from each of our three service districts. The scholarship program focuses on students accepted or enrolled in a two or four year accredited college or trade school, and pursuing a career in the electric industry.

This industry is in high demand and there are a wide range of exciting career opportunities available, from engineers to lineman, that offer great compensation and job security.

Eligible degrees include line work, engineering, business, human resources, marketing, finance, accounting and information technology.

Applicants are required to fill out a student profile and write a short answer about an attribute or achievement that sets them apart. The deadline for scholarship applications is March 6, 2026. To apply for a scholarship, the applicant must be a PCEC member or family member and permanently reside within PCEC’s service area. The application is available online at PCEC.coop/Scholarship.

PCEC is proud to support youth development across the Northland. The cooperative helps grow the next generation of Northland leaders by supporting teacher education events, extracurricular organizations, student athletics, leadership conferences and scholarships. Platte-Clay also provides free safety demonstrations and career presentations to school and community groups.

Mid-winter is a great time to ensure you’re making the most of your home heating system. Replace or clean filters to keep your furnace or heat pump running efficiently. Listen for strange noises and check for uneven heating—these signs indicate that the system may need servicing. Ensure vents and radiators aren’t blocked by furniture or rugs as proper airflow helps your system work less and saves energy. A little maintenance along the way can prevent costly repairs and keep your home cozy through winter.

PCEC’s Annual Cooperative Election Timeline

FEBRUARY
Director nomination petition signatures due Feb. 17

APRIL
PCEC election guide will be printed in the Northland Connection member newsletter

MAY 1
Online and mail-in voting begins

MAY 28
Voting closes at annual business meeting, results announced

Each year, PCEC consumer-members have the opportunity to vote in the coop’s annual membership election. PCEC members run for the board of directors through a fair, transparent annual membership election process. Board members serve three-year terms, and three of the nine board seats are up for election each year — one from each of our three service districts (North, South and West). Directors play an important role in the cooperative by giving members a seat at the decision-making table through local representation.