HCE Rate Increase I joined Hill County Electric (HCE) eight years ago. During my time here, the board, myself and employees have worked very hard to try and operate as efficiently as possible while still maintaining a high level of reliable power. HCE has focused on preventative maintenance and pole change outs, which have proven to be effective in limiting our outages. The financial pressures exerted by rising interest rates, inflation and the cost of power continue to go up for HCE. For example, energy costs have increased and are projec...

Q: What is HCE’s main reason for the rate change? A: Our power suppliers, Western Area Power Administration and Basin Electric Cooperative, are raising the cost of power to the cooperative and these increases will continue for the foreseeable time.    The last electric rate change was made in 2016. Since the last rate change, the cost to operate the cooperative has increased. For example, energy costs have increased and are projected to increase at least 8% over the next three years. Although the cooperative has do...

Be Safe During Harvest  During the harvest season, farmers and ranchers are typically bustling with activity as they work tirelessly to gather crops. They are often faced with long hours, demanding physical labor, and the need for careful planning to ensure a successful harvest. Harvesting crops near power lines can be dangerous due to the risk of accidental contact with the lines and potential electrical hazards. Farmers should take caution and follow safety guidelines to avoid any accidents or damage to equipment and property. Addit...

The Environmental Protections Agency (EPA) has released four major new regulations for the electric industry.  This includes a rule with the purpose of cutting emissions from power plants which could cause reliability concerns for electric cooperatives and other utilities nationwide (Christian, 2024). Because Hill County Electric is committed to providing our members with a safe, reliable, and affordable source of electricity for years to come we would like to present you with the following information about these regulations to keep ou...

We are excited to announce the results of the recent election for our Board of Trustees. Congratulations to the following trustees who were elected: Kelly Rutledge – District 4 and Nick Siebrasse – District 5. Thank you to our valued members!

Hill County Electric is pleased to invite you to join us for our Annual Meeting. This event marks an important milestone for our organization as we reflect on the achievements of the past year and look ahead to the future. We cordially invite all our cooperative members to come together and be a part of this significant event. The Annual Meeting is a time for us to celebrate the successes of the previous year and recognize the hard work and dedication of our team. It is also an opportunity for us to share our plans for the future and gather...

The 79th Annual Meeting of Members of Hill County Electric Cooperative, Incorporated of Havre, Montana, will be held on Saturday, May 11th, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. in the Ballroom of the Student Union Building on the campus of Montana State University Northern in Havre, Montana, to take action on the following matters: The election of two trustees of the Cooperative. Voting may occur via mail or in person. Passing upon reports of officers, trustees and committees for the year 2023. Transacting such other business as may come before the meeti...

Annual Meeting — May 11, 2024 Hill County Electric is pleased to invite you to join us for our Annual Meeting. This event marks an important milestone for our organization as we refl ect on the achievements of the past year and look ahead to the future. We cordially invite all our cooperative members to come together and be a part of this signifi cant event. The Annual Meeting is a time for us to celebrate the successes of the previous year and recognize the hard work and dedication of our team. It is also an opportunity for us to share ou...

The election for our Trustees will be held by mail or in-person voting at the 2024 Annual Meeting. HCE has Districts 4 and 5 up for election this year. District 4 Kelly Rutledge My name is Kelly Rutledge. I am running for a trustee position with Hill County Electric for District 4. I am a Chouteau County resident, farming and ranching on our centennial cattle and grain operation. My wife Kristie and I have been married for almost 29 years. She serves several schools as a school psychologist for Bear Paw Cooperative, and we have 3 amazing...