North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives

The North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives (NDAREC) is a trade association established to support and advocate for rural electric cooperatives in the state of North Dakota. Formed in 1958 and headquartered in Mandan, North Dakota, NDAREC plays a crucial role in the development and sustainability of electric cooperatives, serving as an essential network for its 17 distribution cooperatives and 5 generation and transmission cooperatives.

Mission and Vision

NDAREC aims to improve the quality of life for rural residents through the promotion of rural electrification. Its vision emphasizes an indispensable network of member cooperatives that enrich the lives of consumers and the communities in which they operate. The organization provides a wide range of services to its members, including:

• Communications: Facilitating effective communication strategies and outreach programs.
• Government Relations: Advocating for policies that benefit rural electrification issues.
• Training: Offering safety training, professional development, and cooperative director training.
• Economic Development: Supporting rural economic initiatives and community outreach programs.

Services

NDAREC offers various services tailored to the needs of its member cooperatives. These include:

• Rural Development: Through initiatives like the Rural Electric and Telecommunications Development Center, NDAREC assists with consultation, technical support, and financing programs aimed at enhancing rural cooperative operations and community growth.

• Publications: The association produces "North Dakota Living," a magazine that serves as the industry publication for North Dakota's electric cooperatives, featuring local cooperative and community news.

Governance

The governance of NDAREC is managed by a Board of Directors comprising representatives from each member cooperative. This structure ensures that the interests and needs of all member cooperatives are represented in the association's initiatives and programs.

Membership

Membership in NDAREC is voluntary and open to any electric cooperative organized for the purpose of operating electrical generation and distribution systems in North Dakota. The association also offers affiliate memberships to related organizations.

Through these efforts, NDAREC strengthens the cooperative model in North Dakota and fosters collaboration among the state's electric cooperatives, ensuring that they can effectively serve their rural communities.