In the News...
October is always a special month for us at Nobles Cooperative Electric. As we celebrate National Co-op Month, it gives us a chance to reflect on what makes cooperatives different—neighbors working together for the good of their communities. That spirit of cooperation is just as alive today as it was when rural families first banded together to bring electricity to our area nearly 90 years ago.
This month, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on Dan Fauskee, who has been part of our Nobles Cooperative Electric family for nearly four decades. Dan’s dedication and expertise in our Accounting Department has been essential to keeping our cooperative strong and financially sound. Just as our members are at the heart of everything we do, employees like Dan make sure our mission stays on track day after day.
October is also harvest season, and I want to take a moment to thank all of our member-farmers. Your hard work fuels our local economy and sustains our communities. We know this is a busy—and sometimes stressful time of year, and we encourage everyone to stay safe out in the fields, especially around power lines and equipment.
Just as our cooperative was formed when neighbors came together to solve a local challenge—bringing electricity to rural homes and farms—we recognize that today’s challenges require both local action and a strong voice in policy decisions. The work we do here at home—keeping the power reliable, supporting our members, and investing in our communities—is deeply connected to what happens in St. Paul and Washington, D.C. Staying engaged legislatively ensures that the cooperative model remains strong and that rural communities like ours continue to have the resources and support they need to thrive.
At Nobles Cooperative Electric, we are committed to more than just keeping the lights on. Every day, we work with partners like the Minnesota Rural Electric Association (MREA) to ensure that rural voices are heard at the state and federal level.
Like all cooperatives, we follow regulatory requirements, but we also believe it’s vital to be on the front lines of advocacy. That’s why we participate in initiatives such as the Political Action Committee (PAC) and Rural Electric Political Action Committee (REPAC).
PAC helps us support elected officials who understand and value the cooperative difference.
REPAC, through MREA, provides a unified voice for rural electric cooperatives across Minnesota, ensuring we have a seat at the table when decisions are made about energy policy, infrastructure, and rural development.
These efforts are critical because the challenges we face—whether regulatory, financial, or environmental—are constantly evolving. By staying engaged and active in advocacy, we protect not only Nobles Cooperative Electric but also the future of the communities we serve.
As we celebrate National Co-op Month, I’m reminded of how electric cooperatives came to be. In the 1930s, most city residents had electricity, but rural families were left behind because investor-owned utilities didn’t see a profit in serving them. By 1936, neighbors in our communities banded together, and began building the lines that finally brought light and power to our region.
That spirit of cooperation is still at the heart of Nobles Cooperative Electric today. Our members continue to elect their neighbors to the board, guiding us as we deliver reliable, affordable, and increasingly clean energy. Co-op Month is more than a celebration—it’s a reminder that everything we’ve accomplished started with neighbors helping neighbors.
- Adam Tromblay