2021 Director Candidates Q&A

Sangre de Cristo Electric Association (SDCEA) is a member-owned, not-for-profit, corporate cooperative that provides electric service to more than 13,500 homes, businesses, farms, and ranches in five counties. SDCEA is self-regulated and governed by a seven-member board of directors elected by and from our membership. Five board members are elected from director districts and two are elected at-large.

Rural Chaffee/Lake County: Charles A. Abel II

1. How long have you been a member of SDCEA?

I have personally been a member of SDCEA since 1993. I have lived in the Upper Arkansas Valley nearly all my life and indirectly have been a member since 1972 through my family affiliation.

2.What insights do you feel you could bring to the board that would increase their understandings of all members?

I have been, and continue to be, a “student” of the electric industry and my role as a cooperative board member since my election in 2015. It is an incredibly fascinating and complex business. I believe an important aspect of striving to be a good board member is grounded in having an inquisitive, open mind and seeking knowledge to facilitate sound decision-making.

3. What are your personal goals for SDCEA, and what steps would you take as a board member to achieve these goals?

My personal goals include serving the membership as a good steward of the seven cooperative principles, contributing to thoughtful and meaningful dialogue as a board member, and adding value to critical policy decision-making. These goals are accomplished by seeking timely and relevant education of the electric industry as well as having a solid perspective of general business operations.

4. What responsibility do board members have to communicate with the membership of the cooperative?

Board members should be accessible and listen to members’ concerns and comments. Board members should also strive to communicate facts clearly and timely and respect that the board “speaks” as one voice in matters of policy-making.

5. What specifically qualifies you to serve as a corporate fiduciary/utility regulator?

I believe I have the skills and knowledge earned through specific utility education programs, as well as years of business experience as a trusted advisor in financial matters, to continue to serve as a corporate fiduciary.

6. What other education and background experience do you have that specifically apply to governing this electric cooperative?

My occupation as a Certified Public Accountant and small business owner over the last 25 years has helped add value to my role as a director. Additionally, I have served in director roles for the Buena Vista School Board and the Chaffee County Economic Development Corporation.

7. What are the three most important issues to members that SDCEA should focus on?

Reliability, affordability, and safety.

8. How do you view the future of energy in central Colorado (i.e., affordability, renewable energy, electric vehicles, battery storage, micro-grids, etc.) and what is SDCEA’s primary responsibility moving forward?

SDCEA’s primary responsibility is to deliver reliable and affordable electricity in a safe manner to the members.

At-Large: Dan C. Daly

1. How long have you been a member of SDCEA?

11 years

2. What insights do you feel you could bring to the board that would increase their understandings of all members?

I live in a rural development with significant wildfire risk, many retired neighbors concerned with the cost of electricity, and neighbors who take advantage of self-owned solar or small hydro generation resources. Also, I am personally a “time of use” customer of SDCEA with an understanding of the mutual benefits of “time of use” rate structures. I will continue to share my insights on these issues with the board as a whole.

3. What are your personal goals for SDCEA, and what steps would you take as a board member to achieve these goals?

1. Keeping rates as low as reasonably possible by controlling costs. 2. Reducing wildfire risks by prioritizing and funding good vegetation management practices. 3. Promoting increased efficiency through the use of data-driven decision-making.

4. What responsibility do board members have to communicate with the membership of the cooperative?

Board directors need to be the voices of members in the board room, advocating for the best interests of the coop and its members. To do so, they must first learn what members want and need from the coop by engaging with and listening to members at every opportunity.

5. What specifically qualifies you to serve as a corporate fiduciary/utility regulator?

In serving five years on the SDCEA board, I have gained valuable insight and experience in governing an electricity distribution coop. I have earned special credentials from NRECA covering coop governance, financial oversight, planning, board leadership, rate setting, ethics, and equity management.

6. What other education and background experience do you have that specifically apply to governing this electric cooperative?

I earned a law degree and practiced law in Colorado for nearly 20 years. I’ve served on numerous nonprofit boards from large multimillion dollar corporations (Delta Dental of Colorado) to a local homeowners association. I’ve been the Executive Director (CEO) of member-driven nonprofit organizations.

7. What are the three most important issues to members that SDCEA should focus on?

1. Reducing rates over time while moving to more renewable sources of energy generation. 2. Reducing wildfire risks within our service territory. 3. Maintaining a financially sound coop prepared to address coming changes in the electricity distribution business.

8. How do you view the future of energy in central Colorado (i.e., affordability, renewable energy, electric vehicles, battery storage, micro-grids, etc.) and what is SDCEA’s primary responsibility moving forward?

Our energy rates in SDCEA should gradually decline over time as our energy provider (Tri-State G & T) transitions away from coal to cheaper renewable energy. In time, battery storage should become economically feasible at Trout Creek Solar as the project was designed and built for future battery storage. As auto manufacturers transition to producing only electric vehicles, and more electric SUVs and pickup trucks become available, our member-consumers will also transition to EVs. Personally, I would like to see all schools in our service territory move away from diesel and gas school buses to electric buses that can be charged overnight at off-peak rates.

9. Please add anything else you would like members to consider.

Regardless of future changes in the industry, SDCEA’s priority should always be to safely provide members with reliable and affordable electricity. I have enjoyed serving on the board and feel I have contributed in a positive way to moving SDCEA forward. I graciously ask for your vote for re-election to another three-year term. Thank you.