Regional cooperatives table consolidation talks

Two regional electric cooperatives have tabled a proposed consolidation.

The Ashton, Idaho-based Fall River Electric Cooperative and Lower Valley Energy of Jackson, Wyoming decided this week that the timing of the proposed consolidation was not in the best interest of both cooperatives. Both utilities committed to keeping the discussion going and looking for an optimal time to revisit the issue.

Each of the co-ops commissioned consolidation studies.

A study conducted on behalf of Fall River estimated a combined savings of $28.7 million over a ten-year period, or $2.9 million per year. A Lower Valley study determined consolidation would save $31 million over a 13-year period with an annual savings of $2.3 million.

The two boards met with a facilitator in September to discuss terms of a consolidation. That agreement was aimed at creating a memorandum of understanding that could go to a vote of each cooperative’s membership.

Fall River Manager Bryan Case said, “We will continue to provide our members with the service they have come to expect and will continue to explore new opportunities to improve efficiencies, reduce costs, and provide valued services.”