Meeting growing energy demand requires member-focused, forward thinking
by General Manager Steve Stroshane
As we wrap up another year, I'd like to extend our gratitude to you, our valued members. Your trust and support are the foundation of everything we do. Every decision and investment we make in our electric system, programs and services revolve around one basic question: How will this benefit our members?
Rising demand highlights need for balanced energy policies
One of the challenges facing the electric grid today is growing demand and rising costs driven by innovations such as AI data centers. Although this trend has not yet impacted northwestern Wisconsin, the U.S. Department of Energy forecasts that data centers could consume up to 12% of all electricity by 2028. Our board of directors and management team are watching this issue closely.
The problem isn’t rising energy demand itself, but it highlights the need for smart and balanced energy policies that support a mix of energy resources.
Currently, most new energy projects in the U.S. are solar based. Solar energy offers many benefits, but relying solely on solar and wind is impractical due to their intermittent nature. On days when the sun doesn’t shine or the wind doesn’t blow, baseload power generation from coal, natural gas and nuclear remain essential for safe, reliable power.
While renewable energy is a critical part of our energy future, we also recognize the indispensable role of traditional resources. A focus on renewables doesn't have to mean the rapid retirement of coal plants or underinvestment in natural gas facilities. Without all available fuel sources, our nation's electric grid will struggle to meet future demand.
Modern construction process and infrastructure needed to keep energy flowing
Permitting hurdles and long lead times for building new transmission and generation projects also present significant challenges. Modernizing the construction process and our energy infrastructure are critical to keeping the power flowing to your homes, farms and businesses.
In summary, our job is becoming more complex. We remain dedicated to using all generation resources wisely and controlling what we can to benefit our members.
Finding balance and controlling what we can to ensure reliability, safety and affordability
Over the past decade, we've developed four local solar projects to help alleviate summer peaks and reduce power supply costs. Polk-Burnett's 2026 construction work plan invests $6 million into our power distribution system. Annually, we rebuild 45 to 50 miles of power line, with 30 miles being moved underground. We've added a new Cedar Lake substation in our southwestern service area, and we are upgrading additional substations to improve reliability.
We are also enhancing our technology to offer 24/7/365 self-service for our members, improve power restoration times and communicate outage statuses more effectively. Beyond these investments, Polk-Burnett remains actively involved in the communities we serve and live in.
As we look forward to a new year, we recognize both challenges and opportunities. The energy industry is seeing significant change driven by policy, technology and the growing need for more power. Navigating this new path requires strategic thinking and member-focused solutions.
Our promise to you
As the demand for electricity grows, we promise to:
> Remain true to our mission of providing reliable power with efficiency and extraordinary service.
> Use technology to make our work more efficient, improve member service and strengthen the grid.
> Listen to your feedback to enhance co-op programs and services.
> Support our community and local quality of life, according to our cooperative business model.
May your holiday season be merry and bright! ~ from all of us at Polk-Burnett Electric Cooperative
