Sen. Jerry Klein recognized by North Dakota's electric cooperatives
BISMARCK, N.D. — The North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives (NDAREC) presented Sen. Jerry Klein, R-District 14, with the Helping Hand Award at its 79th annual meeting on Jan. 19. The award recognizes faithful friends and strong supporters of North Dakota's electric cooperatives.
“Through his public service and leadership in the North Dakota Legislature, Sen. Klein has proven to be a friend to North Dakota’s electric cooperatives and the members they serve. Over the years, he has established and fostered an impressive understanding of the issues important to electric cooperatives, our members and our industry. We are truly thankful for his support,” says NDAREC General Manager and Executive Vice President Josh Kramer.
During his time in the North Dakota Legislature, Sen. Klein has supported electric cooperatives in many ways. He opposed attempts to weaken the Territorial Integrity Act, helped relieve the burdensome obstacles electric cooperatives encountered when deploying utility infrastructure across railroad property, and supported public safety improvements by strengthening North Dakota One Call laws. Most recently, he challenged proposed net metering legislation that would have adversely impacted electric cooperative members.
Northern Plains Electric Cooperative and Verendrye Electric Cooperative nominated Sen. Klein for the Helping Hand Award. NDAREC congratulates Sen. Klein on receiving this recognition and thanks him for his support of North Dakota’s electric cooperatives.
Every year, NDAREC recognizes individuals for their generous contributions to North Dakota’s electric cooperatives and the communities they serve. An eight-member committee of the NDAREC board of directors selects award recipients from nominations submitted by NDAREC’s members, which includes 16 electric distribution cooperatives and five generation and transmission cooperatives.
NDAREC is the statewide trade association for 16 electric distribution cooperatives and five generation and transmission cooperatives operating in North Dakota. The distribution cooperatives provide electricity to nearly 250,000 North Dakotans. NDAREC services include legislative advocacy, lineworker safety training, professional development, cooperative business development and communication services, including publication of the North Dakota Living magazine.