About 500 Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative members and guests gathered at The Silos on 77 event center in Giddings on Tuesday, May 14, for the co-op’s Annual Meeting. Attendees enjoyed live music, heard reports highlighting Bluebonnet’s successes during 2023 and early 2024, re-elected two directors, and won door prizes.
Two incumbent directors in this year’s Board election were re-elected. Shana Whiteley, director from District 2, Travis County, has served on Bluebonnet’s board since 2017. Bryan Bracewell, one of three directors from District 3, Bastrop County, has served on Bluebonnet’s Board since 2018.
“Congratulations to Directors Whiteley and Bracewell,” Board Chairman Ben Flencher said. “I am very proud to serve with them and our fellow directors representing Bluebonnet’s members.”
Bluebonnet is a member-owned electric cooperative governed by a nine-member Board. Bluebonnet’s members elect their directors, who serve staggered three-year terms. One third of the Board of directors is up for election every year.
The business portion of the Annual Meeting began with Board Chairman Ben Flencher thanking members for supporting Bluebonnet and recognizing the tremendous growth occurring in the co-op’s area.
“Bluebonnet has a wonderful history and a bright future,” Flencher said. “The area Bluebonnet serves is where people want to live. Our exceptional staff is committed to providing the power that our members need.”
General Manager Matt Bentke closed out the business portion of the meeting with highlights of Bluebonnet’s performance. Bluebonnet continues to benefit from historic growth in meters and commercial and industrial growth, providing the foundation for financial and operational success. Bluebonnet’s electric rate is one of the lowest in the state and the co-op plans to return $10.37 million in capital credits to members in 2024.
“Bluebonnet’s outstanding financial and operational success supports our goal of benefitting all stakeholders – our electric system, members and communities we serve,” Bentke said. “During the past year we have added more assets, made more improvements and completed more maintenance on our electric system than at any other time during our 85-year history.”