By Will Holford

Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative celebrated 85 years of providing safe, reliable power across its 14-county service area in Central Texas with about 500 members and guests during its Annual Meeting on May 14. 

Two incumbent directors were re-elected this year. 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,” said Board Chairman Ben Flencher. “I am very proud to serve with them and our fellow directors representing Bluebonnet’s members.” 

During the Annual Meeting, Bluebonnet members elect the directors who govern the electric cooperative. The nine directors serve staggered, three-year terms.

Since 1939, Bluebonnet has served homes, farms, ranches, schools, churches and businesses of all sizes, from small, family-owned stores to large industries. For every member-owner, Bluebonnet’s goal is the same: provide outstanding service. 

“Bluebonnet has a wonderful history and 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 said Bluebonnet’s financial strength and sound planning have provided its members with some of the lowest electric rates in the state, and historic amounts have been returned to members in capital credits. The cooperative has continued to experience strong residential and commercial growth, as well as record investments in its electric system and the communities Bluebonnet serves. 

Bluebonnet’s residential members pay $118.48 per 1,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity used, which is well below the statewide average for electric cooperatives and areas of the state where consumers have retail choice.     

“Having one of the lowest rates in the state is a significant benefit of being a member-owner of Bluebonnet,” Bentke said. “We understand the importance of maintaining affordable electric rates. We are experiencing the same inflationary pressures as everyone in the industry, but we have no plans to increase rates in the foreseeable future.” 

Consistent growth in Bluebonnet’s service area contributes to the cooperative’s success and financial stability. Bluebonnet marked its 85th anniversary this year by exceeding 132,000 meters in June. In addition to 5% annual meter growth, Bluebonnet added 126 large commercial members in 2023, for a total of 2,195 businesses of that size, Bentke said, adding that such diverse growth benefits every Bluebonnet member. “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 in our 85-year history,” Bentke said.

Bluebonnet also invests in the communities across its service area. The cooperative sponsors events and donates fans and water at community activities. Bluebonnet employees have set a goal to donate 8,500 hours of community service to nonprofit organizations this year. 

Registration for the Annual Meeting, which was at The Silos on 77 event center in Giddings, began at 1:30 p.m., and members and guests who arrived early enjoyed country and western music by the Nathan Colt Young band. 

Members attending the Annual Meeting were eligible to win door prizes donated by Bluebonnet’s vendors and business partners. The prizes varied from $100 gift cards for area retail businesses to small appliances, power tools, outdoor cookers and two riding lawn mowers. 

Lynn Wittneben, a Bluebonnet member since 1970 from Austin County, attended the Annual Meeting for the first time with her daughter. “It was a beautiful day, so we decided ‘Hey, let’s go for it,’” Wittneben said. “I was pleasantly surprised with how many people came to the meeting. The music was great, everyone was so nice and welcoming.” 

Plus, Wittneben’s daughter, Kerri Schovajsa, won a $100 gift card in a door-prize drawing. “We definitely plan to be at next year’s Annual Meeting,” Wittneben said.  

The day after the Annual Meeting, J.E. Dunn’s name was drawn as the winner of a 2011 Ford F-150 extended cab 4x4 truck that was retired from Bluebonnet’s fleet. Members were entered in the truck drawing by submitting a proxy form in advance or registering at the Annual Meeting. 

If you were unable to attend this year’s Annual Meeting, you can watch a video recap here. You can find out more about the Annual Meeting here. Next year’s Annual Meeting will be Tuesday, May 13, 2025.

Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative will send one senior journeyman lineworker team, three journeyman lineworker teams, 10 apprentice lineworkers, nine competition judges, a barbecue team and volunteers to the Texas Lineman’s Rodeo at Nolte Island Park near Seguin on July 20. 

The event gives lineworkers a chance to compete against their peers from cooperatives and other electric utilities across the state in order to showcase some of the skills they perform on the job. It also helps promote safe work practices, recognizes skilled lineworkers and celebrates their profession. Other competitions include a dexterous pole climb while carrying a raw egg in a bag — and not breaking it — and a pole-top rescue of a mannequin the size and weight of a person. There are other events that test lineworkers’ skills at equipment replacement and wiring, as well as a barbecue cook-off. 

Come cheer on our teams in person or keep track of their progress via Bluebonnet’s Facebook, Instagram and X pages throughout the day. Learn more about the event at tlra.org

Agenda

• 6:30 a.m. Opening ceremonies
• 6:45 a.m. Competition begins
• 4 p.m. BBQ cook-off judging
• 6:30 p.m. Awards ceremony