Page 17 - ES&G report 2021 final

Power reliability, a key social responsibility, is the result of

generation balance and a strong transmission system
SocialCommunity A key to Associated’s reliability is its balanced generation mix, providing options for electricity in a wide variety

of circumstances. The balanced mix strategy proved itself during an intense February 2021 winter storm, when
rolling blackouts were implemented by utilities all around Associated, but our diversity of generation sources
and strong transmission system continued to deliver power reliably.
Member-consumers: The ‘Why’ behind all we do
The integrated transmission system owned by Associated and its member systems consists of more than 10,000
Following Associated’s core values, the cooperative works for the sustainable development of communities miles of line, as well as the related substations. This transmission system enables Associated to reliably serve
through policies supported by members, partnering with them to improve quality of life. This begins with pro- members and transact power purchases and sales for the benefit of its owner systems.
viding reliable and economical power, a strategy supported by our membership, that is typically an older pop-
ulation of modest income-earners. The profile of Associated’s members makes affordable and reliable power Power affordability provides economic advantages
among the most important results we can deliver:
The Associated membership needs affordable pow-
• 59% are older than age 55 er, and we deliver it through a balanced generation Average member cost per MWh
• 29% have household income less than $50,000; 10% less than $25,000 mix and strategies and tactics designed to prioritize
• 52% are employed; 35% are retired affordability along with reliability and a responsibili- 52 $/MWh

ty to the communities we serve. We serve working 51.57 52.03
Based on recent surveys, members strongly (72%) support their cooperatives taking a balanced approach to families in rural areas to ensure their electricity is 50.93
meeting their energy needs through a diverse portfolio, including coal, natural gas, hydro and wind power and cost-competitive. By maintaining wholesale power 50 50.32
other future renewables. rates among the lowest in the nation, Associated’s 49.95

member systems and members at the end of the line
benefit. 48 48.42
Member satisfaction
Average member cost shows Associ ated continues 46
84 to provide members a competitive power supply –
84
one of the strengths listed by the three bond rating
agencies. 44 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

Associated’s commitment to members • Third lowest G&T rates
73
73 72 Source: G&T Accounting and 85 $/MWh
72
71
71
Finance Association’s June 2021
directory. 80
75
70
Municipal
o
-
A
ll c
ops
AECI sy st em All co-ops IOU Municipal
IOU
AECI system
er
v
average a v er age* a v er age* a v er age* 65
a
average*
average*
average*
age
60
Collective responses from a member survey gave the three-tiered system served by Associated one of
55
the highest American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) scores among energy providers in the nation.
50
The ACSI is considered the gold standard of consumer satisfaction measurement. Associated conducts its Associated
member survey every three years, just another way to ensure it’s in touch with members’ needs. 45
40
Source: American Customer Satisfaction Index, 2021 sector report 35
Member revenue per MWh
SOCIAL 15 SOCIAL 16