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Run for OPALCO's board

Why run? You can make a difference in your community and your co-op!

See EligibilityApply Here

Our Nomination and Election Process

The governing board of Orcas Power & Light Cooperative (OPALCO) consists of seven directors from four districts who are elected for three-year terms, with the elections staggered. Each director is elected by a vote of OPALCO members, or appointed by the Board to fill out vacancies. All members may vote in every election, regardless of their home district.

Benefits of Becoming a Board Member

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Shape the Co-op's Direction

Board Members create policies and strategic direction, set rates for the membership, oversee finances and the bylaws. They also manage the General Manager.

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Leadership Development

Board members face tough decisions and complex issues. They must become educated about a wide range of topics such as renewable generation, co-op governance and financing, legal and insurance issues, technology, engineering and environmental policy. OPALCO provides paid industry training.

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Pay

Board Members are paid a stipend for their time dedicated to co-op affairs, meetings and travel.

Being a Board Member Makes a Difference in Your Community

Being a cooperative requires community involvement. You get to help shape your local electric co-op and our future power supply.

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Quality of Life

Islanders want to keep the islands beautiful and ensure a good quality of life for generations to come. The board works on behalf of members to keep reliable, affordable power flowing and shapes the future for our island communities.

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Lead transition to renewable power

OPALCO has a plan for a clean and sustainable energy future. It’s an exciting time to get involved and be part of the team that leads us into local resiliency and renewable energy.

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Local Autonomy

Co-ops have the ability to shape their own destiny, in cooperation with their members. Participating in co-op governance keeps local control over our power supply and ensures members come first.

Eligibility

There are a number of criteria to become an OPALCO board member. It is especially important that you meet the following criteria:

Be a resident

You must be a resident in one of the districts that is served by OPALCO residential service.

Be a member

You must be an OPALCO member in good standing and have residential meter in your name.

The Basics

You must be over the age of 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or equivalent.

No conflict of interest

You will need to complete the Independent Directors Qualifications Form.

Nominations Process

There are two ways to be nominated for the Board of Directors:

Nominations by Committee

Any qualified member (see above) may submit their nomination. The volunteer member Elections & Governance Committee will review the nominations and approve a slate of candidates for the ballot. Candidates not put forth by the EGC may apply by petition.

Nominations by Petition

Candidates may submit a petition with no fewer than 20 signatures of members who reside in their district. Complete petitions should be sent to communications@opalco.com. Once we receive the petition the candidate will need to complete the application process.

2024 Election Timeline

In 2024, there will be two positions open: one in District 2 (Orcas, Armitage, Blakely, Obstruction, Big Double, Little Double and Fawn islands) and one in District 3 (Lopez, Decatur, Center, and Charles islands).

ALL Co-op Members vote in all elections regardless of their home island.

December 15, 2023
Nominations Open
January 22, 2024
Applications to Elections & Governance Committee Due by 12 PST
February 5, 2024
Committee Candidates posted online and in OPALCO offices
February 16, 2024
Applications by Petition Due by 12 PST
March 1, 2024
Complete List of Candidates posted online
March 6, 2024
Virtual Candidate Forum
March 6, 2024
Election opens; ballots mailed/emailed
April 22, 2023
Election Closes at 10 am PDT
April 25, 2023
OPALCO Annual Meeting - election results announced

FAQs

OPALCO board meeting are typically the third Thursday of each month starting at 8:30 am. OPALCO meetings are typically done virtually on Zoom.

In the Document Library, an extensive collection of governance, financial and policy documents.

The Board is made up of seven directors representing three districts and twenty islands.  Interested in running for an open position on the Board? Elections are held each Spring (April or May) and every co-op member has a vote.

Not finding what your looking for? Contact us.

What You Will Need to Apply

Please have the following materials ready to submit with your application:

Apply for the Board

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Fill out an application

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Fill out the Qualifications Form

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Fill out the Background Check Form