| Resource Type | Use Case |
| Author / Source | Beartooth Electric Cooperative (Board Communication Committee) |
| Publication Date | October 2025 |
| Location | Montana and Wyoming (framework applicable nationally) |
| Initiative Type | Program, Technology |
| Project Complexity | Intermediate |
| Recommended For | Staff, Board |
Estimated reading time: 15 minutes
Why This Matters for Rural Electric Co-ops
This is a complete, real annual communication plan from a small distribution co-op with about 1,400 miles of line. It shows how a co-op can prepare members ahead of a hard message, in this case a 2027 wholesale power transition and rising costs, so that trust holds when rates change.
A co-op building its own plan can follow the same sequence: gather member survey and demographic data, run a SWOT, define audience segments and their channels, set goals with baselines, and map messages to a monthly calendar. The plan is a strong model for co-ops whose members range from older residents who prefer print to part-time residents who rely on phone alerts.
Key Takeaways
| › | The plan turns each piece of a SWOT analysis into a specific communication action, such as rate explainers to address low understanding of financial terms. |
| › | Segmenting by age and residency matters: 65% of members are 65 or older and prefer print, while seasonal members rely on SmartHub alerts. |
| › | Goals carry 2025 baselines and 2026 targets, such as SmartHub adoption rising from 60% to 70% and member-owner identity from 56% to at least 62%. |
| › | A monthly calendar ties messages to the operating year, with rate changes in January, wildfire readiness in May and June, and capital credit retirements at year end. |
Implementation Considerations
- Member Buy-In: Targets rest on a 2025 member survey and purchased demographic data. Co-ops without recent survey data would need to set their own baselines before goals like these mean much.
- Staffing or Technology Requirements: Website redesign, member dashboards, video explainers, and rate calculators take staff time or vendor support. Smaller co-ops may need to lean on statewide association materials or shared templates.
- Time-Sensitive Information: Baselines, targets, and the calendar are specific to 2026. Use the plan as a model for structure and approach rather than as a source of current benchmarks.
Notable Examples
- Beartooth Electric Cooperative: Montana and Wyoming distribution co-op that publishes its communication, business, and wildfire mitigation plans for members to see.
Estimated reading time: 15 minutes
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