ICL&P Annual Meeting Highlights: Growth, Challenges, and Community Commitment
Photo and Story by: Dana Greig
Idaho County Light and Power (ICL&P) welcomed members to its 86th annual meeting at Greencreek Hall Nov. 7, providing updates on the cooperative's operations, financial performance, and future strategies in response to rising costs. President Jim Poxleitner, Secretary/Treasurer Bruce Nuxoll, and Manager Max Beach each shared detailed insights into the past year’s achievements and challenges. A report from Frank McIntire, chairman of ICL&P’s subsidiary, Idaho County Propane (ICP), also highlighted the company’s resilience and community impact.
Cooperative Growth and Community Support
ICL&P President Jim Poxleitner opened the meeting by introducing the board of directors and expressing gratitude to cooperative members, emphasizing the importance of member involvement and highlighting ICL&P’s commitment to community engagement.
“Your Cooperative is still operated as a not-for-profit, member-controlled, and member-owned business that is heavily involved in our communities,” Poxleitner said. He acknowledged the team behind ICL&P’s operations, encouraging members to connect with staff and board members in attendance.
Poxleitner also noted a steady increase in membership and power usage since 2017, with overall usage up by 17%. However, he indicated that while power sales rose in recent years, they dipped slightly in 2023, and 2024’s figures are projected to align closely. Seasonal changes significantly impact sales, especially as the cooperative serves primarily residential members and small businesses.
“Adding additional meters and a cooler winter or a warmer summer can make a significant difference in power sales,” Poxleitner joked, inviting members to help “predict the weather” to better forecast demand.
Financial Stability Amid Rising Costs
Secretary/Treasurer Bruce Nuxoll provided an in-depth review of ICL&P’s financial health. In 2023, the cooperative’s consolidated net value increased by $1.5 million to $23.5 million. Member equity grew to over $18.3 million, with approximately $10 million allocated to capital credits from 2001 to 2023. Despite inflation and increased material costs, Nuxoll assured members that ICL&P remains financially sound, with equity exceeding 80%.
“Our cooperative is financially stable,” Nuxoll said. “Given today’s economy, including inflation and the rising costs of materials, fuel, and power, rates have been at the forefront of our discussions.”
He detailed recent capital projects, such as construction work worth $2 million and a $500,000 return to members through capital credits. However, he acknowledged that ICL&P has had to raise rates in recent years, with a 4% increase set for 2025. This increment, needed to cover BPA rate hikes and infrastructure costs, represents only an 8% rise since 2018—well below inflation.
Industry Challenges and Strategic Adaptations
ICL&P Manager Max Beach discussed the cooperative’s efforts to mitigate industry challenges. He emphasized the critical role of the lower Snake River dams in supplying affordable, reliable energy, noting that BPA’s new spill requirements have reduced their power generation capacity.
“We were notified earlier this year that we will be seeing our power rates from BPA go up by another 20% over the next two years,” Beach said. He explained that this rise is partly due to the increased water spilling requirements and ICL&P’s need to buy higher-cost “tier 2” power as it exceeds BPA’s lower-cost allotment.
Beach also highlighted ongoing investments in ICL&P’s infrastructure, from substation transformers to pole replacements. The cooperative’s spending on maintenance, including fire mitigation and vegetation management, has surged, reaching 40% more than five years ago. A new drone with infrared capabilities has been added to patrol hard-to-reach areas, enhancing safety, efficiency, and system maintenance.
Propane Subsidiary’s Positive Impact
In his report on Idaho County Propane, McIntire emphasized ICP’s commitment to competitive pricing and exceptional service. The subsidiary, which now serves 4,885 customers, saw a slight revenue decline in 2023 due to lower propane prices and reduced demand caused by warmer weather. However, ICP remained profitable, generating $500,000 in dividends for ICL&P.
“Our propane team remains dedicated to serving the community, and we’ve expanded our service footprint significantly over the years,” McIntire said. He highlighted ICP’s community involvement, noting that its financial support saved each ICL&P electric member approximately $15 per month.
Commitment to Member-Focused Service
Each of ICL&P’s leaders reaffirmed the cooperative’s mission to serve members fairly and effectively. Poxleitner, Beach, and McIntire all acknowledged that rising costs and increased regulatory pressures have driven recent rate adjustments, but the team remains committed to cost management and infrastructure investment.
Beach announced that ICL&P has joined the Pacific Northwest Generating Cooperative (PNGC), a regional organization that aims to provide its members with better options for managing future power costs.
Reflecting on these initiatives, Poxleitner emphasized the cooperative’s dedication to members’ long-term benefit: “ICL&P will continue with its mission to provide safe, affordable, and reliable power to the membership at a reasonable cost.”
After opening the floor to questions from the members, Beach closed his time at the podium by thanking The Greencreek Alter Society who provided the day’s meal.