Your Vote Is Critical

by Brian Woods, Board President

GRAND JUNCTION, COLO. - (July 1, 2025)  As a Grand Valley Power board member, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the impact of community involvement up close — and nothing reflects that impact more powerfully than member voting. Unlike large investor-owned utilities, electric cooperatives are built on the principle of democratic member control. At Grand Valley Power, you are more than a customer; you’re a member with a voice.

That voice is heard each year in our board member election. Through your vote, you help shape the leadership and direction of our cooperative. Serving on the board is an honor, and I am grateful for the trust you’ve placed in me. I take seriously the responsibility of representing you — my neighbors, friends, and fellow community members.

I joined the board because I believe in community involvement. Like many of you, I am a lifelong resident of western Colorado. I value the principles of GVP and its commitment to exceptional service, reliability, and affordability. As a member-owned cooperative, GVP also emphasizes community involvement, safety, innovation, and environmental stewardship.

Serving on the board has given me a deeper understanding of the complex issues the cooperative faces: power delivery, rate structures, and investing in the future of our grid. At the heart of our electric cooperative is a dedicated team of employees who embody the cooperative spirit of service, community, and family. Their unwavering commitment to reliability, safety, and member care drives everything they do — from restoring power during storms to supporting local schools and families in need. Our team treats each other and members like family, fostering a culture of respect, trust, and shared purpose. As someone who has served many entities in our community, I can say that this team stands above.

Voting in our cooperative elections is more than a right — it’s a responsibility. Your vote helps decide who represents your interests on vital decisions about energy resources, infrastructure investments, programs that impact our community, and rate changes.

Your vote ensures the board remains accountable to members — not outside interests with political or profit-driven agendas. Every vote preserves our cooperative’s independence and local control.

Whether you’re a longtime GVP member or new to the cooperative, your participation in the election keeps us strong and member-led. When voter turnout is low, a small minority decides for the whole. But when we all vote, we uphold the cooperative spirit and make certain that it reflects the will of GVP’s members.

I encourage every member to stay informed, get involved, and vote in the upcoming election. As a board member, I work for you, and your vote ensures that Grand Valley Power continues to work for its members.