How Wheatland Electric Is Building A Better World 

Each October, cooperatives across the nation celebrate NATIONAL COOPERATIVE MONTH — a time to recognize the values that make co-ops unique and to reflect on how we’re helping communities thrive.

This year’s theme, “COOPERATIVES BUILD A BETTER WORLD,” perfectly captures Wheatland Electric Cooperative’s mission to serve not just as a power provider, but as a community partner, leader and innovator.

At WEC, we’re proud to say our work goes far beyond keeping the lights on. We’re addressing hunger in our neighborhoods. We’re investing in the next generation of leaders. We’re supporting local economic development efforts. And we’re preparing for a cleaner, shared future.

That’s because all throughout the year, we’re committed to empowering our members and energizing our communities across central and western Kansas!

FEEDING FAMILIES, FUELING HOPE
One of our proudest initiatives is POWER THE PANTRY, WEC’s signature community service campaign that begins in early fall. What began 11 years ago as “Cram the Van” has grown into a cooperative-wide effort that supports a dozen local food banks across our service territory.

In 2024, we set an ambitious goal of doubling our $50,000 impact — and thanks to the overwhelming generosity of cooperative members like you, we not only reached it but surpassed it. Together, we raised more than $110,000, the equivalent of 110,000 pounds of food, to fight hunger across our service territory.

Beyond the dollars, the greatest reward has been seeing the compassion and generosity of our members rallying together to provide hope and stability to neighbors in need. Power the Pantry reflects our deep commitment to the SEVENTH COOPERATIVE PRINCIPLE: CONCERN FOR COMMUNITY.

By making sure shelves are stocked before the holidays, we’re not only providing food but also building trust, security and connection in the places we call home.

INVESTING IN TOMORROW’S LEADERS
WEC believes in investing in the next generation of leaders. Each spring, we award AT LEAST 14 $1,000 ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS to graduating seniors with plans to attend a college, university or trade school to further their career or educational goals. These scholarships open doors to new opportunities, encourage achievement, and strengthen our communities by helping young people pursue higher education.

But we know learning goes far beyond the classroom. That’s why each summer, we sponsor students for transformative, all-expenses-paid leadership experiences including:

• ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE YOUTH TOUR TO WASHINGTON, D.C., where high school juniors learn about democracy in action while connecting with peers from across the country.

• COOPERATIVE YOUTH LEADERSHIP CAMP NEAR STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO, where students immerse themselves in team building, leadership training and learning more about the cooperative difference.

These experiences leave a lasting impact, inspiring students to actively contribute to their communities while building friendships and skills that last a lifetime.

ENGAGING THE NEXT GENERATION
As member expectations evolve, WEC is adapting our services and culture to meet changing needs — especially those of young adult members. We recognize that engaging the next generation is essential for our shared future.

That’s why we host annual events like CHAMBER AFTER HOURS and community baseball nights with the GREAT BEND BAT CATS and GARDEN CITY WIND each summer. These gatherings create relaxed, family-friendly environments where members can connect, share ideas, and build lasting relationships.

By meeting members where they are — in the ballpark, online and at community events — and by leveraging social media and modern communication channels, WEC ensures that cooperative values stay relevant and strong. Young adult members aren’t just tomorrow’s leaders; they’re helping shape the cooperative today.

ENERGIZING LOCAL ECONOMIES
Electricity powers businesses, but at WEC we go further by helping spark ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT in the communities we serve. Through strategic partnerships and creative financing, we’re always working to attract new opportunities, support existing businesses, and create vibrant local economies.

For example, did you know that we regularly partner with our generation and transmission provider, SUNFLOWER ELECTRIC POWER CORPORATION, to secure new loads that could strengthen our region’s energy grid and promote growth?

We also utilize the RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LOAN AND GRANT PROGRAM, a U.S. Department of Agriculture initiative that allows cooperatives like ours to provide zero-interest loans to local projects that create jobs and stimulate economic development. In recent years, we’ve supported projects like the Scott Recreation Commission Fitness Center in Scott City, Kansas, and the Grow & Learn Childcare Center, Inc. in Leoti, Kansas, with these funds.

Our economic development efforts help bring new businesses, services and infrastructure to rural Kansas, and our SHARING SUCCESS FUND helps fund existing local projects, ensuring our communities not only survive but thrive in an increasingly competitive world.

WEC is committed to preparing our members for the future of energy. That includes supporting electric vehicle adoption, expanding beneficial electrification programs, and offering renewable energy options such as COMMUNITY SOLAR.

• We’ve installed PUBLIC CHARGEPOINT® EV STATIONS in Garden City, Great Bend, and Harper, strengthening the region’s EV infrastructure.

• Our RIDE+DRIVE EVENTS give members hands-on opportunities to test out electric vehicles and learn about the benefits firsthand.

• With purchase and financing options for LEVEL 2 HOME CHARGERS and the addition of all-electric fleet vehicles, WEC is demonstrating how EVs can be affordable, practical and sustainable in Kansas.

Through our subscriber-based COMMUNITY SOLAR, members can choose renewable energy without needing to install panels on their own property. And with BENEFICIAL ELECTRIFICATION PROGRAMS — like rebates for energy-efficient upgrades in your home — we’re helping members save money, reduce emissions, and improve quality of life. Together, these efforts ensure that cooperatives like WEC remain on the cutting edge of innovation while staying true to cooperative values.

BUILDING A BETTER WORLD, TOGETHER
At WEC, we know that providing reliable power is only part of our story. What truly defines us is the way we live out our mission — DELIVERING ENERGY FOR LIFE — by empowering members, energizing communities, and preparing for the future.

Through Power the Pantry, scholarships, youth engagement, economic development, and forward-looking energy solutions, we are proving that COOPERATIVES REALLY DO BUILD A BETTER WORLD — right here in Kansas.

As we celebrate National Cooperative Month this October, we thank our members for being part of that mission. Together, we’re not only powering homes and businesses, but also strengthening communities, inspiring the next generation, and lighting the path toward a brighter tomorrow.