News release prepared by: Alli Conine, 620-874-4563 or aconine@weci.net 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-

July 10, 2020 (Scott City, KS)

Wheatland Receives Funding from the SBA Payroll Protection Program

Wheatland Electric Cooperative, Inc. qualified for and received a loan from the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) in April 2020. The PPP is part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Secure (CARES) Act passed by Congress to help small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Wheatland Electric Cooperative, Inc. Board of Directors voted to accept the PPP support as we work to keep the lights on and provide local families and businesses with certainty during this uncertain time,” said Wheatland’s CEO/General Manager, Bruce W. Mueller.

The families, businesses and communities in our service territory have been hit hard by the pandemic and the downturn in the ag and oil economy. The PPP is intended to provide financial support to businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.  As jobs were lost and entire industries suspended operations, Wheatland encouraged members to call in if they had payment difficulties, suspended disconnections and waived late fees to help reduce financial hardships.

According to research by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the nation’s electric cooperatives could suffer up to $10 billion in lost revenue through 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The coming months will more fully reveal the economic impact this will have on Wheatland and its members.

“Not knowing how the future environment will affect our membership, we are continuing to provide reliable power at a competitive price. The Payment Protection Program assists in doing that by helping us maintain budgeted rates during these unprecedented times,” said Bruce W. Mueller, Wheatland’s CEO/General Manager.