Sparks Newsletter - November 2026

Cover graphic for the November 2026 issue of High West Energy SPARKS featuring articles on 90 years of member leadership, 2027 scholarships, SPARKS Kitchen, and holiday lighting tips.

90 YEARS OF MEMBER LEADERSHIP

90 YEARS OF MEMBER LEADERSHIP

This November marks an important milestone in High West Energy's history. Ninety years ago, the cooperative's first Board of Directors was installed, beginning a tradition of local member
leadership that continues today.
Since 1936, generations of directors have helped guide High West Energy through periods of growth, technological change, economic challenges, and industry transformation. While the electric utility industry has changed dramatically over the last nine decades, one thing has remained constant: High West Energy is governed by members and led by a Board elected from the communities we serve.
Historic black-and-white photograph showing a group of individuals standing on the sidewalk in front of a brick office building. A large sign above the entrance reads “Rural Electric Company.” The group is arranged in a single row across the front of the building. The photo appears to document an early period in the history of the electric cooperative and includes the building façade, front entrance, and surrounding windows.
The Board's role is to provide oversight, establish policies, and make decisions that support the long-term health of the cooperative. Those decisions have helped shape everything from system improvements and infrastructure investments to member programs and community support initiatives.

COOPERATIVE PRINCIPLES

  1. Open and Voluntary Membership

  2. Democratic Member Control

  3. Members’ Economic Participation

  4. Autonomy and Independence

  5. Education, Training, and Information

  6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives

  7. Concern for Community

Today, High West Energy serves members across Wyoming, Nebraska, and Colorado, but our foundation remains the same as it was 90 years ago. We are a cooperative owned by the members we serve and guided by local leadership committed to meeting the needs of our communities.
As we reflect on the past 90 years, we also look ahead to the future. The cooperative principles that guided our earliest directors continue to guide us today as we work to provide safe, reliable, and affordable electricity for generations to come.
Portrait graphic featuring seven High West Energy Board of Directors members. The graphic includes headshots and district numbers for Damon Birkhofer (District 15), Mike Romsa (District 11), Kosha Olsen (District 16), John Thompson (District 4), Gary Smith (District 12), Kevin Thomas (District 17), and Jessica Crowder (District 7).