Red Lake Electric Cooperative plans to construct a new headquarters facility in Red Lake Falls just west of our current pole yard on property that is already owned by the Cooperative. The new facility will provide the space necessary to support the Cooperative’s growing operations efficiently and effectively long into the future. Please watch this page and our monthly newsletter for updates about this ongoing project.
Why does Red Lake Electric need a new headquarters facility?
Built in 1942, Red Lake Electric has been operating within our current facility due to additions and upgrades for many years. Changes in fleet vehicles sizes, equipment, operation efficiencies and structural concerns are impacting the efficiency and safety of service. Red Lake needs an appropriate space for employees to work safely and efficiently. The new facility represents an important investment in our long-term ability to continue high-quality service.
How will a new headquarters facility address the challenges of the Cooperative’s aging facility?
The new headquarters facility will serve as the foundation for the Cooperative’s operations for the next 60 years and beyond. The facility will provide the design and space we need to support our operations, engineering, member service, finance, and administrative teams. Critical features include larger garage, an enhanced mechanic shop, meeting areas and secure storage spaces. Office departments and workspaces will be designed to make workflow more productive and efficient.
What is the time frame for completing this project?
We anticipate groundbreaking and excavation to begin in spring of 2025, and the construction of the new headquarters facility to be completed in late 2026.
Why build now when interest rates and costs are so high?
Interest rates are only one of many expenses that impact the overall cost of the headquarters facility. Independent experts project the cost of the facility will only increase the longer we wait. By financing the project now, we lock in our building costs before they increase further, while having a strategic finance plan for interest rates in the long term.
Will construction of the building temporarily disrupt operations?
No, building the new facility will have no impact on our core business model of providing electricity to our members. We will always have a line crew on call to respond to outages as safely and efficiently as possible, as well as our normal office hours.
In what ways are Red Lake Electric employees helping shape the project?
Our employees are playing a key role in developing the new headquarters facility. We surveyed our employees for ways to be efficient with space and help them be more effective at their jobs. We created a Building Committee made up of employees from each department. Their guidance and support are having a direct impact of the design of several aspects of a new building and is giving us even more confidence that this investment will help us better serve our members. As you might imagine, there are many great ideas brought forward for consideration to incorporate into a new facility. We are excited to implement ideas that align with our business and our budget.
Did Red Lake Electric consider renovating the current facility instead of building a new one?
Yes. After reviewing the feasibility study that was completed, careful consideration of costs, location and the needs of employees, the Red Lake Electric Board decided that new construction was the best option to support our mission of providing safe and reliable electricity to our members long into the future for the next 60 years and beyond. The new headquarters will be just west of our current pole yard on property that is already owned by the Cooperative in Red Lake Falls to maximize value and limit disruptions to our operations.
Who can I contact for more information?
Our website will continue to include updated information about the project, as well as our monthly newsletter. Members can contact our office at 218-253-2168 or toll free 800-245-6068 to speak directly with a cooperative representative during normal business hours.
