News > Directors Elected; Rate Increase Announced at Annual Meeting

Directors Elected; Rate Increase Announced at Annual Meeting

April 14, 2026

Over 210 member-consumers of Stearns Electric Association gathered for the 89^th Annual Meeting of the Cooperative on Thursday, April 9 at the Melrose Area High School Auditorium. The purpose of the Annual Meeting is to execute the annual election of directors, provide a report to members and conduct all other business that comes up at the meeting. 

The self-governance of the Cooperative, through the Annual Meeting and the election of a Board by the membership, is one of the differences that sets cooperatives apart from investor-owned utilities. This is your Cooperative. Thank you to all who voted and attended the meeting. 

Three incumbent directors were re-elected to the Board of Directors in districts 1, 7 and 8 to each serve one three-year term: Greg Blaine, District 1; Scott Dirkes, District 7; Eric Peterson, District 8. 

ELECTION RESULTS: 

DISTRICT 1
Greg Blaine (incumbent) – 150
Write-in – 6 

DISTRICT 7
Scott Dirkes (incumbent) – 133
Write-in – 0 

DISTRICT 8
Eric Peterson (incumbent) – 152
Write-in – 5 

Total voter turnout for this year’s election was 7.87%. Members in voting districts could vote one of three ways: online, by mail or in person. 

Following the meeting, the Stearns Electric Board of Directors held an organizational meeting. The following directors have been elected to serve as the Board officers: 

• President: Eric Peterson, District 8
• Vice President: Scott Dirkes, District 7 
• Secretary/Treasurer: Michael Cramer, District 3 

During the report to members, Stearns Electric CEO Matt O’Shea announced a rate increase effective May 1, 2026. You can find more information on the rate adjustment at stearnselectric.org/rate-adjustment-2026. 

The Annual Meeting video and photos are available on Stearns Electric’s Facebook page at stearnselectric.org/facebook.