News > We Work for You – Information Technology

We Work for You – Information Technology

September 2025

At Stearns Electric Association, our mission is member focused. In everything we do, a team of dedicated employees works behind the scenes on behalf of our member-consumers.

When you think of Stearns Electric, you might think of the power lines, poles, transformers and other equipment that brings power to your home. But the technology and infrastructure needs of the Cooperative are so much greater. The Information Technology (IT) department serves as a crucial partner in the Cooperative’s success, providing the technology infrastructure and support necessary to operate effectively, securely and innovatively. 

KEY DEPARTMENT FUNCTIONS
Stearns Electric’s IT department is comprised of four individuals each with different areas of focus. Together, their combined years of service in the IT industry total 117 years, including 44 within the Co-op. 

Daily tasks vary depending on the needs of members and employees, but key department functions include: 

• Infrastructure Management – IT ensures the servers are functioning properly, phone and internet lines are connected, and the network is accessible by all employees from each office and from the field 24/7/365. 
• Technical Support and Administration – When computers, iPads, phones or other Cooperative-provided equipment is not functioning properly for an employee or Board member, IT diagnoses the issue and works to fix it quickly. 
• Communication and Collaboration – IT supports all other Co-op departments and diligently works to ensure alignment between IT infrastructure and the Cooperative’s business goals. 
• Advanced Metering Infrastructure – Advances in technology, specifically in the metering system, allows the Cooperative to accurately and efficiently track energy use of our members and bill them appropriately. IT works closely with the Member Accounts department to ensure the advanced metering system is operating properly each month. 
• Data Analytics – IT verifies that the daily and hourly meter readings get imported into our software system each day. Additionally, a dedicated data analyst regularly reviews multiple data sets to ensure tasks like accurate billing, load control periods and reliability reporting are properly executed. 

“The thing I enjoy most about my work is providing colleagues with meaningful data and building reports with information that helps them find solutions, efficiencies and cost savings.” 

CYBERSECURITY AND MEMBER DATA PROTECTION
Protecting member data is the most important function of the IT department. All member data is treated as if it were our own. The Co-op prides itself in strong data protection services and is constantly working to strengthen data protection as the industry and cybersecurity threats continue to change. 

Stearns Electric aims to avoid cybersecurity threats and attacks. We persistently work to educate employees and Board members on cybersecurity best practices, identify potential threats and mitigate problems before they arise. 

All Co-op employees and Board members complete annual cybersecurity training, which covers topics like: 

• common cybersecurity threats 
• securing personal identifying information 
• social engineering red flags 
• artificial intelligence best practices 
• what to do after falling for a scam 

“We take many steps to guard the Co-op’s system against cyber threats. All users are required to change their passwords on an annual basis and keep software and systems up to date with the latest updates and patches. Additionally, we have multiple Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) products in place on all employee computers and equipment to continuously monitor for real-time threats and Malware.”

Additionally, all employees who work with our members’ personal identifying information are mandated by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to complete “Red Flags Training” annually to help detect, prevent and mitigate identity theft. 

MOVING INTO THE NEW HEADQUARTERS
On July 18, 2025, Stearns Electric’s IT team successfully transferred the Cooperative’s data center from 900 Kraft Drive SE to the new operations center and headquarters. This was an extremely important day as so many Cooperative functions rely on the technology that was involved in this transfer. 

Additionally, from August 4 to August 19, the IT team successfully transferred all employee technology from the previous Melrose office to the new headquarters facility. This multi-week, strategic transfer of employees allowed the Cooperative to remain member-focused and fully operational throughout the move in process.