Run for OPALCO's board
Why run? You can make a difference in your community and your co-op!
Our Nomination and Election Process
The governing board of Orcas Power & Light Cooperative (OPALCO) consists of seven directors from four districts who are elected for three-year terms, with the elections staggered. Each director is elected by a vote of OPALCO members, or appointed by the Board to fill out vacancies. All members may vote in every election, regardless of their home district.
Benefits of Becoming a Board Member
Shape the Co-op's Direction
Board Members create policies and strategic direction, set rates for the membership, oversee finances and the bylaws. They also manage the General Manager.
Leadership Development
Board members face tough decisions and complex issues. They must become educated about a wide range of topics such as renewable generation, co-op governance and financing, legal and insurance issues, technology, engineering and environmental policy. OPALCO provides paid industry training.
Pay
Board Members are paid a stipend for their time dedicated to co-op affairs, meetings and travel.
Being a Board Member Makes a Difference in Your Community
Being a cooperative requires community involvement. You get to help shape your local electric co-op and our future power supply.
Quality of Life
Islanders want to keep the islands beautiful and ensure a good quality of life for generations to come. The board works on behalf of members to keep reliable, affordable power flowing and shapes the future for our island communities.
Lead transition to renewable power
OPALCO has a plan for a clean and sustainable energy future. It’s an exciting time to get involved and be part of the team that leads us into local resiliency and renewable energy.
Local Autonomy
Co-ops have the ability to shape their own destiny, in cooperation with their members. Participating in co-op governance keeps local control over our power supply and ensures members come first.
Eligibility
There are a number of criteria to become an OPALCO board member. It is especially important that you meet the following criteria:
Be a resident
You must be a resident in one of the districts that is served by OPALCO residential service.
Be a member
You must be an OPALCO member in good standing and have residential meter in your name.
The Basics
You must be over the age of 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or equivalent.
No conflict of interest
You will need to complete the Independent Directors Qualifications Form.
Nominations Process
There are two ways to be nominated for the Board of Directors:
Nominations by Committee
Any qualified member (see above) may submit their nomination. The volunteer member Elections & Governance Committee will review the nominations and approve a slate of candidates for the ballot. Candidates not put forth by the EGC may apply by petition.
Nominations by Petition
Candidates may submit a petition with no fewer than 20 signatures of members who reside in their district. Complete petitions should be sent to communications@opalco.com. Once we receive the petition the candidate will need to complete the application process.
2025 Election Timeline
In 2025, there will be three positions open: one in District 1 (San Juan, Pearl, Henry, Brown and Speiden islands), one in District 3 (Lopez, Decatur, Center, and Charles islands), and one in District 4 (Shaw, Crane, Canoe and Bell islands).
ALL Co-op Members vote in all elections regardless of their home island.
FAQs
OPALCO board meeting are typically the third Thursday of each month starting at 8:30 am. OPALCO meetings are typically done virtually on Zoom.
In the Document Library, an extensive collection of governance, financial and policy documents.
The Board is made up of seven directors representing three districts and twenty islands. Interested in running for an open position on the Board? Elections are held each Spring (April or May) and every co-op member has a vote.
Not finding what your looking for? Contact us.
What You Will Need to Apply
Please have the following materials ready to submit with your application:
- Your photo and biography (to be included in the OPALCO Voting Guide)
- Three references
- Your resume (optional)
- Signed Director Qualifications Form
- Signed Background Check Release Form
- If you’re applying after January 21, a petition for candidacy with 20 member signatures