Consider Running for the OPALCO Board

Your not-for-profit cooperative needs you!
Are you feeling the itch to get involved in your community and be a local change-maker? The Orcas Power & Light Cooperative Board of Directors may be the right fit for you.

Electric co-ops like OPALCO are distinctly different from investor-owned utilities because we are fully owned, operated and governed by co-op members. IOUs prioritize making decisions that turn a profit, whereas co-ops prioritize the communities they serve. The right to democratic member control is a unique benefit of your membership in OPALCO. Every year, OPALCO holds an election to select one representative from each open district to serve the cooperative membership.Board members make decisions on rates, policies and our shared energy future. Having a seat on the OPALCO Board of Directors is a great way to have an active say in the everyday lives of islanders throughout San Juan County.

OPALCO has seven board positions in four districts. Directors are elected for three-year terms, with districts staggered so there are multiple open positions each election cycle. Co-op members from all backgrounds representing all identities are encouraged to apply. The co-op values diverse experience and skill sets. You do not need to be an engineer or have previous experience with utilities. Our organization includes business management, finance and accounting, legal counsel, insurance, benefits, education and training, marketing and communications, customer service, technology, public policy, construction, procurement, engineering, design, project management, permitting and operations. If you have expertise in any of these areas—or other pertinent experience—you may be a good fit.

There are two ways to be nominated to the OPALCO board: by committee or by petition. Any qualified member may submit their nomination to the volunteer member Elections & Governance Committee, where their nomination will be reviewed for approval and advancement to the ballot. If not approved via committee, candidates can still apply by petition. To do so, each candidate may submit a petition with no fewer than 20 signatures of members who reside in their district, as well as complete the application process. In 2026, there will be two positions open: one in District 1 (San Juan, et al), and one in District 2 (Orcas, et al).

To learn more, visit our Why Run page for timeline and application information: https://www.opalco.com/about-community/elections-hub/why-run/