HQ Evaluation

PenLight has proudly served its members for 100 years with a focus on reliability, fiscal responsibility, and transparency. Our facilities evaluation process reflects these values, involving input from staff, industry experts, our facilities manager, and the Board.

The goal has always been to conduct a thorough and financially responsible assessment before making any decisions, with close attention to minimizing impacts on member rates and continuing our tradition of having some of the lowest rates in the area.

Although the evaluation was not completed before some information became public—leading to concern and speculation—we remain committed to open communication, service reliability, and sound decision-making.

The 2022 RFQ was part of a thorough process to identify a qualified facilities planning consultant. TCF Architecture was selected to conduct a data-driven, realistic assessment. A follow-up RFQ/RFP will determine a general contractor to validate design feasibility and cost. No contractor has been selected and no project has been approved for construction.

PenLight will share updates through its website (www.penlight.org), member newsletters, and social media platforms. A communication plan is in place to share details if and when a final plan moves forward.

PenLight’s member-elected Board of Directors is responsible for facility decisions, as part of their fiduciary duty to act in the best interest of the membership. While there is no requirement for a member-wide vote member input is always welcomed and considered. Members may provide feedback through direct communication to boardofdirectors@penlight.org. The board’s role is to ensure decisions are made responsibly, weighing both long-term system needs and financial stewardship.

Following the conclusion of Mr. Alvestad’s term as Board President, May of 2022 he was appointed Chair of the Facilities Committee. Under his leadership, a more comprehensive feasibility study was initiated with the involvement of the committee. In 2022, at the request of the full Board, a formal facilities assessment was conducted as part of the organization’s long-term planning efforts.

The study identified numerous concerns tied to the aging infrastructure—most notably a failing septic system—and highlighted the need to address long-term operational challenges. These concerns had been building over several years and prompted a broader evaluation of the headquarters' structural, mechanical, and functional limitations. Additional issues under review include outdated fuel tanks, seismic standards, roof conditions, and insufficient workspace, all of which impact operational safety, emergency response readiness, and service efficiency.

To paint a picture: Staff currently works around many limitations including utilizing warehouse bays for equipment maintenance and testing, converting closets into office space, storing technology towers in hallways, constantly repairing/updating failing areas of the building and using fleet garage space to store materials and supplies. All of which hinders opportunity for community interaction and involvement and eventually could impact our ability to maintain our technologically advanced system and power reliability efforts.

PenLight is still in the preliminary draft design phase. Staff are working with consultants to evaluate needs and ensure safety, functionality, and cost-effectiveness. The Board has not approved any project. Further consideration is expected this fall, after the preliminary schematic design phase is complete. At this stage, it is premature to comment on a finalized plan or cost.

The facility under consideration is PenLight’s current headquarters which serves as the operational base for dispatch, line crews, engineering, information technology, accounting, warehouse, fleet, supply storage, administration and member support since the 1980s.

As part of a responsible and comprehensive evaluation, PenLight, the Board of Directors and its consultants explored multiple options—including renovating the existing facility, rebuilding entirely on-site, constructing a new facility on different property or doing nothing at all and continuing to make costly repairs to the current building. After extensive analysis, the team collectively determined that a renovation at the current site offers the most cost-effective and least disruptive path forward, meeting operational needs while minimizing financial impact. Any final recommendation will be built around our core goal: ensuring long-term service reliability while minimizing any potential cost impact to our members.

A secure, updated facility protects our workforce, enhances emergency operations, and ensures PenLight can deliver safe, reliable power for the next 100 years and beyond.

PenLight has proudly served its members for 100 years with a focus on reliability, fiscal responsibility, and transparency. Our facilities evaluation process reflects these values, involving input from staff, industry experts, our facilities manager, and the Board.

The goal has always been to conduct a thorough and financially responsible assessment before making any decisions, with close attention to minimizing impacts on member rates and continuing our tradition of having some of the lowest rates in the area.

• Transparency
  As a member-owned cooperative, PenLight is committed to keeping you informed every step of the way.
• Community-Focused Planning
  We are evaluating how best to serve the growing needs of our members while preparing for long-term reliability.
• Ongoing Updates
  If/when any final decisions/approvals are made, we will share regular updates throughout the process. Your trust matters, and your voice is important.

• Thorough Assessment
  We’re conducting a comprehensive evaluation—comparing renovation, rebuilding, and other alternatives with expert input.
• Risk vs. Resilience
  The goal is to ensure our operations are disaster-resilient and secure—so we can continue to serve you even in a crisis.
• Smart Financial Planning
  We're exploring cost-effective, long-term solutions to eliminate short-term, costly fixes. No decisions will be made without a full understanding of financial impacts.