Board of
Directors

About Rural Electrification Associations

In the 1940s, the Alberta government asked the Investor Owned Utilities (IOUs) to bring power to rural Alberta. The IOUs declined, citing cost as a factor. Faced with this reality, Alberta farmers decided to tackle the task on their own. They organized co-operatives, also known as Rural Electrification Associations or REAs and worked collectively to deliver electricity to rural Alberta.

With limited financing from the government, many farmers helped clean brush, dig holes, erect poles and strung wires to mitigate the costs of bringing power to rural Alberta creating individual REAs with the unique set of geographic boundaries that still exist today.

REAs come in all sizes and members own the electric distribution system they helped build. The REA Board of Directors, elected from the rural membership, regulates and manages the REA business. Members of an REA are responsible for making the REA successful by participating in the election of the Board of Directors, minimizing operational costs, and utilizing electricity safely at home and at work. Members are also responsible for promoting and encouraging membership and thereby growing the REA. Because REAs operate at cost, they provide a benchmark for electricity rates and tariffs. Unlike IOUs, they do not generate profits for stockholders, they produce savings for members.

In 1951 the West Wetaskiwin REA (WWREA) was formed, complete with respective electric service contracts that people signed to officially become member-owners of their rural electric cooperative. While REAs have amalgamated to become stronger, others have been bought out by IOUs. However, the West Wetaskiwin REA is an example of grassroots cooperation and determination to maintain our REA tradition and continue to be the benchmark of the true cost of electricity delivery to rural Alberta.

Uniquely Albertan

In Canada, Rural Electrification Associations are only found in Alberta. However, rural residents in the United States have been using this co-operative structure for decades. The National Rural Electric Co-operative Association is a nationwide organization comprised of Rural Electric Co-operatives and other electrical companies that service rural areas in the United States. The association began in 1947 and operates from headquarters in Arlington, Virginia. The organization reports more than 900 companies as members. Together, these electric co-operatives provide service for more than 42 million U.S. residents, businesses and farms in 47 states.

Board of Director Nominations

West Wetaskiwin REA was built by rural neighbours who worked together to bring power to their farms. That cooperative spirit continues today. Our REA remains member owned, and our Board of Directors is made up of members who are elected to represent the rural community we serve.

We are now seeking nominations for individuals who want to contribute to the future of the cooperative. If you, or a WWREA member you know, are passionate about the cooperative way and the wellbeing of our service area, we encourage you to consider putting your name forward.

Serving on the Board is an opportunity to help guide the direction of the REA and ensure we remain responsive, reliable, and community focused.

Responsibilities of Directors

It is important to understand the responsibilities of an REA Director for their 3-year term of office.

First, and foremost, Directors must be committed to work for the continued and increased effectiveness in West Wetaskiwin REA’s ability to serve its membership and ensure the REA’s interests are paramount above any personal gain or position.

Additionally, Directors must devote the time needed to fulfill Director duties including:

      • Regular attendance at board meetings (currently the BOD meets monthly),
      • Commitment to read Board materials and come to the monthly meetings prepared to provide input,
      • Attendance at stakeholder sessions as required, and
      • Ad hoc representation at forums or committees relating to the REA.

The Nomination Process

You can download the nomination form by clicking here.

Members interested in standing for election as a Director of the West Wetaskiwin REA must declare themselves on or before Wednesday, April 1, 2026. No nominations will be accepted from the floor at the AGM.

If you require assistance, please contact the REA office (780-335-9378) or a fellow Director and you will be connected with the Nominating Committee. The Committee will assist the member in formalizing the respective nomination. Communication support will be provided to create a brief bio that will be posted on the REA website in advance of the AGM. Voting will occur at the 2026 AGM and successful candidates announced.

The West Wetaskiwin REA Board of Directors

BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIR DEAN KNULL

Dean was born and raised in Pipestone, Alberta and is the third generation to own and operate the family farm producing both produce and protein. Dean joined the REA in 1983 when he purchased the farm from his father.  As a member of the REA he observed and experienced the benefits this organization has on the community.

Dean has been a community volunteer for many years. He has served on the West Wetaskiwin REA board of directors for 5 years. He is also the President of the Pipestone Community Society; served on St. Peter’s Lutheran Church’s Council; chaired and organized the Pipestone Creek Water Management project; and has been a 4-H Beef Leader for many years.

RON STEVENS

Ron was elected to the Board at the 2017 Annual General Meeting. Ron grew up on a farm in the Falun area where he worked at Falun Co-op. Education, travel and employment took him to Europe, Ontario and the U.S.

With his experience in welding and carpentry that he gained locally, he became one of the founding people of the Capernwray Harbor Bible Center on Thetis Island, B.C. and was responsible for campus maintenance. His tenure also provided him the opportunity to work with a team on a rural campus in India. He met his wife, Marlene, on Thetis Island and they returned to the family farm in 1984.

Currently, their three grown children are the next generation starting to take over the farm operation, while he and Marlene enjoy the grandkids! Ron established Stevens Strawberries with his cousin in 1991 and he enjoys meeting people from all over the world that come to the strawberry farm. He considers it a privilege to serve his fellow REA members as a Director on the West Wetaskiwin REA Board; one that is clearly committed to keeping the REA healthy and dedicated to the cooperative model.

VICE-CHAIR RON HOLMLUND

Ron comes from a family with deep roots in Alberta REAs.  During the 1950s his father, John, worked to get West Wetaskiwin REA established. Currently retired, Ron brings a B Sc, a B Ed, a graduate diploma and a technical diploma as well as business experience to his Director position.

He is a firm believer in a locally owned and operated electrical distribution system. The mandate of the REA to operate under a cooperative business model to deliver critical energy to rural Wetaskiwin for the least cost is a key reason he has remained active on the REA Board.

DAVE WATT

Dave was elected to the West Wetaskiwin REA Board at the AGM in the fall of 2020. He has been a REA member since 1986 when he purchased the family farm 3 miles west of Falun. As a Director, Dave brings expertise in the electrical and business industry.

When starting out after high school, he apprenticed as an electrician and then received his Master Electrician (ME) designation. An ME recognizes the advanced knowledge of an individual in the electrician field. Dave then joined Husky Energy – Pipeline Department where he worked for 38 years. Retiring in 2018, he returned back to the family farm. With time on his hands he became very involved in the community volunteering with local groups and he took on several leadership roles including President of the Lions Club of Pigeon Lake, Director at Lakedell Ag Society and P.L.A.C.E. He is also a favorite resident in the winter as he installs and maintains ice at the Lakedell curling rink.

RANDY LORENTZ

Randy Lorentz was born and raised just 18 kilometres west of Wetaskiwin, where he continues to live and farm today. After taking over the family farm, Randy and his wife Sandy built a life rooted in agriculture and community, raising two children and now enjoying time with their six grandchildren.

For many years, Randy operated a mixed farm, recently transitioning to focus solely on grain farming after selling his cow herd. With over four decades as a West area customer, he brings deep local knowledge and a strong connection to the land and people of the region.

Randy has served on various boards over the years, contributing his experience and practical insight to support rural initiatives. When he’s not farming, he enjoys spending time with his granddaughters and hopes to do more traveling in the future.

RYAN OLTHOF

Ryan Olthof has been a member of WWREA for over 20 years. Having earned his MIS degree from the University of Lethbridge, Ryan has operated a successful business for 22 years in the Falun area. He also has an extensive background in not-for-profit work, with 6 years on the Alberta Beekeepers’ Board and experience serving as the Chair for the PLACE Society.

Ryan hopes to bring fresh ideas on vegetation control, broadband and community engagement to WWREA.

MIKE WOLLIN

Mike has resided in the Falun area for most of his life, but his employment with Simmons Drilling took him all over including work in Alberta, Saskatchewan and abroad in Australia, Costa Rica and Alaska. In 1993 he and his wife Tracey purchased their first quarter and their operation has continued to grow with Mike’s three sons assisting with the farm operation.

Mike is very active in the community and is involved in many community organizations including: Lakedell 4-H Beef Club, Lakedell Agriculture Society and the Falun Community League. Mike has been a director of the West Wetaskiwin REA since 1994, following in the footsteps of his grandfather who had been a board member for over 25 years. Being a director of the West Wetaskiwin REA Board has allowed Mike the opportunity to work with landowners, government and company officials, contractors and other REA organizations.