Time can feel like it passes in an eyeblink – though many buildings we will see one day will remind us of our tremendous successes in 2024.
Rachel Huser, WVPA senior economic development manager
Our member electric cooperatives and economic development team hustled last year as we gained an influx of new industrial businesses joining our cooperative communities. Based on publicly announced information, towns and cities served by our member co-ops gained 2,344 committed new jobs, more than 257 megawatts (MW) in committed new load growth, and $12.5 billion in committed capital investments in the next decade. This growth not only reflects the value of our offerings but positions us for even greater opportunities. We have set an ambitious goal to increase load growth by more than 1,000 MW – or 1 gigawatt – in 2025.
While we’ve experienced growth and success, the year also brought its challenges. Demand for our economic development services has accelerated, requiring us to adapt quickly and find innovative solutions. The shifting energy market, with its regulatory changes combined and businesses increasing demand has added complexity, but we’ve remained agile and resilient, ensuring we continue to meet our members’ needs.
Our economic development team evolved and flexed to succeed with all that 2024 presented us. Last year we celebrated Mike O’Grady’s five-year anniversary with WVPA. Mike embodies the essence of civic-minded servant leadership, and his contributions have been invaluable. We also welcomed Zyan Miller to the team last March; she already made a significant impact, particularly in strengthening our grant initiatives and supporting key account and business expansion efforts. Zyan is helping us better serve our members and their local communities.
As we reflect on 2024, we want to express our sincere gratitude to our member electric distribution cooperatives and their staff and leadership. Your time, trust, and collaboration have been crucial to our success. The value of our partnerships extends beyond the work itself — it’s about the shared commitment to growth and impact as we are committed to growing vibrant communities, together. We appreciate your ongoing support and dedication.
As we enter WVPA’s Power of We for 2025, we’re excited to strengthen these partnerships further. Together, we will continue to tackle challenges and embrace new opportunities. Here’s to a future built on trust, collaboration, and shared success. We are grateful for all we’ve achieved and look forward to an even brighter year ahead.
— Rachel Huser, Senior Economic Development Manager, WVPA