RECOGNIZING WYRULEC COMPANY'S 90TH ANNIVERSARY

RECOGNIZING WYRULEC COMPANY'S 90TH ANNIVERSARY

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 51 (Friday, March 20, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 51 (Friday, March 20, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S1442] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING WYRULEC COMPANY'S 90TH ANNIVERSARY Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 90th anniversary of the Wyrulec Company, a rural electric cooperative dedicated to serving electric power to southeastern Wyoming and western Nebraska. On April 16, 2026, the Wyrulec Company will celebrate 90 years of service during its annual membership meeting, held at the Goshen County Fairgrounds in Torrington, WY. It is an opportunity for members to highlight Wyrulec's proven record of providing reliable, affordable power to Wyoming. The Wyrulec Company has the distinction of being the first rural electric cooperative in the State of Wyoming. In 1936, after Congress passed the Rural Electrification Act, residents established the cooperative to bring electricity to rural areas long left without access to this essential service. They were confident the benefits of providing reliable rural electric services would transform daily life for members. At the time, most farms and ranches operated without electricity, relying on labor-intensive methods for everyday tasks. But by December of 1937, electricity was flowing to Wyrulec's members, marking a historic turning point for rural Wyoming. The advent of accessible electricity had a profound impact on the co- op's members. It fundamentally reshaped agricultural production for the area's farmers and ranchers. Wyrulec's formation also influenced regional economic development. Rural electrification connected Wyoming's isolated communities in a way never seen before. Wyrulec began with just over 100 members. Today, it serves 2,463 members. The company is a Touchstone Energy cooperative that receives its power primarily from the Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association and the Basin Electric Power Cooperative. It services five counties in Wyoming and Nebraska with over 2,000 miles of transmission line. Wyrulec goes above and beyond to provide top-notch customer service. Experienced linemen, foremen, and supervisors are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, working to ensure the lights stay on. These dedicated workers often leave their families to brave hazardous conditions to repair broken lines and restore energy. Wyrulec's ongoing efforts to maintain and modernize its electric systems support agriculture, small businesses, schools, and essential services, strengthening the economic stability and resilience of rural Wyoming. Wyrulec is deeply committed to giving back. Beyond delivering power, Wyrulec supports Wyoming through infrastructure development, local employment, and community support initiatives. It offers incredible opportunities for young people, including energy leadership camps and scholarships. The co-op's Operation Round Up program provides financial assistance to local causes. Wyrulec's cooperative model prioritizes the needs of its members while reinvesting resources in the communities it serves. The success of the Wyrulec Company can be credited to its experienced leadership. The organization's leadership includes: Ryan Schilreff, General Manager Dewey Hageman, Board President Mark Knaub, Board Vice President Kenda Knudsen, Board Treasurer Ben Scott, Board Secretary Kyle Kilty, Board Assistant Secretary It is an honor to celebrate this significant milestone for the Wyrulec Company. Its legacy of serving rural Wyoming with reliability, innovation, and community focus has strengthened local economies and improved overall quality of life. Wyrulec's resounding success stands as a testament to the strength of the cooperative model and the enduring spirit of innovation and collaboration in rural Wyoming. ____________________