2025 Scholarship Applications Now Available!

ATTENTION:

Help keep our linemen safe! Utility poles are not designed for posting signs, flyers, or decorations. Nails, staples, and tacks create dangerous obstacles for our crews when they need to climb. Let's keep our poles clear and hazard-free. 


Fuel Your Future: 2025 Scholarships Open Now 

High West Energy is proud to announce that for the 12th consecutive year, we are providing scholarship funds to students within our service area including a general scholarship and a line worker scholarship for those interested in becoming a line worker. Last year alone, we were able to award $8,000 in scholarship funds to students with an additional $2,000 from other cooperatives we are members of. 

"The High West Energy scholarship program has helped make it possible for me to attend the university of my choice and be part of the best academic program to help me pursue my career goals," said Layne Burnett, a 2024 scholarship recipient. "I knew I wanted to attend an out-of-state university, which are most costly than in-state options, and it is a great feeling to know I have the support of High West Energy and the community I grew up in." 

As a member-owner of High West Energy, it's because of you that we are able to provide this for aspiring students whether they attend college or go into a trade. We are especially fortunate to encourage students to go into the electric field as the demand for linemen continues to increase. Each year we provide a $5,000 scholarship to an individual attending line school and we highly encourage students to explore options such as line work or wiring. 

"High West Energy is incredibly proud of the youth in our area, and we're honored to support our scholarship recipients as they pursue their dreams," said Konnie Keehnen, Manager of Member Services. "In addition to our general scholarships, we offer a line worker scholarship to help individuals build a future in this vital field." 

Each month, when you pay your bill, it is going to something greater; it is going towards education to propel our future and the future of the electric industry. Scholarship applications will be online through a web form and can be found at the link provided. For questions or concerns, feel free to contact our office at 307-245-3261 or email scholarships@highwest.coop. Scholarship applications are due by 5 p.m. on Monday, February 3, 2025.

"When I was selected, the cooperative stood behind me and deemed what I was pursuing worthwhile, which is a feeling that resides with me to this day," said Zachary Rotert, a 2024 scholarship recipient. 

With each scholarship we award, we continue our commitment to empowering the next generation, strengthening both our community and the future of the electric industry. 

"A community is only as good as the people that it produces, and we live in a great community with a bright future," Keehnen said. 


Stay Warm Without the High Costs: How Electric Heaters Impact Winter Bills

As temperatures begin to drop and winter is upon us, many people turn to electric heaters for a quick and convenient heat source. While these heaters are an easy way to stay comfortable, they also lead to significantly higher electricity bills if not used properly. Understanding how electric heaters impact energy consumption can help you make informed decisions and avoid surprisingly high bills during the winter months. 

While electric heaters may be necessary in some situations in this part of the country, we have a few tips listed below to help you avoid extra costs this winter. Electric heaters use a lot of power to generate heat and typically consume more electricity than central heating or gas-based systems. 

  • Limit the usage of these heaters by only using them when necessary and turning them off when you leave the room or go to bed. 
  • Monitor the temperature wisely, sticking to 68 degrees Fahrenheit or as close to, since each degree you raise the temperature adds to the cost. This is also a great opportunity to optimize your home's insulation as electric heaters won't even work efficiently in a drafty room. Ensure your windows and doors are sealed properly and even consider adding extra insulation if needed. 
  • Consider investing in energy-efficient heaters where there are programmable thermostats and energy-saving modes. This can help regulate the temperature more efficiently and keep electricity consumption to a minimum.

If you find yourself relying on electric heaters more frequently, it may be worth exploring other heating options such as heat pumps or smart thermostats. Heat pumps are more energy efficient for larger areas and can reduce long-term energy costs. It can also be as simple as investing in a smart thermostat, which will allow you to control your heating for your entire home more efficiently. We offer rebates on many energy-efficient items such as heat pumps and smart thermostats, so if you are interested, please contact our office at 307-245-3261.

While these heaters are convenient, it's important to understand their energy consumption and this can affect your electricity bill, especially in the winter when bills increase due to low temperatures. We hope these tips help you stay comfortable while being mindful of your budget. 


Director's Corner-Gary Smith, District 12

Of the 7 Cooperative Principles is concern for community and through Operation Round Up®, we as a cooperative can give back to the community. This program aims to assist High West Energy members and individuals in nearby communities in times of crisis or need, such as medical emergencies, property loss, or other unforeseen situations. Members voluntarily have the option to round up their electric bill to the nearest dollar amount and this money is essentially a donation aimed at assisting those in need. 

As of this month, we have donated $441,904 since beginning the program in 2014 and 6,977 members are currently participating in this program. When you are a member of High West Energy, you help us spread the good throughout the year and improve the quality of life in our communities. While we remain your trusted partner in the solutions we provide, we are more than an energy provider, we are a catalyst for good in our communities. If you have questions about Operation Round Up®, please give our office a call as we would be more than happy to explain this program.