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ABOUT US

Hill County Electric Cooperative was founded in 1945 by rural residents who believed access to reliable electricity would strengthen their farms, homes, and communities. By the spring of 1947, the first lines were energized - a milestone that helped power growth and opportunity across Hill County and beyond. What began as a bold, community-driven effort has grown into a trusted electric cooperative serving approximately 2,300 members across 3,334 miles of line in five counties of north-central Montana.

As a member-owned cooperative, HCE exists to serve the people who own it. Guided by a locally elected Board of Trustees and led today by General Manager Craig Gates, we remain focused on delivering safe, reliable, and affordable power while investing in system reliability and long-term sustainability. From maintaining and upgrading infrastructure to supporting the communities we call home, Hill County Electric continues the cooperative tradition of neighbors working together to power Montana’s future.

Our Leadership

Part of the cooperative business model is democratic control. Hill County Electric's Board of Trustees is made up of HCE members who dedicate their time to serve on the governing board. They represent the members from different districts in our service area and make decisions to lead HCE into the future. You are encouraged to share your comments and concerns with them, as well as HCE's management team.

Shane Barrett

President/Chairman, District 1

Havre

Nick Siebrasse

Vice President, District 5

Havre

Leslie Smith

Secretary/Treasurer, District 3

Rudyard

Kelly Rutledge

District 4

Big Sandy

Bobby LaSalle

District 2

Rocky Boy

Craig Gates

General Manager/CEO

Havre

Contact Our Leadership

Our Board always welcomes comments and feedback from our valued Members. If you would like to contact one of our Board Members click here.  

HCE Mission Statement:
Serving our members with affordable, reliable electrical service.

HCE Vision Statement:
Our cooperative business is providing electric energy.

Being a cooperative, our members are the owners.  The members, through their elected Board of Trustees, ensure they are receiving the absolute best value for their membership.

The Board of Trustees’ key purpose is to ensure the company’s prosperity by collectively overseeing the company’s affairs, while meeting the appropriate interests of the membership.  The Board of Trustees must deal with the challenges and issues relating to the continual change of regulations. Board Trustees are required to attend continuing education seminars and are expected to attend regional and national meetings to keep informed on the industry.

Trustee Board meetings may be conducted monthly and additional quarterly joint board meetings with the Triangle Telephone Cooperative Board of Trustees are also held. In fact, board members spend approximately 40 days a year conducting board duties.

The key tasks that the board focuses on are:

Establish Vision, Mission and Values

  • Determine the company’s vision and mission to guide and set the pace for its current operations as well as future development.

Set Strategy and Policy

  • Review and evaluate present and future opportunities; threats and risks in the external environment; set board policies and ensure that any company policies do not put the cooperative at risk.

Ensure a financially healthy organization

  • The board hires external auditors to audit the finances of the cooperative and to make sure that the cooperative is doing everything it can financially to ensure the longevity of the cooperative.

Delegate Authority to Management

  • After determining strategic options, the board delegates to the general manager the pursuit of those strategic opportunities.  The general manager, the board attorney and the auditors are the only positions that are the boards’ responsibility.  The board does not oversee day to day operations.

Interested in a Trustee Position

  • Please refer to Section 4.05 of our Bylaws for a comprehensive description of the eligibility requirements to serve as a Trustee as well as Section 4.06 that outlines the procedures for seeking election to a Trustee position.

    The links provided below include a petition template and the required background check authorization form. Both documents must be completed and submitted prior to the petition deadline in order to be considered for an open Trustee position.

    Nomination by Petition Form

    Background Check Authorization Form