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Graham County Electric Cooperative Annual Meeting
2026 Annual Meeting
Events
2026 GCEC Annual Meeting Meeting Summary
The 81st Annual Meeting of Graham County Electric Cooperative (GCEC) was held on March 7, 2026, at Pima Junior High School. President Reuben McBride called the meeting to order, and a quorum of 51 members was confirmed.
Members approved the previous year’s meeting minutes, and the 2026 director elections were completed without opposition. Chris Claridge (District 1), Dennis Jacob (District 2), and Gil Bowman (District 3) were seated as directors.
Reports were presented by representatives from Grand Canyon State Electric Cooperative (GCSECA) and Arizona Electric Power Cooperative (AEPCO), highlighting legislative advocacy, industry trends, and future energy planning, including renewable projects and grid reliability efforts.
GCEC staff shared updates on operations, including power supply, infrastructure improvements such as substation and water system upgrades, and financial performance, reporting combined margins of $1.7 million for 2025.
The Washington Youth Tour program was highlighted, introducing six local student participants. The meeting concluded with a brief public discussion, adjournment, and distribution of door prizes.
2025 GCEC Annual Meeting Meeting Summary
The 80th Annual Meeting of Graham County Electric Cooperative (GCEC) was held on March 1, 2025, at the Pima High School Gymnasium, with President Reuben McBride calling the meeting to order at 9:01 a.m. A quorum was confirmed, and the minutes from the 2024 annual meeting were approved.
In accordance with cooperative bylaws, three director positions were filled without opposition. Reuben McBride (District 1), Steve Hooper (District 2), and Tommy Clonts (District 3) were seated as directors for 2025.
Reports from regional partners provided updates on legislative advocacy, industry trends, and ongoing efforts to maintain reliable and affordable power. Presentations highlighted the evolving energy market, including renewable energy development, battery storage, and flexible generation resources to meet future demands.
CEO and General Manager Phil Cook reviewed 2024 operations, outlining key system improvements and ongoing projects, including upgrades to the Hooker Substation, water system enhancements, and tank recoating projects. He discussed power cost adjustments and the effects of fuel prices on member billing. GCEC reported stable staffing levels and a slight positive margin for the combined electric and water systems in 2024.
The cooperative also emphasized its commitment to youth development through the Washington Youth Tour program, announcing seven local student representatives for 2025.
During the public comment portion, members raised questions regarding solar policies and long-term water supply, which were addressed by staff with an invitation for further discussion at the GCEC office.
The meeting adjourned at 10:18 a.m., followed by prize drawings for attendees.
2024 GCEC Annual Meeting Meeting Summary
The 80th Annual Meeting of Graham County Electric Cooperative (GCEC) was held on March 1, 2025, at the Pima High School Gymnasium, with President Reuben McBride calling the meeting to order at 9:01 a.m. A quorum was confirmed, and the minutes from the 2024 annual meeting were approved.
In accordance with cooperative bylaws, three director positions were filled without opposition. Reuben McBride (District 1), Steve Hooper (District 2), and Tommy Clonts (District 3) were seated as directors for 2025.
Reports from regional partners provided updates on legislative advocacy, industry trends, and ongoing efforts to maintain reliable and affordable power. Presentations highlighted the evolving energy market, including renewable energy development, battery storage, and flexible generation resources to meet future demands.
CEO and General Manager Phil Cook reviewed 2024 operations, outlining key system improvements and ongoing projects, including upgrades to the Hooker Substation, water system enhancements, and tank recoating projects. He discussed power cost adjustments and the effects of fuel prices on member billing. GCEC reported stable staffing levels and a slight positive margin for the combined electric and water systems in 2024.
The cooperative also emphasized its commitment to youth development through the Washington Youth Tour program, announcing seven local student representatives for 2025.
During the public comment portion, members raised questions regarding solar policies and long-term water supply, which were addressed by staff with an invitation for further discussion at the GCEC office. The meeting adjourned at 10:18 a.m., followed by prize drawings for attendees.
2023 GCEC Annual Meeting Meeting Summary
Graham County Electric Cooperative, Inc. proudly welcomed members, guests, and community partners to its 78th Annual Member Meeting on March 4, 2023, at the Pima High School Gymnasium. The meeting provided an opportunity to celebrate the cooperative’s accomplishments, conduct annual business, share important industry updates, and recognize the people and programs that help strengthen the communities GCEC serves.
Meeting Highlights
President Reuben McBride opened the meeting at 9:01 a.m. and welcomed members and guests. The program included an invocation by Mary Jean Weech, the National Anthem, and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Jessica Schmidt. Secretary Jim Bryce confirmed a quorum of 56 registered members, and members approved the minutes from the February 12, 2022 annual meeting. Election Committee Chair Lynn Daley announced the 2023 board election results, with Chris Claridge elected in District 1, Dennis Jacob elected in District 2, and Gene Robert Larson elected in District 3. Members also received updates from Grand Canyon State Electric Cooperative Association and Arizona Electric Power Cooperative, recognized the 2023 Washington Youth Tour student representatives, and heard a report from CEO and General Manager Phil Cook on operations, projects, software improvements, staffing, and financial performance. During the call to the public, members asked questions regarding solar installations and the value of solar, and the meeting concluded at 10:12 a.m. followed by door prizes.
2022 GCEC Annual Meeting Meeting Summary
In February, Graham County Electric Cooperative (GCEC) members met to hear updates on their cooperative. Registration began at 8:30 a.m., with the business meeting starting at 9 on February 12th. President Reuben McBride welcomed those in attendance and announced over 60 members were in attendance. Harrison Talgo provided the invocation in the Apache and English languages. The National Anthem was sung by Amanda Coffey and Isabelle McNeill followed by the Pledge of Allegiance by Margaret Dona. GCEC Secretary Jim Bryce provided the notice of Annual Meeting, Proof of Mailing, and stated a quorum was present. Election Committeewoman Lynn Daley provided an election report statement.
Former Graham County Utility (GCU) President Jeff Larson was presented with a special service award for his leadership on the utility and electric boards. President McBride and Mr. Cook thanked him for his many years of service.
Washington Youth Tour Coordinator Tracy Botkins introduced the 2022 WYT student recipients. From Safford: Chris Curtis and Ayla Finch; Pima-Garet Morris; Ft. Thomas-Karlee Napier; Thatcher-Joshua Simmons.
Presentations were provided by Grand Canyon State Electric Cooperative Association CEO Dave Lock, AZ Power Electric Power Cooperative CEO Patrick Ledger, and GCEC CEO Phil Cook all provided updates on the electric industry and issues facing cooperatives.
The meeting ended with recipients receiving the scholarships and other door prizes drawn from the member registration. The scholarship drawing winners were. Emilee Baker and Ayla Finch.
2022 Annual Meeting Scheduled
The Graham County Electric Cooperative Annual Meeting is scheduled for Saturday, February 12th at 9 a.m. at the Pima High School Gym located at 190 East 200 South, Pima, AZ 85543. Doors will open at 8:30 a.m. for member registration and refreshments. The meeting will provide updates on projects and business including the merger of Graham County Utilities with Graham County Electric Cooperative. Drawings for door prizes for members attending and two $1,000 scholarships to qualified students will be provided. The recipient must be at least a Junior in High School, attending a higher education college or university. The GCEC member and the student recipient (child of the member) must both be present at the annual meeting to win.
Board of Director Elections & Updates
Update: There is still time to run for Board of Directors, as a write-in candidate. If you have the desire, please contact our office ASAP to find out the details. Petitions for write-in candidates are due by January 27, 2022 at 5:30 p.m.
Save the Date: The GCEC Annual Member Meeting is scheduled for Saturday, February 12, 2022, at 9 a.m. in the Pima High School new gym. If you would like to run for a director on the electric board, petitions are available beginning December 14, 2021, and must be returned to coop no later than January 6, 2022, by 5:30 p.m.
2021 Combined Annual Meeting Well Attended
A new location and a combined venue for members attending the annual membership meeting. Members from both Graham County Electric Coop and Graham County Utilities attend the meeting on September 18th in the Pima High School gym. Communication and interaction with our cooperative members are one of the most important jobs that cooperatives can do. Meeting in person is the most effective way to discuss utility reliability, regulation and overall health of GCEC and GCU. Members also get to interact with employees on a different level than in the typical work environment. CEO/General Manager Phil Cook presented information and billing statements and the progress of the recent vote to sell GCU gas system to Southwest Gas. Support from members are important, as well as AzGT support of GCEC’s operations. The industry continues to evolve through technology and regulatory changes at a rapid pace. Mr. Cook discussed the future plans of the electric and water systems. Many door prizes were handed out, along with a smart TV. This year, the Graham County Electric Coop Foundation provided two lucky recipients with a $1,000 scholarship. Maloree Berrios (member) and Wyatt Wiltbank (parents members) were the recipients of the scholarship drawings.
Update: The GCEC and GCU members approved the merger and combined by-laws on May 26, 2021. Save the date for a new annual meeting on September 18, 2021, at 9 a.m. in the new Pima High School gym.
2021 GCEC Annual Meeting
A combined annual meeting is planned for September 18, 2021 beginning at 9 a.m. This annual meeting will be for both Graham County Electric Cooperative and Graham County Utilities. There will be presentations and information concerning each of the utility cooperatives. Also, $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a member in attendance at the meeting.
Due to a recent increase of COVID-19 cases and a commitment to keep our community safe, the 76th GCEC Annual Membership meeting scheduled for Saturday, February 13, 2021 has been postponed and will be rescheduled at a later date. However, the director ballots will be mailed mid-January to continue with the election of directors. Please see other important information listed under the “about us” tab, with “governance and directors” link on the website or contact our office at (928) 485-2451.
Previous: The 75th GCEC Annual Membership meeting was held on Saturday, February 8th in the Pima School Cafeteria located on the corner of 200 South and Main Street. The election results were discussed, with Chris Claridge (District 1), Dennis Jacob (District 2), and Gene Larson (District 3, all retaining their seats on the board. Introduction of the 2020 Washington Youth Tour students was given, along with a video reflecting the 2019 students’ experiences. Mr. Gray summarized activities and milestones during the coop’s 75-year history. He also pointed out that the directors, management, and staff are committed to safety. It was great to see friends and neighbors and be apprised of what is in store for the upcoming year. Lots of door prizes were given!