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Congressional Daily Record
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March 20, 2026
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Download official Senate Record PDFReturn to issue contextMr. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Wyrulec Company. Its legacy of serving rural Wyoming with reliability, innovation, and community focus has strengthened local economies and improved overall quality of life.
the cooperative model and the enduring spirit of innovation and collaboration in rural Wyoming.