Tongue River Electric Cooperative

05/11/2026

Happy REA Day! On May 11, 1935, President Franklin Roosevelt signed an executive order establishing the Rural Electrification Administration. A year later, Congress passed the Rural Electrification Act, and the lending program that became the REA got underway.

We’re proud of the history electric cooperatives built and inspired by how that same spirit of innovation continues today. From expanding broadband access to strengthening grid reliability, co-ops remain problem solvers, bringing essential services and new opportunities to the communities they serve.

05/01/2026

After 139 board meetings, 11 annual meetings, and more than 231,000 miles traveled to and from work, our manager, Tary Hanson, is retiring from TRECO Electric Cooperative.

Tary has been a dedicated leader who has given so much of himself to this cooperative and to our members. His commitment, hard work, and steady guidance will be greatly missed by both the board and our entire staff.

Following yesterday’s board meeting, Tary was presented with a plaque by Board President Jim Collins. He was also honored with a handcrafted “meter light” made by board member Bob Janssen.

We want to thank Tary for his many years of service and wish him all the best in his well‑deserved retirement. Enjoy this next chapter — you’ve earned it!

Thank you, Tary!

03/16/2026

Tongue River Electric Cooperative Names New CEO

Ashland, MT – March 9, 2025 – Tongue River Electric Cooperative is pleased to introduce Nick Oelkers as Chief Executive Office and General Manager effective April 22, 2026. Nick assumes the position following the retirement of the cooperative’s long-time CEO, Tary Hanson.
After an intense and competitive hiring process, the TRECO Board of Directors selected Nick Oelkers at its February meeting. Oelkers brings a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Montana State University, as well as a Masters of Business – Energy Management from the University of Mary in Bismark.
Formerly Director of Engineering for Sheridan Electric Cooperative in Plentywood, MT, Oelkers brings a wealth of engineering and cooperative experience to Tongue River Electric, which serves over 2,700 customers in Big Horn, Carter, Custer, Dawson, Fallon, Powder River, Prairie and Rosebud Counties.
Nick and his family are excited to join the communities of Southeast Montana and are looking forward to meeting TRECO members throughout the area. He has worked his entire career in the cooperative world and believes in the cooperative business model.
Communication and member engagement will be his top priority, along with voicing concerns of the membership at both the state and national levels. He has the knowledge and experience necessary to lead TRECO through a complex energy landscape.
Nick Oelkers begins April 22nd and will lead TRECO’s dedicated team in continuing to deliver safe, reliable, and affordable electric service to Southeast Montana.

03/16/2026

Tongue River Electric will be having a planned power outage Wednesday, March 18th, 2026. Our power provider will be performing essential maintanence and repairs from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. This will affect the towns and surrounding areas of Colstrip, Busby, Lame Deer, Ashland, Birney, Broadus, Volborg and Biddle. Please plan accordingly for this maintenance outage.

03/15/2026

We are having intermittent power interruptions on our system, in some of our service areas. We do have crews out patrolling line.

03/12/2026

Power outages have occurred in multiple areas due to windy conditions. Our crews are actively working to address the outages.

03/08/2026

As of right now we are aware of the outages. For what we know the power supplier has issues. No further information at this time.

3/8/26

03/06/2026

⚠️ Construction Near Power Lines ⚠️

Please follow these guidelines:
*Maintain at least 10’ of clearance
*Do not build under power lines
*Keep the easement area clear and accessible

Building too close to power lines puts lives at risk and can interfere with essential utility operations. Your cooperation helps protect your property, your family, and our crews.

If you are planning new construction or improvements, please contact us before you begin. It ensures compliance with all safety requirements and the cost to move the line.

03/03/2026

A little late, but here it goes.

We here at TRECO would like to wish Miles Dennis a happy retirement after 34 years of dedicated service. We truly appreciate all that you have done for the company and the community.

—Photo taken from the February edition of Rural Montana, page 7.

01/12/2026

Here’s a friendly reminder:
When planning to build shops, houses, or any other elevated structures, please be mindful of the location of overhead power lines.

Also keep in mine the best 811 practices. Call before you dig! There might be utilities buried in the ground also.

Awareness of step and touch potential, caused by ground potential rise, is important for anyone working on high-voltage power transmission systems. In a typi...

01/07/2026

An upgrade to our office phone system will be taking place today starting at 4:30 pm until around midnight.

You will still be able to report an outage by calling the office # 1-406-784-2341 or toll free 1-800-860-8235

If you need to make a payment on your account please use our website: www.tongueriverelectric.com
OR by dialing the phone payment system directly: 1-855-951-3722

Thank you for your patience and understanding. g

Tongue River Electric Coopertive, Inc was Incorporated January 22, 1946, by Orval W. Gentry, P.T. Bennet, Edward M. Hanson, Julian Terrett, Stephen B. Smith, Perry Hanson, W.C. Wiechman, & F. L. Kamhoot. These men were the original Board Members as well. TRECO services were first energized on Septem...