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Plainview Today
By the People, for the People
People's Energy Cooperative Announces Election Results in Oronoco
Incumbent directors re-elected as cooperative celebrates 90 years of serving rural communities
Mar. 30, 2026 at 2:24am
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People's Energy Cooperative, a rural electric cooperative serving southeastern Minnesota, announced the results of its director elections at the cooperative's 89th Annual Meeting. Incumbent board members John Winter and Jerome Wooner were re-elected unopposed, while incumbent Jeff Orth defeated challenger Matt Kitzmann in District 7. The meeting highlighted the cooperative's 90-year history of bringing electricity to rural areas and expanding its membership through strategic acquisitions.
Why it matters
As a member-owned cooperative, People's Energy Cooperative's elections are an important way for its rural customers to have a voice in the leadership and direction of the organization that provides their essential electricity service. The cooperative's longevity and growth over the past 90 years demonstrate its ability to adapt to the changing needs of its community.
The details
At the annual meeting, which was held at the Rochester International Event Center and broadcast to the Plainview Copperfield Terrace, the cooperative announced the results of its director elections. John Winter and Jerome Wooner, both current board members, ran unopposed in their respective districts and each received 1,769 votes. Winter represents District 3, and Wooner represents District 5. In District 7, incumbent Jeff Orth defeated challenger Matt Kitzmann with 1,007 votes to 711 votes.
- The 89th Annual Meeting of People's Energy Cooperative took place on March 30, 2026.
- The cooperative was founded 90 years ago and has been serving rural communities in southeastern Minnesota since its inception.
The players
People's Energy Cooperative
A rural electric cooperative that has been serving southeastern Minnesota for 90 years, providing electricity to its member-owners.
John Winter
Incumbent board member representing District 3 who was re-elected unopposed.
Jerome Wooner
Incumbent board member representing District 5 who was re-elected unopposed.
Jeff Orth
Incumbent board member representing District 7 who defeated challenger Matt Kitzmann in the election.
Matt Kitzmann
Challenger who ran against incumbent Jeff Orth in the District 7 board election.
What they’re saying
“We are proud to celebrate 90 years of serving our rural communities and look forward to continuing that legacy of reliable, affordable electricity for many more years to come.”
— Jerry Wooner, Board Chair, People's Energy Cooperative
What’s next
The newly elected and re-elected board members will begin their terms immediately, guiding the cooperative's strategic direction and operations for the coming years.
The takeaway
People's Energy Cooperative's long history of serving rural Minnesota communities through member-elected leadership demonstrates the enduring value of the cooperative business model in providing essential services and adapting to the evolving needs of its member-owners.
