[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 51 (Friday, March 20, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Page S1442]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             RECOGNIZING WYRULEC COMPANY'S 90TH ANNIVERSARY

  Mr. 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.
  On April 16, 2026, the Wyrulec Company will celebrate 90 years of 
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.
  The Wyrulec Company has the distinction of being the first rural 
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.
  At the time, most farms and ranches operated without electricity, 
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.
  The advent of accessible electricity had a profound impact on the co-
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.
  Wyrulec's ongoing efforts to maintain and modernize its electric 
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.
  The success of the Wyrulec Company can be credited to its experienced 
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

  It is an honor to celebrate this significant milestone for the 
Wyrulec Company. Its legacy of serving rural Wyoming with reliability, 
innovation, and community focus has strengthened local economies and 
improved overall quality of life.
  Wyrulec's resounding success stands as a testament to the strength of 
the cooperative model and the enduring spirit of innovation and 
collaboration in rural Wyoming.

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