Orlin Kidner

Orlin Kidner is a Wells resident and a property owner and a WREC member since 1965. He was elected to the WREC Board in 1994 and is nearing the end of his third term.

This director has earned the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Certified Credentialed Director, along with Leadership Board Governance certificates.

Orlin was reared on a ranch near Rapid City, South Dakota. He earned BS and MA Degrees from Black Hills State University.

While teaching math and science at Carey High School in Carey, ID, Orlin met the lady who became his wife. Orlin and Marjean were married in 1964 and moved to Wells in 1965 where Orlin took a teaching position at Wells High School. He coached basketball and track for many years. During the last decade of his service to the Elko County School District, he served as Athletic Director and Assistant Principal.

Orlin retired while still a relatively young man and looked about for a way to serve his community. “I wanted to give back to the community that has been good to me. I have always thought that WREC was a good organization, and I’m proud to be part of it.”

Orlin says that he finds the Board to be comprised of good people. “Every one on the board takes members’ best interest into consideration as a first priority.”

The issues facing WREC that most interest Orlin have to do with the new power contract that WREC will be signing in 2007. “However, within the next year we will be re-negotiating part of the current power contract,” Orlin says. “The day is coming when we’ll be called upon to add “green power” to our already “green” hydroelectric power supply from the Bonneville Power Administration.

“Negotiating power contracts is becoming a more complex issue. Prices are constantly being pressured upward. We, here in the Wells Rural Electric area, are at the end of the line. Transmission costs keep increasing until now these costs represent a significant portion of our power price,” Orlin says. “My goals are to acquire the most economical power price possible for our members. I will also continue to pursue policies that will maintain our high quality of service.”

Director Kidner is proud to be a board member of an organization that contributes to the quality of life in all the service communities. “I’m pleased to support the Next Dollar Foundation which gives four annual scholarships. I’ve been a part of the scholarship committee for all my time on the Board. I find this to be a very satisfying activity.”