Nominations are now open for “Who Powers You,” a contest being hosted by Northern Electric Cooperative and the region’s other Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives. The third annual Who Powers You contest seeks to highlight local figures who are making a difference in their communities.

“In rural South Dakota, we live in tight-knit communities where individuals volunteer to make their school, church, or other community minded groups great,” said Northern Electric Cooperative Communications Director Kelly Brandlee. “Those people don’t do it for the recognition, but they deserve to be recognized, and we’d like to help make that happen.”

Member-owners, employees, and residents who live or work within the service territory of the region’s Touchstone Energy Cooperatives are eligible to be nominated. Nominations are currently being accepted through April 7, 2024. Three final winners will be selected by a panel of judges based on the impact that they have on the community. Weekly finalists will be announced and featured on Keloland Living starting March 14, 2024, and the three contest winners will be announced on Keloland Living on May 30, 2024.

The Who Powers You contest grand prize winner will receive a $3,000 prize. A second place winner will receive $1,500 and the contest’s third place winner will receive $500.

“As an electric cooperative, our services extend beyond delivering safe, affordable and reliable power to our member-owners,” said Brandlee. “The Who Powers You contest highlights the commitment of our co-op to the communities and member-owners that we serve. We know that our co-op community is filled with people making a difference. Let’s celebrate them!”

To learn more about the Who Powers You contest and to nominate someone in your community, visit WhoPowersYouContest.com.