In order to continue offering a safe and efficient facility for members to access and in which employees can work, the current building would need a great deal of updating, along with a number of costly repairs to alleviate chronic issues related to an aging structure. Building costs continue to rise 6-8% every year, so trying to patch a building together for another 10 years means we could pay over $40 million in 10 years.

The BEC board’s decision to construct a new building was based on several concerns:

1. The expense of continuing to repair persistent issues that have become cost-prohibitive.
2. The need for a safe and secure environment for employees as well as members.
3. The growth of the cooperative has resulted in outgrowing the building, which has been added onto several times since it was originally built in 1952. One example is equipment used today measures 9’11” and our garage doors are 10’, making it very difficult to park the vehicles.
4. The need for improved functionality for both members and employees.
5. Current and future needs for collaboration spaces and technology.

Yes and no. Yes, you will still be able to pay your bill in person, but it will be at a temporary location to be determined. Because the building will be demolished at once instead of the originally planned phases, it won't be at the office that is currently standing. This adjustment will last for about 18-24 months. We promise to give plenty of notification about this change and to your payment options once we know details. 

After nearly two years of studying and vetting the multiple options and proposals, the Board selected a local general contractor, Coil Construction of Columbia, to manage the project. Subcontractors for the building phase will be able to bid for the construction phases through Coil, but with BEC’s Board of Directors giving final approval.

The building project cost is $29 million, with scheduled completion in the summer of 2022.

The board did review that as an option. There would have been several added expenses including land costs and infrastructure development. We feel we are established in the best area that also has centralized accessibility to our entire membership.

Construction will take about 30 months once the architecture and design phases are complete. As of September 2020, contractors and architects are very close to finalizing the blueprints. The project is expected to be completed by summer of 2022.

This is a substantial amount of money to invest in our future and we will need a modest rate increase to finance the project. We announced a 5.21% revenue increase in January 2020 that would go into effect on April 1, 2020. For the average member (1,100 kWh/month), about $4.50 of the $6.65 increase to their bill is for the investment in the headquarters building and renovation plan.
See article in the February Rural Missouri.

Yes, that is our goal. BEC has a 60-year history of returning capital credits to its members. It is a priority for our board.

Because we will be rebuilding on the current footprint, our Community Solar project won't need to be moved.

Yes. Along with this page on the BEC website, details about the new building as they become available will be provided in many ways – this includes articles in the Rural Missouri, our social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube) and through local media/newspapers. You are also welcome to contact BEC directly by phone at 573-449-4181 or fill out our online form if you have a specific question. We will do our best to ensure that you are kept informed – especially of anything that directly impacts you during the building process.

No. The membership votes on the board of directors and bylaw additions or amendments at the annual meeting. Your elected board members are then tasked with making these types of decisions for the good of the cooperative. This topic was discussed by President Joel Bullard during his 2019 Annual Meeting address.

Because we will rebuild in one phase instead of three, members will not be able to use the drive-thru on Rangeline St. once construction starts. You will still be able to continue business such as paying your bill, asking account questions, meeting with our energy advisors or picking up a meter base, but starting January 4, 2021, it will be at our temporary location at the former Shelter Insurance Claims branch at 1905 West Ash Street across from Shelter Gardens in Columbia. We will relocate our outdoor kiosk to our Ash Street location as an option for paying your bill.

Not in its current location. Instead of constructing in phases, BEC will save money by closing down our headquarters to members as workers demolish parts of the building and rebuild on its current footprint. Our temporary location is at the former Shelter Insurance Claims branch at 1905 West Ash Street across from Shelter Gardens in Columbia.

Unfortunately, we had to close our Community Room due to COVID-19. The plans are to keep it closed through construction. We will announce the reopening on our website and social media channels.