Sandy Grapperhaus’ rural roots run deep. A lifelong local resident, she’s been a member of Southwestern Electric for more than 30 years and served on the board since 2011. 

During her most recent term, she worked with the co-op’s directors and management team to guide infrastructure investment and support the installation of new technology across Southwestern’s distribution system. 

Grapperhaus said she’s gained valuable experience and insight into the cooperative over the last eight years, and she’d like to carry the momentum forward to address new and ongoing projects. 

“There is still a lot of work to do in regards to our aging infrastructure. My goal, if re-elected, is to guide the co-op’s growth and system improvements while remaining watchful of our budget,” Grapperhaus said. “My focus remains on improving our infrastructure and reliability by spending within our means. I want to ensure that being part of the cooperative is a benefit to all of our members.”

Grapperhaus noted that since she joined the board in 2011, much of the team’s attention has focused on securing a favorable power supply contract. “With Southwestern in a strong position, we’re focusing on strategic planning and operational efficiencies,” she said.

“Pole and wire replacement, the addition of new substations, and the installation of better technology ensure our members receive reliable power, but they come at a significant cost. At the same time, our members are more energy-conscious than ever. They’re building energy-efficient homes, changing their habits, and using devices that require less power. So our membership’s power usage is decreasing, while the day-to-day expenses of the co-op still need to be met,” she said. “That’s a challenge we continually look for new ways to address.”

Offering safe, reliable, affordable power is the co-op’s most important role, Grapperhaus added. “That’s why we’ve renovated and expanded our existing substations, and why we’re building new ones,” she said. “We must continue to look at options for different revenue streams that will help us maintain and improve our distribution system, while keeping costs to the membership down.”

Sandy Grapperhaus has served as vice president of Southwestern’s board of directors since 2018. She chairs the cooperative’s Business Development & Marketing Committee, and serves on the Executive Committee, Policies & Bylaws Committee, and Technology & Cybersecurity Committee. She has earned a Credentialed Cooperative Director designation from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. 

Since 2009, Grapperhaus has served on the advisory committee for Southwestern Illinois College’s Office Administration and Technology program. She is also treasurer of the women’s group at her church in Troy.

Sandy Grapperhaus is the executive assistant at Korte Construction Co. in Highland. She also helps her husband, Dan, with their small farm between Troy and Collinsville. They have three grown children.