Operation Round Up® began at Kootenai Electric Cooperative in November 2002 and since has donated more than $1,500,000 to those in need in our region. More than 200 electric cooperatives across the nation are operating this program showing their commitment to their communities.
How Operation Round Up Works
Operation Round Up is just what its name implies. Each month, KEC “rounds up” the electric bills of participating consumers to the next highest dollar.
- Example: a consumer’s monthly bill of $52.73 would be automatically rounded up to $53, with the additional 27¢ going to the Operation Round Up fund.
Donations are tax-deductible, and you will be sent a summary of your yearly contributions on January and February statements.
Through participation in Operation Round Up, the average contribution per member is approximately 50¢ a month, or $6 per year.
How Funds Are Used
- Typically, the funding is used to address crucial needs such as food, clothing, shelter, medical care, and education.
- Operation Round Up funds may not be used for political purposes.
- Operation Round Up funds stay right here in our area.
- All Operation Round Up donations are placed in trust and administered by an independent Board of Directors called the Kootenai Electric Trust.
Sign Up to Participate
Are you “rounding up” your KEC bill? If not, we need your help! To start rounding up your bill, fill out our opt-in form.
Join Operation Round UpParticipation in Operation Round Up is strictly voluntary. Members who choose not to take part may withdraw by simply notifying KEC of their decision at any point. Members can contact KEC in writing, by phone, or by email.
Kootenai Electric Trust Board
Donations are administered by an independent Board of Directors called the Kootenai Electric Trust.
- The Trust is made up of members who are community leaders and serve on the Board on a voluntary basis.
- It is they who receive and evaluate all requests for funds and determine how they will be distributed.
Trust Board Members include:
- Jay Baker, Chair, District 1
- Jessica Bacon Wourms, Secretary/Treasurer, District 2
- Dan Green, District 3
- Connie Sumner-Kaupp, District 4
- Randy Foiles, Vice Chair, District 5
- Garry Thompson, District At-Large
- Kerri Thoreson, District At-Large
To apply to be a Member of the KEC Trust Board visit our Kootenai Electric Trust Board Application form.
Apply for a Grant
All applications for Operation Round Up funds are designated for either an individual or an organization in need. The applications are reviewed quarterly at the meeting of the Trust Board, and a decision is then made on disbursement. The next application deadline is October 16, 2026.
Organizational Application Individual ApplicationTo see how grants have been used in the past, visit our Recently Awarded Grants page.
2025 Annual Report
A sampling of 2025 grants:
- $7,500 to KEC’s Project Share program. These funds are available to KEC members who qualify for help paying their energy bills.
- Twelve $2,000 post-secondary scholarships to KEC members or their children.
- $2,500 to the Post Falls Food Bank to purchase fuel to collect food.
- $2,500 to the Boys & Girls Club of Kootenai County for their summer programs.
- $2,500 to PB&J Haydeners to grow and purchase fresh produce for those in need in North Idaho.
- $2,500 to the Northern Lakes Fire District Dive Team to purchase critical dive equipment.
- $2,500 to the North Idaho Fair Foundation for the Farm to Table event for local 5th graders.
Members who choose not to contribute to Operation Round Up® or who would like to begin contributing may simply opt out or opt in on their bill or contact KEC by phone, letter or email or by our opt-in form..
Thank You to the Trust Board!
