Foothills Gas operates and maintains its own natural gas distribution system, servicing areas within Mountain View County, Clear Water County, and Red Deer County, see franchise area & www.fedgas.com/our-members
ABOUT
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CORPORATE STATEMENT
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To provide our member owners with a co-operative advantage through the delivery of safe, reliable and cost-effective natural gas while maintaining the highest degree of compliance with all regulatory requirements
LINKS
PRESS RELEASE
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Incorporated February 22, 1974: 50 YEAR ANNIVERSARY IN 2024!
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A cooperative is a unique and different business; a business that belongs to the people who use it. A cooperative operates for the benefit of its members. These member-owners share equally in the control of their cooperative, they meet at regular intervals, review detailed reports, and elect directors from among themselves. The directors in turn hire management to manage the day-to-day affairs of the cooperative in a way that serves the members’ interests. Members invest in shares in the business to provide capital for a strong and efficient operation. The cost of a membership with Foothills Natural Gas Co-op is $1.00. This non-refundable membership fee entitles the member to one vote at the Annual General Meeting. Membership is terminated when land is sold or transferred.
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In the 1970s Alberta’s rural community banded together to create natural gas co-operatives. 50 years later, their legacy lives on in the Federation of Alberta Gas Co-ops Ltd. and all its Member Utilities. We are proud to share this story: The FedGas Story – Federation: A Story of Gas Co-ops
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Gas co-ops not only improved rural Alberta’s economy and kept the money in local communities but it has always been centered on the idea that the utility and its employees are a part of the community.
HISTORY & INFORMATION
THE FEDERATION OF ALBERTA GAS CO-OPS
Foothills Gas is a member of the Federation of Alberta Gas Co-ops. Together with other member utilities, the Federation forms the largest rural gas system in the world. The Federation’s main function is to provide co-operatives with centralized services to support the utility and the members.
The Federation of Alberta Gas Co-ops Ltd., as a member organization of Co-operators, has worked together with them to bring you access to a special Member Benefits Program. If you are a member of Foothills Gas these enhanced coverages and exclusive savings are available to you.
RULES & REGULATIONS FORMING PART OF CUSTOMER CONTRACT
The Rules & Regulations are approved by the Board of Directors of Foothills Natural Gas Co-op Ltd. pursuant to all Customer Contracts that have also been approved by the Board. The Board, at its discretion, may change, modify, replace, or amend these Rules & Regulations by an authorizing resolution of the Board. Any amendment to these Rules and regulations will take effect thirty (30) days after the amended Rules and regulations are posted to the Co-op’s website.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is typically held between late March and early April. Foothills Natural Gas Co-op’s fiscal year end is December 31st.
We encourage all members to attend the AGM and participate in the voting that takes place at the event.
MINUTES & FINANCIALS
All members in attendance will receive the full meeting package. Those who are not in attendance will be mailed the annual financial report. Those who are not in attendance of the AGM must make a special request to receive the full meeting package, otherwise, they will only receive the financials.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION
Are there shares/dividends dispersed to the members?
No, any surplus of earnings of the Association will be used to maintaining a strong and efficient operation by attainment of assets.
Who does Foothills purchase natural gas from?
Our natural gas is purchased directly through Gas Alberta. https://www.gasalberta.com/
Who regulates the natural gas industry in Alberta?
The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) https://www.aer.ca/ and The Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) https://www.auc.ab.ca/ regulate exploration, production, processing, transmission and distribution of natural gas within the province. Foothills Gas is under the jurisdiction of The Alberta Energy Regulator.
What is the AGM? And when does this take place?
This is an annual general meeting of the membership of Foothills Gas. The AGM is typically held between late March to early April. We encourgage all members to attend and participate in the voting that takes place at this event.
Is there a fee to become a member of the Co-op?
The cost of a membership is $ 1.00. Membership is concluded when title to land is sold or transferred. The membership fee is non-refundable and becomes the sole property of the Association. Your membership entitles you to one vote at the Annual General Meeting. Even if you own multiple properties, you are entitled to only one vote.
What is natural gas?
Natural gas is one of the safest and most reliable fuels available. Natural gas is lighter than air and will dissipate into the atmosphere unless confined. It has lower emissions than most other fuels. Combustion cannot occur unless a narrow range of fuel-to-air mixture is present. Like all energy forms, it must be used properly. For safe, efficent use of natural gas in your home, it is important you respect natural gas, know how to use it properly and follow manufacturer's directions for using & taking care of natural gas appliances. By properly caring for your appliances, you'll help ensure safe and effective operation.
What does the Federation of Alberta Gas Co-ops Ltd. do?
Foothills Gas is a member of the Federation of Alberta Gas Co-ops. Together with other member utilities, the Federation forms the largest rural gas system in the world. The Federation’s main function is to provide co-operatives with centralized services to support the utility and the members. https://www.fedgas.com/
What is a Co-op?
Foothills Natural Gas Co-op is a not-for-profit member owned utility company that sells natural gas to a rural franchised area. Our franchise area is defined as west of QE II to the foothills, from north of Bowden to just south of Carstairs, an area of 958 square miles. A co-op operates for the benefit of its members. Members meet once a year at the AGM to elect a Board of Directors. The Directors, in turn, hire management to manage the day-to-day affairs in a way that serves the members' interests. All excess income is invested back into the Co-op.
What is the Foothills Gas Achievement Award?
The Foothills Natural Gas Co-op Ltd. Achievement Award was established to support students who have demonstrated a commitment to entering post secondary education. Awards in the amount of $500 each will be given out annually to deserving students upon successful selection for this award.
What is the The Federation Achievement Award?
The Federation Achievement Award was created to recognize deserving students of members across rural Alberta. Four $1,000 awards are handed out at the Federation Annual General Meeting.
APPLY TO JOIN THE BOARD
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Year Of Winning
FULL NAME
Year Of Winning
In order to join the Board of Directors, you MUST be a current member in good standing to apply. The Foothills Natural Gas Co-op Ltd.’s Board is comprised of seven directors. There are two officers of the Board: Chairman and Vice Chairman. Board appointment of officers, committees and representatives takes place each year following the annual general meeting. The Board is based on a democratic structure and is committed to ensuring good Co-op governance within the Association.
We are a member owned natural gas utility serving over 3,500 members in a franchise area defined as west of QE II to the foothills, from north of Bowden to just south of Carstairs, an area of 958 square miles. We have an office located in Olds, Alberta with a staff consisting of 13 individuals.
A MESSAGE FROM THE MANAGER
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To our valued members and rural community served by Foothills Gas,
Thank you for being part of our natural gas co-op family. Your support propels us into an exciting future with increasing sustainability and technological advancements on the horizon. We here at Foothills Natural Gas Co-op Ltd. are committed to reducing our environmental footprint and embracing innovations that enhance your energy experience. Together, we're building a greener, more efficient, and technologically advanced natural gas community; starting with the launch of our new website, designed with your digital experience in mind! Your trust in us fuels this journey, and we're truly grateful.
Warm regards,
John Armstrong, General Manager