Stearns Electric Breaks Ground on New Headquarters and Operations Center

Stearns Electric Association members, Board of Directors and employees came together on Monday, May 6, to celebrate the groundbreaking for the Cooperative’s new operations center and headquarters. Excitement was in the air as Stearns Electric CEO Matt O’Shea and Board President Eric Peterson welcomed individuals to the event and shared details of the project.

Also attending were project partners from the City of Melrose, project architect GLTArchitects, and construction manager W Gohman Construction.

Stearns Electric is replacing its current 54-year-old operations center and headquarters with an 89,000 square foot building and a larger pole yard. The additional space, as well as new work and storage areas, are needed to support the Cooperative’s growing operations now and far into the future. The new facility will be located just west of Stearns Electric’s current headquarters along Interstate 94 in Melrose, Minnesota.

“The new operations center and headquarters represents an important investment in our long-term ability to continue meeting the energy needs of our members,” O’Shea said. “This project will help us make our services more efficient, which will allow us to control costs more effectively and keep our energy rates competitive.”

The new facility will feature larger garages, an enhanced mechanic shop, meeting areas and storage spaces for important material and equipment like poles, wires, transformers and meters. Additionally, office departments and workspaces were designed for efficient workflow, productivity and collaboration for all employees.

“The new operations center and headquarters facility is a building for employees and members alike,” Peterson explained. “The additional space will help us better maintain our fleet of vehicles and equipment needed to sustain the delivery of reliable electricity our members expect and deserve.”

The projected cost of the project is $21.5 million. Expected completion is in late summer or early fall of 2025.

Stearns Electric operates an operations center and headquarters in Melrose along with a branch office in St. Joseph. Both facilities are essential to the reliability of service needed to the Cooperative’s membership. The Stearns Electric branch office in St. Joseph will be unaffected by this project.