Clay County approves 20-year franchise renewal for East River Electric

The Clay County Board of Commissioners voted May 27 to approve a 20-year franchise renewal allowing East River Electric to continue operating its existing distribution lines in Clay County.

The utility’s representative told the board the agreement is a renewal of the county’s current franchise (last enacted in 2006) and covers the company’s existing lines. "We're just asking to do business in in Clay County for another 20 years," the East River Electric representative said during the presentation. Commissioners questioned whether the franchise authorizes new construction; the representative said a new substation would likely require a conditional-use permit and any line crossings of county or township roads would involve coordination with the highway department and landowner easements.

The board discussed that historically franchise renewals in Clay County have not included monetary compensation to the county. After public discussion and questions about notification for new construction, a commissioner moved to approve Resolution 2026-04 and authorized the chair to sign. The motion was seconded and passed on a voice vote.

The utility will continue to coordinate with county staff, township supervisors and property owners on any crossings or easements needed for new line alignments. Commissioners said they expect to review conditional-use and permitting requirements if East River proposes new facilities in the future.

Next procedural steps: the chair will sign the resolution and the franchise agreement will remain in effect under the terms discussed; any future construction projects were described as subject to local permitting and easement acquisition.