Privacy of Consumer Information Policy

SWCE POLICY NO. 1.013

I. OBJECTIVE

To protect the privacy and confidentiality of the consumers.

II. POLICY CONTENT

Steele-Waseca Cooperative Electric (SWCE) has a fiduciary responsibility to our consumers and vendors. No action can be taken

involving the consumer without the prior consent of the consumer.

III. PROVISIONS

A. Recognition of a Consumer’s Expectation of Privacy
a. SWCE recognizes and respects that our consumers expect privacy and confidentiality in all dealings with the Cooperative and pledge

that SWCE will take the steps necessary to protect the privacy of information shared with the company.

B. Collection, Use and Retention of Consumer Information

a. Steele-Waseca Cooperative Electric collects, uses, and retains information about individual consumers when it is necessary and as a

part of providing our consumers reliable services. SWCE will never utilize data obtained from individual consumers without the

permission of the consumer. The mailing list of SWCE shall not be used for any purpose other than disseminating cooperative

information and billing.

C. Maintenance of Accurate Information
a. SWCE has established procedures so that our consumers’ financial information is accurate, current and complete in accordance with

reasonable commercial standards. SWCE staff also responds to requests to correct inaccurate information in a timely manner.

D. Limiting Employee Access to Information

a. The management of SWCE limits employee access to information to those with a business reason for knowing such information. SWCE

educates its employees on the importance of maintaining consumer confidentiality and we enforce our privacy policies with appropriate

disciplinary procedures.

E. Protection of Information by Means of Security Procedures
a. Steele-Waseca Cooperative Electric business information is protected by industry standard firewalls, encryption, and password

protection. SWCE enforces security procedures to protect confidential information from loss, misuse, or alteration.

F. Restrictions on Use and Sharing of Personal Information
a. SWCE collects, uses, and retains information about individual consumers when it is necessary and as a part of providing our

products and services. SWCE will never utilize data obtained from an individual consumer without the permission of the consumer.

b. SWCE will not reveal specific information about consumer accounts or other personally identifiable data to unaffiliated third parties for

their independent use except as follows:

1. When the information is required to complete a transaction initiated by the consumer;
2. When the consumer requests it;
3. When disclosure is required by law (e.g. subpoena, investigation of fraud, etc); or
4. When the consumer has been informed about the possibility of disclosure for marketing or similar purposes through a prior

communication, and the consumer is given the opportunity to decline or “opt out”.

G. Business Relationships with Third Parties and Employment
a. SWCE agrees that the Cooperative will not share information with third parties that do not adhere to similar privacy principles and

practices for keeping such information confidential.

b. SWCE will not disclose employment application information to third parties, unless a release is signed by the applicant, and after one (1)

year, will appropriately dispose of employment applications and any other pertinent information regarding the application.

H. Disclosure of Privacy Principles to Consumers
a. SWCE posts the privacy policy at the Steele-Waseca Cooperative Electric business location and on the Steele-Waseca

Cooperative Electric web site.

IV. RESPONSIBILITY

The General Manager shall be responsible for the administration of this policy.

This resolution rescinds all policies heretofore inconsistent herewith. Motion approved unanimously by the Board of Directors.

Effective Date: June 1, 1974

Reviewed Date: July 28, 2005
January 28, 1999