Lower Valley Energy releases statement following passing of Fred Brog
By Duke Dance
July 21, 2025
Fred Brog (Courtesy Photo)
Lower Valley Energy has released the below statement following the passing of long-time board member Fred Brog due to complications from a previously undetected advanced form of Lymphoma Cancer. Brog passed away surrounded by family on Sunday, July 20. Funeral services are planned for Saturday, July 26 with details pending.
This summer Fred was re-elected to another term on the board. At a future date, the current board will provide details on a replacement on the board. Applications for the position will be received and a member appointed to serve the term.
Fred Brog, A Lifetime of Service
Afton, WY – Fred Brog, a pillar of the Wyoming energy community and devoted public servant, passed away peacefully this weekend surrounded by family. His death marks the end of an era for Lower Valley Energy and the broader electric cooperative movement, where the Brog family name has been synonymous with leadership and service for nearly nine decades.
Fred dedicated 37 years of his life to serving on the Lower Valley Energy Board of Directors, following in the extraordinary footsteps of his father, Ernest Brog, who was instrumental in founding the cooperative in 1937. Together, the Brog family’s commitment to bringing reliable electricity to rural Wyoming spans the entire history of the organization, representing an unparalleled legacy of public service.
Ernest Brog’s vision in 1937 recognized that electricity was essential to support the region’s agricultural economy. The elder Brog secured crucial funding from the Rural Electrification Administration to establish Lower Valley Energy, laying the foundation for what would become a cornerstone of the community. Fred carried forward this pioneering spirit, ensuring that his father’s vision continued to serve generations of Wyoming families and businesses.
Fred’s influence extended far beyond the borders of Star Valley. His expertise and dedication earned him positions on numerous prestigious boards, including the Wyoming Rural Electric Association (NRECA), the Idaho Cooperative Utilities Association, the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation, and the National Cooperative Services Corporation board. Through these roles, he helped shape energy policy and cooperative practices across the region and nation.
His exceptional service was recognized with two of the industry’s highest honors. In September 2024, Fred received the Outstanding Service Award from NRECA, presented by CEO Jim Matheson at the Regional Meeting. This prestigious award is granted annually to only one board member from each of the nation’s 10 regions, highlighting the exceptional nature of Fred’s contributions. He also received the John M. George Public Service Award from the Northwest Public Power Association, recognizing his significant contributions to the advancement of public power.
Fred embodied the cooperative principles of democratic participation, community concern, and commitment to members. His leadership helped navigate Lower Valley Energy through decades of technological advancement, regulatory changes, and community growth, always keeping the needs of member-owners at the forefront of decision-making.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Fred was known for his integrity, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to improving life in rural Wyoming. He understood that reliable electricity was more than a utility service—it was the foundation for economic development, education, healthcare, and quality of life in rural communities.
Fred Brog’s legacy lives on in every home and business powered by Lower Valley Energy. His vision, dedication, and service have left an indelible mark on Wyoming’s energy landscape and the thousands of families who have benefited from reliable, affordable electricity. The cooperative movement has lost a true champion, and the community has lost a leader whose impact will be felt for generations to come.
