We Are America’s Electric Cooperatives
We Power 1 in 8 Americans
From booming suburbs to rural farming communities, America’s electric cooperatives are energy providers and engines of economic growth for 42 million Americans.
Learn More About Our MissionSupport During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Electric co-ops are taking important steps to help the communities they call home. Many have temporarily suspended disconnections and waived late payment fees, but community support doesn’t stop at the electric bill. From providing financial relief to teaming up with local services to distribute meals and supplies, co-ops are serving their members during these uncertain times.
- Co-ops Provide Financial Relief to Members During Pandemic
- Co-op Speeds Broadband Connection to Clinic for COVID-19 Testing
- Co-ops, Restaurants Partner Up to Provide Meals During COVID-19 Pandemic
- Amid Pandemic Shortages, Co-op Partners With Distillery to Produce Hand Cleanser
- Co-ops Offer Educational Ideas for Parents Juggling Kids, Telework During Pandemic
Electricity Use and Fuel Mix
Electric cooperatives play a vital role in transforming the electric sector. Advanced communications and energy technology enable electric co-ops to improve the efficiency and resiliency of their systems and reduce environmental impacts through enhanced efficiency and by adding renewable resources and energy storage.
Balanced energy mix meets co-op members’ needs
Electric cooperatives are playing a significant role in the energy evolution.
Co-ops are diversifying their energy portfolios in response to consumer expectations and industry trends, with a majority of co-op power now coming from low- and no-emissions sources. Electric co-ops own and purchase enough renewable energy to power 6 million homes.
The flexibility to respond to regional and local factors is important as electric co-ops best meet the unique energy needs of their communities. As consumer energy expectations evolve, they are built on the foundation of affordability and reliability. That’s why co-op investments in baseload energy sources like coal and natural gas will remain essential in many communities.
Co-ops Were Built By and Belong to the Communities They Serve
Connecting Rural Communities to the Modern Economy
More than 6 million households served by electric cooperatives still lack broadband internet access. Electric co-ops are helping to solve this problem and bringing new life to communities—creating jobs, improving health care and enhancing education.
Invaluable Connections With Member Consumers
Investing in Our Communities
• Report: Economic and Workforce Contributions of the Electric Power Industry
• Feature Story: The Rise of Female Lineworkers
• Op-Ed: NRECA CEO Jim Matheson on Rural Act
• News Story: Indiana Broadband Study Shows Value of High-Speed Access
• Podcast: The Role of Co-ops in Rural Revitalization
• News Story: Veterans in Energy Forum Looks at Maximizing Vets’ Potential on the Job
Driving Economic Development
Electric cooperatives have a broad financial impact, directly or indirectly supporting 612,000 jobs and contributing hundreds of billions of dollars to the economy over a five-year period, according to a recent analysis by FTI Consulting.
Electric Cooperative Impact
• Podcast: NRECA President Curtis Wynn Looks to Co-ops’ Future
• News Story: The Story of Co-op Solar in Nine Graphics
• Feature Story: Tipping Point for Rural Broadband?
• News Story: Innovative Carbon Test Center Opens at Basin Electric’s Dry Fork Station