October is National Co-op Month and here at Morgan County REA, we’re excited to celebrate as your local electric cooperative.
Cooperatives come in all shapes and sizes, each created to meet a specific need. Credit unions help members save and borrow money. Agriculture co-ops help farmers bring their commodities to market. And electric cooperatives — like MCREA — provide reliable electricity to the communities they serve. Regardless of the services offered, all co-ops have one thing in common: they’re led by the people they serve, and that simple idea makes a meaningful difference.
Our story began in 1937, when rural neighbors came together to bring electricity to an area where other utilities wouldn’t. They pooled together their resources, established MCREA, and by May 1938, our co-op had energized its first 175 miles of line in Morgan County. Nearly 90 years later, MCREA has almost 3,000 miles of power line stretched across six counties and serves just over 5,000 members.
It’s safe to say quite a bit has changed since back then, but our purpose has remained steady. We’re still here to provide safe, reliable power to those we serve.
Unlike many businesses that answer to investors or shareholders, cooperatives are built for their members. Their goal isn’t simply to earn a profit, but rather to provide value, meet local needs, and strengthen the communities they call home.
Capital credits are a prime example of this shared member-ownership, and something MCREA works hard to provide to our members. Capital credits are a member’s share of the co-op’s profits, which are returned to members over time based on how much electricity they purchased. That’s how it should be, isn’t it? After all, MCREA is built for and by the members we serve.
At the same time, no two electric cooperatives are exactly alike. As we say in our industry, “If you’ve seen a co-op … you’ve seen one co-op.” The areas and communities powered by co-ops are unique, and each operates differently to serve those needs.
Cooperatives truly are locally-owned, and that’s what makes them special. You’ll find this co-op difference in the little things. It’s the linemen restoring power after a storm. The employees answering your questions when you call. The team members taking part in community events. The board members — your neighbors — who help guide decisions for the future.
At MCREA, we’re proud to be your local electric cooperative and committed to serving our members for generations to come.
By Dave Frick, General Manager
