The Rural Electrification Program had its beginning in May, 1935 and Rusk County Electric Cooperative came into being in December, 1937 when Dr. C.A. Dawson, Minden; Mr. T.L. Vincent and Mr. J.J. Pool, Tatum; Mr. J.W. Wylie, Pine Hill; Mr. J.E. Rogers, Henderson; Mr. S.T. Allison, Carthage; and Mr. John C. Smith from Beckville incorporated the Cooperative, which started from zero and today has over 3600 miles of lines, and serves over 15,000 members located in Rusk, Panola, Gregg, Nacogdoches, and Shelby Counties.

By definition a "Cooperative" is people working or acting together, willingly for a common purpose. The fact that the Cooperative is a non-profit, people-owned organization, means that it is geared not to profit, but to people. Thus the Cooperative is you - the people we serve.

These farsighted founders of the Cooperative could never have dreamed of the changes that have taken place in the past 77 years, but the Cooperative principle is still as valid as it was then.

FACTS ABOUT RUSK COUNTY ELECTRIC:

• We are a not-for-profit operation. That means we buy power and pass it on to our customers for the same price we paid for it
• In years where revenues are sufficient to meet all financial obligations, the cooperative returns excess revenue to members, usually by a capital credit retirement check or credit to member bills
• As a member-owned organization, a co-op's leadership is elected by its customers

All cooperative businesses adhere to these seven guiding principles:

1) Voluntary and Open Membership: Cooperatives are voluntary organizations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership.

2) Democratic Member Control: Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions.

3) Members' Economic Participation: Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative.

4) Autonomy and Independence: Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members.

5) Education, Training, and Information: Cooperatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers, and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperatives.

6) Cooperation Among Cooperatives: Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together.

7) Concern for Community: While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities.

Since 1937 RCEC has called our community, home.  We're a cooperative owned by our members who are our neighbors & friends.

We invest in the development of your hometown community.  We do it because this is our home too. We are here for you!