For more than 80 years, Broad River Electric Cooperative has been more than your energy provider—we’ve been a steadfast partner, a helping hand and a proud member of the communities we serve. This month, I’m excited to reflect on our cooperative’s rich history as a cooperative and share the unique benefits our members enjoy by being part of a cooperative family.
Many people may not know that electric cooperatives like ours were born out of necessity. When large utility providers saw little profit in building electrical infrastructure in rural areas, local communities took charge. They formed cooperatives to bring light and power to rural homes and farms, places often overlooked by traditional utility companies.
Our story began in 1940, when local farmers and merchants from Cherokee, Union and Spartanburg counties came together in pursuit of what we continue to strive for today—providing safe, reliable and affordable electricity to our neighbors and friends. With support from the Rural Electrification Administration, Broad River Electric was incorporated in June of that year, and reliable electricity became a reality for the first time.
A year later, our first power lines were energized by a new substation in Pacolet in Cherokee County. Neighbors worked side by side, and the cooperative’s lines soon expanded into Union and Spartanburg counties. The cooperative spirit was alive and well–and it still is today.
A lot has changed since 1940, but our mission remains the same. We are here to keep the lights on, to improve our communities and always put our members first. As a member-owned, not-for-profit organization, you are more than a customer—you are an owner. You have a voice in our governance and a stake in every decision we make.
Every cooperative is guided by seven core principles, a powerful set of values that put people first. This member-driven model ensures that our operations always prioritize your needs and our community’s well-being over profits.
Unlike investor-owned utilities that have shareholders, Broad River Electric answers to you. Every dollar we earn is reinvested into improving our services or returned to you through capital credits.
Today, we proudly serve more than 20,000 members across nearly 3,000 miles of power lines. As the Southeast continues to grow, our commitment to you remains stronger than ever. We are embracing innovation, adapting to meet your ever-evolving needs and holding fast to the cooperative values that have guided us since day one.
For a deeper look into our history and impact, I invite you to watch our video, “Power for Progress: A History of Broad River Electric,” highlighting our 75-year journey in empowering life in the Upstate of South Carolina.
It is truly our privilege to serve you. Whether it’s a call to our member services team, or in the middle of the night during a power outage, we are here. Thank you for being an integral part of Broad River Electric Cooperative.
President & CEO