"We invite you to join us in celebrating the cooperative difference, because this co-op belongs to you.”
Cooperatives have always been built on a powerful idea: When people work together, they can improve life for their neighbors and strengthen the communities they call home.
Cooperatives come in all shapes, sizes and purposes. Credit unions help members save and borrow money. Producer cooperatives, such as Ocean Spray and Land O'Lakes, help farmers bring their products to market. Retail cooperatives, such as REI and ACE Hardware, are owned by their shoppers or a collection of store owners. Housing cooperatives give residents a voice in managing their communities. And electric cooperatives—like Broad River Electric—provide reliable power to the community members who share ownership of the co-op at the lowest possible price.
No matter the services they offer, all cooperatives have one thing in common: They’re led by the people they serve. Unlike many for-profit businesses that answer to outside investors or shareholders, cooperatives are built for their members. Their goal isn’t to maximize profit. It’s to provide value, meet unique local needs and strengthen the communities they call home.
That’s exactly what makes Broad River Electric different.
Our story began in 1940 when neighbors came together to bring electricity to an area when other utilities wouldn’t. While a lot has changed since then, we have remained faithful to our purpose. We’re still here to provide power and make decisions with our community’s best interests in mind.
Being locally owned means we have the flexibility to focus on what matters most to the communities we serve. That’s why no two electric cooperatives are exactly alike. Every community has different needs, and every cooperative reflects those priorities.
That can mean expanding programs that help members save energy and money, supporting economic development, investing in new technology or creating new opportunities for local students. One way our cooperative makes a difference close to home is through Broad River Electric Charities. In keeping with our mission to actively contribute to the well-being of our community, BREC Charities provides funding to local organizations that improve the lives of our members and strengthen the communities we serve. So far in 2026, BREC Charities has awarded more than $78,000 in grants and donations to local organizations, schools and educators.
You’ll also find the co-op difference in the little things. Our employees and our elected board trustees live and work in this community. The folks restoring power after a storm, answering your questions when you call, making big decisions in the boardroom and volunteering at community events are your neighbors.
We’re committed to serving this community for generations to come. This month, which is National Co-op Month, we invite you to join us in celebrating the cooperative difference, because this co-op belongs to you.
