Broad River Electric Cooperative has officially moved into its new Cherokee County headquarters in Cowpens after approximately 50 years in Gaffney. The cooperative plans to transfer its former building to Cherokee County to use as a community asset.
Long-term asset
Broad River Electric’s new headquarters at 1036 Webber Road will offer convenience, cost-saving measures, and community gathering options to its members and the surrounding community.
The facility features three drive-thru lanes for members to easily pull up and submit their bill payments, as well as multiple interaction rooms for members to privately meet with staff when needed. The building uses energy-efficient LED lighting, in addition to equipment and utility improvements that will greatly reduce maintenance costs.
BREC also hopes the headquarters will be an asset to the surrounding community. The building features a large gathering room that can support community meetings and gatherings, as well as areas for catering service.
Operations and customer service staff are now based at the new build- ing, while the warehouse and truck shed will support linemen and service BREC trucks. The additional space means there is also an ability to add staff as needed in the future.
“The new headquarters will be a long-term asset for the membership and to the greater community across Union, Cherokee, Spartanburg, and other counties in our service area that will both reduce costs and set up our operations for success for many years to come,” says President and CEO Terry Mallard.
New future for previous building
The building Broad River is leaving behind won’t sit idle for long. This month, the executive leaders and Board of Trustees will formally transfer the facility in Gaffney to Cherokee County for use as a Public Works Department site, as well as a recreational facility for the community.
The Cherokee County Public Works Department is responsible for power, water, and the upkeep of roadways and bridges in the county. As a former electric co-op headquarters, the building is well-suited for the department’s needs and day-to-day operations. In addition, the building’s large gymnasium will be opened to the public, which can use the space for basketball games and other recreational activities.
“We are proud to provide this public asset to the county that has been home to our operational headquarters for so many years,” says Board Chairman Norris Fowler. “We look forward to witnessing the next chapter for this space as it continues to serve the Cherokee County community.”
