Co-ops are an integral part of the $364 billion U.S. electric utility industry

America’s electric cooperatives are dedicated to providing safe, reliable and affordable energy to our consumer-members on a not-for-profit basis. Unlike investor-owned utilities, which seek to generate profit for outside investors, we–as cooperatives–are owned by the people we serve and put their interests first. This fundamental difference shapes everything that we do.

ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE SERVICE TERRITORY

America’s 838 distribution cooperatives provide electricity to an estimated 42 million people in 47 states. Their service territories, which collectively cover 56% of the nation, are highlighted in this map.

Distribution cooperatives are the foundation of the rural electric network. They deliver electricity to retail customers. Generation & transmission cooperatives (G&Ts) provide wholesale power to distribution co‑ops through their own generation or by purchasing power on behalf of the distribution members.

In addition to electric service, electric co-ops are deeply involved in their communities promoting development and revitalization projects, small businesses, job creation, improvement of water and sewer systems and assistance in delivery of health care and educational services.

Today’s electric co-ops:

• Own assets worth $164 billion
• Own and maintain 2.6 million miles, or 42%, of the nation’s electric distribution lines
• Deliver 11 percent of the total kilowatt hours sold in the U.S. each year
• Generate nearly 5 percent of the total electricity produced in the U.S. each year
• Employ 72,000 people in the U.S.
• Retire over $800 million in capital credits annually