Mission Statement
The mission of Southwest Arkansas Electric Cooperative is to provide first class electric service to the membership at a valued price and to provide other services that add value to the organization.
History
Founded in 1937
Southwest Arkansas Electric Cooperative is a nonprofit, member-owned rural electric cooperative headquartered in Texarkana, Arkansas, with district offices in Texarkana, Bradley, De Queen, and Nashville.
Built by Local Communities
The Cooperative was organized in 1937 by a group of farmers and businessmen from:
- Miller County
- Howard County
- Sevier County
- Columbia County
- Lafayette County
- Hempstead County
Since then, our service area has expanded to include:
- Little River and Polk counties in Arkansas
- Bowie and Cass counties in Texas
- McCurtain County in Oklahoma
Powering Southwest Arkansas Since 1938
The Cooperative energized its first 134 miles of power line in November 1938, bringing electricity to 245 meters.
At that time, the average member:
- Paid approximately $3.44 per month for electric service
- Used about 30 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity each month
Serving Members Today
Today, Southwest Arkansas Electric Cooperative operates:
- More than 4,883 miles of distribution lines
- 125 miles of transmission lines
- 30 substations
- More than 29,000 meters throughout our service area
7 Cooperative Principles
Open & Voluntary Membership
Membership in a cooperative is open to all people who can reasonably use its services and stand willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, regardless of race, religion, gender, or economic circumstances.
Democratic Member Control
Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. Representatives (directors/trustees) are elected among the membership and are accountable to them. In primary cooperatives, members have equal voting rights (1 member, 1 vote); cooperatives at other levels are organized in a democratic manner.
Members’ Economic Participation
Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. At least part of that capital remains the common property of the cooperative. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing the cooperative; setting up reserves; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.
Autonomy & Independence
Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements with other organizations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control as well as their unique identity.
Education, Training, & Information
Education and training for members, elected representatives (directors/trustees), CEOs, and employees help them effectively contribute to the development of their cooperatives. Communications about the nature and benefits of cooperatives, particularly with the general public and opinion leaders, help boost cooperative understanding.
Cooperation Among Cooperatives
By working together through local, national, regional and international structures, cooperatives improve services, bolster local economies, and deal more effectively with social and community needs.
Concern for Community
Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies supported by the membership.