Three Rivers Electric Cooperative - History
Cooperative Formed to Make Rural Life Better
The articles of incorporation of Three Rivers Electric Cooperative were signed February 22, 1939 by 12 men who wanted everyone in the central Missouri area to be able to have electricity. The incorporators visited with friends and neighbors to explain what was needed to set up a rural electric cooperative. The membership fee at that time - during the height of the depression - was $5.00
|
In April of 1940, the first pole on the Cooperative's system was set at Lone Star School south of Linn. The Oklahoma Church of Christ, which is located near Hope in Osage County, has the distinction of being the first building energized on the Cooperative's system. It was energized on July 20, 1940.
|
Since those early days, the Cooperative has seen tremendous growth. Currently, there are 21,154 connected meters; 3,929 miles of energized line and 5.38 connected meters per mile of line.*
|
|
Throughout the years, the Cooperative's vision statement has remained the same - to provide the best possible service at rates consistent with sound business practices. We will invest in technology to improve reliability, operations, and efficiency.
|
The member-owners of Three Rivers Electric Cooperative and other cooperatives across the United States reap the benefits of what they learned about cooperation by following the seven cooperative principles. These principles were first established in 1844 by a small band of weavers in Rochdale, England, who were tired of falling victim to powerful factory owners. The Rochdale Principles became basic guidelines for cooperatives of every type.
|
|
*These figures are as December 31, 2006
|
|
|
