PEC celebrates National Cooperative Month
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(JOHNSON CITY, Texas) Oct. 1, 2026 — Electric co-ops, like Pedernales Electric Cooperative (PEC), are nonprofit utilities owned and operated by their members. They work for the benefit of their membership and are committed to providing low rates and high reliability. Originally formed to bring power to rural communities, today, nearly 900 electric co-ops across the U.S. serve the diverse needs of their ever-changing communities and PEC is the largest among them.
Keeping rates low and reliability high, co-ops operate locally and give back to strengthen their communities. Those living in an area served by an electric co-op pay a fee to join and establish service. Once they’re part of the co-op they not only become members, but part owners. Here’s a closer look at how co-ops work.
They’re member led
Started for and by our members in 1938, today, PEC continues to provide safe, reliable, and low-cost power to more than a million members in the Texas Hill Country. As nonprofits, PEC and other co-ops are better positioned than other utilities to keep rates steady and low. PEC members continue to lead and guide the co-op today.
A vote and a voice
PEC is led by a democratically elected board of directors that puts members and the co-op first. Board members live locally in the community and are PEC members. The board is responsible for setting rates, rules, and determining the overall direction of the co-op. PEC members can vote in annual board elections to elect the co-op’s leadership and participate in monthly and annual meetings to stay engaged. Meet your PEC Board.
Low rates, high reliability
Co-ops work hard to provide value to their members by keeping rates low and reliability high. As nonprofits, PEC and electric co-ops are better positioned to keep rates steady, despite rising energy prices, because they don’t have shareholders. Member bills reflect the actual cost of service and anything extra is reinvested in the co-op or returned to members as capital credits. PEC members pay rates that are significantly lower than the Texas and National averages and the co-op maintains reliability metrics that are among the top in the state. PEC members can count on having power 99.99% of the time. The PEC difference includes low rates, safe and reliable power, personalized service, and a heartfelt interest in the communities the co-op serves.
Part of a community
With deep roots in their communities, giving back is core to the co-op values. Electric co-ops drive local economies and power our communities. Each year they provide millions of dollars in charitable giving to their communities through scholarships, grants, improvement projects, and educational programs and other opportunities for local youth. Co-op employees are the heart of the community — as a majority live, work, and give back to the places they call home.
PEC members interested in learning more about their co-op can find more information at myPEC.com and by following PEC on social media.
