EST. 2013
At Energy Ogre, we're proud to be helping thousands of people save on their energy bills. Yet a lot of people are ogre-vated that we can't help them. Why is that? It's because of the electric cooperatives in Texas.
Unfortunately, virtually all Texas areas served by electric cooperatives (co-ops or municipal utilities) are closed to retail competition. They operate on "one-price-fits-all" models. Ultimately, this prevents Energy Ogre from selecting an alternative provider for you that could save you money on your electricity bill.
Now, we're not knocking co-ops. They've provided a basic need for years in rural communities. In fact, Texas was one of the first states in the Union to establish an organization that would allow communities to decide how they would get and pay for their electricity. So it's important to remind ourselves of a little history.
The History of Electric Cooperatives in Texas
Back in the 1930s, folks in rural Texas used wood stoves and read by coal-oil lamps. It was not yet profitable for the existing power companies to serve electricity to rural areas. But, in 1935, the Rural Electrification Administration made it possible for rural communities to borrow federal money. They could then form local, consumer-owned electric companies. That's when Bartlett Electric Cooperative in Central Texas was born. It became the first in the nation to turn on the lights for its members.
Today, Texas has 75 electric cooperatives. They provide service to nearly 3 million member-consumers in 241 of the state's 254 counties. They operate as not-for-profit businesses governed by member-elected boards of directors. Boards set policies for the operation of the co-op system, including the rate charged to all customers.
Since 2002, cooperatives can choose to participate in a retail competition at any time. The board of directors has to adopt a resolution first. Few have opted to do so before now for various reasons. That includes long-term financial contracts or loans and tax status with federal bonds.
Good News for Cooperative Power Customers
Cooperative customers do have some good news, according to Energy Ogre CEO Jesson Bradshaw. He believes co-ops are evolving with the needs of their customers. As Texas populations explode, many rural areas are now urbanized. Furthermore, many co-ops are looking at alternative structures and making needed changes to serve their customers properly. Yet, there will still be others that have a financial model that inhibits them from entering the competitive market. If you're in a co-op or municipality, you do still have a voice. If you want to be in a competitive market, Bradshaw suggests you call or write your board or city council to share your opinion.
