Who We Are
History
1940
In 1940, Appalachian Electric Cooperative (AEC) borrowed money from the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the Rural Electrification Administration (REA).
- They used these funds to acquire existing electric facilities, marking AEC’s beginnings
- The original loans were repaid to the REA over 35 years at low interest rates
TVA
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) supplies electric energy to the Cooperative at wholesale rates.
- Roughly 80 cents of every dollar collected by the Cooperative goes to the TVA for power
- Appalachian Electric Cooperative operates under a wholesale power contract with TVA, which specifies power rates for its members
Our Mission
To transform our communities and empower our members by providing safe, cost-effective, and reliable essential services.
Our Core Statements
AEC is owned by those we serve
We lead the way with dependable power, member care and exceptional value
We enhance our communities through innovative energy solutions and game-changing fiber services
AEC is here to make your life better
7 Cooperative Principles
Open & Voluntary Membership
- Open membership to all individuals who can use cooperative services and accept membership responsibilities
- No discrimination based on race, religion, gender, or economic circumstances
Democratic Member Control
- Cooperatives are democratic organizations
- Members actively participate in policy-setting and decision-making
- Representatives, such as directors or trustees, are elected from the membership and are accountable to them
- Primary cooperatives follow the principle of equal voting rights (one member, one vote)
- Cooperatives at higher levels are also organized in a democratic fashion
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 and self-help organizations
- They are controlled by their members
- When entering agreements with other organizations, including governments, or raising external capital, they ensure terms that maintain democratic control and preserve their distinct identity
Education, Training, & Information
- Education and training are provided for members, elected representatives (directors/trustees), CEOs, and employees
This training helps them contribute effectively to cooperative development - Communication efforts aim to promote understanding of cooperatives among the general public and opinion leaders
- These activities emphasize the nature and benefits of cooperatives, fostering awareness and support
Cooperation Among Cooperatives
- Cooperatives collaborate through local, national, regional, and international structures
- This cooperation enhances services, strengthens local economies, and addresses social and community needs more effectively
Concern for Community
- Cooperatives actively pursue sustainable community development
- They implement policies that are supported by their membership to achieve this goal
Facts About Your Cooperative
50128
Total Membership
40233
Residential Members
6462
Commercial Members
50
Street, Athletic, & Traffic Lights
2688
Miles of distribution line
118
Miles of transmission line
$226667828
Total utility plant investment
17
Members per mile of line
109
Full time employees
$1516827
Total Property Tax Paid
$933605
Jefferson County tax paid
$195463
Hamblen County tax paid
$264155
Grainger County tax paid
$26476
Sevier County tax paid
$2548
Hawkins County tax paid
$52541
Jefferson City tax paid
$26445
Dandridge tax paid
$12148
White Pine tax paid
$1755
Morristown tax paid
$1697
Baneberry tax paid
Service Area
LEGEND
- District 1
- District 2
- District 3
- District 4
- District 5
- District 6
- District 7
- District 8
- District 9