Farmers Electric Cooperative, Inc. is a not-for-profit electric distribution cooperative serving portions of six counties in Southwest Iowa, including Adair, Audubon, Cass, Guthrie, Madison, and Union. Established in 1938, the cooperative was formed in response to the unprofitable nature of extending electrical lines beyond city limits, as recognized by the local farmer Walter Zellers. With the goal of providing essential electricity, the cooperative organized and was managed by a local board, establishing a member-focused approach that continues to this day.
Farmers Electric prioritizes delivering the best possible service at the lowest cost, aligning its mission with the interests of its members who own and govern the cooperative. The cooperative's profits are allocated back to members as patronage dividends, which serve as capital credits that are reinvested in the distribution system for 15-20 years.
Today, Farmers Electric is not only committed to reliable electricity but also focuses on enhancing the quality of life within its communities through various services including educational programs, scholarships, and community development initiatives. The cooperative emphasizes energy-efficient practices and offers a range of rebates and incentives to encourage energy saving.
As Farmers Electric looks forward to the challenges of the future, it remains dedicated to providing excellent customer service and sustainable energy solutions to its members, all while maintaining its core values of community, safety, and reliability.
