Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. is a member-owned, non-profit electric cooperative that has been serving communities in Southern Idaho, Northern Nevada, and Northern Utah since 1939. Established amid the national push for rural electrification sparked by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the cooperative was formed when local residents recognized the need for reliable electric service that larger commercial power companies were unwilling to provide. Today, the cooperative employs over 2,340 miles of distribution lines to deliver electricity to more than 5,000 residential and commercial members.
As a cooperative, Raft River Rural Electric is governed by its members through a board of trustees, ensuring policies reflect the needs and interests of those it serves. This structure fosters a strong sense of community ownership and responsibility. The organization's mission is to enhance the lives of its members by providing safe, reliable, and cost-effective electric services, with a commitment to exceptional member service.
The cooperative principles guide its operations, emphasizing values like democratic member control, economic participation, and service to the community. By prioritizing these principles, Raft River Rural Electric aims to maintain transparency and responsibility while ensuring that rates remain affordable for all members. Education and community engagement are also core tenets of the cooperative's philosophy, allowing it to thrive and contribute positively to the regions it serves.
As the need for sustainable energy solutions grows, Raft River Rural Electric Co-op continues to explore energy efficiency initiatives and modernizes its infrastructure to meet the evolving demands of its member base. By combining tradition with innovation, the cooperative aims to provide reliable electricity while enhancing the quality of life in the rural areas it serves.
