Tanner Electric Cooperative45710 SE North Bend Way, P.O.Box 1426, North Bend, Washington, United States
Since Jan, 2017
Tanner Electric was founded in 1936 as the “Mutual Power and Light Association of Tanner” by rural people in the vicinity of the Tanner District southeast of North Bend. The Cooperative was founded to provide electric service for the people in this area who could not afford to pay the costs asked by the power company serving near their area.
The original group approached the Rural Electrification Administration and with the assistance of J.D. Ross (then Superintendent of Seattle City Light) was able to obtain the first R.E.A. loan in the State of Washington. This loan for $13,000.00 was made to construct 13 miles of line to 32 members. The contracts were let and by the end of 1937, the Cooperative had their first 32 members. They purchased 6,000 kwh from Seattle City Light’s Cedar Falls plant and the Cooperative’s revenue that first year was $286.67.
From 1937 to 1947, all power used by the Cooperative was purchased from Seattle City Light at Cedar Falls. In 1947, the first contract with Bonneville Power Administration was signed and the Cooperative began to purchase Bonneville power wheeled by Seattle City Light. The wheeling arrangement with Seattle was continued until November 1966 when a new Bonneville contract shifted the point of delivery for the North Bend area power to the North Bend substation of Puget Sound Power and Light Company. As of 2016, North Bend served 2,073 meters.
In 1954 the residences of Ames Lake attempted to obtain power from Puget Sound Energy and were unsuccessful. Tanner Electric was contacted and in late 1954 Tanner Electric obtained a contract with Puget Sound Energy to purchase power to serve Ames Lake. Tanner Electric constructed the necessary lines and began service that year to approximately 50 members. BAs of 2016, Ames Lake served 1,450 meters.
In 1960 the Cooperative was requested to serve Anderson Island by the Rural Electric Association (REA). A two mile submersible cable was installed and the first 44 members were connected in late 1961. As of 2016, Anderson Island served 1,176 meters.
We have experienced quite a few changes since then and now have 4,699 meters both residential and commercial within our membership. Tanner Electric still practices the seven cooperative principles, and is a non-profit utility that puts people and community at the center of their business, not capital. We are members of WRECA, NWPPA and NRECA.
Tanner Electric Cooperative also contributes to the community through various organizations such as Snoqualmie Valley Rotary, Little League sponsorship, Snoqualmie Valley Chamber of Commerce and we also provide scholarships to our local high school students whose parents are members of the cooperative.
Embracing Cooperative Purpose
Cooperative purpose drives everything we do.
At Tanner Electric we want to embrace and communicate its purpose to others, engage our community in joint efforts to improve quality of life, and ultimately to build member loyalty. Let’s work together and re-kindle the spirit of the Cooperative.
“Our Purpose: To power communities and empower members to improve the quality of their lives.” – Read how this statement of cooperative purpose was developed, what it means, and why it’s especially important today in The Future of Electric Cooperatives.
Cooperative Principles
Voluntary and Open Membership
Cooperatives are voluntary organizations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.
Democratic Member Control
Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. The elected representatives are accountable to the membership. In primary cooperatives, members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote) and cooperatives at other levels are organized in a democratic manner.
Members’ Economic Participation
Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the cooperative. Members usually receive limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of membership. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing the cooperative, possibly by setting up reserves, part of which at least would be indivisible; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.
Autonomy and Independence
Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements with other organizations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control by their members and maintain their cooperative autonomy.
Education, Training, and Information
Cooperatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperatives. They inform the general public, particularly young people and opinion leaders, about the nature and benefits of cooperation.
Cooperation Among Cooperatives
Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.
Concern for Community
While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies accepted by their members.
| Company Name | Tanner Electric Cooperative |
| Business Category | Electric Power |
| Address | 45710 SE North Bend Way P.O.Box 1426 North Bend Washington United States ZIP: 98045 |
| President | NA |
| Year Established | 1936 |
| Employees | 50 |
| Memberships | NA |
| Hours of Operation | Monday-Friday :7:30 am–4:30 pm |
- Electric Power Services
- Member Services