Mohave Electric Cooperative was established in 1946 serving 90 meter locations on five miles of line. People working together formed the Co-op as member-owners to bring electricity to a rural area that investor owned companies would not serve because they could not make a profit.
Fast forward to today. Mohave Electric is a locally-based, not-for-profit distribution cooperative, providing electricity to more than 39,000 meters with over 1500 miles of line in the communities of Bullhead City, Fort Mohave, Mohave Valley, Wikieup, Hackberry, and Peach Springs.
Providing electricity is a big job, performed by MEC’s Board of Directors and 75 employees working together to bring reliable energy and superior service to our members.
As a not-for-profit membership form of business, our cooperative is not driven by profits, but by our values—Innovation, Accountability, Integrity, and Commitment to Community. Our rates cover the cost of doing business and are not marked up to generate a profit.
Mohave’s Board of Directors, management and staff are committed to making a positive difference in our community. We actively support many worthwhile causes with charitable contributions and by volunteering our time and effort. Mohave Electric also invests in our local economy through community-based programs that benefit our members, such as renewable energy projects on schools and government buildings and the Co-op Connections member benefit program.
About Us
Kerosene lanterns, wood stoves, washboards and candle light were all modern conveniences before electricity was available to families in rural America. Thanks to technology and electric cooperatives, the modern world we live in is much easier than it was sixty years ago.
Although nearly 90 percent of urban residents had electricity by the 1930s, only ten percent of rural dwellers did. Power companies ignored the electrical needs of rural areas except where the opportunity for profits existed. The unavailability of electricity in rural areas restricted rural economies exclusively to agriculture in comparison to factories and businesses that continued to grow in the cities.
In 1933, the Tennessee Valley Act (TVA) paved the way to rural electrification. The TVA Board authorized the construction of transmission lines to serve farms and villages that were not otherwise supplied with electricity at reasonable rates.
Mohave Electric came into existence when a handful of neighbors organized a locally owned and operated electric cooperative. In 1947, Mohave Electric had just over five miles of line and was serving 90 meter locations. By midyear, the fledgling co-op had secured an REA loan for $310,000, a fortune at that time. The 35-year loan carried an interest rate of 2 percent.Efforts gained ground rapidly when the Rural Electrification Administration (REA), was established by President Roosevelt in 1935. The Roosevelt Administration believed that if private electric companies would not provide electricity to the people, then it was the government’s duty to do so. The Rural Electrification Act was passed and the government began providing federal loans for installation of electrical distribution (link is external) systems to serve rural areas (link is external) of the United States (link is external). The funding was channeled through cooperative electric power companies, most of which still exist today. These member-owned cooperatives purchased power on a wholesale (link is external) basis and distributed it using their own network of transmission and distribution lines changing the face of the nation.
The loan financed equipment and materials needed to extend service throughout Bullhead City with an additional line of 12 miles extending into the area of Mohave Mesa. In 1948, service to Peach Springs and other area communities was established with co-op lines stretching along Route 66 as far as Deer Lodge. Wikieup, Topock and Golden Shores soon followed extending service to our neighboring areas.
Today, Mohave Electric provides electricity to more than 39,000 services over some 1,512 miles of energized line, with a service area of nearly 1,300 square miles across three counties. With a heritage dating back more than six decades, Mohave Electric Cooperative is committed to supply safe, reliable, reasonably priced electricity and to provide excellent customer service.
Mohave Electric Cooperative was established in 1946 serving 90 meter locations on five miles of line. People working together formed the Co-op as member-owners to bring electricity to a rural area that investor owned companies would not serve because they could not make a profit. Fast forward to today. Mohave Electric is a locally-based, not-for-profit distribution cooperative, providing electricity to more than 39,000 meters with over 1500 miles of line in the communities of Bullhead City, Fort Mohave, Mohave Valley, Wikieup, Hackberry, and Peach Springs. Providing electricity is a big job, performed by MEC’s Board of Directors and 75 employees working together to bring reliable energy and superior service to our members. As a not-for-profit membership form of business, our cooperative is not driven by profits, but by our values—Innovation, Accountability, Integrity, and Commitment to Community. Our rates cover the cost of doing business and are not marked up to generate a profit. Mohave’s Board of Directors, management and staff are committed to making a positive difference in our community. We actively support many worthwhile causes with charitable contributions and by volunteering our time and effort. Mohave Electric also invests in our local economy through community-based programs that benefit our members, such as renewable energy projects on schools and government buildings and the Co-op Connections member benefit program. The Co-op’s Member Service Office is located at 928 Hancock Road in Bullhead City. For more information call (928) 763-1100. History of Mohave Electric.
Energy Solutions
Efficient management of today’s energy resources is a key component in meeting tomorrow’s energy challenges. The smarter we are about our power use right now, the less power we’ll need in the future.
Energy efficiency comes naturally to electric cooperatives and co-op members. Rising costs and the potential environmental impact of new power generation resources are important reasons for all of us to use energy wisely.
Renewable energy sources already help co-ops meet members’ increasing demand for energy. As renewable resources continue to grow, harnessing energy from the sun, wind and other renewable sources can help reduce dependence on fossil fuels and provide clean electricity.
Mohave Electric is committed to helping members use energy wisely through the Good Cents Energy Efficient New Home Program, Mohave SunWatts Renewable Energy Incentive Program, Operation Cool Shade Tree Program, and the High Efficiency Heat Pump Rebate Program. Click on the Energy Solutions sub-menus for specific program information.
Mohave's Energy Management staff also helps members with their individual energy concerns. Together we can make a difference. Click on the Energy Solutions programs for specific information.
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.
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