In the early to mid 1930s, rural residents all over the country were unable to obtain electric service for their homes and farms. Investor-owned utility companies serving the neighboring cities very infrequently offered rural consumers electricity because they believed they would not be profitable. If they did offer electric service to the rural areas, the farmer’s cost to set the poles, string the lines and hook up the service was very high.
The situation improved after the implementation of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal. The fundamental goal of this program was to give purchasing power to those who were unable to participate in the economy of the country.
In late spring of 1935, Congress approved the passage and appropriation of a $100 million loan fund to be spent a​s quickly as possible in places where it would have the greatest impact. Among the programs to be funded was electric service to rural areas. On May 11, 1935, an executive order was signed and the Rural Electrification Administration (REA) was born. (In 1995, REA was reorganized and became the Rural Utility Service.)
On November 14, 1935, six months after the birth of the REA, the first REA pole in the country was set in Piqua. The newly constructed lines served the three county cooperatives, which would merge six months later to become Pioneer Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc., a utility company owned by the people it serves.
In 1937, Pioneer had nearly 3,000 members using an average of only 38 kWh each month. In comparison, members used more than 633 million kWh of electricity in 2014, with residential consumers usage averaging 1,387 kWh per month per member. Today, Pioneer serves more than 14,400 member-consumers.
MISSION
Pioneer Electric Cooperative’s mission is to exceed the energy needs and expectations of our member-consumers by providing safe, high quality and responsive service at competitive prices, consistent with sound business practices and in adherence to the seven 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.
Democratic Member Control
Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions.
Members’ Economic Participation
Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative.
Autonomy and Independence
Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members.
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.
Cooperation Among Cooperatives
Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together.
Concern for Community
While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities.
Member