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Fayette Electric’s Profile and HistoryIn 1935, the Rural Electrification Administration (REA) was established as a unit of the U.S. Department of Agriculture by an executive order of President Franklin Roosevelt. At that time, only 10 percent of the farms and ranches in the United States were receiving electric power from a central-station generator. On November 2, 1937, Articles of Incorporation for Fayette Electric Cooperative were drawn up. More than 200 applications for electric service had been obtained from area farmers. The REA approved FEC's loan application on December 10, 1937, in the amount of $100,000 for the construction of 100 miles of line to serve the original 200-plus applicants. Construction proceeded for about 10 months, and in October of 1938 the switch was thrown to energize the first 50 miles of line in Fayette County. When cooperatives like FEC were first organized, many directors and other leaders wondered how farmers were going to use all the electricity that the lines were built to carry. But their apprehensions were short-lived. Farm families and others on rural electric co-op systems quickly began to take advantage of the efficiencies offered by the newly applied technology. In addition to providing the convenience of electricity to residences, FEC has been a major force in assisting the area's economic development, providing reliable service at a reasonable rate. The Cooperative hasn't been afraid to expand where possible. From its start, as a mere idea in the minds of a few people, the system has grown to the point where there are now over 2,710 miles of line with 13,006 meters serving 9,025 members in seven counties. The main mission of the 65 electric distribution cooperatives operating in Texas is to provide quality electric service to their members at affordable prices. More than two million Texans benefit directly from the efficient and economical operation of these tax-paying, non profit businesses that are locally-controlled and operated. Member-owners of each system control their own independent local electric business in a democratic, truly American manner. Each member is entitled to one vote - and only one vote - in governing the affairs of their own service organization regardless of the number of kilowatt-hours purchased. This direct control by local citizens ensures that each electric cooperative is dedicated to the welfare of the area it serves where its members live and work.
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