| Sixty years ago, there was no
electricity where Kiwash Electric’s members live today.
Actually, only four percent of families in rural America had
electricity. Today, dependable and economical electricity has
enabled the countryside to come alive with a higher standard
of living for rural residents.
On August 4, 1938, Kiwash Rural Power Company was formed
setting a goal of offering electrical power to rural citizens
within a six-county radius. The only means of accomplishing
this goal was to build distribution lines to every member
who was interested in purchasing electricity. As anticipated,
Kiwash’s popularity grew rapidly, as did the demand
for their services.
Due to the increasing number of members, it became apparent
that change was necessary. Building power lines was an overwhelming
job that required people working together for the good of
all. In April of 1939, Kiwash Rural Power Company became Kiwash
Electric Cooperative, Inc., a private, non-profit 501 ( c
) 12 corporation.
After a few years, KEC chose Western Farmers Electric Cooperative
(WFEC) as their power supplier. WFEC is a generation and transmission
cooperative in Anadarko who still continues to supply electricity
to KEC and 18 other rural electric cooperatives in Oklahoma.
Today, KEC serves over 5,800 members and has more than 2,781
miles of line. Kiwash’s service territory stretches
over a six county region, which includes Washita, Kiowa, Custer,
Dewey, Roger Mills and Blaine Counties. Loyal and experienced
employees are the key to KEC’s growth and success. Today’s
board and management, like those 60 years before them, realize
success is measured, not in miles of line or kilowatt-hours
sold, but in member satisfaction with their cooperative and
the service it provides. Kiwash Electric provides the service
that lights up your life.
|
