www.craigheadelectric.coop
Member Driven • Service Focused • It’s what we do everyday July // August 2017 CECC Newsletter 80th Anniversary Edition
Craighead Electric Celebrates 80 Years of Service Craighead Electric Cooperative was incorporated on August 13th, 1937, the second electric cooperative in Arkansas to do so under the Rural Electrification Act signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. In the 80 years that have passed, the co-op has grown by leaps and bounds. On November 28, 1938, about 75 miles of line in the Valley View area south of Jonesboro were energized. There was no ceremony to herald the coming of electricity to rural Craighead County. No big gathering. No speeches. Instead, a lineman climbed a cooperative pole near the meter point and closed a switch. No one even remembers who the lineman was. By the end of 1938, Craighead Electric had 170 miles of line energized serving 712 members. By 1940, Craighead Electric had just 20 employees.
Today, nearly 100 employees make up the payroll, meters-served has surpassed 30,000, and miles of line maintained is 4,800 and growing. In July 1997 the cooperative’s headquarters was moved from 325 Southwest Drive, where it had been for 46 years, to 4314 Stadium Boulevard. Full-service district offices have been opened in Walnut Ridge and Paragould and 22 substations serve eight counties across Northeast Arkansas. Willie Wiredhand sign at 325 Southwest Dr. in Jonesboro.
One of the first poles to be set by Craighead Electric. Valley View area 1938
Craighead Electric’s 80 year has been a great one: bill payment fees were ended, prepay was introduced, the HELP program was kicked off, and operations upgraded to new mapping software and radio system. $1.4 million in capital credits were returned to members last year, bringing total capital credits returned to $19 million. th
Construction crew poses in front of their work trucks, dressed in overalls. 1940s 4314 S TA D I U M B O U L E VA R D
P. O . B O X 7 5 0 3
JONESBORO, ARKANSAS 72403
800.794.5012
CRAIGHEAD ELECTRIC IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER & EMPLOYER
870.932.8301
July // August 2017 CECC Newsletter 80th Anniversary Edition
The next 80 years looks bright for Arkansas co-ops. As information technologies become more integral to the cooperative mission, new and exciting opportunities promise to reinvigorate the rural cooperative spirit. Alternative and renewable energy sources are becoming a bigger part of the energy portfolio. Innovations in energy efficiency, electric vehicles, and smart home technologies will give electric utility companies more opportunities than ever to interact and connect with the people they serve. As a member of Craighead Electric, you own an electric company, and we thank you for being a part of it. Here’s to another 80 years.
Energy Efficiency Tip of the Month
Let the sun work for you! Consider solar lights for outdoor lighting. Solar cells convert sunlight into electricity that can be stored in a battery and tapped at night to make light. Check manufacturers’ instructions to make sure your solar lights are situated to receive sufficient sunlight to recharge during the day.
BEWARE of dangers above. Your LIFE depends on it.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Energy
Annual Meeting Surveys Heads up! The 2017 Annual Meeting Surveys are being mailed out to all members the last week of July. Fill yours out and return it by August 24th for a chance to win one of ten $100 bill credits and other prizes!
Look up and look out for power lines. Learn more at:
4314 S TA D I U M B O U L E VA R D
P. O . B O X 7 5 0 3
JONESBORO, ARKANSAS 72403
FACEBOOK.COM/CRAIGHEADELECTRICCOOP
800.794.5012
TWITTER.COM/CRAIGHEADCOOP
870.932.8301