Celebrating Co-op Month: Powering Progress, Together
October is National Co-op Month, a time to celebrate what makes cooperatives like CEMC unique. We’re not owned by investors or faraway corporations. We’re owned by you — our members. Every decision we make and every project we take on is designed to serve and strengthen our local communities.
Electric cooperatives like CEMC were built from the ground up by neighbors who believed everyone deserved access to reliable, affordable power. That same cooperative spirit drives us today as we continue to invest in modern infrastructure, expand our services, and give back to the communities we serve. Across the country, more than 900 electric cooperatives power over 42 million Americans, covering nearly half of the nation’s landmass. Here at home, CEMC serves more than 110,000 members across five counties. We’re proud to be part of a network that keeps our corner of the country connected and thriving.
Over 43,000 members have already experienced how Cumberland Connect, CEMC’s broadband subsidiary, has changed life across our service area. What started as a commitment to bridge the digital divide has now become a full-scale success story.
As of December 2024, our fiber network is officially 100% built out — meaning every eligible CEMC member now has access to fast, reliable internet service delivered over a network built with the same care and local investment as our electric system. From powering classrooms and home offices to supporting small businesses and everyday streaming, this milestone represents another way we’re fulfilling our promise to keep our communities connected.
CEMC continues to reinvest locally through programs like Project Help, energy efficiency rebates, and youth initiatives like the Washington Youth Tour and STEM grants for local schools. Our employees all live and work right here in our communities, ensuring that decisions are made locally and that every improvement benefits the members we serve.
As part of a national cooperative network, CEMC joins thousands of co-ops nationwide in celebrating Co-op Month. It’s a reminder that the same neighborly spirit that powered homes decades ago now fuels new opportunities, from smart grid technology to fiber internet connectivity and beyond.
CEMC exists because of you. Your membership isn’t just a line on a bill, it’s ownership in a cooperative that’s dedicated to your community’s success. This Co-op Month, we’re proud to celebrate that partnership and look ahead to a future that’s brighter, faster, and more connected than ever.