Who We Are

URECA was formed in 1963 by the state’s six rural electric cooperatives who sensed a need to have their collective interests represented in numerous public forums. As the service organization for Utah’s electric cooperatives, URECA works to promote and support co-ops and champion their business model.

 

Since its initial formation, URECA has added 3 additional Distribution Cooperatives, and 1 Generation and Transmission Cooperative. URECA members serve areas of Utah, Wyoming, Nevada, Idaho, Colorado, and Arizona.

 

Members:

Bridger Valley Electric

Dixie Power

Empire Electric

Garkane Energy

Moon Lake Electric

Mt. Wheeler Power

Wells Rural Electric

Raft River Electric

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Associate Member:

Strata Networks

 

What We Do

The Utah Rural Electric Cooperative Association is dedicated to providing safe, reliable and affordable energy to our consumer-members on a not-for-profit basis. Unlike other utility models, we are owned by the people we serve and put their interests first. This fundamental difference shapes everything that we do.

 

Who We Serve

URECA member systems serve rural Utah. In addition to these loads, URECA members also serve many large commercial loads, 5 National Parks, 2 National Monuments, and close to 100,000 citizens.

 

The Cooperative Model

A cooperative is very different from other business models in two key areas – ownership and purpose. Utah’s electric cooperatives are owned only by the customers who receive the electrical service. As a result, customers of a co-op are known as members because they each own a share of the co-op and receive one vote in electing the board of directors. Democratic control is at the very heart of the cooperative form of business.

 

In addition, their operation as a non-profit means they return any profit back to the members in the form of capital credits. Utah cooperatives are also invested in their local communities – investing time, resources, and money to support community projects, or large investments in economic development. It is common to see co-ops stretch beyond their role as power companies to make significant contributions to the communities they serve.