The history of Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives, Inc. (OREC)

Almost as soon as Ohio's electric distribution cooperatives were established, they recognized the need for a statewide association, to provide them with services they could not afford individually but could provide if funded collectively. These needs led to the establishment of Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives, Inc. (OREC) in the early 1940s.

OREC grew out of needs first recognized by the electric distribution cooperatives shortly after their inception in the mid 1930s. They realized there were a number of services they all needed or wanted but which could be provided more effectively if everyone shared in the cost.

On June 23, 1938, at the call of A.E. (Art) Halterman, project manager of Pioneer Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc., representatives from 10 co-ops met to discuss matters of common interest. These include federal and state excise taxes, better utilization of electricity by members, and wholesale power. A committee was formed at this gathering to look into developing a code of regulations for a state federation of cooperatives.

OREC's Articles of Incorporation were filed on July 7, 1941. They state the mission for the organization: "To aid, promote and assist a program of rural electrification in the state of Ohio, by rendering services to rural electrification corporations and associations organized under the laws of the State of Ohio; to aid and assist in the dissemination of information relating to rural electrification; to engage in any activity necessary, convenient and proper to the economic distribution of electric energy to the inhabitants of rural areas in the State of Ohio; to establish, maintain and finance the service agencies for the benefit of rural electrification corporations and associations in the State of Ohio; and do all things necessary or incident to the above-mentioned purposes." This code was adopted April 20, 1942.

Funding for the new organization was made through various "per meter" assessments; i.e., each cooperative's share was determined by the number of member meters it served.

The organizations grew steadily. In 1952, Wilbur E. Stuckey, a farm safety specialist with the Ohio State University, was hired as the first "statewide manager" for OREC. At the same time, an office was established on Indianola Avenue in Columbus.

Today, OREC is housed in modern offices at 6677 Busch Blvd. in north Columbus. It shares space with several other cooperative-owned organizations, with a total staff of about 60 people.

For more about the services provided by OREC, check the previous page.