About Farmer's Electric Co-Op/REC
Farmers Electric Cooperative, Inc., is a not-for-profit, electric distribution cooperative that serves portions of six counties in South West Iowa: Adair, Audubon, Cass, Guthrie, Madison, and Union.
Here to Serve
We are continually exploring ways to provide you with quality electrical service and products that enhance your security and peace of mind. Our basic philosophy is to provide the best possible service at the lowest cost consistent with sound economics and good management.
Owned By Our Members
As a not-for-profit utility that is organized, owned governed by its members, Farmers Electric allocates back to its members the profits (margin allocations) that result after expenses are tabulated and audited at the end of each year. These margin allocations (also called patronage dividends or capital credits) are held for 15-20 years by the cooperative to serve as resources for reinvestment in the distribution system.
Founded in 1938
In 1938, running electrical lines beyond the city limits was not profitable for investor-owned utilities. Walter Zellers, county agent, brought the first group of farmers together. In November of 1938, Farmers Electric Cooperative, Inc. was formed.
Building power lines was the number one priority, but soon the cooperative needed someone to solicit memberships and map areas for proposed power line construction. R.D. Mayes was chosen for this position and became Farmer's Electric's first manager. A local board of nine men was elected to guide the cooperative.
Today's board realizes success is not measured by the miles of line or the number of kilowatt-hours sold, but by the satisfaction of our members. Farmers Electric is still committed to providing members with reliable electricity and top-quality customer service. Farmers Electric Cooperative looks forward to the challenges of the next 80 years.