Who Are We?
At Prince George Electric Cooperative, we are more than just an electric company. We're your neighbors, friends, and family. We're dedicated to providing safe, reliable, and affordable service while being connected to the communities we serve.
Our History
In December 1938, a group of leaders in the rural Disputanta area of Virginia acted on a vision of improved quality of life that residents in the rural areas of the state should have by having access to electric power, just like people in the cities. Consequently, Prince George Electric Cooperative was issued a charter by the State Corporation Commission on January 1, 1939. In August 1940, REA lines were electrified to serve about 300 customers over 165 miles of power lines in the rural areas of Prince George and Sussex counties. It was the first-time houses, many that had been wired for months, were able to offer the comforts of automatic overhead light and running water. Rural residents of Surry County requested that power lines be built to serve them also.
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The first Cooperative office was located in an old store in Disputanta in Prince George County - hence the name Prince George Electric Cooperative. In 1946, the office moved to a store in Waverly and built offices and a warehouse on its current location on Highway 460 in 1951. That site was renovated and expanded in 2004.
The Cooperative has grown from that vision and now serves over 12,000 meters along 1,300 miles of power lines in 6 counties. Our members include residences, small and large businesses, large load commercial and industrial accounts, agriculture, public schools, and churches.
Voluntary and Open Membership. Cooperatives are open to anyone able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership. There is no discrimination based on gender, social status, race, political affiliation or religion.
Democratic Member Control. Cooperatives are controlled directly by their members. Elected representatives are accountable to the membership, and members are expected to participate actively.
Members' Economic Participation. Members control the capital of their cooperative and are expected to operate as a not-for-profit organization. If there is a surplus in capital, it is used to fund improvements or expansion, or it is credited to members.
Autonomy and Independence. Cooperatives are autonomous, democratic and always controlled by members.
Education, Training, and Information. Cooperatives educate and train their members so they will continue to grow and improve. They also inform legislators and the public about the benefits and nature of cooperatives.
Cooperation Among Cooperatives. The cooperative movement is strengthened by collaboration between cooperative organizations. This can happen at the local, national, and international levels
Concern for Community. Cooperatives work for sustainable development in their communities through policies agreed upon by their members.