Trends in Rural Electric Cooperatives (Co-ops) in USA: Challenges and Opportunities

There are almost 900 Electric Cooperatives (Co-ops) in 47 states in USA (excluding Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island) provide electric service to more than half (56%) of the nation’s landmass. Currently Co-ops serve more than 19 million homes and other businesses in 88% of all counties. In 2016, total energy sold by the Co-ops was 435 TWh which is about 11.5% of the total electric energy used in USA. Because of a relatively low annual energy density of 220 (MWh/mi2), Co-ops do not get much attention in the national electric energy discussion. This paper takes a fresh look at the Co-ops electricity markets and their importance for the quality of life for the rural USA, backbone of the nation; future trends in electricity delivery markets; and challenges and opportunities for the 21st century and beyond.