Economic Powerhouses: The Economic Impacts of America’s Electric Cooperatives
About this Report
Prepared by Strategen Consulting Inc. for the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation and National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, Economic Powerhouses: The Economic Impacts of America’s Electric Cooperatives highlights the substantial impact of electric cooperatives (co-ops) throughout the economy, both nationally and locally.
In addition to providing safe, affordable, and reliable electricity to their consumer-members, co-ops create benefits that extend beyond the electric sector. As locally-engaged member-owned electric utilities, co-ops conduct economic activity through the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity, including investments in new capital, operating and maintenance expenses, and disbursement of capital credits. These activities not only impact the industries in which they directly occur, but also drive economic activity across multiple sectors, creating value for local, statewide, and national economies.
The findings from this study highlight the vast economic impact of electric co-ops on a national scale. With operations in nearly every state, electric co-ops have a far-reaching footprint that creates value for Americans all over the U.S. Indeed, much of the substantial direct, indirect, and induced impacts resulting from electric co-op activity accrue locally, driving economic development and output, and creating jobs and labor income for the residents in areas they serve.
The findings from this study also highlight the consistent and expanding impact of electric co-ops on the American workforce and economies both local and nationwide. For many rural communities, co-ops present a pathway for economic improvement, particularly in areas of need.
PLEASE FILL OUT THE FORM BELOW TO REVIEW THE REPORT: